If you’re a big Disney park fan like us – especially if you’re planning a trip there anytime soon – Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom all have new experiences to offer. Plus, no more plastic straws. Here’s the Five Top News Stories for Walt Disney World This Week – read on for details.

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Be Our Guest Prix Fixe Menu

Be Our Guest restaurant now offers a new, enhanced dining experience as of July 27th. They serve dinner as a three course Prix Fixe menu. The enhanced dinner menu is much more French. Appetizers include Escargot and Charred Octopus. Among the entrees are Saffron- infused Seafood Bouillabaisse, Center-cut Filet Mignon, and Poulet Rouge Chicken. End the meal with a delicate dessert trio.

NEW Keepsake at Tower of Terror

You can now get a special photo keepsake whenever you “drop in” at the Hollywood Tower Hotel. The lenticular photo changes to show you entering The Twilight Zone with a fun and eerie effect. Memory Maker packages do not include the keepsake, and it is not part of Photo Pass. You must buy it separately, and they do charge $19.95 plus tax.

Vampirina Coming To Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The new Disney Junior character will be joining the Disney Junior Play and Dine breakfast at Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, beginning on September 30. Later this year, she will join the Disney Junior Dance Party at the park. Vampirina is an age appropriate cartoon about a vampire girl in a Munsters-like family who is making new friends in a human neighborhood and learning to celebrate her differences.

No More Plastic Straws

Single use plastic straws and plastic drink stirrers will no longer be used at any Disney owned locations. This new commitment is part of an ongoing environmental initiative by the Disney Company. The change will take effect in the middle of next year. It is still unknown whether they will replace the plastic straws with paper, or charge for reusable straws.

Don’t forget to check out Get Away Today to book your trip today!

New Lounge in Animal Kingdom

Right in the heart of the action at Dinoland USA, Restaurantosaurus has added a brand new lounge. Dinoland USA is a split American themed addition to Animal Kingdom that features dinosaurs in a campy roadside attraction setting, next to a science institute where time rovers study actual prehistoric creatures. Students at the institute live in on-site quarters that double as an elaborately decorated restaurant. That restaurant now has a lounge which offers snacks, as well as specialty drinks like Tequilasaurus and Primordial Booze.

What other news stories for Walt Disney World are you excited for?

Other Disney fun…

When discussing our big anniversary trip, we both decided on a good splurge – an amazing, romantic dining experience. Since we’re both foodies, we decided to try one of the most popular, highly praised and difficult to get reservations at Walt Disney World in Orlando: Victoria & Albert’s Chefs Table in the Grand Floridian! Yes, this was a major expense – a restaurant with a 5 DIAMOND RATING isn’t going to come cheap – but we agreed it would be worth us cutting costs in other areas to make this work. We were very fortunate to get a reservation near the end of our trip, and couldn’t wait to give it a try.

Since I know your first question would probably be ‘well, how much DOES it cost?’ here’s the answer: $250 per person, and up to 10 people can dine at the Chef’s Table (but only in the same reservation – you can have just one or two if you want and nobody else can invade on your table). You can also add an optional wine pairing for $150. The main dining room Prix Fixe menu is $235, in case you’re unable to try Victoria & Albert’s Chefs Table. I know that’s a LOT of money – because then you add gratuity (these Chefs and staff definitely earn it – they’re amazing!), so for just two people it can be a hit to the wallet. Hubby and I both agreed that this was probably our FAVORITE experience from the whole trip, and the most amazing food thing we’ve ever done together, so we definitely believe it was worth it.

We checked in for our reservation at their location inside the Grand Floridian, but were early so had time to wander around a little bit. By the way, the do have a strict dress code, so be sure to check that out before you arrive so you’re prepared. Even though we were right next to the kitchen, at times I did feel a bit chilly so ladies, you may want to bring a wrap or elegant jacket, just in case.

Since the Chefs Table is back through the kitchens, you must be escorted if you’re to leave that area. We had a sweet lady guide us back, and anyone we passed wished us a Happy Anniversary – if you’re there celebrating an occasion, be sure to let them know so they can celebrate with you! Our table was off to the side near the kitchen, so we could watch as they worked their culinary magic. One of our servers, Chris, greeted us quickly and double checked any food allergies or preferences (they also called about a week before to check on this). We had a sparkling cider (or champagne, if you drink alcohol) toast with the wonderful Chefde Cuisine, Aimee Rivera. She talked with us a bit first, explaining how the evening would go and let us know we were free to get up from the table, we just had to stay behind the little half-wall separating our area from the kitchen – due to safety reasons of course. She was very friendly, and though was running a major kitchen and plenty of staff, never made us feel rushed in our conversations.

We got to watch for a tiny bit after that, enjoying learning a bit about the kitchen. They told us we were free to ask questions to any of the staff there, and even though I was hesitant at first because you could tell they were busy and focused on their tasks, they were all very friendly and welcomed anything we asked, offering plenty of answer and conversation.

It was really nice getting to be a part of the kitchen experience, but also have our own private space to just be us discussing our meal, our trip and what we were watching from the super busy – yet smoothly-ran – kitchen.

If you’re like us and love taking photos of your food – or plan to share those photos like I am in this article – then I recommend taking a good DSLR camera, so you can adjust it for the lighting. Hubby kept taking pictures of ME while I was taking pictures of things during our whole trip, so of course he grabbed some during the meal 🙂

We had several different staff members come talk to us during the entire experience – which lasted about 4-5 hours – either to just chat with us for some pleasant conversation, or to explain our next course. It was really interesting as they went into detail for each part of our meal, and why certain things were paired the way they were. And don’t worry – you get a copy of the menu to bring home with you, so you don’t have to try to memorize every single course – there are TEN, after all (and two of those are desserts – yummy)!

Here’s a bigger photo of our menu – keep in mind it does change periodically, so yours may be different than ours. This is the main menu, without any changes or substitutions.

Okay, let’s get to the FOOD!!! It was absolutely delicious – and even though I was worried since I don’t like any seafood, they were very accommodating and made changes as needed. For example, I had a chicken version of the John Dory and roasted quail in place of the wild turbot. If you have a preference, don’t hesitate to let them know. Also, they WANT you to have the most incredible experience possible – they made sure we loved everything we had, and if we didn’t, they were eager to make something different in place. This was probably the most friendly, amazing staff I’ve ever had the joy of meeting at any dining experience!

Bread, Salt & Black Truffle Butter

You get several bread servings throughout the meal, with a variety of salts to choose from. I personally loved the pink one. They also brought out plain some black truffle butter which was DELICIOUS!

Course 1: Amuse-Bouche, Cauliflower Panna Cotta with Imperial Caviar

The mix of creamy with the crunch of the chips really blended well and the flavor was super smooth. While I don’t like seafood, I did like this caviar with this dish.

Optional Up-Purchase: Galilee Osetra Caviar with Traditional Garnishes ($105 for 1/2 oz. or $210 for 1 oz.) – we opted not to do this

Course 2: Seared Duck Breast with Farro & Asian Pears

I loved the way the sweet pear accented the flavor of the duck, and the little sauce dots just finished it all off perfectly.

Course 3: John Dory with Poppy Seed & Lemon Ravioli (Mine was a substitute of Green Circle Chicken)

This might have been my favorite non-beef dish of the whole evening because oh-my-goodness the lemon sauce was unforgettable. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Course 4: Wild Turbot with Toasted Capers & Preserved Lemon (I had Roasted Quail with House made Sauerkraut)

I was surprised at the great texture of this, and that the capers didn’t have that overly-strong taste that they can often have. Super tasty!

I think they gave us an extra course (because I counted 11 with this, and this wasn’t on my menu at all): New Zealand Langoustine with Nage Crema

This was hubby’s – and he totally loved it! He said it was mild in ‘seafood’ taste, to that I’d probably enjoy it as well, but I didn’t give it a try. Wish I had, though!

Course 5: Marcho Farms Veal with Black Truffles

Guys, they even shaved some black truffle onto our meal – that stuff is VERY expensive, so I felt really special. I don’t typically like veal, but this was tender and the flavor of the the whole dish complimented itself so well that I really enjoyed it.

Course 6: Lamb Loin with Barley Porridge & Compressed Plums

I definitely want to try making lamb at home with some plums because WOW they went together so deliciously.

Course 7: Austrailian Kobe-Style Beef with Roasted Garlic Potatoes – can also add up-charge of Miyazaki Japanese Beef for $55 (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!)

THIS is the absolute highlight of the meal – and please please please give the Miyazaki beef a try because it was INCREDIBLE! It’s from special cows in Japan that are fed saki, massaged, kept away from most people to keep their stress down, listen to classical music, etc. Crazy, right? When you taste this melt-in-your-mouth-like-butter meat, though, you’ll agree that they’re doing it right. Only about a cows-worth of this beef comes into the USA each year, and Victoria & Alberts is one of maybe 15 places in the country that get it. Hubby was practically moaning because it tasted so good – you should’ve seen his face, absolute foodie bliss! These beef is the one on the right – the left is the Austrailian Kobe-style that was still some of the best beef I’ve ever had, until trying the other one, that is 🙂

Course 8: Selection of Cheese from the Market

This is where I learned how eager the team at Victoria & Albert’s Chefs Table are to please – there was ONE of the cheeses on this plate that I really didn’t like (a few I loved, some were fine, but one was really too much for me), and within like 20 seconds of trying it – and probably making a weird face – one of our serves, who I didn’t see anywhere nearby, came up asking if they can make me something else to replace it. He asked very earnestly, and though I politely declined (I was already feeling so full – but very happily so) I was really grateful for the attention and offer. So if you don’t like something and DO want something different, I know they’d be glad to oblige!

Course 9: Cranberry Sweet Potato Gateau

I’m a huge chocolate-lover, as you all well know, but this dessert was so creamy and smooth, with an amazing-yet-mild cranberry taste to it that was complimented by the other sauces on the plate that it was probably my favorite dessert of the night.

Course 10: Peruvian Chocolate Crunch

This chocolate dessert definitely didn’t disappoint either – it was rich and dark, but creamy and not overwhelming at all, like some darker chocolates can be. And yes, that’s edible gold foil on there!

Yes, the courses appear really small – but don’t worry, you will leave VERY full and satisfied! We weren’t sure we’d every be hungry again!

If you happen to notice a box on one of the shelves nearby your table…..it’s full of CHOCOLATES that you get to choose some from at the completion of your evening. If you’re too full (I can almost guarantee you will be) don’t worry, just ask them to box some up for you to take for later.

All the ladies also get a fresh ROSE which was a beautiful touch and really added more romance and thoughtfulness to the whole experience. The staff gave us a delicious orange-bread that we loved having for breakfast the next morning, as their way of thanking us for coming. I felt like laughing because we couldn’t thank THEM enough for how truly unforgettable, delicious and down-right enjoyable the whole night was. From the friendly, helpful and generous staff to the food I can’t wait to eat again sometime, it was our favorite part of our whole trip.

I highly recommend trying Victoria & Albert’s Chefs Table the next time you’re celebrating something special – we plan to come back for our 15th or 20th (or both!) wedding anniversary!

Thank you to Chef Aimee, Chris, and the entire team at Victoria & Alberts Chefs Table for such a magical and delightful night!

It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of theme parks, so when I convinced hubby to include Disney World in our big anniversary trip I was THRILLED! One thing he wasn’t sure about, though, was having a tour guide with us some of the days. He was worried it wouldn’t be worth it, or that it’d be awkward having a third person with just the two of us – but he agreed to give it a try. So here’s the big question: Is a Tour Guide for Couples worth it? I was convinced already, but read on to see what hubby thought…

As soon as hubby gave the go-ahead, I contacted my friends at Michael’s VIPs because there were absolutely AMAZING last year when I took my mom to Orlando. As always, Adam was super helpful with the planning and coordinating everything from the very beginning up until our vacation ending. I introduced y’all to the great guides I got to meet and work with last year in this post, and I was super excited to learn that we’d get Renee for our trip this year! She’s one of those people you can’t help but absolutely love, almost like an old friend even if you’ve just met.

She joined hubby and me for two of our days in the parks – the first day at Magic Kingdom, meeting us outside Be Our Guest restaurant after our early breakfast reservation. We went right into a day full of every ride we wanted to do, never waiting more than 10 minutes. She knew how to navigate her way around the crowds, what times events happened so when to avoid certain spots, and which rides had higher traffic at particular times of day. Renee was so good at her job, that we’d done everything we’d wanted to do once by 1pm, when she said her goodbye for the day, leaving us with still hours to redo whatever we decided and having no worries about ‘fitting it in’!

Like I told you, after last year both my mom and I were completely convinced that a tour guide from Michael’s VIPs was the best way to do the parks in Orlando, so I already knew I’d love having Renee with us for this trip. But was hubby convinced? On the very first day after Renee left us in the afternoon at Magic Kingdom, he turned to me and said something like ‘okay, you’re right – that made a huge difference, and was so much less stressful!’ We were use to being rushed, stressed about planning and kind of burnt out in our past trips together because we had to know and handle everything. He realized that having a tour guide saves so much time and effort!

Here’s why you need a Tour Guide for Couples

1: They help with the planning

Yup, whether they’re helping you as just a couple or an entire group, they assist with the scheduling, planning, dining reservations and getting fast passes. They also know which rides get busiest when, so know which rides to do first, what to wait for, and which don’t really matter, which saves you lots of time and hassle.

2: They know the parks and schedules

I ‘sort of’ know my way around Walt Disney World parks now, but still find myself hesitating and getting a little turned around at times. Not only that, but during our night at Magic Kingdom, when it was just us and not Renee, I walked us right into a crowd watching the parade and it took us FOREVER to find our way out and around! With a guide, she took us around the crowds because she knew when people would start lining up, the parade and show routes, and could avoid them completely.  This also does help when you WANT to watch the shows and parades – I was mistaken that night for one of the shows and we didn’t get good spots at all, which was disappointing. I know Renee would’ve had us in prime position for seeing the stage if she were with us!

3: The know the bathrooms, food places and more

How much time do you waste trying to find a bathroom asap? Since the guides know the layout and location of everything in the parks so well, they ask you throughout the day when you’re near one so you never end up rushing. This can be especially great for family’s with kiddos, but worked also for us as a couple because we didn’t have to ‘do you need to go? No, do you? No…..’ (but really you do). One of hubby’s ‘have to do’ items was enjoy a Dole Whip, so when we were at a good location and timing to nab one Renee let us know and it fit in flawlessly.

4: They can take photos of the two of you

When it’s just the two of you, it’s super hard sometimes to get good photos together. During our trip, we had TONS of selfies of us together, but you can’t exactly do a great post or have much of a background in those. When Renee was with us, she never hesitated to snap a photo in a good location (she knew lots!) or even catch us on a ride together without us knowing! When you’re on a trip as a couple, photos together are some of the BEST souvenirs you can get!

5: More rides with less waiting, giving you more time together NOT standing around

Since we got so much done and experienced in such a small amount of time, we were able to go slow and really enjoy ourselves, and each other’s company, the rest of the day. We’d done all the rides we wanted to at least once, so it was no big deal to sit on a bench, holding hands or snuggling a bit, and watching people. Or we sat at a table and talked more about the week ahead, the fun we’d had so far, and just have a good time. Without the stress, worry or rush, it’s a whole new world enjoying your time together!

6: Sometimes they can get you AMAZING seats

These guides can work magic, I swear. Renee was able to get us reserved ‘priority’ seating for The Festival of the Lion King during our second day with her at Animal Kingdom, so we were right in the very front – plus we just showed up and were led in right before it started, no waiting around forever while people took their seats. This led to one of my favorite moments of the trip – hubby being called up to demonstrate the ‘warthog sound’ for our Warthog section! He snorted so funny, even the lady couldn’t control her laugh much! I started recording just a split second after he made the sound, but the reaction is clearly comical 🙂

During the show, we also were right were the performers would go by – I had some of the ‘monkey’s trying to pull ‘bugs’ out of my hair to eat as they twirled by!

But does it feel weird having a ‘third wheel’?

Not one single bit! We still enjoyed plenty of time talking just us, but also had fun with our conversations with Renee. She went on just a couple rides with us (Flight of Passage, because I don’t expect ANYBODY to pass that amazing ride up!), but stayed off the vast majority so we had time together with just us. We never felt awkward or like we had to accommodate her even the slightest. Oh, and she was actually super helpful on some of the rides she did go on with us – like the Na’vi River Journey, she offered to take photos for us so that we could just sit and really take it all in as we rode!

I’ll be perfectly honest – hubby was VERY against the idea of hiring a tour guide before this trip, but I’m so glad he let us try it because now he’s completely convinced it’s the best way to do theme parks! We’re hoping to take our kiddos to Walt Disney World next year, and he agreed that we HAVE to give Michael’s VIPs a call because if it was that helpful for just the two of us, he knows it’ll be a total game-changer when we have our five kids along for the fun!

Contact Michael’s VIPS today for the most fun, relaxing and stress-free trip ever!

Still not sure? Check out our other thoughts on hiring a tour guide!

10 Reasons to Choose Michael’s VIPS

Meet Michael’s VIPS