Among the many things I love about Disney is their attention to detail. For Disney, storytelling isn’t something that happens only on-screen, but with everything they do. The parks themselves are setup to tell a specific story. So are the attractions, restaurants, resorts, everything. And, when Disney tells a story, everything speaks.
Each detail relays something crucial to the story itself, right down to the pavement in the lands of the Magic Kingdom (more on that in a later post). That detail and storytelling lends itself amazingly well to themed restaurants and resorts.
One wonderfully themed restaurant that is fun for kids of all ages is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater gives the illusion of dining outside at a 1950s drive-in theater.
Slip into the front or back seat of the booth and peer through the windshield at a series of science fiction movie clips from days gone-by. Sip on an Oreo Cookie milkshake or vanilla Coke while you sit beneath the perpetual stars and take in this unique setting.
The restaurant opens at 11am and remains open until normal park closing. So, the timing allows me to eat here for lunch, which I prefer. The meals are just the right proportion and it allows me to save room for a walk-up meal later in the evening. Plus, I have the remainder of the day to walk-off any additional calories from the milkshake!
Entrees range from $12 - $22, while appetizers are in the $7 - $10 range. Using the Disney Dining Plan option will cost 1 Table Service Credit. Depending on the plan you have, a Desert and possibly an Appetizer are included. I like to use my desert option to get the milkshake, so I can also get a vanilla Diet-Coke. This restaurant also accepts Tables in Wonderland for Florida residents and Annual Pass holders.
For lunch, I recommend the Crispy Onion Rings as an appetizer. Along with the vanilla Coke, they add to the nostalgic feel of eating in a drive-in theater in the 50s. The BLT Soup is quite nice as well.
Being from the Deep South, I see BBQ as an art, not to be trifled with. As a result, I normally don’t order BBQ from a restaurant like this. However, the Smoked Baby Back Ribs are actually very tasty.
If you are not a BBQ fan, I suggest the Tofu - just kidding! No real culinary fan would ever suggest that. Instead, the Reuben is actually pretty good as is the Angus Chuck Burger. The burger is much better than the normal patties you would get from walk-up service locations throughout the parks. I recommend topping with cheddar, sautéed onions, mushrooms and bacon. The cucumber melon salad is a better choice than fries, especially if you ordered onion rings as an appetizer.
Want to try making something at home? Here’s the recipe for the BLT Soup:
1 8-ounce can Tomato Basil Soup
6 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
6 ounces shredded lettuce
3 slices white bread (toasted and cut in ½)
Directions:
1. Cook soup according to directions on can.
2. Ladle into bowl.
3. Place a half slice of toast on top of soup.
4. Add 1 ounce of shredded lettuce on top of toast.
5. And 1 ounce of chopped bacon on top of lettuce.
Yep, it’s that simple.
There are so many great dishes to choose from, and they are all delicious. Some recommendations include: Keen Eye for Shepherd's Pie, Fish & Chips, and It's Not Bleedin' Chowder. By far, one of my favorite dishes is the Bangers and Booz. These Guinness and onion bangers (sausages) and mashed potatoes are topped with caramelized onions and beef stew. Oh man, I am ready to drive over and order some right now!
The meal is only a start to the Raglan Road experience, If you are lucky enough to dine around 9pm from Monday to Saturday, you will witness live Irish dancing. Not enough? How about some great music too? Most nights from 7pm, a three piece band plays some great Irish tunes.
Great meals, great entertainment, great atmosphere, great restaurant! Raglan Road does accept the Disney Dining Plan and will cost 1 Table Service Credit. Likewise, Tables in Wonderland is also accepted for Florida residents and Annual Pass holders. Doors open at 11am and close at 11pm, so you have 12 hours of opportunity each day for this delight.
Have you been to Raglan Road? What are your thoughts on this Irish pub, the food or the entertainment? We would love to read your comments below. 
The American Adventure: Funnel Cake
China: Egg Roll.
Norway: Lefse Potato Bread.
Mexico: Churros.
We would love to hear from you. Have you tried this? What were your favorites? Post replies in the comments section below.
Beaches and Cream is located in the Yacht & Beach Club resort. Overlooking the pool, this soda shop is absolutely amazing. To be honest, I had a difficult time deciding whether or not this location should be posted as Dining or a Magical Moment. The truth is - it is both! Beaches and Cream is definitely a dining delight. However, the concoctions are nothing less than Magical Moments. No other sweet treat encapsulates this as much as the masterpiece called "The Famous Kitchen Sink". 
With a total of 10 people gathered around 2 booths, we ordered two Famous Kitchen Sinks. With a cost of $24 each, I can tell you now it not only was worth the cost, but we repeat the tradition on every subsequent trip.
Since that day, our family has loved introducing others to the Famous Kitchen Sink. We delight at watching their eyes as this massive treat makes its grand entrance; though we also delight in helping to finish one. If you are visiting Disney with family or friends, I highly recommend that you stop by Beaches and Cream and share this delicious memory. I also challenge you to finish it - we never have. Just remember to take plenty of photos, this will be a memory you want to hold on to. 