Universal Studios - Fast Food Blvd now opened

Sunday we went to check out the new Fast Food Blvd at Universal Studios.  This is part of the new Springfield Expansion that Universal is opening later this summer.  This expansion will give guest the chance to experience some of the food and drinks from the popular show The Simpsons.

According to Universal's announcement the expansion  "It will be the only place in the world where you can walk the streets of Springfield, grab a Krusty-certified meat sandwich at Krusty Burger, go nuts for donuts at Lard Lad, imbibe at Moe’s Tavern and more! Plus there will be Duff Beer – brewed exclusively for Universal Orlando - and a new attraction called Kang & Kodos’ Twirl ‘n’ Hurl that will take you “foolish humans” on an intergalactic spin designed to send you into orbit!"

Springfield Concept Art released by Universal

So let's take a look at some of the food and drink offerings at Fast Food Blvd.  These are the three facades that greet visitors are they are walking down the "boulevard".  You can enter through any of the three doors and they all connect in the back where you order.

In the ordering area there is

                                                                                    
                                                                                     Luigi's Pizza

Meat Liker's Pizza (Personal pizza with ham, sausage and pepperoni) - $7.79
Cheese Pizza - $6.99
Vegetarian Pizza (on a whole wheat crust) - $7.49

 The Frying Dutman
Basket o' Bait (fried fish, shrimp, and calamari, served with cocktail and tartar sauces) - $13.99
Battered and Plattered Fish - $12.99
Basket o' Shrimp - $11.99
Basket o' Calamari - $8.99
Clam Chowd-arr - $3.99






                                                                                     Cletus's Chicken Shack
Chicken and Waffle Sandwich (Fried chicken breast between two waffles, served with maple syrup mayo and tater tots) - $10.99
Double Batter Chicken Platter (Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and coleslaw) - $10.99
Chicken Arms (Six Buffalo or BBQ chicken wings with blue cheese, celery, and tater tots) - $9.99
Chicken Thumbs (Fried chicken tenders with tater tots and choice of BBQ or honey mustard sauce) - $8.29
Thrilled to Be Grilled Chicken Sandwich (with lettuce and tomato, and tater tots) - $8.49

Krusty Burger

Krusty Burger (6 oz. burger with secret sauce, cheddar cheese sauce, tomato, and lettuce) - $9.99
Clogger Burger (Krusty Burger with an extra patty, and bacon) - $12.99
Mother Nature Burger (6 oz. black bean burger with guacamole and tomato) - $10.99
The Ribwich (boneless barbecue ribs topped with coleslaw) - $11.99
Sideshow Bob Foot Long (foot-long Nathan's hot dog with chili, cheddar sauce, coleslaw and onion) - $8.99
Heat Lamp Dog (six-inch Nathan's dog) - $7.99
All sandwiches served with Kurly Fries. Applesauce or fruit may be substituted as a side upon request at all restaurants.

Flaming Moe's
Mt. Swartzwelder Apple Drink (apple juice, lemonade and tea) - $3.99
Groovy Grove Juice (orange juice and lemonade) - $3.99
Mr. Teeny (lemonade and pineapple juice) - $3.99
Flaming Moe (a citrus drink with dry-ice smoke - nonalcoholic) - $7.99
Duff Beer (yep, it's real, alcoholic beer, available in regular, lite and dry) - $6.50

 My husband got the Clogger Burger and a Duff Beer.

My mom had the Double Blatter Chicken Platter which she declared to be very tasty.  My daughter had the Krusty Burger and I had the chicken thumbs with tater tots.  Everyone enjoyed their meals.  Lunch for four people not including the Flaming Moe's and Duff Beer was $48 which is pretty reasonable for theme park food.

I had to try the signature drink, the Flaming Moe's.  It's a non alcoholic drink. It tastes like an lite orange soda.  The cool thing about the drink is the "flaming" effect.  You also get to keep the cup the drink comes in.  It's a little pricey at $7.99 for a non alcoholic drink but a cool souvenir and fun drink.

 

They also have some cupcakes in some great flavors - cookies and cream, orange creamsicle, peanut butter and jelly, and Simpson doughnut.  We were too full to try them but they are something we will try the next time.

Here is one of the sitting areas

Finally some pictures of Moe's.  The bar is a close replica of the famous bar in the show including a working Love Tester and pool table (that serves as a dining table). They currently only offer Duff Beer but it's rumored that they will expand their selection in the future.

Universal did a great job with this first phase of the Springfield expansion.  The food was good, the area is themed with great detail, and the specialty drinks are fun.  I can't wait for the rest of the area to open later this summer.  Great job Universal!!

Disney's Monstrous Summer 24 hour All Night Event

Yesterday, I experienced Disney's Monstrous Summer 24 hour all night event.  Unfortunately, I didn't experience the entire 24 hours but we were there for about 10 hours from about 8:30pm until closing at 6:00am.  Why do this you ask?  Being a huge Disney fan, I love to be able to take part in the special events that they have from time to time.  I was unable to participate in the Leap Year 24 hour event last year due to it being during a very busy time at my job and was excited when they announced the event this year.

First let's look at the schedule for the event.  Magic Kingdom was open from 6:00am on Friday, May 24 until 6:00am on Saturday, May 25th.  Most of the rides where open the entire time but some did close for a short period for maintenance.

We arrived at the parks at around 8:30pm.  There were lots of people arriving at the same time but Disney transportation did a great job directing the traffic to the empty spots available in the parking area.  The Main Street Electrical Parade was going to start at 9:00pm so there were lots of people lining Main Street waiting for the parade.  Our first mission was to buy one of the 24 Hour Monstrous Summer t-shirts but unfortunately they were already sold out by the time we arrived.  We did receive a small flyer from Guest Services with information on how to order the t-shirts online.  The disadvantage is that the merchandise is only available for 3-4 days after the event and you must pay shipping charges on the order.  There were also special Monster hat and 24 Monstrous Mickey Ears for sale for the event.  The shirts are $27.95 and must be ordered by Monday, May 27th.

Rockettower Plaza Stage

There were some "Monstrous happenings" going on through out the late afternoon and night.  "Monsters, Inc." was showing in the Rockettower Plaza stage in Tomorrowland from 11:00pm to 4:00am.  We didn't stop to watch the movie but there seem to be a decent crowd for the three showings of the movie.  This was not only a great way to relax and rest but also watch a classic Disney movie at the same time.   

We spent most of the first couple of hours at the event riding rides.  While the park was crowded, some of the  attractions had low wait times.  We picked up a FastPass for Under the Sea - Journey of The Little Mermaid then enjoyed Pirates of the Caribbean, Mickey's Philharmagic, watched Wishes from FantasyLand, Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover, and Hall of Presidents. 

There were some special Monstrous treats being offered.  In Gaston's Tavern, we came across this beauty.  The Sulley cupcake was chocolate with blue and purple frosting and chocolate claws.  I didn't buy one so can't comment on taste but it looked delicious. 

                                              

We did partake in the Monster Eye-Scream Sundae.  It was three scoops of either strawberry or mint chocolate chip ice cream and monsterous toppings.  I chose the mint chocolate chip option and it had chocolate fudge, whipped cream, chocolate chips, chocolate claws and a white chocolate lolipop with a picture of Mike Wazowski.  It was $5.29 but large, filling and completely hit the spot at around 3:00am.

My favorite part of the entire event was the Disney's Up All Nith Dance Party.  It started at 2:00am in Cinderella Castle Forecourt.  The DJ was great, the music was fun, and they had some Fab Five characters along with stilt walkers dancing along with the crowd.  This was a great way to get the crowds energized and going for the last couple of hours of the event.

Disney's Up All Night Dance Party

Donald shaking his tail

Goofy Dancing the night away

DJ at Disney's Up All Night Dance Party

The crowds didn't thin out until around 3:00am.  We took this opportunity to ride the attractions that were not closed and had little wait times; Buzz Lightyear, Winnie the Pooh, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Haunted Mansion.  This was also the first time all night that Haunted Mansion didn't have a long wait time.  Space Mountain and Peter Pan had at least 30 minute wait times all night while they were open.  In fact, we went by Peter Pan at 4:10am when it had only been reopened for 10 minutes and it already had a 20 minute wait time.  

The character greet and meets were also very popular during this event.  In Pooh's meet location they had four Hundred Acre Woods meeting guests together - Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, and Piglet - and the line was at least 15 people deep each time we walked by.  Mike and Sully in their Monsters U outfits were in Tomorrowland with long lines from 11:00pm - 5:00am.  So if character meets are a priority, prepare to wait.

After almost 10 hours and tons of fun, the party came to an end.  The DJ from the dance party asked everyone to come out to in front of the train station where the Fab Five were to greet guest and say good-bye.  Sorry I have no pictures because we were still in the hub.  

All in all, I thought the party was a huge success and hope that Disney offers another all night party in the future.  The atmosphere, special food, and the dance party all make it a fun unique experience even for those frequent visitors like myself.  

6:00am at the Magic Kingdom ending a fun all night party

Disney's Monstrous Summer All Night Party

Sunrise over Magic Kingdom as we leave after the Monstrous All Night Party

Did you experience the Monstrous All Night Party?  What did you think?  What was your favorite part?

I'm back!!!

First, I want to apologize for the long absence.  On Christmas day, my hubby and I were in a small car accident.  Unfortunately, I hurt my back and it kind of put a stop to all things going on.  But I'm back and promise to keep up the site going forward.

You may also notice some changes to the site.  I have decided that while I love love love my theme parks, there is so much more I want to share.  Living in Central Florida is wonderful - beautiful beaches, great weather and the best theme parks in the world.

This week I started the Couch to 5k program again (I had started it right before the accident) and just today signed up for the Miles for Hope 5k  that will take place on my 40th birthday.  I'm excited to start this new adventure in my life.  The ultimate goal is to one day run a marathon but that won't be for a while. The short term goal is to run Disney's Princess either 10k or 1/2 marathon in February 2014.

So follow along on this new adventure where we will discuss family, running and theme parks.  We may learn some stuff along the way.

Universal Studios Macy's Holiday Parade

Hello 

Today we visit 

to check out the

Universal's Home for the Holiday's takes place at Universal Orlando and Islands of Adventure from December 1 to January 1.  At Islands of Adventure they have 

which includes the Grinchmas Wholiday Spectacular - Experience a live retelling of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale starring The Grinch.  There are several shows per day so check the day's map for show times and they recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to show time.

You can also meet the Grinch and have your photo taken with him or get his autograph.  This is located at Dr. Seuss' All The Books You Can Read Store inside Seuss Landing.  They have a photographer there or you can use your camera but please not that the background is a green screen so you must buy their picture in order to have a background.  We didn't get our picture taken so I didn't note the prices but may return later in the month to get more information on Grinchmas.

Our focus yesterday was the Macy's Holiday Parade at Universal Studios.  The parade starts every afternoon at 5:00pm.  It starts next to the Horror Make-up Show building travels down Hollywood, makes a right turn through production central towards New York then travel right in front of Mummy's Revenge and end by Bettlejuice's Graveyard Revue

We arrived about 15 minutes prior to parade time and much of the parade route was already pretty crowded.  We went to the end of the parade route and found a curb side spot that was pretty vacant right by Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue.  So if you don't want to find a spot early, this is a great choice.  There is one drawback which I will share at the end. There is a viewing area for Annual Passholders which is by the Christmas tree and directly in front of  Mummy but the area was pretty full by the time we walked by so I don't know what the procedure is for that area.

So without further delay ... I present the Macy's Holiday Parade

Orlando Police start things off

Coffee High School Marching Band

Macy's Band

Shrek and Fiona

Scooby Doo

Simpsons

Marge

Marge and Maggie

Bart

Woody Woodpecker

Marilyn Monroe

Santa Claus

Santa Clause

There you have it!  It's a cute parade that is worth checking out.  Now, I mentioned a drawback to being at the end of the parade route.  Towards the end of the parade, we could hear that Santa was coming and then there seemed to be a lighting ceremony at the Christmas tree.  We could not see that from our location.  Once that finished, the music stopped so the remainder of the parade was quiet.  So I would assume that it would be best to find a viewing spot in the New York area  to witness the lighting of the tree.

They also have Mannheim Steamroller performing live on the Music Plaza stage.  Concert is select nights at 6:00pm so check their schedule for specifics.  We didn't stay to experience the concert so I can't comment on that.

 So if you are in the Orlando area in December, go check out Home for the Holidays at Universal Studios.  It's all included in your day's admission to the park so you can enjoy great attractions like Revenge of the Mummy, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Men in Black Alien Attack, The Simpson Ride, ET, and many more... then enjoy a great parade and concert.