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Walt Disney World to Serve Alcohol For First Time at Magic Kingdom

- Michelle Snow

One of the quirks about Walt Disney World is that you could get alcohol just about anywhere on property…except for the Magic Kingdom park.

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To my knowledge, since the park opened in 1971, there has never been any alcohol served to guests.

Even when Disney announced the signature drink, LeFou’s Brew, at the upcoming new Gaston’s Tavern, at the renovated Fantasyland area, they were quick to make sure guests knew it would be a non-alcoholic drink.

Today, on the official Disney blog, they announced that for the first time ever, alcohol would be served at the Magic Kingdom.

The soon-to-be open Be Our Guest restaurant, also in Fantasyland, will be the only location this will happen.

According to the blog:

“As part of the overall theming, we wanted to offer wine that enhances the guest experience and complements the French-inspired cuisine,” says Stuart McGuire, Beverage Director, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “The wines focus primarily on France’s famous wine-growing regions, including Champagne, Alsace, Loire, Rhone, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

“We’ll also offer the leading French beer, Kronenbourg 1664,” says McGuire. “And, staying in the general region, we’ll also offer Belgian beers.”

Mmmm…trapist ales from Belgium are the best! They will not serve any American beer.

The beer and wine will only be offered with dinner, and will not be available otherwise. Alcohol will not be available to go.

Be Our Guest opens November 19, with a grand opening December 6, 2012. To make a reservation, call (407) WDW-DINE or book online at disneyworld.com/dine.

[Image courtesy of Walt Disney World]

Two Events for Beer Fans in Orlando on February 3

- Michelle Snow

Like Beer? Busy February 3? If you answered yes and no to those questions – in that order – then I have two events you won’t want to miss.

The first takes place at Big River Grille & Brewing Works at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. What? You didn’t know there was a brewpub at Disney? Yes, there is and it’s really good beer, too, due to the fact that it’s run by the same company that owns Gordon Biersch Brewery.

This Thursday, February 3, from 2-6pm, Big River Grille will be tapping their newest creation, Spiced Hefeweizen. It’s described as a German-style wheat beer spiced with coriander and orange peel. During the event, guests can get $2 pints of the new beer.

A short drive away, in Dr. Phillips, the recently opened World of Beer will be hosting the Orlando Weekly’s party for the release of the February 2011 issue of their popular Drink magazine.

From 5:30-8pm, those in attendance can enjoy complimentary Shipyard beer, and Thursday’s are also ladies night, so if you’re female, it’s a good night to go to World of Beer for this event. The Dr. Phillips location is at The Marketplace at Dr. Phillips (at the corner of Sand Lake and Dr. Phillips Blvd).

The creative beer fan could even time it so it’s possible to attend both events.

Just sayin’…

Plaza Cinema Theater in Downtown Orlando Gets New Owner

- Michelle Snow

I just found out that as of Friday (12/10), the Plaza Cinema Theater downtown has changed owners to become part of the Cobb family of movie theaters.

The 12-screen theater is different from most area theaters in that it features expanded concessions like sandwiches, burgers and salads (yes, you can have an actual meal here). It also has two bars serving up wine and beer to those of legal drinking age.

The theater seating is different, too. The leather-covered rockers have custom armrests to hold the food and drink, so you don’t have to balance things on your lap while watching the movie.

Cobb says they will be upgrading the theaters to 100% digital projection and expanding the 3D screens to more theaters. No word on if the menu will change at all.

Adult tickets will now cost $10.75 for 2D movies and $14.25 for 3D films. Discounts are available for children (11 and under), students, seniors, military and matinee (before 4pm) showings.

Cobb says the theater will also offer discounted self parking in the attached garage for up to 3 hours with validation.

More information on films playing at the Cobb Plaza Cinema Cafe, as it is now known, or other information, can be found at the Cobb website.

Vintage Vino Opens in Downtown Kissimmee

- Michelle Snow

Looking for a laid-back wine bar to chill out with friends in the Kissimmee area?  Then you’ll want to check out Vintage Vino, located in downtown Kissimmee.

Vintage Vino is a Tuscan-themed bar where you can enjoy a broad selection of wines by the glass. The wine bar offers over 50 different wines to enjoy.

For those who prefer hops to grapes, the bar also offers 35 craft beers. And so you don’t drink on an empty stomach, they also serve an assortment of cheeses and cured meats.

Like what you drink and eat? Everything the bar serves is available for take-home purchase in the retail market area. They also offer wine classes. Owner John Siudut is a former writer for Wine Spectator magazine, so they know their vintages.

Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 4pm to midnight. Weekends usually have live jazz. Check the online schedule for details.

Vintage Vino can be found at 14 E. Dakin Ave in Kissimmee. Phone is 917-627-8432.

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