| September 02, 2010 * Issue 9.35 |
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 In This Newsletter
From the Authors: Pre-Orders and Updates!
Travel Feature: Universal Express Pass
Disney Feature: Narcoosee's
Updates: What's New and Changed
Tips: Spectacular Space Bags, Late Night at Epcot, Keeping Cool
Captain's Corner: Tucked Into Bed
PassPorter PhotoPick: A view of the Disney Magic on its Inaugural voyage to Oslo, Norway
Q and A: airport hyatt or radisson night before cruise?
Our
Sponsors: We Recommend...
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Stuff and Services
We encounter many Disney- and travel-related products and services. From among
those we try, a few are good enough to use ourselves and recommend to you:
MouseEarVacations.com - Family Travel Favorites - For all your family travel needs!
Owner's Locker - The Purple Place for Storing Your Vacation Stuff!
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Updates:
What's New and Changed
This week we have 5 news bulletins:
Space Mountain Gets A Soundtrack Space Mountain at Walt Disney World now has a soundtrack provided by an in-vehicle sound system. Music and sound effects meant to enhance the ride experience now accompanies every twist and turn.
Comments: 49
This updates page 143 of PassPorter's Walt Disney World guidebook
New Pixie Available for Meet and Greet Vidia, a pixie friend of Tinker Bell from the upcoming DVD release "Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue," is now appearing at the Magic Kingdom along Tinker Bell for Meet and Greets.
Comments: 49
This updates page 125 of PassPorter's Walt Disney World guidebook
Covered Space Rentals at Water Parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach now offer premium covered spaces for daily rental. The Beachcomber Shacks (at Typhoon Lagoon) and Polar Patios (at Blizzard Beach) cost $250 per day and include covered seating, all day drink mugs, an ice chest with bottled water and an attendant to assist with food orders. The patios seat up to six people and can be reserved by calling 407-WDW-PLAY (407-939-7529).
Comments: 49
This updates page 193 of PassPorter's Walt Disney World guidebook
Trail's End Lunch Now A La Carte Trail's End Restaurant at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground has switched its lunchtime offering from buffet to a la carte. The restaurant's popular chili and fried chicken and waffles can be ordered from the menu, along with a variety of Southern-style items like sauteed catfish, spicy grilled shrimp and andouille sausage, and grilled pork chops.
Comments: 49
This updates page 252 of PassPorter's Walt Disney World guidebook
ElecTRONica at DCA Disney California Adventure will host ElecTRONica, an evening dance party inspired by TRON: Legacy, the new film opening in December. The music starts on September 24, in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot.
Comments: 49
This updates page 122 of PassPorter's Disneyland Resort guidebook
Tip: Need more news? Read, sort, and search all the PassPorter news bulletins at the PassPorter News Desk!
Our thanks to AllEars.net and MousePlanet.com from which we get some of our news leads.
Hear some news? Be a 'PassPorter Reporter' and send it to us!
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Disney Tips:
From Fellow
Readers
Our readers deliver a wealth of information! Send us your tips! You may see them in this newsletter and win a copy of PassPorter! And you never know -- your tip could even appear in a future edition of a PassPorter guidebook.
SPECTACULAR SPACE BAGS
'This is in addition to the tip from this week about the space bags. I've been using them the past couple trips for even traveling to Florida (not just from). I've been able to pack 3 people (2 adults and one kids under 3) in one suitcase with the help of the space bags. These also help with those Florida downpours in keeping your clothes dry if your suitcase should happen to be caught outside. On our last trip a bottle of spray sunscreen ended up being broken and leaked all over. Even though I had it in a zip lock bag it still got out and since all my clothes were in space bags they were protected. One t-shirt I'd bought on the trip unfortunately was thrown in at the last minute and was stained by the sunscreen.'
-- contributed by Kelly
 Save This Tip
LATE NIGHT AT EPCOT
'There is just nothing like having the entire park to oneself! It's possible to get it, too - and this method won't cost any more than a fine dinner. A relaxing slow meal reserved for the last seating at Epcot will have your party walking out after park closing. We have enjoyed this many times and love the stillness, evening lights and music during our leisurely stroll by the pavilions and around the lake. The water ballet on the Fountain of Nations is superb; enhanced and made surreal as a command performance for your royal family. So plan a late night treat on your next Walt Disney World escape with a reservation at the World Showcase (furthest from the main exit) followed by a low-stress constitutional (don't forget the camera)!'
-- contributed by Brent
Save This Tip
KEEPING COOL
'While visiting Disney in the middle of the summer, we were trying to find ways to beat the heat. We decided to freeze our water and juice bottles at night. In the morning we would put them in a backpack. It was great to have a cold drink to sip on all morning as the ice melted slowly.'
-- contributed by Pam
Save This Tip
Want more Disney
tips? Look for the concierge bell icon in future newsletters and throughout the PassPorter.com site. When you see the bell, tap it to view and save the tip to your personal tip collection!
For Walt Disney World fans, we've collected 500 of the best tips submitted by readers over the past six years. All have been edited for accuracy and
categorized. For details, visit the PassPorter Disney 500 info
page or the PassPorter store. For Disney Cruise Line fans, we have an e-book with 250 cruiser tips, as
well as a special cruise line comparison section and seven customized packing lists. For information, visit the Disney Cruise Clues info
page.
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Captain's Corner:
Treasure Hunting Game
Play our fun and quirky treasure hunting game, hosted by
Captain Jack Skatt from our book, 'PassPorter's Treasure Hunts at Walt Disney
World.' The Captain makes a study of the delightful details -- sometimes hidden, sometimes in plain sight but often overlooked -- at Walt Disney
World and aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Using notes from his journals, he will lead you to this 'treasure' at Disney with clues, questions, photos, or
riddles. Your challenge is to discover the answer by searching your memory, visiting Disney, or even just looking really hard on the Internet. If you think
you've found the answer, e-mail it to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the first person to
correctly submit the FULL answer will
receive a free PassPorter enamel pin. (Please note: Players can win once every three months.)
Here is this week's journal entry:
"Very few people know that I am a fan of Peter Pan. It's my little secret. I wonder if anyone has ever noticed how many times I ride it in a row? Nahhh. Who would notice me? Besides, everyone is like me ... too excited to be sailing through Neverland to notice anything else. If I could be anywhere right now, I'd be in the nursery, listening to a story by Wendy. I can picture it so clearly ... John and Michael tucked into bed, Wendy perched on the side, reading some wonderful tale of adventure. When I was a boy, I wanted to be tucked right in that bed, too! Alas, there would never have been room for me -- something is already tucked in between John and Michael!"
What IS tucked in between John and Michael?
For bonus credit, locate the photo in the PassPorter Photo Archive and post a comment with the photo!
Congratulations to Kathy P. who was the winner of last week's trivia contest! Kathy P. was the first person to
identify the answer to last week's clue as Hammerhead Fred's Dive Shop in Typhoon Lagoon. Bonus credit goes to Steve and Deb as the first person to locate the photo in our PassPorter Photo Archive. To view the original clue, see last week's newsletter.
Send your full answer to jackskatt@passporter.com -- the winner will be notified by e-mail and announced in a future
newsletter, along with the correct answer!
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PassPorter PhotoPick
Each issue we choose a special photo from the PassPorter Photo Archive which highlights something beautiful, interesting,
humorous, or timely at Disney or around the world. Here is this issue's PassPorter PhotoPick:
A view of the Disney Magic on its Inaugural voyage to Oslo, Norway
Photo by MickeyWatch
(click the photo or link to see a larger photo with details)
You can nominate photos as a PassPorter PhotoPick by giving ratings in the PassPorter Photo Archive (you'll need to be logged in to do this). If you'd like to contribute your own photos to the Photo Archive and be considered as a PhotoPick, please read our Photo Upload Guidelines for details and benefits.
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. . . . . . . | Q and A: With Jennifer and
Dave
Mickey9999 asks: "We're trying to decide whether to stay at the Hyatt in the airport or the Radisson in Port Canaveral on the night before our cruise next July. The main factor I guess is ground transportation to the port or to the Radisson. Which would be more convenient and/or most cost effective? Can we book one-way Disney shuttle from the Hyatt and will it get us to the port early? Or should we take a town car to the Radisson and use their free shuttle service in the morning? We're probably going to rent a car after the cruise to continue our vacation for a few days, hence the reason we only need one-way from the airport. Any thoughts?"
Dave Marx answers: "Both have their up side and down side, and costs will also depend on the number of travelers in your party.
If you stay at the Hyatt and use DCL ground transportation (they'll be happy to sell you one-way transfers), bell services will collect your luggage and deliver it to DCL. You may not get to the cruise terminal very early, though - perhaps 11:30 or noon at the earliest (the ship will start boarding at around noon).
In theory, staying at the Radisson should get you to the cruise terminal early, but they actually take reservations for the Radisson shuttle, because demand is so high. You might get to the terminal on an early shuttle, or may end up waiting until 11:00am or Noon anyway. The hotel is very close, though, so if being there very early is important, a cab might cost you about $10.
Comparative transportation costs depend on how many are in your party, as I mentioned, since DCL charges per passenger, while the town car charges per vehicle. If there are just two of you, the shuttle will be a money saver, three or more, and you start approaching the cost of the towncar."
Did our message board members agree with Dave Marx? To see other answers that Mickey9999 received, check out the rest of the thread on the PassPorter Message Boards..
Have a question? Post questions at http://www.passporterboards.com -- and if you're
lucky, you may find that folks have already asked and answered the same question that's on your mind!
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Future Newsletters:
Want To See Your Name in Print?
PassPorter News is published weekly, and this means we're always in need of articles! We're on the lookout for guest columnists who want to contribute articles to this newsletter. No professional writing experience is necessary, just a desire to share your experience with others! Not only is this a great way to give something back to the PassPorter community, but you get to see your name in 'print' and receive a $25 gift certificate for use at www.passporter.com.
For details and our article submission guidelines, please e-mail news@passporter.com. Articles about Disney and general travel are welcomed! | . . . . . . . . . . .
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Our Sponsors:
We Recommend...
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$5.00 off airport round-trip town car!
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| | | From the Authors: Pre-Orders and Updates!
Hi, {{user('firstname')}}!
PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2011 Editions Now Available for Pre-Order!
We're pleased to announce that you can pre-order your copy of PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2011! The new editions are due out before the end of the year, just like last year. And like last year's editions, we're keeping the popular photo section in the back, full color glossy photos throughout the book, and updating it with new reader photos. We're also adding more color photos throughout the book, and all information is updated for 2011. Pre-order your copy today at http://www.passporter.com/wdw/guidebook.asp And check out the special, limited Collector's Edition with exclusive extras, brand new for this year!
PassPorter's Disney Weddings & Honeymoons Guide Updated!
A revised version of PassPorter's Disney Weddings & Honeymoons e-book is ready for download. Disney has introduced the low-cost Memories Collection for vow renewals and elopements. These intimate ceremonies for groups of six or fewer will be available for 20 months as part of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' 20th anniversary celebration. We've added an entire chapter to the book to cover everything you need to know, including the price, locations, package elements, available upgrades, and booking policies. Also included in this revision is complete information on Disney's new Facebook app, My Disney's Fairy Tale Wedding, which serves as a wedding web site, RSVP tracker, room booking engine, and social network for your event. If you have already purchased PassPorter's Disney Weddings & Honeymoons from our online store, you can download the revised version by going to the PassPorter Store, logging into your account, locating the e-book in your Order History, and clicking the download link. PassPorter's Club passholders can download the latest revision for free in the Reading Room.
The New Disney Cruise Guide is Here!
Our new PassPorter's Disney Cruise Line guidebook arrived here on July 27! New orders are now shipping out the next business day. So if you've been waiting to get your copy, now is the perfect time -- order at http://www.passporterstore.com/store/dcl.aspx . Bookstores will begin getting their copies later in August.
This Week's Podcast: PassPorter Moms Chat With Disney Dads!
Dads on the Disney Moms Panel?! You bet! Listen to as Jennifer and Sara chat with two of them (Bernie Edwards and Chris Gildea) on the 31st episode of the PassPorter Moms Podcast. There's also a 25% discount code at the end of the podcast for use in the PassPorter Store! To listen to this week's podcast in iTunes, just search on "PassPorter" or click this link. Or come listen at our site. Each episode brings news, tips, and some "motherly advice!" You can listen while you read this newsletter or surf the web! Just go to http://www.passporter.com/podcast/home.php and click Listen Now!
PassPorter's Club
Update
- More than 1500 vacationers are now enjoying access to all our e-books, e-worksheets, and super-sized photo archive images. Thank you for your continued support!
- Two new e-worksheets are available, both for cruisers: Cruise Budget Worksheet and Cruise Reservation Worksheet
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In this issue, PassPorter Message Board Guide (Moderator) Michelle Clark shares information on Universal Express Pass. Then PassPorter Featured Columnist Cheryl Pendry gives us a glimpse into Narcoosee's. Finally, Jack Skatt is back with a brand-new Walt Disney World Treasure Hunt.
Jennifer and Dave Marx
PassPorter Founders and
Authors
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Travel
Feature:
Universal Express Pass: Getting Shorter Waits at Universal Orlando
Michelle Clark, PassPorter Message Board Guide (Moderator)
Universal Orlando's "Express" pass allows guests to bypass standard lines at some attractions. Unlike Disney's Fastpass, Universal Express is not free. The upside of this feature is that fewer people will be utilizing the Express lines, making the waits generally shorter.
What options of Express passes are available for purchase?
Express Plus Passes: These are available for purchase on Universal's website, at the ticket gates, or at certain locations inside the parks. The Express Plus pass allows entry into the Express line once for each participating attraction. You can purchase Express Plus Passes for 1- or 2-park entry. The 1-park pass is good in one park only; you can’t use it in two parks on the same day. The 2-park passes can be used in both parks on the same day.
Express Plus Passes range in price from $19.99 to $69.99, based upon anticipated demand.
Park to Park VIP Ticket: Includes both park admission and entry into the Express lines. The Park to Park VIP ticket is an upgrade to the Express Plus Pass in that it allows you to use the Express line an unlimited amount of times per day. This pass is good for both parks. Park to Park VIP Tickets can be purchased in 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 days increments. The multiple day passes can be used anytime within a 14-day period from first use of the pass. So if you purchase a 3-day Park to Park VIP Ticket, you can use it on any 3 days within 14 days of first use. These passes will vary in price based upon demand and of course the number of days purchased.
You can expect to pay more for the Express Plus Passes and the Park to Park VIP Ticket during times of peak attendance such as holidays.
Unlimited Express Pass: Allows unlimited entry to the Express lines of participating attractions. This pass is sold only at the gate and is not available on the website. 1-day, 1-park pass is $62.00 and 1-day, 2-park pass is $70.00.
Universal Resort Guests: All guests staying in any of Universal’s three onsite resorts receive entry in the Express line when they show their room key at the ride entrance. Like the Park to Park VIP Ticket and Unlimited Express Pass, resort guests can enter the Express line an unlimited amount of times. This perk is available from date of check-in to date of departure. You can maximize this benefit by arriving at the hotel early. Plan to arrive at the resort before the parks open. You can check in and obtain your room keys. Most likely your room won’t be ready, but you can store your luggage and head to the parks. On the day you check out your room key is valid all day.
So how does Express work? It’s very easy. Just show your Express pass (or room key) to the Team Member at the ride entrance, and they will direct you to the Express line. It’s convenient as you don’t have to return to an attraction at a specific time. You are free to tour on your own schedule.
How many people can use an Express pass? Each pass is good for one person. So each member of your party will need their own Express pass or onsite hotel room key. Universal’s Team Members are usually diligent about checking the validity of passes, so don’t trying using an old room key!
Where can you use Express? Most attractions participate. However, the two newest attractions, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit coaster in Universal Studios and Island of Adventure’s Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, do not have Express access. Also excluded is the Pteranodon Flyers in Islands of Adventure. It's very important to know if you are planning to visit the new Harry Potter attraction!!
Will I avoid waiting in line altogether? Maybe and maybe not. I’ve walked directly onto rides in the Express line, and I’ve waited several minutes. Some attractions have a separate Express line all the way to the loading area, and some attractions merge the Express line with the regular line. But it’s always much shorter than waiting in the stand-by line.
Do I need an Express pass? This is probably the most asked question in the Universal forum concerning Express. If you’re going at a slower time of year then you probably won’t need it. I’ve been on Labor Day and didn’t need an Express pass. But if you are going during a time of peak attendance and have a short amount of time to spend at Universal, it might help you experience more attractions.
Do I have to purchase in advance? No. You can purchase Express Plus and Unlimited Express at the gates, and Express Plus at selected locations in the parks. So if you want to play it by ear and see if you really need Express before you purchase, you have that option.
Which is the least expensive option? I compared Express Plus Pass, Unlimited Express Pass, and one night’s stay at Royal Pacific Resort for September 4-5. Room keys provide Express access on the day you check in and the day you check out, so I compared 2 days of Express Plus and Unlimited Express Passes for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children):
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1-Day 1-Park Express Plus Pass - $25.99 each x 8 (4 people for 2 days) = | $207.92 |
| 1-Day 1-Park Unlimited Express Pass: $62.00 each x 8 (4 people for 2 days) = | $496.00 |
| 1 night’s stay at Royal Pacific Resort (standard 2 Queen room) = | $219.00 |
Now we will compare these options to the Park to Park VIP Ticket which includes park admission:
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2-Day Park to Park VIP Tickets: 2 adults @ $262.99 = | $ 525.98 |
| 2 children @ $249.99 = | $ 499.98 |
| $1,025.96 |
Now add park admission to the previous options:
| 1-Day Express Plus Pass - $25.99 x 8 (4 people for 2 days) = | $207.92 |
| 2 Adult Park to Park Tickets: $134.99 x 2 = | $269.98 |
| 2 Child Park to Park Tickets (ages 3-9) $121.99 x 2 = | $243.98 |
| $721.88 |
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1-Day Unlimited Express Pass - $62 x 8 (4 people for 2 days) = | $ 496.00 |
| 2 Adult Park to Park Tickets: $134.99 x 2 = | $ 269.98 |
| 2 Child Park to Park Tickets (ages 3-9) $121.99 x 2 = | $ 243.98 |
| $1,009.96 |
| 1 night (September 4) at Royal Pacific = | $219.00 |
| 2 Adult Park to Park Tickets: $134.99 x 2 = | $269.98 |
| 2 Child Park to Park Tickets (ages 3-9) $121.99 x 2 = | $243.98 |
| $732.96 |
All prices were obtained from the Universal Orlando website and are before taxes and fees. These prices are subject to change, so verify all prices with Universal (www.universalorlando.com).
Based upon these numbers, an onsite stay is a better deal than the VIP Park to Park or Unlimited Express. And if you have an additional child it’s even better, as Universal allows 5 to stay in their standard rooms.
Universal offer some packages; prices will vary. Discounts on rooms and/or tickets may be available to residents of certain states, AAA members, and other discount programs. Check www.mousesavers.com for any available Universal discounts. If you register your email address on the Universal website you might receive special offers via email. And it never hurts to call Universal directly and ask about discounts. I’ve found their operators to be very helpful.
Reader Comments (5) - Comment on this article
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About the Author: Michelle Clark is a self-professed thrill ride junkie and the mother of three teens who share in her obsession. Her goal is to experience as many theme parks as possible and stay in every Disney resort before she dies!
Questions, feedback, or
corrections about this article, or just want to give kudos to the author? Share a comment here or e-mail
us at news@passporter.com. Also check out our Article Collection for more great information!
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Disney Feature:
Narcoosee's: A Dining Review
Cheryl Pendry, PassPorter Featured Columnist
There are many wonderful dining experiences at the Walt Disney World resort and a number of those are classified as Signature restaurants, partially for the quality of the food they serve up, but also because of the cost, and very often, because of the location.
They say location is everything and with Narcoosee's at the Grand Floridian, that's certainly the case. The restaurant is located in its own building right by the marina, where boats dock to take you to and from the Magic Kingdom or offer you the opportunity to cruise around the Seven Seas Lagoon. As such, it offers a perfect view of the Magic Kingdom and, of course, the nightly fireworks, Wishes. With music piped into the restaurant and the balcony outside, you have a choice of being able to enjoy the show from your table or from the edge of the lagoon.
On our most recent visit to Narcoosee’s, the meal was once again timed beautifully, so that we finished just in time for Wishes, so I headed outside to watch it from there. To my mind, that’s the perfect viewing spot, although I heard no complaints from those who stayed at our table. Here, tables are available either right next to the window, just a little further back on the same level, which is where we were sitting, or on a slightly higher level. The restaurant has a very intimate feel to it, because of its layout. It’s probably bigger than you think it is when you enter, but because the tables don’t go that far back from the windows, I certainly always get a cozy feeling whenever we dine there.
One nice touch is that you get to pass the kitchen as you walk in. It’s a good opportunity to admire the chefs at work and the delicacies they’re turning out. We were amazed by the crispy whole yellowtail snapper that we saw one chef proudly display as we arrived. I can imagine that, if you have a long wait for your table, your mouth will certainly be watering by the time you sit down, having seen those creations being prepared in front of you. Fortunately, whenever we’ve dined here, we’ve had a very short wait for our table. This time was no different, even though we were cheekily adding two extra people to our reservation.
We always find the service here to be excellent, but then again, as a Signature dining experience, we tend to expect nothing less. The food is usually superb as well, with an emphasis more on fish than meat, which suits me down to the ground as a non-meat eater. The menu isn’t as dominated with fish as at the Flying Fish Cafe and you’ll usually find at least two or three meat options.
Although the menu does alter on a regular basis, favourites that you can usually expect to find on offer here include the crispy crab cakes with southern slaw and Cajun remoulade sauce, which are absolutely beautiful. If you enjoy crab cakes, this is the place to sample them! My husband was very impressed by the fried Rhode Island calamari with pepperoncini relish, tomato coulis, and extra virgin olive oil. Other regulars on the appetizer menu include the shrimp and crab chowder with dill crème fraiche, micro onions, and Narcoosee’s oyster crackers; a selection of artisanal cheeses that varies with the season, and Prince Edward Island mussels with parsley-pastis broth and garlic toast. Prices vary from $9 for the chowder to $15 for the artisanal cheeses.
When it comes to main course, you can expect at least one Chef’s Recommendation, which changes daily. Staples include the crispy whole snapper (although how it’s served does vary); the Tanglewood farms chicken breast with “loaded” mashed potatoes, spinach and bacon vinaigrette; along with a surf and turf combination, usually fillet mignon with rock lobster tail. The latter doesn’t come cheaply, with a $59 tag, although it’s superb value if you’re on a dining plan and intend to order some of the more expensive dishes, which is our usual approach. My husband loved being able to order the surf and turf, without me worrying about how much the check would come to!
There’s usually one vegetarian option on the menu, often based around vegetables in season, and it’s not unusual to find some form of crab-crusted fish on the menu as well. On our last visit, I sampled the grilled Loch Duart salmon with laughing bird shrimp risotto and brandy-truffle reduction (but without the pancetta, which was no problem at all). The flavours all blended together superbly.
Turning to perhaps the best part of the meal, the dessert menu is again a regularly changing feast. The key lime crème brulee was on offer when we dined there and my husband gave that the thumbs up, while I wasn’t quite so sure about the warm Valrhona chocolate cake, finished with orange sauce. I think the problem for me was that it was hard for it to live up to the same dish on offer at the California Grill, which is absolutely first class.
We always find that the food delivers at Narcoosee’s and it’s located in a beautiful setting. It’s perhaps not one of the Signature restaurants that gets the most rave reviews and sometimes it’s easy to forget it, with the California Grill dominating most people’s thoughts whenever you consider a restaurant where you can enjoy fine dining and a superb view of Wishes. However, Narcoosee’s also delivers on both those counts and is well worth keeping in mind as a good fine dining choice on Disney property.
Reader Comments (1) - Comment on this article
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About the Author: Cheryl is the author of the e-book, PassPorter's Walt Disney World for British Holidaymakers, and is the co-author of PassPorter's Disney Vacation Club Guide: For Members and Members-To-Be. Cheryl and husband Mark live in England and love to travel, particularly to Disney, and they have travelled around the world, visiting every Disney theme park on the way.
Questions, feedback, or
corrections about this article, or just want to give kudos to the author? Share a comment here or e-mail
us at news@passporter.com. Also check out our Article Collection for more great information!
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Call 888-GO TO WDW or visit quicksilver-tours.com
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