Disneyland Paris Awesome Facts!

The gateway to DLP…

 

When Walt Disney opened the doors of Disneyland in California in 1955, his aim was to create a place where adults and children could “live the same dream“. Almost forty years later, this vision was extended to Europe with the opening of the Disneyland Park on April 12 1992 followed by Walt Disney Studios Park on March 16 2002.

Situated 32 km east of Paris, Disneyland Paris incorporates Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Studios Park, seven Disney themed hotels with a total capacity of 5,800 rooms, a further three selected hotels, two convention centres, the Disney Village entertainment and retail district and a 27-hole golf course.

Disneyland Paris is easily accessible with direct links to Paris via the RER train network and shuttle buses to and from both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports. The opening of the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy TGV station in May 1994 provided direct TGV links to Disneyland Paris from all over France and Europe. Eurostar’s new high speed link takes just two hours, 50 minutes from London Waterloo to Disneyland Paris and under two hours from Ashford International.

Fast Facts

Opening Dates: Disneyland Park — 12th April 1992

Walt Disney Studios Park — 16th March 2002

Location: 32km (20 miles) east of Paris – 30 minutes by Regional Express Railway (RER) or car from the centre of Paris

Size: 1,943 hectares of which 900 have been developed

Staff Employed: 12,500 (yearly average), 100 different nationalities.

Visitor Numbers: Over 160 million visitors since 1992. In 2005 there were 12.3 million visitors to Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris has twice as many visitors as the Eiffel Tower.

Average Length of Stay: 3 nights, 4 days

Food: 68 food and beverage locations at Disneyland Paris, including counter service restaurants, resort hotel restaurants and food carts located around the Theme Parks.

Recreation: Swimming (indoor and outdoor), health clubs, golf, tennis, cycling, boating and ice-skating (seasonal).

 

So when is your next trip?  Let us know below…

Sci-fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Review

The Sci-fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant located at the Disney Hollywood Studios has been dinning and entertaining guests for many years.  Novel in its concept as we don’t have drive-in theatres in the UK, due mostly to our temperate and varying climate, so the idea is very alien to most of us – which makes for an exciting dinning experience!

Outside Sign

We had an ADR for 6pm, which for all table service restaurants in WDW is a popular time; which shows as the ADRs for places like this disappear very quickly.  We arrived a few minutes before 6pm and checked in at the desk.  My expectations grew, as the plain desk was situated in front of a plain wall and you could not see the dinning area and only a faint mumble of sound could be heard.  Anyway, the CM explained our “car” was not ready and instead gave us a handheld device that would flash when they were ready for us.  Instructing us we had a good 10-minute wait ahead we decided to venture to neighbouring shops but not too far to loose signal.  At about 6.15pm the device started to flash with red lights so we headed back to the desk.  The CM took the device and escorted us to our car.

If you haven’t been here before, just the walking to your car you feel like you are leaving the Tardis and entering a totally different world.  The CM or usher, walks you along a corridor that looks like a backstage style area with exposed timber walling, spare props and cables dotted around.  As we walked closer the noise of the theatre screen grew anticipation in us both.  We entered a large soundstage to the side and it is now night, we’ve been transported to 1950s Hollywood and laid out in front of us are a vast gathering of 50s style American cars, all static and adapted into meal tables.  The tables are dimly lit and the air is cool, darn, this place would be romantic if it wasn’t for the noise!  As ahead is a large screen showcasing clips, jingles, 50s adverts and cartoons of various uniquely US TV shows.  With a “Great balls of a fire” and a clip of ‘Lost in Space’ later our CM was with us for our food order.  We skipped appetizers and ordered main meals instead.  I opted for the mainstay burger with relish and garnishes and my partner ordered Turkey Sandwich, for which she remarked later that it was the tastiest turkey she’d had in a long time.  As we ‘were in Rome’ I ordered a big frosty Oreo Milkshake and she opted for the iced-tea.

Seating area.

The wait time was not so bad.  The CMs seem very attentive here, which is probably due to their numbers, it looked to us that one CM could not have more than 6 or so cars at a time to serve, so this made for great service.  My burger was amazing and the black bean relish was divine.  My milkshake was also extremely tasty and much better than the Oreo milkshakes that are available in the UK (I’d expect nothing less!).

After the plates were cleared away and I could feel the steering wheel drawing closer to my stomach we thought it would only be right to share desserts.  So we decided on the Hot Fudge Sundae.  Vanilla ice cream served with runny hot fudge, pieces of fudge cake, whipped cream with hundreds-and-thousands bits and the obligatory cherry on top.

After devouring this wickedly awesome dish we settled our account and headed out.  We only had 2 courses and were positive the movie screen had started to repeat its run of clips, as the annoying cat beating himself up was so loud the first time we didn’t want to see it a second!

Good points:            The service was excellent and the food was great.

Bad points:               The movie screen is a bit noisy and the cars might be too dimly lit for partially sighted people, I know I struggled and my eyesight is not so bad!

If the restaurant ever gets a makeover or refurbishment we will definitely be back.  I would recommend it, as it is nice to try once and is ideal for families.

Fact file:

Style:                Classic American.

Service:            Table service.

Location:        Commissary Lane, Disney Hollywood Studios.

Booking:         Necessary.

Price range:    $15 to $36.

DDP:                 1 credit.

More Info:       http://www.waltdisneyworld.com or 407 WDW DINE.

Other:               Lunch is served from 11pm, Dinner is served from 4pm, no character dinning available.  Some healthy options are available.

Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Satisfies with Mediterranean Cuisine

 

There’s a delightful sense of anticipation as you walk through the distinctive black iron gates at Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.  Surrounded by the turn-of-the-century splendor of the resort, the spacious restaurant is an unexpected pleasure — sun-drenched Provençal colors, an open-air kitchen and a personality all its own.

The warm interior borrows from the Mediterranean to create an exciting and energetic look that fits perfectly with the cuisine: stylishly simple, market fresh and evoking a sense of nature’s basics — the sun, earth and sea.

Meals are orchestrated in an on-stage kitchen with a rotisserie that is visible from the 190-seat dining room.  Modern, flavorful dishes that change with the seasons are on the menu, such as artisanal greens and peach salad.  Starters are especially delightful, like the simple sautéed shrimp with white wine tomato, lemon and feta cheese; crispy arancini (balls of risotto); and lump crab with capers, lemon, fennel-celery salad, avocado and olive tapenade.

The food is light and emphasizes flavors and fresh herbs.  Especially popular is the braised veal shank with roasted vegetables.  Lighter appetites tend toward the pan-seared red snapper or seared tofu with zucchini and eggplant ratatouille.  Every menu offering is accompanied by a suggested wine from the restaurant’s extensive wine list.  Sommeliers love to share their knowledge of the grape, and will happily pair a wine with any course from a list of nearly 200 vintages.

Desserts from award-winning pastry chef Erich Herbitschek, from a decadent lemon-scented cheesecake to a warm chocolate banana torte with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, get an artful flourish in the finishing kitchen that’s part of the dining room.

The spacious restaurant includes the Chef’s Domain, a glass-walled dining room that offers up to 12 guests a private dining experience.

Cítricos is located on the second floor at the Grand Floridian next door to Victoria & Albert’s restaurant.

 

So have you eaten here yet?

Dining is Disney Delight ‘Down on the Boardwalk’

Culinary Distinction at Disney’s BoardWalk

Down on Disney’s boardwalk, the pizza is hotter than the seashore in July and the saltwater taffy is take-home friendly.  From breakfast to lunch to dinner and dessert, the dining options are a delicious surprise at Disney’s BoardWalk, the Atlantic seaboard-themed village at Walt Disney World Resort.

Kouzzina by Cat Cora features the celebrity chef’s Mediterranean-inspired recipes.  At the 170-seat Flying Fish Cafe,new American cuisine means a diverse menu designed to please every palate.  At ESPN Club, where fans can view “every sport, every game, every day,” guests are batting 1.000 with a Philly cheesesteak, specialty drinks and the club’s signature “Boo-Yah!” Chili.  Big River Grille & Brewing Works offers handcrafted beers and taste-tempting pub fare.  And what’s a trip to the shore without a stop for fudge or taffy at Seashore Sweets’, a freshly baked cinnamon bun at BoardWalk Bakery, or a sip of something special at Leaping Horse Libations, a carousel pool bar.

May we have the menu please?

Kouzzina by Cat Cora

Kouzzina by Cat Cora, features a menu of Mediterranean-style cuisine that pays tribute to Chef Cora’s Greek roots.  As a Mississippi native born to a family of Greek restaurateurs, Cora grew up immersed in two different and flavorful cultures – and kitchen “know-how” handed down through generations.  The cuisine at Kouzzina (Greek for “kitchen” and pronounced “koo-zee-nah”) showcases Chef Cora’s philosophy to create simple yet sensational meals. The family-friendly restaurant is open daily for breakfast and dinner.

Flying Fish Cafe

Nostalgically reflecting an early 20th century Atlantic Seaboard pier, brilliant neon above the front door welcomes guests to Flying Fish Cafe.  Named for a Coney Island roller coaster called The Flying Turns, with cars emblazoned with “flying fish,” the brilliant hues carry right inside the front door, where the décor conjures up thoughts of the deep blue sea. Giant, shimmering fish scales hug the walls. Delicate lights dangle from oversized fish hooks. Sleek, golden fish arc overhead.

