The Hollywood Brown Derby: A Classic Culinary Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios

Tucked away in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort is the Hollywood Brown Derby, a signature dining restaurant that pays homage to the golden age of Hollywood. This iconic establishment offers guests a dining experience that combines classic American cuisine with old Hollywood glamour.

The Hollywood Brown Derby is an authentic replica of the famous Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, which was a favorite haunt of Hollywood stars in the 1930s and 1940s. From the moment you enter, you are transported back in time to an era of elegance and sophistication. The restaurant’s interior features rich wood paneling, plush leather booths, and caricatures of celebrities adorning the walls, capturing the essence of old Hollywood.

The star of the show at the Hollywood Brown Derby is undoubtedly the cuisine. The menu is a celebration of classic American dishes elevated to gourmet perfection. Signature dishes include the famous Cobb salad, which was created at the original Brown Derby, and the delectable filet of beef, known for its tender perfection.

To complement the exquisite cuisine, the Hollywood Brown Derby boasts an impressive wine list featuring an extensive selection of wines from around the world. The restaurant also offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails, including the famous Derby Martini. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect wine or cocktail to accompany your meal.

One of the hallmarks of the Hollywood Brown Derby is its impeccable service. The attentive and friendly staff ensures that every aspect of your dining experience is exceptional. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a leisurely meal, you can expect top-notch service.

For those looking to enhance their Disney experience, the Hollywood Brown Derby offers a Fantasmic! Dining Package. This package includes a three-course meal at the restaurant and reserved seating for the popular nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic!. It’s a great way to combine a memorable dining experience with a fantastic show.

The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a culinary gem that celebrates the glamour and culinary excellence of old Hollywood. With its elegant ambiance, award-winning cuisine, exceptional wine and cocktail selection, and top-tier service, it offers a unique dining experience that transports guests to a bygone era of Hollywood sophistication. Whether you’re a classic film enthusiast, a food connoisseur, or simply seeking an unforgettable dining experience at Disney, the Hollywood Brown Derby promises a taste of Hollywood glamour that will leave you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for timeless American cuisine.

Central Florida Air Quality Currently Classified as ‘Unhealthy’

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

Air quality in Central Florida, including around Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, is currently classified as “unhealthy.”

Some Florida residents are receiving text messages and notices informing them of the unhealthy air. According to AirNow.gov, the AQI (Air Quality Index) for Orlando, Florida is 154, putting it in the red category. The primary pollutants right now are fine particles (PM2.5). AirNow has the following warnings for this AQI:

People with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teens – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Keep outdoor activities short.
  • Consider moving physical activities indoors or rescheduling them.

Everyone else – take any of these steps to reduce your exposure:

  • Choose less strenuous activities (like walking instead of running) so you don’t breathe as hard.
  • Shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.
  • Be active outdoors when air quality is better.
aqi chart

Particles found in dust and smoke (PM10) are also at a moderate AQI of 59 (yellow). AirNow has this warning for the lower AQI: “If you are unusually sensitive to particle pollution, consider reducing your activity level or shorten the amount of time you are active outdoors.”

air quality wdw oct 3 2023 1865

One of our reporters snapped the above photo of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa through a hazy sky this morning.

The unhealthy air quality and hazy conditions are due to Canadian wildfires, spread south by a block of high pressure. According to Weather.com, wildfire smoke contains microscopic particles that are 30 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of hair. These particles can be made up of chemicals, metals, acids, soils, and dust, which can penetrate the bloodstream when breathed in.

The air quality is expected to improve over the next few days. Today will continue to be unhealthy for sensitive groups, while tomorrow is currently forecasted to be moderate. Thursday and Friday are expected to have good air quality.

New ‘Frozen’ Loungefly Mini Backpack at Walt Disney World

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks

A new “Frozen” Loungefly mini backpack featuring the famous sisters has arrived at Walt Disney World ahead of winter. Though Anna and Elsa have made their summer home in EPCOT, this was found at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Riverside Depot.

“Frozen” Loungefly Mini Backpack – $88

"Frozen" Loungefly mini backpack

A pleather patch of Anna, in her pink cloak from the first “Frozen” film, is on the round front pocket.

A purple plaque features the logos for Disney Parks and Loungefly. There are holographic snowflakes all over the bag.

"Frozen" Loungefly mini backpack

New Theme Park Management Bachelor’s Degree Available for Cast Members Through Disney Aspire

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Uncategorized

A new Theme Park Management bachelor’s degree is now available for Disney Cast Members through the Disney Aspire program.

Disney Aspire Adds Theme Park Management Degree

Announced via the Walt Disney World Ambassadors’ Instagram account, hourly full-time and part-time Disney Cast Members based in the U.S. can now utilize the Disney Aspire program to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Theme Park Management from the University of Central Florida (UCF).

According to NSM Today, the four-year degree was launched at the university earlier this fall. Interested Cast Members are encouraged to visit the Disney HUB to learn more.

Disney Aspire, first launched in 2018, is a 100 percent tuition-paid education investment program for hourly Disney Cast Members. Through this program, Disney pays for college tuition upfront, allowing for Cast Members in the U.S. to continue their education across a network of schools.

UCF describes the degree as follows:

The Theme Park and Attraction Management program will immerse you in the managerial, creative, and technological aspects of the theme park industry. Our courses are designed to help you understand the complex industry, design, and manage successful theme parks and attractions while developing the leadership, communication, critical thinking and collaborative skills you’ll need for your career in theme park and attraction management. Our key industry partnerships with some of Orlando’s biggest names will expose you to national and global attractions industry leaders in the classroom as well as unmatched internship and job placement opportunities.University of Central Florida

Perseverance Rover Tracks Debut at Mission: SPACE In Collaboration With NASA at EPCOT

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks, Epcot

Perseverance Rover tracks have debuted at Mission: SPACE at EPCOT after a collaboration between Imagineering and NASA.

The Mars sculpture is still in poor condition, with visible wear and tear on the red planet.

“NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory provided images captured by [the Perseverance rover] as reference for our artisans, a 3D print file to recreate sample tubes used on Mars, and loaned a prototype wheel of the Perseverance rover to create tread marks identical to those currently on Mars,” said Disney in a post on X.

EPCOT Perseverance Rover tracks 1

The old Spirit and Opportunity tracks disappeared after a pavement refurbishment back in August 2023.