Review: Lunch at Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland

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During a recent passholder preview of New Fantasyland, I was excited to find Be Our Guest open for lunch AND dinner. With Be Our Guest dinner reservations booked into March, this was a rare opportunity to dine at Magic Kingdom's newest restaurant. Given that each meal has a separate menu and different service, my family and I decided to dine there twice in the same day -- and we were happy we did. Today, I'll tell you about our lunch experience and then I'll be back with a separate blog post about dinner. First, lunch is a step up from other Disney World counter service restaurants in that guests order their food and then it is brought to their tables by the waitstaff. No juggling trays, bags and kids at the same time! As we entered Beast's castle, we were directed into the Armory Room for a short wait. We were entertained there by the Suits of Armor who talk to each other and to guests. Plus, the lunch menu is displayed on waist-high screens for guests to peruse.
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Central Florida Kids Get Special Sneak Peek of New Fantasyland

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 10, 2012 – Mickey Mouse and a few of his best pals opened the gates of Magic Kingdom a little early this morning to welcome dozens of Central Florida kids to be among the first to experience New Fantasyland. During a special sneak peek organized just for them, members of … Continue reading "Central Florida Kids Get Special Sneak Peek of New Fantasyland"
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Clang, Clang, Clang Goes the Trolley … with seasonal Magic Kingdom shows

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As my family and I made our way down Main Street, U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom a couple weeks ago, we saw the park’s old-time trolley stopped and performers dancing on the pavement. There’s nothing unusual about that, if you’re in the Magic Kingdom before lunchtime. What was different, though, was the music and the … Continue reading "Clang, Clang, Clang Goes the Trolley … with seasonal Magic Kingdom shows"
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Starbucks Locations at Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot Set to Open Next Year

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According to the Disney Parks Blog, two Starbucks locations will open in Walt Disney World Resort next year, one in the Magic Kingdom and one in Epcot. The Magic Kingdom's Main Street Bakery will close for refurbishment in January 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks in early summer. The cast members there will wear a costume consistent with the early 20th century look and feel of Main Street, U.S.A. Over in Epcot, the Fountain View will close in March 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in midsummer. The cast member costumes there will be themed to match the park's futuristic theme. The Starbucks locations at Magic Kingdom and Epcot will both offer the full complement of Starbucks signature beverages, artisan breakfast sandwiches and a wide selection of baked goods, including muffins, scones and specialty treats. In June, a Starbucks location opened at Disney California Adventure park in the Fiddler, Fifer and Practical Cafe. More Starbucks locations are slated for both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.
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Taping of Orlando segments of Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade expected later this month

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It may just be the start of November, but the folks at Walt Disney World and Disneyland are busy planning and taping segments for this year's Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade, which airs -- you guessed it! -- on Dec. 25. However, the Christmas special traditionally is taped in California in early November and in Orlando the first weekend in December. That looks like the case again this year. According to an organization representing hundreds of student musicians and dancers scheduled to perform in the parade, taping will take place Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1. Sunday, Dec. 2 is earmarked as the rain date.
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Save those Disney Dollars! New Fantasyland merchandise is in Magic Kingdom stores

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For many Walt Disney World visitors, shopping for souvenirs is an integral part of the vacation experience. Who doesn't like to have a reminder of a special trip, especially to the Most Magical Place on Earth? Recently, new merchandise has arrived in the Magic Kingdom to coordinate with the "dress rehearsal" for New Fantasyland attractions and the opening of Storybook Circus. If you have Belle and Beast, Little Mermaid or Dumbo fans at your house, start saving your money!
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Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland serves up LeFou’s Brew, pastries and even healthy snacks

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After hearing so much about LeFou's Brew -- which some call Disney World's answer to Universal Orlando's uber-popular Butterbeer -- my family and I couldn't resist the opportunity to sample the drink during the recent "dress rehearsal" of New Fantasyland. Also, this gave us the perfect reason to stop by Gaston's Tavern for the first time. The signature drink is made from frozen apple juice (no sugar added), has a hint of toasted marshmallow and is topped with all-natural passion fruit-mango foam. Sounds perfect for kids who have been raised on apple juice, right? I sure thought so.
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View from a Monorail

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Riding around on the monorail just for the sake of doing so is a nice way to relax and see things from a different perspective. It’s even better when you can find yourself a window seat without standing passengers in your compartment. There are 3 routes to enjoy. For those rushing back to their vehicles … Continue reading "View from a Monorail"
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