Guests can dine at the chef’s counter by the show kitchen to watch as a well-orchestrated team turns out nightly specials like oak-grilled scallops, char-crusted New York strip steak or potato-wrapped red snapper.  Flying Fish Cafe is all about seasonal flavors and modern classic cooking, with a seafood-driven menu that also offers a variety of vegetarian, beef and other meat dishes.

Dessert is special at Flying Fish Cafe, with creations like house-made sorbets and fresh fruit tarts.  Wine pairings also are on the menu.

Flying Fish Cafe is open daily from 5:30-10 p.m. for dinner.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Freshly brewed ale and a pub menu of distinction sets apart Big River Grille & Brewing Works.  Serving lunch, dinner and late-night snacks, Big River features six flagship beers brewed right on premises.  Served in an eclectic, laid-back atmosphere, the menu features burgers, ribs and specialties such as flame-grilled meatloaf and hazelnut-crusted chicken.  With seating for 50 outside and 140 inside, the pub serves lunch, dinner and late-night snacks.

ESPN Club

The 71-screen ESPN Club gives noshing fanatics a palate-pleasing lineup of choices.  Macho Nachos with beef and cheese, pulled pork, burgers and Red Wings (the club’s own special version of Buffalo wings) make dining as much fun as viewing.  Entree items include a grilled chicken sandwich, burgers, pulled pork and fresh fish.

From the bar, guests can sample the MVP Margarita with tequila, organic agave nectar and fresh-squeezed lime juice or The Adrenalin, a non-alcoholic blend of strawberries and bananas.

For those who want a walk on the sweet side, a stop at Seashore Sweets’ or BoardWalk Bakery is the ticket.  At Seashore Sweets’ guests can admire vintage photos of Miss America Pageant winners while choosing from a selection of gelato, candies and specialty coffees.  Seats are available inside and out for those who’d like to sit and sip a cappuccino or caramel hazelnut latte.  BoardWalk Bakery’s walk-up counter (seating on the boardwalk) features a selection of pastries, croissants and mouth-watering cinnamon sticky buns plus coffee, espresso, cappuccino, juices and other drinks.  Guests can watch bakers at work behind picture windows.

Poolside at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Leaping Horse Libations carousel pool bar, swimmers and sunbathers can enjoy a selection of specialty drinks, plus burgers, salads and chicken sandwiches.

For additional information on eatery hours, call 407/939-5100.

Menu Classics at Disney’s Top Restaurants

Though new culinary creations frequently make their way on to Walt Disney World menus, there are signature “must-try” items that have been on menus since opening day for the restaurants – classics that are passed from chef to chef.

• Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Polenta.  The grilled pork and polenta has been on the menu at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort ever since this award-winning restaurant opened its doors in 1995.  The dish features garlicky pork, creamy polenta and rich balsamic mushroom glaze with zinfandel wine.
• Tonga Toast.  This decadent, deep-fried breakfast favorite has been served at Kona Cafe at Disney’s PolynesianResort for more than a quarter of a century.  Sourdough bread, bananas, sugar and cinnamon are all it takes – except for the oil to fry it in.
• Cedar Plank Salmon.  Oven roasted on individual cedar planks, the wild salmon is the most-requested dish at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
• Braised Veal Shank.  Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa slow roasts the veal for hours until the tender meat is falling off the bone.  (And it’s delicious with a hearty Cabernet Sauvignon.)
• Potato-Wrapped Red Snapper.  Another creation that’s never left the menu at Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk, the snapper is wrapped in paper-thin slices of potato and fried, then served with a creamy leek fondue and red wine reduction.  The crunchy potato crust and tender white fish are a sensational combination.
• Cheddar Cheese Soup.  Old-fashioned and delicious (with just a hint of beer and Tabasco), this standard at Le Cellier Steakhouse at the Canada pavilion in Epcot World Showcase has been on the menu since opening in 1982.
• Creamy Lobster Soup .  Creamy with chunks of lobster meat, this meal in a bowl has been a favorite for more than 20 years at Coral Reef Restaurant at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot.
• Soupe a L’oignon Gratinee .  The classic French onion soup topped with Gruyere has been a staple since opening day at Chefs de France in the France pavilion at Epcot.
• Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake.  This popular duo at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still made from the original recipes handed down through the decades from the original Brown Derby in Hollywood, Calif.
• Peanut-Butter-and-Jelly Milkshake.  Take a trip back to childhood with a sip of the sweet concoction at 50′s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where most of the retro recipes get a healthy twist – but forget the calories, this is just plain scrumptious.