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EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

Author: Wendy

Food Challenge: The 2013 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl

By 4 Comments

I suppose it’s no secret that we love our cupcakes here at Disney Food Blog!

And every year the holiday cupcake creations that crop up all over Disney World remind us exactly why we adore them so much. Last year we started a new tradition with our 2012 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl Challenge!

This year we found even more awesome holiday cupcakes, so we’ve decided to bring back the special Holiday Event from last year! Check out some of these unique and gorgeous holiday cupcakes around the Disney World resorts in 2013!

Welcome to the…

2013 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl!

Like last year, most of these cupcakes are available as snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan, so stock up those credits, and get ready to roll!

The Beach Club Resort: Cupcakes Required = 1

Starting just outside Epcot’s International Gateway, The Beach Club’s Marketplace is home to a wonderfully sparkling Gingerbread Cupcake that’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit!

Gingerbread Cupcake

The first thing to draw your attention is the large sugar crystals that serve as edible glitter among the red and green sprinkles of mini Christmas trees and candy canes. They sit atop a cream cheese frosting that is surprisingly dense. It’s almost like eating a sweetened cream cheese straight out of the container… and you will never hear me complain about that ;)!

The Beach Club's Gingerbread Cupcake

The cake base is more reminiscent of a mild spice cake than a stronger dark gingerbread flavor. I think it is a good balance to the sweetness of all the sugar on top (including the pretty sugar snowflake), but it’s a good thing to know if you’re expecting something different.

Inside the Gingerbread Cupcake

Not in the mood for gingerbread? You can grab this Vanilla Cupcake with red and green Minnie and Mickey Toppers for your crawl credit!

Vanilla Cupcake

BoardWalk Inn: Cupcakes Required = 1

We’re staying within the Epcot Resorts for our next stop. [Read more…]

Spotted: Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners at Disney World!

By 19 Comments

Oh. My. Word… at LONG LAST!

Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners have arrived at Disney World!!!

Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners

You remember these, don’t you :)? Last Fall, a few of our favorite Disney snacks were highlighted in a unique way. For the first time, guests were able to bring a few beloved Disney snacks (and their scents!) home with them in the form of air fresheners. You can read the reviews of each of these scents here.

The original foursome is still available: Turkey Leg, Mickey Ice Cream Bar, Candy Apple, and Mickey Waffle.

Turkey Leg and Mickey Ice Cream Bar Air Fresheners

Candy Apple and Mickey Waffle Air Fresheners

As fun — and truly iconic — as these fresheners are, the initial selection immediately begged the question: “Soooo… where’s the Dole Whip?”

And now, it’s HERE.

Dole Whip Air Freshener

You know what else? It. Smells. TERRIFIC!

Of all the fresheners available, I think this one is the closest match to its real-life mate! And the image is even more realistic [Read more…]

Review: Downtown Disney’s World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

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At long last (and as you may know from a previous DFB post), the final food truck has arrived at Downtown Disney’s West Side in Walt Disney World!

World Showcase of Flavors joins Superstar Catering, Namaste Café, and Fantasy Fare to complete the Disney Food Trucks lineup.

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck pre-opening

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck pre-opening

We’ve got a full review of that $18 lobster roll for ya, so scroll down to see that! In the meantime, let’s take a peek at this sleek truck!

Atmosphere

Each Food Truck reflects the theme of a different Disney World Park (thus far Superstar Catering for Hollywood Studios, Namaste Café for Animal Kingdom, and Fantasy Fare for Magic Kingdom). World Showcase of Flavors represents Epcot — more specifically, the beloved Epcot Food & Wine Festival that comes to Epcot every Fall.

Banner on the back of the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

The adventure of travel and exploring other cultures for which World Showcase is known is captured in the design of the truck. I think the way it brings to mind an old-fashioned travel trunk covered with vintage-style “badges” collected along the way is pretty cool!

My favorite touch is the row of suitcases on top of the pickup window.

Pickup Window

By the way, my next pictures appear in a different setting – that’s because the trucks move :)! I snapped a few close-ups at its location by Cirque de Soleil pre-opening hours, but went back to eat when it was parked at the grassy area by Bongos Cuban Café.

Food Truck location by Bongos Cuban Cafe

Food Truck location by Bongos Cuban Cafe

Eats

The menu brings “The Best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival” to guests year-round.

The three entrees are Festival favorites

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Review: Red Velvet Peppermint Shake and Other Holiday Snacks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Thanks in part to a little annual shindig known as The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Hollywood Studios has a reputation for spreading holiday cheer in its own unique way… and that’s right down to the snacks!

This year there are a few newcomers to the mix as well as some old favorites. We were so excited to find these killer new snacks to share with you!

Red Velvet Peppermint Shake

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner

is playing host to a VERY hidden holiday gem… so well hidden, in fact, that you can’t even see it on a sign.

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner Menu

On the menu, you just see the simple mention of “Seasonal Shakes.” I took it upon myself to find out exactly what that means in regards to the Yuletide… and THIS is what I found: the Peppermint Shake!

