If you’re anything like us, just about any vacation is better with Mickey Mouse. And now that the 2020 Disney Cruise Line itineraries have been released, there’s no better time to explore ports all over the world!
THIS Is Why You Need To Sail On The Disney Dream: Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats
If you’re planning a voyage aboard the Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream, you’re going to want to make a trip to Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats.
Scratch that. You’re going to want to make so many trips to Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats that they name a gelato after you. (This isn’t a thing, but we wouldn’t object if it was!)
DFB Video: Top 5 Disney Cruise Line Dining Secrets
Hey, there! We’re back today with another DFB Video, and we’re letting you in on our Top FIVE Disney Cruise Line Dining Secrets!
Aaah, there’s nothing quite like a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The ocean. The excursions. The magic. The FOOD!! There’s so much to enjoy on a Disney Cruise, and we want to help you enjoy YOUR future voyage even more by sharing our very best Disney Cruise Line Dining tips! So, do exactly what you would do on a Disney Cruise as you get ready to watch our latest DFB YouTube video… sit back, relax, and enjoy! Bon Voyage! [Read more…]
News: Go-Kart Sundae from Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats on the Disney Dream!
If the only thing better than a sundae is a sundae in a cool vessel (think: Kitchen Sink, Mickey’s Pants), then the only thing better than a sundae in a cool vessel is a sundae in a cool vessel on a Disney Cruise!
The Disney Dream, which went into ‘dry dock’ for some upgrades and alterations in 2015, is the (floating) place to go for Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats. And we don’t know about you, but anywhere with the words “sweets” and “treats” in the name is basically our favorite place.
Guest Review: Adult Beverages Aboard the Disney Dream Cruise Ship
Adult exclusive hang-outs aboard the Disney Dream offer fun entertainment and gorgeous drinks. Sail away on the Disney Cruise Line with my good friend and guest author Julie Brontman!
So many people think that a Disney cruise is just for the little ones in your family, but they’re missing a whole different part of the experience! I recently went on a cruise aboard the Disney Dream with a friend and we had a great time as two adults on a “kid cruise.”
One of the best ways to explore that adult side of a cruise is to visit the bars and nighttime entertainment area, known as “The District.” There are many different spots, all tailored to whatever possible mood you might be in.
Evolution
Considered to be the “dance club” of the ship, Evolution has a special entertainment offering each night, such as variety show, game show, or comedy act. Afterward, there were dancers from the stage show, but in a whole different style of dance. We were honestly a little surprised to see dancers from a family entertainment show doing some risqué style dancing. But that’s a cruise for you I guess! Those Cast Members work in multiple roles every day to bring the Dream’s entertainment offerings to life.
Drink offerings at Evolution are themed around the idea of a butterfly, as is the entire club. There’s everything from your standard martini to something sweet and chocolatey. The first we tasted was the Mariposa, with No3 London Dry Gin, Martini Rosso Sweet Vermouth, Strawberry Puree, Passion Fruit Juice, and Fresh Muddled Basil Leaves. The strawberry/basil combo drew me to it, but this was way too sweet for my taste. It was like liquid candy. It was very dark inside, so this is pretty much all you can actually see of the drink.
The next cocktail we had was the Parnassus Apollo, made with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Frangelico, Baileys, Kahlua, and Honey. This one was certainly sweet too, but in a rich, chocolatey way instead of the sickly sweet Mariposa. Anytime you put Baileys and Kahlua together you know it’s a good time! I’d recommend this drink to anyone with a sweet tooth. [Read more…]
Guest Review: Disney Cruise Line’s Remy
Join us in welcoming back Victoria Kabakian! She’s treating us to a review of the ultra-posh Remy — a Disney Cruise Line fine-dining restaurant.
The crème de la crème of Disney Cruise Line dining is without a doubt Remy, the Ratatouille inspired restaurant on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. On a recent cruise on the Disney Fantasy, I finally got to check out the “other” adults-only dining option from Disney Cruise Line.
The classic ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) only feature Palo, a wonderful Italian restaurant inspired by Venice, but the two newer ships have also added this French culinary experience deriving half its menu from Chef Scott Hunnel from Walt Disney World’s Victoria & Albert’s and half from Chef Arnaud Lallement from L’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin three-star restaurant in Tinqueux, France, to create a gastronomic collaboration that is worth every penny (and calorie).
Atmosphere
Located on deck 12 aft (that’s the ship’s rear end for you land-lubbers), Remy is the ultimate tribute to the most perfect “little chef” there ever was. Even before entering the main dining room, two of the wines that are featured in the film Ratatouille are displayed in the wine case: a 1961 Château Latour (featured in the scene where Chef Skinner and Linguini are drinking in the office) and a 1947 Cheval Blanc (featured in the restaurant review scene with Anton Ego). And by the way, you can actually purchase these wines at Remy from their wine vault if you’d like. They cost $13,000 and $25,000 respectively.
Past the wine display is the intimate and elegant dining room, with windows stretching from end to end. This is truly the perfect setting for enjoying a view of the sunset during your meal. In fact we did, and trust me, it was stunning.
Details featuring Remy and his brother Emile can be found throughout the main dining room. Remy is found hidden in glass atop one of the vibrant chandeliers. He is carved in wood on the backs of chairs. Remy and Emile are stitched into the fabric of the booths and their figures frame every mirror in the space.
Upon further exploration, there are two additional dining rooms: a small wine room and of course the beloved Gusteau room, which is a replica of Gusteau’s restaurant in Ratatouille and even features a painting depicting the kitchen at Gusteau’s. A hand-woven carpet (one of three on the ship — the others are found in the atrium and the bridge where the ship is navigated). We’re told it took several months to create.
Eats
Although Remy also offers a Champagne brunch (at a $50 surcharge) on sea days, on this recent cruise we decided to splurge on dinner (a $75 surcharge plus $99 more if you add the wine experience, which we did not). First and foremost, the meal begins with a very special Champagne cocktail inspired by a very special character in the film, Colette.
The Colette is prepared tableside and includes a bit of strawberry, a mint leaf, some Absolut Pears, and Taittinger Champagne. By mixing the Champagne with a spirit, the bubbles dissipate, but by adding a small bit of dried apricot at the end, it creates an effervescent effect that mimics the natural bubbles in Champagne. It’s like a fun magic trick that you get to drink. Cheers.
Even before menus are presented, another taste of apparent magic hits your plates. The amuse bouche is a small sphere of deep-fried tomato soup. How is it made, you ask? Well after guessing that it’s prepared similarly to the way Chinese soup dumplings are made (using gelatinized broth in the filling, which then essentially melts when its heated), our amazing server Guiseppe confirmed that my suspicions were on the right track. How does it taste? Like deep-fried tomato soup, and oh so good.
A selection of fresh breads including tiny baguettes, multi-grain, and caramelized onion brioche are offered up next along with creamy butter from Vermont and sea salt from Bordeaux in France. The baguettes feature the perfect sound that Colette describes in the film as being a sign of great French bread. It has that crackle and that perfect taste and texture. The brioche is delicate and rich, another classic French creation. The multi-grain is the only bread I didn’t try.
The menu is divided in half with two tasting menus (with a la carte options as well so you can easily mix and match). The Saveur menu (meaning “flavor” in French) is created by Lallement, while the Goût menu (meaning “taste”) is created by Hunnel. Both are exquisite options, and while my sister opted to stick to the Goût side of the menu, I tried a little bit of each.
Our next treat from the chef before starting our official first course is langoustine with lobster bisque and lettuce reduction. The bite of langoustine is perfectly tender and succulent atop the super flavorful mound of bisque. The flavor of the sea really shines through here, creating a lovely start to this very special meal.
For our first course, we both selected the Wagyu carpaccio with ratatouille, basil coulis, 8 year aged Modena balsamic, and Parmesan crisps. The cold ratatouille is actually hidden underneath paper-thin layers of one of the world’s most famous beefs. The soft textures of the beef and ratatouille are offset by the Parmesan crisps, while the basil coulis and aged balsamic each provide contrasting nuances of herbaceous freshness and sweetness.
For our second course we tried the scallop crusted with masago (Japanese pearl rice) and served with a curried coconut broth, shiitake mushrooms, and bok choy. The scallop itself is the largest scallop I’ve ever seen in my life. It is perfectly cooked, still soft and slightly under in the center, with a lovely crisp texture on the exterior from the masago. The curried broth is so full of flavor, I wanted to tip the edge of the bowl directly into my mouth and slurp. Don’t worry, I didn’t. Anton Ego wouldn’t approve of that behavior!
Our third course is a polenta and chicken egg yolk stuffed ravioli served over a mixture of corn, black barley and poulet rouge topped with a sweet corn emulsion. This course truly encompasses the chicken AND the egg. I love the sweetness in this dish from the three different uses of corn (polenta in the filling, and corn in the base and in the emulsion). The chewiness from the black barley adds a great textural element, and of course the oozing yolk is the highlight of the dish.
My sister’s entrée from the Goût side of the menu is onion ash and black Hawaiian salt dusted lamb medallions, asparagus, marble potatoes, and pickled onions. The meat is succulent with a very unique flavor from that onion ash dusting. My sister only spared me one bite (but it was a wonderful bite) and she couldn’t stop swooning about her choice. It really is a lovely dish.
My entrée from the Saveur side of the menu is cold smoked and pan-roasted Wagyu beef with carrot puree, baby carrots, an orb (thanks, molecular gastronomy) filled with more carrot puree and braised short rib, spinach coulis, and served with a tableside drizzle of Bourguignon sauce. The beef is cooked perfectly and is so utterly tender. The bit of carrot puree and braised short rib that is encapsulated on the dish (not too visible in the picture, unfortunately) is a really neat surprise. It almost bursts in your mouth with sweet carrot puree and then that delicious meatiness that is short ribs. Oh yes. No regrets.
At this point because we were here for my birthday (belated, but still worth celebrating!) the chef actually came out and took a photo with us and then signed personalized menus for us. What a great treat!
Next it’s time for the famous Remy cheese [Read more…]
Guest Review: Remy Champagne Lunch Aboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship
Join me in welcoming Amanda Allen (a WDW Moms Panelist) with a decadent review of the new Champagne Lunch at Remy aboard Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy.
Psssst! Wanna know a secret? Remy, one of the adults-only restaurants on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream Cruise Ships, serves a Champagne Lunch once during select cruises that have sea days.
You can’t reserve a table for this meal online, and you won’t find it mentioned in the Daily Navigator. Since a mere 40 spots are available for this special lunch, it’s advertised only to concierge guests and those who have dinner at Remy, but anyone is welcome to reserve a table.
Atmosphere
I’d read rumors online of this new meal at Remy so when I boarded the Fantasy for a Western Caribbean cruise in June, I stopped by the restaurant to ask if the champagne lunch would be served during my voyage.
I learned that Remy began serving the lunch in May, and on the Western cruises, it is held only [Read more…]
Disney Cruise Line: “Hidden Remy” Photo Tour and Food Review
Disney Cruise Line’s Remy is a signature restaurant aboard the fleet’s newest ships — Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. Inside this opulent restaurant, understated (and hidden) images of the “Ratatouille” Chef Remy have been placed throughout the dining room. Reader (and WDW Moms Panelist) Jonas Karp uncovers some of the hidden Remys before sharing his mini-review and food pics!
Atmosphere and Hidden Remys
When you arrive at Remy, there’s a LOT to take in!
But once you’ve scanned the room, you’ll start to see a familiar image peeking at you from some well-hidden places! Remy — the main character from Disney’s Ratatouille, is hidden throughout the restaurant!
Wait, don’t sit just yet! Did you check out the back of your chair?!
Remy can even be found atop the chandeliers!
And just when you think this is just a squiggly form of modern art, you notice that Remy’s profile is popping [Read more…]
Review: Disney Cruise Enchanted Garden Breakfast Buffet
With only a week until the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship sets sail for its Maiden Voyage, I wanted to prep those of you who are sailing with some reviews!
One of the Disney Cruise Line Rotational Dining restaurants on board the Fantasy is Enchanted Garden, a lovely restaurant that “brings the outdoors in” with fun special effects!
I think that a favorite morning escape for many guests on the Fantasy will be this serene restaurant. Enchanted Garden is found on Deck 2, midship, and serves dinner daily. Check your personal navigator for the days on which a bountiful buffet is set out for breakfast and lunch!
Atmosphere
Enchanted Garden evokes visions of the gardens at Versailles. Garden landscapes, white lattice, blooming flowers, and a centerpiece fountain beckon guests to dine in this outdoor-like setting capped off with a brilliant, ever-changing sky.
These whimsical booths make me think of the Mad Tea Cups in the Magic Kingdom. 😉 Thankfully, diners don’t have to [Read more…]
Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Menus
If you’re anticipating a cruise on the brand new Disney Fantasy soon, you’re in luck when it comes to food! Some of the Disney Fantasy menus for the table-service restaurants have already been revealed!! These are always subject to change, so we’re excited to see what might be added as the boat continues to sail!
Here are some fun sneak peeks at the menus — along with some photos of our favorites! Bon Appetit!
Animator’s Palate
Entrees on the Animator’s Palate Menu include dishes for landlubbers, seafood lovers, and vegetarians!
One popular dish is the Animator’s Trio of Veal. It’s a Grilled Tenderloin, pulled Shank, with Tortellacci Pasta. For seafood, the Grilled Pacific Black Cod, or White Shrimp Pennette Pasta, are great choices. Vegetarians can choose from Stir-fry Vegetables or Black Bean Chipotle Cakes.
Aboard the ship, go ahead and order one (or two ;-)) appetizers! The Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes are your must-order app. Trust me!
This menu looks identical to the one on the Disney Dream. Check out our review of Disney Dream’s Animator Palate.
Cabanas
There are plenty of options on the Cabanas Menu to curb your hunger at sea aboard the Fantasy.
While options rotate, you may find Jerk Chicken Salad, Caribbean-style Conch Chowder, Fettuccine with [Read more…]
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