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What’s New Around Disney World: January 23, 2015

The year isn’t the only thing new around Disney World… we’re on the lookout for new eats, sweets, and refurbishment feats. Please keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside your ride vehicle at all times as we tour all four Disney World Parks to see What’s New!

Something’s always just around the corner at Disney World!

Animal Kingdom

We’re starting out with another WILD trip to Animal Kingdom, which includes a couple of menu updates. At Yak & Yeti Restaurant, Firecracker Shrimp and Ahi Tuna Nachos for Two join the appetizers (the Dim Sum Basket for two remains), and Ginger Salmon with Japanese Udon has been added to the noodle dishes. Chicken Tikki Masala is among the new specialty entrees, and Malaysian Seafood Curry arrives under Wok selections.

Yak and Yeti Restaurant

Be sure to check out the Specialty Drinks for some fun new beverages: Pink Himalayan, Kiwi Kimono, and a Rickshaw Rickie.

Right next door at Local Food Cafes (also known as Yak & Yeti Counter Service), Korean Stir-fry Barbecue Chicken has replaced the Sweet and Sour Chicken.

Local Foods Cafe menu

At Dino Diner in Dinoland, U.S.A., the Snow Cone has been switched out for Nachos, served with just cheese or as Nachos Supreme (at least for these cooler months).

Dino Diner

Tamu Tamu Refreshments has undergone another menu refresh, currently offering the Slow-cooked Chicken Curry, Vegetarian Curry, and Roasted Chicken Salad.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

This isn’t entirely unexpected, as the menu here seems to go through a standard rotation. So, if you’re disappointed that the Slow-cooked Pulled Beef Sandwich is no longer available, Hakuna Matata. It could very well make its way back around in a few months.

And, as we discussed a few weeks back, Flame Tree Barbecue is closed for refurbishment with a tentative reopening of April 1st. Find out where you can find some of your favorite Flame Tree foods at other locations around the park!

Flame Tree Barbecue closed for refurbishment

Speaking of refurbishments, construction of [Read more…]

News! Five Disneyland Restaurants to Participate in Orange County Restaurant Week

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Okay, you lucky Californians (and anyone who might be visiting Disneyland the first week of March)…

FIVE Disneyland restaurants are participating in Orange County Restaurant Week!

Running for just one week, March 1-7, 2015, Restaurant Week features 100 of the best Orange County restaurants offering special discounted prix fixe menus.

Led by Chef Marcel St Pierre, Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55 will return to the event this year.

Three courses will be offered for $50 (an optional wine pairing is available for an additional $35):

Guests will choose from among the following for their Starter Course: Hearts of Romaine, Chilled Tiger Prawns, or Creamy Onion Soup.

Entree options include: Grilled Petite Filet Mignon, Pan-roasted Double Breast of Chicken, Slow-roasted Prime Rib, Fava Bean & Rye Crusted King Salmon (all served with sautéed French green beans and Delmonico potatoes). Per Disney, vegetarian options will be available upon request.

And, of course, there’s still dessert! Choose from Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee or Chocolate Mousse Cake.

Inside the Cool and Serene Steakhouse 55

Also participating in Restaurant Week are Naples Ristorante, Tortilla Jo’s, Catal, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney Anaheim. Check ocrestaurantweek.com for menu information as it becomes available.

Reservations can be made by [Read more…]

Review: Meat Lovers Pizza at Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari

By Wendy 10 Comments

Welcome back to Pizzafari!

Learn About:Pizzafari

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

The last time we visited this Animal Kingdom Counter Service spot was to try some of the breakfast offerings after they had a menu refresh. But the star of the show here is all in the name, so we’re back to review Pizzafari’s take on “Meat Lovers Pizza.”

You’ll also find this item on the menu over at Pizza Planet in Hollywood Studios, and as far as atmosphere goes, that’s a pretty great spot, too. But I just so happened to be at Animal Kingdom scoping out the presumed location of the final in-Park Starbucks (the former Creature Comforts merchandise location), so Pizzafari it was!

Pizzafari

Pizzafari Menu

Of course, it isn’t a trip to Pizzafari without checking out some of the signature murals all over the walls, no matter which room you dine in. I truly never tire of looking at these.

Pizzafari mural

Butterfly mural in ordering area

Turtle mural

Pizzafari mural

But, ultimately, I strolled past the poised bobcat at the entrance (at least, I think that’s what he is) and took my pizza outside.

Pizzafari entrance statue

It was one of those perfect “winter” days, and you simply have to take advantage of any days you won’t melt outdoors in Florida. (Covered outdoor seating is available at Pizzafari as well.)

Outdoor table

View of Pizzafari from outside table

Like all other pizzas served at Pizzafari, the Meat Lovers comes with [Read more…]

News! Disney Park Mugs Arrive at Starbucks Locations in Disney World and Disneyland

By Wendy 83 Comments

They’re heeeeere….