Seasonal Peppermint Shake

The name “Peppermint Shake” is actually a bit misleading. The peppermint comes solely from the crushed candy cane on top of the whipped cream. The base, however, is made of Red Velvet ice Cream.

Seasonal Peppermint Shake

That mild cocoa flavor that Red Velvet is known for is [Read more…]

Epcot Debuts Sweet and Savory Waffles for the Holidays!

By 19 Comments

Epcot’s Holidays Around the World celebration features holiday customs and flavors from across the globe. Each country’s Pavilion in World Showcase offers a treat reflecting a bit of traditional holiday cuisine in the represented culture.

Last week we took you around to see most of the yummy additions, but…we had to give these awesome holiday waffles their own post!

Let’s head to Promenade Refreshments!

Promenade Refreshments

Even if you are familiar with Epcot, you may be less so with Promenade Refreshments. Located at the entrance to World Showcase from Future World (it’s closer to Canada than Mexico), it may be best known as the Desserts & Champagne Booth during the Food and Wine Festival, or the spot that doled out Spiced Rum Dole Whips (see what I did there? 😉 ) during the Flower and Garden Festival.

Promenade Refreshments

Promenade Refreshments has received another festive menu makeover. Take a look!

Promenade Refreshments Holiday Menu

Okay, so there are a few traditional treats on the menu… hot cocoa, apple cider, and mint tea, to name a few. Even with those, however, there is an option to add a twist. We’ll get back to that in a little bit.

For now, let’s focus on a couple of traditional holiday flavors presented in a very non-traditional way: the Savory Seasonal Waffle and the Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle! Then, we’ll head over to the bevvies!

Promenade Refreshments Menu

Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle

Um…kudos to the chefs who think these things up! Let’s chat about — the Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle! YUM! Look at that thing!

Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle

The difference here lies in the batter: it’s made of sweet potato. The flavor combo of the batter along with the more-than-ample toppings of marshmallow, pecan, and caramel sauce was absolutely terrific.

And I thought it still looked great even after I “opened up” the waffle!

Inside of the Sweet Potato Waffle

I’d anticipated something way more gooey (I think I was expecting more of a marshmallow “fluff” topping), but this was much easier to handle. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. While I liked both waffles, the Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle was the winner.

Just a note: be prepared to wait a few minutes (maybe four or five) for your waffle, because they are made per order. I didn’t mind the wait, because it meant each waffle came to me fresh and hot.

But if savory is more your thing…

Savory Seasonal Waffle

The Savory Seasonal Waffle brings together elements of a traditional American holiday feast: turkey, gravy, and cranberry, all together on a waffle made of…wait for it…stuffing batter!

Savory Seasonal Waffle

Stuffing! Batter! This is not [Read more…]

News! And Review: Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Refreshments New Menu!

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We’re heading to Harambe Village in Animal Kingdom’s Africa. Tamu Tamu Refreshments is our stop today, so we can check out the entirely new menu!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Atmosphere

It’s easy to stroll past Tamu Tamu on your way to Kilimanjaro Safaris, because this unassuming little spot blends in so perfectly with its surroundings.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Ordering Counter

There are a few clues, however, as to what is available to passersby:

Good Eats!

Cold drinks!

And the best part of the atmosphere is arguably a hidden gem. A lot of people aren’t aware of the gorgeous and peaceful outdoor seating area tucked behind!

Entry into the Harambe Fort

Chunky wooden tables and chairs are complemented by rustic plaster walls and artwork. It’s truly unexpected!

Tamu Tamu Seating Area

Tamu Tamu Seating Area

But I’d mentioned a new menu, so let’s dive in!

Eats

I was truly surprised to see the all-new offerings, especially since the Pulled Beef Sandwich had been a hit. (I must admit to being sad over the loss of that gorgeous fresh fruit bowl on the menu, and will continue to look for it at Bradley Falls whenever it is open!)

Tamu Tamu Menu

The menu is now offering three primary entrees: Slow-cooked Chicken Curry, Vegetarian Curry, and Roasted Chicken Salad. [Read more…]

Holiday Eats! Epcot Celebrates Holidays Around The World

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Epcot’s Holidays Around the World offers guests the opportunity to experience holiday traditions from around the globe through music, stories, and (our favorite) cuisine!

So, grab your passport… (yup — they have passports this year!)

Holidays Around the World Passport

…because we’re about to take a trip around the world! Epcot’s World Showcase, that is!

First things first: be sure to pick up a Guide Map at Epcot’s entrance for this experience.

Guide Map Display

Even if you know your way around Epcot, this map — unique to the festivities – shows you which treats are available and where you can find them (it provides times for special holiday performances as well).

Mexico

Let’s take it one country at a time, starting in Mexico, where La Cantina de San Angel is serving Sweet Tamales!

Sweet Tamale

While the corn-based dough in this dish isn’t at all sugary (with just the slightest hint of cinammon spice), the strawberry glaze on top delivers a nice bit of sweetness. The filling is tangy, with a guava puree (and I believe a hint of pineapple, as well).

Center of Sweet Tamale

Holiday Waffles and Drinks at Promenade Refreshments

Now, before we hit the rest of the countries in World Showcase, Promenade Refreshments is offering a few treats exclusive to the holidays, too!

Promenade Refreshments

Promenade Refreshments Holiday Menu

We’ll be back soon with a full review of both waffles and some of that peanut butter hot cocoa, but here’s a pic of the Savory Waffle to whet your whistle!

Savory Holiday Waffle at Promenade Refreshments

Portable holiday dinner!

Rice Cream in Norway

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe

in Norway has featured a favorite treat for the holidays… [Read more…]

Review: Peanut Butter and Candy Bar Brownies at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Not so long ago, I took a trip to The Mara, the Quick Service location at Animal Kingdom Lodge to check out the Giraffe and Zebra Cupcakes. But when I posted my review, we also shared pics of a couple of delicious looking brownies that we’d seen at the bakery… .

Peanut Butter Brownies in bakery case

Candy Bar Brownies in the bakery case

I guess they grabbed the attention of a few DFB Readers as well :), because when I read over the comments on that article, several went something like this:

“Yep, the cupcakes look great. But, ummm… HELLO! What can you tell me about that Peanut Butter Brownie?!?” (And THIS is exactly why DFB Readers are So. Great. 🙂 )

So, with that… it’s back to The Mara we go!

Atmosphere

Located on the ground floor of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Mara is one of the more interesting quick service locations in Disney World.

The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Mara offers unique eats in a unique setting. From African Stew and a delicious variety of soups to something on the menu called an “African Chili Cheese Dog” (Note to self: find out what that’s all about), there is so much more here than your standard cheeseburger.

The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge

What I most appreciate about the atmosphere is that it has a more “grown-up” feel for a Quick Service location, with its nods to the majesty of nature. Yet it’s still completely comfortable and approachable, in large part due to the whimsical artwork on the walls.

Part of the wall mural at The Mara

Part of the wall mural at The Mara

For this visit, I took my goodies to the outdoor seating area.

Outdoor Seating at The Mara

Outdoor Seating at The Mara

It’s lovely and [Read more…]

4 Great Counter-Service Turkey Options in Walt Disney World

By 8 Comments

It’s the Holiday Season! Festive holiday decorations are making their appearance in the “World,” and plans for merry-making with family and friends will be set in place.

Don’t get me wrong – that’s great and all. But let’s face it… those of us who gather here at Disney Food Blog are really thinking about all the FESTIVE FOOD we’re going to enjoy! Specifically, we’re ready to talk TURKEY (and gravy, cranberries, and stuffing) at Disney World Counter-Service locations! These are some great choices if you’re touring the World during the holidays and don’t have time for a sit-down situation. Grab your holiday eats on the go!

Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Earl of Sandwich

Perhaps you’re already familiar with the Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney: turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry all on Earl’s artisan bread.

Holiday Turkey Sandwich

Maybe you are among those who love it so much you have all but written a Shakespearean sonnet in its honor. And if you count yourself among the diehards, we certainly wouldn’t judge you if you danced a jig or threw a small party when it was announced that the Holiday Turkey Sandwich would be served at Earl’s year-round. It’s music to our ears!

Turkey Sandwich – Everything Pop Food Court

But Earl’s isn’t the only place where you can enjoy holiday flavors any time of year…

Let’s head over to Pop Century’s Food Court, Everything Pop!

Everything Pop!

On the menu, you’ll find a listing for a “Turkey Sandwich.” But c’mon… this is Everything Pop we’re talking about, and we know their propensity for unusual eats! So it should come as no surprise that this is more than a simple turkey sandwich. Just check out the ingredient list!

Everything Pop Turkey Sandwich on the Menu

That’s right: oven-roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, watercress, and cranberry mayo in between two slices of Texas Toast.

Everything Pop Turkey Sandwich

Before we get into the details, here’s a quiz for you! At Thanksgiving dinner are you more likely to: [Read more…]

Disney World and Disneyland Thanksgiving Treats!

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Happy Thanksgiving (tomorrow), DFB Readers! Maybe you are having a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Or, if you’re spending your holiday in a Disney park, perhaps you’ve made an Advanced Dining Reservation at one of the Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving.

Well, be sure to leave a little room, because Disney World and Disneyland have some extra treats out this week for Thanksgiving guests :).

Disney World Thanksgiving Treats

Hollywood Studios has topped this Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing at several counter-service locations

throughout the park!

Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing

I snagged one at my favorite spot for cupcakes in the Studios: Starring Rolls Cafe. This is a very lightly spiced pumpkin cake topped with an intensely maple-flavored frosting, dusted with crushed walnuts and topped with a milk chocolate pumpkin.

Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing

Seriously – the frosting tastes JUST like maple syrup!! It’s also very dense. I was impressed with the flavor, but found it to be very sweet. After a few bites it was a little much, so I’d recommend sharing this one.

Inside the Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Icing

If you’re craving something a little stronger ;), stop by Tune-In Lounge or High Octane Refreshments and check out one of the specialty cocktails mixed for the holiday: a Smoked Turkey or a Spiced Jack (with a Graham Cracker Crust rim). [Read more…]

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