American Q the Place to ‘B’ for BBQ!

Published October 9, 2014 by Disneyways.com

B Resort & Spa at Lake Buena Vista is home to American Q – THE new hot place in town for anyone who craves a modern take on classic barbecue.

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It all begins in this beautiful resort – formerly occupied by The Hotel Royal Plaza just outside Downtown Disney. Join me as we relive this wonderful culinary cowboy adventure, won’t you?

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Upon arrival to the the B Resort – the wonderful smell of smoked meat coming from American Q was already beckoning us inside – and we knew we were in for a treat.

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First, it was time for cocktails!

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Normally more of a gin and tonic kind of guy – my husband went with the Moscow Mule. Ingredients included Russian Standard vodka, pickled ginger juice & ginger beer – and he really enjoyed it. What they don’t mention on the menu is how it comes in this awesome little copper barrel shaped mug. It was really unique, and added a special touch.

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I went for the Strawberry Slush. Made with Fifty Pounds gin, Carpano Antica, fresh strawberries and lime with shaved ice. I was expecting a frozen drink, but this had a nice light, refreshing taste. Yummy!

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Do not adjust your computer – what you are about to see is pretty amazing – and very real. This Bar Snack is called Swine Candy – and this photo made a pretty big splash on my facebook page! Take some smoked bacon, roast it with molasses and spice until crunchy… and you have yourself a little piece of salty, sweet, (and at times spicy) heaven! The spice is subtle and it will sneak up on you. Wait for a glass of water before you take your first bite – just in case you may need it.

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Our next Bar Snack was the House Made Tater Tots. Creamy mashed potatoes fried to perfection in little bite-sized pieces with flavorful ketchup on the side. I think I am in love…

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How about some Deviled Crab Stuffed Eggs? Deviled eggs with blue crab and remoulade…what’s not to like?

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If this was all I got to eat for the rest of the night – I think I would have went home happy and satisfied! But we are still on the Bar Snacks, and there’s so much more!

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Next up were the Starters – maybe you thought we “started” already? Think again!

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The only thing I like as much as BBQ – is probably SIDES. I was very excited for the next portion of our evening, when we indulged in the all-you-can-eat FLATBED BUFFET served from the back of a cherry red ’51 Ford F1 pickup truck! Favorites included homemade soups and chili, a baked potato bar, peel and eat shrimp, a selection of hot and cold seasonal vegetables, pasta and potato salads, and a 20+ item salad bar all served from the flatbed! You can order the Flatbed Buffet for $34.95 $10 for kids age 7 and under – ala carte! This is an amazing value. Photo courtesy American Q!

 

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Not from the Flatbed Buffet – but just as lovely – this wonderful sampling of various meats…

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Next up was the star of the show: something American Q has creatively named Tableside Cowboy Carvings! Yep, they come to your table with 8 different meats and even vegetable brocette – all sliced to order! Turkey legs, bacon wrapped boneless chicken thighs, brisket of beef with Texas Bark, House made sausages…and more.

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Photo credit American Q

 

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I think there’s a lot of truth to the American Q saying that there’s smoke in their bones, vinegar their veins and the cowboys really do keep carving  until your tank is full! Endless options and great kids menu takes barbeque to at a whole new level here in Orlando.  Last but not least – self and valet parking are FREE if you are driving. If not, why not take a cab and break up your Disney vacation just a hop, skip and away at this amazing restaurant?! You won’t regret it! In the meantime you can follow them on facebook , Twitter, and check out their gorgeous website including full menus here.

Disclaimer: Recently my husband and I were treated to a complimentary dinner by the wonderful people at American Q – so that I could bring you photos and  an honest review. This did not influence my opinions. Our thanks to Jason at OrlandoFunandFood.com for the invitation!

Maelstrom Memories: A Salute to the Beloved Ride at EPCOT

Published October 7, 2014 by Karyn Locke

Memories of Maelstrom

Well, EPCOT fans. It’s official. As the sun sets on the Norwegian Pavilion’s beloved ride and will soon be rising for its replacement, Maelstrom’s fan base has paid their final respects with an outpouring of emotion worthy of mentioning. From die hard fans lining up to be one of the last guests to take the boat ride to signature drinks from EPCOT restaurants, the ride will not only live on in the minds of so many Walt Disney World fans, but will go down in the annals of Disney history as the boat ride that introduced us to Norway’s history and myths- and the elusive Norwegian troll.

The History of Maelstrom

Originally intended as a boat ride featuring a troll-centered plot, the ride’s sponsors asked for it to include important aspects of Norwegian history including the god Odin, Norwegian Vikings, and the maritime life that still plays an important part in modern day Norway.

On July 5, 1988, Maelstrom opened its doors for visiting Disney guests and the appeal was great for both kids and adults. As one of only two of rides in the World Showcase, the ride was not only fun and informative, but a piece of Norwegian history as well. I know I certainly learned a lesson or two about the history of trolls and their role in forming the Norwegian culture while inside a tiny Viking ship.

So, for 26 years and 3 months, Maelstrom had been a piece of history for those that visit EPCOT, a place of fun and family, and a memory maker, indeed.

Hidden Mickeys in Maelstrom

If you’re anything like I am, passing time while standing in a ride queue includes the hunt for hidden Mickeys. My family is pretty competitive when it comes to finding them (we even look for them in non-Disney places. Don’t judge. ), so it’s no surprise that the Maelstrom queue and the giant Norwegian mural directly above the boat boarding area kept us occupied with every wait in line. Its detail was simply stunning and, although some say there’s a few hidden Mickeys on it, I can attest to one for certain- a Viking with Mickey ears!

Salutes to Maelstrom

The Walt Disney World community has shown their love of Maelstrom with so many salutes and goodbyes, many of which are noteworthy.

La Cava Del Tequila

In honor of Maelstrom, La Cava Del Tequila at the Mexico Pavilion created a special drink- the Maelstrom Margarita. With a delicious concoction of tequila, mango puree, orange liquor, and agave nectar, the drink is served with blueberries and basil, and habañero peppers are added for a little kick. The glass is rimmed with Tajin chili powder for an extra kick, and the drink looks as beautiful as it is tasty. according to its Twitter feed, the Maelstrom Margarita “will be available for as long as Disney guests continue to buy it, so it all depends on you. Made in honor of the ride.”

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La Cava Del Tequila was thanking its fans on twitter for one of the highest traffic days ever after they posted the signature drink salute. Gracías, La Cava Del Tequila.

Here’s a screen shot of La Cava Del Tequila’s Twitter feed showing the special drink:

La Cava Del Tequila Maelstrom Margarita

To check out the latest on their Twitter feed, here’s the link: https://twitter.com/cavadeltequila

The Final Ride from WDW News Today

It’s a special moment in the life of a Disney blogger to be one of the last guests to ride a closing attraction, and Tom Corless of WDW News Today‘s descriptive and moving post on his last ride is definitely worth the read. A fun, 44-second video clip showing the last ride’s announcement touched that warm and fuzzy spot in my heart when I heard on the video, “Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, for the last time, welcome to Norway and to Maelstrom. You might not be the first to pass this way, but you will certainly be the last. ” Thank you, Tom, for catching that magical moment on video!

Want an even more in depth look at the final moments of Maelstrom? WDW News Today has a fun, 17-minute video that captures all of the highlights:

For the full blog post of the final Maelstrom ride from WDW News Today, please click here.

Maelstrom Haul Away

A Disney fan named Adrian Rodriguez got the surprise of his life when he was driving on the Florida 528 the day after Maelstrom closed and spied the famous Viking ships out of his passenger windows! He has a really cute video on his Facebook page looking surprised:

Although it was a little sad to see the end of an era loaded up on the back of a flatbed trailer, it was really cool to see at the same time. As the final scene from the ride says, “Norway’s spirit will always be adventure”, it looks as though the Viking ships were on their way to a new adventure. I can only guess where they’re headed.

What’s Next for the Norway Pavilion?

In September 2014, Disney officially announced that the ride is being replaced by a “Frozen” themed ride attraction. No matter what your preference is or was, the ride is sure to be a huge hit just like the movie of the same name.

Scheduled to open in 2016, the ride according to Tom Scaggs at Disney Parks Blog “will take our guests to Arendelle and immerse them in many of their favorite moments and music from the film.” I cannot wait to see all of the teeny Anna’s and Elsa’s queued up for the new ride. Also in the Norway pavilion will be an Anna and Elsa meet and greet, which will definitely take some of the heat off the Magic Kingdom meet and greet area near Cinderella’s Castle.

Thoughts From the Author

As I look back with fondness on Maelstrom, I can only smile when thinking of my daughter hidden in my armpit on her first time through the ride when we encountered the trolls and how on our last ride in May she was shouting right along with them when the ride takes a backwards path right before its big descent. I will treasure the countless rides on the Viking boats and am proud to say that Maelstrom was always one of my family’s Fastpass and Fastpass+ selections.

Karyn Locke, Marketing and Social Media Guroo and Mid-America Guroo for trekaroo.com is a travel writer from Ohio that has a passion for all things Disney and a hankering for Dole Whip Floats at least three times a week. Also creator and blogger for www.sandandorsnow.com, she’s happy to give Disney tips to anyone that asks and is pleased as punch that her family shares her love of the most magical place on earth.

Disney “Frozen The Songs” Review and Giveaway

Published October 1, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Frozen Summer Fun at Hollywood Studios may have just ended – but that doesn’t mean you can’t keep the Frozen party going! In a very timely fashion, Disney has just released Disney “Frozen The Songs” on September 30, 2014 – and Disney is sending TWO lucky Disneyways readers a copy of this awesome CD for free! I love this CD because it’s got all of our favorite songs from the movie, some fun stickers, and the lyric sheet unfolds to reveal a beautiful full color poster! Check out Disney Music on facebook and twitter.

All photos courtesy of Lori Allinder.

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Frozen: The Songs track list follows:

  1. Frozen Heart

Performed by Cast

  1. Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

Performed by Kristen Bell, Agatha Lee Monnand and Katie Lopez

  1. For the First Time in Forever

Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel

  1. Love Is an Open Door

Performed by Kristen Bell and Santino Fontana

  1. Let It Go

Performed by Idina Menzel

  1. Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People

Performed by Jonathan Groff

  1. In Summer

Performed by Josh Gad

  1. For the First Time in Forever (Reprise)

Performed by Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel

  1. Fixer Upper

Performed by Maia Wilson and Cast

  1. Let It Go (Demi Lovato Version)
Performed by Demi Lovato

Two Disneyways readers will win your very own copy of this awesome CD – sent to you by Disney. We are not responsible for prize fulfillment.

CLICK HERE TO BE TAKEN TO THE RAFFLECOPTER SO YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN!

Contest ends October 4th 2014.

*Disclaimer – I received the product in this post from Walt Disney Records for a review, however all opinions are my own.

Your Invitation to the Next Meetup!

Published September 29, 2014 by Disneyways.com

 

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Let’s meet up at the new Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian Resort! Buy a Dole Whip if you want, pull up a chair, and let’s visit! Goodie bags sponsored by Homes4uu.com! We hope to see you there!

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ENTER TO WIN!

Published September 16, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Limited Offer! Save 40 Percent on the Disney Food Blog Everything Bundle Plus a FREE Gift!

Published September 14, 2014 by Disneyways.com

Limited Offer! Save 40 percent on the Disney Food Blog Everything Bundle, PLUS you get a FREE Gift! As a long time fan of these guides, I can tell  you without a doubt they are an amazing time and money saver – essential to any Disney visitor who eats!! These guides pay for themselves in no time, especially at these prices. The Everything Bundle is an over $103.00 value, all for $59.95 – a savings of over 40%! You even get the 2014 DFB Guide to Walt DisneyWorld Dining for FREE! That’s 8 guides for an average of $7.50 each. Woah…what an incredible deal. I’m sure it won’t last long. Click the photo below for more information!

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You get:
The 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining pre-order (with complimentary 2013 Guide FREE, immediately!)
The 2014 DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks
The 2014 DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks
The 2013 DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks
The 2014 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 2013 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays
DFB Dining Adventures
An over $103.00 value, all for $59.95, over 40% off! This offer is limited, so pick up your bundle today! Get detailed information and more by clicking HERE and a portion of the proceeds will go to help us to keep bringing you exciting Disney news and information here at Disneyways.com!

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Sneak Peek! Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Published September 8, 2014 by Disneyways.com

If you haven’t had a chance to visit Ravello at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort  – here’s your sneak peak!  On July 26th 2014 – Stephen Wancha, and the team at Four Seasons, were kind enough to invite us to tour the resort. We also enjoyed a wonderful dining experience at Ravello. This was my first visit to the Seasons since 7 months before – when I was there for the hard hat tour.

Ravello is both a modern Italian restaurant and a vibrant bar on the hotel’s main floor and garden level. It’s a great place for resort guests, locals and visitors to the Orlando area to gather for fine cuisine, good times, and homemade lemoncello. It is undeniable that Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi’s love of food shines at Ravello. He is an Italian-born and trained chef, and he has taken full advantage of Ravello’s pizza oven AND Florida’s abundant produce and fresh seafood to create menus that change seasonally. There are two dining rooms at Ravello, as well as a show kitchen for private cooking demonstrations and special events. Check out the video below for food photos and more!

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By the way….Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort is also offering the “Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy and his Pals” twice weekly at Ravello restaurant! The buffet-style breakfast is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, and also on Tuesdays during peak school break periods. The breakfast will feature a wonderful assortment of traditional breakfast offerings and an omelet station. A photographer will be available to capture the memories of the families with the stars of the breakfast, the always entertaining Goofy & Pals. For more on theFour Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort check out our interview with Thomas Steinhauer Regional Vice President and General Manager and Stephen Wancha Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort.

 

 

The Disney Parks Podcast Interviews Stephen Wancha Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Published September 8, 2014 by Disneyways.com

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Recently, Tony and I were very honored to interview Stephen Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. Stephen has been one of my all-time favorite guests on the Disney Parks Podcast.  He has a passion for his work at the Four Seasons that truly shines. Click the photo above to be taken directly to the podcast, or check it out on the YouTube Video below. As you listen, get ready to learn more about all the wonderful dining experiences you can enjoy in the brand new (stunning!) resort. If you just can’t get enough of food at the Four Seasons (I know I can’t!) click HERE to check out video and more from our first visit to Ravello! In Stephen’s own words, “Our food and beverage program is a true dining destination for Orlando locals and guests alike, where great food and innovative concepts meet passionate, attentive service.” I couldn’t agree more!

From the Four Seasons Website:

“In a relatively short period of time, Stephen Wancha has lived in 10 different major cities (returning to live in three of the cities twice), so it’s easy to see why he developed a propensity for travel, and in turn, for dining out. The affable Wancha, Director of Food and Beverage for Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort, brings 10 years of Four Seasons experience with him to lead the Food and Beverage operations at the Resort, which includes five on-site restaurants and a large-scale banquet operations team.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be at this amazing property,” says Wancha. “Orlando is not well-known for its culinary scene – it’s definitely emerging. With the team we’ve together and the concepts we’re bringing to the market, we are giving our guests and Orlando locals a special dining experience.”

Prior to joining Four Seasons Resort Orlando, Wancha’s first Director of Food and Beverage position was at Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. At the time, Wancha was 28 years of age, making him the youngest Director of Food and Beverage among all Four Seasons properties worldwide. This coup alone is a testament to the wealth of food and beverage knowledge Wancha brings.

The Resort’s star restaurant is Capa, the 17th floor rooftop Spanish-influenced steakhouse that offers a romantic setting above the treetops and a stunning view of the nightly Magic Kingdom Park® fireworks. Ravello is the Resort’s Italian concept; PB&G is the Southern rotisserie; and Plancha is a Cuban American grill. One of Wancha’s favuorites is Lickety Split, a grab-and-go on the lobby level, offering a variety of cappuccinos and lattes, smoothies, Italian donuts and pastries, gelato and more. Wancha, a coffee connoisseur, has set up the ultimate coffee bar.

When not fueling up on java, Wancha’s other beverage of choice is wine. An avid wine collector, Wancha is proud of his large private collection of mostly New World/Napa wines and Old World/Italian wines. He’s excited about the wine program at the Resort, with 400 labels and many available by the glass. Wancha’s own famous Sangria is on the menu at Capa.

Wancha loves to travel the globe for inspiration, often jet-setting to New York or San Francisco for weekend culinary expeditions. He dined at 27 different restaurants over two days in New York, and enjoyed 16 eateries over two days in Chicago. A true “foodie” who is fun to dine with, and fun to “talk shop,” Wancha is always in line with, and often a step ahead of, the culinary scene.”

For more on the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, check out our interview with Thomas Steinhauer; Regional Vice President and General Manager.

Meet Tanya: Your Official Jamberry Consultant for Disneyways

Published September 6, 2014 by Disneyways.com

We’ve found yet another way to take the Disney magic with you wherever you are! We are super excited to introduce you to Jamberry nail wraps – with designs inspired by Disney! Jamberry is an awesome alternative to nail polish and gel nails – they last longer without chipping, have less scary chemicals, and require no UV rays!

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Tanya is my eldest niece, an extremely successful business woman in her own right, a wife, a new mommy and…WOW… the Jamberry company is super lucky to have her as one of their Independent Consultants. I am very proud to announce that she is also the official Jamberry consultant for Disneyways. Like all Disney related businesses we endorse – hers has met extremely high standards of quality and integrity.  Tanya will be doing a series of guest posts for us here – the next one being all about how to apply your Jamberry nails and why they are PERFECT for your Disney vacation – so be sure to stay tuned for that! I can’t wait to see more of Tanya’s Disney inspired Jamberry nail wrap designs, how about you?  Without further delay, let the Jamberry nail wrap fun (with designs inspired by Disney) begin!!

Why Jamberry Nail Wraps Are Perfect For Disney Fans ~ Written by Tanya: Your Official Jamberry Consultant for Disneyways

Hi, I’m Tanya, and I am so excited to introduce myself as your OFFICIAL Jamberry Consultant for Disneyways!! Jamberry is an amazing product for your nails that takes the place of nail polish, acrylic nails, and other salon products. It is non-toxic and has a unique application process that includes NO DRYING TIME! Jamberry lasts for up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes – so much better than those expensive manicures that chip after a day or two!

One of the reasons I think Jamberry is such a great product for Disney fans is because of my ability as a Jamberry consultant to create custom nail wrap designs. I’ve been working on designing nail wraps inspired by a few of our favorite Disney characters and would love to find out what you all think!

Stay tuned for more info on why Jamberry is PERFECT for Disney vacations and for more Disney-inspired designs! You can contact me on my Jamberry Facebook page HERE with any questions or to get info on how to order these special Disney-inspired nail wrap. Find out more about Jamberry on my Independent Consultant site HERE.MickeyMinnie

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Are you sitting down? Good. Because this Frozen news is almost TOO MUCH TO HANDLE

Published September 3, 2014 by Disneyways.com

If you’re a Frozen fan like I am – you’re going to love this!

During ABC’s televised special of The Story of Frozen: Making an Animated Classic, the network announced that the Kingdom of Isolation will be extending its frozen grip with a brand-new spinoff.  The spinoff is not quite a full length feature, it’s more of a “short.”

Frozen Logo

This short is due to come out in the Spring of 2015, and will tell the story of Anna’s birthday party. It seems as though the party (and more!) could be threatened by Elsa’s powers! Frozen Fever is the title of this story. It will reunite key players and all of our favorite characters from the original Frozen. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee will return, in addition to producer Peter Del Vecho and songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who won the Academy Award for “Let It Go.” It’s unknown if Kristen Bell (Anna), Josh Gad (Olaf), Jonathan Groff (Kristoff) and Idina Menzel (Elsa) will return in their voice roles, but it seems highly likely that they will due to the amazing popularity of this film.

To date, Frozen has earned $1.27 billion worldwide and is the most successful animated film of all time.

Walt Disney Animation Studios didn’t specify which feature film Frozen Fever will accompany, but a likely candidate is the live-action Cinderella film on March 13 starring Cate Blanchett and Lily James. On a side note, Tomorrowland, starring George Clooney, and Inside Out, featuring Amy Poehler, are also out in 2015 !

While we are on that subject of Frozen- check out this performace of  “Let It Go” from a girl group auditioning for a South Korean talent show. It starts off a little slow but keep watching all the way through – if you are a fan of this song – you won’t regret it. The music from the original Frozen will forever be ingrained in my heart, how about yours?