“The Princess and the Frog”: Tiana’s Entrepreneurial Journey

 by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 30, 2024

 

Leading up to the opening of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” at Magic Kingdom on June 28, I decided that perhaps it would be a good idea to actually watch the movie that it’s based on, i.e., The Princess and the Frog. Heck, it only took me 15 years.

And shame on me, as this is a very good Disney animated movie. 

 

Since everyone else has seen the movie already, I’ll simply note that the key boxes were checked by this movie. 

 

Interesting and fun story and adventure? ✅

 

Enjoyable characters – from the leads to the funny Disney-esque sidekicks – facing challenges? ✅

 

Amusing lines and situations? ✅

 

Good music? ✅

 

The Princess and the Frog hit all the right notes – fitting for a story taking place in and around New Orleans.

 

But here’s the surprising kicker for this viewer who is an economist and entrepreneur: The Princess and the Frog is the story of a struggling entrepreneur. Tiana is sacrificing and working hard to open her own restaurant. And along her entrepreneurial journey, she discovers important lessons. Yes, following a dream to open your own business is important, but it turns out that other matters, like family, can be of even greater value.

 

While Beth rode and reviewed the new ride – “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” – I haven’t yet. But I’m not going to wait long before riding. I learned my lesson by waiting far too long to see The Princess and the Frog. Besides, I love log flumes.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, the Alliance of Saint Michael novels, and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more.

 

Never miss any new book by Ray Keating by joining the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship with Ray Keating at

https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship.

 

Various books by Ray Keating…

 

• The Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. There are 19 books in the series now.

 

• The Alliance of Saint Michael novels – Cathedral and Subversion – are at Amazon. 

 

• Order The Weekly Economist III: Another 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, The Weekly Economist II: 52 More Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist, and The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist at Amazon.com.

 

• Signed editions of Ray’s books are at www.raykeatingbooksandmore.com. 

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of Disney, Free Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

New Summer Menu Items at Hollywood Brown Derby

 by Beth Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 29, 2024

 

It’s hard for us to review new items at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, because our love for their traditional “Famous Cobb Salad” ($25.00) means that we rarely step foot in the restaurant without ordering the historic (and delicious) dish.  Honestly, sometimes we don’t even look at the rest of the menu. 

Be that as it may, the Brown Derby has a few new items on their “summer menu,” and our cast member/server enthusiastically pointed them out to us on a recent trip.  We were convinced to try one of the offerings on our latest outing, even though the Cobb Salad is, itself, a crisp and cool choice in the heat of a Florida summer.

The new dish that caught our attention was the Pan-roasted Halibut with a Thai Coconut Sauce ($48.00).

 
The halibut was a nicely prepared fish, not too heavy for a theme park day, but still a pretty substantial meal.  The fish was crispy outside with a moist interior, and though it was billed as “pan-roasted,” it definitely came across with a grilled flavor and texture.  The halibut was served closer to a “steak” thickness (more like a salmon cut), rather than the way flakier, thinner white fish are served.

    
The accompanying Thai sauce was both sweet and spicy at the same time.  It was an intriguing flavor combination because the sauce started out sweet, but after a few seconds on the tongue, had a spicy kick to it.  It was a welcome amount of spice to the diner who chose the dish, but was a bit too spicy for the other diner who snuck a bite to taste. You can never be sure what Disney means when they say “spicy.” Overall, though, the sauce was a good complement to the milder  fish.

Diced heirloom tomatoes tossed in olive oil and braised white asparagus were served alongside the fish, and gave the plate a pretty look. Fresh green herbs garnishing the top added to the freshness.

And if you aren’t a fan of eating fish, there’s also another very summer-sounding dish on the menu right now… a Root Beer-brined Pork with Creamy Polenta, Pickled Corn, Herb Chimichurri, and Barq's Root Beer Lacquer ($40.00).  If root beer doesn’t scream summertime to you, your mom obviously wasn’t making you ice cold root beer floats with vanilla ice cream once school was out!  We’re planning on heading back to try this one before the summer is over. Root beer for grown-ups!

 

__________

 

Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. More information at

https://raykeatingbooksandmore.com/shop/ols/products/disneyplanner.  A PDF version is available here.  And please listen to the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast. 

Special Fireworks Shows Set for Disney World

by Beth Keating

Theme Park Life

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 28, 2024

 

If you’ll be lucky enough to be in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for the Fourth of July, you’ll get to experience a unique fireworks show that only happens for two nights a year.

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” happens on July 3rd and July 4th, 2024, at 9:20 p.m.  The soundtrack accompanying the show overhead is, as you’d guess, a very patriotic one, and the castle will be lit up in red, white and blue finery as well.  A DJ will be on the castle forecourt during various points in the evening, and the atmosphere is high-energy.

The fireworks seem even more over the top than the normal “Happily Ever After” shows (which will not take place on those evenings), and if you find yourself staying at one of the monorail loop hotels (Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian), you can usually catch the fireworks from your hotel as well.  If you aren’t staying there, be aware that the security at the hotels on those evenings is especially tight, and only hotel guests with reservations are generally permitted on those beaches to catch the show.

Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

Over at EPCOT, a special nighttime spectacular will also take place on July 4^th at 9 p.m.  Immediately after EPCOT’s nightly show, “Luminous,” a special holiday tribute fireworks display called “The Heartbeat of Freedom” will wow guests.  And you get two shows back-to-back!  On your way out of the park, you’ll also have a chance to view Spaceship Earth and the surrounding gardens sparkling in red, white and blue lighting.

During the day at EPCOT, drop in to the American Adventure pavilion to listen to the music of the “Voices of Liberty.”  They are phenomenal, and one of our favorite things about visiting World Showcase.  In the rotunda of the American Adventure, you can also see the newly installed portraits of servicemen and women done by President George Bush.  The paintings, “Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors,” are on loan to Disney for a limited time.

If you don’t plan on sticking around at the parks during the nighttime shows, be sure to keep an eye out during the day for Mickey and the gang, dressed in their patriotic “Spirit of ‘76” costumes!

 

__________

 

Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. More information at

https://raykeatingbooksandmore.com/shop/ols/products/disneyplanner.  A PDF version is available here.  And please listen to the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast.  

Flavors of Florida Returns to Disney Springs This Summer

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

June 27, 2024

 

We love Disney Springs anyway, but the “Flavors of Florida” stretch is one of our favorite times to visit the shopping and dining complex. This year, you’ll see a lot of Florida rock shrimp and twists on Cuban sandwiches on the limited time menus, but there will be more than a few nods to Key Lime and various citrus flavors as well.  This celebration of Florida-inspired dishes runs July 1 to August 11, 2024.

Courtesy of DisneySprings.com

Appearing at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, and at a few outdoor kiosks, will be an exclusive-to-Disney Springs locally brewed orange pilsner with a “hint of citrus.” It will even be used as a component in a few dishes for the Flavors of Florida salute.

A series of culinary workshops will demonstrate several of the featured “Flavors of Florida” dishes that are on the restaurants’ menus, including some presentations by celebrity chefs. The demonstrations will take place in Waterview Park in the Landing section of the Springs, and pre-registration will be needed.

Courtesy of DisneySprings.com

Six of Disney Springs’ restaurants will be hosting special pairing events, with a wide range of menus, pricing, and dates. The Edison; Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’; Paddlefish; Wine Bar George; City Works Eatery & Pour House; and Jaleo by José Andrés will welcome guests to these limited seating events.

Courtesy of DisneySprings.com

And while you are wandering around checking out the different goodies, you can grab a special map from the Disney Springs Welcome Center, City Works Eatery & PourHouse, Corkcicle, or eet by Maneet Chauhan, and follow the clues from Orange Bird to learn about the history of Disney Springs. You’ll even earn a surprise at the end of your scavenger hunt.  (If you’ve done the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll, you’ll be familiar with this type of “seek and find” activity.)

Courtesy of DisneySprings.com

Here's some of the offerings influenced by Florida ingredients for this year, and where you can find them:

Amorette's Patisserie

 

• Orange-Hazelnut Petite Gâteau

Layers of orange mousse, orange curd and honey-orange gel on top of a hazelnut financier

 

• Orange Slushie

Orange slushie topped with Chantilly cream and citrus candy piece

 

• Orange Slushie with Vanilla Flavored Vodka
  Orange slushie with a float of Stoli vanilla flavored vodka topped with Chantilly cream and citrus candy piece

 

• Orange Bird Dome Cake

Layers of grand marnier-soaked vanilla chiffon cake, mandarin pâté de fruit, mandarin orange cream and white-chocolate crisp pearls

 

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

 

• Ybor City Cuban Dog
  Quarter pound all-beef hot dog, mojo pork, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard

 

The BOATHOUSE

 

• Roasted Golden Tilefish (Culinary Demonstration August 9)
  Paired with coconut ginger rice, topped with citrus escabeche and served with cilantro aioli

 

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’

 

• Tampa-style Cuban Sandwich
  House-smoked pork, shaved country ham, house-made pickles, yellow mustard and Swiss cheese pressed between slices of fresh Cuban bread
• Dragon fruit Mojito
  Bacardi Light Rum, dragon fruit, prickly pear simple syrup and fresh mint

 

Chicken Guy!

 

• Sunshine Shake
  Hand-spun vanilla soft-serve and fresh Florida orange juice, topped with whipped cream

 

Cilantro Urban Eatery Food Truck

 

• Cuban Sandwich
  Pork-lechon, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles, mustard on pressed Cuban bread—served with plantain chips and avocado dip

 

City Works Eatery & Pour House

 

• Pork Belly Burnt End Tacos
  Smoked pork belly burnt ends, orange blossom honey BBQ sauce, key-lime coleslaw, aji amarillo sauce, green onions, El Mirasol flour tortillas and your choice of side

 

Coca-Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

 

• Orange Cream Float
  Coca-Cola, orange cream bar and vanilla ice cream served in a souvenir cup

 

The Daily Poutine

 

• St Augustine Datil BBQ Poutine
  Crispy pork with datil pepper sauce, complemented by beer cheese sauce made with Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner, Florida hearts of palm and chayote squash.
• Bourbon Orange Punch
  Maker’s Mark Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Minute Maid orange juice, red passion fruit and edible glitter, topped with a dehydrated orange

Dockside Margaritas

 

• Citrus Sangria
  Coppo Moncalvina Moscato d’Asti, Patrón Silver Tequila, Minute Maid orange juice and DOLE pineapple juice served with fresh citrus

 

D-Luxe Burger

 

• Citrus Burger
  Pressed signature-blend patty, citrus-braised pork belly, grapefruit paloma aïoli, pickled and fried fennel, grapefruit jam and lettuce
• Key Lime Pie Shake
  Vanilla gelato blended with Minute Maid lemonade and graham cracker crumbs, topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs and a lime wedge

Earl of Sandwich

 

• Datil Pepper Cuban Sandwich
  Roasted carnitas, ham, Swiss cheese, sweet pickles and Datil pepper aioli
• Earl’s Creamy Orange Slush
  Florida oranges and lemon, served with whipped cream topping

 

The Edison

 

• Sunny Disposition
  A porthole cocktail built for 2 with St. Augustine Cane Vodka, Lillet blanc, blended family Florida orange liqueur, giffard fraise de bois, Florida navel oranges, Minneola tangelos, Plant City strawberries and Indian River grapefruit

 

eet by Maneet Chauhan

 

• Rock Shrimp Sloppy Joe (Culinary Demonstration July 19)
  Florida rock shrimp, ginger, garlic, cilantro and kachumber
• Sunny Days
  Orange cream flavoring, whipped vodka and orange ice pop

 

Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante

 

• Southeastern Sangria
  Lakeridge Cabernet, Florida orange liqueur, brandy, hibiscus, cinnamon and oranges

 

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

 

• Orange Blossom Bomb Cupcake
  Vegan and gluten-free orange cake with orange blossom filling and topped with vanilla frosting
• Orange Zest Scones
  Vegan and gluten-free orange scones topped with orange zest sugar

 

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

 

• Strawberry Shortcake Donut
  Glazed donut filled with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and dusted with powdered sugar
• Italian-style Strawberry Soda
  Fresh strawberries and strawberry syrup topped with bubbly soda water and served over ice

 

Frontera Cocina

 

• Sunshine State Margarita
  LALO Blanco Tequila, key lime juice, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur, demerara sugar, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur and Black Ant salt rim
• Mojo-Citrus Gunthorp Carnitas Tlayuda
  14-inch gigantic corn masa tostada topped with black bean spread, chihuahua cheese, Nueske's applewood smoke bacon, Florida orange, avocado, pickle red onion, cilantro crema and chipotle salsa

 

The Ganachery

 

• Citrus Bites
  Dark chocolate-enrobed candied orange peel and milk chocolate-enrobed orange marshmallow with crispy strawberries—sold in a souvenir Ganachery CORKCICLE
• Mickey Milk Chocolates
  Milk chocolate with crispy chocolate pearls
• Orange Cream Ganache Pop
  Vanilla orange ganache enrobed in 65% dark chocolate

 

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

 

• Key Lime Pie Shake
  Vanilla ice cream blended with key lime juice and graham cracker, topped with whipped cream, green sprinkles and crushed graham crackers

 

Gideon’s Bakehouse

 

• Key Lime Pie Cake Bars
  Soft key lime cake covered in cream cheese buttercream, key lime curd and graham cracker crumble fully dipped in premium chocolate
• Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew
  Dessert coffee made with locally roasted beans, maple syrup, rich dark chocolate and delicious Florida oranges

 

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

 

• Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich
  Local Florida Gulf shrimp, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes and zesty remoulade sauce served on a toasted French bread
• Crooked Can Sunshine Mango Lager
  Crafted with care by the renowned and local Crooked Can Brewery

 

Jaleo by José Andrés

 

• Gazpacho estilo Algeciras
  Classic chilled Spanish soup made with tomatoes, green bell peppers and cucumbers
• Ensalada de Tomate con Ventresca
  Florida heirloom tomato salad with preserved tuna belly from Spain
• Arroz con Verduras
  Rice with vegetables from Southern Hills Farms cooked over a wood fire
• Sangría de Naranja
  A twist on the classic Sangria recipe with a refreshing blend of sweet and citrusy notes
• Agua Fresca de Fresa
  Nonalcoholic spirit made with fresh muddled strawberries, lime, orange and Seedlip grove

 

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar

 

• Orange Pilsner Goat Cheese Dip
  Goat Cheese whipped with Sunshine Stroll Orange Pilsner and peppadew peppers—served with salt and vinegar house chips
• Orange Tangerine Frozen Margarita
  Patrón Silver, orange tangerine syrup, Minute Maid lemonade and garnished with citrus
• Sunshine Stroll
  This locally brewed orange pilsner is a Disney Springs exclusive featuring sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of citrus

 

Morimoto Asia

 

• Florida Key West Pink Shrimp Salad  (Culinary Demonstration July 5)
  Green tea-infused Japanese soba noodle, radish, carrot, cucumber, lettuce and ponzu sauce
• Sparkling Shiso Orange
  Housemade shiso orange shrub, yuzu and sparkling green tea

Paddlefish

 

• Cedar Key Littleneck Clams
  Nduja, garlic, wine and grilled bread
• Islamorada Citrus Ale
  A refreshing, fruit-forward and citrusy Island Ale from the Islamorada Beer Company

 

Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas

 

• Key West Shrimp Ceviche
  Made with Florida grown ingredients and spicy Latin American flavors

 

Planet Hollywood

 

• Orange Grove
  SKYY Infusions blood orange vodka mixed with orange juice and Sprite
• Blue Parrot
  Vodka and blue curacao mixed with lemonade and pineapple juice

The Polite Pig

 

• Smoked Black Drum Fish
  Smoked and grilled black drum fish, orange tarragon butter, spicy pickled fennel and arugula salad
• Tropical Spice Fusion
  Siesta Key spiced rum, banana whiskey, pineapple juice, orange juice, lemon juice and grenadine
• Sweet Potato Spice Cake
  Sweet potatoes, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cinnamon, orange cream cheese frosting and spices vinegar syrup

 

Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs Marketplace

 

• Florida Strawberry Cheesecake
  Cheesecake, mango and strawberries coulis, fresh strawberries and whipped topping
• Yuengling Traditional Lager
  Brewed in Tampa, FL

Salt & Straw

 

• Exquisito Guanabana Stracciatella
  Tropical guanabana sherbet with ribbons of floral and roasted dark chocolate stracciatella

 

Splitsville Dining Room

 

• Jalapeno Shrimp Poppers
  Florida shrimp stuffed with jalapeño and cream cheese, crispy fried and served with chili-lime sauce
• Mango Doladira Spritz
  Crafted with mango liqueur, Doladira Amaro, prosecco and mango syrup topped with soda

 

STK Steakhouse

 

• Cubano
  Pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles and mustard
• Key Lime Pie
  Topped with meringue, lime zest and toasted coconut

 

Summer House on the Lake

 

• Key West Shrimp (Culinary Demonstration August 2)
  Tostones, chile verde, Florida citrus salsa and black beans
• Key Lime Pie Martini
  Tito's, KeKe key lime pie cream liqueur, vanilla and lime

Sunshine Churros at Disney Springs Marketplace

 

• Orange Sorbet Churro
  A churro rolled in orange sugar, drizzled with whipped orange flavored buttercream frosting, topped with white sprinkles—served with a side of cream cheese icing

 

Swirls on the Water

 

• The Key Lime Pie Sundae
  DOLE Whip Lime in a waffle bowl topped with whipped cream and a lime garnish
• Orange Bird Float
  DOLE Whip Orange and Watermelon swirl with Fanta Orange in a souvenir cup
• Orange Bird Cone
  DOLE Whip Orange in an orange cone topped with orange crisp pearls and an Orange Bird garnish

 

Terralina Crafted Italian

 

• Wondermade Key Lime Strawberry Shortcake
  Italian biscuit, strawberry compote, frothed lime cream, and Wondermade key lime pie marshmallows

 

T-REX

 

• Florida Strawberry Shortcake Skewers
  Fresh strawberry and pound cake skewers, vanilla ice cream, strawberry coulis and honey vanilla drizzle
• Hidden Springs Ale Works Seasonal IPA
  From local Tampa brewery Hidden Springs Ale Works

 

Vivoli il Gelato

 

• Mango Spritz
  Mango sorbetto, sprite and prosecco
• Key Lime Tiramisu
  Layers of mascarpone cream with lady fingers soaked in a sweet key lime sauce

 

Wetzel’s Pretzels Kiosk

 

• Orange Dream
  Sweet, creamy orange citrus granita layered with soft whip topping

 

Wine Bar George – A Restaurant & Bar

 

• Grilled Scallop Ceviche
  Grapefruit, grilled tomatillos, cilantro and watermelon foam
• Florida Frojito
  A frozen mojito made with Florida watermelon, white rum and mint

 

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

 

• Wild Mushroom Gnocchi (Culinary Demonstration July 12)
  Ricotta gnocchi, roasted "Fungi Jon" mushrooms, balsamic glazed shallots, wild arugula and shaved pecorino cheese
• Passion of the Heights Beer
  Locally brewed beer from Florida Avenue’s Passion of the Heights

 

Wondermade

 

• Key Lime Pie Marshmallows
  Marshmallows made with Key lime juice, and rolled in crushed graham crackers

 

YeSake Kiosk

 

• Florida Fresh Poke Bowl
  A combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, tempura crunch and creamy roasted sesame dressing
• Florida Sunset
  A refreshing combination of Nigori Cloudy Sake, banana and peach Monin syrup finished with Dole pineapple juice

 

Outdoor Vending

 

• Tequila Sunrise
  Patrón Silver, Minute Maid orange juice and a float of grenadine syrup, garnished with an orange wedge
• Sunshine Stroll
  This locally brewed orange pilsner is a Disney Springs exclusive featuring sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of citrus

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Get The Disney Planner: The TO DO List Solution by Ray Keating. More information at

https://raykeatingbooksandmore.com/shop/ols/products/disneyplanner.  A PDF version is available here.  And please listen to the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating podcast.