Wendy | the disney food blog

Review: Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese at Friar’s Nook in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

When the menu at Friar’s Nook received a New Year’s makeover, Mac & Cheese-loving hearts went all aflutter over the spins on this classic comfort food.

Learn About:Friar's Nook

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheese debuted alongside of Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (and a more traditional take topped with Panko crumbs arrived as well).

So, changes at Friar’s Nook aren’t entirely unexpected, but we have to admit that we were a little surprised to spot another one so soon: The Blue Cheese Macaroni was recently replaced on the menu with Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese.

So, prepare yourself for a bowl of comfort food topped with hearty helping of… MORE comfort food!

Friar’s Nook Menu

Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese

The first thing I noticed was the topping on this dish is less involved than its counterpart, the Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese. Where the Bacon Cheeseburger Mac is topped with ground beef, bacon, lettuce and tomato, the Pot Roast Mac & Cheese is topped with simply that: a pile of pot roast on top of the macaroni.

Pot Roast on the top

Things started out great: the pot roast was very well-prepared. Tender and juicy — and mine had very little in the way of fat. OK, not that that’s huge concern when you’re eating beef-covered mac and cheese ;), but my point is, the meat was really good, and actually tasted homemade.

Pot Roast closeup

The second component is, of course, the Mac & Cheese. There is even more cheese to this mac & cheese than the name implies. For those accustomed to the mac & cheese found at buffets around Disney property, or commonly offered as a Kids’ option, there seems to be more shredded cheese in addition to the melted cheese sauce that we’re used to.

Mac & Cheese underneath Pot Roast

Extra cheesy mac!

While the flavor is outstanding, and the cheese tasted great with the pot roast, the extra cheese lends a heaviness to this dish that [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014

By Wendy 18 Comments

Today we’re talking everything from Mac & Cheese to Mine Trains, and from slushes to steins. Please join us for another trip around the World to see What’s New!

Magic Kingdom

Friar’s Nook

made waves around New Year’s when the menu changed to feature some very unique styles of Macaroni and Cheese, while hot dogs remained available as a choice. Well, they’ve been brought together in the form of a Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Dog.

Friar’s Nook Menu

Why not, right? They had all the ingredients handy since they introduced all that Mac & Cheese goodness to the menu, and it’s always a lovely thing to find more Mac & Cheese Hot Dogs available at Disney World!

The Omnipresent Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog

But something a bit more unexpected has also arrived: Pot Roast Macaroni & Cheese has replaced the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (whaaaat…?!?).

Pot Roast Mac & Cheese at Friar’s Nook

Soooo, what’s it like? Stay tuned for our review!

Pinocchio Village Haus has reopened since its refurbishment. This Magic Kingdom Counter Service restaurant is known for its many rooms with beautiful artwork honoring the film Pinocchio, and it appears the refurbishment was just a general spruce-up with no major changes.

Pinocchio Village Haus

The entrée menu continues to feature flatbreads, and there are only small changes to report.

Pinocchio Village Haus Menu

Those changes are found on the back of the menu: Lemonade Slush and Blue Raspberry Slush have replaced Pinocchio Punch (though you can find the same beverage at Sunshine Tree Terrace: All-Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam).

Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush

No sign of that Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, either, but the Slushes here do tend to change with some frequency, so we’ll see if Pinocchio’s conscience makes a return one of these days…

Liberty Square Market often reveals some surprises in the small signs around the registers in addition to the more permanent offerings listed on the hanging menu. While this snack stand has had Slushes available for a long time, on my most recent visit they were also offered in the souvenir Horseman’s Stein.

Additional items available at Liberty Square Market

The stein itself has been available at Sleepy Hollow, but this was the first time I’d noticed it here. I adore anything to do with the old Ichabod Crane and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow film, so seeing this piece in other places makes me smile.

Horseman’s Stein

Sing it with me! “He’s the new school master! What’s his name? Ichabod! Ichabo-od Craaaaaane!”

Horseman’s Stein

There’s one more spot where you can grab a Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae (affectionately known here on the DFB as the “Mickey Pants Sundae”). This sign was spotted at the check-in counter for the Plaza Restaurant.

Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae

While these aren’t limited to the Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Emporium is the first place we first got to see the new line Princess and Villain mugs. On a more recent visit, we spied the remainder of the collection! Here is the Cinderella mug…

Cinderella Mug

… and while the general design differs, we thought you might like to see the new Maleficent and Evil Queen mugs, too!

Front AND Back of Maleficent mug

Evil Queen Mug

And among all these small changes, we sure can’t ignore the biggest change of all! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster was dedicated in New Fantasyland on May 2nd, with the official opening date for the public announced for May 28th.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is preparing for Star Wars Weekends 2014 beginning on May 16, and two all-new Star Wars Character Meals have already made their debut in advance of the celebration!

Breakfast is being served at Sci-Fi Dine-In with Darth Vader and some of his fellow Dark Siders at the Star Wars Galactic Dine In.

Star Wars Galactic Dine In sign

While over at Hollywood and Vine, Jedi Mickey and pals joined guests for dinner at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine! Check out our full review of this special event!

Jedi Mickey!!!!

Ewok Chip and Dale welcome you!

Even with all this going on, Hollywood Studios has still managed to remember [Read more…]

Review: Tangerine Delight Slushie at Spice Road Table Juice Bar

By Wendy 7 Comments

On a recent stroll around Epcot’s World Showcase, I paid a visit to the Spice Road Table Juice Bar in the Morocco Pavilion. It was a hot afternoon (no surprise there!), so I was seeking out the Chef-created ice cream to cool down a bit.

Spice Road Table and Shops in the Morocco Pavilion

However, I noticed a few new additions to the non-alcoholic Oasis Slushies on the menu: the Desert Rose and the Tangerine Delight have joined the Royal Blue Slushie.

Spice Road Table Juice Bar Menu

Since I was after anything cold at that point, I thought I would try something new.

Guests could previously find the Desert Rose (made with Pink Lemonade) and Royal Blue Slush (made with Blue Raspberry) at the Morocco Oasis Kiosk which also offered the Sultan’s Colada and the Moroccorita cocktails.

Since the arrival of Spice Road Table, that kiosk has been removed, so it’s nice to know that some – in fact, most — of those offerings are available at the Juice Bar (by the way, it’s a little difficult to read in the photo, but the price for a non-alcoholic Slushie is $5.99).

Tangerine Delight was new to me, so I decided to give it a whirl!

Tangerine Delight

I am SO glad I did… this simple slush packs a TON of flavor. Everything you need to know about it is [Read more…]

Review: NEW Star Wars Jedi Mickey Character Dining Meal at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 45 Comments

Are you ready for a delicious dinner buffet served up with a side of THE FORCE?!

Learn About:Hollywood and Vine Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

I sure hope so, because a long time ago (a few hours now) in a galaxy far, far away (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) we attended the debut evening of the Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine at Hollywood and Vine! We JUST returned from the long-awaited new character dining meal in Disney’s Hollywood Studios featuring…yup!…STAR WARS CHARACTERS!

Well, not exactly Star Wars characters; this was BETTER than Star Wars characters because it was Disney characters dressed up as Star Wars characters!!

Confused? Maybe a picture will help it to make more sense… ;-D

Ewok Chip and Dale welcome you!

Now, let’s dive in and check out the Cantina… uh, I mean, the scene!

Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine

Atmosphere

Staged (see what I did there?) at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Hollywood and Vine Restaurant — which normally houses Disney Junior characters — the new Star Wars Weekends character meal was nearly an immediate sell-out when we announced it just over a month ago.

Hollywood and Vine

The restaurant is set up as a buffet, which means you’re able to set the pace of your meal and make sure you’re at your table when the characters come your way.

Hollywood & Vine is themed as a vintage “Cafeteria to the Stars” (and the art deco decor on the buffet makes it stand out a teensy tiny bit from its companions around Walt Disney World).

Hollywood and Vine Buffet

However, for this event, the place received a bit of a galactic makeover!

Star Wars Character Meal Backdrop

Star Wars decoration

Otherwise, a relatively neutral backdrop featuring photos of old Hollywood, a big ol’ mural, and aluminum tables and chairs means that the characters really are the feature here.

Hollywood and Vine Seating

Hollywood and Vine Mural

Characters

Speaking of…the characters! That’s what you really want to hear about, right? Enough pictures of seating, DisneyFoodBlog…let’s get to the fun!

As seen earlier, Ewok Chip & Dale greet you immediately upon your arrival with a couple of hugs and a chance for a sweet photo opp! (But hey, ummm, guys… I think you’re facing the wrong way 😉 )

Ewok Chip and Dale up to their usual antics

Ewok Chip and Dale

There, that’s better! After your picture, your photographer will hand you a special Photopass card just for the occasion: your picture with Chip & Dale is included in the cost of this experience.

Star Wars Character Meal Photo Pass

Clearly, everyone is excited about this 😉 !

Everyone’s getting in on the fun!

Once you’re seated at your table, you’ll entertain a few other special visitors who stop by, including Stormtrooper Donald,

Storm Trooper Donald

Darth Goofy (Brilliant!),

Darth Goofy

Princess Leia Minnie (LOVING that bun/ears combo!)…

Princess Leia Minnie

… and JEDI MICKEY himself, striking his best Jedi pose!

Jedi Mickey!!!!

I will say that the meetings with the characters were a bit brief compared with some other character meals I’ve experienced — the house was packed. But even so, we got to meet and have our photos taken with every single character, and were happy with each visit. And as I saw the characters interact with the kids, it seemed that there were plenty of hugs and autographs going around. The general mood was just high-energy FUN.

Okay, with both the Empire and the Alliance represented with these characters, you now have a choice to make. Upon being seated at your table, you’ll notice something in addition to your napkins and silverware. A piece of paper that is red on one side…

Star Wars Character Meal Red Light Saber

Red side of paper

… and blue on the other.

Star Wars Character Meal Blue Light Saber

Blue side of paper

What appears to be merely paper transforms into a LIGHT SABER!

Blue for Jedi Mickey’s side!

Throughout the meal, guests are invited to choose their color: fold your paper to show blue if you’re on Mickey and Minnie’s side (the Alliance), or red for Goofy and Donald (the Empire). I thought it was super clever how they didn’t ask kids to choose between the dark side and the good guys — basically, you just picked your favorite character, waved your light saber like crazy, and let out a holler! (This is also, by the way, a great little energy spender for kids who are really excited while waiting for the characters to arrive at their table).

I noticed impromptu light saber battles happening all around the restaurant, primarily between fathers and their kids (and, yep, a few pairs of full-grown adults, too!).

Light Saber battle!

I would LOVE to see a more permanent souvenir available for the kids with this meal, like a small, plastic red or blue light saber — the paper ones were such a hit, I think something like that would be an extra thrill and terrific touch.

For all this talk of children, you should know that my friend and I — both adults — felt right at home, and there were plenty of other adults-only groups for this event. While this is not the case with the typical Disney Junior meals featured throughout the year here, please don’t shy away from this event if you would like to go but don’t have children to bring. All Star Wars fans are welcome, both young and not-so-much 🙂 !

Eats

I think the Hollywood and Vine buffet offers some truly unique choices compared with some other buffets on property, but on this evening, the fare was a little extra special.

Buffet

Things started in a fairly typical fashion with the salads, fruit, breads, and the cold bar.

Assorted Breads

Fruit

Create Your Own Salad

Cold Bar

But moving foward, we didn’t just have a chance to try pork, chicken, beef, etc… oh, no!

On this night we ate everything from Tusken Raider Chicken, to Salacious Crumb’s Crusted Pork (an absolute standout!), to Kamino Maple Mustard-Glazed Salmon. Reading the Star Wars names for the dishes was nearly as fun as eating it all!

Tusken Raider Chicken

Salacious Crumb’s Crusted Pork

Kamino Maple Mustard Glazed Salmon

Even beyond the fun names, the entrees were plentiful and varied. We also had [Read more…]

Review: The Lucky Combo at the Joy of Tea in Epcot’s China

By Wendy 14 Comments

I’ll bet you’ve all spent a day or two (or more!) strolling around Epcot’s World Showcase…walking right past the Joy of Tea in the China Pavilion.

Epcot’s China Pavilion

After all, with all of China’s gorgeous themeing inside the gate, who would happen to look outside of it?

Huzzah! The Joy of Tea Kiosk!

Many folks assume it serves… well, just tea.

Joy of Tea sign

So they may not give it much thought as they make their way towards Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in the neighboring Norway Pavilion for a fix of School Bread.

But this fun grab-and-go stop actually offers so much more!

The Joy of Tea Menu — click to enlarge

And here’s a DFB tip! You can try all of their snacks at once via the Lucky Combo.

The Lucky Combo is a terrific way to sample the eats at the J of T: the Curry Chicken Pocket, Chinese BBQ Pork Bun, and Egg Roll (if you order the snack portion of any of these, you get two of the item – for the Combo, you get one each).

The Lucky Combo also includes your choice of ice cream (Caramel Ginger or Strawberry Red Bean), AND a can of soda to quench your thirst!

Lucky Combo!

The price? $9.98 for everything. Score! That’s less than the cost of one turkey leg!

I took my Combo over to the seating area at the Lotus Blossom Café.

Seating at the Lotus Blossom Cafe

Let’s go down the list, shall we?

The Lucky Combo

Starting with the Curry Chicken Pocket (AJ’s a fan!), the center is [Read more…]

News! Menu Changes at ‘Ohana and Earl of Sandwich in Disney World

By Wendy 53 Comments

Adios chicken skewer!

Yup — the rumors are true. There’s another menu change at ‘Ohana at Disney World’s Polynesian Resort!

‘Ohana

Menu Changes at Disney World’s ‘Ohana

Among other dining changes at this resort, guests will now find fan-favorite ‘Ohana removing one of their most popular items from the all-you-can-eat dinner.

Grilled Chicken at ‘Ohana

While the majority of the menu remains the same, the Grilled Chicken Skewer has been removed from the options, while the Sweet and Sour Pork Loin, Szechuan Sirloin Steak, and Spicy Grilled Shrimp remain.

A children’s dessert has also been added to the menu here (more bread pudding for meeeeee!).

‘Ohana Dinner Feast Menu

While we’re on the topic, it appears there has been a menu change at another Disney dining favorite:

Earl of Sandwich Menu Updates

At Downtown Disney, all eyes are on the construction of what will become Disney Springs, and it seems Disney food fans have much to look forward to. Still, we love our old Downtown Disney favorites, and for many – or most — that certainly includes Earl of Sandwich, so we wanted to let you know of a few recent changes to the sandwich menu.

Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Orlando

First, the All-American and Cannonballs sandwiches [Read more…]

Review: Fish & Chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Disney World’s Epcot

By Wendy 40 Comments

Are there any Disney experiences that are such important vacation traditions for you that, had they not taken place, you’d almost feel as though you hadn’t really been to Disney?

Learn About:Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Allow me to give you an example: “I haven’t really been to Magic Kingdom until I’ve been on the Haunted Mansion.” Or, of course, any of these great first day at Disney traditions!

Well, mine ways always: “I haven’t been to Epcot until I’ve had Fish & Chips from the United Kingdom Pavilion.”

Is anyone with me here?

Let’s head back to the Yorkshire County Fish Shop for its signature dish!