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The Caramel Apple Stick Dilemma, SOLVED

I’ve been a HUGE fan of the Walt Disney World caramel apples for many years.

My obsession grew to a new level when, on a recent trip to Disneyland, I saw that the West coast Disney snack artists have turned this formerly simple treat into a true art form.

Not only are the Disney caramel apples delicious, they are also beautiful, creative, and just plain fun.

But all of that begs a practical question. How do they get so many sticks into so many apples? I mean seriously, have you ever tried to shove a pop stick into an apple?

It’s hard, and messy, and after doing three or four of them, you’re ready to stop and just pour the caramel through a funnel into your mouth, bypassing the apple altogether. (Don’t try that at home folks. :-))

Well, as I was perusing the Disneyland treat offerings, I happened upon a caramel apple prep area and, mystery solved, I learned how they get the sticks into the apples. A handy-dandy gadget comes to the rescue… [Read more…]

It’s National Root Beer Float Day! Celebrate in Disney World and Disneyland!

By Heather 4 Comments

I don’t know who comes up with these things, but today, August 6, is National Root Beer Float Day. Google it. It’s true. In honor of this frosty treat of perfection we are happy to share with you some Root Beer Floats of the Disney Parks.

Our first float comes to you from the newly opened Ghirardelli Store in Disney California Adventure.

Ghirardelli in Disney California Adventure

Ghirardelli uses hand scooped ice cream and serves their floats up in open-top plastic cups. You can opt for a cover, but not until you have a few sips/bites. It overflows quickly, so have your straw and spoon ready to take action!

Ghirardelli Root Beer Float

Next up, I give you the “Route” Beer Float served over at Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land. You can find this one in the Ice Cream Cone (Cone #2) over at the Cozy Cone Motel! [Read more…]

Halloween Party Throw Down: Disney World vs. Disneyland

By Kim LaPaglia 29 Comments

Welcome back guest author Katie Drake with a review of the Halloween parties at Disney World and Disneyland. Note that your experience with crowds, candy, and weather may differ based on the dates you attend the parties.

Disneyland and WDW’s Magic Kingdom are both arguably at their best at Halloween time, with decorations and special sweet treats coming out in force for the holiday.

Both parks feature some of their most-anticipated hard ticket special events — Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (MNSSHP), and Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland.

MNSSHP Sign

Mickey's Halloween Party in Disneyland

Of course most guests will only get to visit one, but which party to choose? The events are as alike as their confusingly similar names, but there are a few differences that make each one unique.

My family had the opportunity to attend MNSSHP in Walt Disney World in 2010, and followed it up with Mickey’s Halloween Party in Disneyland in 2011. Here’s a head to head comparison so you can start planning on where to head for Halloween 2012!

Parade

Both parades feature a wide variety of favorite Disney characters dressed in their Halloween costumes, but the Florida parade wins this round based on one thing — the Headless Horseman.

Headless Horseman Rides in Magic Kingdom (c) Disney

Mickey's Halloween Party Parade in Disneyland

It’s not quite the same now that he has to walk down the parade route, instead of canter, but the sight is still something amazing to see. Other than that, the parades are pretty similar.

Parade Winner: [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe with Starbucks!

By Heather 23 Comments

After all of our coverage of Cars Land, we’ve got another great gem in the heart of Disney California Adventure’s new Buena Vista Street! I’ve already been there a few times and I can tell you that the Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe is a great stop for a quick bite to eat.

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe

This, by the way, is also where you’ll find the very first Starbucks to be located inside of a Disney theme park.

I love that the signage for Starbucks is discreet.

Atmosphere

Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe is a counter service restaurant themed with The Silver Lake Sisters in mind. Who are the Silver Lake Sisters you ask? The story here is that they were a trio of singers with a love for [Read more…]

Spotted! Fun “Disney Food” Statues at Off the Page in Disney California Adventure

By Heather 4 Comments

One of my favorite stores to visit in Disney California Adventure is the “Off the Page” gallery located next to the Art of Animation building in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot. They always have fun items ranging from fine art, to tech gadgets, to kitchen goodies and statuettes.

On a recent visit I noticed these cute “Foodie” statues and thought it would be fun to share them on the blog.

My favorite of the statues is this Donald Duck piece with Chip and Dale behind him sneakily stealing his ice cream. The statue is pretty large, 17 inches tall, and designed by Disney artist Brian Blackmore. It’s hand painted sculpted resin and sells for $199.95.

Donald Duck Ice Cream Statue

Sneaky little Chip n' Dale!

Next up we’ve got Chip and Dale “sharing” a peanut. Also made of hand painted sculpted resin, this statue stands 12 inches high and was designed by Disney Artist Costa Alavezos. It’s $99.95.

Chip and Dale Peanut Statue

Chef Goofy in “Goofy as French Chef” is stirring up a pot of boiling water while his [Read more…]

Review: Matterhorn Macaroon and Flourless Chocolate Cake at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery

By AJ 18 Comments

I was so excited FINALLY to stop in at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe recently and sample many of the treats and dishes!

Heather gave you a thorough tour of Jolly Holiday when the bakery first opened AND introduced you to the lemon meringue bar! And you know how much I love those Mickey Ganache Tarts that I wrote about earlier. But today, we are going to talk about a couple more must-try items!

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

Atmosphere

As the name implies, Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe takes its theme from the classic live action Disney film, Mary Poppins. As a result, you see many decorative touches that echo the time period in which the film is set, the much-beloved Edwardian Era. Façades of the building are sprinkled liberally with gingerbread cutwork – perfect for both a bakery AND Mainstreet U.S.A.!

Inside, no detail has been left out. We absolutely adore the stained glass penguin windows, which bring in the animated elements of the film — touches that were celebrated as groundbreaking at the time the movie was made. It’s just plain neat to see the “cartoon” portions of the story highlighted in this upscale way.

Stained Glass Penguin

The grandeur and “over the top” feel that crowned the time period is evident in the decorative details, right down to the rose trim on this chandelier. I loved this touch!

Chandelier

Looking around at the lovely space lent to our excitement about the food to come (and helped with the UBER LONG line that Jolly Holiday almost always has ;-D), so let’s get [Read more…]

Guest Review: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure

By AJ 11 Comments

Today we’re welcoming guest author Kent Walker with a cool review of the brand new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure. Read on for a delicious dose of ice cream and brownies!

Having been big fans of chocolate since before we could spell the word, my wife and I were very excited to find out that a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop would be opening at Disney California Adventure. Not only would we be able to ride Radiator Springs Racers, we’d be able to do it with a belly full of ice cream, hot fudge, and brownie.

Atmosphere

The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop occupies the space that used to be the Mission Tortilla Factory, which was an original DCA attraction in 2001.

While we were sad to see the factory go (our sons especially loved the free corn and flour tortillas – including a whole bag on their birthday!), our depression was short-lived when we found out we could drown our sorrows in sea salt caramel hot cocoa!

Inside Ghirardelli at Disney California Adventure

Our family has been to San Francisco and visited the Ghirardelli Square shop, so we knew how good their chocolate, sundaes and chocolate drinks were. Other than the much larger selection of chocolate in San Francisco, the soda fountains are very similar.

Ghirardelli in DCA made the wise choice of having much wider aisles for easier stroller navigation and crowd control, and a Ghirardelli staffer hands out samples and menus out at the door. They even go the extra step and cut off the top of the foil package so it’s easier for you to get at your free chocolate treat. On the day we stopped by, it was a caramel filled milk chocolate piece.

Other than the wider aisles for crowds and strollers, the inside is very similar to other Ghirardelli Soda Fountains across the country. One nice touch, though, is a [Read more…]

New! DFB Podcast Episode 6: Steakhouse Showdown

By AJ 2 Comments

Hey all! Great news today for all you commuters, walkers, runners, gym-goers, and other assorted podcast listeners!

Just wanted to drop a line this afternoon to let you know that the sixth episode of our DFB Podcast is now posted and ready for downloading!

In this episode we cover the latest Disney Food News, discuss two great Disney steakhouses, answer a few reader questions, and reveal the answer to our Episode 5 trivia question (as well as give you a brand new trivia question)!

Click here to go to the Podcast page for Episode 6. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and let us know [Read more…]

Review: Frozen Lemonade Flavor Shots in Disneyland

By AJ 4 Comments

Happy 4th of July, everyone!! Today I wanted to share some wonderful Summertime treats in Disneyland. These are the perfect compliment to those hot, hot days…

Frozen Lemonade…and Then Some!

First up, I had to document for you one of my favorite Summer treats. We all love frozen lemonade — and you’ve probably seen it in pre-mixed strawberry or raspberry versions.

But what makes it awesome here is the option to add flavor shots while pouring the icy snack!

Shot of Cherry

Recently, as I was wandering around Disneyland, I made my way back to Fantasyland and noticed a sign for frozen lemonade. Score!

Lemonade Kiosk

But this wasn’t just any frozen lemonade. These lemonades were available with made-to-order flavor shots in either cherry or raspberry! The awesome Cast Member (shhh!) let me go behind the counter to get some great shots of her flavor shot technique.

Disneyland Flavored Lemonade Machine

The flavor of the cherry was delightful — the perfect combo of [Read more…]

News! Downtown Disney Anaheim Celebrates Avocado Week

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

The second annual California Avocado Week is being held July 1-7 at Downtown Disney Anaheim at the Disneyland Resort. Guests can take part in cooking demos, munch on featured menu selections, and more!

Throughout the week, Downtown Disney restaurants will feature special California avocado menu items, and Sephora will offer refreshing avocado facials. Celebrate the Avocado season in Disneyland!

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney

Main Stage Schedule

4 p.m.: Cooking demonstrations will feature dishes made with California avocados

by a chef from one of the premiere restaurants at Downtown Disney. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis will be available for 100 guests and each seated guest will have the chance to taste the menu item. Unlimited standing room will be available as well.

6 p.m.: A Guacamole contest will feature three participants (selected by the California Avocado Commission) with the challenge to make guacamole out of ingredients provided. The winning dish will be awarded a $100 gift card to a participating restaurant in Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District.

Nightly until 10 p.m.: DJ Wendy will entertain.

Food Demo Calendar

Sunday, July 1

Chef Meyer, House of Blues, California Avocado and Blue Cheese Crusted Rib Eye

Monday, July 2
Chef Thomas Keaveny, ESPN Zone, Mini California Avocado Shrimp [Read more…]

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The Caramel Apple Stick Dilemma, SOLVED

It’s National Root Beer Float Day! Celebrate in Disney World and Disneyland!