Archives for 2014

DFB Food Challenge: The Walt Disney World Gelato Crawl!

There’s not a lot that I love better on a hot day in Florida than a little ice cream. But leave it to Disney World to kick ice cream up a notch by offering Gelato!

And we’re seeing it in a lot of different spots across Walt Disney World, and even in Disneyland. If you are a fan of this richer, more dense version of that snack we all scream for, then you’re in luck.

Today, we thought it was high-time to offer some inspiration for another DFB Food Challenge, and so we are going in search of all things gelato we can get our hands on with the Walt Disney World Gelato Crawl!

Since you can only enjoy so many desserts in a 24 hour period, feel free to bring along friends to split all the goodies, or pace yourself on the crawl by spreading out the stops over several days.

I hope you came hungry. Let’s get started!

Gelato Bars

Since our very first visit, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has been one of our favorite counter service destinations. And one of the biggest reasons for that is their killer Gelato Bar!

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at Art of Animation, this first stop on the Gelato Crawl will be a snap! Check ’em out!

Gelato at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Gelato at Landscape of Flavors in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

But my favorite thing about the Gelato Bar here — aside from the variety of flavors — is that you can also add toppings for a perfectly customized treat.

Toppings! Woo!

Pick your scoops, pick your sprinkles, and off you go!

My Favorite Combo — Raspberry and Chocolate

A couple of other Disney resorts also have gelato available. If you’re staying at Disney’s Coronado Resort, feel free to amend your crawl and start your gelato journey at Cafe Rix.

Gelato Flavors and Pricing at Cafe Rix

You can also check out a pretty awesome selection at End Zone Food Court over at All Star Sports!

End Zone Gelato Bar

Ahhhh…don’t you just love having options??

Gelato Cookie Sandwiches in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

After polishing off your first gelato of the day, head straight for Epcot, where you’ll have lots of different ways to enjoy your frozen favorite! Next stop: the Italy Pavilion.

View from Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

For your next foray into gelato, stop by the little [Read more…]

News! Valentine’s Day Menus and Treats at Disneyland

By AJ 4 Comments

Will you be spending February 14^th with someone special at Disneyland Resort? If so, you may want to check out some of the special treats and menu options to celebrate the day!

Disneyland

Carnation Café

will offer a Surf and Turf dish for $19.99 (Sirloin Steak, Shrimp Skewer, Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Broccoli, Sun-dried Tomato Butter and Herb Beurre Blanc Sauce).

If you’re visiting in the morning, you can enjoy Strawberry and Chocolate Chip Pancakes ($10.49).

Carnation Cafe in Disneyland

Plaza Inn will be adding a Spicy Glazed Salmon with Chipotle Pineapple Glaze, Mixed Vegetables and Mushroom Quinoa for $16.99. (But why would you NOT get the fried chicken? That’s romantic, right?)

Plaza Inn entrance

Café Orléans will offer a “Bouchee of Love” 🙂 . What’s a “Bouchee of Love,” exactly? It’s a puff pastry filled with shrimp, chicken, spinach, and tomato concasse in a creamy diable sauce with a drizzle of roasted cauliflower couli. ($19.49)

If you’ve already scored your Blue Bayou reservation, you’ll be able to enjoy Pan-Seared Hawaiian Hamachi, Spaghetti Squash, and Array of Roasted Potatoes (Sweet Potato, Yukon, Purple Potato), with Persimmon burr blanc ($36.99).

Blue Bayou View

Club 33 will also be [Read more…]

Guest Review: The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 19 Comments

Guest author Rebecca Dolan returns today with a restaurant review from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s join her at The Hollywood Brown Derby!

Learn About:Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Recalling the golden days of Tinseltown, The Hollywood Brown Derby sits just beyond where Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards converge.

A replica of the once iconic California restaurant, where famous faces of the day met to see and be seen, it exudes ‘30s/’40s style. “Meet me at the Derby” and let your inner star or starlet shine.

Meet me at the Derby

Atmosphere

The restaurant is located in a Mission-style building complete with tile roof and crawling bougainvillea. The building is fairly understated, but a neon Derby sign on the roof gives it away. A long awning-covered walkway leads the way into the small check in area. It’s in here that guests get their first glimpse of the Derby’s iconic caricatures. Everyone who was anyone was represented on the walls – see how many stars you can spot.

Dining Room

Beyond the hostess desk, guests emerge from the unassuming lobby into the cavernous dining room, which feels like entering into a glamorous Hollywood club. The main floor is flanked on two sides by double rows of booths, the outer two being raised above the rest of the room.

Large art deco-esque chandeliers light the room and rich wood accents the walls. Entrants step first onto one of the overlooks, allowing a full view of their dining companions – famous or otherwise.

View of Dining Room

The constellation of stars’ caricatures continues onto these walls, from which bronze derby lamps hang over tables.

Brown Derby Decor

If you can, try to take a seat in one of the rounded booths – perfect for canoodling with your Hollywood heartthrob or generally enjoying a touch of seclusion.

Eats

The Brown Derby’s contemporary American menu isn’t lengthy, but provides a nice amount of variety. Don’t be put off by the level of detail when it comes to its descriptions; the food’s not too hoity toity. (Note: This is a two-credit restaurant on the Disney Dining Plan.)

Menu — click image for larger version

Bread service, with sea salted butter

As this is the birthplace of the Cobb salad, it felt like a must to order the appetizer size as one of our starters. It won’t look like a typical salad, however, since the lettuce and the toppings are all chopped so finely you could, no kidding, eat this salad with a spoon. The kitchen is generous with said toppings; so two people could eat this comfortably.

Cobb Salad

The lobster bisque was a bit on the salty side, and nothing too exciting. I’ll give it points for being the thickest lobster bisque I’ve ever had. Don’t expect true ravioli to be floating on top, the “ravioli” were more like little dumplings.

Lobster Bisque

The clear winner in the appetizer category was the andouille-crusted prawn, which sat on a bed of greens and grits. This dish stole this Southern gal’s heart, and I would like to lobby the restaurant for an entrée version.

The large shrimp was perfectly cooked, the greens tender, and the grits creamy. There’s only enough here for one, so don’t plan on sharing!

Andouille-crusted prawn

For the next course: [Read more…]

News! 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden New Booths and Dishes!

By Brooke 15 Comments

We were so excited to bring you word that Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival this Spring will once again offer Food Kiosks in 2014. And today, we have more news about some of the things you can expect to see this year!

New for the 21st Annual Festival, the kiosks have officially been given the name Outdoor Kitchens. This distinguishes them from their Food and Wine Festival cousins, the Marketplace Booths, which tend to be themed mostly to countries. (If you want to see last year’s Festival Eats, check out our full review!)

In all, expect to see 11 Outdoor Kitchens at this year’s festival, which are sure to pair delicious foods with a full array of beverages once more.

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

Some popular items are expected to return, but chefs promise that there will be plenty of new dishes to pique our interest as well.

NEW Urban Farm Eats Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

This year, guests who attend the festival will be treated to a brand new Outdoor Kitchen featuring a hot new growing trend. The Urban Farm Eats Kitchen will feature sustainably farmed food, such as tilapia and eggplant. Dishes will include Land-Grown Eggplant “Scallop” with Romesco Sauce as well as Ghost Pepper-Dusted Tilapia served with Winter Melon Salad and Mango Chutney. To round out the menu, you can enjoy Vegan Wines in both Red and White Varieties, as well as Gluten-Free Beer.

How awesome is it that we’ll be enjoying foods grown right in The Land Attraction?!

Delicious New Dishes at Smokehouse BBQ

Some of the most highly anticipated treats will be featured at the popular [Read more…]

Guest Review: Ten Everyday Eats That Just Taste Better At Disney

By AJ 27 Comments

Welcome guest author Michelle R.! She’s sharing her thoughts on everyday food that’s just better in Walt Disney World.

Anyone who has ever flown long distances is familiar with jet lag. The time zone adjustment can take a few days or even weeks for mind and body to work out. I’ve discovered a little known vacation malady known as food lag. It’s similar to jet lag but normally occurs upon arrival home after a vacation. Days or weeks can go by before normal home food is appealing again.

Ten Normal Foods That Just Taste Better At Disney

While on vacation, meals are enjoyed in nice restaurants under relaxed or exciting circumstances. Throw Disney in the mix and you can get some serious food lag following your trip. The most ordinary foods taste much better when prepared and served at Disney parks and hotels.

I’ve listed 10 and all of them were so delicious, I couldn’t eat them for weeks after coming home.

Hot Dogs

While waiting for a parade to start, we grabbed a hot dog at Casey’s Corner on Main Street USA and split it. It was the best half hot dog I’ve ever eaten. The cheese, deep orange and flavorful, was in the middle of the meat and the bun soft and fresh. It was hot without burning and frankly, the most delicious hot dog I’ve ever had before or since.

Hot Dog and Fries from Casey’s!

Turkey Legs

If you’ve ever had to fight relatives at Thanksgiving for the turkey leg, go ahead and give it up now. Head to Disney and grab a turkey leg. Serving over 1.6 million drumsticks a year, there is plenty to go around and are they ever delicious!

Turkey Leg at Disney

Waffles

With a plethora of Waffle Houses and IHOPS in every town across America, you’d think eating waffles at Disney wouldn’t be a big deal.

Is it the extra thickness or the fact they’re shaped like Mickey heads? Is it the generous supply of butter and real maple syrup? I’m not sure, but waffles at Disney absolutely spoiled me for home waffles for several months following our last trip.

Mickey Waffle with Butter!

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are good just about anywhere, especially Grandma’s house. But again, Disney mashed potatoes are extraordinary.

Whether you’re at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma, Disney chefs seem to bring a little extra fluff and flavor to this ordinary food.

Mashed Potatoes at Liberty Tree Tavern

Fish and Chips

All kids and many adults like fish sticks; but they love fried fish at Disney. Epcot’s Rose & Crown Pub serves the very best although folks say that Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom is every bit as good.

Again, wherever you are in Disney, the fish and chips are going to be good.

Fish and Chips from Epcot’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Pizza

Mama Melrose’s

in Disney’s Hollywood Studios serves a wonderful brick oven baked pizza in a homey atmosphere. Followed by Fantasmic’s display of fireworks, water and music, you’ll be convinced no pizza could ever top the one you had just before the show.

Carne d’Italia Flatbread

Lemon Ice

Disney sells a prepackaged lemon ice that can be bought at almost any convenience store in the country, yet for some mysterious reason, this same lemon ice that quenches thirst and refreshes is 10 times more delicious within the confines of Disney.

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

So far I’ve covered six ordinary foods and one refreshing treat, but I’ve saved room for desserts. Dessert at Disney is [Read more…]

News! New Exclusive Magical Dining Experiences Announced for DVC Members

By Brooke 7 Comments

Disney continues its quest to become a destination for fine dining as much as attractions!

Recently, Disney Vacation Club announced that it will begin offering “Magical Dining Experiences” exclusively for DVC members and their guests. (This sounds a LOT like the Tables in Wonderland events, for those who are members of that discount program.)

Dinners will take place at popular signature restaurants throughout Walt Disney World. The prix-fixe menus are crafted by Disney chefs, and will feature accompanying wine and/or beer pairings. In addition, a culinary specialist will offer a live presentation throughout the dinner.

The events, which can be booked exclusively by DVC Members for themselves and their guests, promise to be intimate, with limited spots available for each dinner.

Flying Fish, is a DFB Favorite!

The first three dinners have been announced, and details are as follows:

February 27, 2014
Location: Flying Fish
Number of Guests: 40
Hosted by: Renowned Wine Expert
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Price: $165

Menu [Read more…]

Review: San Angel Inn in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

By AJ 37 Comments

Today, we are heading into the pyramid once again for dinner at one of Epcot’s most atmospheric restaurants — San Angel Inn Restaurante.

Learn About:San Angel Inn Restaurante

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

We have had a myriad of experiences here, ranging from very, very bad to excellent. In the past, San Angel Inn has suffered from a Disney restaurant’s biggest drawback — inconsistency.

We haven’t visited the original Mexico table service restaurant since the pavilion’s latest spot, La Hacienda de San Angel, opened on the waterfront. But we continue to love to drop by La Cava del Tequila and Cantina de San Angel, Mexico’s counter service option, so we thought it was time to give San Angel Inn a try once more.

Besides, they had undergone some changes since our last meal, and we wanted to see them for ourselves.

Atmosphere

Walking through Epcot anytime of the day is a treat, but it’s especially beautiful at night. And that’s when we decided to visit Mexico for dinner one evening on a recent trip.

You’ll find San Angel Inn by heading into the Aztec Temple, which serves as the centerpiece for Mexico.

Aztec Pyramid in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

And inside the pyramid, it’s always nighttime. As you make your way toward the back of the building, you come into an open courtyard setting, which feels like the town square of a quaint Mexican Village. In the distance, you’ll spot another Aztec Temple that looks very like the one you just entered. Beyond that, there’s also an active volcano. It’s really quite pretty, and sets the mood for the entire area, which also houses shopping, as well as La Cava del Tequila and the Three Caballeros Attraction.

In fact, boats of riders make their way along the quiet river below the restaurant — very similar to Blue Bayou in Disneyland.

View of the Aztec Pyramid Inside

Among the other village building facades that border the square is the entrance to San Angel Inn, through this archway.

San Angel Restaurant Entrance

Step through the archway, and the floorplan for the restaurant opens up before you. It’s actually a fairly small space. But tables are placed very close together. This was a new detail of the recent renovation and restaurant updates, and I’ve gotta say — it’s not my favorite aspect of dining here. I’m uncomfortable in a restaurant whenever I feel like I can reach out and touch the person at the table next to me.

Seating Area and Restaurant Scenery

This table for two, near the rail that overlooks the Three Caballeros attraction, does offer a bit more intimacy. We always recommend requesting a waterside table here!

Aztec Pyramid, Volcano, and Intimate Seating

The layout of the restaurant is quite nice. The floor is actually comprised of varying levels, which lend some interest to the space. I took this photo near the railing, looking back up into the courtyard.

Lower Patio Seating Area

Although tables are uncomfortably close together, they are [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 2, 2014

By AJ Leave a Comment

Are you ready for the big game!!!??? While you’re making your chicken wings and painting your face orange or green, take a minute to check in on all the latest Disney Food News with us — including our choices for the best Disney cake ever! You might be surprised by what you see…

In other awesome news, our latest e-Book edition — the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 — was released last week! Grab your copy for $4 off using code 2014 for a limited time! It’s 450 incredible pages of info and photographs you NEED to see before you head to Disney World on your next vacation!

We have even more Disney Food scoop, just follow the links below!

Disney Food News

Tables in Wonderland Members can have a grand old time at Splitsville in Disney World!
Check out our full review of the Chef-created ice cream flavors in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion!
Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins join Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!
Check out the newest limited time menu items at Earl of Sandwich in Disney World and Disneyland!
Two Starbucks locations headed to Downtown Disney Orlando.

Of course, there’s more! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including a short refurbishment for Good’s Food To Go and Victoria & Albert’s and restaurant closures!

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Twitter friend @TravelingHeidi shared this awesome Duck appetizer from California Grill! It was part of her Christmas dinner!

Duck App at Cali Grill (copyright @TravelingHeidi)

We love your Disney food finds!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 450 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2014 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

While our 2013 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’ve updated our 2014 edition with brand new details and more exclusive info!

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

Over 450 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2014
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top 11 Must-Have Snacks for 2014.
An updated section on birthday parties and specialty cakes in Disney World
A comprehensive, 10-page chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2014, including new restaurants, menu updates, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planning
Our picks for the 11 Great Snacks you must try this year
Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates
Bingo Cards
Updates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openings
All new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiences
And much more!

But, of course we’re offering a discount for our Grand Launch week!! Again, to celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBGuide.com and use code: [Read more…]

Favorite Finds: Disney Valentine Treats at Target

By Erin 9 Comments

During a recent pass through Target, I was please to see that much like last year, they’ve got a nice selection of Disney-branded treats fill your Valentine’s stocking. (Wait, that’s not a thing, is it?)

Many of the items feature retro-style Mickey and Minnie illustrations. They remind me a bit of the “Get A Horse” film short that runs before the theatrical showings of Frozen.

My Target had an aisle end-cap with a Disney theme, but I found Disney items scattered throughout the Valentine candy section, not just on the end-cap.

The items included a plush Mickey, holding a chocolate heart lollipop.

These cutie patootie Mickey and Minnie tins hold wafer cookies.

Here’s a cupcake mix. It comes in a [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Sushi!

By AJ 6 Comments

We are back with another fun series of food photos, courtesy of Disney Food Blog Readers! That’s right, we love to show off the talents of folks who post their gorgeous photos on Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza, our Flickr group!

As you know, Sushi continues to be popular at Disney and everywhere else! Let’s take a look at some of the beautiful and fresh options for this Japanese delicacy that you’ve captured on film around Walt Disney World.

Spicy Kazan at California Grill

Fans of sushi who are also lovers of Disney dining know that one of the most awesome places to get sushi in Walt Disney World is California Grill. This uber popular fine dining spot, located high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is known for fresh, seasonal ingredients, Pan-Asian influences, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. And don’t forget to stay for the fireworks!

But when it comes to eats, this Spicy Kazan Roll looks pretty awesome. And if you’re a sushi-nonconformist like me, be sure to try the Pork Nigiri!

Photographer: Natasha Joyan

Spicy Kazan Roll from California Grill

Tuna at Flying Fish Cafe

The Flying Fish Cafe remains one of my top choices for dining when I’m in Walt Disney World. I never pass up a chance to eat at this stellar restaurant. With food that’s always something special and a whimsical, carnival-like atmosphere, it always rates highly in my book.

One of the most popular appetizers that you can get here is the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare and Crispy Tempura Tuna-Vegetable Sushi Roll. We’ve tried it and it’s awesome!

Photographer: Stan4dSteph

Tuna at Flying Fish Cafe

Sushi at Wolfgang Puck Cafe

Another great spot for California cuisine is Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Dining Room at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney WestSide. And along with other house specialties like their [Read more…]

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STAY CONNECTED

Archives for 2014

News! Valentine’s Day Menus and Treats at Disneyland

Disneyland

Guest Review: The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Atmosphere

Eats

News! 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden New Booths and Dishes!

NEW Urban Farm Eats Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Delicious New Dishes at Smokehouse BBQ

Guest Review: Ten Everyday Eats That Just Taste Better At Disney

Ten Normal Foods That Just Taste Better At Disney

Hot Dogs

Turkey Legs

Waffles

Mashed Potatoes

Fish and Chips

Pizza

Lemon Ice

News! New Exclusive Magical Dining Experiences Announced for DVC Members

Review: San Angel Inn in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

Atmosphere

Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 2, 2014

Disney Food News

DFB Reader Finds

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

Favorite Finds: Disney Valentine Treats at Target

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Sushi!

Spicy Kazan at California Grill

Tuna at Flying Fish Cafe

Sushi at Wolfgang Puck Cafe

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS

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STAY CONNECTED

Year: 2014

Archives for 2014

Gelato Bars

Gelato Cookie Sandwiches in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

Disneyland

Atmosphere

Eats

NEW Urban Farm Eats Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

Delicious New Dishes at Smokehouse BBQ

Ten Normal Foods That Just Taste Better At Disney

Hot Dogs

Turkey Legs

Waffles

Mashed Potatoes

Fish and Chips

Pizza

Lemon Ice

Atmosphere

Disney Food News

DFB Reader Finds

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

Spicy Kazan at California Grill

Tuna at Flying Fish Cafe

Sushi at Wolfgang Puck Cafe

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS