I remember the restaurant "Top of the World". Before everyone jumps on me and says it is still there. No, I mean the original one and not the Top of the World Loungeon the top of Bay Lake Towers meant for DVC members.
The original one was on the top of the Contemporary Resort in the space that is now California Grill.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the Top of the World was the premiere dining and entertainment spot in all of Walt Disney World, especially during the years when the Magic Kingdom would close at 6:00 p.m. and there wasn’t much else to do. Some people might even consider it the "original" signature dining location. It was a nightclub/restaurant on the 15th floor in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World: open from October 1, 1971 until September 30, 1993. The view over the Seven Seas Lagoon toward the Magic Kingdom is spectacular. The longtime dinner show presented twice nightly was “Broadway at the Top,” with talented performers singing hit numbers from Broadway shows, and the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch was also popular.
Walt Disney World News stated that "THE TOP OF THE WORLD, high atop the Contemporary Resort Towers, offers the finest in day and evening dining and entertainment. Delicious breakfast buffet, Monday through Saturday, 8-10:30 am. Luncheon buffet, 11:30 am-2 pm. Sunday brunch buffet, 8:30am-2:30pm.
It’s a new world after dark as the Top of the World presents two dinner/dancing shows nightly, featuring top name entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Seatings for dinner are at 6:30 and 9:30 pm, with shows at 8 and 11 pm. Top of the World Lounge open until 2 am. Reservations for the evening are suggested; coats for gentlemen, please."
As a kid, I remembered coming here to get some of the unique drinks that were only offered here and nowhere else at WDW like (of course mine were non-alcoholic):
Monorail Pink – gin, pineapple and orange juice, grenadine syrup and heavy cream Monorail Red – tequilla, Galliano, grenadine, lemon bar mix and pineapple juice Monorail Yellow – rum, orange juice, coconut cream and pineapple juice Monorail Purple – brandy, wine and grape juice
Does anyone remember the German restaurant in the old Downtown Disney. I believe it was in the building that now hosts "the Earl of Sandwhich". Back in the early 80's there was only the MK and it closed early in October, maybe around 5 or 6. Afterwards we would drive to Lake Buena Vista (which may have been the name of DS back then) and shop, I would go into this quick serve get a ham on pumpernickel with a Becks beer.
I remember the restaurant "Top of the World". Before everyone jumps on me and says it is still there. No, I mean the original one and not the Top of the World Loungeon the top of Bay Lake Towers meant for DVC members.
The original one was on the top of the Contemporary Resort in the space that is now California Grill.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the Top of the World was the premiere dining and entertainment spot in all of Walt Disney World, especially during the years when the Magic Kingdom would close at 6:00 p.m. and there wasn’t much else to do. Some people might even consider it the "original" signature dining location. It was a nightclub/restaurant on the 15th floor in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World: open from October 1, 1971 until September 30, 1993. The view over the Seven Seas Lagoon toward the Magic Kingdom is spectacular. The longtime dinner show presented twice nightly was “Broadway at the Top,” with talented performers singing hit numbers from Broadway shows, and the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch was also popular.
Walt Disney World News stated that "THE TOP OF THE WORLD, high atop the Contemporary Resort Towers, offers the finest in day and evening dining and entertainment. Delicious breakfast buffet, Monday through Saturday, 8-10:30 am. Luncheon buffet, 11:30 am-2 pm. Sunday brunch buffet, 8:30am-2:30pm.
It’s a new world after dark as the Top of the World presents two dinner/dancing shows nightly, featuring top name entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Seatings for dinner are at 6:30 and 9:30 pm, with shows at 8 and 11 pm. Top of the World Lounge open until 2 am. Reservations for the evening are suggested; coats for gentlemen, please."
As a kid, I remembered coming here to get some of the unique drinks that were only offered here and nowhere else at WDW like (of course mine were non-alcoholic):
Monorail Pink – gin, pineapple and orange juice, grenadine syrup and heavy cream Monorail Red – tequilla, Galliano, grenadine, lemon bar mix and pineapple juice Monorail Yellow – rum, orange juice, coconut cream and pineapple juice Monorail Purple – brandy, wine and grape juice
Here is what it looked like then...
I remember this restaurant but back then we didn't have the money to book it. We did splurge 2 times booking rooms on the concierge level of the contemporary for a 1 night stay. View was fantastic. The first time was 1996 and I watched the Yankees clinch the World Series with Joe Torre as manager, it was their first World Series since 1978. This was after being in the parks all day and everyone was sound asleep but me. The next day my wife was upset I didn't wake her to watch it with me.
How about Captain Jack's in Downtown Disney? it was over the water and close to the boat dock from the resorts. We really enjoyed eating there, most seats had a window view. One time it was my wife, me, our son and daughter, the waiter was very nice but he was compulsive with filling our water glasses after we drank a little bit. My son noticed this and we played with the poor guy drinking water we didn't really want so he would fill the glass. In fact he was the person that told us Captain Jacks was closing and they were redoing the entire down town. That was our last time their and had a great time even thou we were very full (water will do that to you).
Does anyone remember the German restaurant in the old Downtown Disney. I believe it was in the building that now hosts "the Earl of Sandwhich". Back in the early 80's there was only the MK and it closed early in October, maybe around 5 or 6. Afterwards we would drive to Lake Buena Vista (which may have been the name of DS back then) and shop, I would go into this quick serve get a ham on pumpernickel with a Becks beer.
I kinda remembered this one but never ate there.
I did some looking up to get you a name and location. It was called Heidelberger’s Deli (located next door to Michael's - a barber shop) and it was renamed the All-American Sandwich Shop around 1989. That was then renames Minnie Mia's Italian Eatery (or Minnie Mia's Pizzeria) which served pizza made form "Minnie's secret family recipes" in 1990. By 1997, it was rename yet again to Wolfgang Puck Express where it has remained to this day.
That being said, it was not in the location of what is now Earl of Sandwich. When Disney Village / Marketplace opened in 1975, there was a place called Gourmet Pantry which was stocked with delicacies from around the world at this shop next to the Candy Factory. By 1991, the Gourmet Pantry was selling housewares, gifts, accessories and cookbooks, and sundries and groceries, but it was also a gourmet deli with specialty salads, pastries, candies and freshly brewed coffee all day. By 2001, the deli side of Gourmet Pantry had closed but the store side was still open. By late 2002, Gourmet Pantry completely close and sometime during 2003, Earl of Sandwich opened and has remained in its current location.
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
How about Captain Jack's in Downtown Disney? it was over the water and close to the boat dock from the resorts. We really enjoyed eating there, most seats had a window view. One time it was my wife, me, our son and daughter, the waiter was very nice but he was compulsive with filling our water glasses after we drank a little bit. My son noticed this and we played with the poor guy drinking water we didn't really want so he would fill the glass. In fact he was the person that told us Captain Jacks was closing and they were redoing the entire down town. That was our last time their and had a great time even thou we were very full (water will do that to you).
Here is some history for you on Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar:
Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar was one of the original restaurants at the Disney Shopping Village when the area opened March 22, 1975. This restaurant was known for its oysters on the half shell, strawberry margaritas and the views of Buena Vista Lagoon. It was name after Jack Olsen, who was the head of merchandise operations at Walt Disney World. the restaurant literally sits right on top of the water. Its shape and location give the restaurant an appearance similar to that of Narcoossee's at the Disney's Grand Floridian Spa & Resort. Cap'n Jack's offeed a nice alternative for those in the mood for seafood but looking for something a little more family-friendly and relaxing than Fulton's Crab House located just across the lake. On February 20, 2000, the name was changed to Captain Jack's Restaurant and closed for good on August 17, 2013.
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
Does anyone remember the German restaurant in the old Downtown Disney. I believe it was in the building that now hosts "the Earl of Sandwhich". Back in the early 80's there was only the MK and it closed early in October, maybe around 5 or 6. Afterwards we would drive to Lake Buena Vista (which may have been the name of DS back then) and shop, I would go into this quick serve get a ham on pumpernickel with a Becks beer.
I kinda remembered this one but never ate there.
I did some looking up to get you a name and location. It was called Heidelberger’s Deli (located next door to Michael's - a barber shop) and it was renamed the All-American Sandwich Shop around 1989. That was then renames Minnie Mia's Italian Eatery (or Minnie Mia's Pizzeria) which served pizza made form "Minnie's secret family recipes" in 1990. By 1997, it was rename yet again to Wolfgang Puck Express where it has remained to this day.
That being said, it was not in the location of what is now Earl of Sandwich. When Disney Village / Marketplace opened in 1975, there was a place called Gourmet Pantry which was stocked with delicacies from around the world at this shop next to the Candy Factory. By 1991, the Gourmet Pantry was selling housewares, gifts, accessories and cookbooks, and sundries and groceries, but it was also a gourmet deli with specialty salads, pastries, candies and freshly brewed coffee all day. By 2001, the deli side of Gourmet Pantry had closed but the store side was still open. By late 2002, Gourmet Pantry completely close and sometime during 2003, Earl of Sandwich opened and has remained in its current location.
Thank you Rich for clearing up my memory on where I used to have a sandwich and beer. It was a long time ago and there was not many places to eat in those days. Next time I'm down there I will look into Wolfgang Puck's place to check the way the building looks, from memory the ceilings will be the give away to me. Of course unless they changed it.
At least now I know where it was. I have no recollection of a barber shop, we were there in '82 and '86 then when we finally got back it was no more and I forgot about it.
How about Captain Jack's in Downtown Disney? it was over the water and close to the boat dock from the resorts. We really enjoyed eating there, most seats had a window view. One time it was my wife, me, our son and daughter, the waiter was very nice but he was compulsive with filling our water glasses after we drank a little bit. My son noticed this and we played with the poor guy drinking water we didn't really want so he would fill the glass. In fact he was the person that told us Captain Jacks was closing and they were redoing the entire down town. That was our last time their and had a great time even thou we were very full (water will do that to you).
Here is some history for you on Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar:
Cap'n Jack's Oyster Bar was one of the original restaurants at the Disney Shopping Village when the area opened March 22, 1975. This restaurant was known for its oysters on the half shell, strawberry margaritas and the views of Buena Vista Lagoon. It was name after Jack Olsen, who was the head of merchandise operations at Walt Disney World. the restaurant literally sits right on top of the water. Its shape and location give the restaurant an appearance similar to that of Narcoossee's at the Disney's Grand Floridian Spa & Resort. Cap'n Jack's offeed a nice alternative for those in the mood for seafood but looking for something a little more family-friendly and relaxing than Fulton's Crab House located just across the lake. On February 20, 2000, the name was changed to Captain Jack's Restaurant and closed for good on August 17, 2013.
Once again, thanks for the information. We ate there in 2010, 2011, and Spring 2013 which was our water drinking fun day. I saw pictures of the demolition which was a removal of a happy place.
Our first breakfast of banana stuffed toast was at the Polynesian in a restaurant called Coral Isle Café which became Kona café in 1998. Seems the toast was much better back then, that is what memory does to a person.
Our first breakfast of banana stuffed toast was at the Polynesian in a restaurant called Coral Isle Café which became Kona café in 1998. Seems the toast was much better back then, that is what memory does to a person.
I know all about that memory thing Mike....is why Doc is now my friend.....he’s like a personal memory assistant
second star to the right and straight on till morning
Our first breakfast of banana stuffed toast was at the Polynesian in a restaurant called Coral Isle Café which became Kona café in 1998. Seems the toast was much better back then, that is what memory does to a person.
Yes, Coral Isle Cafe opened with the resort opened on October 1, 1971 and then closed on July 25, 1998. It then reopened as Kona Cafe on November 23, 1998.
Prior: Offsite most every other years from 1972 - 2000
Most recent: Offsite 2001 & 2003 / ASM 2006 / Offsite 2009 / Poly 2011 / POR 2013 / CR 2014 / GF 2015 / DS Hotel 2017 / BC 2017 / POR 2018
I remember the restaurant "Top of the World". Before everyone jumps on me and says it is still there. No, I mean the original one and not the Top of the World Loungeon the top of Bay Lake Towers meant for DVC members.
The original one was on the top of the Contemporary Resort in the space that is now California Grill.
Throughout the 1970's and 1980's, the Top of the World was the premiere dining and entertainment spot in all of Walt Disney World, especially during the years when the Magic Kingdom would close at 6:00 p.m. and there wasn’t much else to do. Some people might even consider it the "original" signature dining location. It was a nightclub/restaurant on the 15th floor in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World: open from October 1, 1971 until September 30, 1993. The view over the Seven Seas Lagoon toward the Magic Kingdom is spectacular. The longtime dinner show presented twice nightly was “Broadway at the Top,” with talented performers singing hit numbers from Broadway shows, and the all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch was also popular.
Walt Disney World News stated that "THE TOP OF THE WORLD, high atop the Contemporary Resort Towers, offers the finest in day and evening dining and entertainment. Delicious breakfast buffet, Monday through Saturday, 8-10:30 am. Luncheon buffet, 11:30 am-2 pm. Sunday brunch buffet, 8:30am-2:30pm.
It’s a new world after dark as the Top of the World presents two dinner/dancing shows nightly, featuring top name entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere. Seatings for dinner are at 6:30 and 9:30 pm, with shows at 8 and 11 pm. Top of the World Lounge open until 2 am. Reservations for the evening are suggested; coats for gentlemen, please."
As a kid, I remembered coming here to get some of the unique drinks that were only offered here and nowhere else at WDW like (of course mine were non-alcoholic):
Monorail Pink – gin, pineapple and orange juice, grenadine syrup and heavy cream Monorail Red – tequilla, Galliano, grenadine, lemon bar mix and pineapple juice Monorail Yellow – rum, orange juice, coconut cream and pineapple juice Monorail Purple – brandy, wine and grape juice
Here is what it looked like then...
I do remember the original Too of the World restaurant too,
second star to the right and straight on till morning
Post by mackflavabryan on May 23, 2018 16:51:12 GMT
My family and I really liked the old "Spoodles" the menu was great and the sangria was awesome. It was never crazy crowded and the service was always good. Then they had the Kat Cora experiment that failed , followed by the new Trattorio Al Forno, which is not bad , but its just not Spoodles.
