For 2011, the Hyperion Lounge at the Tokyo Disney Ambassador Hotel had two desserts and beverages that were Easter themed. The main dessert was “Disney’s Easter Wonderland” Special Dessert set that was an Easter Peach Melba with Fresh Fruit Tart.  The design includes a more obscure character — Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.  He became quite popular in Japan several years ago and made his first appearance as a float during the Easter celebration in 2010.  This dessert is actually a recreation of the float design and the Oswald merchandise offered this year.

The pastry chef who designs and executes the seasonal desserts is quite adept at putting together some of the most amazing creations event after event.  While this one may lack some of the precision chocolate work other desserts have in the past, there are a number of intricate details on this year’s that easily make up for it.  For a Spring themed dessert, the light texture and fruit flavors were a nice surprise.

Looking over the dessert as I was photographing, I continued to find little missed details, including things like a hidden Mickey on the chocolate Easter Egg.

The other dessert we ordered was one of the specials from the regular Cake menu.  It was Mickey Mouse shaped, complete with his 2011 Easter hat on.  The detail elements were constructed of both chocolate and fondant — a cute design but a bit pricey when compared to the Easter Wonderland dessert set for a similar cost.

For this year’s beverages, the alcoholic option was the “Ambassador Style” cocktail with cherry liqueur, Cointreau, Cassis Syrup, Cranberry Juice, Lemon Juice, and 7UP.  The non-alcoholic drink, “Easter Waltz”, included Orange Juice,  Melon Syrup, 7UP and Jelly Balls, and a dated souvenir glass.

In addition to the dessert offerings, the Ambassador Hotel had a few Easter decorations as well.

Other Easter Wonderland 2011 Posts:

Easter Wonderland 2011: Tokyo Disneyland Park Decorations

Easter Wonderland 2011: Easter Egg Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland

Easter Wonderland 2011: Seasonal Treats at Tokyo Disneyland

I grew up around vintage cars and the racing industry to some degree as my father had a custom paint business and did a lot of work in both the motorcycle and auto racing end of things.  I immediately got on the phone to them, despite the 15 hour time difference, and made sure they marked this in their calendars so my Dad could hopefully take the day off work and go.

Once the artwork was released, I was beyond ecstatic to see one of the pieces paid homage to my favorite attraction – the Haunted Mansion.  Each of the four art pieces included a Disney Pixar “character” set with a piece of true Disneyland history.  In addition to the four wall art designs, Chip did two special Vinylmation designs as well.

For those who may be unfamiliar with Chip Foose, he is pretty much a household “car guy” name if you grew up in Southern California like I did.  He is an incredible custom car designer who has built some incredibly sexy projects.  He caught the attention of the Discovery Channel in the SEMA show one year, which translated into what most people associate him with now – the TLC show Overhaulin’ — where he and his team turn wrecks into functioning works of automotive art.

Disney fans who have visited the RIDEMAKERZ store in Downtown Disney might be familiar with the Foose name as well.  He recently did some custom body designs that were auctioned off for charity in support of a very rare disease, Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, a condition his youngest sister died from.

For the Disneyland Gallery and Art of Disney Parks event, you had the option to get a wristband in hopes of purchasing one of the four original framed art pieces at $10,000 each, and could stand in line to purchase one of the four LE95 canvas wrapped ones at $325 or the open edition prints for $35 each.  The two Vinylmation designs were also one-of-a-kind ($1,500 each) and subject to wristband distribution as well.

Kudos to my Mom for getting up at 4am (and Dad for taking a day off work) to ensure they were ready, and at Disneyland when the parking structure opened before 7am, in hopes they could be one of the first in line.  Since you were only limited to two signed pieces each and they were purchasing five items total, I wanted to make sure we got everything.  I double checked this with Michelle as well and she did tell me that you had the option to get back in the signing line again if you wanted.  Great tip as I could ensure all four of my pieces were signed rather than only three!

By 8:15am, there were only 40 or 50 people in line and my parents were within the first 12 or so, which meant they would have no problem getting their LE 95 Haunted Mansion and Doc canvas!  I really did want the bigger canvas as well, but seeing that I am living abroad for a few more years, I didn’t want it to sit in a storage vault along with much of my other valuable Disney art.  With that in mind, I decided to go for all four prints — much easier to bring back in carry-on luggage!

Line starting to form right at 8am

After seeing photos from the event, the renderings on the Disney Gallery website did not do the artwork justice! I cannot wait to see them in person, but hopefully these photos give you an idea of just how talented Chip Foose really is.  It’s always exciting to see the images on the Disney site brought to life at the actual event.  Each of these designs also features another fun Disney touch — a “Hidden Mickey”!  With the LE Canvas and original paintings, you receive a real certificate.  With the prints, there is a sheet attached to each one describing the artwork, Chip’s biography, and where you can locate the hidden Mickeys!  Here is a look at each of the four pieces released on Saturday:

Doc’s House Call

From the Art of Disney Parks: Low and sleek with a chopped top and custom chrome side trim, Doc is featured as a 50′s era custom. Parked in front of Disneyland park’s Haunted Mansion attraction, Doc’s custom style suggests a life before his racing days. If you look closely at the brickwork in the background, you will discover a “Hidden Mickey”.

Doc's House Call original painting

Doc's House Call (my signed print)

Ramone and Flo – Castle Affair

Ramone and Flo are parked, nose to nose in front of the iconic symbol at Disneyland park, Sleeping Beauty Castle. Ramone is sporting his traditional candy purple and orange flame paint job, with Flo in her signature teal and white. The background “wash” color is a combination of both their colors.  Look for the “Hidden Mickey” in the trees, just behind the cars.

Ramone and Flo (a bit blurry) original

Ramone and Flo (my signed print)

Lightning Speed

Lightning McQueen is a flash of red as he streaks through Disneyland park’s Autopia attraction, proudly wearing his Number 95 and race day graphics.  With the iconic Autopia sign in the background, Lightning tears through his image at maximum velocity.  If you look closely in the driver’s window reflection, you’ll spot a “Hidden Mickey”.

Lightning Speed original framed painting

Lightning Speed (my signed print)

Tow Mater in Training

Trains carry people and Tow trucks carry cars, that’s the connection between Tow Mater and the Disneyland park Railroad Train. Tow Mater is shown with a somewhat cleaner version of his paint scheme and is parked in front of the Disneyland Railroad Steam locomotive.  The “Hidden Mickey” is this painting is located inside the Engineer’s Cab.

Tow Mater in Training original framed art

Tow Mater (my signed print)

I was told this event ran much smoother than many others in the past and guests were let in the gallery even before 9am to make their purchases, and the signing was very organized and ran smoothly.  CMs were cracking down to ensure only two items were signed per guest, but they did allow my parents to get back in the line to have my last print signed.

Chip Foose was apparently quite the charmer and very personable I’m told! He took his time with each guest and interacted with everyone during the signature process.

Something interesting that people did was wander into the Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln door to catch a glimpse of Foose himself.  I’m told you couldn’t get that close to him, but it was still an opportunity for some of his fans to snap a few photos and watch him in action.

"Chip Fans" area

My mother did a great job of trying to get some photos for me while trying to get everything signed and took notes on how the event went.  And the highlight for me — she brought one of our Duffy the Disney Bears dressed in his new Cars racing outfit and Chip took several photos with him.  What an amazing guy and incredible sport to offer to do that!  I was just hoping the CM’s would let my parents hold him in a picture with Chip, never thought he’d end up holding the bear!

Once they arrived back home, she was able to get some better close up photos of the signature and edition number of their Doc canvas.  They lucked out with 6/95 and had Chip sign the certificate that accompanied the artwork.  They even have it hung in their living room already.  This is obviously a pretty big piece so it seems I made the wise decision to forego the canvas and do the prints only right now.  They better keep an eye out though, my parents might find that their canvas “disappears” anyways on one of my future trips home!

Canvas on display at Disneyland Gallery

By the way, wondering if anyone bought the original works of arts?  My parents said at least two of the original paintings were being spoken for and at least one of the two Vinylmations was in the process of going during the initial moments of the event.  In fact, the person in line behind them was there to purchase the Ramon and Flo original artwork.  Thrilled to see original Disney art get a good home — just wish it was mine.

Overall, it sounded like a great event and kudos to Disneyland and the Gallery staff for keeping the event organized with a smooth flow.

For me, the cuteness sparks happy childhood memories of dying Easter eggs with my Mom and Grandma, opening my basket with all sorts of Spring themed and brightly colored goodies.  And on a day like today — what would’ve been my Grandma’s Birthday — a stroll down memory lane is quite comforting, even if Easter did technically pass.

For Easter Wonderland 2011, the first seasonal snack we picked up was the Custard Mousse with Easter Wonderland Souvenir Cup (550 yen).  The design pays homage to Mickey and Minnie dressed as bunnies and even features them inside the mug after you remove the dessert.   Another awesome feature to note about Tokyo Disney desserts — they come in plastic cups that sit inside the mug so you don’t have to worry about clean up and carrying around a dirty souvenir mug all day.  They give you plastic bags for each item and sometimes a real nice CM may even bubble wrap them for you when you are shopping inside a store later on!   I am sure you can just ask as well, which is great for getting everything in your carry on for the flight home!

Back to the Easter desserts, there is also another souvenir cup that had the Easter Wonderland logo and more Minnie Mouse themed with the same custard mousse inside.

Another treat for this year’s Easter Wonderland event that is wrapping up next week is the Sweet Easter Egg with Mickey souvenir stand (600 yen).  This was like a mochi style cake ball.  You could choose from three different colors, but all were the same flavor/taste.

To get the matching Easter Wonderland plate, Tokyo Disneyland is offering a marshmallow chick that is almost too cute to eat!  Had flashbacks to my childhood terror of eating the head of the marshmallow Peeps!  The inside of this little guy had a sweet liquid that had a caramel like taste, but was much more thin and clear.

I’ve had several people ask me if the designs and desserts are the same each year, but no, they are not.  Tokyo Disney goes the extra mile in developing new stuff for each year’s events and the Easter Wonderland event is no exception.  Just to give you an idea, here are three of the Easter treats from the 2010 event — the ladybug roll is from the DisneySEA’s Spring Carnival Event that was previously held in conjunction with Easter Wonderland.  The Easter Cookie and Marshmallow and Peanut egg were from Disneyland and the Easter Wonderland event itself.

Have you tried any other Easter Wonderland treats during other year’s events? Would love to see photos or hear what other designs they have done in the past as well!

Other Easter Wonderland Posts:

Easter Wonderland 2011: Tokyo Disneyland Park Decorations

Easter Wonderland 2011: Easter Egg Hunt at Tokyo Disneyland

Now closed Mission Tortilla Factory on the left side

Although it was not one of the best attractions in the park, I readily admit to going in nearly every visit for the free tortillas.  Used to always be the same — grab a tortilla and head straight for the margarita stand right nearby!

Unfortunately, I doubt I will be visiting its potential replacement every trip, unless I miraculously learn how to eat sweets without ever gaining a pound.  In the place of the Mission Tortilla Factory, a new Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory will soon emerge.  While delicious, I can only handle one of their ridiculously over-the-top sweet sundaes once every few years as the chocolate still courses through my veins.

Ghirardelli in San Francisco, California

It’s my understanding that Disney was scouting for Ghirardelli sponsorship back when DCA was opening, but failed to entice a bid.  It might’ve been a blessing in disguise after some of the other big names like Mondavi and Wolfgang Puck pulled out when DCA never took off as expected and now Ghirardelli stands to inherit a prime piece of real estate with the Cars Land opening just a year away.

Entrance to Cars Land and Mission Tortilla Factory to the right

In honor of the now defunct Mission Tortilla Factory, here’s a look at a few of the attraction’s highlights.

Mission Tortilla Factory

During my travels to each of the Disney Resorts around the world, riding Space Mountain at least once is always on the list.  And for the last two years, we’ve had a Disney mascot to enjoy Space Mountain with.  In 2008, Tokyo Disney released a set of special cast member outfits for Duffy the Disney Bear to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland.  One of our Duffy Bears is donning his Space Mountain CM outfit and we named him Spuffy (or Spaceman Spuff) — a combination of Duffy, Space Mountain, and my favorite — Calvin and Hobbes Spaceman Spiff.

Our Duffy the Disney Bear "Spuffy" in his Space Mountain CM outfit from Tokyo Disneyland's 25th Anniversary

Spuffy dressed up for the MNSSHP at WDW in September 2010

In honor of Space Mountain’s 34th Anniversary, Spuffy and I will take you on a photographic tour of all the Space Mountain attractions at Disney Resorts around the globe.

Space Mountain at Disneyland in Anaheim, California

An iconic image for me growing up in Southern California.  Even when we weren’t going to Disneyland, I always remember driving along the 5 fwy and watching for the Matterhorn and the spires from Space Mountain.  Back in 2000, one of my longtime dreams came true — we got stuck on the ride! After about 20 minutes, we were the last car they evacuated and since I was with several CM’s that day, we were able to get a pretty good view of what it looks like with the lights on.  While there is no legendary basketball court as people say with the Matterhorn, we did get to see a few tables and chairs and what looked like a ping pong table. LOL

Space Mountain at Disneyland California

In recent years as part of the Halloween festivities, Space Mountain has undergone a slight transformation for “Ghost Galaxy”.  This first debuted at Hong Kong Disneyland and became part of the California ride in 2009 and was brought back again in 2010.

Ghost Galaxy Halloween enhancement at Disneyland

Spuffy and the Ghost Galaxy version of Space Mountain at Disneyland

Space Mountain at Walt Disney World

This is the Space Mountain I am least familiar with since I have only visited WDW a small number of times.  Visually, it is one of the more appealing attractions, especially the way it is lit up at night.  A lot of people don’t realize that Walt Disney World’s Space Mountain attraction actually opened before Disneyland’s in California.  The soft opening for Space Mountain in WDW’s Magic Kingdom was December 1974 with the official grand opening a month later.  This is the only Space Mountain where riders do not sit side by side.

Spuffy ready to ride Space Mountain at Walt Disney World

Spuffy in the dark at Walt Disney World's Space Mountain attraction

Space Mountain: Mission 2 at Disneyland Paris

The current Space Mountain: Mission 2 attraction has been delighting European Disney fans since April 2005. The previous name was De la Terre à la Lune, which opened in 1995 and then closed in January 2005 to make room for the refurbishment and redesign.  The original design paid homage to Jules Verne’s classic, From the Earth to the Moon. The new Mission 2 is supposed to be a continuation of Verne’s classic, where riders are now taken further into space on a new adventure.

Space Mountain: Mission 2 at Disneyland Paris

Spuffy is ready to ride!

Uh oh, looks like he may not meet the height requirement on this one!

If you aren’t familiar with this version at Disneyland Paris, you will be in for quite a surprise your first timeas Space Mountain: Mission 2 goes upside down!  Yup, this is the only Space Mountain attraction that features inversions — three of them in fact.  If you think the rides in the US Disney Resorts are fast — this one is not for the faint of heart.  I was pretty disoriented the first time I rode this…well, and the second time too.  For those who are prone to motion sickness, you may want to sit this one out — or just make it your last ride before leaving.

A Space Mountain that goes upside down? Perhaps Spuffy is rethinking this one!

Interior queue of Space Mountain Disneyland Paris

Space Mountain at Hong Kong Disneyland

Surprisingly, this is one of the rides you can always pretty much just walk right on at Hong Kong Disneyland — even when the park is crowded.  Usually we end up riding this one two or three times, depending on how long we are staying at the Park that day.  This Space Mountain is the newest one (discounting other Parks’ refurbishments) and opened in conjunction with the park in September 2005.  Hong Kong Disneyland probably has the best queue interior of the ride, despite being the smallest.  There are lots of bright colored lights and a virtual solar system hanging above.

You will note in the photos from Hong Kong Disneyland, the entire park is surrounded by mountains — real ones.  These are no Disney artist backdrops!

View of Hong Kong Disneyland and Space Mountain from room at Disney Hollywood Hotel

Hong Kong Disneyland Space Mountain is very scenic at night, especially with the mountains

And Spuffy is ready to conquer another Space Mountain

Hong Kong Disneyland Space mountain logo

Hong Kong Disneyland Space Mountain queue

Hong Kong Disneyland Space Mountain queue

Another shot of the Hong Kong Disneyland Space Mountain queue

Space Mountain TVs and warning sign at HK's Space Mountain attraction

As I previously mentioned in the Anaheim Disneyland section, the Halloween themed Ghost Galaxy started at Hong Kong Disneyland in 2007.  It is part of their annual Halloween event that includes actual Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios type maze attractions — the best time to visit HK Disneyland in my opinion!

Hong Kong Disneyland Ghost Galaxy Space Mountain overlay

Ghost Galaxy logo on HK Space Mountain during Halloween festivities

Spuffy outside the Ghost Galaxy version of Space Mountain

Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland

Nearly identical to the one in Disneyland California (in my opinion), Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain attraction opened in 1983, when the Resort opened its doors.  The ride is nice, but it is one of the most frustrating lines.  The only way to ride this one is to do a FastPass, otherwise you can get stuck for seemingly hours while everyone with passes are admitted in masses.  The outdoor snaking queue lines remind me of the olden days of Anaheim Disneyland pre-Fast Pass.  The only difference is — it can be 100F and humid while you are waiting in line in Tokyo.  Uuughh.

Tokyo Disneyland's Space Mountain attraction

Logo for Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland

Obviously Spuffy likes this Space Mountain the best because his outfit is nearly a replica of the current CM costumes.  It’s fun to be in the Tokyo Resort with him, because the Space Mountain CMs get very excited when they see him and other local Duffy fans always acknowledge him because this series of costumes are very sought after, both in Japan and abroad.

Spuffy at home with "his" Space Mountain attraction -- Tokyo Disneyland

Another one of Spuffy's visit to Space Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland

One caveat about Tokyo Disneyland’s Space Mountain attraction — there are no photos at the end! While the bright light goes off and it looks like the other rides that snaps your photo — sorry, no luck here. It is the only “professional” photo of Spuffy riding Space Mountain I will never get.

Have you been on more than one Space Mountain attraction?  Which resort is your favorite?

Easter Egg Hunt options for Easter Wonderland 2011

Easter Egg Hunt prizes

To keep things fresh and encourage people to complete the course more than once, each of the three months features a different expert completer pin, and get this — new hiding spots for the Easter eggs.  I have to give Tokyo Disneyland credit, what I thought would be a relatively easy task to complete turned out to be a truly difficult mission. It wasn’t until part of the way through that we realized the expert ones are NOT character eggs.  They are smaller and have more subtle decorations like stripes, flowers, etc.  All in all, we ended up walking every square inch of the park to locate the last of my eggs for the expert course.

Since the event still has over a month to go, I will not post any of the expert egg photos to give any clues away, but suffice it to say if you have plans on completing it — it will definitely test your Disney knowledge.   The small photo clues may be a little tough if you aren’t completely familiar with the Park layout, while others look pretty similar from certain angles.

Here is a look at the Donald Duck pin for May’s expert course.  For 1,000 yen to do the course, it makes this pin quite inexpensive when compared to normal, smaller pins off the racks at the US Parks.  As with every other aspect in Tokyo Disney’s seasonal events, the expert completer pin is filled with detailed touches.

Easter Egg Hunt Card and Donald Duck May 2011 Pin

Detail of Donald Duck and Easter Bunny on pin dangle

Easter Egg Hunt redemption area

On the standard course this year, there are character eggs all over the park, but you are required to locate five specific ones.   Enjoy a look at all the 2011 Easter Wonderland character eggs here — is your favorite Disney character among those on display this year?

Pirate Goofy

Lady and the Tramp

Tropical Stitch

Woody and Jessie

Country Bear Easter Eggs

Brer Rabbit and Donald Duck

It's a Small World

More It's a Small World

White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat

Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket

Love Pluto's ears!

Chip and Dale even made an appearance

Mickey and Minnie

Mater and Lightning McQueen from Cars

Aliens from Toy Story

R2D2 from Star Wars

The Seven Dwarfs

The Easter Wonderland Event is one of the more interactive seasonal events as guests can partake in an Easter Egg hunt that will require you to venture all over the Disneyland Park.  There are lots of Resort decorations, seasonal goodies, and of course — the Easter parade.  In a series of upcoming posts, I will share all the details of this year’s Easter event and take a photographic look back at some elements from last year.

Each year, Tokyo Disneyland decks out the park in Easter themed decorations that are echoed in the merchandise and food.  This year, the theme was definitely the Easter egg.  Upon entering the Park, the entrance area will filled with various Easter eggs, including some that were used in the Easter Egg Hunt last year (Buzz Lightyear, and Mickey & Pluto).  The entrance sign is virtually unchanged from last year and features The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland in an Easter basket surrounded by colorful eggs.

