New York City: Milford Plaza (xxxx)

Coming Soon!

My spouse and I stayed at the Ramada New Yorker in late April 2005. We remitted Ramada points for a free night’s stay, but even so, the condition of the hotel guest rooms is deplorable and we would not recommend staying here until some significant renovations occur. Nestled in Midtown Manhattan along 8th Avenue – just south of Times Square and north of Penn Station – stands an iconic Jazz Age-era building that has drawn some of the most influential travelers in history. You’ll know you’re close when you look up to see its Art Deco façade, proudly adorned with red block-letters: NEW YORKER. Welcome! Our Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in Midtown Manhattan seamlessly combines the grace and style of a bygone era with a contemporary sense of convenience and comfort. Though we have over 1,000 accommodations to offer, we do our absolute best to make every guest feel at home during their visit – whether you’re visiting us for work, play or a little bit of both. Relax in sophisticated rooms or suites. Enjoy a meal at one of our mouth-watering on-site eateries. Take advantage of amenities that include a fully equipped fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi access. Enhance your meeting with our expansive-yet-flexible event spaces. And of course, venture out into New York City itself. The Wyndham New Yorker Hotel in Midtown Manhattan is within walking distance of Penn Station, Bryant Park and the High Line, so you’ll find no shortage of new sights and experiences!

New York City: Herald Square Hotel (xx)

I stayed at their sister property (Herald Square Hotel) about two years ago. It was a good, basic hotel. Nothing fancy, but clean and decently priced. We did notice that there were some rooms on the ground floor that had shared bathrooms--just make sure you have a private one if that matters to you. I haven't repeated my visit to this hotel (or to Portland) because whenever I called, they seemed to require a 2-night minimum on weekends, and I'm usually just there for one night. I don't think you can go wrong with their prices--I just did a quick check on Travelocity, and most rooms are starting at $250+ that weekend.

For inexpensive (yet centrally located) Manhattan hotels, try: Ramada New Yorker, Portland Square Hotel, Herald Square Hotel, and Milford Plaza. All have their own websites where you can book rooms. None of those hotels have particularly pretty rooms (they are old and run-down), but they are reasonably priced, and most have private bathrooms (Herald Square has some rooms with shared baths, I believe). The public spaces (lobby, restaurants) look a bit better than the rooms.

The Herald Square Hotel New York is located in Midtown Manhattan. Of the hundreds of hotels in Manhattan, only one has Herald Square’s story. This is more than a hotel that has a place in New York history, it’s where your big city adventure begins. Situated in midtown Manhattan between the  iconic Empire State Building and world-famous Flatiron Building, you can easily reach it all with Herald Square Hotel New York City as your home base. From nearby Pennsylvania Station, we’re  minutes away by train from the United Nations, Times Square, or Rockefeller Center. Stay with us  at Herald Square Hotel New York Midtown Manhattan.

New York City: Sardi's (xxxx)

Sardi's is best known for the hundreds of caricatures of show-business celebrities that adorn its walls, Sardi's opened at its current location in 1927. When business slowed, Vincent Sardi sought a gimmick to attract customers. Recalling the movie star caricatures that decorated the walls of Joe Zelli’s, a Parisian restaurant and jazz club, Sardi decided to recreate that effect in his establishment. He hired a Russian refugee to draw Broadway celebrities. Sardi and Gard drew up a contract that stated Gard would make the caricatures in exchange for one meal per day at the restaurant. The restaurant is considered a Broadway institution.

New York City: Tavern on the Green (August xxxx)

Tavern on the Green is located in Central Park. The building housing the restaurant was originally the
sheepfold that housed the sheep that grazed Sheep Meadow, built to a design by Calvert Vaux in 1870. It became a restaurant as part of a 1934 renovation of the park under Robert Moses, New York City's Commissioner of Parks.

DisneyWorld (July 1995)

Hotel:

• Disney's All Star Sports Resort Link to my review

Restaurants:

• 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) Link to my review
• Artist’s Point (Wilderness Lodge) Link to my review
• Biergarten (Epcot) Link to my review
• Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) Link to my review
• Coral Reef (Epcot) Link to my review
• Garden Grill (Epcot) Link to my review
• Hollywood Brown Derby Link to my review
• Marrakesh (Epcot) Link to my review
• San Angel Inn Restaurante Link to my review
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (MGM) Link to my review

Orlando: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (MGM) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at MGM Studios for lunch in early July 1995. Do dinner and a movie retro-style at this eatery done up like a 1950s drive-in, with all-American cuisine to match. Watch campy clips as you picnic under the stars in a classic car-shaped booth or table. It’s always nighttime at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, and there’s always something savory—and spooky—headed your way: attacking aliens, marauding mummies, rampaging robots, and more! Enter the Hollywood-style soundstage as a classic car hop guides you to your very own automobile-booth or table. Kitschy vintage memorabilia, the illuminated tail lights of your fellow drive-in diners, and a sky full of twinkling stars set the mood as you place your order. Road-ready picnic tables are located at the back of the theater, where there’s even an old-fashioned, drive-in-style concession stand!

Orlando: San Angel Inn Restaurante (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at the San Angel Inn Restaurante at Epcot for dinner in early July 1995.Dine in perpetual twilight at this Mexican restaurant, modeled after a 17th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins. South of the Border specialties are served with Old World hospitality in this intimate, twilit setting. Start out a romantic meal with zesty appetizers like tortilla soup topped with avocado, cheese, and tortilla strips. Then, delight in steak, chicken, and fish entrées served with such sauces as chipotle pepper, chocolaty mole, and green tomatillo. And later, top off your meal with creamy Bavarian mousse, or cheesecake covered in caramel sauce! Guests can even enjoy a variety of margaritas and premium tequilas. Mexican wines, beers, and coffees are also available.

Orlando: Marrakesh (Epcot) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at Marrakesh at Epcot for lunch in early July 1995. Savory cuisine and sprightly belly dancing transport you to the heart of Morocco. Feast on such Moroccan delicacies as roast lamb, shish kebab, couscous and brochette of chicken. Stained-glass chandeliers bathe diners in a warm, dim glow, all while intricate tile mosaics evoke timeless majesty. Select an a la carte favorite, or partake in a culinary adventure with the Marrakesh Feast—featuring everything from Harira soup and an assortment of hearty meats to Moroccan pastries and more. From the full bar, guests can delight in such specialties as the Casablanca Sunset, the Sahara Splash, and the Marrakesh Express. In the splendor of a sultan's palace, belly dancers entertain guests with spirited movements to percussive live music.

Orlando: Hollywood Brown Derby (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at the Hollywood Brown Derby at MGM Studios in early July 1995.Step into the Golden Age of Hollywood at this warm, wood-paneled restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. Dine in an authentic replica of the famous Brown Derby, a Tinseltown landmark steeped in glamour and glitz. The walls are adorned with caricatures of famous faces—a tradition that began with the original restaurant—and the upscale atmosphere harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Experience the delectable legacy of the original Brown Derby, with timeless dishes and classic cocktails. Savor such specialties as pork tenderloin, seasonal grouper, grilled filet of beef with a white truffle and mushroom mashed potato, and the famous Brown Derby Cobb salad which follows the recipe created by Bob Cobb, owner of the historic California Brown Derby. For the perfect finale to any meal, indulge in The Hollywood Brown Derby Dessert Trio: three mini desserts of your choice, chosen from the decadent dessert list. You can also delight in sumptuous chocolate creations, creme brulee or grapefruit cake—another classic offering from the original restaurant! Guests can enjoy classic cocktails poured tableside, in addition to Old and New World wines from Italy, France, California, Australia, and beyond—sample three varieties from around the world with different wine flights!

Orlando: Garden Grill (Epcot) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at the Garden Grill at Epcot in early July 1995.Pay a visit to popular Disney pals as you dig into family-style dining and revolve around vibrant views from Living with the Land. Enjoy an ever-changing array of sights, and tastes too, as you slowly turn about this rotating restaurant. At The Garden Grill, guests can imbibe visuals from Living with the Land—such scenes as a rainforest, farmhouse, thunderstorm, sandstorm and prairie.

Orlando: Coral Reef (Epcot) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at the Coral Reef at Epcot for lunch in July 1995.Enjoy intimate dining and spectacular views of a living coral reef—and the 4,000 amazing sea creatures who call it home! Savor seafood favorites from all across the globe or indulge in traditional farm-fresh favorites. The menu changes seasonally but may include options like baked cheese manicotti with griddled lobster tail; oven-roasted chicken breast with polenta cake, pearl onions, bacon and black trumpet mushrooms; or the sustainable seafood catch of the day—mahi mahi, oh my! Start your feast with appetizers like grilled octopus and tuna tataki. And be sure to save room for turtle cheesecake, chocolate wave… and legendary mousse with the most (ask your waiter)! Marvel at the multicolored magnificence of the living coral reef—all while you dine! Panoramic windows give every table an insider view into the awesome, underwater world of The Seas with Nemo and Friends. The Seas is the largest inland saltwater environment ever built, and holds enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools! The meticulously crafted habitat has been designed by marine scientists to enrich the lives of the 4,000-plus sea creatures—85 species of tropical fish!—that call The Seas home.  While dining, guests can see and identify various species of sharks, sea turtles and rays—swimming in a truly “alive” coral reef—with the help of a souvenir Fish Guide. Guests may even see a scuba-diving Mickey enjoying the underwater fun! And did you know? Coral reefs are crucial to the biodiversity of the world's oceans. They cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, but provide food and shelter to over 25% of all ocean creatures—up to 2 million species! Disney scientists and conservationists are working hard in Florida and around the world to preserve endangered species like sharks, sea turtles, and coral.

Orlando: Cinderella’s Royal Table (Magic Kingdom) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at King Stephan’s Banquet Hall (later renamed Cinderella’s Royal Table) at the Magic Kingdom in July of 1995. Dine with Disney Princesses inside Cinderella Castle during this one-of-a-kind Fairytale Dining experience. Cinderella makes your acquaintance in the majestic Grand Hall, before you ascend a spiral staircase to the banquet hall above. (A gilded elevator is also available to transport you to the festivities.) Then, dine in a storybook setting surrounded by soaring stone archways, majestic medieval flags and spectacular stained-glass windows overlooking Fantasyland. During your time inside the castle, visit with classic Disney Princesses.

Orlando: Biergarten (Epcot) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at the Biergarten at Epcot for lunch in early July 1995. Celebrate Oktoberfest all year long with authentic German cuisine and lively entertainment. Be transported to a traditional Bavarian village as you feast on German fare to the oompah beat of a lively band. At communal, biergarten-style tables, enjoy such rotating buffet selections as bratwurst, rotisserie chicken, pork schnitzel, and a variety of salads. Save room for Bavarian cheesecake and hand-pulled apple strudel, made fresh daily! Polka on down to the dance floor, or simply relax in the twilit atmosphere and raise a stein to over 200 years of Oktoberfest celebrations. Guests can enjoy a slew of German beers and wines.

Orlando: Artist’s Point (Wilderness Lodge) (July 1995))

My spouse and I dined at Artist’s Point at the Wilderness Lodge for dinner in early July 1995. Celebrate the culinary heritage of the Pacific Northwest with seasonal specialties and stunning waterfront views. Relax in the warm ambiance of this charming restaurant, inspired by the dining rooms of cherished National Park lodges. Dramatic murals capture the spirit and romance of the American frontier, and ornate iron lanterns are suspended from tremendous timber columns. Dine indoors as you enjoy panoramic views of Bay Lake and Silver Creek Falls, or retreat to the outdoor terrace to soak in the beauty of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Enjoy specialties from the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on seafood, sirloin and game. Though menu options change seasonally, the kitchen’s signature dish is a cedar plank-roasted salmon. For dessert, try the chef’s Artist Point Cobbler, made from seasonal berries and topped with house-made black raspberry ice cream.

Orlando: 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian) (July 1995)

My spouse and I dined at a character breakfast at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort in early July 1995. This restaurant features whimsical touches that enhance the character meal experience. "Big Bertha", a turn of the century organ, takes center stage. Built in France, this beautifully crafted instrument plays while you are dining.

Orlando: Disney’s All-Star Sports (July 1995)

My spouse and I stayed at the Disney All-Star Sports Resort for four nights in early July 1995. This hotel is categorized as a “value” resort (under $100), and it is located closest to the Animal Kingdom Park (which wasn’t open yet when we visited). The theming of this hotel salutes the world of competitive sports, including baseball, basketball, football, surfing, and tennis. Celebrate your inner fan amid sporty décor starring some of your favorite Disney characters. Giant-sized surfboards line one of the sprawling pool areas. The Grand Slam Pool, an additional pool shaped like a baseball diamond, features a Goofy fountain that squirts water at swimmers. The End Zone Food Court sack your hunger with a preset line-up of fan favorites—pizza, nachos, hot dogs, smoothies, gelato and more—or create your own burgers and pasta, all while TVs play popular Disney cartoons and sporting events amid ample indoor seating.