Wendy | the disney food blog

Review: Gravy Fries at Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

By Wendy 27 Comments

May I make a Disney food confession?

I can’t – CAN’T – enter the Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century Resort…

Everything Pop Food Court

…and not indulge in a serving of Gravy Fries.

Gravy Fries

If you’ve visited Everything Pop, you may not have even seen Gravy Fries on the menu – they just get a small mention on the side of the screen at the sandwich station, and it rotates out occasionally to spotlight other items.

Pop Century Sandwich Station Menu

Basically, everything you need to know is in the name: Gravy. And. Fries.

The fries are standard issue Disney fries. The beef gravy covering them is… well, I think it’s awesome – you can spot the bits of pepper to give it just a little zest, and it’s consistently thick and rich.

Gravy close-up

You actually need [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 24, 2014

By Wendy 5 Comments

For this round of “What’s New,” we’re heading to three Disney World parks and five Resorts to check out candy apples, menu changes, comfort foods, and oodles of cold drinks to help you cool down in hot temperatures! Welcome back to “What’s New!”

MAGIC KINGDOM

Character-inspired Treats

Magic Kingdom rang in the summer with the 24-Hour Rock Your Disney Side event. Several treats debuted that day, which were originally intended to be around just for those 24 hours; but a few made the cut to stick around a little longer, including these eye-catching Maleficent Krispy Treats and cake pops found in the Main Street Confectionery and Big Top Treats.

Maleficent Cake Pops and Krispy Treats

If you followed our coverage that day, you may have seen the Sunshine Tree Terrace’s Orange Bird join the candy apple ranks as well, but just in case you missed it, here he is!

Orange Bird Candy Apples

He’s too cute to not show twice 😉 !

Orange Bird Caramel Apple

And at Main Street Bakery, the Olaf the Snowman Carrot Cake Cupcake remains, alongside a Frozen-themed one as well.

Olaf Cupcake

Frozen Cupcake

Columbia Harbour House

In Liberty Square, Columbia Harbour House is offering two new dinner-only comfort foods: Seafood Macaroni & Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie. You can read our review here!

Columbia Harbour House

Seafood Macaroni and Cheese

Full entree

The Plaza Restaurant

added a great-sounding choice to their list of entrees: a Beef Brisket Onion Burger.

Plaza sign

Plaza Entrees

Tony’s Town Square

At Tony’s Town Square, guests can now choose a Seasonal and Sustainable Fresh Catch Salad. And at lunch, a Meatball Trio has replaced the Meatball Sliders.

Tony’s Sign

Tony’s Town Square Lunch Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

is serving up a new Cherry Slush topped with Lemon-Lime Fomz.

Cherry Slush at Cosmic Ray’s

Cherry Slush topped with Lemon Lime Fomz

Read more about it (and the mystery that is “Fomz”) by clicking here!

EPCOT

The Refreshment Cool Post (found in the Africa Outpost as you stroll around World Showcase) is offering a few summer treats: Pineapple and Coconut Frozen Yogurt (served solo or swirled together) and a Mango Rum Smoothie featuring African Starr Rum. Check out our review of the new Frozen Yogurt flavors here!

Refreshment Cool Post

Pineapple Coconut Swirl Frozen Yogurt

ANIMAL KINGDOM

A couple of really fun new adult beverages have arrived in Animal Kingdom!

Drinkwallah

Head over to Asia’s Drinkwallah for a Coconut-Lychee Lemonade with Parrot Bay Coconut Rum. We’ll have a review on the blog soon!

Drinkwallah

Drinkwallah Menu

Corn-Ivores

Or if you’ve really got to tame your sweet tooth, try [Read more…]

Review: Cotton Candy Carnival Cocktail at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama in Animal Kingdom

By Wendy 9 Comments

When you think of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you likely think of winding paths, lush greenery, and rich experiences based in the history, culture, and beauty of Africa and Asia.

Unless, of course, you’re HERE…

Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama sign

Welcome!!

Welcome to Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama!

Dino-Rama Entrance

This street carnival smack-dab in the middle of Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland, U.S.A. is… well, it’s like nothing else in Disney World, that’s for sure. A brightly-colored and whimsical fair of carnival games and rides with over-the-top roadside-stop flair!

Primeval Whirl

Comet Crasher

TriceraTop Spin

Mammoth Marathon

It’s also where you can find some traditional carnival treats, like cotton candy and snow cones at Dino Diner, and popcorn at Corn-Ivores Popcorn Cart.

Corn-Ivores Popcorn

In fact, it was while stopping by Corn-Ivores that I spotted this sign for a Carnival Cocktail: a blend of lemonade, blue cotton candy, and Bacardi Black Razz Rum.

Carnival Cocktail sign

This, I had to try!

Upon placing my order, I was expecting a cotton candy-topped beverage akin to the Cotton Candy Lemonade that you can occasionally find at the Everything Pop Food Court. Nope! Here the cotton candy is blended into the mix prior to pouring. Sad face.

But at least it’s BEAUTIFUL! Don’t you just want to jump in?

Carnival Cocktail

You can spy the vivid blue hue coming from the drink machines.

Carnival Cocktail in drink machines

But just because I couldn’t see the cotton candy, doesn’t mean it wasn’t there. Because [Read more…]

Review: Seafood Macaroni & Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie at Columbia Harbour House

By Wendy 33 Comments

There are two new menu items at Magic Kingdom’s Columbia Harbour House that I knew I had to check out the minute I heard about them.

Learn About:Columbia Harbour House

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Available for dinner only, Seafood Macaroni and Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie are currently available for guests starting at 4:00 p.m. (We know this because we went at 11 to get them, and, alas.)

While Resort Counter Service and Table Service Restaurants often have varying menus for lunch and dinner, it’s pretty rare for Counter Service locations in the parks; so it’s always interesting to see the menu options expand later in the day.

While Columbia Harbour House remains home to many favorites, including the Anchors Aweigh and Lighthouse sandwiches, Vegetarian Chili, and good ol’ Chicken and Fish Platters, it’s great to see these menu additions.

Columbia Harbour House dinner menu

Fans of the Lobster Roll should know that it remains on the Lunch Menu.

Atmosphere

My favorite thing to do after receiving my order at Columbia Harbour House is to check out the upstairs seating situation, because it’s usually pretty awesome. While most guests grab a spot downstairs, the upstairs seating is often a haven of sorts. This day was no exception. Check it out…

Columbia Harbour House upstairs

I love everything from the cozy wood to the soft lighting, to the windows all around the outer edges looking out over the people below.

Columbia Harbour House upstairs

You can see lots of photos of the Columbia Harbour House atmosphere, ordering areas, and more in this post!

Eats

But there was new food in front of me, and you know the drill… so here we go!

The Seafood Macaroni and Cheese, is a generous portion topped with shrimp and lobster, and sprinkled with panko crumbs.

Seafood Macaroni and Cheese

First off, the portion is GIGANTIC. You can tell this is a hefty dish the minute you pick up your weighty tray – two people could easily make a shared meal out of this.

Though the shrimp appeared a little pallid and underdone, the lobster made up for that for me (I should note, though, that I’m not into shrimp, so the lobster was my main draw).

Closeup of lobster and shrimp

The macaroni and cheese reminded me of the way it’s currently served at Friar’s Nook – it’s as though they’ve [Read more…]

Review: Beef Nachos and Vegetarian Burrito at the Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern

By Wendy 14 Comments

AAAARRRRRR

ye ready to grab some food with yer fellow Pirates at Tortuga Tavern?!

Learn About:Tortuga Tavern

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

If you AAAARRRRRR, you should know that Tortuga Tavern falls under the “open seasonally” category of Quick Service restaurants, so you’ll only catch it during the busiest times of year such as the holidays, spring break, and peak weeks in the summer.

With summer upon us, and especially busy weeks such as the 4th of July holiday week soon approaching, you may have more of a chance to catch it open in the coming months. We thought we’d take a look now in case you should find it open during your vacation, so you can decide if this is a place your inner Pirate needs to visit.

Tortuga Tavern Sign

Tortuga Tavern

Please join us for some Grub and Grog in this ever-elusive spot…

Grub & Grog here!

… if ye be brave enough to enter under the Jolly Roger, that is!

Jolly Roger Flags

Atmosphere

Tortuga Tavern sits directly across from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland. The thing about the Tavern is that, since it is only open occasionally, there isn’t much in the way of detailing.

Juuuuuust kidding. Thar’ be plenty of treasure here, mateys! (Okay, I’m almost out of Pirate-speak, I promise… almost. 😉 )

Proprietor, A. Smith, welcomes you to this Pirate hangout!

A. Smith, Proprietor

And he offers plenty of fine dinnerware for the crew.

Platters and bottles

Mugs for Grog

Though Blackbeard makes his presence known above the Toppings Bar…

Blackbeard guarding the Toppings Bar Treasure

… Captain Jack Sparrow’s “Black Pearl” has the largest Crew in the Roster, even over Blackbeard’s “Queen Anne’s Revenge.”

Window looking towards the courtyard

Closeup of Crew Rosters

Although, Captain Jack’s Roster also includes [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Nine Dragons in Epcot’s China

By Wendy 26 Comments

Welcome back to Nine Dragons Restaurant in Epcot’s lovely China Pavilion! We’re visiting this Table Service restaurant for lunch.

Learn About:Nine Dragons Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

It’s been a while since we’ve visited Nine Dragons. While we truly enjoy the beauty of this spot (and will provide a few more glimpses for you today), the food has never really elevated it to a “Must Go” spot. In fact, for some it has been a “Must Skip!” So, it’s time for another visit to see how things are faring, and what — if anything — has changed.

You’ll spot Nine Dragons immediately upon approaching the China Pavilion from Norway. I find nearly everything to be eye-catching in the China Pavilion. The outdoor colors of Nine Dragons echo those in the Pavilion’s entrance gate and the replica of the Temple of Heaven.

Nine Dragons Restaurant

Nine Dragons Sign

But we’re more interested by what’s inside, so let’s have a look.

Atmosphere

There is a definite change in the color palette upon entering the space. Dark and ornately carved woods are dominant in the décor, but the restaurant is peppered with fun and colorful lanterns that keep things from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

Nine Dragons Seating

Lanterns

The large windows also provide natural light along with some great views of World Showcase.

Seating near windows

Even if you aren’t seated near a window, some of the glass in the walls serve to let in some of that light, while also separating dining areas.

Table for Two

While we’re on the subject of seating, I know many people have found this restaurant doesn’t offer much in the way of elbow room in regards to space between tables. We arrived at a rather off-time for lunch (2:00 pm), when much of the noon-time crowds had dispersed. So, feeling overcrowded was not my experience, but the potential for it is something you’ll want to consider when choosing a time.

So, what about the dragons? They’re incorporated into several spots around the restaurant! You’ll find artistic dragons throughout the restaurant, from the beautiful green-glass wall at the check-in…

Glass etching in entrance

… to the ceiling in the same area.

Look up!

And they can be spotted in the dark wood entrance and exit of the dining area.

Check-in area

Beautiful woodwork

You’ll also want to check out the wall nearest to the kitchen in the central dining area. Because seating in Nine Dragons is divided up into separate sections, you may miss it, so be sure to take a stroll at some point during your visit.

This wall is where you’ll find… what else? Nine Dragons 🙂 .

Display of Nine Glass Dragons

All nine of these glass sculpture dragons are truly beautiful; but out of respect for your time, I’ll just give you a glimpse of my top three dragons!

Glass Dragon

Okay, top four… because they are pretty cool!

Dragon Number Four!

All right, enough with the dragon-spotting… It’s time to eat, so grab a cool place mat and join us!

Nine Dragons Place mat

Eats

My friend and I went with the Appetizer Trio for starters (meant to serve two).

Appetizer portion of menu -- click to enlarge

Appetizer and sides portion of menu — click to enlarge

This allowed us to try [Read more…]

Review: Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery

By Wendy 6 Comments

Anytime is a good time to stop by the BoardWalk Bakery to check out the Seasonal Cupcake, and summer is no exception.

Through the Fourth of July, Boardwalk Bakery’s Seasonal Cupcake is a patriotic confection I like to call the Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake.

Red White and Blue Cupcake

The bakery case sign, as you can see, simply states “Seasonal Cupcake,” and it’s not difficult to spot the Red, White, and Blue in the case as soon as you walk in the door.

Red White and Blue Cupcakes in bakery case

These cupcakes are huge, thanks to the more than ample amount of decorations on top, featuring red and blue fondant stars as well as an explosion of white chocolate spirals that bring celebratory fireworks to mind.

There is also a small sprinkling of edible silver glitter covering the whipped topping.

Toppings on Red White & Blue Cupcake

My one moment of disappointment was when it came time to [Read more…]

News! Disney Kitchen Goodies at the NEW Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney

By Wendy 28 Comments

The Marketplace Co-op just opened on Friday in Downtown Disney in Disney World, and if you’re looking for items to add to your Disney dream kitchen, your search may be over.

New Marketplace Co-op in Downtown Disney

When we got a glimpse of some of the merchandise earlier this year, we thought, “Okay, this could be pretty cool.”

As it turns out… it is COMPLETELY cool!

The Marketplace Co-op is six separate “boutiques” housed inside of what once was one large store (formerly Team Mickey): Beautifully Disney, D-Tech On Demand, The Trophy Room, Cherry Tree Lane, Zoey and Pickles, and Disney Centerpiece.

