Wendy | the disney food blog

News: New Menu Item at ‘Ohana in Disney World’s Polynesian Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is currently undergoing a major refurbishment that’s affecting several areas throughout the resort.

From a food perspective, we are very much looking forward to an updated Captain Cook’s sometime this summer, the addition of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in 2015, and the Pineapple Lanai kiosk for a Dole Whip fix anticipated to open later this year.

Captain Cook’s Refurbishment Sign

One change unconnected to the refurbishments, however, has been more immediate. Several weeks ago, ‘Ohana – arguably the Polynesian’s most popular Table Service restaurant – removed Chicken Skewers from the menu.

While there have been no further removals, we wanted to let you know how the menu has been refreshed in light of that change.

The Entrance to ‘Ohana

Refreshed ‘Ohana Menu

Meal Starters still include ‘Ohana Pineapple Coconut Bread and Mixed Greens with a Lilikoi Dressing.

‘Ohana Bread

‘Ohana Mixed Greens

One new item has been added to the Appetizers: Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with a Hoisin Ginger Sauce join the Pork Dumplings tossed in a Garlic Ginger Sauce.

‘Ohana Pork Dumplings

A new heading has been added the menu as well [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014

By Wendy 14 Comments

For this round of “What’s New,” we’ve got food news (and menu changes galore) from every single Disney World park… and beyond! So settle, in, make yourselves comfy, and join us to see What’s New!

Animal Kingdom

We’ll start with the fact that Dole Whip (with or without rum, y’all) can now be found at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom’s Africa! (Yep; we’ve had confirmation from Dole that it IS indeed authentic Dole Whip Pineapple Soft Serve.)

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Pineapple Soft-serve (Dole Whip!) menu

But we don’t want to miss the chance to mention that Tamu Tamu has also brought back some old favorites with a recent menu refresh: The Slow-cooked Pulled Beef Sandwich is back (hooray!), along with the return of the Quinoa Salad. The Roasted Chicken Salad and gorgeous Fresh Fruit Salad made the cut from the previous menu.

Tamu Tamu Menu

Inside the pulled beef sandwich

Quinoa Salad

And I’m very happy to say that the Fresh Fruit Bowl is back in time for summer!

Fruit Bowl Salad

The Fruit Salad has returned to Bradley Falls, too.

Bradley Falls menu

Remember, Bradley Falls operates seasonally, so if it’s closed during your visit, it’s good to know you can head over to Tamu Tamu for a Fresh Fruit Bowl.

Have you seen (or heard?!) this awesome Musical Tumbler found at various food locations throughout Animal Kingdom? Get the full scoop here!

Musical Tumbler

The Royal Anandapur Tea Company is a perfect spot to grab a cup of hot tea (assorted varieties available) or coffee. However, they’re currently offering some flavored Iced Teas in light of the warmer temps.

Royal Anandapur Tea Company Menu

Though not food-related, I’d like to offer this next picture as a small tribute. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade wrapped up its nearly 13-year run as Animal Kingdom makes way for all sorts of new adventures. I don’t think I’m speaking solely for myself when I say this unique, beautiful and fun parade will be missed.

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Magic Kingdom

The Lunching Pad

has added one more option to its gourmet hot dog selection: the BLT Hot Dog joins the Coney Island Dog and the Philly Cheese Steak Dog.

Lunching Pad Menu

Now, here’s something you don’t see everyday… this next bit is not a new item, but rather a new [Read more…]

Full Review: West Side Starbucks in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By Wendy 14 Comments

Downtown Disney

(currently transitioning to Disney Springs, with the official renaming set for 2015) has opened its second of two Starbucks locations.

West Side Starbucks in Downtown Disney

You may want to grab your own cuppa joe before settling in to take this tour – the West Side location is HUGE, so there is lots to see!

Starbucks Location in Downtown Disney’s West Side

Before we step inside, one of the unique outdoor features is the grass roof, aided in its growth by recycled coffee grounds.

