Wendy | the disney food blog

Review: Strawberry and Cream Cupcake at Epcot’s Fountain View Starbucks

When visiting Fountain View – Epcot’s Starbucks location – you’ll primarily find food items similar to what you’ll likely see at any Starbucks across the country: cake pops, muffins, breads, and Danish pastries, to name a few.

Learn About:Fountain View

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

However, at the two Starbucks locations in Disney World Parks (the other being Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery), there are a few treats specific to these locations – primarily, cupcakes!

And it’s always good to see those gems in the case amidst the more standard fare… especially since they come out along with all the other treats at breakfast time, and it’s practically a vacation rite of passage to start your day with a cupcake 😉 . The previous selection from Fountain View included the Mickey Cupcake and the Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake. And we love the Peanut Butter Cup Cupcake at Main Street Bakery!

Disney cupcakes at Fountain View

Peanut Butter Cupcake at Main Street Bakery

A little while ago, Fountain View debuted a new cupcake next to to the Mickey Cupcake (replacing the Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake), and I decided to give it a try: the Strawberry and Cream Cupcake. (Note that the bakery changes out items seasonally, so these may or may not be there on your visit. :-D)

Strawberry and Cream cupcakes in Fountain View case

I’m starting to realize that I’ve been completely spoiled by the humongous cupcakes found all over Disney World at places like Starring Rolls Cafe, Contempo Café, and the BoardWalk Bakery, because this cupcake struck me as rather small… when, in actuality, it’s a just, like, a normal-sized cupcake :).

The swirled strawberry and vanilla frosting is a really nice touch.

Strawberry and Cream swirled frosting

I prefer a thicker frosting, and though this frosting was airy and light instead, I appreciated that I could spot vanilla bean seeds in the “cream” side of the swirled frosting as well as strawberry seeds from the puree in the strawberry side.

Vanilla frosting

Strawberry frosting

That, unfortunately, is where my appreciation [Read more…]

Review: Hummus with Vegetables and Pita at Mr. Kamal’s in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By Wendy 4 Comments

On the pathway from Africa to Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom stand two unmarked kiosks that are definite gems for those searching for vegetarian fare, or even just a nice change of pace: Mr. Kamal’s and Bradley Falls.

Learn About:Mr. Kamal's

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Today, we’re paying a visit to Mr.Kamal’s (and, since Bradley Falls is open seasonally for peak crowds, Mr. Kamal’s is typically your best bet).

Of course, we’ve visited Mr. Kamal’s before, most recently after it changed to its current vegetarian menu. We sampled the Falafel Sandwich and Samosas, and were impressed with the Asian Noodle Salad as well.

Still, there was one item we’d yet to try at Mr. Kamal’s – the Hummus with Vegetables and Pita. You can pretty much figure out exactly what’s coming to you from the name :).

Mr. Kamal’s menu

Hummus with Veggies and Pita

(By the way, if the menu is missing the Asian Noodle Salad or Edamame on your visit, just make a very short trip across the street to Bradley Falls. It picks up those items from the menu when it’s open.)

The presentation is simple, as are the flavors. The olive-garnished hummus is accompanied by [Read more…]

Photo Tour and Food Review: Captain Cook’s Reopens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

By Wendy 37 Comments

It’s quite the whirlwind of activity around the Polynesian lately!

Learn About:Captain Cook’s

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

Construction continues to affect the lobby, the Nanea Volcano pool, and the entrance of the resort… not to mention the recent name change back to Disney’s Polynesian Resort Village.

Slowly but surely, some results of all that work are starting to be seen, beginning with the newly reopened Captain Cook’s: the Polynesian’s Quick Service location. We gave you a tour of the temporary location when Captain Cook’s refurbishment began in April, and now we’re excited to share the results of the past four months with you!

Say “Aloha” once again to Captain Cook’s!

Atmosphere

The entrance feels very familiar… mainly because it’s the same 😉 .

Entrance to Captain Cook’s

Captain Cook’s sign

In fact, though, the entire location feels familiar since most changes are cosmetic (with a few exceptions that we’ll explore a little later).

If you’ve visited Captain Cook’s before, you’ll still know exactly where to go. Upon entering, you’re greeted by the main dining area.

Captain Cook’s main dining room

The breezy, palm-trees-swaying vibe has changed to a darker color palette, which is offset by two things: attractive light wood flooring and super fun vintage travel “posters.”

Samoa and Niue posters

Bora Bora poster

Tokelau poster

Tonga poster

The one thing competing for your attention with the artwork are [Read more…]

News! And Review: Waffle Fry Menu Debuts at Magic Kingdom’s Golden Oak Outpost

By Wendy 34 Comments

The next time you’re stepping into the Wild West of Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland, you simply MUST mosey on up to Golden Oak Outpost.

Learn About:Golden Oak Outpost

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Not exactly what you’d expect to hear, I know, seeing as the Outpost typically featured a fairly simple menu of items like Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Breast Nuggets, and fries made to feed hungry cowpokes who don’t feel like facing the lines at Pecos Bill’s.

But not anymore! Golden Oak Outpost just received yet another menu revamp.

They’ve introduced not two, not three, but FOUR variations of over-the-top, loaded-up Waffle Fries! We tried them ALL. And one of them is awfully close to the Figaro Fries of yore…

Golden Oak Outpost

New Golden Oak Outpost Menu

So join us on a veritable FRY FEAST, friends! And we’re not going to make you wait to see what the Figaro fuss is about…

BLT Waffle Fries

We’re starting with the BLT Waffle Fries. Just like the sandwich it’s named after, you’re looking at bacon, lettuce, and tomato, with the addition of Ranch dressing.

BLT Waffle Fries

You can barely spy a fry at first for all that BACON!! And this is the good stuff – nice and crispy. None of that wimpy, soggy bacon here. The ample amount of Ranch dressing oozes nicely over the whole batch, and the lettuce and tomato add variation to the texture.

And, yes, as you can now tell, there are indeed waffle fries underneath it all, ready to fulfill their yummy, starchy, potato-y destiny!

BLT Waffle Fries underneath toppings

BLT Waffle Fry

So. ARE these Figaro Fries given a second life?! Not exactly. No cheese here. And, obviously, these are waffle fries as opposed to regular. But it’s as close as we’re gonna get for now, and I — for one — will take it!

Brown Gravy and Cheese Waffle Fries

Next up: Brown Gravy and Cheese Waffle Fries. Oh, my word… it’s Poutine in Magic Kingdom, y’all!

Our Canadian friends can verify whether or not I’m correct on that assessment, since I’ve never had real poutine in real Canada, sadly. But in [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World: August 12, 2014

By Wendy 11 Comments

It’s time to take another trip around the World, from Downtown Disney to EPCOT… and we’ll be visiting all sorts of Disney Resorts along the way! Strap in, folks, because there’s always something to find when you’re searching for What’s New at Disney World with the DFB!

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Construction

The name of the game all over Downtown Disney these days continues to be, of course, construction for the transformation into Disney Springs. Here are a few recent shots of what will be The Boathouse restaurant, which seems to be coming along nicely.

The Boathouse construction

The Smokehouse

On the West Side, The Smokehouse has introduced a new item: Smokehouse Nachos!

The Smokehouse

The Smokehouse Menu

The Nachos can be customized with [Read more…]

News! Frozen Summer Fun Extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! New Premium Package Dates Available.

By Wendy 10 Comments

Do you want to hear something cool (pun totally intended 😉 )?

Frozen Summer Fun has been extended at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!!

This immensely popular event based on the beloved hit film, Frozen, was originally scheduled to run through September 1st. However, guests can now join in the celebration through September 28, 2014!

Frozen Fun!

That’s one more month to enjoy Frozen Funland, Anna and Elsa’s Welcome Processional, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration! And let’s not forget all the specialty treats!

Elsa and Anna Letting It Go!

Take-Along Olaf with Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake

But wait, there’s more! The Frozen Premium Package has been extended, too (for select dates)! This add-on package sold out entirely for the original dates.

Now guests have the opportunity to book the Premium Package for the following dates: [Read more…]

Tour: Temporary Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort

By Wendy 13 Comments

In June, we reported that the Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort would be undergoing a major refurbishment from August 1 to December 20, 2014. Well, time sure flies, and the renovation is underway!

Intermission Food Court Sign

Guests staying at All Star Music have a few options available to meet their dining needs. Full access to End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports and World Premiere Food Court at All Star Movies will be available (as always) with the addition of dedicated bus transportation to either location.

Intermission Food Court Refurbishment sign

For the duration of the refurbishment, Note’able Games Arcade has been changed to Note’able Grab ‘n Go.

Note’able Grab ‘n Go sign

The name says it all… this is your All Star Music stop for grab and go snacks, beverages, and meals. There is a small table seating area upon entry, in front of a section reserved for [Read more…]

Review: New Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari at Namaste Café Food Truck in Downtown Disney

By Wendy 8 Comments

When the Namaste Café Food Truck made its debut in Downtown Disney’s West Side last November, we happily sampled the Butter Chicken (BUTTER CHICKEN!!!!!!!!!!), a favorite dish of ours from Sanaa.

Learn About:Disney Food Trucks

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

The dishes at Namaste Café were chosen to reflect some of the best cuisine to be found in Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge, and I remember thinking, “Cool… now, if only we could get a little of Sanaa’s fabulous bread service, we’d be set.”

But I didn’t really think it would happen. I just didn’t think the setting was conducive to it.

Well, apparently I was wrong, because IT HAS ARRIVED… kind of! Introducing, the Namaste Café Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari!!

Namaste Cafe Menu

Samosas and Naan Dipping Safari on Menu

Now, we’re talkin’!!!

Before we “dip in,” I should let you know where I found Namaste Café, because the Food Trucks are still moving all around Downtown Disney as they await their ultimate destination in the upcoming Food Truck Park. On this most recent visit, I found it right outside of the World of Disney Store in the Marketplace.

Namaste Cafe in the Marketplace

A few [Read more…]

Review: Cherry Cobbler at Port Orleans, Riverside Resort

By Wendy 14 Comments

It’s gotta be said… Port Orleans – Riverside has a lot going for it.

Learn About:Riverside Mill Food Court

Disney World Restaurants

It just might be my favorite Disney World Resort – at the very least, it’s in my top three. So it’s entirely possible that my total bias towards all-things-Riverside may be coming into play when I think about the food options.

But, c’mon! This is the home of the great River Roost lounge, made all the greater thanks to our friend Yeeha Bob. (Oh, and those unreal Prime Rib Sliders don’t hurt, either. Trust me.) Aaaaand it’s got Boatwright’s, serving up Louisiana favorites like Jambalaya and Chicken and Andouille Gumbo.

And last, but not least, is the Riverside Mill Food Court.

Riverside Mill Food Court

It’s rustic-meets-comfy, and somehow — for a place with huge amounts of seating – manages to feel at least a little bit cozy, with its abundant natural light and mismatched chairs.

Riverside Mill Seating

But the best part might be the slowly turning water wheel that you can view from inside.

View of water wheel

In my head, it looks like this… totally sepia-toned!

Water wheel… in sepia!

Today we’re here to try a treat I’ve had my eye on for a while now (and I’ve only ever seen it at Riverside Mill). It’s the Cherry Cobbler, coming at you from the Bakery section!

Riverside Mill Bakery section

The Cherry Cobbler doesn’t pop up on the menu until the evening, typically around 5:00 pm.

Bakery Menu at Riverside Mill Food Court

I’ve wanted to try it since the first time I saw a huge, bubbling pan-full!

Batch of hot Cherry Cobbler

What I received was definitely heavy on the cherry, but not so much on the cobbler.

Cherry Cobbler

That’s unfortunate, because every time I bit into some of the crumbled topping, it was [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 25 Comments

We’re dining with the stars at THE place to “see and be seen!”

Learn About:Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Welcome to The Hollywood Brown Derby! We’re enjoying lunch while taking a trip back in time to the elegance of the “golden age” of Hollywood. For fans of classic films, even within Hollywood Studios this signature restaurant is a destination in its own right.

A replica of the original Hollywood Brown Derby (a fine dining establishment for the likes of Clark Gable, Lucille Ball, and Bing Crosby back in the day), the Derby of Hollywood Studios offers park-goers a touch of refined elegance in the midst of a busy park day. In fact, I’d say that once you enter the doors of the Brown Derby, it’s a little bit difficult to remember that you’re in a theme park at all.

Let’s step inside…