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EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

Category: Cult Favorites

Coming Soon! The “DFB Guide to the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival” e-Book

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The DFB Guide to the 2012 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book is coming soon! We’re working hard to make this year’s version even better than last year’s, and I can’t wait to unveil it!

The DFB Guide to the 2012 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book

This mini-guide is the fifth in a series of mini-guides being published on your favorite Disney food topics.

And with the Epcot Food & Wine festival rapidly approaching, we’ll have all the info you need to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck and your time at the 2012 festival!

Special Features

You know us by now; we always include a few bonus items and special features for you! Here are just a few of them…

  • A full, daily schedule of events for every day of the festival
  • Brand new World Showcase booth crawls for this year’s menus
  • Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for visiting [Read more…]

What Are Your Favorite Disney World Hotel Restaurants?

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I love hearing from you about your favorite restaurants and experiences in Disney parks and resorts. So as I gear up for another trip to Walt Disney World in the very near future, I’m sharing with you a few of my favorite restaurants at Disney resorts (aka: hotels)…and hoping you’ll share right back!

Beaches and Cream

What are your favorite Disney World Hotel Restaurants, and why? What are the spots that keep you coming back, visit after visit?

I’ll tell you mine, and then I want to hear all about yours…

Beaches and Cream

If you know me, you know that Beaches and Cream Soda Shoppe is truly my go-to place (and it’s my parents’ go-to place…chances are you’ll see AJ’s Dad and AJ’s Mom there if you’re in Disney World at the same time they are)!

Nestled between the Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts, this table service restaurant — which does NOT accept reservations — is just like the soda fountains that you grew up going to (or hearing about)! This is THE place at Disney for burgers and ice cream treats, like my absolute favorite, the No Way Jose.

The ooey gooey peanut butter and hot fudge confection is pretty amazing, don’t you think?

No Way Jose

Flying Fish Cafe

The Flying Fish Cafe

at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn consistently wows me every time I dine there. With unique decor, awesome service, and inventive food, this spot currently holds one of the top spots on my list of hotel restaurants…and never disappoints.

Whether you choose seafood or a land lover’s option, you will leave happy! And fun desserts, like this Trio of Concession Sweets (a nice tribute to their spot on the Boardwalk) are just [Read more…]

Review: Kona Cafe Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

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Learn About:Kona Cafe
Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

There are restaurants that are hidden gems at Walt Disney World, and there are others that are definitely becoming known as must-do eats. Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort falls firmly into the “must do” list these days. And when it comes to breakfast, this place is, like, the holy grail of Disney World! There are at least four things on the menu that you have to try. 😉

If you plan to dine at Kona for lunch, be sure to check out our lunch review. But I knew I had to let you in on some great breakfast-y secrets this time…

Atmosphere

We’ve said it before: Kona looks kind of boring. It’s true, at first glance this place looks like any old hotel eatery offering high-priced, mediocre food. But that’s just Kona being a chameleon so that only the true Disney insiders (like you and me) know how good it is.

Kona Cafe

The atmosphere strives to be Hawaiian-y with Polynesian-esque wall hangings, lighting fixtures, and wrought-iron detail. And with the Poly’s atrium just outside the restaurant, it can feel like you’re dining in a lush, air-conditioned Polynesian garden. (Well…a loud air-conditioned Polynesian garden.)

Great Light Fixture

Bright colors and light wood surround you in the open space, and I like that you can peek in on what the Chefs are creating in the semi-open kitchen. When we’re here, they’re usually working on dessert!

Kona Cafe Dining Room

And speaking of bright colors, be sure to look down at the beautiful, tropical-inspired carpet! You just might find a Hidden Mickey if you look closely. 🙂

Hidden Mickey in Carpet

Seating includes both booths and tables. As always, I love the round tables, which give you [Read more…]

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Event Updates

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We have a bit of new information — including pricing, dates, and times — for some highly-anticipated events at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

As always, you can visit our Epcot Food and Wine Festival index page for all updates at any time. Bookings will begin for special events on August 14th, 2012, at 7am. Call 407-WDWFEST or book online for some events at disneyworld.com/foodandwine.

New Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details

Italian Regional Food & Wine Luncheon:

Replacing the French Regional Lunches this year are Italian Regional Food & Wine Luncheons in Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar. Noon-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cost is $75 (plus tax, gratuity included, park admission required).

Veal Parmesan at a 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Event in Italy

Party for the Senses: Held this year on October 6, 13, 20, and 27, and November 3 Party for the Senses in the World ShowPlace is back. As we previously reported, there are three tiers of pricing this year:
1.) A reserved table on the main floor ($170 plus tax, gratuity included, park admission required)
2.) A reserved table in the premium Wine View Lounge is $270 plus tax (gratuity included, park admission required)
3.) General admission $145 plus tax (gratuity included, park admission required). Both of the reserved seating options also include a specialty cocktail and early admission at 7:15 p.m.

Party For the Senses 2011 -- all photos copyright DisneyFoodBlog.com

Marketplace VIP Access Chef Tours These take place at 10:30am each Wednesday during the festival and feature five dishes and five beverages (alcoholic). The tour will last 2 hours. Cost is $90 [Read more…]

Reader Favorites: Best Walt Disney World Counter Service Restaurants

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Whelp, it’s time to re-visit one of our favorite topics around here: Best Disney World Counter Service Restaurants!

 

We polled our readers back in 2009 for their favorites, and things are looking slightly different these days… 😉

We recently asked our Disney Food Blog Facebook Fans via the Disney Food Blog Facebook page for the best counter service restaurants inside the theme parks at Walt Disney World. Let’s find out where everyone is eating…

Best Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurants

Best Disney World Counter Service RestaurantsWinner: Columbia Harbour House

In a quiet corner of the Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, the Columbia Harbour House sets the scene for traditional Americana in a colonial village — and steals our Best Magic Kingdom Counter Service title away from Pecos Bill’s this year!

Columbia Harbour House

The decor of the restaurant emphasizes a nautical theme with plank flooring and hurricane lamps. Downstairs, seating is divided into small dining rooms giving the space a colonial charm.

Here’s a Favorite DFB Tip: The upstairs seating area is usually the quietest and offers some tables with quaint views. Brick hearths add even more “warmth” to the dark-wooded rooms.

Grilled Salmon… this meal belongs on a real plate.

Serving popular soups (awesome clam chowder!), salads, and sandwiches such as the Lighthouse (hummus with tomato and broccoli slaw) and Anchors Aweigh (white tuna with lettuce and tomato) served on toasted multigrain bread; and recently adding a Lobster Roll and Grilled Salmon to the menu, Columbia Harbour House offers selections beyond the usual chicken nugget fare. (Although, there are those too!)

Lobster Roll with real chunks of lobster at Columbia Harbour House

Runners Up: Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Be Our Guest Restaurant (lunch only), and Casey’s Corner.

Best Epcot Counter Service Restaurants

Winner: Sunshine Seasons

Soarin’ isn’t the only main attraction in The Land pavilion! According to our readers, Sunshine Seasons gets a lot of traffic too.

Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons

With five food stations including a [Read more…]

New! Disney Food-Inspired Air Fresheners

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According to one of my favorite people at the DisneyParks Blog, merch specialist Steven Miller, there are some awesome new Disney food merch items about to debut!

Turkey Leg and Mickey Ice Cream Bar Air Fresheners

Taking the powerful sense of smell and combining it with the Disney food world, the Parks will release Disney Food-inspired Air Fresheners in August!

And while I’m not 100% sure (not even 25% sure) I’d want a Turkey Leg scent emanating from my car on these hot summer days, I sure could get on board with a yummy Mickey Waffle smell or that spicy candy apple!

Candy Apple and Mickey Waffle Air Fresheners

The turkey leg, Mickey Mouse premium ice cream bar, candy apple, and Mickey Mouse waffle air fresheners seen here were [Read more…]

What Disney Food Are You Most Excited To Eat?

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OK, we’ve got an interactive post today, because I need your suggestions!

I’m headed back to Disney World this Summer, and I’ve got a few treats I can’t wait to finally eat. But I’d love to hear what snacks, entrees, and other menu items you’re looking forward to eating on your next Disney visit so that I can add a few of your eagerly anticipated eats to my list! Let me know your choices in the comments!

First up, here’s what I can’t wait to try on my upcoming trip…

Chicken Waffle in the Magic Kingdom

I keep hearing raves about this giant, saucy sandwich found at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, and I’m really looking forward to trying it for myself.

I’ve had the Prosciutto waffle, but still need to try the others!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich

“The King” Cupcake at Pop Century Resort

Um… peanut butter frosting, chocolate cake, banana custard filling, candied bacon, and chocolate drizzle. Must have.

This Elvis-inspired King Cupcake at Everything Pop Food Court has both [Read more…]

News! Temporary Closure in 2013 for Disney World’s California Grill

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Learn About:California Grill
Disney World Restaurants

Chef Brian Piasecki reveals a few details of the upcoming renovation of the popular California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World!

This high-end restaurant offers exquisite cuisine and top-notch fireworks viewing, but we’ll have to find another signature spot to dine for the first half of 2013! According to the DisneyParks Blog, we finally have a solid date for the restaurant’s closure that we reported earlier this year.

California Grill will close in early 2013, and re-open in the late summer. Save us a spot at this window table! 😉

Great view from California Grill

Menu and Other Updates

While the menu will undergo some tweaking, a fresh, seasonal menu with top-of-the-line sushi will continue to be the main focus of the kitchen.

The continued use of creative flavors and techniques will allow chefs to [Read more…]

News! 2012 Candlelight Processional Lunch and Dinner Packages On Sale Now

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It’s time!! The Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages are finally on sale!

This coveted ticket provides guests with a lunch or dinner meal at select Epcot restaurants and guaranteed seating to the popular Candlelight Processional holiday spectacular.

At the event, the Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while a 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the re-telling. The event is held on select nights from November 23 – December 30, 2012, in the American Gardens Theatre at Disney World’s Epcot.

Package Details

The package includes your choice of an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage or 1 full buffet from the restaurant’s menu. Guests also have access to an special Illuminations Fireworks viewing area.

Prices [Read more…]

Tickets Now Available for the DFB Snack Attack Illuminations Dessert Party

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Please Note: This event is now SOLD OUT. To join the waiting list, please email your name and the number of tickets you would like to Support @ DFBGuide.com. Thank you!

Calling all Disney food fans! I’m pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s DFB SNACK ATTACK Illuminations Dessert Party are now available for purchase. Scroll down and click the ticket button to snag your tix today! 🙂

About Snack Attack

This our Second Annual Snack Attack, an event featuring a menu full of our favorite Walt Disney World snacks — all in one place AND an incredible, private view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth in Epcot! Click here to read more about this event!

IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth

Last year’s event featured a dessert buffet with some classic Disney Food Blog favorites including…

School Bread from Norway at the 2011 Snack Attack

Starring Rolls’ Butterfinger Cupcakes
Classic Disney Popcorn
Animal Kingdom Lodge Zebra Domes
Mickey Ice Cream Bars
Norway’s School Bread
Writer’s Stop’s Carrot Cake Cookies
Boardwalk Bakery’s Cheesecake Brownies
Starring Rolls’ [Read more…]

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