Easter eggs at Tokyo Disneyland entrance

More Easter eggs at Tokyo Disneyland Park entrance

Tokyo Disneyland Easter Wonderland display

Something new that I don’t remember from last year’s event was three “live art” performers once you pass through the World Bazaar and head towards the castle.  They were stoic and virtually unmoving, except for position changes every two minutes or so.  Each girl had something that moved or was unique on her outfit — one had an Easter egg that popped up, while another had a bunny that moved in its basket.

The center area approaching the castle is where each event’s centerpiece is and guests can have Disney photographers take professional shots with decorations and the castle backdrop.  The main display piece for this year’s Easter Wonderland Celebration featured Disney characters decorating Easter eggs and lots of adorable bunny helpers loading them into the giant Easter basket.  Donald Duck was the leader of this year’s event as he holds the map detailing where to hide the eggs.

Easter Wonderland banners 2011

Main 2011 Easter Wonderland display

Donald Duck showing where to hide the Easter eggs

Easter Wonderland 2011

One of the side displays was dedicated to Alice in Wonderland and was nearly identical to last year’s decorations as well — still very cute nonetheless!  The other side featured an Easter bonnet with eggs display.  Last year had Winnie the Pooh and the gang, and sadly, there was no sign of Pooh anywhere in the Easter line up this year.

Alice in Wonderland

Easter Wonderland Decorations 2011

Even after nightfall, the decorations are still visible and seem to draw the most people for photo opportunities on the way out of Disneyland.

Easter Wonderland Tokyo Disneyland sign at night

One of the Easter eggs hanging on the posts at entrance of World Bazaar

Lit up Easter egg on Tokyo Disneyland sign

Be sure to check out the gallery below for a few photos of the 2010 Easter Wonderland event.

[Show as slideshow]

Not surprisingly, my Mom had to outdo us a bit with one of her Duffy Bears and take him out for Mexican food with them.  I am sure she is going to hate me for posting this publicly, but she sent me photos — complete with an attached storyline!  It is too cute not to share (sorry Mom!)

Out in the West Texas town of El Paso
I fell in love with a Mexican girl.
Night-time would find me in Rosa’s cantina;
Music would play and Felina would whirl.

Mom's Duffy trying to snatch some salsa

Blacker than night were the eyes of Felina,
Wicked and evil while casting a spell.
My love was deep for this Mexican maiden;
I was in love but in vain, I could tell.

Ooooo bear paw on the table!

So, who is this mysterious Felina? Apparently, the restaurant had a special hostess in Mexico costuming to greet people for Cinco de Mayo.  Mom asked if she would mind taking a photo with Duffy — too cute!

Duffy and "Felina"

Hope you had an enjoyable Cinco de Mayo no matter where you celebrated it!

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen at Downtown Disney in Anaheim

Downstairs interior of Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen

Even the Duffy Bears were hoping to watch a little jazz music

We were just in NYC a couple weeks ago where we stopped by the St. Regis Hotel to try the Bloody Mary in its American birthplace — The King Cole Bar.  After a wonderful experience there, I was excited to create my own Bloody Mary and see how the Jazz Kitchen compared to the “original”.

If you are not familiar with the N’awlins Bloody Mary Bar at the Jazz Kitchen, you are missing out.  It’s truly a custom Bloody Mary, right down to picking your own garnishes.  It took nearly 5 minutes to finally reach a decision in the ingredients for the first round of drinks, but it was worth it.

Bloody Mary Bar menu

Bloody Mary choices:

Me:  Tomato juice with Stoli vodka.  Added beef broth, horseradish, Worcestershire, lemon juice, A-1, and Tabasco Green Pepper Sauce.  Garnish with celery and garlic olive, add celery salt on the rim, and serve straight up.

Brett: Tomato juice with Absolut vodka.  Added beef broth, horseradish, Worcestershire, black pepper, A-1, and Tabasco Original sauce.  Garnish with celery, jalapeno-stuffed olive, and pickled okra, add Creole seasoning and serve straight up.

First round of Bloody Marys

They recommend serving the drinks straight up and they come in a martini glass with a little bit of ice inside.  The volume is the same as those served in “regular” glasses, just not filled with ice.

Unable to decide between the appetizers, we decided to go with all three of our top picks and then decide if we could hold a main course (I’ve had my eye on that Bananas Foster French Toast for months!).

The first appetizer to arrive was the Oysters on the Half Shell.  This is 1/2 dozen Pacific oysters served with a Bloody Mary cocktail and mignonette sauce ($14).  This was not a bad price for oysters — I know people who live near prime oyster places are cringing at the price, but for Downtown Disney, I thought this was reasonably priced.  The oysters were quite large and had a nice, slightly salty taste.  We love oysters and I have to say these are some of the better ones we’ve had in our travels.

Oysters on the half shell

Next, the Fried Green Tomatoes arrived.  They came with applewood smoked bacon, spicy boiled egg crumbles, and a Cajun remoulade ($8).  I could’ve downed about 10 of these — awesome!

Fried Green Tomatoes

Our last appetizer was the Popcorn Calamari, served with a Creole mustard aioli ($9).  The aioli was awesome and the calamari were nice and crispy.

Popcorn Calamari

Surprisingly, we were not that full and decided to stick around for another hour or so, watch the band, order another Bloody Mary and try out the brunch specialties.  We figured the main courses would not be that big since the appetizers were respectable portions.

Our next round of Bloody Marys:

Me: V-8 Juice with Absolut Citron vodka.  Added Beef Broth, Worcestershire, lime juice, A-1, Tabasco Chipotle.  Garnished with celery, garlic olive, pickled okra, and added smoked salt to the rim, served straight up again.

Brett: Tomato juice with Absolut Peppar vodka.  Added beef broth, horseradish, Worcestershire, black pepper, A-1, and Crystal Hot Sauce.  Garnish with celery, garlic olive and kosher salt on the rim, also again served straight up.

What seemed like a good idea at the time instantly evolved into a bad one as all the breading from the appetizers began expanding in our tummies.  We waited for the drinks to arrive and assured ourselves we would be ok and the main courses would not be that big…right?

Our second round of Bloody Marys arrived and yet another winning concoction!  I was rather proud of myself and wondered if I missed my calling as a mixologist along the way.    Actually, I am kinda thinking you can’t go wrong with whatever drink you put together, but I would recommend watching the spicy additions as I heard one person send their Bloody Mary back as it was just too hot to drink.

Second round of Bloody Marys

Now, the mains have arrived and our eyes were definitely bigger than our stomachs.  Had we planned to spend an entire day in the Parks walking it off, we’d probably be ok, but we only had a couple hours before I had to get Brett to the airport for the next leg of his business trip.

I had ordered the Bananas Foster French Toast and this was one of the best brunch items I’ve ever had.  It was served with applewood smoked bacon, bananas foster syrup, and fresh whipped cream ($12).

Bananas Foster French Toast

Brett ordered the Blackened New York steak served with a buttermilk biscuit, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, and sausage gravy ($14).  His entree was also an excellent choice.  The biscuit was gigantic and the sausage gravy was very flavorful without overpowering salt like many others I’ve tried.  One tip on ordering the steak — it is a thin steak so it’s easy to wind up with one overcooked.  Brett ordered medium rare and it was more medium.

Blackened New York Steak

I was shocked at how much we managed to get through on our plates, but we almost finished everything.  Needless to say, we did not even tempt fate and look at the dessert menu.  When this was originally mentioned back in August on Disney Parks Blog, there was talk of a dessert buffet, but we never saw anything.  There is a kid’s buffet ($12, ages 3-12) that includes typical breakfast items, grilled cheese sandwiches, and the big hit seemed to be the freshly made cotton candy for dessert!

Stage where jazz band plays

The N’awlins Brunch is held every Sunday from 10:00am to 3:00pm and features live jazz, tableside performers (the magician was quite entertaining), and more.  I’d recommend making reservations, especially if you require a low table as it was still full around 1pm, including the outdoor tables.

The bakery had a number of special Chinese New Year foods available for purchase, including “fortune” buns.  Several restaurants had new menus, and we had new dim sum from the Plaza Inn (not sure if the new items were just for Chinese New Year or not).

Here is a look at a few of the bakery items and pictures of the seasonal menus available through February 13, 2011.

Fortune Pineapple "Boomer" - Sweet Topping Bun with Red Bean

Lucky Custard Bun

Prosperous Year Fish -- Peach and Custard Bun

Gallery with more images of Chinese New Year menus and treats available at Hong Kong Disneyland:

Other Chinese New Year Hong Kong Disneyland posts:

Year of the Rabbit Merchandise at Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland Chinese New Year Celebration: Lucky Fortune Trail