After Being Closed for Over 650 Days, a Disney Favorite Reopens!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Via DisDining.com

Calling all Disney foodie fans! We previously shared the exciting news that select Walt Disney World Resort restaurants were finally returning to operation. After closing its door in March 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, this favorite Disney Resort restaurant has officially reopened!

Disney is on a reopening roll and we hope it just keeps coming! Disney Park Trams are back in operation, several Disney Resort restaurants are reopening, spa services at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort are returning, and exciting entertainment like the date reveal for Magic Kingdom’s “Festival of Fantasy” Parade are all making a comeback.

If you’re a fan of incredible dining, this Walt Disney World restaurant should be on your must-do list. That’s right, it’s time to head on over to the BoardWalk where you’ll find Flying Fish! From some of the best seafood we’ve ever had to the perfectly good steaks, this contemporary American restaurant on Disney’s BoardWalk has opened its doors after well over 650 days of being closed.

Disney Cast Members are celebrating the return as well! Walt Disney World Cast and Community took to Facebook on January 27 to share, “Back on the boardwalk! Cast Members are ready to “sea” you at Flying Fish, which reopens today at Disney’s BoardWalk! Congratulations on bringing back another favorite experience for our Guests.”

Flying Fish Cast Members

Jeff Vahle, the President of Walt Disney World Resort, took to Instagram to share some photos of the reopening with the note, “Flying Fish is back! I was excited to join Culinary Director Lenny DeGeorge, Executive Chefs Andy Larkin and Tony Deluca, Chef Tim Majoras, and the rest of the team as they welcomed their first Guests today. We’re so excited to be opening this back up for our Guests to enjoy. Thanks to our Food & Beverage Cast Members who made it happen and congrats to everyone involved!”

Flying Fish Cast Member
Flying Fish Cast Member

If you’ve never dined at Flying Fish restaurant before, you’ll want to be aware that reservations 60-days in advance are highly recommended, plus, there is a dress code for the Signature Dining experience. Men must wear khakis, slacks or dress shorts and collared shirts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition. Sport coats are optional. Women must wear Capri pants, skirts, dresses, or dress shorts. Jeans may be worn if in good condition.

In other words, this is a Disney signature restaurant that you’ll want to clean up for after a Disney Park day. Go ahead and leave the tank top, flip-flops, and swimsuits back in the Resort room.

Disney describes Flying Fish as “Seasonal Fare, Perfectly Prepared” with “Savor a sophisticated interpretation of nostalgic seaside meals—our menu exudes pure epicurean genius. Step inside and discover a warm, welcoming ambiance that defines luxury dining. Unexpected details—in our impeccable décor and menu—are sure to impress Guests. Each delicious dish is more mouthwatering and visually stunning than the next… we’ve fire-roasted gourmet seafood into fine art.”

Flying Fish Food

“Peer into the open kitchen from your exquisitely set table and watch our master chefs create one culinary masterpiece after another using the freshest ingredients—choose from a variety of succulent specialties that might include perfectly seared scallops and slow-roasted pork belly.”

During dinner, indulge in a diverse selection of handpicked wines chosen to complement the cuisine, as well as our signature cocktails. Be sure to treat your sweet tooth to an assortment of seasonal desserts for an unforgettable mealtime finale!”

Aulani Resort Guests Urged to Stay Updated on Hawaii’s Travel Requirements

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

The Government of Hawaii is considering changes to Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program. Specifically, travelers planning to utilize their vaccine status to receive an exemption to the State of Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine may be required to be up to date on their COVID-19 booster shots. Please continue to stay updated on the latest travel requirements by visiting the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels website.

As a reminder, the City & County of Honolulu also requires that all Guests ages 12 and older dining on property provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours. Please stay up to date on any changes to our offerings on the Know Before You Go page at DisneyTravelAgents.com.

Please note that the following Guest letter will be sent to all affected Guests:

Aloha ___(Guest)___,  

We are delighted you have chosen to stay with us at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina.  We are looking forward to welcoming you soon.

