Wendy | the disney food blog

Review: White Chocolate Raspberry Easter Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guess who made it back to Hollywood Studios this year?

The Easter Bunny … though, not in the way that you may think! Check out the ears on the White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

Of course, as Disney food fans, I suppose we’ve all grown rather accustomed to the fact that many of our favorite foods come with EARS.

A classic Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar!

Mickey Pretzel with Plastic Cheese

Mickey Waffles

So, while it was not altogether surprising, it was still fun to spot THESE ears popping up once again in the current specialty cupcake!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes in Starring Rolls Bakery Case

The White Chocolate Raspberry cupcake – a return from previous years – can be found at several Hollywood Studios Quick Service locations, including Toy Story Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, Studio Catering Co., and Starring Rolls Cafe. Just look for this sign:

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake Sign at ABC Commissary

This cupcake is [Read more…]

Photo Tour: The 2014 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World

By Wendy 25 Comments

Upon entering Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort, you’ll find something that may distract you from the sights of the lobby, as stunning as it is. From now through April 22, you can enjoy the Third Annual Easter Egg Display!

2014 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs

And it’s certainly something to see, because these aren’t just any Easter Eggs… these are 9-12 pound chocolate Easter Eggs created and crafted by Disney Chefs!

For those who may not be able to catch this display in person, we thought we’d bring it to you 🙂 .

History of the Display — click to enlarge

As the sign states, the Grand Floridian Easter Egg tradition has held for 18 years; however, the eggs could previously be seen only in the Resort’s restaurants. But now, for the third year in a row, they are on display in the lobby for everyone to enjoy. It’s definitely a treat to see what the Bakery Team comes up with!

Decorative Easter Egg

As you look at these creations, it’s fun to note that every egg is decorated with “edible products such as modeling chocolate, fondant, sugar floral, royal icing, colored cocoa butter and sculpted sugar art pieces.”
Yep — it’s all edible!

Butterfly Garden Egg

Chefs are given a blank “canvas,” along with the freedom to bring to life whatever vision they wish. So, you’ll see that the decorated eggs range from classic Easter themes…

Decorative Easter Egg

2014 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs Bouquet

Spring Bouquet Egg

… to the truly [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World and Disneyland: April 1, 2014!

By Wendy 13 Comments

We have a few updates from both coasts for this round of “What’s New!” And we promise that none of these are April Fool’s jokes. 😀

Starting on the east coast, a recent trip around Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Monorail Loop has revealed a few changes in eats and treats. We’re talking property refurbishments, menu updates, tea, and cupcakes, so hop on board the Monorail (“Your Highway in the Sky!”) and see What’s New!

We’re saving a seat for you…

Monorail Teal

Magic Kingdom

We’ll start our Monorail trip at Magic Kingdom. You may be aware that the Hub (the circular area directly in front of Cinderella Castle) has begun a major refurbishment. This project is slated to run in stages finishing sometime in 2015, with the purpose of accommodating more guests for fireworks and parade viewing, with the added benefit of relieving some of the post-show gridlock thanks to additional walkways.

Though much is covered by refurbishment walls, you can see in these photos where the water that flows towards and around Cinderella Castle has been drained for now to accommodate the construction.

Hub Refurbishment

Soooo… what does this have to do with food? The restaurants in the immediate area are still in operation. The beloved Main Street Popcorn Cart is, too; however, it’s now located on the bridge which connects the Hub to Adventureland.

Current location of Main Street Popcorn Cart

Still an easy spot to grab some popcorn before the new Festival of Fantasy Parade!

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Though the majority of the refurbishment to add expanded seating to Casey’s Corner is complete, we’re still noticing some small changes here and there.

The wall in the back room, which formerly housed a large-screen TV featuring vintage Disney sports-focused cartoons, was empty in the immediate weeks after the reopening. Now returning are the large pieces of artwork depicting turn-of-the-century images of America’s Favorite Pastime.

Casey’s Corner Artwork

Looking at the picture below, I’m sure you can’t help but notice [Read more…]

Review: Dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant in Disney World’s Epcot

By Wendy 43 Comments

We’re heading back to Epcot’s Future World for dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant!

Learn About:Garden Grill Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This is a DFB favorite, and it comes together as Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast. The dinner features an all-you-care-to-eat meal served Family Style.

If you’ve ever shied away from eating in Future World in favor of the more varied cuisine available in World Showcase, it may be time to give Disney World’s only rotating restaurant a chance.

Please join me, Chip ‘n Dale, Pluto, and the main Mouse himself (MICKEY!) at the Harvest Feast for some food and fun!

Garden Grill Sign

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere? Well, that depends… You see, the Garden Grill rotates over the various scenes of the Living with the Land attraction, so what you see depends on where in the rotation you are in the moment.

It takes about one hour to make the full rotation, so it’s slow enough that you don’t really notice the feel of it while you are dining — at least, I didn’t. I was too busy enjoying the views! Take a look…

Living with the Land as seen from Garden Grill — The Farmhouse

Living with the Land as seen from Garden Grill — The Farmhouse Dog!

Living with the Land as seen from Garden Grill — Rainforest

Transition from Rainforest to Desert

Garden Grill Mural

We enjoyed all of this from our table on the lower level of this two-level restaurant. It’s definitely a score if you are seated on the lower level, which is fashioned with booths as opposed to the chairs and tables on the upper level.

Garden Grill booth

The booths provide more of a “front row seat” experience for the attraction, so it’s worth asking at check-in to see if you can get one. I wasn’t expecting a booth since it was just my husband and me, but several of the booths are divided with drop-leaf tables, allowing for a larger family on one side, and a pair on the other. The drop-leaf, of course, can be raised to accommodate a larger group, if needed.

Larger Booth — Family Side

Larger Booth — Side for a pair

Of course, the special touches are in full effect here — check out this table setting! Remind you of a certain character?

Mickey Table Setting 🙂

Speaking of… The one thing with the ability to distract you from the attraction views is… well, it’s actually FOUR things: the Characters!

Here’s Chip striking a pose in front of the Prairie Desert.

Chip strikes a pose

Pluto stopped by to say “Hello!”

Pluto!

Dale plotted how he might sneak some of our food…

Dale Plotting…

… but I informed him it was people food, and not well-suited for chipmunks. (That makes for a sad chipmunk!)

Sad Dale

Okay, this next shot is not a shining example of terrific photography 😉 . But I hope it conveys that moment of excitement when you first spot THE EARS over a nearby booth (c’mon, you can admit it!), and realize who will be at your table shortly…

EARS!

Farmer Mickey Mouse — in OVERALLS, no less!!!

Farmer Mickey

At the start of the meal, I was a bit [Read more…]

Snack Series: The Mickey Marshmallow Wand

By Wendy 13 Comments

There are several stops around both Disney World and Disneyland with bakery cases that are full-to-overflowing with eye-catching goodies. In Disney World, these spots include Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery, Prairie Outpost and Supply, and Big Top Treats; Hollywood Studios’ Sweet Spells; and Downtown Disney’s Goofy’s Candy Company and the Candy Cauldron.

In Disneyland, they include Marceline’s Confectionery, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, and the Candy Palace.

Bakery Case

A snack often found in these cases is the Marshmallow Wand. And we mention them on DFB fairly often because they change with the seasons.

Decorated Marshmallow Wands

Their decorative colors, sprinkles, and designs are one of the first things to signify some sort of celebration. We’ve seen them dressed up for the Winter Holidays…

Marshmallow Snowmen Wands

… and Halloween!

Ghost Marshmallows

Halloween Sprinkled Marshmallows

They’ve been decorated with conversation hearts for Valentine’s Day.

And they take part in the Wearing O’ the Green on St. Patrick’s Day!

Green Snacks for St. Patrick’s Day

Recently, they even received a blue makeover to honor the Blu-Ray and DVD release of the Disney movie, “Frozen.”

Blue “Frozen” Marshmallow Wands

(Though, we’re sorry, Marshmallow Wands, but this little guy sorta stole your thunder…)

Olaf Candy Apples

All that said, you know something? We’ve never [Read more…]

News and Review: Corn Nuggets at Golden Oak Outpost in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Wendy 19 Comments

It sure is spring here at Disney World! The sun is high and strong, and the spring break crowds at the parks are rising a bit. The great thing about that is there are some really fun food finds cropping up around the Parks.

Certain food locations that aren’t always operating are opening their ordering windows and doors… and – in some cases – bringing some new snacks with them. Woo!

Take, for example, the Golden Oak Outpost in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland.

Golden Oak Outpost Sign

It’s not altogether unusual to find it open and offering some quick eats; in particular, a tasty Chicken Sandwich and Chicken Breast Nuggets (a six-piece version at a slightly lower price point, as opposed to the standard eight-piece… good to know!).

Golden Oak Outpost

However, it’s also not unusual to see a sign suggesting that hungry cowpokes should stop by Pecos Bill’s because the spot is not currently serving.

So while I wasn’t super-surprised to see it operating, I was surprised to see a recent addition to the menu: Corn Nuggets Dusted with Powdered Sugar.

Golden Oak Outpost Menu

Nope — not Corn DOG nuggets; just corn nuggets. Upon asking one of the Cast Members about this snack, she informed me that [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at The Wave… of American Flavors in Disney World’s Contemporary Resort

By Wendy 29 Comments

This morning we’re enjoying breakfast at The Wave… of American Flavors!

Learn About:The Wave…of American Flavors

Disney World Restaurants

Located at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, The Wave is unlike any other restaurant at Disney World due to its emphasis on sustainable eating – many of the ingredients used in the dishes here are sourced locally.

The Wave also has the added benefit of being a mere stroll away from the Magic Kingdom, making this a great and convenient place to start the day when you’re headed into Disney World’s original park!

Atmosphere

You’ll find The Wave on the Lobby Level of the Contemporary. As you enter from the front, you’ll notice a faint blue glow coming from the end of the concierge services desk and to the left.

The Contemporary Lobby Level

That blue stems from the unique “tunnel entrance” that lights the way to the eatery. Something about this reminds me of the Contemporary when I was a kid way back in the day.

The Wave Entrance

For one of the resort’s more recent additions, the entrance is retro Disney World, and I love it for that. (Does anyone else remember watching Disney movies in a small theater on this floor, by the way, or has my memory stored that incorrectly? I’m more certain of my memories of the Air Hockey table in the old Game Room… .)

After walking through the tunnel you’re greeted at the check-in counter. There is a sign to remind guests that The Wave is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Check-in Counter

The Wave Hours

We were seated very promptly, even though we arrived prior to our scheduled Advance Dining Reservation.

Upon entering the dining room, the vibe changes entirely. Decor changes from cool blue to warm earth tones, and the theme of “waves” is echoed throughout the chairs at the tables — and even on the ceiling and in the lighting.

Dining Room

Table Seating

Ceiling Lanterns

There is little else in the way of detailing, in favor of simplicity. However, the artwork that has been selected brings the focus back to fresh ingredients.

Artwork at The Wave

Eats

Upon being seated, our server came to greet us right away (and he remained attentive throughout the meal). After walking us through the menu, he invited us to view the breakfast buffet prior to making our decisions.

I’ve enjoyed The Wave’s buffet a few times, so for this visit I chose from the menu for a change of pace. But because the buffet here is noteworthy, I’d like to give you a peek before going into our entrees.

Where lunch and dinner entrees can change fairly frequently at The Wave due having a sustainable menu, several of the breakfast buffet offerings remain consistent. From right to left, the buffet begins with a cold section featuring, among other items, salmon and hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fruit.

Salmon and Hard-boiled Eggs

Fresh Fruit

An assortment of pastries is [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 19, 2014!

By Wendy 13 Comments

It’s time to take another stroll around Disney World and see what’s new and awesome! We’ve got parade pics, Olaf apples, Gaston-themed headwear, and more! Won’t you please join us 🙂 ?

Fun “Frozen” Finds

Everything’s coming up “Frozen” at Walt Disney World to celebrate the release of the movie on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Blue “Frozen” Treats

Olaf the Snowman has been bestowed a true Disney character honor… He’s now a Candy Apple!

Olaf Candy Apples

Keep an eye out for him in candy locations like Sweet Spells, Main Street Confectionery, Candy Cauldron, and Goofy’s Candy Company… I’m hoping he’s here for the long haul!

You may also spy some favorite treats in a blue hue for a very limited time, including Mickey Krispy Treats and Marshmallow Wands.

Blue “Frozen” Marshmallow Wands

Downtown Disney

A recent walk around Downtown Disney revealed that the Disney Food Trucks are making their way around. Previously housed primarily between Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues (and occasionally spotted in the grassy area next to Bongos Cuban Cafe), the Food Trucks we’re spotted in new and different places around the West Side.

For instance, the World Showcase of Flavors truck was parked across from Splitsville.

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck across from Splitsville

And Fantasy Fare has been spotted over in the Marketplace (this is the spot next to World of Disney where Santa’s Chalet can be found during the holidays).

Fantasy Fare Food Truck next to World of Disney

However, the one thing certain about the Food Trucks is that they are ever-changing 🙂 . And we know something new is coming thanks to these Food Truck Park signs found around Downtown Disney.

Food Truck Park coming to Downtown Disney Orlando

What’s to come? Only time will tell!

The first sure sign of spring at Disney World is the Flower & Garden Festival. But a smaller sign is seeing all the things available to stuff your Easter basket at Ghirardelli.

Ghirardelli Easter Merchandise

The Starbucks construction site on the Marketplace side is really starting to take shape. You can now see the triangular top peeking out above the walls, matching the “Coming Soon” artwork.

Starbucks Construction

Artwork on construction walls for Starbucks

And as new things arrive, we also say [Read more…]

Review: Iced Coffee Float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

By Wendy 8 Comments

It’s a hot afternoon in the Magic Kingdom. Ice cream is calling your name, but you’re also in need of a little caffeine jolt. Well, I’ve got just the treat for you… today we’re checking out the Iced Coffee Float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies!

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Not familiar with Auntie? It’s OK — lots of people just walk right by on their way from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland.

You can find this spot in Tomorrowland across from the Tomorrowland Speedway. The menu features – as the outdoor sign indicates – smoothies and ice cream. You can read our review of both a smoothie AND an ice cream sundae here!

Ice Cream and Smoothies sign

It’s also an easy place to grab a piece fruit or a muffin before your race to Space Mountain in the morning.

The Iced Coffee Float has been on my “To Try” list for a while, but I must confess to rarely stopping at Auntie’s, typically in favor of visiting Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Rays’s or grabbing a Gourmet Cake Cup at Cheshire Café. But one day I was particularly in need of a caffeine boost, so I strolled in to Galactic Goodies to place my order.

Outside Auntie Gravity’s

You’ve got two choices to make upon ordering your Iced Coffee Float. First, the Iced Coffee: French Vanilla, Mocha, or Latte (the Latte, while still being “lightly sweetened,” is the least sweet of the bunch). Second, the ice cream: Vanilla, Chocolate, or Twist soft serve.

I walked out to the casual seating area…

Outdoor Seating

Cool Umbrella

…with my Chocolate and Vanilla Twist Mocha Ice Cream Float!

Iced Coffee Float

This treat is just a [Read more…]

Review: White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Gourmet Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe!

By Wendy 19 Comments

Editor’s Note: The Cheshire Cake Cups have been discontinued as of late Summer 2015. We’ll update you if/when they’ll return (because there will be shouts of rejoicing.)

Last fall, the Cheshire Café surprised us all with the debut of AJ’s favorite new treat in all the land — Gourmet Cake Cups.

Cheshire Cake Cup at Cheshire Cafe

This small snack stop next to the Mad Tea Party (the teacups ride!) is adorably themed with whimsical swirls of color, but previously it was known primarily as a spot to grab a piece of fruit for breakfast, or a cold soda or Raspberry Lemonade Slush on a hot afternoon.

Cheshire Cafe Sign

Not so, anymore! The Cheshire Café has become a must-stop for many ever since Gourmet Cake Cups hit the scene. In fact, there have been days when these eye-catching goodies have sold out entirely.

Cheshire Cafe

And that’s bound to happen a bit more often… especially now that Cheshire Café has introduced TWO MORE CAKE CUPS to the line up! Say hello to the White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cups!

White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cups

For those unfamiliar with these gems, a Gourmet Cake Cup is like a cupcake in its ingredients (cake and frosting), but presented parfait-style. In addition to the frosting on top, there are multiple layers of frosting between the layers of cake, all served in a cup. And yes, they are very, VERY sweet.

Gourmet Cake Cups are known and loved for two things: absolutely terrific – and even artistic – presentation… and oodles upon oodles of frosting! Let’s take a closer look at the new arrivals…

First – as with the previous Cake Cups, the Mad Hatter Mocha and Cheshire Cupcake Cake Cup – the appearance in real life trumps that on the sign. Here is the “new” sign (a small note on that later):

Cake Cups Sign

And here is another view of the duo!

White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cups

The White Chocolate Rabbit Cake Cup (inspired, obviously by the always-late White Rabbit in “Alice in Wonderland”) is a yellow cake base that is [Read more…]

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Review: White Chocolate Raspberry Easter Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Photo Tour: The 2014 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World

What’s New Around Disney World and Disneyland: April 1, 2014!

Magic Kingdom

Review: Dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant in Disney World’s Epcot

The Atmosphere

Snack Series: The Mickey Marshmallow Wand

News and Review: Corn Nuggets at Golden Oak Outpost in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Review: Breakfast at The Wave… of American Flavors in Disney World’s Contemporary Resort

Atmosphere

Eats

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 19, 2014!

Fun “Frozen” Finds

Downtown Disney

Review: Iced Coffee Float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

Review: White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Gourmet Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe!

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Author: Wendy

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