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REVIEW – Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant is Great for Sweets but Misses the Mark on Savory

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date January 3, 2021

There’s so many places to dine at Disney Springs it can be easy to overlook a few spots. Admittedly we had kind of forgotten about Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant, so Chrissy on our team decided to give it a try. There were some highlights of the meal, but also some misses. Here’s what we did, and didn’t like, at Terralina.

This rustic Italian restaurant is a concept of Levy Restaurant group which runs multiple restaurants on Disney property, and around the country. Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant used to be known as Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. In 2017, when Disney Springs began to blossom, Portobello became Terralina, with an updated look and new menu. The interior is very rustic and intimate, with a fireplace, making it a cozy spot for those rare chilly nights in Orlando. There is a nice selection of outdoor seating, and an intriguing outdoor bar. This outdoor bar is accented by a colorful light fixture and offers views of bustling Disney Springs as fellow guests stroll by.

REVIEW – Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant is Great for Sweets but Misses the Mark on Savory — View from Terralina entrance and outdoor bar

To kick off the dining experience Chrissy order the Mediterranean Martini and the Limoncello Mojito. Both cocktails are spot on for fitting the Italian menu. The Mediterranean Martini (picture below on the right) is made with Malfy Limone Gin, Elderflower, Lemon and Simple Syrup. It was perfectly refreshing and a little sweet. The Limoncello Mojito is a simple combination of Árvero Limoncello, muddled mint, and simple syrup. This cocktail is very light and a good choice if you want a drink that won’t slow you down for the afternoon or evening. Both are $15.00 which is on par with most mixed drinks at Disney.

The menu at Terralina retained a few “favorites” from the days of Portobello. One of the standout items is the Antipasti Tower. This two-tiered tower has Prosciutto, Spicy Capicola, Grana Padano, Bocconcini, Tomatoes, Pickled Vegetables, Grilled Zucchini, Parmesan Crisp, Olives, House-made Pecorino-Truffle Potato Chips. At $37.00 it is a bit pricey, but it sure does make an impression. It is meant to serve two people and it really is ideal for nibbling on while sipping on some Italian wine or a craft cocktail or two. The serving is substantial.

Some items on the tower stood out for their quality. Other items fell short. The giant Parmesan crisp that crowned the tower was stupendous. The pickled carrots and tomatoes added a lovely brightness. The beets were earthy and the mozzarella was delicious. The rest of the cheese selection did not impress Chrissy all that much, but the quantity was there at least. The grilled zucchini wasn’t really seasoned or well grilled. The House-made Pecorino-Truffle Potato Chips were not as flavorful as one would hope.

Where Terralina shined for Chrissy’s dining experience was in the desserts. It was impossible to resist the Espresso Sundae, with Fresh Brewed Espresso, Vanilla Ice Cream, Pizzelle Cookies, Chocolate Sauce, and Toffee Crunch. Espresso and ice cream is a popular combination for dessert after a heavy meal with lots of Italian wine; it’s a definite pick-me-up. At $9.00 it is an impressive, and scrumptious, dessert.

The Double Chocolate Cake is different than a standard chocolate cake. It is garnished with Caramel Sauce, Toffee Crunch, and Fresh Berries. At $10.00 it satisfied and was a good choice. Between the two desserts Chrissy ordered, the Espresso Sundae takes the lead.

Money saving-tip: Disney Vacation Club Members receive 20% off during the month of January, and Levy Preferred members earn Triple Points during the month of January when dining for lunch.

Overall, Terralina Crafted Italian is a decent choice, but there are better options at Disney Springs. We have ratings and ranking for every Walt Disney World restaurant. Our readers give Terralina a 70% thumbs up rating, and it is ranked pretty low at number 102 of 106 table service restaurants at Disney. Better options for dinner at Disney Springs include Wine Bar George, The BOATHOUSE, and Homecomin’.

Have you dined at Terraline Crafted Italian before? What did you think of it?

The post REVIEW – Terralina Crafted Italian Restaurant is Great for Sweets but Misses the Mark on Savory appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Disney Springs, Trip Planning, disney dining, disney drinks, disney italian restaurants

Tags dining, disney dining, disney drinks, disney italian restaurants, Disney Springs, Trip Planning

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Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date January 2, 2021

Disney experts pride themselves on their Disney knowledge, but there’s just so much information to remember. We’ve recently been sharing Walt Disney World tips that not everyone remembers. Let’s look at three more tips that most people forget.

You can place mobile order anytime during park hours
You can bring your own food
You can send mail from Walt Disney World

Most Disney-owned quick service restaurants now offer mobile ordering, and are essentially using it exclusively. One way you can save time, and frustration, is to mobile order your food in advance. By the time lunch time actually rolls around your ideal pick-up time may not be available. You can place your mobile order anytime during park operating hours and select any available timeslot.

There’s been times when I have been at my home some 30 miles away and placed my order ahead time so I have one less thing to do when I am actually at the park itself. Be sure to familiarize yourself with how to use Disney’s Mobile Ordering.

Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About — Mobile Ordering at Flame Tree Barbecue

While Disney does have some fantastic food and beverages, some guests may prefer to bring their own food, or at least some of their own snacks. You can bring your own food into the theme parks and water parks, under certain guidelines. No glass or loose ice is allowed. And Disney’s official guidelines state that no preparation can be necessary such as cooking the food in any way.

You can send and receive mail at select locations at Walt Disney World. Every theme park has at least one mailbox at which you can slip in letters or postcards that have postage. You can also visit Guest Relations at the park to drop off letters or postcards to be sent out. The Front Desk at any Disney resort hotel can do so as well. If you need stamps you can purchase them at select merchandise shops. At the Disney resort hotels you can receive mail. You’ll just need to make sure the resort’s address is on the package and your name with the word “Guest” clearly written. There is a $6.00 handling fee for any packages received.

Here’s the first 3 tips we shared, and the second round of 3 tips most people forget about, in case you want to brush up on your expertise.

What are some of your lesser known Disney World tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments.

The post Here’s 3 More Walt Disney World Tips Most People Forget About appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Just For Fun, Observations, Trip Planning, disney dining, disney planning, Disney Tips

Tags disney dining, disney planning, Disney Tips, Dos and Don'ts, Just For Fun, Observations, Trip Planning

Disney Lists Disney Parks Other

The Top 3 New Functions in MyDisneyExperience App in 2020

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date December 29, 2020

We’re big fans of helpful mobile apps. After all, we have our Lines app. Disney added lots of new functions in the MyDisneyExperience app this year. Let’s look at our three favorite functions that rolled out in 2020.

Mobile Dine Walk-Up Waitlist
Mobile Ordering at Select Table Service Restaurants for To Go Orders
Merchandise Mobile Checkout

The Top 3 New Functions in MyDisneyExperience App in 2020 — MyDisneyExperience Functions

These three functions are in order of when they made their debut. Looking at them in this way you can get an idea of how things evolved to create more options for guests looking to minimize there exposure to other guests and Cast Members. Back in August Disney began rolling out the ability for guests to check on dining availability on a walk-up basis. You can now go to “Check Dining Availability” then select today’s date, and “Now” to see if any table service restaurants have walk-up availability. This is great for any guests who enjoy spontaneity.

Then in September Disney fans rejoiced as Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge became available to order for takeout via the MyDisneyExperience app. A few weeks later the ability to order takeout from Kona Café rolled out, and soon many other resort hotel restaurants followed. We think this feature is great for locals and vacationers alike, especially those looking to avoid the traditional dine-in experience right now.

Finally, earlier this month Disney began testing the ability to shop at select merchandise stores without having to go to a physical register to check out. At select Walt Disney World merchandise locations, Guests can scan items while shopping and check out simply by using the My Disney Experience app.

Have you used any of these new functions yet? Which one do you find to be the most helpful?

The post The Top 3 New Functions in MyDisneyExperience App in 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Just For Fun, MyDisneyExperience, Observations, disney dining, disney vacation planning, mydisneyexperience app

Tags disney dining, disney vacation planning, Just For Fun, MyDisneyExperience, mydisneyexperience app, Observations

Disney Food Disney Parks Disney Reviews Other

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date December 29, 2020

Dining at World Showcase in EPCOT is usually a fantastic experience no matter which restaurant you choose. But, there are some that are EPCOT classics. One such classic is the Rose an Crown Dining Room. Our team revisited this popular pub-style restaurant to make sure its quality continues to be brilliant.

The Rose and Crown stands proudly on World Showcase promenade in the United Kingdom Pavilion. There is a proper pub in the front, and a dining room in the back with outside dining as well. The outdoor dining offers some relaxing views of World Showcase and the lagoon.

REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value — ©Rikki Niblett

The menu at Rose and Crown consists of classic fare from the United Kingdom including favorites like Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. It mustn’t be easy to be a British themed restaurant and pub in the United States that’s a popular destination for guests actually from the United Kingdom who are very familiar with the real deal. But, Rose and Crown Dining Room generally satisfies most guests.

We have listings and ratings for all Walt Disney World restaurants on our site and our readers give Rose and Crown an 89% thumbs up rating. It is ranked 33 out of 106 table service restaurants at Disney World. So while it is not in the top tier, it is still a solid choice.

Chrissy on our team, and our junior researcher Gigi stopped in for an early dinner and ordered some of the classics on the menu:

Fish and Chips – “Rose & Crown’s Signature Dish” Beer-battered and served with Tartar Sauce – $25.00
Shepherd’s Pie – Ground Beef, Seasonal Vegetables, English Peas, and Mashed Potatoes with McCall’s Irish Cheddar – $22.00
English Trifle – Layers of Strawberries, Vanilla Custard, Graham Crackers, and Whipped Cream – $8.00

The Fish and Chips are indeed the signature dish. Although you can get a serving of fish and chips from the Yorkshire County Fish Shop outside for half the price, the quality of the fish is lesser and the serving is smaller. At the dining room the Fish and Chip are thick Cod and fried to perfection. The chips are tender and fluffy, with a crispy exterior. It is near perfection for being in a theme park.

On a rare chilly Central Florida Day a piping hot dish of Shepherd’s Pie is just the thing. Our team’s serving was rich and decadent. The Irish Cheddar on top added a delightful tang, and it’s hard not to be jealous of the perfect preparation and presentation of the mashed potatoes.

It was hard for our team to decide between the Sticky Toffee Pudding or the English Trifle, but with the heavy entrees, the English Trifle won out. This generous serving of strawberry and vanilla custard was still light enough to not feel like a brick on top of a heavy meal. Refreshing and sweet, it can make you feel like a child again as it resembles an ice cream sundae so many Americans are fond of.

Like so many other restaurants since the July 2020 reopening, the menu at Rose and Crown has been reduced a little. The Corned Beef and Cabbage, Grilled Scottish Salmon, and Savory Vegetable Crumble are currently not on the menu. The Vegetable Crumble is replaced by an Impossible Savory Hot Pot, which is very similar to the Shepherd’s Pie.

Have you dined at Rose and Crown before? What’s your favorite item on the menu?

The post REVIEW – Rose and Crown Continues Its Reign of Quality and Value appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dining, Drinking, Epcot, disney dining, Epcot Restaurants

Tags dining, disney dining, Drinking, epcot, Epcot Restaurants

Disney Food Disney Merch Disney Parks Other

What Groceries and More Are Available at Your Disney Resort Merchandise Store?

Post author By touringplans.com
Post date December 29, 2020

When you’re staying at a Walt Disney World hotel it’s nice to have a few staples and groceries to help save money, and have fuel at your fingertips in your room. If you’re in a Disney Vacation Club Deluxe Villa, you may want to make use of that full kitchen or kitchenette. It is one of the perks of those villas, after all. During a recent visit to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge I was impressed by the selection, and thought it would help to show some of the groceries, sundries, drinks, beer, and wine you can expect to find at most Disney resort merchandise shops.

Although I am using Disney’s Wilderness Lodge as the example, other Disney resorts at the moderate and value level still have a selection of similar items. Certainly the Deluxe resorts, and specifically those that have Disney Vacation Club villas, have the widest variety and selection. Here’s what you can typically expect.

Snacks like chips, pretzels, crackers, and cookies
Dry groceries like bread, bagels, muffins, and cereal
Coffee, coffee filters, cream, sugar, sweetener, and select condiments
Cold groceries like eggs, milk, cheese, and lunch meat
Frozen groceries like pizza and frozen dinners
Select over-the-counter medicine, first aid items, and sundries
Soft drinks, water, and juice
Beer and wine

Most of the groceries are priced about 5% – 10% higher than the average grocery store in Central Florida. But, if you’re traveling from an area with higher grocery store prices, perhaps Disney’s prices won’t seem so bad. Philadelphia Cream Cheese is $4.29, a Lunchable is $4.49, and a half gallon of milk is $3.89. Novelty ice creams are also sold, such as the Mickey Premium Bar, and reflect the same prices as in the park.

What Groceries and More Are Available at Your Disney Resort Merchandise Store? — Dry Groceries at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Where prices get really inflated is with beer, wine, and certain sundries like sunscreen, toothpaste, and medication. A six pack of Miller Light or Bud Light is $16.50. At a local Central Florida Wal-Mart that same six pack is $8.50. A bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay is $22.00 at the merchandise shop at Wilderness Lodge. At the local Wal-Mart? It’s $11.98.

The massive increase in the price of alcoholic drinks really is not surprising. Disney charges a premium for alcoholic drinks at its lounges and restaurants too. One neat thing I’ve noticed at some of the resort merchandise shops is there are usually a few beers and wines that fit the theme of the resort. At Wilderness Lodge I spotted a Frontier Red wine, as well as Firefly Moonshine. And to fit the magical theme, there was Once Upon a Vine wine too.

If you’re looking to save money and considering having groceries delivered, you can do so at your Disney resort. However, there is a $6.00 handling fee from Disney, in addition to any fees charged by whatever grocer you choose, as well as tip.

Do you usually stock up on groceries when staying at Walt Disney World? Have you ever used Disney’s merchandise shops to pick up a few items?

The post What Groceries and More Are Available at Your Disney Resort Merchandise Store? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Disney Vacation Club, Shopping, Trip Planning, disney dining, disney on site hotels, Disney Resorts

Tags disney dining, disney on site hotels, disney resorts, Disney Vacation Club, Shopping, Trip Planning