Art of Animation | the disney food blog

Super Snack VALUE: Naan Bread with Dipping Sauces at Art of Animation Resort

Welp, we’ve got another great Disney snack for you guys to add to your ever-growing must-eat lists in Disney World!

Remember last year when we were all “you HAVE to try the cheesy bread at Art of Animation“?

Well the Resort’s food court, Landscape of Flavors, is back with another perfect-for-your-budget-and-your-Dining-Plan treat.

After all, this place has a strong reputation for serving options outside your typical Resort Food Court fare. Most visitors would argue that it has raised the bar for Quick Service options, particularly at the Value Resorts.When All Star Sports End Zone reopened this past December, it was easy to spy some of the areas where it took its cue from some of what’s made Landscape of Flavors such a success.

Landscape of Flavors

The Tandoori/Mongolian station, however, remains unique to the Landscape.

And there is something special tucked on the side of the menu that can be hard to spot among the listing of entrees such as Tandoori Shell-on Shrimp, Tandoori Boneless Chicken Thigh, and Mongolian Grill Beef Stir-fry or Grill Fish.

Tandoori Menu — slightly cropped (this is what happens when you’re short)

If you look just to right of the menu, you’ll see it: Naan Bread with Dipping Sauce. It’s listed as a $4.99 snack dish, and is also good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Naan with Dipping Sauce

Much as we want to dive in, let’s start with some logistics. The Dipping Sauces available during my visit were Coriander Sauce, Tandoori Sauce, and Mango Chutney. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to limit yourself to just one. If you’d like to try all three, you can go right ahead!

BUT — here’s a little confusing twist that I have to tell you about. The friendly Cast Member assisting me asked if I wanted the “side of Naan.” I didn’t realize, in that moment, that a “side of Naan” is different from the “snack-serving” of Naan. The side, as it turns out, includes one piece of Naan. The snack portion has TWO.

SIDE of Naan

You know how I learned this? When I brought my dish up to the cash register, [Read more…]

DFB Food Challenge: The Walt Disney World Gelato Crawl!

By AJ 5 Comments

There’s not a lot that I love better on a hot day in Florida than a little ice cream. But leave it to Disney World to kick ice cream up a notch by offering Gelato!

And we’re seeing it in a lot of different spots across Walt Disney World, and even in Disneyland. If you are a fan of this richer, more dense version of that snack we all scream for, then you’re in luck.

Today, we thought it was high-time to offer some inspiration for another DFB Food Challenge, and so we are going in search of all things gelato we can get our hands on with the Walt Disney World Gelato Crawl!

Since you can only enjoy so many desserts in a 24 hour period, feel free to bring along friends to split all the goodies, or pace yourself on the crawl by spreading out the stops over several days.

I hope you came hungry. Let’s get started!

Gelato Bars

Since our very first visit, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort has been one of our favorite counter service destinations. And one of the biggest reasons for that is their killer Gelato Bar!

If you’re lucky enough to be staying at Art of Animation, this first stop on the Gelato Crawl will be a snap! Check ’em out!

Gelato at Disney's Art of Animation Resort

Gelato at Landscape of Flavors in Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

But my favorite thing about the Gelato Bar here — aside from the variety of flavors — is that you can also add toppings for a perfectly customized treat.

Toppings! Woo!

Pick your scoops, pick your sprinkles, and off you go!

My Favorite Combo — Raspberry and Chocolate

A couple of other Disney resorts also have gelato available. If you’re staying at Disney’s Coronado Resort, feel free to amend your crawl and start your gelato journey at Cafe Rix.

Gelato Flavors and Pricing at Cafe Rix

You can also check out a pretty awesome selection at End Zone Food Court over at All Star Sports!

End Zone Gelato Bar

Ahhhh…don’t you just love having options??

Gelato Cookie Sandwiches in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

After polishing off your first gelato of the day, head straight for Epcot, where you’ll have lots of different ways to enjoy your frozen favorite! Next stop: the Italy Pavilion.

View from Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

For your next foray into gelato, stop by the little [Read more…]

Review: Gelato Bar at Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors

By AJ 4 Comments

My adoration of Gelato is well documented. I’ve sought it out recently at Cafe Rix at Coronado Springs Resort, and I love stopping by Epcot’s Italy for one of their spectacular gelato treats, like the Coppa Delizia or the Handmade Gelato Cookie Sandwich.

So of course, during my recent stay at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, I had to check out their Gelato Bar!

The dense, frozen treat — an upscale, Italian cousin to American ice cream — is only one of the yummy desserts featured at this particular Landscape of Flavors station. But we’ve already told you about the Mickey Oreo Cupcake and the Mickey Ganache. 🙂

Gelato Menu Board -- Click to Enlarge

On any given day, the flavors might vary somewhat; but I have a feeling you’ll find something you want to dig into!

Gelato Flavors

But what I (*cough* picky eater *cough*) really enjoy about the gelato here is [Read more…]

Review: Disney World Resort Quick Service Pasta Options

By AJ 13 Comments

Thanks to DFB Author Wendy for a look at some great counter-service carb-loading options for your runDisney races this year!

Are YOU running the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler (or any of the other runDisney races this year)? If so, you might be interested in participating in a good old-fashioned carbo-load before your race!

Even if you’re not tackling those ten on October 5th… odds are good you’ll be putting in plenty of miles at the Parks at some point, no matter what.

It’s time to fuel up, people ;)!

Spaghetti time!

For those running one or more of the east coast races this season, there are plenty of places all over Disney World property where you can take part in the time-honored runners tradition of a pasta “carbo-load.”

Today we’re going to focus on some of your pasta options in the resort Quick Service restaurants.

Counter Service Pasta Options at Walt Disney World Resorts

Let’s start with this terrific trend: Create-Your-Own-Pasta stations are cropping up in a few of your favorite Quick Service restaurants!

Create Your Own Pasta

Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors already has a reputation for innovative and delicious dining, and you can read a full review of the Create-Your-Own-Pasta experience here.

Add-ins for Create Your Own Pasta at Landscape of Flavors

Spaghetti Carbonara with Broccoli

The Riverside Mill at Port Orleans Riverside also offers this fun option!

Riverside Mill

Create Your Own Pasta Options at Riverside Mill

Unique to the Grand Floridian’s recently refreshed Gasparilla Island Grill is a [Read more…]

News! Update on Disney’s New Rapid Fill Refillable Mug

By AJ 117 Comments

According to sources, Disney World will soon be bringing the new Disney Rapid Fill Refillable Mug program to Disney resort hotels.

Tested at All-Star Sports Resort a while back, and much like the process currently in use at Disney’s Water Parks, the new system would use an RFID bar code on each mug to give Disney guests access to refills for a pre-purchased period of time. The mug will then deactivate itself at the end of the purchased time frame.

But as of today, it’s looking more and more like the rumors may be true. Although at this time the Rapid Fill Refillable Program has not been confirmed by Disney, we have news today that the fountain machines at some beverage refilling stations at Walt Disney World resorts have been replaced with new machines that resemble those in a demo video by the company ValidFill.

The first set of photos are from the Beach Club Marketplace, where the machines were installed earlier this week.

Newly Installed Beverage Refill Station at Beach Club Marketplace

In this photo, you can see the small screen that provides the customer detailed information about their refill as it dispenses, as well as the trays below the fountain taps that reads the cup’s sensor.

New Beach Club Marketplace Refill Station — Up Close

The same set up is in place at All-Star Music Resort’s beverage refill station. The screens here are [Read more…]

Snack Series: Mickey Mouse Cupcake (and More!) at Art of Animation Resort

By AJ 9 Comments

There is never a dull moment when you hit up Landscape of Flavors Food Court at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

I recently got to stay at AOA and couldn’t wait to share some of the fun grab-and-go eats we found. Today, we’re looking at a DFB favorite: cupcakes!

Mickey Oreo Cupcake

First up, this happy little find! While I’ve seen this type of cupcake elsewhere, this is the first spot I’ve seen it with the added Mickey white chocolate face!

Oreo Mickey Cupcake

Under the lid, you’ll find a fairly standard yellow cupcake with buttercream frosting. But the little white chocolate Mickey face and Oreo “ears” add a little something special to the mix.

Oreo Mickey Cupcake -- Outside the Box

Concerned about [Read more…]

Disney Dining Tip from the DFB Guide: Dining at Bars and Lounges in Walt Disney World

By AJ 13 Comments

When it comes to Disney World, bars and lounges aren’t just adults-only destinations — and they don’t just serve drinks.

In fact, here’s a Best Kept Secret in Disney dining planning — Disney bars and lounges can be great places to get a meal with the whole family. These hidden gems are often less crowded than standard restaurants, too!

In The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book, we have an entire section reviewing every single bar and lounge in Walt Disney World. It’s well worth a read to find out great spots to get a full meal or a snack — even with no Advance Dining Reservation!

Now let’s take a peek at a few of our favorites…

English Bulldog with Chips at Rose and Crown Pub in Epcot's UK Pavilion

Bars and Lounges Inside the Theme Parks

A Disney World trip can be hectic (meeting characters, dashing to attractions, and racing off to dining reservations!), so finding a place inside the parks to escape the hoopla is key to a relaxing vacation!

With signature cocktails, cheese plates, fondue, burgers, donuts, pasta, and more, you’ll find some truly inspired menus at Disney World’s bars and lounges. Sometimes you’ll even be able to order from the full menu of a nearby restaurant.

In Epcot, we can highly recommend stopping in to Tutto Gusto in Italy, Rose and Crown Pub in the UK, or La Cava del Tequila in Mexico.

Fireplace Area Seating at Tutto Gusto

At Tutto Gusto, order from an awesome menu of meats and cheeses, paninis, pastas, and more. A relaxing atmosphere and full tables allow for an easy meal for the whole family.

Cheeses, Meats, and Shrimp Cavatappi at Tutto Gusto Lounge in Epcot's Italy

Rose and Crown Pub, attached to Rose and Crown Restaurant, features a fun menu that — gasp! — the kids might even like! We can highly recommend the Scotch Eggs and the British Bulldog sausage (see our review of the British Bulldog here — and the photo at the top of this article)!

Scotch Eggs at Rose and Crown

If you’re there on a weekday, seek out Carl the Bartender and ask him to show you his amazing magic trick!

Carl the Bartender and the tipping pint

At La Cava del Tequila, sample a few Mexican appetizers like chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole along with your margaritas!

Chips and queso at Cava del Tequila

Another favorite place to unwind in the parks and get a great meal is at Tune-In Lounge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Here, you can get great shakes for the kids, fun signature drinks for [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Three Must-Try Disney Snacks for 2013

By AJ 14 Comments

Have you joined the Disney snack revolution?

Whether you’re a veteran snack-seeker or new to the search for phenomenal Disney snacks, your next Disney vacation should include memorable eats.

And to help you and your family indulge, our The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book includes an expanded Snacks Chapter this year, along with our top 11 MUST-try snacks for 2013!

Today, we’re going to share three of our favorites from that list of 11 must-try snacks. But we’ve got plenty of recommendations where those came from in the DFB Guide! Pick up your copy here for an extra $4 off using code 2013 for a limited time!

Three Must-Eat Disney Snacks for 2013

Now without further ado, here are three of our 11 must-eat snacks recommended for 2013!

Potato Leek Soup

At the new Be Our Guest Restaurant, jaws tend to drop when taking in the imagineering marvels. While enjoying the scenery, treat your taste buds to the Potato Leek Soup.

Potato Leek Soup

For the biggest bang for your buck – and a filling option – the rich and creamy Potato Leek Soup is satisfyingly thick with potato chunks and leeks. It’s an incredible flavor that can be easily enjoyed as a light meal or unique snack.

Served at both lunch and dinner, the soup makes an awesome savory snack choice. Note that it’s marked as a Disney Dining Plan snack credit during lunch, but we’re not sure if you can use a credit at dinner.

Chocolate Mickey Ganache

An incredible Landscape of Flavors creation (found at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort), this snack speaks to our sweet cravings.

The Chocolate Mickey Ganache includes a chocolatey crust is filled with gooey chocolate ganache in the shape of Mickey Mouse! A white chocolate Mickey face adds a familiar smile.

Chocolate Mickey Ganache

Cheesy Pesto Bread

Another Landscape of Flavors creation offers innovative eats that are [Read more…]

Review: Create Your Own Pasta at Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors

By AJ 9 Comments

My recent visit to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort left me with tons to tell you about! The Landscape of Flavors food court has seriously taken over as one of my favorite Disney counter service spots.

Erin told you about the Create-Your-Own-Pasta station here when the resort first opened, but I could not wait to try it for myself!

Create Your Own Pasta Menu Board -- Click to Enlarge

There are dozens of combinations available here! Seriously, tons of pastas, veggies, sauces, meats, and mix-ins to choose from. Even though this list is subject to change, here are just a few of the options you might have on your visit…

Pasta customization options.

But if you’re feeling like leaving the creativity to the professionals, no worries. You won’t go wrong by choosing from one of the Chef’s Suggestions.

Chef Suggestions, In Case You Need Some Ideas!

But don’t forget to take a gander at the customization options just in case something catches your eye!

Add-Ins for Create-Your-Own-Pasta

What’s great about the create-your-own pasta station — and most of the other stations at Landscape of Flavors — is the “freshness” of it all. No frozen spinach here. Butters, sauces, and vegetables are all fresh, and [Read more…]

5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013!

By AJ 23 Comments

It is a great time to be a Walt Disney World Fan, and an even greater time to be a Disney Food Fan! There has been a truly dizzying array of really unique, inventive food to come down the pike over the last year, and we can’t wait to hear what YOU think about it.

Since we are all about the eats in these parts, I thought I’d give you my two cents on the 5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013 — Food Edition! Let’s do it!

Tutto Gusto

If you haven’t had the chance to stop by Tutto Gusto, the new wine bar that opened in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion last summer, I heartily recommend you get there, asap!

Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar

This alluring, intimate spot has enjoyed lots of business since opening — I often find it full to the max when I visit! (Luckily, I snapped this pic on an early day!)

Gusto Fireplace Area

Following on the heels of the success enjoyed by its Mexican cousin, La Cava del Tequila, Tutto Gusto adds even more eats. Not only can you find an extraordinary assortment of Italian wines and beers, but there is also a wonderful menu of small bites to choose from.

Even non-wine drinkers can find plenty to love about this spot, which feels like it was just transported to Florida from Italy. Italian Cheese and Sausages? Sign me up!

Tutto Gusto Cheese Board

Stop in for a glass, some cheese, or even heavier pasta or panini options. The full menu from Tutto Italia next door is available here, too!

Or grab a fabulous dessert and a glass of Moscato. You won’t be disappointed.

Territory Lounge Eats

When I need a break from the [Read more…]

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Super Snack VALUE: Naan Bread with Dipping Sauces at Art of Animation Resort

Review: Gelato Bar at Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors

Review: Disney World Resort Quick Service Pasta Options

Counter Service Pasta Options at Walt Disney World Resorts

News! Update on Disney’s New Rapid Fill Refillable Mug