During our day at Hollywood Studios we had a delicious lunch at Hollywood and Vine. While making our dining reservations at the start of our Disney vacation we were asked it we wanted to book a Fantasmic dining package that included a buffet, dessert, unlimited drinks and a VIP seating voucher. We went for it and it was a great decision.
Hollywood & Vine
The day started out as a beautiful sunny day and we were able to get a few rides in before lunch. We had never eaten at Hollywood and Vine, and we were all looking forward trying it out. We arrived hungry for lunch, and after a short wait we were seated. A few minutes later the weather took a quick turn for the worst, and the rain poured down fast and furiously. Thankfully, with some luck and planning, we were able to avoid the storm and enjoy a leisure lunch with Disney Junior friends. |
| Hollywood & Vine check-in |
The Food
I have to admit, I didn't research this restaurant before hand like I usually do. It was suggested by our Disney dining reservation specialist. I pulled it up briefly on my phone, saw Disney junior play and dine at Hollywood and Vine, sounded like a winner so we booked it. Lunch consisted of an all-you-can-eat buffet filled with a variety of traditional favorites and a large selection of unique food options. I have to be honest, I was surprised at how good the buffet was.
The food was very good and I believe every member of my family would agree. Everyone found a wide variety of foods they really enjoyed. The shrimp lobster and mac-n-cheese, garlic mash potatoes, plantains, chicken nuggets and maple mustard glanced salmon were family favorites. They also offered a well stocked soup, fruit and salad bar, a meat carving stations, and a large variety of vegetables and side items as well. Also, the dessert buffet was a winner for our little ones who over indulged in cookies, cakes, chocolate covered strawberries and a vast array of other pastries.
But the ice-cream sundae bar, which served chocolate and vanilla soft serve ice-cream with all the toppings a kid could imagine, was the clear favorite. The service was great too. We never had to ask for a drink refill or to have our plates cleared, they were on it. Our waitress would even ask characters to come back to our table if we missed them.
Characters
The character interactions were awesome. When you first walk in the dinner, they have a photo back drop with all the Disney Junior characters you'll meet during your meal. The kids took pictures posing in front of the banners and my four-year-old couldn't wait to meet Doc Mcstuffins, Jake and Never Land Pirates, Sofia the First and Handy Manny. All the characters came by our table and hugged, high fived, signed autographed and took pictures with the entire family. It was so lovely to eat, relax and watch the kids interact with some of their favorite characters and not have to stand in long lines to meet each.
The atmosphere is busy, there is non-stop movement and noise around you at all times, but it's fine because it's a great option for families with children of all ages. If you're looking to sit and relax in a quiet atmosphere this is not the place for you. But if you want to watch your kids' faces light-up when they meet their favorite characters and eat a solid meal before returning to the amusement park fun, this is a great option.
Fantasmic
As part of our dining package we received VIP seating for the Fantasmic evening show. When we arrived at the Fantasnic show we were directed to a separate VIP seating section and found seats in the second row. Unfortunately for us it rained throughout the show, but we threw on our ponchos and enjoyed the show. The show takes place over water and one point during the show they set the water on fire. During this part of the show we briefly re-thought how close we chose to sit. We all loved the theatrics and drama of the show. We were thoroughly entertained by Mickey and his friends. The kids even occasionally reenact dances from the show. My kids say it's one of their all time favorite memories from our trip to Disney.
We paid a little extra for the dining package, but it was worth every penny for us because we all enjoyed Fantasmic very much. And it was nice to sit close, because with little kids it never fails that someone won't be able to see. By sitting in the front rows we alleviated that problem,which allowed everyone to watch and enjoy the show.
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