The Living Seas name may have gone away 10 years ago, but it lives on in a secluded space inside of the Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion at Epcot. Through a set of nondescript doors near the entrance to the Coral Reef Restaurant, lies the passageway to an exclusive lounge, now only open to private events.
The Living Seas private lounge
The lounge, like many others, was incorporated into the design of the original pavilion to host the sponsor company of the pavilion, which is 1986 was United Technologies.
The Living Seas private lounge
The lounge offers grand views into the main aquarium, possibly my favorite views of the tank I have ever experienced, but the views of the old ride tunnels and the large observation area ccross the way might have something to do with that.
The Living Seas private lounge
The interior of the lounge itself doesn’t scream “The Living Seas” to me, but it is a pleasant atmosphere regardless thanks to the big open windows into the tank.
The Living Seas private lounge
You can see the original windows from the old ride clearly from here. These were of course covered when the ride was converted into the Seas with Nemo and Friends in 2006.
The Living Seas private lounge
The Living Seas private lounge
The clear piano is likely the most memorable piece inside of the lounge, often the subject matter of most guest pictures from inside of the space. The other options are strange metal fish, so this wasn’t much of a competition.
We also have a quick video tour of the space:
I don’t know about you, but this is one of my favorite private event spaces in all of Walt Disney World. If you get the chance to rent this space or attend an event here, do it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go listen to the old Seabase Alpha music loop on repeat…
Over the last nine years, we have certainly made a name for ourselves at WDWNT.com by taking photos and video as often as possible of ongoing construction projects around the Walt Disney World Resort. In that time, I don’t recall ever being asked not to take pictures or video of such a sight. That being said, I’ve seen photographers from other websites asked to get down off of trash cans or nearby planters, but in fairness, those are things that violate park safety guidelines.
At this point in time, we have received several reports of guests being asked not to photograph or video record the Pandora: The World of AVATAR construction site from inside the front gates of Animal Kingdom. I myself have been asked twice to stop recording, but after asking why, the case was typically dropped by the cast member who clearly didn’t want to have a discussion about it.
The location in question where guests are being asked not to take pictures or video
Why is this happening? Well, a meeting was held with front gate cast members at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park just a few weeks ago where they were instructed to ask guests to not photograph or video record in the direction of the AVATAR site when entering through the Rainforest Cafe entrance to the park. The cast members were not given a direct reason for this.
Other cast members at the park were not given such instructions, so don’t be surprised if no one says a word to you if you are taking pictures by the construction walls next door to Tiffins and Nomad Lounge on Discovery Island.
Other locations don’t seem to care as much if guests are taking photos or not
Most believe this is an attempt by Disney to curtail the continuing narrative that the project is taking too long to complete. Some believe the reason is that there may be something Disney doesn’t want the public to see, or perhaps it is just a mandate by James Cameron, creator of the AVATAR franchise. If this was the case, I’m not sure why a slightly taller wall wouldn’t be installed. I also can’t imagine why WDWNT.com would have not been contacted regarding our aerial footage and pictures of the site just a few days ago.
Whatever the reason is, don’t be surprised if you hear a polite throat clearing behind you the next time you try to take a picture or video of Pandora: The World of AVATAR, still scheduled to open sometime in 2017.
Introduced in May, Street Food is the counter service component of the Morimoto Asia restaurant located The Landing at Disney Springs. Recently, the location introduced a line-up of daily specials that rotate day-to-day in and out of the menu. To celebrate the changes, we were invited to a small media event to try some of the items.
Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu
Morimoto Asia Street Food Menu
A number of the menu items were put on display for pictures.
New Daily Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia – Street Food
Specials Menu at Morimoto Asia Street Food
While they rotate through different special items on a daily basis, we decided to try two of these new specials to see how they are (and because we’ve had most of the regular menu at this point).
Specials at Morimoto Asia Street Food
Singapore Slush ($8)
Singapore Slush ($8)
A lemonade with lime vodka, the Singapore Slush is a unique and refreshing offering. This is a great drink for a particularly hot day in Central Florida (which it was), with none of the flavors really overpowering the others. A well-mixed concoction that you may not even realize is alcoholic until after you finish it, if you know what I mean.
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)
The sliders are a real stand out from the other specials. People love sliders; maybe it’s the cute size or maybe they just seem trendy, but these will probably be the most popular item off of the specials menu.
Menchi Katsu Sliders ($12)
An award winning recipe of Chef Morimoto’s, they are unique from the ones offered in the Forbidden Lounge (review to come). They had a really good, unique flavor to them that I really enjoyed. The crunchy exterior on the burger makes them a strange, yet satisfying take on the slider.
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
The spicy pork pho ga was my second choice, simply because I like spicy. That being said, this wasn’t particularly spicy, but it did pack in a really nice flavor over the large tub of noodles. This is an ungodly huge portion and probably can easily be shared between two people.
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
The noodles were tender and the broth added a somewhat spicy, yet pleasant pork flavor tinge to every bite.
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
Spicy Pork Pho Ga ($12)
Overall
I thought both specials were great. Street Food has a really strong menu, and other than me not enjoying the octopus, I have felt like every other dish I have eaten here is one I would order again. Morimoto Street Food is a solid counter service option worth exploring at Disney Spring son your next visit.
UPDATE: While no official word has been made as of yet, it does appear that Rohde and Fitzgerald may have not been among those let go in the massive layoffs. Once the dust actually settles on the WDI restructuring, we will provide you with more information.
Please keep in mind that WDWNT takes great strides to be among the first to bring you information as we hear it, so when a post says “RUMOR”, it should be taken as such. We are plugged into the fan community all-day, everyday to find the best information, and from time to time, a news tip from a reliable source may not end up being what is true. In the end, unless we confirm a story, or the Walt Disney Company has, we are trying our best to relay information to you and keep you “in the know”. I apologize to anyone who may have been offended by or takes exception to us running this story.
While normal following the completion of large projects from Walt Disney Imagineering, rumors suggest that over 200 Imagineers were let go in layoffs this week as part of a division-wide reorganization. With the completion of Shanghai Disneyland the design phase for upcoming large projects such as the Star Wars themed land, Disney Parks and Resorts would have no need for so many Imagineers to fill out a more limited list of projects. Apparently, some of the higher level layoffs were voluntary, but some of the bigger names in the WDI repertoire may be exiting when the dust has settled. Among the names rumored for exit are Tom Fitzgerald and Joe Rohde, two of the most prolific Imagineers of the last 30 years.
Rohde was instrumental in the creation of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Aulani, and the upcoming Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Rohde was most recently put in charge of Marvel projects and is heading up Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout for Disney California Adventure. Joe’s resume most notably includes work on Captain EO, Epcot’s Mexico pavilion, Maelstrom, Disneyland’s New Fantasyland, the Adventurer’s Club, and Expedition Everest, just to name a few. His exit from the company will not be immediate as he will complete the AVATAR project before what should be an earlier-than-expected retirement.
As always with rumors, they are not official in any way until confirmed, and it is possible that Rohde and Fitzgerald are not involved in the layoffs.
Whenever Disney has closed a restaurant for remodeling, you can typically expect it to return with some of the menu offerings and other elements that were once loved about it. In the case of the Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk, they did neither. Despite Disney promising that the once-famous snapper dish would return with the restaurant, it did not. So, does the Flying Fish improve despite not really retaining any of the items that guests visited for? Let’s find out…
The G was burnt out and ruined my pictures and I don’t want to talk about it…
First off, the interior could not be any more different. Gone is the gaudy style of the previous Cafe that hardly evoked the feel of a signature restaurant, replaced with an elegant interior filled with subtle nods to the Flying Fish and boardwalk amusements. The hand blown glass fish swimming above the restaurant are one of the most striking design elements I have ever seen and is quite breathtaking.
Despite the AbracadaBar opening next door, there is also a bar inside of the restaurant.
We also have a short video tour of the restaurant to share, including a look at the private dining room courtesy of the manager at the restaurant:
Quite frankly, my one previous experience at the Flying Fish Cafe wasn’t anything special. The infamous snapper dish was fine, but not worth the hype it had been given in my opinion. We had some good appetizers and drinks, but nothing that made me feel like I would need to come back until there was a drastic menu change. Those changes did indeed come with the remodel…
Before you even have a chance to say it, let me beat you to it: it is really, really expensive. Yes, this is a signature restaurant, and yes, it isn’t necessarily one of the first ones that comes to mind when you think signature dining at Walt Disney World. I will say I was a bit skeptical when I opened the menu, but I was willing to try it and see if anything was worth the price on the paper.
There is a vegetarian menu available, despite claims that the restaurant had no vegetarian options… Josh…
The kid’s menu looked pretty solid…
Pacific Island Punch ($10.75) – This reminded me a lot of the Leaping Lizard drink from Nomad Lounge, only less juice flavor and more alcohol. It was good, not great. I like sweet drinks and based on the description I expected this to be sweeter.
Blood Orange Margarita (10.75) – Nothing out of the usual, but a tasty take on the blood orange margarita if you typically enjoy such drinks.
Maple Bacon Peach Manhattan ($10.75) – Smoky and unique, this was highlight of our meal. I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted anything quite like this. The peach taste isn’t strong, but the bacon sure is and that’s a good thing.
The bread offered was pretty unique, a combination of seaweed and sesame seeds in a wheat bread, fitting the location and theme of the establishments. We ate two baskets, so I guess we liked it…
Blue Crab Bisque ($15) – My favorite dish of the night, this soup not only had great flavor, but there was a TON of crab in it. Likely the most crab I’ve ever had in a soup, so definitely worth the price on the menu. The aged Sherry dropped in table side was also a nice touch.
Corn-Encrusted Wild Gulf Shrimp ($16) – Not the largest portion for $16, but good flavor from the corn breading. If you like shrimp, you will likely enjoy these, but likely not be the best appetizer on the menu.
Kurobuta Pork Belly ($15) – Absolutely fantastic. So tender and the sauce accompaniment was heavenly.
Crispy Feta Dumplings ($32) – We decided to try one of the vegetarian options to see if they were worth the hefty price tag. This was good, but in no way can be a value at $32. Now, none of us are vegetarians, but I imagine in a world without meat that this is still overpriced, while still being rather tasty. Overall, it felt like it was an appetizer priced as an entree.
Wagyu Filet Mignon ($55) – Possibly the best steak at Walt Disney World, defying any and all logic since this is a seafood restaurant. Prepared medium rare as the chef suggested, the inside was so tender and flavorful, accompanied by the sauce underneath which added the perfect flavoring. Again, I’m not joking, this was THE best steak at Walt Disney World, topping Jiko and Tiffins in my book.
Maine Lobster Nero Pasta ($64) – This was expensive, but I feel like it lived up to the price point. There was a lot of lobster in here, and the pasta over giolden tomato sauce was pretty much near perfection.
Alright, let’s move on to dessert:
Boardwalk Cafe ($7.75) – A solid caramel coffee offering, but still one of the better specialty coffee drinks around WDW.
Chocolate Martini ($10.25) – Chilled, very sweet, and rather enjoyable. If you like chocolate martinis, this is a viable option and a nice take on it.
Peanut Butter Freeze ($10.25) – I know it is a drink, but likely one of my favorite desserts in all of the resort. A very sweet peanut butter and chocolate flavor which basically tastes like a frozen (alcoholic) peanut butter cup milkshake.
Under the Sea ($12) – Just OK, very reminiscent of a similar offering at Tiffins. I would skip this for a Peanut Butter Freeze next time…
Cherry, Peaches, and Sea Shells ($9) – Again, this was fine for cheesecake with fruit, but nothing to write home about. A good option if you want something light, but there’s always Ample Hills Creamery just a few steps away if you really aren’t too excited about anything here. Did I mention the Peanut Butter Freeze?
Overall, I was beyond impressed by Flying Fish. My previous experience with the restaurant was surpassed tenfold, in both the interior design of the restaurant, and the overall quality of the food and beverage. This is one of the best re-imaginings of any restaurant at Walt Disney World, completely changing what it was and was perceived as before and making it something entirely new.
It is expensive, in fact, it is one of the most expensive restaurants in all of Orlando, but the quality is there. I feel the prices will hurt the restaurant in the present, just because the Flying Fish name doesn’t mean a whole lo to many people based on it’s previous lackluster run. However, if the quality remains as it is now (maybe with a slightly revamped dessert menu), I think good word of mouth will spread and those looking for a fine dining experience at Walt Disney World will find their way here. Flying Fish is an expensive signature restaurant, but if you are going to spend the money, this is probably one of the places you will want to do it.
Guests with the Table in Wonderland dining discount card were informed today that 4 new restaurants are now offering the 20% discount to cardholders. The new restaurants are:
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar
Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen
Nomad Lounge
Tiffins
The discounts are valid starting today, August 5th, 2016.
Don’t worry, the performer was fine following the incident. It does make one wonder if the ever-lawsuit conscious Disney Company will now make any modifications to the steamboat in the finale of the show, or worse. Only time will tell…
Disney has been quite vocal about the addition of the Taste of Tiffins lunch options at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park as of late. The new table service offering has had a really hard time drawing people in, based on both the location and the depressing outcome of the nighttime offerings this summer at the park. These lunch offerings and the addition of the restaurant and its Nomad Lounge to Table in Wonderland discounts are a desperate plea by Disney to persuade guests to eat at the only signature dining experience at Animal Kingdom. Personally, I love Tiffins, and it is typically the reason I even go to the park as of late, so I was pretty ecstatic to try the new lunch menu.