Marketplace Co-op Stores

The space for each section is not huge… but you will not believe the amount of fun stuff they’ve got packed in there! Being the food fans we are, we’re focusing on what’s available at the Disney Centerpiece.

Disney Centerpiece

The good news is, some of these items are available online, in case you aren’t able to visit the Co-op anytime soon. If you see a clickable link in our description, it will take you to the place where you can buy it!

Oh, my… where to begin?! How about Adventureland section?

Adventureland

Ceramic Dole Whip Keepsake Box

How can we not start with Dole Whips? At first glance, this ceramic Dole Whip appears to be only that – just a ceramic figurine.

Dole Whip Keepsake Box

However, you can lift off the lid and store a keepsake in the Dole Whip’s bowl.

Dole Whip Keepsake Box

I think this would look SO AWESOME on a desk!

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

If you prefer a different homage to your beloved Dole Whip, these Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses might do the trick.

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

Cheers!

Aloha Plates

These “Aloha” plates measure in at 7 inches, for appetizers or desserts… or both 😉 .

Aloha Plates

Color choices are red, blue, and green.

Aloha Bowls

The companion “Aloha” bowls also come in three color choices: [Read more…]

Review: Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream at Sleepy Hollow in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Wendy 10 Comments

We talk a lot about the unique Waffle Sandwiches over at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.

Learn About:Sleepy Hollow

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

The Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich, the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich, and the Ham with Prosciutto and Swiss Waffle Sandwich typically steal the spotlight.

But if Waffle Sandwiches aren’t quite your thing, you’re not out of options at this waffle hot-spot. If you peek under the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich on the menu, you’ll notice a couple of more traditional choices: the Waffle with Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon, and the Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream. (Thankfully, all these waffles have never replaced the fried doughy goodness that is Funnel Cake — they all continue to exist happily together on the menu!)

Sleepy Hollow Menu

I chose the Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream.

Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream

As I watched my waffle being prepared, I noticed [Read more…]

Review: Pineapple and Coconut Frozen Yogurt at Epcot’s Refreshment Cool Post!

By Wendy 10 Comments

Refreshment Cool Post

is a stop along the way around World Showcase. You’ll find it after you cross the bridge from the China Pavilion towards Germany. The Cool Post typically offers a menu of pretty standard quick-eats: hot dogs, frozen slushes, and fruit cups are among the choices.

Refreshment Cool Post

Refreshment Cool Post Menu

However, this unassuming spot has been chosen as the only place to offer a special summer treat unique to Epcot: Frozen Yogurt soft-serve, available in Pineapple, Coconut, or a swirl of the two!

Pineapple Coconut Swirl Frozen Yogurt

It’s next to impossible, of course, for most Disney food fans to hear the words “pineapple” and “soft-serve” in the same sentence without thinking of the original pineapple soft-serve treat: Dole Whip!

Dole Whip!!

So, we thought we’d present this review by bringing you a little side-by-side comparison of the two.

We’ll start with the most obvious characteristic: color. While the Dole Whip is a light yellow, it’s still a definite yellow, where the Pineapple Frozen Yogurt’s yellow is so pale, it’s almost white. My yogurt was a pineapple-coconut swirl, and you can just barely make out the yellow of the pineapple yogurt against the white of the coconut.

Pineapple Coconut Swirl Frozen Yogurt

Next: texture. Okay, so that’s [Read more…]

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Review: Gravy Fries at Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 24, 2014

MAGIC KINGDOM

Character-inspired Treats

Columbia Harbour House

The Plaza Restaurant

Tony’s Town Square

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

EPCOT

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Drinkwallah

Corn-Ivores

Review: Cotton Candy Carnival Cocktail at Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama in Animal Kingdom

Review: Seafood Macaroni & Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie at Columbia Harbour House

Atmosphere

Eats

Review: Beef Nachos and Vegetarian Burrito at the Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern

Atmosphere

Review: Lunch at Nine Dragons in Epcot’s China

Atmosphere

Eats

Review: Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery

News! Disney Kitchen Goodies at the NEW Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney

Adventureland

Ceramic Dole Whip Keepsake Box

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

Aloha Plates

Aloha Bowls

Review: Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream at Sleepy Hollow in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Review: Pineapple and Coconut Frozen Yogurt at Epcot’s Refreshment Cool Post!

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS

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Author: Wendy

MAGIC KINGDOM

Character-inspired Treats

Columbia Harbour House

The Plaza Restaurant

Tony’s Town Square

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

EPCOT

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Drinkwallah

Corn-Ivores

Atmosphere

Eats

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Eats

Adventureland

Ceramic Dole Whip Keepsake Box

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

Aloha Plates

Aloha Bowls

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS