This weekend, we’re sharing a new episode of our #DisneyCastLife series featuring favorite stories of cast members making Disney magic around the world.
During this episode, Disneyland Ambassador Rafa continues our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and introduces us to a special cast member at the Resort. We also take you behind-the-scenes at Walt Disney World Resort for a peek at how cast bring Halloween to life before sharing well wishes from around the world for Hong Kong Disneyland’s 15th birthday.
And for even more Hong Kong Disneyland anniversary magic, including a special appearance from Mickey Mouse, be sure to check out this birthday video.
For more #DisneyCastLife stories, follow the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Ambassador team on Instagram at @WDW.Ambassador and @Disneylandambassador. And be sure to keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more #DisneyMagicMoments.
From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com Filed Under: Disneyland Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Walt Disney World Resort, Cast Members, Disney Cast Life, DLR, WDW
The weather is finally getting slightly more tolerable in Orlando, and many of us prefer to dine outdoors right now. If you have plans to explore Disney Springs you’ve got lots of choices for outdoor dining. Here’s our picks for the best places with outdoor dining at Disney Springs.
I have to admit bias here. I just love Homecomin’. It is a Florida-based restaurant run by a Florida Native celebrity chef. But don’t take my word for it, our readers have rated Homecomin’ in number 6 out of 103 dining options at Walt Disney World, and given it a 94% thumbs up rating. The outdoor patio and Shine Bar make for a relaxing meal.
Personally, this wine-centric restaurant is in my top 3 for Disney dining. And our readers rank Wine Bar George as 7 out of 103 Walt Disney World restaurants. Offering small bites that pair perfectly with wine, as well as family-style wine country entrees that are delectable, you’re in for a treat here. Sit upstairs at the outdoor area and enjoy lovely views of The Landing.
It is hard to pick a better restaurant for seafood at Disney Springs than The Boathouse. From over 500,000+ reader surveys over the past few years, The BOATHOUSE has a 91% thumbs up rating, ranking number 18 out of 103 dining options at Walt Disney World. The outdoor dining and outdoor bar are divine. A pier juts out into the lake, affording diners not only the joy of dining along the water, but being surrounded by it. If you don’t desire a full meal, you can grab a spot at the Dockside Bar and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and fresh seafood appetizers, all while watching those curiously cool amphicars.
Another great option for seafood at Disney Springs is Paddlefish. Located inside the iconic riverboat shaped building, on the water at Disney Springs Marketplace, Paddlefish has a great selection of fresh seafood, as well as steak and other options. Outdoor dining can be enjoyed on the wrap-around deck with great views of the Marketplace, the lake, and Disney’s Saratoga Springs resort. Paddlefish is not as highly rated by our readers as The BOATHOUSE with a 76% thumbs up rating, and a ranking of 91 out of 103 dining options at Walt Disney World.
An iconic venue, House of Blues at Disney Springs offers a bluesy, funky atmosphere and good food too. House of Blue is ranked middle of the road by our readers. But, the outdoor courtyard area is fantastic for casual food, drinks, and live music on most nights. If you crave BBQ or Southern fare, and a frosty beverage, all while enjoying the outdoor ambiance of Disney Springs, this is a great choice.
Here we have one of the few chain restaurants at Disney Springs. Blaze Pizza is a casual build-your-own fresh-made pizza place that has a strong following. This unique Disney Springs location has a lovely outdoor area overlooking the pretend spring water that is the centerpiece of Disney Springs. Blaze Pizza is another highly rated dining option based on reader feedback. It has a 93% thumbs up rating and is ranked 18 out of 103 Disney dining locations.
This Disney owned and operated burger joints specializes in gourmet burgers and classic sides and shakes. D-Luxe Burger is located near Homecomin’ and Blaze Pizza, overlooking the same sparkling spring water. This casual burger spot has earned 90% thumbs up rating from our readers and is ranked 28 out of 103 dining options at Walt Disney World.
Enjoy the wonderful Asian fusion flavors that only Chef Morimoto can create, but with a casual twist. Inspired by the many street food markets, Morimoto Asia Street Food is just outside the Morimoto Asia restaurant. It is not as highly rated as the full service restaurant, but has a 88% thumbs up rating and ranks 45 out of 103 options. The seating is all outdoors, and covered, but is limited.
Ask any Orlando local to list some of their favorite restaurants in the area, and most likely Ravenous Pig in Winter Park will be a part of that list. Polite Pig is the casual concept from the same restaurateurs as Ravenous Pig. A twist on BBQ and Southern fare, with craft beer and cocktails to pair, Polite Pig is a favorite. Their outdoor dining and outdoor bar welcome you if you arrive to Disney Springs via the Lime Garage. Best of all our readers give Polite Pig a 94% thumbs up rating and it ranks as number 9 out of 103 Disney restaurants.
Polite Pig Outdoor Dining Area
Tips and Information
Reservations are recommended for most of the full-service restaurants in this guide. Be sure to make note of your desire to sit outside when making your reservation.
Use our Reservation Finder for help with making reservations at popular Disney restaurants.
Arrive early for outdoor seating as it is often desired by many guests.
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Where’s your favorite place to dine al fresco at Disney Springs?
From our friends at touringplans.com Filed Under: Dining, Disney Springs, Drinking, Trip Planning, best disney restaurants, disney dining, disney springs restaurants
You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series with today’s focus on Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
What is Muppet*Vision 3D?
(c) Disney
Muppet*Vision 3D is a 3D film inspired by The Muppet Show where the Muppets attempt to take guests on a tour of their studios and showcase a new invention from their lab.
Where is Muppet*Vision 3D?
Muppet*Vision 3D is located in Grand Avenue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and across from PizzeRizzo.
What is the History of Muppet*Vision 3D?
(c) Disney
Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D opened to guests on May 16, 1991 at what was then called Disney-MGM Studios. The show was the product of a partnership between Disney and Jim Henson Productions and stands as the last released film directed by Jim Henson. It’s also particularly special since it’s the last to feature Jim Henson voicing Kermit the Frog.
The show is inspired by The Muppet Show which ran from 1976 through 1981. In fact, the show’s theater is a replica of the theater from the television series.
A twin version of Muppet*Vision 3D opened at Disney California Adventure in 2001 and ended operations in 2014.
What You Need to Know About the Queue
(c) Disney
Upon entering the Grand Arts Theater show building, take time to appreciate the details in the hallway. By the way, if you happen to see a sign noting that the key is under the mat, go ahead and check.
The hallway leads to a pre-show area resembling a Muppet-themed warehouse. Here guests can take in a truly hilarious pre-show video surrounded by equally hilarious props and gags.
Lastly, be sure to snag a pair of 3D glasses for you and yours before entering the theater!
What You Need to Know About the Theater
Fans of The Muppet Show will find this theater familiar as it is a replica of the one from the show! Guests sit in rows of individual padded chairs with armrests. There are no safety restraints.
I recommend seating near the front to enjoy views of the audio-animatronic penguin orchestra and for a great view of the walk-around character Sweetums!
There are a number of audio-animatronics in the theater apart from the penguins. For instance, up in the balcony is an audio-animatronic Statler and Waldorf heckling the Muppets. There’s also an audio-animatronic Swedish Chef who, towards the end of the show, seemingly destroys the theater with a cannon.
What You Need to Know About the Experience
Photo Courtesy of Disney (c)
The show revolves around the Muppets attempting to offer guests a tour of Muppet Studios to introduce their special new 3D technology. Naturally, Fozzie Bear seizes the opportunity to include a few 3D gags, the technology gets out of hand, and the typical mayhem and mischief associated with the Muppets ensues!
In addition to 3D effects, be prepared for additional effects such as bubbles, smoke, sprays of water, and more!
What You Need to Know About Accessibility
Guests may remain in a wheelchair/ECV to experience this show.
What You Need to Know About Health and Safety Advisories
There are no health or safety advisories! However, guests should be aware that this 3D show is a multisensory experience. In addition to the 3D film, guests should expect various lighting effects, loud noises, smoke, air and water effects, and even a live performer.
What are the Height Requirements?
There are no height requirements! Everyone in the family can enjoy this show together!
Does Muppet*Vision 3D Offer FastPass+?
Yes! However, it’s rarely needed. Usually, the only wait guests experience for Muppet*Vision 3D is waiting for the next show to begin.
Does Weather Affect Muppet*Vision 3D?
Since Muppet*Vision 3D is an indoor show, inclement weather shouldn’t impact its operation. However, if the outdoor extended queue is being used (which is rare), guests will be exposed to the elements.
What’s the Best Time of Day to Experience Muppet*Vision 3D?
Waits generally peak around lunchtime, and it’s unusual to find a wait of more than 20 minutes. Because it’s near one of the main pathways to Galaxy’s Edge, Muppet-Vision may get more traffic. Watch for throngs waiting to enter or coming from Galaxy’s Edge—if you do encounter a long line, try again later.
This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Muppet*Vision 3D when you visit on a day with a given Disney’s Hollywood Studios Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Muppet*Vision 3D Wait Times.
Did I answer all of your questions about the Muppet*Vision 3D? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.
From our friends at touringplans.com Filed Under: Attractions, Hollywood Studios, Disney Attractions, disney world, hollywood studios, Jim Hensons MuppetVision 3-D, Muppet Vision, the muppets, walt disney world
For the third year in a row, Disneyland Paris celebrated its heritage and showcased the creativity and artistry that goes on behind-the-scenes as part of its Heritage Days. This year, the opportunity was virtual and accessible to all fans!
Through exclusive videos, guests discovered the secrets of the costumes worn by famous Audio-Animatronics® figures and the artistic influences of Disneyland Paris through a short guided video tour of Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, including Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, Discoveryland and Place de Remy. The tour provides an unprecedented spotlight on the technical know-how inherent to the resort. These videos are now available on the Disneyland Paris at Home website.
Additionally, via Disneyland Paris’ Instagram, guests discovered an exhibition dedicated to past and present shows at Disneyland Paris, with many costumes and models presented by one of our Show Directors. During this session, Instagram followers had the opportunity to ask questions, which were answered live!
And for even more free family fun from Disneyland Paris, “Disneyland Paris at Home” offers families and fans entertaining games, activities, tutorial videos, step-by-step themed recipes, videos revealing some of Disneyland Paris’ secrets and many other surprises to spark imagination, inspire creativity and share the magic – all from the comfort of home anywhere in the world.
“Disneyland Paris at Home” is available in French, English, Italian, Spanish, German and Dutch and new content continues to be regularly added!
One of the treasures you can uncover at Disney Springs is Amorette’s Patisserrie. The lovely interior has an art nouveau inspiration, and you can enjoy delicious desserts and cakes here year-round. We love visiting this French-inspired bakery at Disney Springs, especially when there are new seasonal treats to enjoy.
Fall Treats at Amorette’s
Pumpkin Crème Brulee – $7.00
What a picture perfect petite treat! Anyone who loves fall flavors is sure to fall in love with this pumpkin creme brulee. Warm pumpkin spices mingle with dreamy creme with a crispy sugar shell on top. For the price this is a good value.
Pumpkin Crème Brulee at Amorette’s
Pumpkin Minnie Mousse Dessert – $9.00
For something with a little more character the Pumpkin Minnie Mousse is a fun Disney-themed dessert packed with pumpkin flavor. If you just can’t get enough pumpkin spice this treat is for you.
Pumpkin Minnie Mousse Dessert at Amorette’sPumpkin Minnie Mousse Dessert at Amorette’s – Cut
Cookies and Cream Halloween Black Candle Petit Cake – $16.00
If you’ve had your fill of pumpkin spice already, or just not a fan, the Halloween Black Candle Petite Cake is going to draw you in like a moth to a flame. Multiple layers of cake make this a tiny, but tall cake. Cookies and cream flavors offer a nice break from the pumpkin flavored everything, while the festive exterior still gets you in the spooky spirit.
Cookies and Cream Petite Cake at Amorette’sCookies and Cream Petite Cake at Amorette’s – Cut Inside
Our readers give Amorette’s a 94% thumbs up rating and rank it 13 out of 41 similar options at Walt Disney World. Besides a lovely interior there are tables and chairs, with umbrellas just outside. Mobile ordering is not available at this location, and sometimes the line can get a little long as patrons often have a hard time deciding among all the beautiful creations.
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Do you have a favorite treat at Amorette’s? Let us know!
Fans of The Muppet Show will find this theater familiar as it is a replica of the one from the show! Guests sit in rows of individual padded chairs with armrests. There are no safety restraints.
This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Muppet*Vision 3D when you visit on a day with a given 
