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REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value

Dining at World Showcase in EPCOT is usually a fantastic experience no matter which restaurant you choose. But, there are some that are EPCOT classics. One such classic is the Rose an Crown Dining Room. Our team revisited this popular pub-style restaurant to make sure its quality continues to be brilliant.

The Rose and Crown stands proudly on World Showcase promenade in the United Kingdom Pavilion. There is a proper pub in the front, and a dining room in the back with outside dining as well. The outdoor dining offers some relaxing views of World Showcase and the lagoon.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value
©Rikki Niblett

The menu at Rose and Crown consists of classic fare from the United Kingdom including favorites like Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. It mustn’t be easy to be a British themed restaurant and pub in the United States that’s a popular destination for guests actually from the United Kingdom who are very familiar with the real deal. But, Rose and Crown Dining Room generally satisfies most guests.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value
Fish and Chips at Rose and Crown

We have listings and ratings for all Walt Disney World restaurants on our site and our readers give Rose and Crown an 89% thumbs up rating. It is ranked 33 out of 106 table service restaurants at Disney World. So while it is not in the top tier, it is still a solid choice.

Chrissy on our team, and our junior researcher Gigi stopped in for an early dinner and ordered some of the classics on the menu:

  • Fish and Chips – “Rose & Crown’s Signature Dish” Beer-battered and served with Tartar Sauce – $25.00
  • Shepherd’s Pie – Ground Beef, Seasonal Vegetables, English Peas, and Mashed Potatoes with McCall’s Irish Cheddar – $22.00
  • English Trifle – Layers of Strawberries, Vanilla Custard, Graham Crackers, and Whipped Cream – $8.00

The Fish and Chips are indeed the signature dish. Although you can get a serving of fish and chips from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop outside for half the price, the quality of the fish is lesser and the serving is smaller. At the dining room the Fish and Chip are thick Cod and fried to perfection. The chips are tender and fluffy, with a crispy exterior. It is near perfection for being in a theme park.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value
Fish and Chips at Rose and Crown

On a rare chilly Central Florida Day a piping hot dish of Shepherd’s Pie is just the thing. Our team’s serving was rich and decadent. The Irish Cheddar on top added a delightful tang, and it’s hard not to be jealous of the perfect preparation and presentation of the mashed potatoes.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value
Shepherd’s Pie at Rose and Crown
REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value
Shepherd’s Pie at Rose and Crown

It was hard for our team to decide between the Sticky Toffee Pudding or the English Trifle, but with the heavy entrees, the English Trifle won out. This generous serving of strawberry and vanilla custard was still light enough to not feel like a brick on top of a heavy meal. Refreshing and sweet, it can make you feel like a child again as it resembles an ice cream sundae so many Americans are fond of.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value
English Trifle at Rose and Crown

Like so many other restaurants since the July 2020 reopening, the menu at Rose and Crown has been reduced a little. The Corned Beef and Cabbage, Grilled Scottish Salmon, and Savory Vegetable Crumble are currently not on the menu. The Vegetable Crumble is replaced by an Impossible Savory Hot Pot, which is very similar to the Shepherd’s Pie.

Have you dined at Rose and Crown before? What’s your favorite item on the menu?

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value

The post REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Drinking, Epcot, disney dining, Epcot Restaurants

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Disney Reviews Other

What We Loved the Most in 2020

Whether it’s a headliner attraction opening or something that just makes life better, or an experience of making lemonade out of lemons, there were some things we loved about 2020. Here’s our list of the things that we actually loved from 2020.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

What We Loved the Most in 2020
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway – December 9, 2020

If there’s ever a year where we just needed something fun, it was this year. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is just plain fun. It may not be as high-tech as Rise of the Resistance, and certainly won’t be as heart-stopping as Guardians of the Galaxy or TRON when they open, but that’s what makes this so incredible. It’s something the whole family can enjoy and it is fun to do again and again. It also has the perfect 2020 motto “Nothing Can Stop Us Now…” which also wins for best irony in that this attraction launched and then Walt Disney World closed that same month. Ah, 2020.