Tiffins at Animal Kingdom – Lunch Menu
Taste of Tiffins is the star of the lunch menu, but some of the appetizers from the main menu get featured here as well. The full menu is available during lunch as well.
APPETIZERS
Complimentary bread at Tiffins
Complimentary Bread
One of the three breads that arrives with the $10 Bread Service is delivered to each table complimentary. The Pomegranate Olive Oil is a departure from the bread accompaniments elsewhere on property, and certainly an acquired taste you’ll want to sample before spreading.
Selection of Artisanal Cheeses
Selection of Artisanal Cheeses ($12)
The only new appetizer is a selection of cheeses which I found enjoyable. Certainly a better value than most offerings at the neighboring Nomad Lounge.
The Taste of Tiffins ($28.00)
Choose two from the list and includes a side of Jade Blend Rice. Two of us ordered this, so what you will see below are the 72-Hour Beef Shortrib, Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken, Crispy Yellow tail Snapper, and the Chilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad. For a review of the full-size entree version of these dishes, please refer to my first review of Tiffins.
Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken at Tiffins
72-Hour Beef Shortrib
The shortrib is still one of my favorite steak dishes anywhere, but the cut we had at Flying Fish was somehow better…
Side of Jade Blend Rice
The rice was a unique blend and I felt it is a nice choice no matter what two entrees you pick for your Taste of Tiffins meal.
Chilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad
Bean Thread Noodles, Vegetables, and Ponzu was an interesting ix, a nice chilled dish to battle the Florida heat with. The noodles did a good job absorbing the flavor from the rest of the dish.
Crispy Yellow tail Snapper
The portion sizes were good. Those two small plates plus the side of rice should be more than enough to fill-up anyone, and if not there is certainly an appetizer or dessert or two I might recommend you follow this up with.
Szechuan Green Beans ($5)
These were crunchy, flavorful, and plentiful. A really good value for $5, this might be my favorite vegetable side item at the Walt Disney World Resort.
OVERALL
In review, Tiffins is everything this park needed in a table service restaurant. The addition of a signature restaurant to the existing line-up was much needed (although I’m hoping for a lower-end table service addition to the park in Pandora next year). I appreciate that the theme and menu were not regurgitated from Jiko, and also that we truly have the first restaurant ever designed for designers. Who would have ever thought we would get a restaurant about Imagineers designing a theme park?
The menu has some really top notch offerings you really can’t find anywhere else (a few could use some work of course) and the drink menu might be the best from top to bottom of any location on property. Same as Skipper Canteen, I’m proud of Disney for letting the chefs create a menu like this for theme park consumption, and I feel like Tiffins will succeed where Skipper Canteen couldn’t being located in the Magic Kingdom.
As far as pricing, it is a signature restaurant, so the prices are as you expect. That being said, I felt like the prices here were slightly more reasonable than Brown Derby (which I would most closely equate as the only signature in a park of limited options). Of course, I always feel like Brown Derby is worth the price, but I think Tiffins boasts a stronger menu…
That was my review of Tiffins dinner, and lunch is no different. The Taste of Tiffins is a phenomenal, and more affordable way to try many of the main dishes offered here. The addition of the Tables in Wonderland 20% discount is another nice addition, overall I feel that it makes Tiffins an even better option than it already was for those looking for good food at Animal Kingdom. The portions for a $28 signature restaurant offering are great, and there isn’t much on the menu that I don’t think that you will enjoy.
Changes continue in Tomorrowland, a store is getting merchandise themed to the store, and Monorails are on socks in our latest photo report from the Magic Kingdom…
I bought the monorail socks…
Painting continues on the rock-work in the front of Tomorrowland
If you head back into the Stitch extended queue, you can see that the back of the rocks have been primed already
The device holding signs for various businesses in Tomorrowland was removed, likely because all of the pavement at the entrance is about to be ripped up
Tarps are still up at the Haunted Mansion
Memento Mori has some new merchandise on sale inspired by the store itself, including this wood sign for $125.00
This weird stretching room dress was released recently
New tank top inspired by wallpaper in Memento Mori
New hitchhiking ghost pin
There is also a new bronze coin featuring Madame Leota for $25.00
Over at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Capt. Cooke’s has a new menu (which I sadly haven’t had time to try yet)
Chairs are back and the beaches are now open around most Walt Disney World resort hotels
Two cast members from Casey’s were out and about selling hot dogs before the Electrical Parade, which I thought was pretty ingenious…
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