food IS a theme park
From Contempo Cafe and Roaring Fork to The Mara and Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, there are a LOT of great counter service spots in Disney World’s resort hotels. Today we’re excited to give you a NEW review of The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort!
Artist’s Palette
The menu recently got an update and we couldn’t wait to try a few items!
We were in the Spring Break mood so we headed to Key West…Disney’s Old Key West Resort that is! After our tropical escape we headed to Saratoga Springs Resort. On our “travels” we found new menus, merchandise, cupcakes, and wine and mixology seminars!
Hello from Saratoga Springs
Our visit to Old Key West’s Gurgling Suitcase was full of new menu items!
That was fast! It was just last week we updated you on the status of what we could see of the construction going on at Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater as it becomes home to a new ride! Now, just four short days later, the construction walls are down around the Chinese Theater!
Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater Construction Progress
In 2019 the Chinese Theater will be home to a brand new ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. We don’t know an exact opening date yet, just sometime in 2019. [Read more…]
If you are considering booking Disney World’s Free Dining promotion for later this year, you now have an extended window of time to do just that.
The booking window, which was originally open through July 7, 2018, has been extended to August 1, 2018.
Other details for the offer have remained the same:
Free Dining is being offered to guests ARRIVING during the dates listed below.
August 20 – September 29, 2018
November 24 – November 27, 2018
December 7 – December 23, 2018
If you stay at a participating Value or Moderate Resort, you’ll receive the Quick Service Dining plan for FREE. (Note that you can upgrade to the standard or deluxe dining plans by paying the difference in cost per night.)
If you reserve a participating Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you will receive the standard Disney Dining plan for FREE. (You can upgrade to the deluxe dining plan by paying the difference in cost per night.) [Read more…]
The Minnie Van service is a Disney-operated personal ride program available in partnership with the Lyft app, featuring Disney World Cast Members as drivers. When the program made its debut last year, it was first available to guests only at select Deluxe Resorts.
Minnie Van
However, the rollout of the program has expanded over the past several months. And now, the rollout is complete and guests staying at any Disney World Resort — Value, Moderate, and Deluxe — can access the service, as well as guests at Four Seasons Orlando and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels. (Guests who already have the service on their apps can get rides to and from any on-property location at any time.)
One of our favorite things about staying in a Disney Vacation Club villa is the inclusion of a kitchen where we can whip up a quick meal any time of the day.
Beach Club one-bedroom villa kitchen and dining area
And while the DVC resorts do sell a variety of groceries in the resort’s gift shop, many guests choose to order groceries from off-site stores including Garden Grocer.com or have non-perishable items shipped to the hotel.
But did you know that you can order groceries from the DVC resort hotels and have them delivered to your villa? [Read more…]
Here’s to a new week! We’re kicking it off with another DFB Video today, and we’re talking about the worst Disney World Resorts!
We can’t wait to see Caribbean Beach again… AFTER construction is complete
Now, you may have already heard us talking about some of our favorite Disney World Resorts. But what about those that are… not so much? Though there really is something to enjoy about every Resort in Disney World (since the Magic is everywhere!), with dozens of them on Disney World property… well, some of them are bound to land on the bottom of the list. Find out which Resorts may not climb to the top. [Read more…]
Okay, so I may not know how to golf, but I know something cute when I see it…
Mickey Refreshment Golf Cart
… and that’s how I came across the Mickey Refreshment Golf Cart at Lake Buena Vista Golf Course!
The golf course is located at Saratoga Springs Resort, and I was upstairs on the patio of the Turf Club when I looked down and this bright red and blue cart caught my eye — as did Golfer Mickey! — so I went down to check it out. [Read more…]
Welcome back to Saratoga Springs Resort!
Saratoga Springs is a Disney Vacation Club Resort, with easy access to Downtown Disney by boat, bus, or foot path. Tucked into the main building that houses reception, a merchandise shop, and the Turf Club Bar & Grill (the resort’s Table Service restaurant and lounge), you’ll also find the Counter Service option for Saratoga Springs: The Artist’s Palette.
Having really enjoyed dinner at The Turf Club Bar and Grill a few months ago, I was looking forward to spending a little more time checking out The Artist’s Palette.
And since the hunt is currently on for the Triple Crown with “American Pharaoh” leading the way after winning the Kentucky Derby, what better time to visit this equestrian-themed resort once more?
Building housing Artist’s Palette and merchandise shop
The Artist’s Palette Sign
While Saratoga Springs Resort itself is themed after upstate New York — a place known for spas and horse-racing (hence, the Turf Club), The Artist’s Palette is modeled to resemble a city artist’s loft.
The Artist’s Palette Indoor Seating
The Artist’s Palette Indoor Seating
Wood and brick walls, along with a lofted ceiling and lots of windows, provide a peaceful, simple setting that allows the bold and colorful lighting fixtures to really pop. I don’t know if this was the intention, or maybe it was just having painting on my mind due to the theme, but all the primary colors remind me of paint colors on a white palette just before mixing.
Signature Lighting Fixtures
Lighting Fixture
Naturally, large pieces of artwork complete the scene.
Artwork and Lighting
Artwork
During your visit, be sure to check out the work of any little budding artists staying at Saratoga Springs ;).
Artists of the Day
Work of an Artist of the Day
Outside, you can find a few tables — not to mention rocking chairs — as well.
Outdoor Seating
These overlook the main pool area, and face the beginning of the waterfall at High Rock Springs. Overall, it manages to feel calm and serene, even while being the busiest area of the resort.
View from outdoor seating
High Rock Springs
And, since we’re outside, I’ll show you something that has absolutely nothing to do with food ;). This one’s for my [Read more…]
We’re off to the races!
And by “races,” I mean sitting and enjoying dinner ;). Today we’re heading to The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. The theme of this Disney Vacation Club resort reflects upstate New York and celebrates its history of horse racing.
Naturally, this theme extends to its solo Table Service Restaurant – The Turf Club (a common name for dining establishments offering great club views of the races at many horse racing destinations across the country).
Oh, and if you’re curious about where you can find THIS chocolate dessert at Disney World, you’ll want to stay tuned!
Sign leading you to the Turf Club
Heading towards the Turf Club Bar and Grill
And so with that, I say… “Riders up!” Let’s dig in!
Upon arriving for our Advance Dining Reservation at 5:00 pm (the earliest seating at this dinner-only spot), I noticed that just behind the check-in stand was a beautiful wooden piece resembling an old-fashioned horse stable.
“Horse stable”
Okay, that’s not entirely true… I didn’t pick up on the fact that it was supposed to be a stable until exiting the restaurant, which is why this picture was taken from the back :). Once I realized it, I thought it was pretty clever. All that to say… themeing here is quite subtle. Dark woods and deep greens are predominant, and the overall effect is appealing.
Indoor Seating at the Turf Club
Of course, you will find a few nods to the equestrian theme throughout the restaurant.
Framed horse racing gear
Carpet decoration
Covered, outdoor seating is available, offering views of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Outdoor seating
Outdoor seating
And our host checked with us if we would like to be seated outdoors, but since they day was still very warm, we chose indoor seating.
Indoor Seating
Table for two
Overall, think less whimsical, and more [Read more…]
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