Episode 110: Visiting Walt Disney World with Life Threatening Food Allergies

April 25, 2015May 20, 2016

Deprecated: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls in /home/mouseq5/public_html/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/powerpress.php on line 3491

Restaurant Review – Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room

February 17, 2015January 6, 2017

Written by Sue Nowicki

LOCATION: Epcot – World Showcase – United Kingdom Pavilion
THEME: British Isle Pub

Have you ever just wanted to take a load off and relax along the banks of the World Showcase Lagoon after a long day in Epcot enjoying a Guinness and some Fish & Chips? Well then I have a great place for you: The Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot.

The Rose & Crown is one of the restaurants my family MUST DO every time we visit Walt Disney World. Not only do we like the rustic ambiance, we enjoy the food and fantastic cast members.

Our love for the Rose & Crown started when my daughter was 5-years-old. We were at Disney for the first day of the land portion of our Land/Sea Disney Cruise Line vacation. I had heard great reviews of the Rose & Crown, especially about the view of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Therefore, we thought this would be a great way to start our vacation.

Approximately half way through dinner our waitress came over to inform us that Illuminations was in jeopardy of being cancelled. Needless to say, we were quite disappointed because we had been able to secure a table on the patio with a perfect view of the fireworks. Our waitress proceeded to tell us the cancellation was due to Mickey Mouse being stuck in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It was then that my husband and I knew something MAGICAL was about to happen. After explaining the issue, she turned to my daughter and asked if she would be able to step in and start the show. A few minutes later my daughter was standing on a pedestal with a ‘magic’ wand in hand. The waitress told her to think magical thoughts and wave the wand when suddenly a single firework shot out from behind us. Pal Mickey (remember him?) was jiggling with glee because we were, without a doubt, having a MAGIC moment.

While the Rose & Crown is known for its great view of Illuminations. There are really only 10 or so tables with this coveted view. These tables are located on the bottom level of the patio. But don’t fret, if you are seated on the upper level or even inside the restaurant, there is a super-secret area just to the left of the restaurant reserved only for Rose & Crown guests to view the show. If you would like to view the show from this area, simply ask your server to take you to this area when the time nears, even if that’s in the middle of your meal.

But wait! There’s more to the Rose & Crown than the Illuminations view, there is also the delicious food and authentic drinks. Do you have a favorite food from the British Isles? If so, it’s likely on the menu. Whether it’s Fish & Chips, Shepard’s Pie, Bangers & Mash or even a Scotch Egg, you will find an authentic and delicious version here. I have found one of the best culinary features of this restaurant is that it is great for kids of any age. If you have a finicky eater, like I do, there is plenty for them to eat without stepping too far out of their comfort zone.

Let’s not forget some of the most famous beers in the world are brewed in the United Kingdom such Guinness, Harps, Bass and Boddingtons. Want to try something light while still getting a taste of the UK? Try a Shandy. It’s ½ Sprite and ½ Harps. YUM!

When it comes to the Cast Members, the Rose & Crown’s are the best. They are knowledgeable, friendly and best of all: you get to listen to their accents. On our last trip we met a lovely Cast Member from Scotland names Aimee. She was a joy from start to finish when she left the girls a special note on our bill that summed up our entire vacation:

“Remember, you don’t always need a wand to create magic.”

Sue Nowicki splits her time between planning her next Walt Disney World vacation and being team mom to ten high-energy volleyball players where she fills the roles of secretary, navigator, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist. You can follow her on Twitter @JazzinDisneyMom.

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – The Way Life Should Be

December 16, 2014January 9, 2017

Princesses, Princesses Everywhere

December 2, 2014May 25, 2016

Written by: Sue Nowicki

It was recently announced that Cinderella’s Royal Table will be closed for refurbishment starting on January 5, 2015 through March 6, 2015. However, your little princesses needn’t be disheartened. There are still several options for them to dine with their favorite royalty.

The best alternative to Cinderella’s Royal Table, in my opinion, is the Princess Storybook Breakfast at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion of the World Showcase in Epcot. Your royal guests can include Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Snow White, Aurora, Mulan, Cinderella and/or Mary Poppins. The breakfast offers scrambled eggs, cheesy potatoes, bacon and sausage served family-style as well as a cold buffet which features cold fish, cheese, fruit, cream cheese and pastries.

After the announcement of Cinderella’s Royal Table’s refurbishment, Walt Disney World also announced a temporary princess dining experience at Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. This experience will be similar to the Cinderella’s Royal Table in its attending princesses and food choices. If you would like to make an Advanced Dining Reservation for this temporary dining experience, Annual Pass Holders and members of Disney Vacation Club can begin making reservation on December 3, 2014. All other guests can begin making their reservations on December 4, 2014.

Another character dining experience which occasionally features a princess or two is also located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. 1900 Park Fare is a short monorail ride from the Magic Kingdom. Characters such as Winnie The Pooh, Mary Poppins, the Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland and Tigger will greet your little ones as they dine on traditional breakfast fare including fruits, breads, muffins, pastries, breakfast meats, eggs and the infamous Mickey Waffles. Also included on the buffet are food unique to this restaurant such as Lobster Benedict, made-to-order omelets and Strawberry Soup.

All of the above character dining experiences can be booked online or by calling (407) 939-DINE (3463).

If you are looking for other fun experiences where your little one doesn’t simply meet the princesses… she is the princess, check out the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique located at the Magic Kingdom and Downtown Disney as well as My Disney Girls Perfectly Princess Tea Party.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a beauty salon for little princesses where their Fairy Godmother-In-Training will give them a magical makeover. With options such as hairstyling, make-up, nail polish and clothing there is something for every taste and style. If your princess-to-be would like to have a makeover I would suggest making a reservation by calling (407) 939-STYLE (7895).

My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party takes place in the Garden Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. While there are appearances by a Disney princess or two, this is all about your little princess enjoying high tea in high style. The tea party also can include an appearance from a Disney Princess, typically Aurora. To make a reservation for the tea party called (407) WDW-MYTEA (6983).

Any of these experiences are sure to please even the pickiest of princesses. Which one is your favorite? Tweet us at @MQPodcast with your fav.