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EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Year: 2014

Archives for 2014

Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014

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We’re celebrating the grand launch of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2014-15 vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World.

miniguide_0114_3d

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!

Note: If you purchased the 2013 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.

What’s In The Guide?

As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes:

  • A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.
  • A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.
  • Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!
  • Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.
  • A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.
  • The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!

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! Check out a couple of sample pages below. Click to enlarge!

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page

Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013

Here’s 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 [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland Event! Splitsville Luxury Lanes Dine Around

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Tables in Wonderland Members

– this one’s for you! Announcing the Splitsville Luxury Lanes DINE AROUND!

Splitsville Logo Family 2012 v5

Splitsville in Downtown Disney

Splitsville in Downtown Disney

When:
Thursday, February 20, 2014
6:00-8:00pm

Where:
Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Downtown Disney’s West Side

Price:
$90.00 per person, including tax and gratuity

This special event will feature some of Splitsville’s finest foods (with paired beverages!).

Sushi at Splitsville

Sushi at Splitsville

Cheeseburger Slider

Cheeseburger Slider

It will also feature [Read more…]

Review: Chef-Created Ice Cream at Epcot’s New Juice Bar

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So, let’s say you’ve just polished off an assortment of tapas and Mediterranean wine at Spice Road Table, the newest restaurant in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion. Perhaps you enjoyed the Lamb Slider or Salted Cod Croquettes, accompanied by Spice Road’s Signature Sangria, but maybe you still have a little room left for something sweet.

Or maybe it’s just a warm day in Florida, and you need a little something cool and refreshing as you stroll around World Showcase.

In either case, you’re in good hands, because Morocco’s new Juice Bar has an assortment of Chef-created ice cream available… and it’s worth a stop!

Spice Road Table and Shops in the Morocco Pavilion

Spice Road Table and Shops in the Morocco Pavilion

Atmosphere

The newest structure in the Pavilion serves several purposes: first, it is the home to Spice Road Table, and we invite you to take a look at our Photo Tour from opening day to get an idea of the entire space and some of the stunning detail (and don’t forget to check out our menu review, too!).

Spice Road Table

Spice Road Table

Inside Dining Area

Additionally, it houses a retail area, a station to receive a traditional Henna tattoo (“The Art of Henna”), and the space we are visiting today, the Juice Bar!

Facing the lagoon, you’ll find the Juice Bar on the far right – the first thing you approach coming from the Japan Pavilion. The entire space serves as a lovely extension of the Pavilion, and the various features only enhance its already festive marketplace feel.

The Juice Bar

The Juice Bar

Eats

Well, it’s called a “Juice Bar,” but upon closer inspection [Read more…]

Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins Join Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood and Vine!

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Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Announcing the arrival of young royal Sofia the First to Hollywood and Vine at Hollywood Studios… and joining Her Highness is fellow Disney Junior star, Doc McStuffins!

Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First

Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First

Hollywood and Vine

Hollywood and Vine

That’s right! Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins have joined their pals Jake from “Jake and the Neverland Pirates” and (AJ’s favorite 😀 ) Handy Manny for the Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine character meal.

AJ's Favorite! Handy Manny at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant

AJ’s Favorite! Handy Manny at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant

Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates

Not only do the characters mix and mingle, but Play n’ Dine also features “musical moments” where all the kids are invited to sing and dance along (while Mom and Dad can keep on eating)!

Sofia and Doc McStuffins bring a few new [Read more…]

Review: New Limited Time Menu Items at Earl of Sandwich

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I have to say, I LOVE my Earl of Sandwich email updates.  And when I got this one, my family and I headed over for dinner that very night!

New Earl ItemsFor a limited time (I’m not sure how limited) Earl of Sandwich is offering 4 new menu items: The BBQ Chicken Sandwich, a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Bacon Mac n’ Cheese, and Brownie Bark.

These items are currently available in Disney World AND Disneyland, and I’m happy to say that I was able to try out all 4 items and I’m here to report back!

Eats

I ordered the BBQ Chicken Sandwich on white bread and thought it was delicious. I almost never ever stray from my favorite, the Holiday Turkey.  While this is on the menu though, I might just have to switch back and forth on alternating visits.

Earl of Sandwich BBQ Chicken

BBQ Chicken Sandwich

The sandwich is full of chicken smothered in sweet BBQ sauce.  It also has red onions, which were not at all overpowering. I normally ask for no or “easy” onions, but I totally forgot when I ordered, and the amount on the sandwich didn’t bother me at all.

Topped with cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro, I’d love it if this sandwich made its way permanently to the menu.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Close Up

BBQ Chicken Sandwich Close Up

My husband went with the Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.  After trying mine, we both realized that the BBQ Chicken was [Read more…]

Construction Update: Two Starbucks Locations Coming to Downtown Disney Orlando

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As Downtown Disney begins its transformation in earnest into what will be Disney Springs, signs of change are popping up everywhere!

Disney Springs Artwork on construction walls

Disney Springs artwork on construction walls

Disney Springs Artwork on construction walls

Disney Springs artwork on construction walls

Disney Springs Artwork on construction walls

Disney Springs artwork on construction walls

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the two (that’s right… two) areas that are adding Starbucks locations for guests to grab their skinny half-calf extra hot no foam sugar-free vanilla lattes.

Starbucks arriving to Downtown Disney in the spring

Starbucks arriving at Downtown Disney in the spring

We thought we’d give you a glimpse of their future homes so you can know where you’ll be able to find your triple venti upside-down Caramel Macchiato after polishing off a Full Montague at Earl of Sandwich.

First up: Starbucks at the Marketplace. This location will be [Read more…]

Our Favorite, Must-Eat Disney Cakes!

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Editor’s Note: The Cheshire Cake Cups have been discontinued as of late Summer 2015. We’ll update you if/when they’ll return (because there will be shouts of rejoicing.)Oooooh, we’re talkin’ CAKE TODAY!!!!!must eat disney cake

Okay, okay — so technically, National Cake Day was yesterday, apparently. But since we had so much fun with National Pie Day last week, I thought it would be awesome to start sharing some of my favorite Disney cakes. (I’m pretty shocked I haven’t done a cake post before — so much goodness to talk about!)

So here’s the deal with cake at Disney. It can take many forms… . And we’re going to include a bunch of ’em! In honor of National Cake Day, let’s take a look at some of our favorite entries into the category of cake!

Gourmet Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe

I recently discovered Cake Nirvana at Disney. Because, in my universe, eating cake is usually a thinly-disguised, socially acceptable way to consume as much frosting as possible.

If you’re giving me a piece of cake, I’m getting a corner piece, with as many frosting roses as possible. That’s just how I roll.

So it’s always pretty great when a bakery can get on board with the “Frosting is the Whole Point!!” perspective. And Cheshire Cafe at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has done just exactly that.

With their beautifully themed Gourmet Cake Cups, you can choose from a Vanilla Cheshire Cake Cup or a Mad Hatter Mocha Cake Cup. Characters from Alice in Wonderland are silk-screened onto a sweet round of white fondant and top each of the cake cups. (Sometimes. Sometimes you don’t get the characters. But who cares.)

Themed Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe

Themed Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe

THIS is what you get when you order. Confetti cake. FROSTING. Confetti cake. FROSTING. Confetti cake. F R O S T I N G!!!!!!

Cheshire Cake Cup at Cheshire Cafe

Cheshire Cake Cup at Cheshire Cafe

Yep. That’s all frosting on top. There’s no cake there my friends. And it’s glorious. Thick, bakery buttercream that’s so sugary it’ll make you sick. LOVE!

Frosting!!

Frosting!!

I know a lot of you don’t have the love affair with frosting that I do, but for those who feel the same — you’re welcome! 😀

Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls

And how could we pay homage to cake without mentioning the original single serving cake? We are talking Disney Cupcakes, of course!

One of my favorites from way back at the beginning of the Cupcake Renaissance is still around and garnering rave reviews — the Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe!

Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney's Hollywood Studios!

Butterfinger Cupcake at Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

This is one monster chocolate cupcake that you must experience to believe. Well, the cake is chocolate. And so is that incredible fudgy middle. But the pile of frosting on top is pure heavenly vanilla, topped with a crown of [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Sticky Toffee Pudding from Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot’s UK Pavilion

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It continues to be be chilly out there, guys!

Learn About:Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room
Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

And I don’t know about you, but when it’s cold like this, all I want is some comfort food!

One of my favorite homestyle desserts in all of Epcot is Sticky Toffee Pudding, which you’ll find at the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room, located in the UK Pavilion of World Showcase in Epcot.

This new British classic features a cake that is very moist in the British “pudding” tradition. It’s topped with the combo of Butter-Rum and Vanilla Custard Sauces, making for a sweet ending that’s hard to resist!

Sticky Toffee Pudding from Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot's UK Pavilion

Sticky Toffee Pudding from Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room in Epcot’s UK Pavilion

This is definitely one that you can enjoy anytime the fancy strikes you with this awesome recipe!

Sticky Toffee Pudding from Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room

Epcot’s UK PavilionIngredients:Custard Sauce [Read more…]

Review: Crossroads at House of Blues at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney

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So the big news from last week was the opening of a brand new counter service spot at Downtown Disney’s House Of Blues — the Smokehouse!

While we’ll be sure to stop by from time to time, it’s been a while since we reviewed the main house here as well! Let’s check out the dining room at Crossroads at House of Blues at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney for lunch.

Learn About:House of Blues
Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

We were surprised by the quality of food on our first visit. While just about everything was good, the classic Buffalo Chicken Wings and the White Chocolate Bread Pudding were the real standouts.

But since our last visit, House of Blues has partnered with celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez to completely overhaul the food offerings. While the emphasis at House of Blues is still on live music, the new Crossroads menu has taken the previously Southern-tinged menu in a slightly different direction.

Atmosphere

As I mentioned, if you haven’t been to House of Blues since the Crossroads menu came to the Walt Disney World location, you won’t find the surroundings to be much different than before. The menu didn’t coincide with a revamp of the restaurant itself.

In Blues We Trust!

Funky, rustic, slightly dark, and whimsical…those are the words that come to mind. You’re supposed to feel as though you happened upon House of Blues on some country road while traveling through the Deep South. And they succeed with transporting you.

Folk Art Outside

Like other Downtown Disney restaurants, House of Blues features multiple bars. The outside bar is a great spot to grab a drink and hang out with friends before or after a performance. It features “hand-lettered” menus and tole painting, as well as brackets and other finishes that appear to have been salvaged and repurposed.

Outdoor Bar

Next to Crossroads Restaurant, you’ll find the Club, which is the main performance venue for House of Blues. The hall holds up to 2,000 guests, and draws top-name talent regularly. It’s a great place to see a show if you haven’t had the chance.

Club — House of Blues Concert Venue

In addition to other performances, House of Blues also offers a regular Gospel Brunch. Held each Sunday at 10:30 am and 1:00 pm, you can read our review of Kirk Franklin’s Gospel Brunch in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District here.

Gospel Brunch Information

But, snazzy musical performances would have to wait for another day. We were here for lunch, and we were hungry.

We made our way into the restaurant and were greeted with more folk art. At the hostess stand, you get a healthy dose of this interesting fusion. Gothic arches and cherubim call to mind a place of worship.

Entrance

Seating is nothing fancy — just utilitarian wooden chairs and tables.

Seating

Even booths are wooden. Nothing cozy here in the way of seating, but the booths are [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 26, 2014

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There’s a new counter service joint in Disney World!

Welcome to The Smokehouse!

Welcome to The Smokehouse!

Find out all about the new House of Blues Smokehouse Barbecue stop here!

We also encourage you to take a look at all the NEW Disney Food news from around Walt Disney World! You’ll find new cupcakes, menu items, and more!

As you head out on your walk, run, or Sunday drive, be sure to take DFB’s new podcast episode along!!

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

Disney Food News

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!

We are continually amazed by the creative efforts of our Facebook friends. When you’re craving a Nutella Waffle from Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, use this tip from Vanessa!

Nutella Waffles at Home

Nutella Waffles at Home

DFB Reader and Facebook friend, Christian, shared Big Thunder Mountain themed treats: “Chocolate Crunch cookies from Tokyo Disneyland! Part of a resort wide variety of candies & gifts to bring back to friends & family.”

Big Thunder Mountain Souvenir Cookies!

Big Thunder Mountain Souvenir Cookies!

We love your Disney food finds!

Pre-Order The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 and get the 2013 Guide FREE!

Headed to Disney World soon? Pick up our 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for $4 off using code DINE! With this pre-order, you’ll get the 2013 Guide instantly — for free!

dfb guide 2014

This comprehensive e-Book offers over 400 pages of expert information, color photographs, advice, reviews, and details about Dining in Disney World. And these awesome bonus items are included:

  • Downloadable worksheets for planning your trip.
  • Seven sample one-day dining itineraries to help you with brainstorming.
  • A comprehensive index of bars and lounges.
  • An index of some of our favorite Top 5 lists.
  • Food-themed scavenger hunts — one for each Disney World theme park!
  • Disney Dining Trivia to play while waiting in line, or waiting for a table.

Pick up your copy today with code DINE for a $4 discount! As a downloadable PDF, the [Read more…]

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