Morimoto Asia is now offering a summer bonus program where guests can receive a $20 bonus card for every $100 gift card they purchase at the restaurant. This offer is valid now through June 30th, 2016.
As work continues at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is so much more happening than just the construction of two new themed lands. There’s plenty of other changes happening around the park, and since it’s hard to see what’s happening way back in the demolition zone currently, this is where we will turn our focus in our latest video update:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkM5MgwWIYk]
Hopefully you have already read our extensive dinner review of STK Orlando before you delve into this one, but STK quietly began offering a lunch service on June 1st so we decided to see if lunch was near as good as the (what I thought was great, albeit expensive) dinner offerings.
First off, a lot of items carry over from dinner, which I don’t think is necessarily a bad thing. If you read my dinner review, I thought it was very good and seemed to be priced on par with similar steakhouses in the area. That being said, lunch adds just a few different plates to the mix: 4 burgers/sandwiches and 4 lunch entrees, which are smaller versions of dinner entrees.
I had the STK Wagyu Beef Burger, which I was assured was essentially a larger version of the Lil’ BRGs offered as an appetizer. While the hamburger quality was certainly as good, I was not a big fan of the topping choices. The bun had great flavor, but the blue cheese and cherry peppers just didn’t work well together (of course the bacon was fine). I opted for the french fires as a side, which was my favorite part of my meal. I’m not sure if they just ran down to McDonald’s to get these, but they tasted just like their french fries. Seriously, they taste just like those you would find at McDonald’s, but expensive I guess…
The Grilled Chicken Club was a disaster. The bread in no way held the sandwich together, ti just absorbed all of the juices and then proceeded to implode upon itself.
The few bites we had of the sandwich together were good, but it was just too big of a mess to enjoy.
Josh ordered the Crispy Mahi Mahi sandwich, which overall was everyone’s favorite. This was just about perfect: the bun, the sauce, and the perfectly cooked fish just made for a really pleasant taste. I would seriously come back for this, but I would skip the side salad I think as it was rather plain. Yes, I would get the McDonald’s french fries instead…
Since we only had three of the lunch entrees, I won’t tell you that lunch at STK Orlando isn’t worth your time. If you refer to the dinner review, there are plenty of items carrying over to lunch that I would highly recommend (along with the Mahi Mahi sandwich), so the question really becomes when is the best time to dine here. The atmosphere for Lunch is fairly quiet, so if you are afraid of the slightest chance of loud music, I would go during the restaurant’s lunch hours. If you would rather dress up a little and get more of a dinner experience for your money, I would stick with dinner. Otherwise, I still highly recommend STK Orlando, I just wouldn’t recommend many of the lunch specific options.
There is a lot going on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios these days, so let’s take a look at what’s new and exciting in our very latest photo report:
Welcome to Hollywood
Trolley Car Cafe now offers two unique lunch sandwiches
Work continues on the two fairly un-themed towers for the new Star Wars fireworks show
Billboard for Finding Dory up behind the Great Movie Ride
Displays for now-cancelled ABC shows still up in the ABC Commissary
Writer’s Stop now has this sign outside to attempt to draw more guests in
There are scrims up in the Muppetvision exit so guests can’t peek at the demolition nearby
Lots of ads for The Muppets still up
Oasis Canteen added a kid’s meal and a Mickey Brownie to the menu, check out our review to see what we thought of the nuggets…
Finding Dory window display at Mickey’s of Hollywood
A Finding Dory phone case available
The projectors for the new Star Wars fireworks have been installed
Meanwhile, the old speaker towers are being covered to match the surrounding buildings
Echo Lake Eats opened recently
This contains three food booths to help with the overwhelmed counter service establishments at the park
Heading back to Oasis Canteen, we had to try the Mickey brownie
It’s pretty cute…
It was as pretty as it was terrible unfortunately, very dry and no flavor, certainly not anything that resembled a brownie at least…
Still not much to see by the exit of the new Toy Story Midway Mania track
Even though the area was cleaned out, the Tower of Terror bar idea has been shelved for now
A new mug for sale at 5 & 10
Pins have moved into The Darkroom for some reason, just open edition though
Celebrity Spotlight finally got some permanent signage
Work continues on Pizza Rizzo, the replacement for Pizza Planet
Inside Muppetvision 3-D, a few new interactive elements await activation
Another look at Pizza Rizzo
Red Carpet Dreams also received new signage as well
There are signs between the two meet and greets as well
Instead of holding stroller parking for Mickey and Minnie back here, Chip and Dale have found a home here instead
The speaker tower on Mickey Avenue is covered as well
At the end of PIXAR Place, a merchandise cart and Churro cart have taken up residence where the new Toy Story Mania track exits
Limited release Star Wars phone cases and MagicBands for sale, only at Star Wars Launch Bay
The thrid track at Toy Story Mania is helping, just 55 minutes at 2:00PM on a weekend
Honestly, the wait was probably even shorter than 55 minutes
Starting tomorrow, reservations can be made for a three-course lunch at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant which will include reserved viewing for the Main Street Electrical Parade, right in front of the flagpole on Main Street U.S.A.
The dining package includes your choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and a beverage.
Cost is $45 for adults, $17 for children plus tax and gratuity, or is one table-service entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan. Reservations open June 7, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or calling 407-WDW-Dine.
