food IS a theme park
If there’s one thing we love about Disney World, it’s the FOOD! We are Disney Food Blog, after all.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
So, when a Disney World restaurant adds something new to its menu, well, we make it our job to go try it out. We’re serious. That literally is our job. And we LOVE IT! Recently, a hidden Hollywood Studios restaurant debuted some new menu items so of course, we had to check it out.
Chances are when you’re considering where you’ll stop to eat in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you think you already know where your favorites can be found. We’re here to tell you that a popular Disney World restaurant JUST had a menu change, and we think you’re gonna love it!
New menu items!
We knew Mama Melrose’s was gaining a few new additions to their menu, so we wanted to be some of the first to try them out and tell you all about it! [Read more…]
Did you know that the Mona Lisa is HIDING in Disney World? Of course, Miss Lisa is on vacation, so you’ll find her rocking some sweet sunglasses in front of the HOLLYWOOD sign in her protrait. Celebrities — they’re just like us!
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
This is just one of the MANY fun details you can find at a little restaurant tucked away in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s called Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, “Where Italy meets California in the heart of the Backlot!” so you KNOW the lore goes deep for this unassuming Disney World restaurant. Intrigued yet? Maybe these six NEW menu items will tempt you to book a reservation. That’s right. Disney just announced a BUNCH of new menu items are coming soon, so let’s take a look at what we can expect!Â
In my opinion, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has always been hit or miss.
But on my last two visits, it was exceptional. I couldn’t wait to re-visit another year later and see if that was still the case. And, I gotta say, this place is still a hidden gem. I would, in all honestly, choose this restaurant over several signature restaurants on Disney property right now. Let’s take a look at the details.
When we arrived for a late night advance dining reservation during an Extra Magic Hours night, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano was teeming with hungry guests. You get a sense of Mama’s random story before you ever enter the doors. The Mona Lisa, wearing shades, in front of the Hollywood Sign? Yeah, I don’t get it either.
Outside Wall as You Approach Mama’s
The flimsy “backstory” unfolds: Mama was once an aspiring actress who began to cook her traditional dishes for friends while she was trying to become a star. Her dreams of acting fame may have faded, but she found another route into the hearts of the masses — her cooking. And Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano was born.
Entrance to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Even if the backstory still doesn’t make any sense to me after all this time, that doesn’t mean the restaurant isn’t kind of fun to look around. It’s a mix of old world meets Hollywood…and every year that goes by means Mama’s decor becomes even more antiquated.
One of my favorite touches is the wall-o-1980s-stars. These headshots crack me up! It’s like a who’s who of the year the Studios opened. (I always have to scout out Mary Fran.)
Podium and Entrance from the Waiting Area
Other decor elements feature kitschy goodies from Mama’s collection.
In Vino Veritas!
More chances to look for your favorite late 20th century actors await you at the restroom entrance. And check out this guy we saw above the doorway…
Celebrity Pictures Outside the Restrooms
These little Olafs-on-a-stick are part of the Frozen promotion in Hollywood Studios! Guess someone thought he’d be right at home here on a gondola?
Olaf — This Guy is Everywhere
Walk through the large arch and past the kitchen, and the restaurant opens before you. Be sure to peek at the pizza oven as you walk by!
Show Kitchen
Once you’re in the dining area, pause to take a look around. The walls are covered with some fun stuff, including tons of albums. That’s right, kids — [Read more…]
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