Disney Parks “You Are Here” Collection

As of TODAY, Main Street Bakery and Fountain View (the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Starbucks locations) are carrying Starbucks mugs dedicated to the park in which they serve your mochas, Frappuccinos, and soy, half-caf, vanilla lattes (no whip!). We stopped by Fountain View today to see the Epcot mug. Since you can only see one side of the design in the box…

Epcot “You Are Here” mug

… we grabbed one to show you each side of the design (if a circular mug indeed has a “side,” that is).

Epcot “You Are Here” Mug

Bottom of Epcot mug

Also at Fountain View were the travel cold cups, designed [Read more…]

Review: “Big Hero 6” Baymax Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 7 Comments

Wondering what the latest cupcake at Hollywood Studios is these days? Well, look no further than Counter Service spots such as Starring Rolls, ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, Pizza Planet, Rosie’s All American Cafe, and Studio Catering Co. for the Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing and Caramel Drizzle!

Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing at Starring Rolls

You’ll see it by that title in the locations above, but since that’s a suuuuper long name, let’s just call it the Big Hero 6 Cupcake, since the special guest star on this one is a white chocolate Baymax topper!

Big Hero 6 Cupcake

By the way, he is one hearty hero. It’s almost like getting an additional chocolate lollipop with your cupcake, like with the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake found at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery (though not quite so substantial).

Baymax Topper

With a HUGE mound of banana buttercream frosting and [Read more…]

News! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Popcorn Bucket at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Wendy 14 Comments

So. If YOU had a Mine Train cart of your very own, would you fill it with jewels…

Gems in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Queue

or with Disney Popcorn?

Disney Popcorn!

What if you didn’t have to choose? Because you can have BOTH, thanks to the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket, available at Popcorn Carts throughout Magic Kingdom!!!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train popcorn bucket

This one is a beauty, and just like the cars on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster, the body of the cart swings from side to side.

Swinging Mine Train Bucket

AND if you have more than one, you can [Read more…]

Review: Lighthouse and Anchors Aweigh Sandwiches at Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House

By Wendy 25 Comments

We always love to talk with you about the latest and greatest of Disney food here on DFB.

Learn About:Columbia Harbour House

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

But today we’re taking time to savor a couple of classics: the Lighthouse and Anchors Aweigh Sandwiches have been around for a long time, and they can only be found at Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom.

This quaint counter service spot is a hidden gem for Disney visitors. It’s not splashy like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, and it’s not really huge and sprawling like Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn. It’s small and understated. In fact, you could easily walk right by and not even know it’s there!

Straddling Liberty Square and Fantasyland (here’s what it looks like from the Fantasyland side…)

Columbia Harbour House — Fantasyland View

…the restaurant offers several long-time Disney guest favorites. It’s one of those spots that first-timers don’t really know about unless they stumble upon it, but Disney vets try to visit as much as possible.

Ordering Area

Fish, chicken, pasta, and more are the features here, and there always seems to be one or two “specials” happening at any given time. But the best part about this spot is that the upstairs dining area tends to be blessedly quiet much of the time.

Upstairs window tables at Columbia Harbour House

It’s a spot I often escape to when I need a breather in the Magic Kingdom.

Columbia Harbour House upstairs

But we’re not here to show you pics of empty tables — we’re here to tell you all about some of those must-have eats that so many Disney fans hold near and dear.

These two sandwiches have quite the following among DFB readers, but those new to Columbia Harbour House might wonder what all the fuss is about. After all, upon reading the description of Anchors Aweigh — which is basically a tuna sandwich — many may ask, “what’s the deal?” (Jerry Seinfeld voiceover in your head entirely optional).

Columbia Harbour House menu

And it’s true — there aren’t any super unique or wacky ingredients that you can’t easily combine in your own home. No surprises here (unless there’s some added pixie dust that my eye can’t pick up. You never know around these parts…). What you see is what you get: tuna salad, tomato, and lettuce on multi-grain bread, served with potato chips. Frankly, it’s not even the prettiest sandwich ever, from a photography perspective.

Anchors Aweigh sandwich with chips

Anchors Aweigh

But maybe the [Read more…]

Review: Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño at Herbie’s Drive-In at Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 4 Comments

I’m guessing Herbie’s Drive-in isn’t really the first place that pops into your mind when considering meal possibilities at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Learn About:Herbie's Drive-In

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

And that’s fair, because this little stand tucked in the roundabout on the Streets of America is pretty basic. It’s not known for any sort of signature snack, and the Streets of America itself isn’t a major destination for many guests outside of the holiday season’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (although I’d argue that some of the best detailing in the park can be found in this charming area, made to look like streets in New York City and San Francisco).

Plus, if you’re looking for more memorable treats in this section of the park, you’re likely more tempted by the goodies at the Writer’s Stop, like the Carrot Cake Cookie. No shame in that!

But if you’re in the mood for something savory instead of sweet, there’s a snack at Herbie’s that deserves as a mention.

Herbie’s Drive-In

Herbie’s Drive-In sign

Before we dive in, though, here’s a peek at the full menu.

Herbie’s Drive-in menu

For a very small space, it boasts a decent list of options (and this is the place at Hollywood Studios if you’re in the market for a Corn Dog). But my Herbie’s go-to has become the Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeno.

Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño

These are made per order, so if you’re not [Read more…]

Where to Find Food from Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue During Refurbishment

By Wendy 10 Comments

UPDATE: Please note that the Flame Tree Barbecue reopening — originally scheduled for late April — is now anticipated for early July. The text below has been updated accordingly. With the exception of Beastly Kiosk, which has switched back to its own menu, alternate food locations are still in operation. Flame Tree Barbecue

is a definite fan favorite among Counter Service options at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The name gives you a pretty good idea of the main attraction here. From ribs to pulled pork, barbecue is the headliner. Typically, you can also find Fruit Plates and some downright fantastic onion rings, among other items. And Flame Tree Barbecue has also become home to Jumbo Turkey Legs at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

The yummy eats, decent variety, and gorgeous outdoor seating areas make Flame Tree Barbecue a popular dining location. But for the upcoming months (re-opening is anticipated for early July), this well-loved restaurant is undergoing a refurbishment.

Flame Tree Barbecue closed for refurbishment

Planning a visit to Animal Kingdom during this time frame? You may be glad to know that you can still find several Flame Tree eats around the park. And we’re here to tell you where to find them… Here we go!

Discovery Island’s Beastly Kiosk and the Gardens Kiosk — widely referred to as the “Allergy Kiosk” — are both carrying the same Flame Tree items: a 1/2 Slab of St. Louis Ribs, the Rib and Chicken Combo, and the 1/2 Chicken, as well as the Baked Drumstick Kids’ Meal. (More on where you can now find the allergy-friendly kiosk later in the post!)

Gardens Kiosk temporarily serving Flame Tree items

Beastly Kiosk outside of Asia gates from Discovery Island

Area shot around Beastly Kiosk (left)

Temporary Menu for Beastly and Gardens Kiosks

Barbecued Chicken and Ribs at Flame Tree Barbecue

The Beastly and Gardens Kiosks are a natural fit for the redistribution of these items, thanks to their close proximity to Flame Tree. In fact, for now you can still carry your items to the Flame Tree Barbecue seating area from these locations.

Flame Tree Barbecue seating

Dinoland U.S.A.’s Trilo-Bites is where you can now find the Jumbo Turkey Leg and a Barbecue Chicken Salad. This is a homecoming of sorts for [Read more…]

Grab and Go Food Items at Disney Resorts for Your runDisney Race

By Wendy 8 Comments

Is 2015 the year you will tackle your first runDisney race?

Artwork from the 2014 WDW Half Marathon t-shirt

Artwork from the 2014 WDW Half Marathon tee

Maybe you’ve already put some thought into where you’ll celebrate your accomplishment once the race is over. But what about before the race? You might have some questions about what’s available to nosh as you prepare to make your way to the starting line.

With Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend upon us, we thought now might be a good a time to show you some items that are typically available across Disney World Resort food courts — just some simple eats that might be similar to food you’ve eaten prior to training runs at home.

Everything Pop Food Court at Pop Century

One thing all Disney races have in common (well, the daytime races, in any case 🙂 ), is that they start EARLY. And you’ve got to get there even earlier. Your resort food court can be a great place to grab a few items the night before your race to have at the ready as you get dressed in the morning, or even bring to the race staging area to eat while you wait for your race to begin (at long last!).

Now, for many readers familiar with Disney Resorts, this info might be old hat. Then again, maybe it’s your first time visiting as a race participant, and you may never have looked at Grab and Go selections very carefully. So, here’s your chance to check it out!

A note before we begin: items may vary across resort food courts, but the photos below (taken at Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors and Pop Century’s Everything Pop) are intended to give an idea of items that are typical around the food courts.

Be sure to check out both the bakery cases and refrigerated sections of the Grab and Go areas.

Bakery Case at Landscape of Flavors

While the bakery cases are bound to have primarily dessert-style options, you can often also find muffins, bagels, and in some cases, plain white bread.

Assorted muffins

Assorted bagels

White bread

Spreadable toppings may be a little more difficult to spot, but pouches of peanut butter (not refrigerated), cream cheese, and Smart Balance (refrigerated) are usually not far away.

Peanut Butter pouches

Cream Cheese and “Smart Balance”

The refrigerated section holds [Read more…]

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What’s New Around Disney World: January 23, 2015

Animal Kingdom

News! Five Disneyland Restaurants to Participate in Orange County Restaurant Week

Review: Meat Lovers Pizza at Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari

News! Disney Park Mugs Arrive at Starbucks Locations in Disney World and Disneyland

Review: “Big Hero 6” Baymax Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

News! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Souvenir Popcorn Bucket at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Review: Lighthouse and Anchors Aweigh Sandwiches at Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House

Review: Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño at Herbie’s Drive-In at Hollywood Studios

Where to Find Food from Animal Kingdom’s Flame Tree Barbecue During Refurbishment

Grab and Go Food Items at Disney Resorts for Your runDisney Race

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Author: Wendy

Animal Kingdom

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