The Wave Restaurant Review
I was fortunate enough to dine at the brand new Wave Restaurant within Disney’s Contemporary Resort about a week ago. This was the restaurant’s third week being opened and I could not wait to give it a try. I am so happy to report that Walt Disney World has another winning dining experience within its repertoire of dining establishments with The Wave.
Upon entering the restaurant, you emerge into a brushed silver tunnel, with glass walls encasing “bubbles” on either side. You’ll notice that as you move on, the tunnel declines ever so slightly, giving you the subtle feeling that you are descending into a watery wonderland. The soft, blue lights that permeate the tunnel, also lend their ambiance to the “watery wonderland” that awaits you at the end of the tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, you’ll find the podium, with a huge, gorgeous, frosted glass wall as its backdrop. This glass wall encases ”waves and bubbles” within, leading you to imagine that the wall itself contains flowing water throughout.
The two lounge/waiting rooms are to the right of the restaurant as you exit the tunnel. These semi-circular rooms, with their long comfy couches aligning the entire wall, are quite dark, with a soft glow of blue light radiating from a circular “tray” in the ceiling. These rooms are so relaxing in nature, that you almost don’t mind the wait to be seated. While waiting, you’ll look on as glowing drinks are brought to guests, permeating the darker, soft blue glowing area and adding to the relaxing overall ambiance.
The bar itself is another beautiful area of the restaurant. Darker, warm, woods with lots of glass so the soft lighting, perfectly placed, plays off of the glass and lend its own brand of soft glow. Upon the ceiling are golden twinkling lights adding to the warmth of the ambiance. At the very end of the bar area you’ll see the hundreds of wine bottles through the windowed wall, allowing you a glimpse into one of the restaurants “quirky” claims to fame; the largest collection of fine “screw top” wines in the US. It is told that experts are now finding that the freshest and tastiest of wines are to be found beneath screw tops; not the long believed corks that generally top our possibly outdated idea of the finer wines of the past. You’ll also find organic wine and beer as a unique offering to sample, as well.
Moving into the dining area, you’ll find that this area takes on more of warm golden glow. It’s as if you’re transported from the watery wonderland into an underground mysterious cave of golden walls and waves flowing freely above. This is accomplished with very modern, contemporary touches such as interesting use of lighting, along with golden waves of metal, encasing the entire ceiling of both rooms. In the center of each table, you’ll find that the salt and pepper shakers lend their own artistic touch to your table. Circular brushed silver “pucks” settled into a brushed silver holder will have you initially wondering “what in the world?” Upon closer inspection you’ll find the tiny openings atop the “pucks” leading to the revelation that you’ve discovered the salt and pepper shakers. Contemporary art of soft golden colors adorns the walls in a conservative way, careful not to overdue and take away from the feeling of “calm” you’ll experience during your time within The Wave.
The food, mostly of organic nature, is extremely fresh, with vegetables arriving every other day from local farms. You’ll find nothing battered and dripping with grease here. Everything is either grilled, pan seared, or baked. As a southern girl and huge fan of all things battered and fried, I must admit that I was a bit apprehensive. However, upon the arrival of our food, we were more than pleasantly surprised. My filet bathed in a wonderful cabernet sauce, I’ll venture to say, was the best that I’ve had in quite some time. It was served with fresh warm, dressed greens, and roasted tomatoes and fingerling potatoes hiding beneath the filet itself. My companion for the evening, (my 9 year old son), opted for a linguini dish, adorned with shrimp, baby clams and a wonderful light tomato broth. We requested the broth on the side, and the server was happy to oblige. In all honesty, I was tempted to dig into the remaining broth in the bowl and enjoy it as a soup. It was that good. My son and I were both extremely pleased with our choices and were eager to give 2 very hearty thumbs up.
Desserts are served in 3 miniature bowls offering various samplings of delectable and interesting sugary delights. Samplings are grouped in various categories such as “Creamy Indulgence”, “Decadent Flavors”, “Crisp and Crunchy” and “Freshly Crafted Sorbets”. You are also welcomed to mix and match to create your own personalized, 3 miniature bowl, samplings. We opted for the cheesecase with raspberry coulis, coconut panna cotta with passion fruit drizzle and vanilla braised pineapple spears on one sampling “plate”. Then we decided on a second sampling of the homemade and freshly crafted sorbets (pineapple, strawberry, and lemon basil); Again, a “homerun” for The Wave in the dessert department. I’d say our favorite was the cheesecake and coconut panna cotta, with the vanilla braised pineapple spears coming in last. Not that they weren’t good……it’s just that for our sweet teeth, this choice didn’t quite offer the sugar-laden dessert that we have personally become accustomed to. However, this along with the sorbets make for a delightful choice for those desiring something subtly sweet.
Our dinner for 2 with desserts was around $70.00. However, I can tell you with confidence that it was money well-spent. We enjoyed every minute of our hour and a half within The Wave.
In wrapping up my review of The Wave, I must speak briefly about the service. Our server was Ali, a delightfully cheery fellow, whose disposition was a bit contagious, I must say. He seemed as if he had found his dream job in serving others at The Wave. He exuded just that much authentic “happiness” which honestly should be a necessity for all Walt Disney World cast-members. He was extremely attentive without being overly so. My son had ordered coke to drink. After several minutes into our meal, Ali brought over a drink and instructed my son to “just try this one…. on me….it is our own raspberry lemonade”. My son and I both agreed that this was one of the most heavenly drinks we’d had. After letting Ali know how much we enjoyed the drink, he continued to bring them to both of us. When the bill came, the lemonades were nowhere to be found. Ali is pure perfection when it comes to food service and I would highly recommend that you request a table in his section.
In summary, I suppose you’ve already concluded that The Wave has become a new favorite of mine and I absolutely can barely wait to visit again.
Note: The Wave serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
Written by Donna - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)
Walt Disney World For Couples and Adults (part 1)
Part 1: How Could Walt Disney World Really Appeal To Adults? Come On Now!
Walt Disney World is no longer the families-only getaway we remember from our childhoods. One never thinks of WDW as the perfect spot for a honeymoon, people looking to reconnect and “recharge” their relationship, single friends wanting to take a vacation together, or as a great getaway for couples who are dating. For many people without children or looking to take an adults-only vacation, Walt Disney World may not come to mind immediately or it may be ruled out quickly. Talks of a cruise to the Bahamas always come up as does other locales such as Europe or Hawaii. These are all great travel destinations in their own right, but the fact of the matter is couples traveling without children don’t always give Walt Disney World the consideration it deserves. Another problem is it’s difficult to find information meant for couples or adults only. I’ve spent countless hours looking for vacation options for my husband and me. Most travel articles regarding Disney vacations are family oriented; when I first started looking into Disney vacations years ago, I learned how to do Disney World with young children, but I couldn’t find anything regarding what Walt Disney World could offer couples (or singles) traveling without children. So, over for the next few months, I’m going to be delving into Walt Disney World Vacations for couples.
Getting There
By “getting there”, I mean coming to the decision that a Disney trip is right for you and your someone special. I know what you’re thinking; “Character meals? Meeting princesses and mice? That can’t possibly be romantic nor could it appeal to adults traveling without children!” That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Walt Disney World is one of the best domestic honeymoon destinations according to WeddingChannel.com. Disney World also boasts some of the best restaurants in the Orlando area according to many online sources. Tempted yet?
What’s So Great About Disney?
Ok, it may take a lot more than a nice restaurant and a wedding site to win you over. No problem! When you start thinking about a Disney vacation, you may be hesitant at first if you’ve never experienced the resort as a whole or at all. I don’t mean the theme parks, water parks, and things people generally associate with Disney World. Those aspects are amazing, however, there is so much more to it than just a few rides. It’s an experience like no other. When you’re staying on property at Disney World, you can’t help but be overcome by a feeling of sheer joy. You feel your stresses melt away and your care free self tends to emerge. (“Hey! Who’s that person wearing my pajamas?” you ask yourself as you look in the mirror one morning. “I haven’t seen you since high school!”) You smile a little easier and you’re more likely to strike up a conversation with the Dad from New Jersey sitting next to you on Main Street USA holding spots for his family for the parade. Every muscle in your body relaxes and you feel like a kid again.
My husband and I have made repeated “homages to the mouse” for the last few years. We go at least once a year. We call it therapy; Walt Disney World really can be a romantic place. We always stay at the Wilderness Lodge and spend every evening after returning from the parks sitting on our balcony, ordering mixed drinks to be delivered to our room or putting on a pot of coffee and talking. We’ve also started our own tradition of secretly purchasing a pin or other trinket for the other person that reminds us of something about that day. It’s usually a huge feat to get my husband on the “big boy rides” so I usually get him his “wings” in the form of a pin from that ride. All of these things may seem minor, but when we return home, we still have that sprinkling of pixie dust over us. We feel like a newly dating couple all over again because we’ve let our worries disappear and we have learned how to reconnect again.
Disney World also helps people not in a relationship connect. My mother-in-law was skeptical when we took her for her birthday last year. The last time she had been was 1983. My husband was 7 at the time and my brother-in-law was only a couple of years old. She only grudgingly agreed because, well, we gave her no choice! It took a whole year of convincing her she was going.
The first couple of days she was her “typical adult self”: she was self-conscious interacting with Brer Fox and was a little confused when he pointed out they were wearing the same color shirt and he thought it was the bee’s knees. It wasn’t until a few days later when she was finally able to break out of the 30-year long “Mom” mode and be a happy-go-lucky woman without a care in the world. She wasn’t worrying about how many Weight Watchers points she was eating per day– she had Toll House Ice Cream Cookie sandwiches and loved them. She was having a blast interacting with Tigger & the entire 100 Acre Wood gang. The furrow in her brow slowly dissolved and I saw my mother-in-law as another woman: she wasn’t just my mother-in-law. It was an amazing transformation. Having been in an environment where she and I could learn more about each other outside of our daily stresses (which let’s face it, people can be a bear to get along with when they’re stressed out) and we understand each other now. She understands my sense of humor, where before, it always fell short. I understand her more as well. Believe it or not, my mother in law and I connected in a way I didn’t believe possible! I actually call her now just to say “Hey what’s up?” and we chat for thirty minutes! She’s anxiously awaiting the next trip. It’s amazing what the power of Disney magic and pixie dust can do!
Coming Soon: Walt Disney World Resorts
Written by Selena - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (1)
Disney Dining Changes Abound
Wow! There are some big changes happening at Walt Disney World in terms of dining! (For a complete overview, click here: Disney Dining Changes ) There are several new restaurants coming to Epcot, Animal Kingdom, The Swan Resort, and Downtown Disney. Chefs are changing restaurants. Kid’s meals are focusing on healthier options, and all meals will be trans-fat free by sometime in 2008.
It’s always fun to have new restaurants to review. In fact, writing Walt Disney World restaurant reviews is one of my favorite responsibilties
But, even more exciting to me, is Disney’s focus on healthy meals for the youngsters and the young at heart. I’ve appreciated Disney’s willingness to prepare special dishes for folks with allergies and diet restrictions since I started visiting Disney World regularly 10 years ago, but this new intention to provide a healthier quality of food in general makes me want to clap my hands and shout, “Hurrah for Disney!”
We can look for most of these changes to be in place by mid 2008… and I’ll be eagerly reviewing all of them as they happen. I promise!
Written by Ahnalira - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)
Walt Disney World Vacations through the years
I have a lot of people ask me what the BEST age would be for a family vacation to Disney World. I thought it would be fun to share the highlights of my family’s vacations.
We started our first family trip when my twin boys were 2 years old. Most people thought that we had lost our minds! It actually ended up being a fun filled trip! (On this trip, as well as all to follow, we were accompanied by my parents.) The most important thing was to keep the kids happy and their bellies full. That was an easy task. With all of the character dining, we accomplished both, at the same time. Their favorite place to dine was Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends in the Magic Kingdom. The loved Eyeore and Piglet visiting the table. There was constant movement and noise to keep their attention. The SpectroMagic parade was another favorite. From their strollers, they loved watching the lights coming down Main Street. That year, Disney featured a special stage show with all of the afternoon cartoon characters. Needless to say, we spent a lot of time at that show.
We rode Dumbo, It’s a Small World and Peter Pan about a hundred times! As you would imagine, the Magic Kingdom is where we spend a majority of our time. We came home with almost every character sold in the parks and DownTown Disney Market Place.
Our next few trips were during their grade school years. They still loved the character meals, but this time we expanded our horizons. They decided that their favorite was now Chef Mickey’s in the Contemporary Resort. They were out of the strollers and running from one attraction to another. During these years, our money was spent on play sets and figures. The pool at Port Orleans Riverside, which was at that time Dixie Landings, played a huge part in our vacation. The water slide was a huge hit!
The boys’ taste in rides changed dramatically. They headed toward the more daring rides like Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. We started venturing over to the other parks. Epcot seemed to play a big part in our schedule during the elementary years. We headed to Innoventions and seemed to never leave! They loved the interactive attractions. The restaurant of choice during these years was Sci Fi Dine In Theater.
In 1999, we were chosen to be the Grand Marshall of the Magic Kingdom parade. What an honor!!! We were led to the backstage area and we were featured in the parade. We got to ride a shiny, antique firetruck. This was a special trip because it was our final time to travel with my father who passed away the next year.
As my boys turned to teenagers, I thought that our Disney days were over. To my surprise, they asked if we could return, once again. Of course, I was all for it! This time, everything was different. We ate at the fine dining restaurants. Their tastes had matured and Narcoossee’s (Grand Floridian) and Le Cellier (Epcot’s Canada Pavilion) had become favorites. We spent hours in each of the World Showcase pavilions, studying the artwork and building structures. They even tried out the German that they had been learning in high school at Germany in Epcot. Disney Quest was also a favorite. They loved playing the games, both virtual reality and the “oldies” that their dad and I used to play. When we offered to by souvineers, they headed straight for the magic shop, Magic Master, in Disney’s West Side.
I think the best part of our “teen” trips is that they are now old enough to stay in the parks witout our supervision. The buses assure them a safe way to the home resort. My husband and I can relax by the pool or take a closer look at the other resorts.
So, when someone asks me the best age to visit Disney World, I have to honestly say, “every age”.
Written by Tracee - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)
More Dreams To be granted
Disney has extended the year of a million dreams promotion thru December 2008.
So if you haven’t had a dream come true yet, you still have a chance.
Written by Christee - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (1)
Disney MGM Studios name change to Disney Hollywood Studios!
It has been long rumored that Disney was going to change the name of Disney MGM Studios. No longer a rumor, but fact, Disney announced the name change today. The rumors that the new name would contain the word Pixar, or the initials ABC, in it, have been proven to be wrong.
The new name for the Studios will be Disney Hollywood Studios, and the idea behind the name is that today’s Disney Hollywood Studios represents what is offered in today’s genre. It isn’t just the movies, but television, music, theatre, and movies. It is all about entertainment! Certainly, the updated name is a better representation of what is offered now at the Studios, and what is possible for the future. The new name will be official in January 2008.
Disney’s MGM Studios opened up on May 1, 1989. The theming of this park was drawn from the Golden Age of Hollywood. This time frame, the Golden Age of Hollywood, spanned from the 1920’s to the 1940’s. Disney did have a licensing agreement with MGM. This agreement was formed in 1985. During the early 1990’s MGM and Disney had a few differences of opinion, and that is when the feel of the Studios started to change.
Along with the name change will come changes within the theme park attractions. Here is what Disney announced for soon to be changes.
- Toy Story Mania! Guests get sporty in a new, interactive “Toy Story” competition inspired by Disney-Pixar’s “Toy Story” films and hosted by characters like they’ve never before experienced. Past a queuing area featuring a giant Mr. Potato Head, guests grab 3-D glasses, board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by many of their favorite “Toy Story” characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Once inside “Andy’s Toy Box,” the competition heats up. Who can rack up the most points? Using spring-action shooters, guests launch darts at balloons, rings at aliens, eggs at whimsical barnyard targets. Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity — and beyond. (summer 2008)
- “Block Party Bash.” Play, party and dance as the Disney-Pixar Film Pals present “Block Party Bash,” the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history. New to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, “Block Party Bash” will invite guests to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from “The Incredibles,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “A Bug’s Life.” (spring 2008, replaces “Disney Stars and Motor Cars” parade)
- “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more. (”Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” will be dark most of January 2008, reopens February 2008)
- “Disney High School Musical 2: School’s Out!” With new songs and a rollicking new spirit, the Disney Channel Original Movie “High School Musical 2″ comes to life on the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is interactive fun as high-energy performers on a traveling stage invite all ages to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. (fall 2007, replaces “High School Musical Pep Rally”)
- Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny. And what would a Disney theme park be without characters? Disney’s Hollywood Studios is center stage for character meet and greets. Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard next to “Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!” and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny later this year. (November 2007)
Ever changing, ever growing, that is what Disney is all about, They continue to stretch their imaginations, and find new things to entertain their guests with.
Creating magical memories, one vacation at a time!
Written by Francine - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)
Walt Disney World - Sorting Through the 2008 Disney Dining Plan
Walt Disney World Guests, who are traveling in 2008, will have more choices than ever, with the 2008 Walt Disney World Magic Your Way Disney Dining Plans. They have given their guests some new options. Walt Disney World used to offer only one dining plan, with the other option being a Magic Your Way Premium Package. The Premium package has lots and lots of options, and most folks don’t want all of the extras that come with it. There was a definite need for a Disney Dining Plan that offered the ability to have more then one sit down meal per night of your stay. Disney has provided that option, with their Deluxe Disney Dining Plan. If you purchase a Disney Dining Plan, you will have another option presented to you, the Plus Wine Package. This affords you one bottle of wine per room, per night of your stay. Personally, I like the idea of that option. A bottle of Beringer was a regular thing during our last stay at Villas Wilderness Lodge.
Disney did take the appetizer away from what is included with your sit down meal, with the 2008 Disney Dining plan. The dessert is still included. I think this is an error on their part, and they should have dropped the dessert instead, and kept the appetizer. I’d rather save my sweet tooth for a cinnamon bun at The Main Street Bake Shop, In Disney’s Magic Kingdom or perhaps a delectable treat at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Norway at Epcot. Maybe Disney will consider allowing guests to decide between the appetizer, and the dessert? I’d like that option.
Honestly? The Disney Dining Plan as it is now, for 2007, is a lot of food. It is more then what I usually eat, and I believe there was a lot of food wasted, thrown away. Did wait staff push folks to order the desserts, ‘just to taste it’, which, in turn, would increase the total cost of the meal, and would raise the automatic 18% gratuity? Yes, I do believe they did. I know that I experienced that everywhere we dined in May 2007. I did purchase desserts to taste them, knowing I would not eat it all. I believe Disney answered a need to stop the amount of food that was being wasted each day. I think they have fine tuned their Disney Dining Plan, and I am happy with the changes.
So, the big question everyone is asking me is, “Is the 2008 Disney Dining Plan worth it?” Here is what these plans will cost in 2008.
- Disney Dining Plan: one snack, one quick service meal, one sit down meal per night
Adults (ages 10 & over) will be $37.99; children ages 3-9 will be $9.99 - Deluxe Dining Plan: three meals (counter service or sit down), one snack per night and refillable resort mug
Price will be $69.99 for adults (ages 10 & over) and $19.99 for children ages 3-9 - Plus Wine Package: one bottle of wine, per room, per night
For $39.99 per night, per room
You will have to be prepared to pay your gratuity when you dine, so that adds cost to the guest’s stay. I think it is fair, though. I believe we will see better service in the Wat Disney World Theme Park, and Resort, Restaurants, due to this change.
If you always plan at least one sit down meal per night of your stay, adding the 2008 Disney Dining Plan to your Walt Disney World vacation package is worth it. Yes, it will cost more then it did in 2007, but you are still getting a good deal.
If you like to enjoy 2 or more sit down meals, per night of your stay, you will find adding the 2008 Deluxe Disney Dining Plan to your Walt Disney World vacation package is worth it. Disney has enough options now to please everyone, and that is what counts.
Creating magical memories, one vacation at a time!
Written by Francine - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)
Walt Disney World Packages for 2008 - Specific to the Disney Dining Plan
Wow! I have HUGE news to report! I have it on the best of sources that there will be changes to the Disney Dining Plan. Cast members at CRO have been trained on the new packaging and room rates for 2008, and the release of them is imminent.
The news, you ask? : )
The Disney Dining Plan as we know it is changing. There will be one plan that is the same as now, and a second plan that will offer three sit down meals per night of your stay. You will not need to purchase a Magic Your Way Premium Package to get the three sit down meals. This is good news, and what I was hoping for! : )
Yes, there is a down side. Rumor has it the price is increasing for the plan, and that the 18% gratuity will no longer be included.
I’ll be back with more as I know it!
Creating magical memories, one vacation at a time!
Written by Francine - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)
Walt Disney World - 2008 rates and Disney Dining Plan
I have been told by a few Disney sources, that the Walt Disney World Resortsrates, and packages, for 2008, are due to be released. We should be seeing them some time in mid August. You can contact an OLP Travel agent to book your resort stay for dates in 2008 now, though. Your room rate will not be guaranteed, but you will know you have the room you want, for the dates you want.
The bigger question in my mind has to do with the 2008 Walt Disney World Packages. Will Disney be changing the Magic Your Way packages? Among the rumors I have heard, there is talk about dropping the included gratuity from the cost of the Disney Dining Plan, along with increasing the cost for the plan, per adult. I am hoping this is only a rumor, and does not turn out to be the case. Time will tell.
The Disney Dining Plan that can be added to the 2007 Magic Your Way Packages, is a wonderful deal! The part I liked best was that at the end of my vacation, I was still eating great. I didn’t have to worry about how much I spent. Each person gets one snack (any food item $4.00 or less), a counter service meal (meal plus a dessert and drink), and sit down meal (appetizer, entrée, dessert, and beverage, including a 18% gratuity), per night of your stay. The Disney Dining Plan also gives you the chance to experience the many different styles and tastes at the Walt Disney World Restaurants.
So, what would I like to see Disney do with their 2008 Magic Your Way packages? First off, don’t drop the gratuity from the cost of the Disney Dining Plan, please? The next thing I would like is to see a second type of Disney Dining Plan. I’d like a Magic Your Way Package that offers a dining plan with three sit down meals, but does not have all the tours, and extras included now in the Magic Your Way Premium Package. This would be a big seller, in my opinion. I’d also like to see the Magical Wishes as an option to add. Remember Magical Wishes? You could use them for tours, or dining, or boat rentals. They were fun!
Creating magical memories, one vacation at a time!
Written by Francine - Visit WebsiteFiled under Walt Disney World | Comment (0)