Character Cavalcades for the Holidays

What We Loved the Most in 2020
Jack and Sally in Halloween Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom

With the desire to keep people from congregating for things like parades, and with meet and greets on hold, Disney introduced character cavalcades at all Walt Disney World theme parks. What was really wonderful, however, were the cavalcades for Halloween and Christmas, allowing daytime guests to experience some of the beloved aspects of the nighttime parades during hard-ticket events but without the extra cost of attending the event. Even when the nighttime events come back, I’d personally love to see these little cavalcades continue.

The NBA Bubble

What We Loved the Most in 2020

Disney has been host to all sorts of sports events in the past, but the sheer scope and logistics behind the NBA Bubble were mind-boggling. It was surreal hearing commentators talking about “that shot on basket went so far that it almost hit EPCOT” and seeing glimpses inside Bubble life at Disney resorts. Even if you weren’t a basketball fan, it was a welcome escape over the summer.

New Bag Check Procedure

What We Loved the Most in 2020

Gone are the days of standing behind the person with a backpack that has 50 different zippered pouches that all have to be opened one at a time! The new walk-through security screening at Disney Parks is so much easier and more efficient. For most people, just walk on through security without having your bag checked. (If you have something that sets off the scanner, for instance umbrellas seem to be problematic at times, you go for quick additional screening.) This has made for a much more pleasant experience entering the parks without compromising safety.

Got any items you’d include on this year’s list of things we loved? Let us know in the comments. 

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From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Just For Fun, Walt Disney World (FL), Bag Check, character cavalcade, NBA Bubble

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Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Reviews

The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020

Researching the Walt Disney World theme parks every day makes our team hungry. One of the staples of theme park food is the hamburger. We’ve had quite a few this year and thought it would be fun to recap some of our favorites.

Note, these are all quick service burgers. Generally the burgers served at any table service restaurant will be better quality, but there are still some gems to be found at counter service locations.

  • Angus Bacon Cheeseburger at The Sand Bar
  • Backlot Burger at Backlot Express
  • Plant-Based Burger at Beaches and Cream
  • Honorable Mention: Turkey Holiday Burger at D-Luxe Burger

The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020
The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020

It’s hard to wholeheartedly recommend The Sand Bar at Disney’s Contemporary Resort considering there are more interesting options on the monorail loop, like Caption Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian. However, with the Contemporary being right next door to Magic Kingdom, it is a convenient place to have a nice break.

The Angus Bacon Cheeseburger, is served with a generous amount of French fries. This burger is better quality than the standard cheeseburgers served inside Magic Kingdom. Priced at $12.99, which is pretty standard for a Disney quick service cheeseburger, this Angus Bacon Cheeseburger is a better value than the standard burgers inside the parks because of the quality.

The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020
Backlot Burger at Backlot Express

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios you can take a step back in time at Backlot Express, which has not changed too much since the park’s opening year. The Backlot Burger is a specialty burger that offers so much more than the standard Disney quick service burger. This something extra is indicated in the price of $13.99, but the serving is pretty large and the 1/3 lb. Angus beef burger is loaded with barbecued pulled pork, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. The brioche bun holds this big pile of tasty food together, and you can have apple slices or fries as the side.

The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020
Plant-Based Burger at Beaches and Cream

This next burger is delicious, even if you’re not that into plant-based options. The Plant-Based Burger at Beaches and Cream, at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, is one of the most flavorful burgers we tried this year. The plant-based mayo and the balsamic-onion jam elevate this plant-based burger. The sweetness of the onion jam is addicting. The plant-based mayo is a little tangy and adds a little bit of creaminess. The multigrain bun is flavorful and fluffy, and solidifies this burger as one of the best plant-based burgers at Walt Disney World.

The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020
Holiday Turkey Burger and Eggnog Shake at D-Luxe Burger

This last burger is only available during the holiday season, but it is included as an Honorable Mention in this list because it showcases the great seasonal items that are available at D-Luxe Burger. If you enjoy checking out seasonal or new flavors at Disney Springs, D-Luxe Burger should be on your list. The Holiday Turkey Burger is a Turkey Burger patty topped with Bacon-Cranberry Jam, Butternut Squash Risotto Cake, Lettuce, and Tomato. Both the Bacon-Cranberry Jam and the Butternut Squash Risotto Cake elevate this burger to gourmet status, the flavor and quality is high. Our team was tempted to harass the cooks for the recipe of the Butternut Squash Risotto Cake. Here’s hoping this holly jolly burger is back on the menu next holiday season.

