Showing posts with label Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. Show all posts
Review: Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White
The newest Character Dining Experience at the Walt Disney World Resort is called Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White. This is a re-imagining of the previous Signature Dining restaurant Artist Point that is located within Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort. As the name implies the meal is themed around the story of Snow White with a chance to meet Snow White, Dopey, Grumpy, and even the Evil Queen.
The best way to report on a restaurant is to go there and experience it for yourself, which is exactly what we did recently to see how this Character Dining experience stacks up again the others that you can find at the Walt Disney World Resort. This newly added meal just started during the month of December and our visit was within the first 3 weeks of operation.
The Dining Review in 3 Parts
Since this is a Disney Character Dining meal let's break the review into 3 distinct parts:- Character Interaction
- Restaurant Presentation and Theming
- The FOOD and Beverages!
Character Interaction
During the meal there are 3 forms of character interaction that you will find: Characters coming to your table to meet you, whole restaurant character entertainment, special photo opportunity with specific characters with backdrop.
During your meal Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey will individually come to your table. Snow White was very friendly and carried on a conversation with us. Dopey and Grumpy did not talk,but they were extremely expressive and provided a fun interaction and photo opportunities. If you are a fan then this is a rare opportunity at Disney World and definitely a fun experience. These 3 interactions were the highlight of the meal. Very well done!
The broad-based character entertainment involved music and inviting those celebrating a birthday to come dance with the dwarves. This was fun, but very short and the tables on the perimeter of the restaurant (where we were seated) did not have a good view of the happenings. For those of you used to the music during meals at Chef Mickey's this did not impress as much.
The last character interaction was to meet the Evil Queen and get your picture taken against a special backdrop The queen did talk to each group and stayed true to character during her conversations. This provided a great photo opportunity that is hard to get. The only downside was that the timing for getting your picture with the queen did not appear to be well organized.
Restaurant Presentation & Theming
The make-over to transition from the original Artist Point to the woods that Snow White calls home fortunately was an easy one. There were additional trees incorporated into the restaurant decor that blended well with the original Arts & Crafts themed decor. Overall a nicely themed area.
One of the drawbacks was the table arrangements. The tables at the extreme ends and the perimeter definitely were at a disadvantage compared to the ones in the middle. Having been seated at the extreme end, this did negatively impact the overall experience.
The tables have a unique 3 tiered tree serving attachment that made presentation of the different courses easy to display, but it made conversation across the table more difficult. The look is cooler than the actual use during dining.
There were also special themed touches during the meal that involved simple special effects such as smoke, but the timing was off somewhat for our server and we never really got to see the full effect of these "touches" as intended.
The FOOD and Beverages!
The key to any dining experience is great food. The better the food, the more memorable the dining experience. This meal is somewhat unique to other Disney meals. There is a pre-set appetizer selection that is brought to every table, followed by an entree that each individual orders off of a menu, and the meal is completed by another pre-set selection of desserts that is brought to the table to share.
This meal is only a 1 Table Service Credit Dining Plan option which includes all of the above plus the addition of one alcoholic beverage for those of age.
The beverages included a number of specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic concoctions that were created for this Snow White themed meal. Other more traditional wines, beer, soft drinks, milk, and juices were also available to choose from.
For our beverages we selected some of the specialty drinks to take full advantage of the theming. Although they were not what we would normally try, it was part of the fun of being at a Disney Character meal. We tried the Enchanted Apple, Evil to the Core, The Smoking Mirror and the non-alcoholic Through The Forest.
All of the drinks were good, but The Smoking Mirror, which is a presentation drink infused with rosemary smoke at the table, is quite smoky and may not appeal to most. We got it for cool appearance.
The Appetizers
The trio of appetizers with portions for every include: Hunter’s Pie, Winter Squash Bisque and Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. Of the 3 choices by far the Winter Squash Bisque with Marshmallow stir was the star of the course. It was great, the Hunter's Pie was good and the Shrimp Cocktail was forgettable. Overall it was a nice beginning to the meal that differentiated it from other Disney Character meals.
The Entrees
There were several entrees to choose from that spanned the gamut from beef, to fish to vegetarian. We tried 3 of the entrees in our party to evaluate. We tried the Prime Rib, the Snapper, and the Veal Shank.
Although they all photographed well we came away somewhat underwhelmed by the flavors. They were all good, not great and certainly not what you would be hoping for coming from a kitchen that was producing Disney Signature Dining meals. For example the Snapper dish featured flavors that were all one noted and nothing really stood out from the dish. The Prime Rib just did not stand out from something that you would get in a local buffet restaurant.
We went into the meal looking forward to the menu descriptions of the entrees and came away feeling that this did not stand up to the standards that we had come to expect from our Disney Dining meals.
The Desserts
Of all of the courses, this unfortunately was the most disappointing. From a creativity and presentation standpoint it gets high marks, but the actual desserts were not choices that we enjoyed tasting. There is the “Poison” Apple; Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie; a sponge cake with chocolate gems and buttercream icing called Miner’s Treasures. Of the 3 the Poison Apple was our favorite.
The last part of the dessert is called The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen, which features cracked maple popcorn with a ganache heart. This is another special presentation part of the meal that should have a special smoke releasing reveal, but got lost in the shuffle because our server brought it to the table while we were getting our picture with the Evil Queen.
Review Summary
The Storybook Dining At Artist Point with Snow White does provide an excellent reason to visit Disney's Wilderness Lodge Resort which we are always in favor of. The Character interaction was excellent and we really liked the ability to meet and interact with Dopey and Grumpy which rarely happens elsewhere at Disney World.
The theming was nice and there was a real attempt to create a cohesive thematic feel to the meal that transports you to the realm of Snow White. Fans of Snow White and the movie will treasure this special dining experience that allows Snow White to be the star of the show. Also Disney Villains fans will also enjoy the chance to interact and get special photos with the Evil Queen.
Although a pricey $55 per adult if you are paying cash, it is a great deal if you are using the Disney Dining Plan, which also includes an alcoholic beverage for only 1 Table Service Dining credit.
If you are going for the food, this may be a disappointing meal. The food was good, but not great. This was not a memorable foodie meal by any means.
All told this is a meal we would recommend trying at least once if you are on the Disney Dining Plan. It is a great value and provides character interactions that you cannot normally get elsewhere. If you are not on the Disney Dining Plan there are certainly many other place at Disney World where you can get better food for the money.
Review Of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train At Magic Kingdom
Disney World's Fantasyland Expansion is complete and the last attraction is open to the public. Only WDWorld had the opportunity to ride the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train during its opening days and we will share our impressions of Disney's newest Roller Coaster.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
After collecting feedback from many different people who have ridden the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and combining that with our personal first hand observations, we will have to say that this is a fun attraction that you will definitely want to experience for yourself. The overall ride experience falls between Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the Barnstormer starring the Great Goofini Roller Coaster.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (aka 7DMT) has great theming from the Disney animated classic Snow White and has tied it in well to the attraction. If you utilize Disney's FastPass+ system the line moves very quickly, otherwise you will probably be in for a 100+ minute wait.
The attraction is built to look like a mountain with a mine built into the side of it. The landscaping and stonework is well done and makes the attraction look like it has been there for years. It seamlessly fits within its surroundings of new Fantasyland.
Inside the entrance to the ride you find yourself in the mine. The FastPass+ line is short and quickly transports you to the boarding area, while the Stand-By Entrance takes through a number of interactive mining and Disney Dwarf related elements. These won't shorten the wait, but they will help you pass the time.
The mine car styled train that serves as your ride vehicle utilizes patented Disney technology that allows the car to rock back and forth. Unfortunately we did not really notice much of this effect while we are riding.
The ride itself is the smoothest running roller coaster at Disney World by far. This made for a tremendous experience that even non-roller coaster fans will enjoy. Soon after your journey begins you leave the mine and head outside. Multiple times during the attraction, you are outside and then return inside.
During one extended inside portion of the attraction, the mine cars slow down purposefully so that you can see the animatronic Dwarfs and the stunning visuals inside the mines. Our night time pictures are admittedly awful, but you will have to imagine for yourself what this looks like. Prepare to be impressed!
Perhaps most impressive when riding at night are the views of new Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle that you get during the outside portions of the ride. You get great views of Beast's Castle and a bird's eye view of a large part of Fantasyland.
At the end of the ride you are witness to the famous scene where Snow White and the Dwarfs are dancing in their house, including Dopey standing on his fellow dwarf's shoulders to be dancing eye to eye with Snow White.
Ride Review Summary - E Ticket Attraction!
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is an attraction that fits perfectly into Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. It is more thrilling than most of the rides at the Magic Kingdom, but will still appeal to the younger guests that frequent Fantasyland. It will most definitely help provide that sought after counter balance for the boys that want something other than Princess attractions.The adults will love the theming and enjoy the smooth action of the Roller Coaster. They will also enjoy the great animatronic characters that they will encounter during the attraction.
This will not be the new thrill seeker destination when they enter the Magic Kingdom. The triple mountains of the Magic Kingdom - Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Splash Mountain retain their thrill seeking titles. That being said it is still a quite enjoyable ride that has the aura about it that will cause guests to want to ride it over and over again.
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is definitely deserving of an E Ticket rating!
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Officially Opens on May 28th!
The Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride has become one of the most talked about and anticipated attractions to open at the Walt Disney World Resort in years. This family friendly roller coaster not only will use unique Disney patented technology in the ride system, but it also culminates the multi-year Fantasyland Expansion of the Magic Kingdom theme park.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Opens On May 28th
Many Disney World fans were sad to see the former attraction that was dedicated to the landmark animated Disney classic Snow White called "Snow White's Scary Adventures" dismantled and replaced by a Princess meet and greet location called Princess Fairytale Hall. The new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train will make people forget quickly.
The first roller coaster to be added to Disney World since Expedition Everest debuted with the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Ride will feature advanced audio-animatronic figures, as well as, patented five-car trains designed to swing independently from side to side as they move along the track.
The track itself transitions from indoors to outdoors multiple times during the ride. The use of real trees in the design of the landscaping really befits the fantasy that the mountain-like attraction has been there forever and fits seamlessly into the new Fantasyland.
The views that the outside hills will afford you of both the new Fantasyland Castles and Cinderella Castle will be one of the highlights of the attraction. This will also make it a sought after late night Must Do for Magic Kingdom fans.
This attraction promises to quickly jump to one of the most popular immediately, so this will be one that you definitely want to acquire a FastPass+ for in order to minimize your wait time. It would also be highly recommended that you head directly here at park opening and get in line before the Magic Kingdom fills up.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Opens On May 28th At Magic Kingdom
The most talked about new attraction for the Walt Disney World Resort will officially open to the public on May 28th as announced by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs.
The newest Magic Kingdom Roller Coaster will complete the multi-year Fantasyland Expansion and bring a thrill ride to the Princess heavy area of the theme park. Not only is the new attraction a roller coaster, but it brings new technology that allows the ride vehicle to move side to side to allow the guest to feel like they are really traveling along the track in a mine car.
Here is the statement from Tom Staggs:
“Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is both literally and figuratively the centerpiece of New Fantasyland, so we knew it had to be something special,” Tom said. “The attraction appeals to everyone in the family and provides just the right blend of heart, humor, and thrill while keeping with the charm of this special land.”In addition to the innovative ride vehicles you will also encounter some of the most advanced audio animatronic figures that Disney has ever created. It is certainly an experience that many Disney World fans are looking forward to.
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| Seven Dwarfs Mine Train |
Snow White's Scary Adventures To Close Forever After May 31st
One of the original Walt Disney World Resort attractions will be closing after May 31st. Snow White's Scary Adventures in the Magic Kingdom will be shutting down to make way for the new Princess Fairytale Hall.
Snow White's Scary Adventures
Since it opened on October 1, 1971 Snow White's Scary Adventures has been an integral part of Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom. Prior to the new attractions that are being created as part of the Fantasyland expansion it has been the only Dark Ride/Attraction that has focused on one of the classic Disney Princesses.
As you made your way through this attraction in your ride vehicles named for the Seven Dwarfs and adorned with Snow White's animal friends you encountered a quickly paced retelling of Snow White's story.
For Snow White fans the good news is that there will be a bigger and much improved attraction that is focused on Snow and her friends. It will be tentatively be called the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train which is scheduled to open in 2014.
The new Princess Fairytale Hall will be the place to meet and greet the Disney Princesses in Fantasyland. After the refurbishment of the area is complete the entrance will provide a castle-like setting that is appropriate for your meeting with royalty. The walls will be be made of stone and stained glass windows.
Once inside you will discover a large open galllery with high ceiling and portraits of the Disney Princesses. The Princesses will await you in elegantly adorned rooms befitting their royal stature.
These changes should be completed sometime in 2013 and fit nicely into the overall transformation of Fantasyland to have much more representation and connection to the Disney Princesses and their stories.
Former Hollywood Landmark - Carthay Circle Theater Is Recreated At Disney World
Carthay Circle Theater
The original Carthay Circle Theater resided at 6316 San Vicente Boulevard and opened in 1926. It became one of the most famous movie theaters in Los Angeles during Hollywood's Golden Age.
On December 21, 1937 the Carthay Circle Theater became tied to Disney forever. That was the day that Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs premiered to a star studded audience. Little did the assembled celebrities know at the time, but the first feature length animated film by Walt Disney was to create a phenomena that was previously unheard of taking mere cartoons into the forefront of Hollywood Entertainment.
Within the Disney World version of the Carthay Circle Theater you can discover several pictures that were taken during the momentous premiere of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs.
Walt Disney And Lillian At The Premier Of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs.
Celebrities wait in line outside the theater with Costumed Dwarfs At The Premier.
Pioneer Of Fantasound
The other noted Disney premier to be held at the Carthay Circle Theater was Fantasia in 1940. Not only was Fantasia a film that was many years ahead of its time, but the Carthay Circle Theater became one of two theaters in the country to install special "Fantasound" Equipment so that the audience could enjoy the movie in stereo sound. This was the pre-cursor to the advanced sound systems that movie goers take for granted today.
Carthay Circle Theater - Only At Disney's Hollywood Studios Today
Unfortunately today you can only find the Carthay Circle Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This retail location is the only testament to the original besides pictures, since the Hollywood original was demolished in 1969 after being considered obsolete.
When you visit Disney's Hollywood Studios take note that this Sunset Boulevard Landmark is a re-creation of a Hollywood Legend that played a prime role in Disney company history. Take the time to go inside and check out the pictures of the original and soak up some of that Hollywood atmosphere.
