Sunday, February 19, 2012

The Hollywood Brown Derby - Disney Holywood Studios


The Hollywood Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios is an authentic replica of the original restaurant which has been  on Hollywood Blvd in California since the golden age of movies.  It's one of those places where the stars have gone for so many years and one could catch a glimpse of them.  

The Brown Derby at Hollywood Studios is a contemporary cuisine of steak, seafood, and fish with a full wine list served all day.  Dinners range between $15-$35 and they have a great selection of appetizers.  I recommend the Andouille-crusted prawns and the duck or leg of lamb as an entree.  

If you're into that sort of thing you can enjoy "Dinner with an Imagineer" where you have a 4-course dinner while meeting with one of Disney's great creative talents.  You also get a souvenir plate to take home.  I haven't done that but if you're here for one of those once-in-a-lifetime visits it might suit your fancy. I loaded the menu but it's always hard to read so go to the website and see for yourself.


The service is topnotch and the place is immaculate.  You may find room for one of the desserts, coffees, or wines. yes, they are ll good but I usually settle for a coffee.  For reservations or info on the Disney Dining plan call(407) WDW-DINE, or (407) 939-3463.  View their dining and cancellation policy.  I think you'll find it great dining experience.  I give the Brown Derby an "A".  Everything was delicious but the prices may not match a families needs.  Enjoy!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Disney Hollywood Studios - Toy Story Mania


Toy Story mania is a great ride for kids and grownups alike.  It's a ride through a Toy Story themed game. Four people in a round car sitting 2 and 2, back to back, spin through a series of obstacles and targets where you shoot at various objects and creatures for a score.  The kids love it because there is something to do while riding.  It's not fast but fast paced and they can view their scores while playing.  At the end they can see their final score and top scores for the day.  It's like riding through a video game.

The lines are long for this one as you can see from the top photo. I definitely recommend the Fast Pass.  The thing to remember about Hollywood Studios is that it's one of the smaller parks.  There are 3 major rides: Toy Story, Tower of Terror, and Rock-n-Roller Coaster.  The rest of the park is smaller rides, shows, shops, and restaurants.  It's very enjoyable and the kids can actually run around while the parents do shows and the other stuff the kids don't care about.  It may seem strange I say this but if you have phones or walkies to keep in touch the environment is quite safe for several kids above 12 years of age to go around together.  My kids are just the age where I let them leave us for brief periods but the rules are strict so don't think we don't keep an eye on them.

More to post later this week.  Thanks again.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Raglan Road Irish Restaurant - Downtown Disney

My son and I went to Raglan Road again Saturday night.  We haven't been there in a few months but we were very pleased.  Our waiter was Vinny.  He looked out of place but was quick to tell us he was half  Irish with a grandmother who came from Cork.  He was a good man - gave us exceptional service with some great "Irish-Italian" personality.

We started with an appetizer of breaded skewered sausages ($11).  Haven't tried them before but will certainly have them again. They come on upturned forks , 9 of them, and a semi-spicy sauce.  They also serve a generous portion of soda bread with a honey and oil dipping plate.  Very good.  Ryan had a cheeseburger with chips ($15) and I had Bangers and Booz ($18).  Never tried it before but it was quite good.  Bangers and mash they call it in the old country with a serving of stew on the corner and a suggestion of rosemary. I really liked it found it to be as close to authentic as I've ever had in the States.  I took a picture of my plate to the annoyance of those seated around me.
I got the photos a little out of sync but the picture above shows the Irish dancers stepping.  We usually don't go in the evening but this day we did.  After hours, say 7:00 pm, there is entertainment in the form of dancing, singing, or a 3 piece band singing old and new Irish tunes. The atmosphere is one of "we're all here - let's enjoy this life".  Everybody loves the setting in an Irish Pub.  I give the place an "A".  I didn't add the plus because my seat was very uncomfortable.  Ever sit on a bench and there's an uneven board up your behind?  They must know this but plop you there anyway.  Oh, well.  Everything else was fine so I just sat there.  If you visit try Raglan Road.  I hope you find me telling you the truth!  Thanks again for reading.  More to come.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Legoland Florida Water Park Opens May 26th

Legoland of Florida in Winter Haven announced that it will open it's new water park in May 2012.

The water park will be located adjacent Legoland and will be included in the price of an annual pass ($179).  Those who purchase a day pass must add $12 to the ticket price but unlike other parks there will not be a stand alone price for the water park only.  If you go to the Legoland site you can see a sketch of what the park will look like.  Looks pretty decent with slides, pools, and a river probably to go tubing on.  Not much else to post about now but I'll add it as soon as something else comes up

Legoland is located about 1/2 hour west of Walt Disney World.  Take I-4 from Orlando and get off on Exit 55 South to Winter Haven.  Right on State Rd 540 and 4 miles on the left you're there.

Interesting note:  I didn't know but there is also a Legoland in  Windsor, England, Carlsbad, California, Germany, and Denmark.  I guess you don't have to come to Florida but it would be nice if you did!