Main Street Minutes

Volume 7

It has been a busy start to the new year, so in this edition we are covering January and February, We’ve already knocked out a couple of Disney visits for 2024 and had a fantastic time! We tried several new restaurants and finally had a proper stay at Beach Club. We also had our last trip to Universal Orlando Resort (for now). All of this has been highlighted in the January and February episodes which you can find links to below. If you want to find out more about how to have your own Disney, Universal, cruise, or any other vacation, contact Main St Magic Travel for a free quote!

January and February Main Street Magic Episodes

• 2023 Year in Review & What We’re Looking Forward to in 2024
• Trip Review: Kailyn’s 16th Birthday Weekend (Part 1)
• Trip Review: Kailyn’s 16th Birthday Weekend (Part 2)
• Event Review: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts
• Journey Into Imagination with Greg Gately of the Funatics and The Live Podcast Show
• Our New EPCOT Summer Festival
• Ranking Restaurants: EPCOT
• Trip Review: Beach Club, Coronado Springs, DVC Moonlight Magic, and More!
• A Main Street Magic Community Q & A Part 20
• Things to Do at Disney World for Non-Disney People
• Our Favorite Disney Couples
• Trip Review: Fort Wilderness Car Camping, Tiana’s Beignets, and Beaches and Cream
• Journey into Imagination with Sam’s Disney Diary
• Trip Review: Our Last Visit to Universal Orlando as Passholders (For Now) – February 20th
• Our Favorite Disney Park and Why – February 27th

Trivia

1. Belle, Pumbaa, and Aladdin’s flying carpet all make cameo appearances in which animated feature?
2. What is the significance of the train numbers in Magic Kingdom’s Storybook Circus?
3. How many opening day attractions are currently operating in Magic Kingdom? BONUS: List them
4. Who’s catchphrase is “Let’s get dangerous!” ?
5. Before it’s release, how did the film industry refer to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs?

Answers to December Trivia

1. From All of Us to All of You, December 19, 1958
2. Roy O. Disney (Sharing the Magic)
3. Orange
4. Disney’s WILD Animal Kingdom
5. WestCOT

These Months in Disney History

• January 15, 1975 — Carousel of Progress opens in Walt Disney World
• February 11, 2011 — Mickey’s Toontown closes in Walt Disney World to make way for New Fantasyland
• January 16, 1994 — First Walt Disney World Marathon
• February 2, 1992 — The predecessor to Port Orleans Riverside, DIXIE LANDINGS, opens to guests
• January 1959 — The Dapper Dans began singing their way down Main St USA in Disneyland. The Dans later helped open Walt Disney World in 1971!
• February 7, 1940 — Pinocchio debuted in theaters
• January 15, 1975 — Space Mountain opens in Walt Disney World
• February 15, 1950 — Cinderella premiers in theaters
• January 7, 2008 — Disney MGM Studios officially becomes Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• February 20, 1985 — Disney legend Clarence Nash (Donald Duck) passes away
• February 20, 2004 — The Muppets officially join the Disney Family

Upcoming Events

• Flower and Garden Festival begins February 28th and extends through May 27th. Find out more HERE.
• Visit our booth at House of Mouse Expo, March 2nd and 3rd, get tickets HERE!
• Main St 16 Challenge Weekend benefitting Give Kids the World Village. Click HERE for more information.

Wonderland Crew Exclusive Events

February 2024

• Anyone Can Cook: February 26th
• Craft Cocktail Happy Hour: February 29th
• Meet-Up: March 1st
• Flower & Garden Opening Weekend: March 1st-3rd

Join Wonderland Crew!

Deals, Discounts, & Promos 

Stay, Play, and Dine! Receive up to $200 per night dining credit on select stays October – March. (minimum 4 night/4 day park ticket)

Kids Play and Dine for half price! When booking a room/ticket/and dining package in early 2024, children ages 3-9 receive half price park tickets and dining plans!

Disney+ Subscribers can receive FREE DINING for select arrivals between July 1 – September 30, 2024

Receive free on board credit when booking your next Disney Cruise Line adventure with Main St Magic Travel

The Most Romantic Restaurants in Walt Disney World

While we may be past Valentine’s Day, love and romance can be in the air year round. If you and your sweetheart will be in central Florida and are looking for a date night, Walt Disney World offers several romantic dining options throughout its theme parks, resorts, and Disney Springs. We’ve compiled what we think are the top ten most romantic dining spots:

1. California Grill (Disney’s Contemporary Resort): Located on the 15th floor, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of Magic Kingdom and surrounding areas. It features a contemporary menu, extensive wine list, and a romantic atmosphere. Plus, guests dining at California Grill have a fantastic view of Happily Ever After. The dining room lights are turned down and the music is piped in for added ambience. Even if your reservation time is before the show, keep your receipt and you can return to the observation deck to enjoy the show.
2. Victoria & Albert’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa): This upscale dining experience is renowned for its elegant ambiance and award-winning cuisine. It offers a multi-course prix fixe menu and impeccable service. While V&A is definitely the pinnacle of fine dinning, it is not for everyone. The whole dining experience can last several hours and comes with a substantial price tag. But if you are looking for the ultimate in fine dining, Victoria & Alberts can’t be beat!
3. Narcoossee’s (Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa): Situated on the shores of the Seven Seas Lagoon, Narcoossee’s provides stunning waterfront views and a menu featuring fresh seafood and steak. It’s a great spot for a romantic dinner. Much like California Grill, Narcoossee’s also offers a fantastic view of Cinderella Castle and Happily Ever After.
4. Jiko – The Cooking Place (Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge): With its African-inspired decor and warm atmosphere, Jiko offers a unique and intimate dining experience. The menu combines African, Indian, and Mediterranean flavors. If you enjoy fine wine, Jiko offers the widest selection of South African wines outside of South Africa. You’ll want to be sure to take in all the beautiful decor and ask your host about the backstory of all the elements that make Jiko so breathtaking.
5. Monsieur Paul (Epcot, France Pavilion): This elegant restaurant is located in the France Pavilion at Epcot’s World Showcase. It offers gourmet French cuisine, a sophisticated setting, and beautiful views of the World Showcase Lagoon. Upon reopening, Monsieur Paul has adopted a pre-fixe menu.
6. Tiffins (Disney’s Animal Kingdom): Tiffins is a signature dining restaurant that celebrates the art of traveling. The menu features global cuisine, and the restaurant’s decor showcases artwork and artifacts from around the world. Enjoy a beverage and appetizers at the adjacent Nomad Lounge before your reservation at this fine dining establishment and take in the beautiful views of Discovery River and possibly catch a glimpse of your favorite characters passing by on a floatilla.
7. The BOATHOUSE (Disney Springs): Situated along the waterfront in Disney Springs, The BOATHOUSE is known for its seafood, steaks, and romantic nautical-themed atmosphere. Guests can also take a scenic boat ride on one of their vintage amphicars. The Boathouse offers indoor and outdoor seating that is optimal for all seasons and weather. On select days you may even be entertained by the dueling pianos. And if you are more of a brunch person, Boathouse has one of the best weekend brunch options on all of Disney property.
8. Topolino’s Terrace (Riviera): Dining is a true experience, prepared at the exclusive expo kitchen or wood-burning grill. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the impressive collection sourced from the Mediterranean coast. Inspired by the cliffside restaurants of France and Italy, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera takes its name from the Italian name for Mickey Mouse. Feast your eyes on the stunning visual aesthetic, a modern interpretation of the textures, colors, carved details and stonework found in ancient villages along the Riviera.
9. Flying Fish (The Boardwalk): Savor a sophisticated interpretation of nostalgic seaside meals—the menu exudes pure epicurean genius. Step inside and discover a warm, welcoming ambiance that defines luxury dining. Unexpected details—in the impeccable décor and menu—are sure to impress Guests. Each delicious dish is more mouthwatering and visually stunning than the next… Flying Fish has fire roasted gourmet seafood into fine art.
10. Yachtsman Steakhouse (The Yacht Club): Within the airy dining room’s knotty-pine beams and nautical touches, mouthwatering cuisine awaits! High-quality, grain-fed beef is aged in-house and prepared on an oak-fired grill in the open kitchen. Feel your appetite begin to build while you watch butchers hand cut steaks to perfection in the dry-aging room.

There are many more options to suit every taste and idea of “romance” from the cozy to the crazy, newlyweds and nearly weds to those celebrating their golden years. Just be sure to make those advance dining reservations (or use Mouse Dining) for the popular restaurants so you won’t be all dressed up with no where to go on that special night!