Did you visit Walt Disney World this year? What’s the best burger you had?

The Top 3 Burgers at Walt Disney World in 2020

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Filed Under: Dining, kids, Resorts, Trip Planning, disney best restaurants, disney burger, disney cheeseburger, disney dining, Disney Springs

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Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Reviews

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs

Everyone is raving about the cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse. But what about their incredible cake slices? Our team had the sweet job of selecting three different slices of cakes to test out. We had a tough time deciding which we like better, the cake or the cookies. Read on and maybe you can decide for yourself.

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Cakes on Display at Gideon’s Bakehouse

This local bakery’s original location at East End Market opened in 2016, and usually sells out of its specialty cookies and cake slices on weekends and special occasions. Now at Disney Springs, Gideon’s Bakehouse has a larger interior and a more elaborately themed space. Gideon’s Bakehouse likes to say they were established in 1898. The story goes they purchased what they thought was an old family cookbook, but instead uncovered a diary of a boy named Gideon who dreamed of having his own bakery.

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Gideon’s Bakehouse Interior
REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Inside Gideon’s Bakehouse
REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies on Display

Gideon’s original location and the branding on its website and packaging is inspired by the Victorian era, with some macabre undertones. This new Disney Springs space takes that theme to the next level. This is Disney property after all. Fans of The Haunted Mansion as well as the world of Harry Potter will enjoy the atmosphere.

Now, let’s get to the cakes. Every day Gideon’s presents a new selection of cake slices. Some of staple flavors, and others are fun experiments for the staff. Currently, the Disney Springs location does not offer entire cakes for pre-order, which is only available at the original East End Market location. Here’s the three flavors cake slices our team picked up and devoured at home:

  • True Red Velvet
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter
  • Special Double Frosted Caramel Mocha Chocolate Cake

We’ll start with the True Red Velvet as it is one of the few standard flavors. This cake is a beacon of hope for Red Velvet cake lovers. Nowadays Red Velvet tends to be chocolate cake with red food dye. But that’s not what Red Velvet is meant to be. This True Red Velvet is dense buttermilk cake with rich cream cheese frosting. The candied walnuts add a delightful crunch. This is truly a special cake and one that makes Gideon’s Bakehouse standout even more than it already does.

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
True Red Velvet Cake Slice at Gideon’s Bakehouse
REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
True Red Velvet Cake Slice at Gideon’s Bakehouse

The Chocolate Peanut Butter is a comfort food classic. Dense chocolate cake is enrobed in thick, sugary peanut butter frosting. It’s a simple cake, but it is executed near perfection. The True Red Velvet is our favorite between these two, but anyone who loves the pairing of chocolate and peanut butter will find this cake irresistible.

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Peanut Butter Cake Slice at Gideon’s Bakehouse
REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Peanut Butter Cake Slice at Gideon’s Bakehouse

Finally, we picked up a special slice that is described as “we were just having some fun with this one.” The Double Frosted Caramel Mocha Chocolate Cake is a delightful surprise. The chocolate and coffee flavor dance together without overpowering each other. The caramel adds a lovely sweetness and is a nice touch without taking over. If Gideon’s other special, just-for-fun slices are as good as this one we’re ready and willing to try them all.

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Double Frosted Caramel Mocha Cake Slice at Gideon’s Bakehouse
REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs
Double Frosted Caramel Mocha Cake Slice at Gideon’s Bakehouse

In case you missed it, we wrote about the cookies we purchased on opening day at Gideon’s, and we even weighed them.

Are you excited about Gideon’s Bakehouse? Which cake slice sounds best to you?

REVIEW – Don’t Forget About Cake Slices at Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs

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From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disney Springs, Snacks, disney cakes, disney desserts, disney dining

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Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Reviews

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical

A few months ago Chef Mickey’s reopened, but with one very important ingredient missing: there were no characters. Our team visited during that time. The food satisfied, and the lack of characters was welcomed for those looking for a hearty breakfast without the kinetic craziness of typical character dining. Now that the characters are back we have to say, Chef Mickey’s may be our current favorite for Disney character dining.

Chef Mickey’s Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Chef Mickey’s can be one of its greatest features for some guests, and the worst part for others. It is located on the concourse level of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, in a multistory atrium. The iconic monorail whooshes by every few minutes and thanks to its atrium setting the voices of all the guests and the music bounce all around. This is not the place to be if you are not a morning person. If, however, you are looking for a high-energy experience that is undeniably Disney, this is your place. You can’t help but feel excited. There is no denying that you’re at Walt Disney World when you’re at Chef Mickey’s.

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Food Service Station and Monorail
REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Former Buffet
REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Distanced Tables

There is no more buffet. Everything is served on platters, family style, and your server will gladly bring you second helpings, or thirds or more, of any of the food, which is included in one flat price. The characters, which are Mickey and his pals, come out and greet guests by section rather than coming to each individual table. All character dining is currently done this way, with social distance, but Chef Mickey’s has been the most energetic that our team has experienced since the parks reopened. As each character came to the section that our team was dining in, they danced a little and were very cheerful.

Chef Mickey’s Food and Beverage

If you love breakfast food, you’re going to be in heaven at Chef Mickey’s for breakfast. Here you won’t find anything too fancy, just elevated versions of American breakfast classics. The meal starts off with a select of breakfast breads with honey butter, as well as fresh fruit and yogurt. Then the feasting continues with a bountiful breakfast platter of bacon, chicken sausage, beef brisket, scrambled eggs, and Mickey waffles. This platter is bursting with classic breakfast items.

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Bread Yogurt and Fruit
REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Platter Celebration Pancake Banana French Toast Cheesy Potato Casserole
REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Breakfast Platter

A few specialty dishes are served which include “Loaded” Potato-Cheese Casserole;  a “Celebration” Mickey Pancake; and Banana Bread French Toast with Espresso-Mascarpone Cream, Toasted Bananas, and Chocolate Crumbles. Of the three our research team enjoyed the Potato-Cheese Casserole the most. But all three dishes really elevate the whole meal. It is a lot of food, so if you’re going to do this for breakfast, consider having a very light lunch.

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Cheesy Potato Casserole

Our team felt the meal was worth the $42 per adult and $27 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Considering the quality of the food, the fact that you can have as much as you like, and the distinct atmosphere, it is worth it. Our team, and many of our readers, are reporting that they enjoy the family-style service much more than the buffet. Having the food brought to your table makes it more of an enjoyable meal, and you don’t have to run the risk of missing the characters while waiting in line at the buffet.

Chef Mickey’s Character Appearances

Thankfully the food at Chef Mickey’s is good and the entire experience doesn’t hinge on the characters alone. But the great news is the character interaction here is high energy and tons of fun. Each character dons a special chef’s outfit that matches their personality. You won’t need that second cup of coffee once you see Donald shake his tailfeather and Goofy’s flap his ears as he skips around. Although the chance to have one-on-one interaction and photos at your table is temporarily gone, it is still a fun experience. Just practice the art of composing a selfie beforehand.

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Mickey himself
REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Minnie
REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Goofy

Each guest receives a souvenir postcard. This Chef Mickey’s postcard has each of the characters autographs on it, and features great artwork on the front with the characters in the monorail as it pulls through the Contemporary.

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical
Chef Mickey’s Souvenir Card

We have listings and ranks for every Walt Disney World restaurant. Our readers give Chef Mickey’s an 85% thumbs up rating. It is ranked number 50 out of 106 table service restaurants. Reservations for character dining can be difficult to secure. Our Reservation Finder tool is free to use – give it a try!

Have you dined at Chef’s Mickeys before? What do you think of the new setup?

REVIEW – Characters Return to Chef Mickey’s and It is Magical

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Filed Under: Dining, Dos and Don’ts, kids, Trip Planning, chef mickey’s character dining, disney character dining, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, walt disney world mickey mouse