Grass roof as seen from the side

Grass roof

As you approach the door to enter, you’ll notice that this is a Starbucks Reserve location. More on that to come…

Starbucks Reserve door handles

While the Marketplace location that opened a couple of weeks ago is a walk-up counter for grab-and-go coffee, the West Side location is large enough that there is a dedicated room just for ordering and picking up your coffee. The queue is waiting for you!

Queue for the ordering counter

Welcome to Starbucks!

Ordering room

If you are a Starbucks regular, you may not even need to glance at the menu, but it’s there, just in case 😉 .

Menu board

You can grab a bite from the bakery case as well. While there are no location-specific treats, I learned that this location carries just about every item from the La Boulange pastry line including coffee cake, cheese danish, cookies, muffins, croissants, scones, and breakfast sandwiches.

Bakery case

Packaged sandwiches, salads, and cheese and fruit boxes are also available.

Once you pick up your coffee, you can proceed to the next room and grab a spot to relax.

Indoor seating

Since it is anticipated that this will be a very busy spot, the name of the game is seating, and lots of it.

Indoor seating

Seating at the Reserve Coffee Counter

I liked this group table – a smart addition for a family vacation destination (there are a couple of group tables in the outdoor seating area, too, which we’ll see a bit later).

Large table

You can even gain some coffee knowledge if you take a look around. Chalk-style murals depict regions where coffee beans are harvested, as well as a little history of the French Press brewing system.

Mural

French Press mural

A few cool antique coffee grinders and measuring scales are tucked into wall shelves.

Coffee antiques

Antique scale

Everywhere you look, you’ll find more coffee-inspired details.

“Coffee sack” Pillow

Beans at the Reserve Counter

Changing screen showing progess of the coffee bean

With lots of wood and black walls, this spot might be rather dark, but large windows provide plenty of natural light as well as a great view of Downtown Disney and the lake.

Window wall

There are two really unique features in this room to share. One is the interactive screen. The screen is interactive in that you can “draw” on it (think etch-a-sketch, without the little pen).

Interactive Screen

I stole this little greeting idea from Heather, our Disneyland reporter, from her trip to the Starbucks location in Downtown Disney Anaheim 🙂 .

DFB Greeting!

I also mention the Anaheim Starbucks because you can use this screen to check out what’s happening out there from your spot at Disney World!

“Live from Anaheim”

Of course, Anaheim is three hours behind the east coast, so there wasn’t much action to be seen during my morning visit, since they weren’t open yet. But there was still fun to be had — occasionally you can catch a glimpse of the chalk version of yourself, and see what they would be seeing in Anaheim.

Interactive screen

I kind of felt like I was in the “Take On Me” video (by A-ha!) from WAAAAAY back in the day. If you remember that, then I salute you, fellow child of the eighties! (AJ’s Editor Note: “I TOTALLY had that cassette single!!!!!!! This is why Wendy and I are friends.”)

Obviously, part of what’s involved in this technology are cameras, so a disclaimer is present letting you know where to go if you prefer not to be filmed during your visit.

Disclaimer

The other special thing in this room is the Reserve Coffee Counter. If you are looking specifically for Reserve Coffee, save yourself some time and bypass the main ordering section, since you’ll find the Reserve Coffee in the seating room. It has it’s own register, so you can make your purchase without waiting in the main line.

Reserve Coffee Counter on the left

Reserve Coffee Counter

Reserve Coffee is offered at select Starbucks locations, featuring very small batches of “rare and exotic” beans. These upscale brews are [Read more…]

Review: Café Liégeois at Les Halles in Epcot’s France Pavilion

By Wendy 14 Comments

When you’re visiting Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the huge array of choices and just stick with what you know. (In the case of the frangipane, I forgive you.)

Bakery Case at Les Halles

Frangipane — Cross Section

Now, maybe you’ve been tempted to step outside the box, but just haven’t known enough about the other options to trust that it would be a good use of your snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan or your dining dollars.

