Last week, I spent five glorious days in Walt Disney World for our annual Fairytale Journeys Agent Conference, where I had the privilege of learning and experiencing several new things to share with you! One of these new experiences was Club Villain at Disney's Hollywood Studios and I am so excited to tell you all about it and give my honest review of the evening's events.
First, lets talk about what it is and what it costs:
Club Villain is described on the Walt Disney World Website as "a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event featuring some famous fiends!" There is music, singing and dancing, as well as some delicious (and I mean absolutely tantalizing) New Orleans inspired cuisine and specialty (UNLIMITED!!!) cocktails designed for each villain! The event only occurs on select evenings and there are usually two showtimes offered.
The cost is $129.00 per person, including children, and separate theme park admission is required. Tax and gratuity are included. This experience currently does not accept the Disney Dining Plan, but Annual Passholders do get a nice discount.
Now, I know that some of you may be thinking: "I don't know, Jennie. It seems kind of steep. How could paying $129.00 per person possibly be worth it?"
Stick with me on this one, because if you think about what you're getting and a breakdown of what it would cost if you were to go purchase what you get in the parks, it will make much more sense! I'll start by outlining how the evening's events unfolded, and then add in a cost breakdown where it's appropriate. I'm also going to throw one thing out there- if you want to bring the kids, be aware that children are allowed to attend, and are welcome to participate in the events, however, if you do not like the idea of "leaving your morals at the door", as outlined by your host of the evening, then it may be best to take the money that you would have spent on the event and pay for a sitter. (If you decide to go that route, I can recommend several great options!)
Moving On!
At 5:00 PM, one of my fellow agents and I walked over to the Sunset Showcase, which is located near Rockin' Rollercoaster. We checked in with one of the cast members and were each handed an invitation with our table number and our Villan Meet and Greet times printed on on it. We walked in and were immediately blown away by the atmosphere! All along the top of the wall were projections of Doctor Facilier's "Friends from the Other Side" and in each corner was an elaborately themed meet and greet set made for each villlain that would be appearing that evening. In the center of the room, and surrounded by dining tables, was a dance floor, and at the head of the dance floor was a DJ booth, where DJ Thibodeaux was spinning upbeat dance music all night. We walked around and perused that evening's offerings, which included (but was not limited to) Creamy Polenta with Fire Kissed Corn, Shrimp Sauteed with Andoulle Sausage, Voodoo Sticky Pig Wings, Gumbo, Dirty Rice, an Herb Rubbed Striploin of Beef with Haricots Verts and every dessert you can imagine themed for each villain. On both sides of the room were bars serving specialty cocktails, and the best part was that all of it, including the bar, was all you care to consume. It. Was. Magical.
First, lets talk about what it is and what it costs:
Club Villain is described on the Walt Disney World Website as "a frightfully fun dance-and-dine event featuring some famous fiends!" There is music, singing and dancing, as well as some delicious (and I mean absolutely tantalizing) New Orleans inspired cuisine and specialty (UNLIMITED!!!) cocktails designed for each villain! The event only occurs on select evenings and there are usually two showtimes offered.
The cost is $129.00 per person, including children, and separate theme park admission is required. Tax and gratuity are included. This experience currently does not accept the Disney Dining Plan, but Annual Passholders do get a nice discount.
Now, I know that some of you may be thinking: "I don't know, Jennie. It seems kind of steep. How could paying $129.00 per person possibly be worth it?"
Stick with me on this one, because if you think about what you're getting and a breakdown of what it would cost if you were to go purchase what you get in the parks, it will make much more sense! I'll start by outlining how the evening's events unfolded, and then add in a cost breakdown where it's appropriate. I'm also going to throw one thing out there- if you want to bring the kids, be aware that children are allowed to attend, and are welcome to participate in the events, however, if you do not like the idea of "leaving your morals at the door", as outlined by your host of the evening, then it may be best to take the money that you would have spent on the event and pay for a sitter. (If you decide to go that route, I can recommend several great options!)
Moving On!
At 5:00 PM, one of my fellow agents and I walked over to the Sunset Showcase, which is located near Rockin' Rollercoaster. We checked in with one of the cast members and were each handed an invitation with our table number and our Villan Meet and Greet times printed on on it. We walked in and were immediately blown away by the atmosphere! All along the top of the wall were projections of Doctor Facilier's "Friends from the Other Side" and in each corner was an elaborately themed meet and greet set made for each villlain that would be appearing that evening. In the center of the room, and surrounded by dining tables, was a dance floor, and at the head of the dance floor was a DJ booth, where DJ Thibodeaux was spinning upbeat dance music all night. We walked around and perused that evening's offerings, which included (but was not limited to) Creamy Polenta with Fire Kissed Corn, Shrimp Sauteed with Andoulle Sausage, Voodoo Sticky Pig Wings, Gumbo, Dirty Rice, an Herb Rubbed Striploin of Beef with Haricots Verts and every dessert you can imagine themed for each villain. On both sides of the room were bars serving specialty cocktails, and the best part was that all of it, including the bar, was all you care to consume. It. Was. Magical.
The atmosphere was amazing!
How cool is this Poisoned Apple disco ball?!
We wasted no time in finding our way to the food stations and bars. My first course was the Creamy Polenta with Fire Kissed Corn and Shrimp sauteed with Spicy Andoulle Sausage, Okra, Tomatoes and Onion, which was an elevated version of Shrimp and Grits. It was SO good, that I had to have seconds (and thirds...)! I wish that I had taken a photo of it, but I polished off each serving in no time! I did manage to snap a picture of one of my cocktails though- the Bleeding Hearts Sangria.
This drink was delicious!
Then, there was the entertainment! In addition to the fun dance music that played in between acts, we were treated to a show by the one and only Dr. Facilier, the club manager, Kanzo and their dancers. Kanzo started the show by inviting us to his club and introducing Dr. Facilier, who then introduced his villain friends: The Queen of Hearts, Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, and The Evil Queen. Each did a small dance number while introduced and went over to her respective spot in the room. My favorite by far was the Queen of Hearts! She was so funny and so much fun to watch in between meet and greets!
All ways are her ways!
The entertainment continued with Kanzo and the dancers, and can I please say how incredibly talented these performers were? The singing and dancing were as good as anything that I've ever seen on Broadway. Just look for YouTube videos and you'll see what I mean!
Before we knew it, it was time to meet the villains! We didn't have to wait long at all and they were able to take time to chat with us and make us feel like we were part of their stories! It was awesome! After meeting each villain, we went back to our table for desserts and more fun! We continued to be blown away by the talent of the performers and soon, the event had come to an end. After a final song and dance with the villains, Kanzo sent us on our way with this line: "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!" We walked out and continued our evening by riding rides and catching the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular on our way out!
So let's talk about value...How does it compare to, say, a Broadway show?
Let's begin by taking a look at a Saturday Night at Club Villain with 2 Adults and 2 Kids:
Club Villain Tickets: $129.00, including Tax and Tip x 4: $516.00
Unlimited Creole and Villain Inspired Food and Desserts: Included
Unlimited Villain Inspired Cocktails: Included
Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Included
Incredible Entertainment: Included
Total for an Evening at Club Villain for a family of 4: $516.00.
Now we'll see how it stacks up against one afternoon at a Broadway Show in New York City with 2 Adults and 2 Kids:
Lion King Saturday Matinee Performance in Mezzanine Seats: 129.00 + Taxes and Fees= 177.38 Per Person x 4= 709.52
Pricing for Reference can be found by clicking on the 2:00 PM Saturday Showtimes HERE.
Lunch Before Performance at Bourbon Street Bar & Grille with menu items similar to those served at Club Villain:
Chicken and Andoulle Gumbo: $8.00
NY Strip with Two Sides: $30.00
Shrimp Creole: $24.00
Kid's Entree: $7.00
Kid's Entree: $7.00
Before Dinner Cocktails x2: $20.00
Shared Bourbon Bacon Brownie for Dessert: $9.00
Total: $105.00 before Tax
20% Tip: $21.00
Menu for Reference can be found HERE.
Total for Food, Drinks and the Show: $835.52
The verdict?
In my opinion it was worth every single penny and then some! Everything, from the food to the entertainment to the drinks, was incredible! If you're still on the fence, see the above breakdown and compare what you are getting to see if it makes sense to you and your family. As always, if you have any questions about this or any other event at Walt Disney World, please feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help you! For more information on Club Villain, click HERE.
Here are a few photos from the event:
Before we knew it, it was time to meet the villains! We didn't have to wait long at all and they were able to take time to chat with us and make us feel like we were part of their stories! It was awesome! After meeting each villain, we went back to our table for desserts and more fun! We continued to be blown away by the talent of the performers and soon, the event had come to an end. After a final song and dance with the villains, Kanzo sent us on our way with this line: "You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here!" We walked out and continued our evening by riding rides and catching the Star Wars Galactic Spectacular on our way out!
So let's talk about value...How does it compare to, say, a Broadway show?
Let's begin by taking a look at a Saturday Night at Club Villain with 2 Adults and 2 Kids:
Club Villain Tickets: $129.00, including Tax and Tip x 4: $516.00
Unlimited Creole and Villain Inspired Food and Desserts: Included
Unlimited Villain Inspired Cocktails: Included
Unlimited Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Included
Incredible Entertainment: Included
Total for an Evening at Club Villain for a family of 4: $516.00.
Now we'll see how it stacks up against one afternoon at a Broadway Show in New York City with 2 Adults and 2 Kids:
Lion King Saturday Matinee Performance in Mezzanine Seats: 129.00 + Taxes and Fees= 177.38 Per Person x 4= 709.52
Pricing for Reference can be found by clicking on the 2:00 PM Saturday Showtimes HERE.
Lunch Before Performance at Bourbon Street Bar & Grille with menu items similar to those served at Club Villain:
Chicken and Andoulle Gumbo: $8.00
NY Strip with Two Sides: $30.00
Shrimp Creole: $24.00
Kid's Entree: $7.00
Kid's Entree: $7.00
Before Dinner Cocktails x2: $20.00
Shared Bourbon Bacon Brownie for Dessert: $9.00
Total: $105.00 before Tax
20% Tip: $21.00
Menu for Reference can be found HERE.
Total for Food, Drinks and the Show: $835.52
The verdict?
In my opinion it was worth every single penny and then some! Everything, from the food to the entertainment to the drinks, was incredible! If you're still on the fence, see the above breakdown and compare what you are getting to see if it makes sense to you and your family. As always, if you have any questions about this or any other event at Walt Disney World, please feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to help you! For more information on Club Villain, click HERE.
Here are a few photos from the event: