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Category: Cult Favorites

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Event Updates

By 14 Comments

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

By 52 Comments

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

By 36 Comments

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?

By 82 Comments

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

By 16 Comments

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

By 28 Comments

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…]

Guest Review: Tables in Wonderland Great Movie Ride Dinner

By 28 Comments

Welcome guest author Jamie with a once-in-a-blue-moon review of The Great Movie Ride dinner event offered by Tables in Wonderland in Walt Disney World. PLEASE NOTE: This dinner is offered RARELY and cannot be booked through Disney Dining.

Who doesn’t like to go see a good movie? But what makes it even better? How about dinner and a movie! But not just any dinner, a four course dinner while you’re actually IN the movie!

On June 16, 2012, my wife and I had the pleasure of attending a Tables in Wonderland event at The Great Movie Ride in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.

Entrance to The Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios.

Atmosphere

Once we checked in and got our wristbands, we were able to walk around outside and look at all of the famous hand prints that decorated the pavement in front of the main entrance. You might recognize this one!

Minnie Mouse Impressions

Suddenly, a dapper looking figure comes bursting out of the main entrance. It was none other than Alberto Dante, the “famous” movie director himself. He proceeded to tell a few jokes and really got the crowd excited to see what the night had in store. I was extremely honored when he gave me one of his business cards.

Alberto Dante

Alberto Dante's Business Card

After about 10 minutes, we followed Alberto through the front doors.

Once we were inside, we were led to where the attraction begins. Through his megaphone, Alberto said to follow him, as he led us down to the main floor. We were now walking on the track that [Read more…]

Snack Attack Tickets Available For Purchase June 26th

By 26 Comments

Calling all Disney food fans! I’m pleased to announce that tickets for this year’s WDW Foodie Fest SNACK ATTACK will be available for purchase on June 26th, 2012, at 12pm ET.

Because tickets for this event sold out in under 2 hours last year, we wanted to give you plenty of notice about when this year’s tickets would be available.

What’s 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…]

Review: Cream Puff, Chocolate Eclair, and Creme Brulee in Epcot’s France

By 36 Comments

Every once in a while, a dining spot comes along that screams indulgence! And when you are traveling around the World in the space of a few hours at Epcot, it is imperative that you sample some of the World’s best treats.

Desserts in Epcot’s France Pavilion fall into this category perfectly. You simply must try something here. 😉 So off we go to savor the decadence that is the Boulangerie Patisserie!

Boulangerie Patisserie

When you head into the bakery, you’re overloaded with rows of pastries and sandwiches. We somehow managed to keep our selections to only three this day, starting with the luscious Cream Puff.

Cream Puff

Come on. Look at this thing. Only people in commercials and books get to eat stuff like this, right? So you HAVE to try it!

This version starts with a lovely pate a choux, the fresh, rich-tender pastry that serves as a vehicle for all of that beautiful filling.

Cream Puff

Speaking of the filling, it was wonderfully light and fluffy, and so much more than plain ol’ “whipped cream” in texture, flavor, and general “ooh la la-ness” (yes, that is now a thing). I don’t know if they use a European cream with a higher fat content, or if it’s just French magic, but this is fantastic.

Eat it slowly (you know…if you’re blessedly alone and your kids aren’t clamoring for a swipe of that filling!), and savor every delicious bite. 🙂

Just pretend you’re in one of those Dove chocolate commercials. It’ll totally work.

Cream Puff Close Up

Chocolate Eclair

For our second dessert, we tried the Chocolate Eclair. An important point to note: I wasn’t expecting a [Read more…]

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