Presenter at a Wine Seminar

We’re gearing up for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival with a series of posts about our favorite time of year! You can see my previous post in this series here!

Travelers to this 16th annual event will find plenty to nosh on at the booths around Epcot’s World Showcase, but visitors looking for more involvement will want to book a low-cost seminar or demonstration (often called “deminars” by F&W veterans)!

Most seminars and demos are relatively cheap (sometimes free ) activities held inside the Festival Welcome Center in Epcot’s Future World (it’s in the old Wonders of Life Pavilion). And in addition to the low-cost of these events, if you are a Tables in Wonderland member, Annual Passholder, and/or DVC member booking a seminar for Monday through Thursday, you’ll be eligible for a discount!

Let’s take a look at some of our Deminar options:

Note: Click the links below to see lists of all deminars available!
Culinary seminars are held daily at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 p.m. and are only 45 minutes in length. About 100 guests are seated facing a show kitchen, where a presenter (sometimes a celebrity chef like Robert Irvine!) creates a dish right in front of your eyes. You’ll get valuable tips from top chefs and wine presenters with the anticipation of getting to taste-test the finished dish. Some of my favorite demos include those presented by Disney-related celebrity chefs like Cat Cora (who headlines Kouzzina) and Kevin Dundon (who headlines Raglan Road).

Presenters at a Culinary Demonstration

Tasting Portion from a Culinary Demonstration

Wine and Beverage seminars are hosted daily at 12:00, 2:00, and 4:00 p.m. These 45 minute sessions will emphasize tips and sips! Most beverage seminars offer three tasting glasses for guests, and a presenter — usually a representative from the winery or brewery involved — will discuss the various attributes of the different tasting portions.

Tasting Glasses From a Wine Seminar

Mixology seminars are new to the festival this year! Featuring presenters discussing different spirits, guests will have the chance to create a mixed drink or two!

Passing Out Tasting Portions at a Demo

New for 2011 is a Scent Demonstration scheduled for October 2nd. No idea what to expect with this one, but I’ll be there!

When you’re done mixing it up with some seminars and demos, take in a Book or Bottle Signing, Taste Seminar, or an HGTV Home Entertaining session. Watch for your fave HGTV designers with Vern Yip starting the festival on September 30th (yay!!). (More on these later!)

Deminars range in cost from $10-13 per person. To book, call 407-WDW-FEST or book online via this link — scroll down to “Demonstrations and Seminars” and click on Make a Reservation.

Check out Food and Wine Festival coverage (including live coverage during the festival) on the Epcot Food and Wine Festival section of DisneyFoodBlog.com.

Seminars and Culinary Demos at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, it will be in about a month and a half.

Mexico Marketplace Booth

Epcot Food and Wine Festival bookings begin today, August 16th, and even though the festival is still a month and a half away, it’s always good to start planning early — especially when events book up as quickly as they do at the festival. I’ll be doing a few guest blogs here at Touring Plans about the different parts of the festival, but I wanted to begin with an overview of what you can expect during the event.

Where
Epcot and select restaurants around Walt Disney World
When
September 30-November 13, 2011
What
The largest food and wine festival in the world, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival will be celebrating it’s 16th annual event this year. Accomplished chefs (including some celebrity chefs) from around the world join experts in in the culinary and beverage fields to present a series of events about a variety of “consumable” topics! Pair this with some fantastic Disney magic and some great food, and you have the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Overview — What You Can Expect at the Festival

With 45 full days of culinary adventure, there’s a lot to talk about! I’ll go into more detail in later posts, but to begin, let’s cover the basics. Here are the major events, activities, and draws to the festival:

Special and Signature Events: Taking place in restaurants and event spaces around Epcot and the rest of Walt Disney World, these events range in cost from $55 to $495 and cover a gamut of topics including pizza and beer tastings, desserts and fireworks events, multi-course meals with celebrity chefs, and wine schools that offer a certificate of completion when you’re finished! But there’s so much more! You’ll find more info on these events in our Special and Signature Events coverage over on DFB.

Chefs from "Baked" Present a Culinary Demo

Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations: Ranging in price from $10-13, these events offer guests the opportunity to see a dish made by an expert chef in a show kitchen, learn about select wines and beers, or take a turn at the art of mixology. Culinary demos and beverage seminars usually last about 45 minutes and are often followed by a meet and greet, book signing, or bottle signing with the event presenter. See more details and what events are available in our low-cost seminar and demo coverage over on DFB.

Delicious Baklava from the Morocco Booth

International Marketplace Booths: These are considered by many to be the true draw of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. 30 tasting booths set up around the World Showcase offer guests the chance to indulge in tapas-sized portions of regional and ethnic cuisine as well as sample some great wines, beers, and spirits from the represented countries. Prices for food and beverages range from $3-8, with larger beverages costing a bit more.

This, in my opinion, is the ultimate way to spend a meal during the festival — simply check the booth menus to decide what you want to try, then spend an hour noshing around the World Showcase! It’s lovely. But here’s a tip — in the evenings and on weekends the booths start to develop long lines. If you head to the booths when they first open at 11am, you won’t have to battle the crowds quite as much.

New booths being introduced this year are Hawaii, the Caribbean, Portugal (with its own wine bar!), and Scandinavia (returning from a hiatus). You can see full menus and details about the booths (including food pics) at our World Showcase Booths page.

As you can see, there’s a lot to do at the festival with just those three types of events, but there’s a lot more where that came from. I’ll be back with you soon to detail those different opportunities and give you a few more tips and tricks about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

You can book special events and seminars starting today — August 16th — by calling 407-WDW-FEST! If you’re a Tables in Wonderland member, Disney Vacation Club member, or Annual Passholder for Walt Disney World, you’ll get a discount on seminars and demos offered Monday-Thursday — don’t forget to ask!

Check out all of our coverage (including live coverage during the festival) on the Epcot Food and Wine Festival section of the Disney Food Blog.

First Look At the 2011 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

The Magic Kingdom‘s Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, like other Main Street businesses, is themed from bottom to very tippy top — even for Halloween! But while you’ll see spooky faces carved into other Main Street jack-o-lanterns, at the Ice Cream Parlor you’ll see only sweet sights.

From a kiddie cone…

to a triple-scoop waffle cone…

to their famous Plaza Ice Cream Sundae…

I think we all know why we suddenly have a craving for ice cream!

Sweet treats and Happy Halloween!

Sweet Halloween Sights at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Many of us here at Touring Plans have a soft spot in our hearts for the beloved Trail’s End Buffet…er…Restaurant. See, we have to make sure we say “restaurant” at this point, because the “buffet” part only applies to breakfast and dinner these days!

After years of serving up an all-you-can-eat buffet, this cozy little out-of-the-way restaurant in Disney World’s Fort Wilderness is jumping on the change bandwagon that Disney World restaurants seem to be so fond of these days. (Seriously, if they’re not changing a menu, a chef, or a theme these days, they’re apparently not “in the club.”)

Anyway, from now until we-don’t-know-when, Trail’s End will be serving up an a la carte lunch service, featuring chili, fried chicken and waffles, sautéed catfish, grilled pork chops, spicy grilled shrimp and andouille sausage, Wilderness s’mores and a warm sticky bun sundae. (That last one I could get into…)

No knowledge on how long this “trial period” will last, so either rush over to try it or stay far far away as you see fit.

Trail’s End Updates is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Howdy all! We just finished taping a WDW Today episode about the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, but I thought it’d be fun to highlight the new additions for this year and remind you of a few key dates to help in your planning.

Specs:

When: October 1-November 14, 2010
Where: All around Epcot
How Much?: Variable. You can drop a month’s pay at the festival or you can have fun for free.

International Marketplace Booth

• Free: Many events held in the Festival Center are free, including Authentic Taste Seminars and Authors Without Borders. You’ll also find several seminars set up throughout the World Showcase that are free. Find out more here.
• Low-Cost: Several culinary and beverage demonstrations are in the $8-$13 range. Tastes from the International Marketplace booths will run from $2-$8.
• Expensive: Dozens of special events from celebrity chef-studded signature dinners to chocolate seminars with renowned chocolatiers to the uber-popular Party for the Senses are again available this year. Costs range from $40-$450 and up.

Booking Details: Booking for the special (expensive) events opens on July 20th at 7am. Just call 407-WDW-FEST for details or to book. If you’d like tickets to the lower-cost seminars and demonstrations, booking opens August 26th for Tables in Wonderland and DVC members and Annual Passholders. Booking opens August 28th for the General Public. Again, 407-WDW-FEST is the number to call.

New Events and Attractions to Anticipate

In addition to some old favorites like the French Regional Lunches and Sweet Sundays, Disney is introducing several new events on the 2010 Food and Wine Festival docket:

Graphic for 2010 Festival

Delicious Discoveries First Bites
This is basically a festival sneak peek. Disney is promising glimpses of celebrity chefs, tastes of new Food and Wine Festival dishes, and other exciting secrets to be revealed before the festival officially opens. The event will be held September 30th from 6:30-9pm and sounds pretty exciting, but the $195 price tag — not including tax — might make folks a little skittish.

Don’t forget, the Food and Wine Festival usually has a “soft opening” the day before the grand opening, so you might get a chance to try some of the World Showcase booth menus prior to the big day anyway.

3D: Disney Dessert Discoveries
This is being touted as a private Illuminations Dessert Party…and then some. Taking place on most Fridays (with one Thursday tucked in there on October 21st), the $45 ticket price will get you plenty of desserts, wines, and cordials along with reserved seating for Illuminations, Reflections of Earth — Epcot’s fireworks show.

Belgium, South Korea, and Charcuterie and Cheese Booths Come to the Festival
Every year Disney introduces a few new booths to its International Marketplace — a set-up of over 25 mini-kiosks offering small portions of food and drinks from different regions and countries around the world. These booths are set up around the World Showcase, and items can be purchased a la carte for around $2-$8.

This year, we get to try waffles from the Belgium booth, barbecue from the South Korea booth, and fondue from the Charcuterie and Cheese booth. Of course, there’s plenty more to sample. Check out all of the menus here.

Passport Stamp Example

Marketplace Discovery Passports
Another fun addition to the International Marketplace this year are the Marketplace Discovery Passports. These are free pamphlets that you (and your kids!) can use to keep track of which marketplace booths you’ve visited and which you’d still like to enjoy. At each booth, just ask a cast member to stamp your passport!

New Eat to the Beat! Concerts
Disney’s Eat to the Beat! Concert series is a free (with Epcot admission) group of concerts that take place three times per night throughout the festival. Every few days the band changes, but you’re bound to find a few of your favorites on stage. This year, new acts include Sugar Ray, Air Supply, Howard Jones, 38 Special, Roger Hodgson, Hanson, and Rick Springfield. To see the full line-up and dates for each band, go to our Eat to the Beat! page.

Low-Cost Wine Tasting Seminar

Taste Shake and Indulge: Grand Marnier Tastings
For those who love this orange-flavored liqueur, you now have the chance to immerse yourself in it. (OK, not literally — there won’t be any bathtubs of Grand Marnier sitting around Epcot.) On Saturdays from 2:30-4pm, $45 will buy you not only a tasting of a full range of liqueurs, but also a short class on shaking and muddling Grand Marnier cocktails as well as some sweet treats from Bistro de Paris where the event is held.

Grape Getaway
For those who just can’t get enough of the Food and Wine Festival, Disney is introducing a full vacation package this year — the Grape Getaway. While we don’t know pricing or booking date, yet, we do know that the package will include 4 days and 3 nights of exclusive Food and Wine Festival fun. The package is limited to 100 people and will run from October 24th-October 27th, 2010.

Those are just a few of the new events and attractions scheduled for this year’s festival, and you can believe me when I say you can have a great time no matter what your budget. As always, check out the Disney World Website for more information, and don’t forget to come see us over at the Disney Food Blog!

What’s New at the 2010 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

Anadapur Local Cafe Menu

I’ve been there. You have two days to hit all four parks, and you want to ride everything. You know it’s possible, but you also know you’ll have to resign yourself to popcorn and Mickey bars for 48 hours.

Not true, my friends! It is possible to snag some good, healthy(ish) theme park food on-the-go!

Here are some of my favorite spots to grab some delicious, FAST food that will keep you going strong throughout your park touring. And the best news is — most of this stuff is easy to eat while you’re walking, so you don’t even have to jockey for a table! Just order, pay, and head to the next ride — eat on the way!

Pork Egg Rolls in Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Yum! One of my favorite suggestions! Over in Anadapur Village in the park’s Asia section, you’ll find a great little counter-service restaurant right between Yak and Yeti Restaurant and Kali River Rapids.

Anadapur Local Cafe serves a rockin’ pork egg roll that’s out of this world. Best part? It’s finger food, so you can grab and go!

Starring Rolls Turkey Sandwich

Gourmet Sandwiches, Muffins, Fruit, and Trail Mix in Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
There’s a plethora of grab-and-go deliciousness in the studios, and you won’t have to sit down once!

Head over to Starring Rolls Cafe for a sandwich (including a great veggie option!) or a pastry, and if you get hungry again, hit Anaheim Produce on Sunset Boulevard for trail mix or apple slices with caramel dipping sauce. I promise you won’t hit a mid-day slump with these choices!

Bratwurst and Dessert in Epcot:
There’s really no excuse whatsoever for eating poorly in Epcot; it’s bursting with delicious and easy options for substantial grab-and-go food! I like to swing by Sommerfest in Epcot’s Germany pavilion for a Brat, then stop by Tangierine Cafe in Morocco for some delectable baklava.

Bratwurst from Sommerfest in Epcot

Now, if baklava isn’t your thing, keep walking a few paces and grab a crepe in France! All are easy-to-eat options that won’t weigh you down on your touring adventure.

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup or Hot Dogs at the Magic Kingdom:
Shocked that you could find such a wholesome option in a theme park? Don’t be!

Disney’s been working hard to make delicious, healthy options easier for you, so take advantage! At the Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square, you can get a nice-sized portion of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup — and the soup container is pretty portable, so it will be easy to eat while you’re waiting in line for the Haunted Mansion!

Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom

Of course, if soup isn’t enough to quell your hunger, head over to Casey’s Corner before the parade and get yourself a hot dog (hey, you’ve been healthy all day!).

One of my favorite traditions (with touring plan synergy!) is to get a hot dog and dine while saving my parade viewing spot on the curb. It’s a great opportunity to do a little people-watching and rest my feet while I’m still (technically) being productive!

What are your suggestions?
I’m looking forward to your favorite tips and tricks for eating on-the-go while you’re touring the parks in Disney World! Do us all a favor and share your ideas in the comments below — you never know when you can help a fellow Disney fan by giving a quick tip!

AJ Wolfe writes about Disney food, restaurants, news, info, and planning over at The Disney Food Blog!

Convenience + Quality: Food for “Ultimate Touring” Days is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

To me, dining at a restaurant with a beautiful view makes the meal taste just a bit better. Maybe it’s because I’ve lived so much of my life in snowy trundra and urban wastelands (where very few restaurants have wonderful views); or maybe I’ve just always been the type of eater who’s greatly influenced by surroundings like table location, smells, sounds, crowd level, etc.; but an incredible view from my table is something I’m willing to fight for.

So, whether you want to do some people-watching, see the Magic Kingdom fireworks or Illuminations from your table, spend your dinner spotting African wildlife, or just relax with a tranquil lookout, here are a few Disney World dining spots that I think afford incredible views:

California Grill Sunset

California Grill
The California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is probably my top suggestion when someone wants an outstanding restaurant view. From the top floor of the resort, the floor to ceiling windows offer amazing views of the whole of Walt Disney World — and the rest of Orlando. Watching the sun set behind the Grand Floridian Resort, or catching the nightly Magic Kingdom fireworks show from this location, will probably be one of your grandest memories from your vacation.

Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
Because this is one of the most well-known “good view” locations, it’s also one of the very crowded! Guests line up nightly to wait for Rose and Crown‘s outdoor patio tables where the view of Illuminations is one of the most spectacular in Epcot, but I also suggest booking a table for lunch. Sitting outside on the lovely patio, watching the boats glide back and forth over World Showcase Lagoon, and taking in the detail of the other pavilions within your view is a wonderful way to spend a mealtime.

View of Giraffe from Sanaa Table

Sanaa
Sanaa‘s casual, relaxed atmosphere and tucked-away location make it a wonderful place to detox after a hectic morning in the theme parks. But what I find enchanting about this place is that it’s the only Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort restaurant that actually has a view of the hotel’s main draw — the African animals on the savanna. Go for lunch or an early dinner to guarantee plenty of daylight, and request to be seated next to one of the restaurants large picture windows. Expect to see giraffe, zebras, Ankole cattle, African birds, and other incredible animals.

‘Ohana
Another one of the best views in Walt Disney World, ‘Ohana‘s wall-to-wall windows give guests a generous view of Seven Seas Lagoon, the Polynesian Resort grounds and Volcano pool, and the major landmarks of the Magic Kingdom. Book a spot here when the restaurant opens for dinner at 5pm to take in the relaxing late-afternoon and evening sunlight spilling over Seven Seas Lagoon, or make an advanced dining reservation just in time to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks and the Electrical Water Pageant!

The View From Tokyo Dining

Tokyo Dining
An excellent restaurant for sushi gourmands, Tokyo Dining also offers one of the best views in Epcot’s World Showcase. During the day, look out over the World Showcase promenade and amuse yourself with some wonderful people-watching; in the evening, schedule your meal in time to see Illuminations: Reflections of Earth explode over World Showcase Lagoon.

Honorable Mentions
Other great spots to enjoy the view, in my opinion of course, are Narcoosee’s, in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort; Cantina de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico — I imagine the new incarnation opening in the Fall will have some astounding views of the World Showcase Lagoon; and Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue, where you can enjoy a stunning view of Expedition Everest from the seating area.

What are your thoughts? Any additions to the list or experiences you can share about great views from Disney restaurants — and whether or not they make the meal better for you?

You can find more Disney Restaurant information from AJ Wolfe over at The Disney Food Blog.

Location, Location, Location: Does the View Make the Meal Better? is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

AJ Wolfe from the Disney Food Blog returns with information about a Disney attraction not advertised in the brochures!

Drinks Available at Ohana and Tambu Lounge

When people think about “alcohol + Disney World,” they usually have visions of drinking around the World in Epcot, fond memories of Pleasure Island, or thoughts of indulging in one of the delectable new menu offerings at the Mexico Pavilion’s La Cava del Tequila.

But the original way to have a grand evening of imbibing in Disney World was to visit one of Disney’s resort hotels around Seven Seas Lagoon. And if you’re going to visit one…why not visit them all? Thus, the birth of the Monorail Crawl — it’s a great way to resort hop, but still feel like you have…you know…a purpose!

Here’s How It’s Done
When taking part in the Monorail Crawl, participants can begin at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, or Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Have a drink at your starting point, then load up on the monorail and head to the next resort hotel. Pretty simple, eh?

Jazz Band Outside Mizner's Lounge

However you plan to spice up your Monorail Crawl, be sure to designate a driver or two.

Some Favorite Watering Holes to Consider
Mizner’s Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: This snazzy spot is the perfect place to begin your crawl. Relax in the lounge with a classic cocktail while you listen to some live jazz.

Outer Rim Lounge at Disney’s Contemporary Resort: This will take you from the Victorian decadence of the Grand Floridian into the George Jetson age! The Outer Rim Lounge offers deep, cushy chairs and an incredible, floor to ceiling view of Bay Lake and the Contemporary pool. If you hit it at the right time, you can even see the Contemporary’s movie on the beach from the Lounge! Click through images of the full menu here.

Outer Rim Lounge Bar

Remember, this activity can cost as little or as much as you’d like; you don’t need any theme park tickets, and you don’t even have to pay for parking!

Last Minute Suggestions
Here are a couple of suggestions that might make the Crawl even better:

• Schedule this excursion when you’re staying at a monorail resort. As fun as it is when staying elsewhere, it’s even better when you can just monorail it back to your resort and head to bed at the end of the evening.
• If you’re staying at another property, take a Disney bus or a shuttle to the starting point. You’ll be glad to not have to drive at the end.
• Bring friends! While a small party is fun, sharing the Crawl with a crowd can make it even more of a memory.

The Seven Seas Lagoon Monorail Crawl is a post from the TouringPlans.com Blog. Signup for a premium subscription today! Or get news via Email, Twitter, & Facebook.

The Disney Food Blog explores an analysis of costs and experience at the table-service restaurants in the Studios. If you’re a fan of Disney and food, come visit us over on the blog!

The question arose on a recent live WDWToday podcast about whether the restaurants at the Studios are some of the best values on property. I set out this past week to determine whether you can eat hearty, have fun, and save cash at the Studios, or whether you’re better off heading elsewhere in the World.

First, let’s define “value.” There are three components to a meal in Walt Disney World that can make it worth eating:

• Cost: is the menu a good deal for the money?
• Experience: can you get this type of theme or entertainment elsewhere?
• Food: is the grub any good?

Scoring high on any of these scales can make a restaurant worth the trip, but if a dining spot can land on top of more than one scale, it’s a winner in my book. Through this post we’ll look at where each DHS table-service dining location falls on these three scales and determine, overall, if the Studios restaurants are a good value.

Jo-Jo Currently Appears at Hollywood and Vine

Experience: Hollywood and Vine Restaurant is basically an art deco Denny’s with some Hollywood memorabilia on the walls. The architecture is no reason to visit. Characters here include Playhouse Disney favorites Leo and June from the Little Einsteins and Jo-Jo and Goliath from Jo-Jo’s Circus (characters are rumored to be changing soon — though the new folks are still Playhouse Disney mainstays), and if your kid is enthralled with Playhouse Disney, this restaurant gets experience points. However, if your kid is just as happy seeing — or would rather see — Mickey and friends or Pooh and friends, there is absolutely no reason to go to Hollywood and Vine.

Food: This is the only place where Hollywood and Vine scores highly. The food, actually, is quite good. We thoroughly enjoyed the selection of breads and pastries, the warm apple crumble and bread pudding that were out for breakfast, and the south-of-the-border flair of some of the hot dishes.

Overall: Go instead to Tusker House or Crystal Palace, which score highly on all three of our “is it worth it?” scales. However, if you’re already beholden to the Studios for the day, this is a decent meal that isn’t going to break the bank.

Dine in Mom's Kitchen at 50's Prime Time Cafe

Experience: The experience here is like none other in the World. You’re seated in a 1950′s kitchen, with vintage black-and-white TVs scrolling through clips of your favorite mid-century shows. But the best part of the experience is that your server — who happens to be playing the part of your cousin, Aunt, or Uncle — is always in character. Eating here means you’ve got to be ready for just about anything to happen, including standing in the corner for putting your elbows on the table or having the whole restaurant watch your husband perform “I’m a Little Teapot” because he didn’t eat all his vegetables. Hilarity ensues — even if you’re the target.

Food: The food here includes your favorite staples from your childhood — fried chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, and chicken pot pie — with a few new favorites, like a stuffed pepper and an olive-oil poached salmon, thrown in. In my experience, the food has been fine. Not spectacular, but worth the money. The fried chicken can’t be beat, and I always eat all of my green beans.

Overall: This place is a winner. While so many Disney restaurants are being outsourced to other management companies, you can tell that this restaurant came right off of the Disney drawing board. The good food and fun atmosphere is a combination you won’t find anywhere but here. It’s well worth a trip out of your way to the Studios.

Brass Derby at Hollywood Brown Derby

Experience: For those of you who enjoy Disney attention to detail when it comes to history and themeing, this restaurant will be perfect for you. From the caricatures on the wall, to the replicated art deco decor, to the tiny brass derby hat lampshades, you’ll feel as though you’ve walked into the golden age of Hollywood. Rich maroon booths wrap around white tablecloths, servers anticipate your needs, and you really do feel like a bit of a celebrity. Kids — unless yours are experts in design — won’t care about this place, and might even find it boring. Adults, though, should feel pampered.

Food: As is often the case with Disney’s signature restaurants, the food is exquisite. This is the kind of meal you savor. While we weren’t wild about the desserts (they’re often a bit too “pre-packaged” for us), we’ll be talking about the wonderful meal for a long time.

Overall: Book it. Go now. I’m ashamed to say that it took me as long as it did to try this restaurant. It’s absolutely worth the cost, and I would probably pay a bit more. The ambiance is lovely (though it can get loud and echo-y), and the service was good. This is worth a trip — or two — to the Studios. We’re lucky to have such a great spot available right in the middle of a theme park.

Ribs and Fries at Sci-Fi Dine-In

Experience: The imagineers have done it again. This place doesn’t just have themeing — it’s an attraction in itself. You sit in cars to eat. You’re underneath a starry sky. 1950′s carhops wait on you. You watch clips of black and white, mid-century monster and zombie movies while you eat. And that’s not all. When you wander out to the restrooms, check out the drive-in movie props, movie posters, and little Disney details lining the walls of the “studio.”

Food: The menu is short and standard: ribs, shrimp and pasta, burger, chili, milkshakes, etc. But they do have a tofu dish and a steak dish, at least. And the food isn’t bad at all. It’s not a five-star meal, but it’s not take-out, either. In fact, in my experience, the food here has gotten a lot better than it was about 4 years ago. Your kids will love it, and, my guess is, you won’t mind it either.

Overall: This is a solid restaurant, a good experience, and worth the trip. You won’t want to eat here every time you visit Disney World, but it’s a not-to-be-missed experience at least once. Based on cost and experience, it’s a true Disney dining gem.

Mama's Dining Room

Experience: The restaurant is tucked back into the Streets of America and Muppets sections of the Studios, so it can be hard to find. The overall experience isn’t outstanding; the theme is difficult to discern (read the blurb on your menu if you want to know what they’re going for), and there aren’t regular shows to keep you entertained. Mama’s has, however, begun to send Hollywood Studios streetmosphere characters around to the tables during meals, which gives a fun feel to the place. I watched one family interact with a Hollywood Director for quite a while, and he had trinkets and toys for the kids, which they loved.

Mama's Chicken Pipette

Overall: Meh. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but consider booking an ADR at Tony’s Town Square instead of Mama’s on your next trip. The food at Tony’s is bland, but the Lady and the Tramp themeing and potential of seeing a Magic Kingdom parade from your table will probably delight your family more than the indeterminate themeing and inconsistent food at Mama’s.

So ARE the Studios Restaurants a Good Value?
Overall, yes. They’re comparably if not lower-priced than similar restaurants in other parks, and the true-to-form themeing of the Studios comes through in its restaurants. Plus, you won’t find any horrible food here — everything’s at least decent, and I find most of it pretty good.

But what makes the Studios a great dining park is that it has a little bit of everything: character buffet; mid-priced, well-themed restaurants; and a high-end signature dining experience. Only Epcot offers as diverse a dining experience as the Studios — Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, as they’re lacking signature dining experiences, can’t compare.

Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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