Starting today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests can share a warm hug with Olaf from Disney’s Frozen…
Entering on the Echo Lake side, guests can head to Celebrity Spotlight to meet Olaf from Frozen. The new experience features the lovable snow man with a fun summer backdrop. According to Disney, the character meeting in this location will rotate every few months, but there has been no word on how long Olaf will be featured here.
The location (situated between the Star Tours area restrooms and the Star Wars: Path of the Jedi film) does not offer FastPass+, so you’ll probably want to get here early to meet Olaf if desired. Adjacent meet and greet experiences for Mickey and Minnie Mouse are expected to open very soon, but those experiences will enter through a separate queue on Commissary lane.
PHOTOS BY DIRK WALLEN
A new Mickey and Minnie meet and greet experience is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: “Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams”.
Here, you’ll discover Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, living the dream as A-list Hollywood stars. Walk the red carpet and step right into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. Next, join Mickey in a scene from “Fantasia,” where he’s portraying his iconic role of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
“Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams” makes its debut on Sunday, May 8.
All tickets go on sale tomorrow, 5/5/16:
MICKEY’S NOT-SO-SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY 2016
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 25 – $72.00 plus tax age 10+, $67.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $79.00/$74 same-day
September 29, 30 – $79.00 plus tax age 10+, $74.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $88/$83.00 same-day
October 2, 6 – $86.00 plus tax age 10+, $81.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $95.00/$90 same-day
October 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 – $91.00 plus tax age 10+, $86.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $95.00/$90 same-day
September 23 – $85.00 plus tax age 10+, $80.00 plus tax age 3-9
October 7, 14, 21, 28, 30 – $95.00 plus tax age 10+, $90.00 plus tax age 3-9
October 31– $105.00 plus tax age 10+, $100.00 plus tax age 3-9
Passholder Rates available 9/2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 23, 25, 29, 30; 10/2, 6 – Rates are $67-80 (depends on night) plus tax. Disney Vacation Club members also have discounts on additional nights (including all dates APs already get) 10/4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, & 20 ranging between $62-83.
MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY 2016
November 10, 13 – $86.00 plus tax age 10+, $81.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $91.00/$86 same-day
November 18, 27, 29, December 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 – $92.00 plus tax age 10+, $87.00 plus tax age 3-9 in advance, $96/$91.00 same-day
November 7, 8, 11, 15, December 1 – $91.00 plus tax age 10+, $86.00 plus tax age 3-9
December 9, 15 – $96.00 plus tax age 10+, $91.00 plus tax age 3-9
December 16, 18, 22 – $99.00 plus tax age 10+, $94.00 plus tax age 3-9
Passholder Rates available 11/7, 8, 11, 15; 12/1, 11, & 13 – Rates are $74-$84 plus tax depending on night. DVC members also have discounts on additional nights (including all dates APs are entitled to) 11/10, 13, 18, 27, 29, & 12/6 ranging between $74-89 plus tax.
Disney is offering a special add-on dessert party at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in 2016.
On select evenings from Friday, September 2 through Monday, October 31, you can enjoy Mickey’s “Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade from a special reserved Main Street, U.S.A. location. This is followed by a private dessert party with views of the Happy HalloWishes fireworks bursting above Cinderella Castle.
At a table draped in black tablecloth with a flickering jack-o’-lantern, dine on Halloween-themed cupcakes and desserts prepared that same day by the pastry chef, with a bountiful buffet of sweet treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, cheeses and fresh, seasonal fruits. There is also sparkling cider, signature lemonades, specialty Halloween drinks, hot chocolate, coffee or tea.
The Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package costs $69 for adults or $39 for children (ages 3 to 9), plus tax. A separate Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket is also required and is not included in the price of the package.
The package will be available on the following dates:
September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29 and 30
October 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30 and 31
Call (407) 939-3463 to reserve your premium package or book online.
“Celebrate the Season” has been entertaining guests for as long as I can remember at Walt Disney World. The show actually began at Top of the World at the Contemporary before moving to the Magic Kingdom for the Christmas season in the early 1990’s. Disney today announced the retirement of the show and a brand new show debuting at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2016:
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration
Feel holiday magic come alive in a jubilant new stage show that fills the air with music, laughter and shimmering snowflakes!
It’s just days before Christmas and all through this house, excitement is stirring thanks to Mickey Mouse.
Mickey is thrilled that the holidays are here, and he knows the only way to make this season more special, is to share it with friends. So he’s throwing a Most Merriest Celebration and inviting lots of Disney pals—and you—to join the festive fun!
Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto are dropping by dressed in their Christmas best. Peter Pan is flying in from Never Land, Alice and the White Rabbit are hurrying over from Wonderland and Woody and Jessie from Toy Storyare galloping in for this holiday ho ho hoedown. Plus, Snow White and Dopey, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket and many more surprise guests will be stopping by.
This joyous performance is the perfect yuletide treat to share with your family. You’ll hear favorite Characters ring and sing in the holidays with carols old and new—more than a dozen delightful songs in all! You’ll witness the splendor of Cinderella Castle—aglow with enchanting and ever-changing holiday illuminations. And you’ll feel the warmth and wonder of the season as this unforgettable performance is Christmas-wrapped up in one sensational, snowy, show-stopping finale.
Here’s a video from the final season of “Celebrate the Season” for you to enjoy:
