Disney World Announces Thanksgiving Offerings; New Dishes at ESPN Club; and More

Just want to say what a wonderful weekend trip to Walt Disney World it was and those few days off from work and the blog were quite relaxing. The highlight of course was getting to spend time with my family and celebrate my nephew's 13th birthday. I'll be working on my trip report this week so be on the look out for that. Let's get some Disney news out:

Disney World Announces Thanksgiving Offerings:

Welcome to the Holiday Season at Disney World. Considering I just left the World just a few short hours ago, I can tell you that Christmas is in full force around the resort and in the parks. Before we get on to Christmas though we do have the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving to celebrate at the parks. Disney World has announced its Thanksgiving Day offerings on November 26. 

Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Norway will offer a special holiday menu with roasted turkey breast and all the trimmings plus traditional Norwegian meatballs, and pan-seared salmon. At Sanaa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offerings will include poppy seed lavash, house-made naan, and apple cranberry achar. 

Special Holiday menus at Disney's Hollywood Studios include: 50's Prime Time Cafe, Hollywood & Vine, and Hollywood Brown Derby. The Tusker House will have a special Holiday menu at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Here is a complete list of restaurants with special menu's around the Walt Disney World Resort:

• Artist Point and Whispering Canyon Café at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
• Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Resort Riverside
• California Grill, Chef Mickey’s and The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
• Cape May Café at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Captain’s Grille and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Citricos, Grand Floridian Café, Narcoossee’s and Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
• Flying Fish Café and Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort
• Mickey’s Backyard Thanksgiving Feast and Trail’s End Restaurant at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
• Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas-Disney’s Kidani Village
• Kona Café at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
• Olivia’s Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort
• Sanaa at Disney’s Kidani Village Resort
• Shutters at Old Port Royale at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
• The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

New Menu Items Featured at Disney BoardWalk Inn's ESPN Club:

The ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk Inn is featuring new starters and entrees on its menu along with the old staples that will remain on the menu. Here is a list:

New Starters:

• Bar Flats (the ESPN version of a flatbread with caramelized onion, bacon and beer-cheese fondue; tuna tartare; traditional margarita (mozzarella, tomato and basil); Mediterranean, and the seasonal flat. (pictured above)
• Club Fries – chunky steak fries topped with ESPN chili, Cheddar and ale fondue, crumbled blue cheese, marinated tomatoes, crispy pancetta and green onion. Plenty to share. 
• Pan-fried potato and cheese pierogi topped with herb-infused sour cream and caramelized onions. (pictured above)
• Crispy fried Florida pink shrimp with Cajun remoulade, Sherry aioli and grilled lemon.
• ESPN House Chili with diced onions, shredded Cheddar, smoked bacon, pico de gallo and griddle cornbread. 
• Clam chowder with chopped bacon, herb oil and seasoned oyster crackers.

• Turkey Carver sandwich with roasted turkey breast, smoke Gouda, maple aioli, tomato and bitter greens.
• Seafood mac & cheese made with seasonal seafood and citrus gremolata.
• Sustainable catch with market vegetables.
• Hand-breaded chicken breast sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tomato and lettuce on a toasted bun.
• Petite top sirloin and grilled langostinos with house-made mac & cheese, Cabernet butter and market vegetables.
• Craft beer battered fish and chips with Cajun tartar sauce and fries or cucumber salad. 
• Coffee-brined BBQ-spiced pork chop with fried potato hash and pickled vegetables.
• Grilled Black Tiger Shrimp and andouille sausage “gumbo style” risotto, braised kale and grilled cornbread. 
• Bourbon-ale braised beef short rib with potato and roasted garlic gratin, watercress, pan gravy and market vegetables. (pictured above) 
• Pan-roasted chicken breast with Parmesan risotto, lemony chicken jus and market vegetables. 
• Sausage 3 Way: bratwurst, peppers and onions on pretzel roll; kielbasa and smoked bacon cabbage on a club roll; and Andouille with pickled vegetables on a poppy seed roll. 
• Vegetarian “Unplugged” with seasonal selections

Various Christmas Offerings Begin at Disney World:

While at Disney World this weekend it was apparent that Christmas will soon be in full force around the parks and this was even on Halloween with many stores having their Christmas sections out. Christmas music has begun as well although it is sporadically between regular Disney music.

Yesterday, Santa Goofy began meeting guests at the entrance to the old Studio Backlot Tour taking the place of Sorcerer Mickey. Sorcerer Mickey is now meeting guests in the old Jack Sparrow attraction area.

Also at Disney's Hollywood Studios, although not officially beginning until on Friday, the final and 20th Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights began lighting up for all guests. 

Also check out the shirts, the Disney released for the final year of the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Disney's Magic Kingdom begins this Sunday, November 8. Other Christmas offerings around the parks will begin in the coming days and weeks.

Rumors: Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland to Close; Major Refurbishment at Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk

Rumor: Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland to Close in 2016:

After more land was acquired by Disneyland more rumors of expansion are coming out of California. Today, a rumor reported by WDW News Today shows that Mickey's Toontown in Disneyland could be closing in 2016 with a Star Wars Land on the way. Along with the area north of Mickey's Toontown, which currently holds backstage offices that would move to the area of the newly acquired land. 

If the rumors are true, the new Star Wars Land would have entrances at the northern end of Critter Country/Frontierland and next door to "It's a Small World (where the Toontown entrance currently exists). The land would cover the entire north end of the Disneyland Resort property, making it one of 

the largest areas of the park. Along with all other rumors it is expected that this would be announced at next week's D23 EXPO. Tune in as more details and confirmations come out for expansions on both coasts in Disneyland and Disney World's Hollywood Studios.

Major Refurbishment of Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk:

The Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk is expected to close early next year for a lengthy and major refurbishment. The restaurant is expected to close February 1, 2016 and is expected to last through November of 2016. 

No major changes to the theming of the restaurant is expected to take place. Throughout the closure however, the kitchen and dining room are expected to be renovated. This was reported by WDWMagic.  

In-Depth Look at Disney's Deluxe Resorts Part 6: Disney's Boardwalk Inn

Happy Easter everyone and if you don't celebrate the holiday I hope you are enjoying the weekend. Today, we continue our in-depth look at Disney World's deluxe resorts in Disney's Boardwalk Inn or simply what many call as the Boardwalk. The Boardwalk sits next to Crescent Lake where guests stroll around like they are at Atlantic City during the 20's and 30's. The resort is rather small and only has 378 rooms. Disney's Boardwalk Inn is just a short walking distance two of Disney World's great parks in Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Here is the brief overview of Disney's Boardwalk Inn on the Disney World website:

Experience the charm and whimsy of turn-of-the-century Atlantic City at this waterfront Resort hotel. Make a splash at Luna Park Pool and delight in a massage at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Discover carnival games, unique dining and exciting nightlife on the Coney Island-style boardwalk. Strung like saltwater taffy along the shimmering Crescent Lake, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is located within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Room Types and Rates:

The Boardwalk as mentioned above only has 378 rooms both standard, deluxe, and rooms with club level access. The rooms have beautiful views as many of them overlook Crescent Lake. Standard amenities available in standard rooms include: hair dryer, coffee maker, in room safe, pack n' play crib, junior-size day bed in select rooms, internet with free wi-fi service, telephone with voicemail, and an iron and ironing board.

Water View Standard Room at Disney's Boardwalk Inn

Standard rooms at Disney's Boardwalk Inn have two different types Standard View and Water View rooms are available. A Standard View room's start at $381/night at the Boardwalk. The room has views of either Disney's Boardwalk Inn gardens, leisure pool, or the parking area and sleeps up to 5 adults. The room has a choice of 2 queen beds and a daybed, a king bed, 2 queen beds, or a king bed and a day bed. The Water View rooms begin at $498/night and has views of either Disney's Boardwalk or Crescent Lake. The rooms sleep up to 5 adults and has the choice of 2 queen beds and a  daybed, 2 queen beds, or a king bed.

We move on to the deluxe rooms with club level/concierge service at the Boardwalk. The amenities in these rooms include: evening turndown, continental breakfast, Midday snacks and Evening Wine, Cheese, Cordials and Dessert, pre-arrival Walt Disney World Resort itinerary planning, access to Concierge Service at the Innkeepers Club, secured key access to club-level lounge serving refreshments form 7 am to 10 pm daily, complimentary health club access, personalized Front Desk and Guest Services, complimentary newspapers in club level lounge, complimentary fax assistance, and all standard room amenities plus a dvd player. 

Deluxe Room at Club Level at Disney's Boardwalk Inn

Three types of rooms with club level service at Disney's Boardwalk Inn include: Standard Room at Club Level, Deluxe Room at Club Level, and Outer Building - Garden Room with Club Level access. The Standard Room at Club Level starts at $573/night with views of either the Boardwalk Courtyard, leisure pool, or the Boardwalk. The room sleeps up to 5 adults and has choices of 2 queens beds and a daybed, a king bed, or 2 queen beds. The Deluxe Room at Club Level rates begin at $719/night and has views of Disney's Boardwalk. The room sleeps up to 6 adults and has 2 queen beds and a queen-size sleeper sofa. The Outer Building - Garden Room with Club Level access begin at $777/night and has a view of Disney's Boardwalk Inn Gardens. The room only sleeps 2 adults and is has a king bed.

Dining:

Dining at Disney's Boardwalk Inn is described on Disney World website as experiencing American favorites, fresh seafood, Greek specialties, and more along the picturesque waterfront boardwalk adjacent to the deluxe elegant resort. Here you will be able to experience fine/signature dining, unique/themed dining, casual dining, quick-service, lounges, and in-room dining. 

Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk Inn

The Flying Fish Cafe is your spot for a fine/signature dining experience at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. Here you can feast on seafood and sizzling steak in the jovial and high-energy cafe serving breakfast and dinner. The Big River Grille & Brewing Works offers a unique/themed dining experience at the Boardwalk serving lunch and dinner. The Big River Grille is a family-friendly microbrewery and restaurant serving award-winning beers and fresh twists on American pub favorites. The ESPN Club offers a casual dining experience for sports fans everywhere. Serving lunch and dinner this restaurant is the ultimate experience in dining, entertainment, and shopping.

ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk Inn

There are three quick-service spots at the Boardwalk Inn: Boardwalk Bakery, Seashore Sweets, and Pizza Window. Boardwalk Bakery offers the most delicious baked goods as well as soup, salads, and sandwiches opening at 6:30 am and close at 11 pm. Seashore Sweets is the place where you can enjoy  "confections served with affection" by the Sweet Sisters. The old-fashioned Atlantic shore candy shop offers everything from saltwater taffy, fudge, ice cream, shakes, floats, chocolate, and bulk candy. Pizza Window is your pizza shop with Boardwalk attitude as you walk down the boardwalk enjoying a slice. Disney's Boardwalk Inn also has a lounge in The Belle Vue Lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail or two in a 1930's style setting. The resort also offers in-room dining from 6 am until midnight.

Recreation and Amenities at Disney's Boardwalk Inn:

Luna Park Pool at Disney's Boardwalk Inn

As you can see the pool at Disney's Board Walk Inn is just one of many recreational activities at the resort. Other activities include:

• Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf Course
• BoardWalk Campfire activities
• Movies under the stars
• Bike Rentals
• Surrey Bike Rentals
• Fishing
• Tennis
• Jogging
• Playground - Luna Park Crazy Play Area
• Side Show Games Arcade

Amenities at Disney's Boardwalk Inn include:

• Complimentary bus and boat transportation to the parks
• Complimentary use of Disney's Magical Express
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet connection
• Complimentary parking
• Valet parking
• Online Check-in
• Resort Airline Check-in
• 24 hour ATM and Banking to exchange foreign currencies
• Business Center
• Childcare Services 
• Designated Smoking Areas
• Disney Meetings
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
• Mail Services 
• Spa & Fitness at Muscles & Bustles Health Club

Disney's Boardwalk Inn is a world-class resort that offers everything for a Walt Disney World guest. From its elegant feel of being in Atlantic City to walking on the boardwalk Disney's Boardwalk Inn has it all as a deluxe resort. This ends our in-depth look at Disney's Boardwalk Inn. Tune in next week for an in-depth look at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Enjoy the day and as always in the words of Mickey Mouse, "See Ya Real Soon."