Lunch with an Artist - MGM / Brown Derby

[Maggi May]

Hello,
I've lurked on this site while planning a Disney vacation for myself and DH, and appreciated all of the great suggestions from the users of this board. I wanted to register to post about the highlight of our trip: Lunch with an Artist at the Hollywood Brown Derby (Disney MGM). This event is mentioned on the front page of WDWinfo:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-dining.htm


When I booked the lunch, I figured it would be a "presentation" format, with an animator speaking to a group. Imagine our surprise when we sat down in a private room at the Brown Derby at a table for four. It was just the two of us and two animators from the studios. They were both gracious and fun to talk with. Both worked on recent Disney animated movies (Mulan, Lilo and Stitch), and also told us about upcoming releases that they are working on.

If you have any interest in art, animation, and/or Disney movies, I highly recommend this lunch.

 

[inky dinky doo]

Maggi,

I'm so glad to see comments from someone who's done this. So, dish, girl! I want to hear all about it!

What time was your lunch? Is it a pre-set time or did you get to choose the time you preferred? On what days is it available? Did you call right at 30 days out or did you wait and call later? What did you have to eat? Did you like it? What did you wear? Did the conversation flow easily or were you tongue-tied (that's what I fear)? What was the plate like that they gave you? And, would you do it again if you could? Also, I've been looking for something special to do with a 10-year-old granddaughter. Might this be that special something or should I keep looking?

Boy, do I feel nosy! This is something I've wanted to do for a long time, and you just don't see many reviews.

Pat

168 days and counting . . . again!

 

[inky dinky doo]

Well, doh! I forgot the most important thing!

Welcome to the DISboards!!

Here it is your very first post and someone jumps all over you with questions. Where are my manners!?! Welcome! We're glad to have you here.

Now, please tell me all about your lunch! Please?

Pat

168 days and counting . . . again!

 

[Maggi May]

Hi Pat, thanks for the welcome

The lunch was at a set time - from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We ended up staying and talking until almost 2 p.m., but weren't rushed out of there.

We went on a Monday -- from my discussion with the PS reservationist, it appears that they offer this lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of most weeks, although I think it varies from month to month. I was very surprised to get a reservation only two weeks prior.

Three of the courses were fixed -- lobster bisque, a small cobb salad, vanilla creme brulee. There were three choices for entree - grilled filet mignon, pan fried grouper, and thai noodle bowl with duck. The food was delish, especially the creme brulee. I had the noodle bowl and everybody else at the table had the fish.

We were dressed casually (nice shorts, collared shirts, but nothing fancy). Like most sit down restaurants at Disney, I don't think there's much expectation or need to dress up, but we did wear something nicer than our usual "beat the heat" t-shirts.

We were a bit tongue tied at first, but started talking about where we were from and where we went to school. I grew up in Central Florida, so we talked about local places and events. My husband has an interest in art, so we talked about that, in addition to animation. It turned out that all four of us were foodies, too.

If your granddaughter has an interest in art or animation, I think it would be a nice treat for her. It's definitely in a grown-up setting (private room at the Brown Derby) , but that may make it feel really special to her. If you haven't already done so, take her on the Animation studios tour. We did that right before lunch.

The souvenier plate is big, more like a platter. It is inscribed with "Lunch with an Artist" and "Disney MGM studios" - both animators signed it for us with a silver pen. It came with nice stand, too.

I hope this info helps.

 

[beachbunny]

When did you go to this lunch? I heard there stopped having them after the spring?

 

[inky dinky doo]

Thank you so much for "filling in the details," Maggi! You have really whetted my appetite for the experience. I think it's something I, at least, am going to have to do. And, I think Kaity might enjoy it as well. She's at that in-between stage -- still a little girl, on the cusp of becoming quite a young lady. Plus, I believe she knows every Disney movie by heart.

Thank you, again, for all the information. It's been more helpful than you know.

Pat

167 days and counting . . . again!

 

[Maggi May]

Pat, I'm glad I could help. I hope you have a great trip, and if you get a chance to do the lunch, please post a review.

Beachbunny, we went just last Monday, the 16th. I had also heard that the lunch had taken a hiatus. If they had only recently reinstated it, that may have been why we were able to get a reservation only two weeks prior.

 

[chell]

Wow, I didn't even know about this lunch. My husband would really like it because he likes to draw characters. I would LOVE to talk with someone who worked on Mulan! Wonder if they will be doing it in October?

 

[Maggi May]

Chellnjr -- hello to NC from someone married to a Tar Heel boy.
The two animators at our lunch had both worked on Mulan. Mulan and Lilo and Stich were the first two films that the Orlando studio did completely on its own. I'm not sure how far in advance these lunches are booked. Hopefully the PS reservationist can let you know.

 

[Teris]

They had extended the Dine with a Disney Artist lunch til the end of July. You can't book it until 30 days before the date you wish to do this,, and they are only doing it on two days during the beginning of the week. If you tried to book for it before the 30 day mark, you wouldn' t be able to. It's pricey tho, $60.00 per adult. It's something we are hoping to do right at the end of July tho. Our itinerary planner at the WL concierge has said they will sort it out for us,, so hopefully they will. It sounds great

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for sharing - It sounds as if you had a wonderful time!!!