Animal Kingdom Lodge | the disney food blog

Disney Food Blog Special Event: Snack Attack, Featuring DFB Favorites

Start your Disney Vacation with a bang! We’re excited to announce a new WDW Foodie Fest event that will take place in Epcot on the evening of October 4th, 2011! Join me and other Disney Food Blog readers for an evening of…

Fun, Food, and Fireworks!

The Snack Attack, Featuring DFB Favorites, is an event like none other! On October 4th, our guests will arrive at a private Illluminations Fireworks viewing location in Epcot (psst…it’ll be in the UK pavilion!) and get down to business — the business of eating, that is!

This dessert party doesn’t just offer a few generic cannoli and brownies. No sir. We’ve worked with Disney to provide a menu that will excite even the biggest Disney food fan! The menu of the evening will include a buffet of…

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’ Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes
And MORE!

What a great way to start the evening!

But that’s not all!! Once you’ve had your fill, relax and enjoy a fabulous view of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot’s outstanding fireworks spectacular, from our private viewing area! That’s right — no jostling for the best view, no saving seats. You’ve already got a great view, so just sit back and take it all in.

Illuminations, Reflections of Earth

Cost for this event will be $40 per person. Tickets will be limited! Ticket information will be announced soon on the Disney Food Blog Newsletter, our WDWFoodieFest.com website, and right here on the Disney Food Blog, so stay tuned.

Please note that this event will in addition to our Oct. 2nd Beach Club Resort event. You can see the WDW Foodie Fest schedule of events here!

Also — wanted to add that I got this great idea from a Mother’s Day event created by fellow blogger Mark D.! He’s written up a review of his event for Disney Food Blog that I’ll be sharing soon!

Disney World Margarita Gallery

By AJ 45 Comments

This post was originally going to be a throwdown, but I had so many margaritas I wanted to share with you that it ended up being a curated gallery for heaven’s sake!

Also, I hope you guys are willing to share with me in the comments section your favorite margaritas (and maybe even your pictures of them to add to the gallery!).

Take a look through the reviews below and let me know what I’m missing! Let’s work together to make this comprehensive! 🙂

Multiple Locations: Margarita Flight

Finally, if you just can’t make up your mind, head over to one of Disney World’s Mexican restaurants (they’re all run by the same company) and order a Margarita Flight! I’ve mentioned it a couple of times already here on DFB, but it’s really a great option if you’d like to try multiple different flavors.

Margarita Flight

As daily readers know, my favorites here are the Lime, Mango Blueberry, and Pineapple. Not so much with the veggies and the flowers. 😉

You can get these at most of Disney’s Mexican food locations, including Maya Grill and Rix Lounge at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s World Showcase.

If you’re very, very lucky, you can also get one in my favorite place in all of Disney World — La Cava del Tequila. They are only served on certain days here.

Paradiso 37: Twisted Margarita and Regular Margarita

Paradiso 37 in Downtown Disney offers this fabulous concoction that’s half frozen sangria and half frozen margarita. Yes please! They call it the Twisted Margarita…

Twisted Margarita -- half sangria half margarita

Their classic margarita is fantastic — and just about the farthest thing from watered down you can get. Boasted as their famous Souza margarita, the Paradiso 37 lived up to its accolades!

Paradiso 37 Margarita

High Octane Refreshments: Stoplight Margarita

Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this little outdoor bar has quite a few offerings. Now I expected this Stoplight margarita to be the same high-alcohol, low-flavor type that we see at the Epcot Margarita kiosk (see below). But boy was I wrong!! After years of fiesta margaritas in Epcot, this was a breath of fresh air!

Mixer-mass-produced, yes — flavorless, no! I loved the mix of melon, strawberry, and lime flavors in this frozen drink. Kudos, High Octane Refreshments!

Stoplight Margarita

La Hacienda de San Angel: Orange Mango Fire Margarita

Margaritas are a specialty at La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot, and you can’t go wrong with the classic margarita here.

But for something different, try the [Read more…]

Guest Review: New Jiko Wine Tasting

By AJ 20 Comments

Welcome to Jenn Lazzaro (whom you’ve seen here before by way of her gorgeous photos), who’s treating us to her review of the brand new Jiko Wine Tasting happening on Wednesdays at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! Take it away, Jenn!

When I first heard that Jiko was starting up wine pairing Wednesday afternoons, I immediately grabbed a calendar to see if any of them coincided with trip in May. Sure enough, one did! Jiko is hands down one of my top two favorite restaurants on Disney property (the other is Citricos), so I couldn’t make a reservation quick enough.

Booking and Background

According to the Disney Parks Blog:

With one of the finest collections of South African wines in the U.S., sommeliers at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge love sharing tastes. Each Wednesday from 3-4 p.m., take a journey through the wine regions of South Africa and sample three delicious vintages paired with cheese and fruit. Cost is $25 plus tax and gratuity, and reservations can be made at 407-WDW-DINE.

Before even asking my other friends if they wanted to join me, I immediately called the Jiko reservation line that was given and left a message with my information that was requested. Within a few hours, I had a confirmation email from one of the Cast Members of Jiko confirming my reservation and letting me know that I can add guests with just a simple email back to her.

After all was said and done, there were 4 of us wanting to attend the wine pairing. We arrived at Jiko a little early and they were still setting up, so we wandered for a bit. After seeing other guests waiting by the bar area, we wandered back and hung out with the crowd.

Atmosphere and Tasting

The sommelier came around to each group to check us in. We were then ushered into the main dining room of Jiko where we all took our seats around a single long table, which sat around 16 or 18 people. The wines were already placed at each seat on top of a place mat that listed the name of each wine sample. As guests started to greet and meet each other, the cheeses were quickly laid in center of the table.

Tasting Wines

I’d wanted to take photos of everything before we were told we could start eating but, unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough. One of the Jiko chefs came to our table to explain the cheeses that we would be having [Read more…]

Guest Review: Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge

By Kim LaPaglia 28 Comments

Welcome our Guest Reviewer Andrew Serio, who takes us to dinner at Boma inside the exotic Animal Kingdom Lodge. Let’s sample the flavors of Africa with him!

Boma, which is nestled down the stairs from the lobby of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, is among the most popular “non-character” buffet restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort. After a several year span away from Boma, my wife Joy and I tried it again on a Thursday night in late February.

Atmosphere

Because Boma shares a common exterior area with Jiko, things can get a little hectic when approaching the podium. This was the case on this evening, as there were a good many people milling about. However, when we approached the host stand, we were greeted immediately and cordially by James and Anna. Our ADR was verified, and we were asked to wait briefly while being handed a pager.

Welcome to Boma!

After a very short wait, we were ushered to our table, which was [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 29, 2011

By AJ Leave a Comment

Welcome to the round-up!!

In Disney food news this week:

Disneyland’s new Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s opened at the Disneyland Hotel!
We have a menu and photos from the new Animal Kingdom Lodge Dine With An Animal Specialist opportunity!
The official schedule of Eat to the Beat concerts and the theme of this year’s festival have been revealed! We also know some of the new booths for this year! Keep an eye on our 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for more details on the festival!
Star Wars Weekends in Disney World feature some Star Wars yummy, sweet snacks.
The Disney World Swan and Dolphin released special packages and details for their July 2nd BBQ Bash and the 2011 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic!
Disneyland’s Corn Dog Castle has re-opened!
There’s a new Disney Princess cupcake cookbook for sale…

Memorial Day Weekend Sale and More Accolades for the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!

Yep! We’re celebrating this important weekend with a special discount for our readers on our critically acclaimed e-Book! Use code: Memorial at the check out to get a 20% discount on the regular price of the book. Click here to get your copy!

Also, thanks to Main St. Gazette for a great review of the guide! Here’s what he has to say: This incredible volume presents well-researched, critical information about dining in Walt Disney World in a bright, fun manner. The digital availability of The DFB Guide to Disney World Dining will keep weight out of your touring backpack, while saving you valuable time and money. Just be sure not to page through this guide on an empty stomach!

Check out the full review here! And see sample pages, testimonials, and more about the guide here!

On to the Round-Up

A Wedding Cake Blog

features a Mad Hatter wedding cake from the special Will and Kate sleepover in Disney World!

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups visits BabyCakes for delicious cupcakes.

PR Newswire reports that Michael Jordan (the wine aficionado, not the basketball player) is returning to Anaheim…just not to Disney…

Watch Me Eat reviews the new Fork and Screen Theater at Orlando’s Downtown Disney.

Disney Tourist Blog highlights an evening at Victoria & Albert’s in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.

Disney Parks Blog visits Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian for waterside dining.

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney shows off how they make a famous cocktail, Brennan-style…

More Details on Disney World’s New Dine with an Animal Specialist Option: Menu, Photos, and Activities!

By AJ 12 Comments

Learn About:Sanaa

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Jambo! Thanks to Vallen Tucker at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge office, we have some great NEW information about the resort’s Dine With An Animal Specialist opportunity!!

As you know, the dining option is offered at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village. Guests can dine with an Animal Specialist, savoring cuisine from Sanaa while learning about the animals grazing outside the window. During the “untamed” lunch, your family will be immersed in African culture while posing questions to the animal expert regarding the animals on the nearby savanna.

Dine With An Animal Specialist: Menu

The four-course menu will delight your senses during this exclusive experience limited to 12 guests. It is recommended for guests over 8 years old. Special Diets can be accommodated and there is a separate menu for kids

First Course: Indian Style Bread Service
Breads – Naan, Onion Kulcha, Papadum, Paneer Paratha

Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Green Mango Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney

Parts of the First Course Offerings

Second Course: [Read more…]

New Offering at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Dine with an Animal Specialist!

By AJ 14 Comments

Learn About:Sanaa

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Update: See the Dine with an Animal Specialist menu, food photos, and details here!

Thanks to reader Cliff Yow for the heads up on this awesome new adventure! A new dining experience is available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Dine with an Animal Expert!

Enjoy an exclusive and interactive experience while dining with a Disney Animal Expert at Sanaa, an exotic restaurant offering views of the African savanna. As you immerse yourself in African culture, you’ll get to ask questions of the expert while also learning fascinating facts about the care of savanna’s animals. See the resort’s savanna animals outside the window as you learn special insights into these African creatures.

View from Sanaa

Dine with Animal Specialists: An Untamed Lunch

Offered at Sanaa every Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1:15 pm, this unique opportunity will appeal to animal enthusiasts.

A four course meal and suitable children’s menu will be [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Steak

By Kim LaPaglia 6 Comments

Thanks to all who have contributed their photos to the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza! Keep sending them along! This week, the Disney Food Pics of the Week feature mouth-watering steaks!

The Chili-rubbed Flat Iron Steak at The Wave has big flavor!
Photographer: Morgan & Jeff Rooks

Chili-rubbed Flat Iron Steak

Now this is a salad! The Grilled Sirloin Salad at Le Cellier is another reason to get a [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 8, 2011

By AJ 2 Comments

Happy Mother’s Day! We hope all our mom readers enjoy being pampered with brunch, lunch, dinner, and/or tea celebrations.

In Disney Food news this week:

Downtown Disney’s AMC Theatre will begin new Dine-In Experience!
2011 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon’s Finish Line Party tickets were released for sale.
WDW Swan and Dolphin set to host July 2nd BBQ Bash.
Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s will open May 25th at the Disneyland Hotel.

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Testimonial

For a quick spotlight on the Disney Food Blog’s DFB Guide this week, but I’d like to share a testimonial written by one of my favorite people (and probably yours as well!), Lou Mongello, the rockstar behind WDWRadio:

There is nothing else so well-written, comprehensive and FUN about Walt Disney World dining! You offer practical advice and examples that are beneficial to the first-time guest and seasoned Disney veteran. From the breakdown of the restaurants by location, price, cuisine and your personal recommendations (all of which I found myself agreeing with!!), to the “overlooked” dining experiences, I found the book valuable, interesting and truly fun to read from beginning to end. The time and money that people will save alone is worth the price of the book! I highly recommend the DFB Guide to any and every Walt Disney World guest!

Thanks to Lou for that great recommendation! If you’d like to purchase your copy of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, click here!

And now, on to the round-up!

disZine

tells where you can get your Pirate’s Booty snacks!

Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups lists their top five Disney World hotel quick-service dininglocations.

ImagiNerding takes us back in time to a Walt Disney World Recipe Index circa 1921-2004. I NEED THIS BOOK!

A Wedding Cake Blog features the royal jewels – all sparkly and sugary – at the WDW Swan and Dolphin!

Eating (and Drinking) around the World shares his take on Boma’s Coconut Curried Chicken Stew.

Main Street Gazette looks at tasty, savory options including specialty hot dogs in WDW.

The World of Deej heads over to Disney World’s Citricos!

African Inspired Meals in Walt Disney World — Tusker House

By AJ 12 Comments

Jambo! Join me in welcoming Disney guru Mary Jo Collins and Disney World Moms Panelist Bernie Edwards back to the blog! In this article they’ll share with us various locations to enjoy an African Inspired Meal at Walt Disney World. We also get a close-up look at the Tusker House restaurant. Twende! Let’s go!

Theming Outside Animal Kingdom's Tusker House

Visiting the Walt Disney World Resort has become synonymous with the enjoyment of great dining at restaurants both inside and outside the theme parks. For many of us, these meals lend us the opportunity to experience exotic foods from exotic places.

African Food in Disney World
Fortunately for guests of Walt Disney World, African cuisine is showcased in a variety of table service restaurants offering a peek at the food that has been influenced by the marinade of cultures, colonies, trade routes and history of this land. To describe or categorize what African food is in a few words would be impossible.

The cuisine is as varied in Africa as the cuisine of any large continent. The continent’s regions each have significant differences in their own distinctive dishes and preparation techniques. However, in Africa the various cuisines traditionally combine [Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED

Disney Food Blog Special Event: Snack Attack, Featuring DFB Favorites

Fun, Food, and Fireworks!