Les Halles dessert and pastries menu

Well, that’s why you have us! Today we’re going to demystify one of those lesser-known items: the Café Liégeois!

Cafe Liegeois

You’ll spot the Café Liégeois among the soft desserts in the bakery case near items like Chocolate Mousse and Fruit Parfaits.

Cafe Leigeios in bakery case

My understanding is that while a Café Liégeois is traditionally an ice cream treat, the Les Halles take is a coffee and cream mousse, which offers the full coffee-flavor experience in three layers.

Cafe Liegeois

Taking it from the top, the white layer is an airy sweet cream, and reminds me of the flavored coffee creamers that you can buy in the store (and thank goodness for those — they are what get me through the morning!).

Top layer of the Cafe Liegeois

The second, dark layer is an intense espresso flavor for the serious coffee connoisseur, and the most dense in texture of the three.

Second and third layers of the Cafe Liegeois

And the third and final mousse-layer is what we like to call [Read more…]

Review: A Sneak Peek at Harambe Nights in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!

By Wendy 39 Comments

Karibuni!! Welcome to Harambe Nights!

Harambe Nights

We were so excited to attend a “sneak peek” of this all-new hard-ticket event, debuting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday, June 7, and running every Saturday evening through August 9^th.

While the centerpiece of the evening will be the brand new show, The Lion King –A Concert in the Wild, Harambe Nights will also feature a Welcome Reception, a street party, and an all-inclusive and wide-ranging selection of food.

Concept art for Harambe Nights

Guests at Harambe Nights will be welcomed into Harambe Village, and into its traditions as reflected in music, story-telling, and cuisine. The primary story will be that of Simba, the Lion King, as it is told by the people of Harambe Village, allowing this well-loved story to be told in a whole new way in honor of the film’s 20^th anniversary.

This event promises to be a full sensory experience, engaging sight, sound, smell, and taste. Since we here at the DFB are all about taste 😉 , allow me to share a few of the culinary highlights in the order that they will be experienced in the event.

Welcome Reception

Harambe Nights will begin with a Welcome Reception where guests will have their first chance to sample the cuisine with an assortment of appetizers.

I was able to sample two of the four appetizers, including the Safari Cheeseburger Rolls with Tomato Curry Aioli. The playful presentation helped set a celebratory tone.

Safari Cheeseburger with tomato curry aioli

I also enjoyed the Moroccan Beef Kefta Meatball with Tamarind Glaze.

Moroccan Kefta with Tamarind Glaze

Of-age guests can pair with African-inspired wine and beer. I particularly liked “Goats do Roam” white from the popular South African Vineyard.

Selection of wine

Selection of beer

Jungle Juice — that refreshing mix of passion fruit, guava, and orange juice — was available as well.

Jungle Juice

Unfortunately, I missed the Pickled Fennel Paneer Cheese with Tomato and the Durban-spiced Chicken Tenders… but there is much more to come!

The Lion King — A Concert in the Wild

After the Welcome Reception, guests will proceed into the brand new Harambe Theater to enjoy The Lion King – A Concert in the Wild. Prior to the show, attendees will be given a special treat.

This snack is seriously one of my new favorite things on earth… LION CHOW!

Lion Chow bamboo pouch

Lion Chow

This mix is much more complex than it appears. The sesame bits, candied pecans, raisins, dried fruit, and spiced toasted chips offer a full and surprising range of flavors. It’s sweet, salty, and mildly spicy all at once (I think it’s the candied ginger that delivers that bit of kick).

I’ve got half a mind to start a petition for a Lion Chow kiosk in Animal Kingdom – it’s seriously addicting!

Close-up of Lion Chow

Guests will be able to enjoy their Lion Chow during the performance. We were given the unique opportunity to see three numbers that will be performed in the show. Understandably, we were not able to take photographs or record this portion of the evening.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to capture the power and beauty of the performance even if cameras had been allowed. I can only say that it was a truly special experience watching these performers bring the story of “The Lion King” to new life with such talent and passion. Marsha Jackson-Randolph — the production’s director — called the production an “endeavor of love,” and it shows.

Concept Art for The Lion King – A Concert in the Wild

Having seen the numbers in rehearsal clothing, I can only imagine what amazing things are in store when the entire concert is presented in full costume with a 25-piece orchestra, 16-voice choir, celebrity narrator and co-narrator, 8 dancers, and pivotal moments of the film presented on screens during select moments throughout. I am sincerely excited for those who get to enjoy it.

Street Party

Once the show ends, the night continues on! Harambe Village will invite guests to join in the Harambe Nights Street Party, which will feature (among other things) live music as well as sound by DJ Khalifa, dance, street performers, glow-in-the-dark face painting (yes!), and a few of your best Disney friends.

Timon and Rafiki

Stilt walkers

DJ Khalifa

Musicians at the Sneak Peek

It will also feature African-inspired food, presented at stations throughout the Village.

We’ll start with the Breads and Salads Station. Fans of Sanaa’s bread service will appreciate the assortment of Naan, Onion Kulcha, and Pappadum breads.

Naan, Onion Kulcha and Pappadum breads

Naan being prepared

Accompaniments include Roasted Pepper Hummus, Garlic-Ginger Pickle, and Cucumber Raita. At Boma, I always love the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, but I really enjoyed that Raita as well.

Cucumber Raita

The salads were simply gorgeous. Even better, they were fresh, flavorful, colorful, and original.

Choices include a Watercress, Melon, Feta, and Berry Balsamic Salad and Roasted Beetroot Salad with Sunflower Seeds. My favorite was the Kachumbari Salad with Tomato, Paneer, Carrot, and Cilantro.

Watercress, Melon, Feta, and Berry Balsamic Onion Salad

Roasted Beetroot Salad with Sunflower Seeds

Kachumbari Salad with Tomato, Paneer, Carrot, and Cilantro

Rarely do I feel that salads are among the highlights of a meal, but here I did.

I was really impressed with the vegetarian options available – not only at the Bread and Salad station, but throughout the selections. One example is the Spicy Vegetable Samosa (a Mango Chutney was available for dipping).

Spicy Vegetable Samosa

I neglected to snap a picture of the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, but I can’t resist sharing some Disney mac and cheese deliciousness with you today!

Macaroni and Cheese

Moving on to the Surf and Turf Station, there are two other [Read more…]

Review: Vegetarian Chili and Blueberry Cobbler at Columbia Harbour House

By Wendy 8 Comments

Well, it’s bound to happen once in a while… not every day can be perfectly bright and sunny in the Magic Kingdom.

Learn About:Columbia Harbour House

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Though colder days are primarily behind us for this year, sometimes it can get downright chilly, and there is potential to catch a rainy afternoon any time of year.

It’s time to escape to the indoors! Fortunately some of the best spots to get out of the rain are also some of the best food stops in the Park! Today we’re waiting out the rain in Columbia Harbour House, where the warm woods and tucked away sections and corners lend a cozy feel to lunch or snack time.

Upstairs seating in Columbia Harbor House

Upstairs seating in Columbia Harbour House

Additionally, the upstairs seating options offer some great vantage points for watching all the people in their rain ponchos.

Rainy day at the Magic Kingdom

We’re warming up with a couple of hot dishes: the Vegetarian Chili and Seasonal Cobbler. Let’s start with the Chili!

The Vegetarian Chili has long been a stand-out at Columbia Harbour House, offering a meatless option as well as warmth on a cold day (though, really, it’s just a tasty option any day). I topped mine with the oyster crackers available at the Harbour House. You can also sprinkle these in a bowl of their New England Clam Chowder.