As you prepare for your upcoming trip, please be advised that the Government of Hawaii is considering changes to Hawaii’s Safe Travels Program. Specifically, travelers planning to utilize their vaccine status to receive an exemption to the State of Hawaii’s mandatory quarantine may be required to be up to date on their COVID-19 booster shots. Please continue to stay updated on the latest travel requirements by visiting the State of Hawaii’s Safe Travels website.

As a reminder, the City & County of Honolulu also requires that all guests ages 12 and older dining on property provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 48 hours. Please stay up to date on any changes to our offerings on the Know Before You Go page at DisneyAulani.com.

If you need assistance with your reservation, please contact your original booking agent.  

  • If you booked your vacation through a travel agent, please contact your travel agent directly.

All of us at Aulani Resort look forward to your arrival and wish you a truly magical stay! 

Sincerely,

Disney Destinations, LLC

Walt Disney World Restaurant REOPENINGS Announced!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Exciting news coming out of Walt Disney World Resort as we are learning several Disney Resort restaurants are FINALLY reopening their doors!

First up, Disney has announced Flying Fish at Disney’s BoardWalk is reopening!

Disney shares, “The chefs from Flying Fish over at Disney’s BoardWalk are ready to welcome you back on Jan. 27 with their signature seafood dishes. Enjoy a taste of luxury with unrivaled flavors, sustainable seafood, and steak offerings. When it comes to entrées, this restaurant does not disappoint. The Seafood Pearl Pasta consists of all your favorites – shrimp, lobster, scallops, clams, and mussels. For another option from the sea, consider the Plancha-seared Scallops accompanied with savory grits, sweet corn, and Peppadew emulsion. How delicious! After indulging in your dinner, there’s no better way to conclude a trip to Flying Fish than with a sweet finish. If you love chocolate, the Cocoa Breach accompanied with delicious vanilla custard is the treat for you.“

Collage of offerings from The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Let’s move on over to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa where The Turf Club Bar and Grill is reopening soon!

Disney has announced, “Get ready for a night at the races again starting on Feb. 3 with a nice trip out to Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. Here you’ll find The Turf Club Bar and Grill, a special spot with a reputation for delicious American flavors in every dish. Begin your evening on a high note right out of the gate with the New York Cider-braised Mussels appetizer flavored with garlic, chorizo, fennel, Fresno chili, and apple cider topped with a grilled baguette. As you move on to the next course, the Grilled Pork Chop or Braised Lamb Tagliatelle both have a place in the winner’s circle of flavor. And don’t forget to top off your meal with one of the delightful desserts, like the New York Cheesecake. Yum!“

Collage of food offerings from Jiko – The Cooking Place

How about a little goodness over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge? That’s right, Jiko – The Cooking Place is once again opening its doors.

Disney shares, “Beginning on Feb. 17, venture over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to savor the tastes and flavors of African, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine at Jiko – The Cooking Place. As this spot welcomes you again, try the Seafood Tagine. Filled with prawns, scallops, squid, and Littleneck clams, this dish is a shellfish lover’s dream! For a sweet finish, the returning Kilimanjaro dessert is not just gorgeous, but delicious too. Decadent dark chocolate mousse, pistachio financier, pink peppercorn meringue, cacao nib crunch, and ras el hanout pineapples – what could be better?”

Collage of food offerings from Cape May Café

While previously open, we are excited to hear that Disney is returning some beloved offerings at Cape May Cafe and Ale & Compass Restaurants.

First, Disney has announced “Over at Cape May Café on Feb. 15, embrace the New England vibes as you once again feast upon an all-you-care-to-enjoy, buffet breakfast with tasty items like pull-apart bread with vanilla sauce, beef hash, and an omelet station. And what breakfast is complete without Mickey and Minnie waffles? As the sun goes down, the buffets keep coming with options like cornbread, seasonal harvest salad, seafood boil, and a daily carving station, just to name a few. You can also choose to upgrade your meal with snow crab legs or even a whole lobster, both purchased by the pound. It’s best to bring your appetite for these exciting returns because you’ll want a bite of everything!”

Image of Blueberry Bacon Pancakes and interior of Ale & Compass Restaurant

And right next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Ale & Compass Restaurant is bringing back some tasty breakfast offerings!

Disney goes on to say, “Next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort starting Jan. 31, the Ale & Compass Restaurant is back with some returning breakfast options and exciting, new lunch offerings. Start off by indulging in one of the delicious à la carte entrées, like Blueberry Bacon Pancakes. And don’t forget to enhance your breakfast with a tasty buffet filled with dazzling additions to your entrée, including pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, overnight oats, and house-made cheddar biscuits with country gravy.”

Ready to book a fantastic meal at one of these locations? Booking reservations open starting January 20, 2022.

The Grand Floridian Spa Opening Jan. 26 at Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Via Disney Destinations

Ready to relax after the holiday season? The Grand Floridian Spa will open its doors this month, inviting Guests to break away from the everyday with treatments that invigorate the mind and body.

The Grand Floridian Spa has been refreshed with the iconic Victorian-style theming of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. Once inside the spa, Guests will be transported to a tranquil Floridian garden where they’ll experience serenity with calming lighting and comforting music.

Guests of The Grand Floridian Spa can choose from an array of treatments and massages. Experience The Grand Massage or Massage for Two, which incorporate botanical lotions and other elements to release tension and fatigue and replenish the mind, body and spirit. Or, destress with Nature’s Renewal Hydrating Treatment, which combines a full body exfoliation with a hydrating botanical massage.

A full range of salon services are also available including haircuts, styling and The Grand Manicure and Pedicure Treatments. The Grand Floridian Spa’s nail treatments provide the ultimate pampering experience with exfoliation, mask, massage and choice of nail lacquer.

Spa Guests are also invited to visit a relaxation lounge before or after their treatments.

As we reopen another area of Walt Disney World Resort, we continue to keep the safety of our Guests and Cast Members top of mind, and Guests’ experiences may be different from their last visit. What hasn’t changed is the incredible service that the Cast Members of The Grand Floridian Spa provide, and they can’t wait to welcome Guests back for a truly “grand” experience.

Disney World Is Offering BIG Savings to Guests This Spring!

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Via DisDining.com

Disney World is currently celebrating its momentous 50th Anniversary — with new shows, new merchandise, and a ton of great new food being introduced at the Resort. The 50th Anniversary celebration will run for 18 months, wrapping up in March 2023, which means that there is still a ton of time to make your way down to the Sunshine State to experience the magic! Disney wants everyone to be able to visit for the 50th, so they are offering some massive savings for those visiting in the Spring and Summer.

Guests visiting between March 6 through July 7 can save up to $500 on their 5-night stay — depending on which beautiful hotel they choose. Think of all of the amazing food and merchandise you could get to remember your trip with that kind of savings? Here is more information on the incredible deal via the Walt Disney World website:

Save up to $100 per night on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights March 6, 2022 through July 7, 2022. For example, if you book a 5-night stay at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge with this offer, you can save $500 on your stay!

There’s so much to celebrate when you stay at a Disney Resort hotel—especially during The World’s Most Magical Celebration! As a Guest of a Disney Resort hotel, you can enjoy early entry to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening to experience select attractions (with valid park admission and a park reservation). Plus, as a Disney Resort hotel Guest, get early access to purchase individual Lightning Lane entry for up to 2 attractions each day.

The following hotels are offering $100 savings per night:

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Riviera Resort
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Yacht Club Resort

Guests can save $40 per night at the following participating Resorts:

  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside
Ursula at Art of Animation Resort

These Resorts are offering Guests a savings of $20 per night:

  • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort — reopening March 31, 2022
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
All Stars Resort

Regular ticket holders are not the only ones who can get in on the savings action. Annual Passholders also have a lot of discounts coming their way as well. If you are a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder, you can read more about the discounts you are eligible for by clicking here.

There are a couple of important things to remember when deciding to book your magical Disney vacation at one of these great resorts. First, the maximum savings is only valid for “most nights”, according to Disney. This usually means that weekends will be more expensive than weekdays, so the savings may be a little less on those days. It should also be noted that there are only a certain amount of rooms set aside at each resort for the savings, so booking earlier is key if you want to get the savings and hotel you are hoping for.