Oyster Crackers

Vegetarian Chili Close-up

This tasty chili is so chock-full of veggies that I’m not even certain [Read more…]

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Return to Downtown Disney’s West Side!

By Wendy 5 Comments

Remember just last week when we took you to the new Starbucks in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace? Well, we’re back at Downtown Disney already to show you the new homes of Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream!

wetzels pretzels haagen dazs west side downtown disney (2)

New location of Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Dazs

Only today we’re on the very end of West Side. We were excited to spot the signs indicating construction of this location a while ago, especially since Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs aren’t strangers to Downtown Disney. Their previous location next to Bongos Cuban Café closed last October to make way for what will be the West Side Starbucks. (Wetzel’s Pretzels, meanwhile, has retained a small kiosk in the Marketplace.)

These cheerful walk-up shops are located right outside of Disney Quest (notice the blue wall behind) and across from Cirque du Soleil. For another point of orientation, you can see the House of Blues sign just across the way.

Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Dazs

Aside from location, another key difference is [Read more…]

Review: Star Wars Weekends Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes

By Wendy 10 Comments

It’s time to CHOOSE YOUR SIDE… by choosing your cupcake! Star Wars Weekends have returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and that means that the Darth Vader Cupcake has made his return as well.

But this time, he’s got a little competition… introducing the Yoda Cupcake, new to Star Wars Weekends this year!

Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes

Before you can dig in, you’ve got to know where to find them. Fortunately, upon entering Hollywood Studios you can pick up a Star Wars Weekends Guide letting you know where to find everything from specialty snacks, to character greetings, to merchandise (as well as the general schedule for the weekend).

Star Wars Weekends guide

Star Wars Weekends snacks and locations

You’ll notice you can find the Darth Vader cupcake in just about every Quick Service location (think Studio Catering Co., Pizza Planet, and ABC Commissary, to name a few). But the Yoda Cupcake can only be found alongside Vader in three spots: Starring Rolls Cafe, Backlot Express, and a new spot this year: the Ackbar Snack Bar located inside Darth’s Mall (the Weekends’ prime merchandise location)!!!

Ackbar Snack Bar

Admiral Ackbar takes a sip

Ackbar Snack Bar

Ackbar Snack Bar menu

By all means, go to Darth’s Mall, find Ackbar Snack Bar, and gaze upon it in all its glory… then head to Backlot Express or Starring Rolls to get your cupcakes a bit cheaper — they’re $5.75 at Ackbar’s, but they’re $5.19 at the Quick Service spots. (You can use your Disney Dining Plan snack credits for one of these cupcakes anywhere. )

By the way, Ackbar in the photo above is drinking from a Stormtrooper Stein, found at Quick Service locations throughout the park. Awesome.

Stormtrooper Stein

But back to the cupcakes! Let’s start with the new guy… the Yoda Cupcake.

Yoda cupcake

This chocolate cupcake is topped with a Chocolate Hazelnut Buttercream frosting (i.e. Nutella) and sprinkled liberally with toffee chocolate candy crunch. Yoda himself is made of white chocolate.

Master Yoda

As I’ve learned from many a Mickey-shaped snack throughout the years, I go for the ears first.

Yoda sans ears

Sorry, little dude. I still got nothin’ but love for ya.

Anyhoo… I’d mentioned a liberal sprinkle of toffee crunch. That’s to be found in [Read more…]

Review: “The Force” and “The Dark Side” Specialty Beverages at Disney World’s Star Wars Weekends

By Wendy 15 Comments

Looking for something to quench your thirst – with a little kick – during your Star Wars Weekends adventure at Hollywood Studios?

If so, then there’s something you have to do first: you must Choose Your Side.

Star Wars Weekends Specialty Beverages

Two specialty beverages are available during Star Wars Weekends: The Dark Side and The Force. You can find them at temporary mini bars throughout Hollywood Studios, such as this one near Mama Melrose’s…

Mini Bar outside of Mama Melrose’s

… or this one near Sci-Fi Dine-In.

Mini Bar outside of Sci-Fi

We’ll be looking at the two signature drinks served at each of these bars, but they also carry a small assortment of other beverages available for purchase.

Bar assortment

The Dark Side, as you can see on the sign, is a mix of Coconut Rum, Cointreau, and Pomegranate Lemonade. As nice as that sounds, let’s face it — it’s all about the souvenir that comes with it: a Death Star glow cube!

The Dark Side

Like the regular glow ice cubes at Disney, the glow Death Star has an on-off switch to preserve it for future use, and can be set to stay at one color or set to rotate through several changing colors.

Glow Death Star

Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.

I especially enjoy Disney glow drinks when you can place the glow cube under the ice so the entire thing is all lit up. Here is my attempt to stuff the Death Star underneath the ice with my straw.

Attempting to submerge the Death Star

It popped back up less than a second later. I tried to submerge the Death Star several times. But the Death Star would not be submerged. True story.

Pop Up Death Star

Awesome Death Star notwithstanding, you still want to be sure you’ll enjoy the drink, so here’s what’s good to know: I was able to pick up on each flavor in the drink, from the Coconut Rum to the Cointreau and the lemonade. It was nice that no flavor overpowered the other, and I thought mine was mixed well. For a drink representing the Dark Side, it was actually quite beachy, thanks to the rum. And who doesn’t love a good beach drink served up with a splash of Imperial darkness?

Your other choice is, naturally, The Force. This beverage consists of Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord, and Wildberry Lemonade. The souvenir piece is a glowing Light Saber.

The Force

While the Light Saber doesn’t change colors, it is [Read more…]

News and Photo Tour: The Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks is Now Open!

By Wendy 11 Comments

So, we thought we’d give you a quick glimpse at the newest java stop in Downtown Disney… the Marketplace Starbucks is open and ready for business (with another one coming to the West Side soon). Let’s have a look!

Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks

You’ll find the location tucked in between the front entrances into the World of Disney store.

Marketplace Starbucks at World of Disney

The first thing you’ll likely notice is the Starbucks Coffee signage in front of the signature green siren logo. The A frame mirrors those of the entrances to the store.

Starbucks Coffee Signage

From that point, what you see is what you get! This location is walk-up only, with no seating other than the regular tables around Downtown Disney. This is a spot for grabbing your beverage and continuing your stroll.

Front view of Marketplace Starbucks

Speaking of beverages, all the Starbucks favorites are here… as well as some of that new “Oprah Chai” you may have heard about.

Beverage Menu

One day I’m gonna order that, just to hear myself say it: “Oprah Chai me!”

Anyhoo, there is also an assortment of standard Starbucks snacks, including pastries from the new “La Boulangerie” line of treats that may have made it to your local store.

Starbucks food window

Cookies by the register

You simply walk up to one of the two ordering windows…

Ordering windows

… then pick up your beverage on the side. After that, you’re all set to visit the rest of the shops and restaurants, with a little caffeine boost to help you along.

Left side pickup window

Right side pickup window

While that’s the basic gist, there are a few cool details to share. Only viewable from [Read more…]

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News: New Menu Item at ‘Ohana in Disney World’s Polynesian Resort

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014

Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

Full Review: West Side Starbucks in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

Review: Café Liégeois at Les Halles in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Review: A Sneak Peek at Harambe Nights in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!

Welcome Reception

The Lion King — A Concert in the Wild

Street Party

Review: Vegetarian Chili and Blueberry Cobbler at Columbia Harbour House

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Return to Downtown Disney’s West Side!

Review: Star Wars Weekends Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes

Review: “The Force” and “The Dark Side” Specialty Beverages at Disney World’s Star Wars Weekends

News and Photo Tour: The Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks is Now Open!

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Author: Wendy

Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

Welcome Reception

The Lion King — A Concert in the Wild

Street Party

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS