Art of Animation | the disney food blog

Super VALUE: Cheesy Pesto Bread at Art of Animation Resort

We’re heading back to Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort today for another fun stop at Landscape of Flavors!

In case you haven’t seen all the buzz, this upscale counter service spot opened to rave reviews with guests. Billed as the next generation of Disney food courts, its top draw is the emphasis on options, choice, and customization for guests.

Recently, I found myself in need of a little afternoon snack while I was visiting the resort, so I decided to stop in and see what was new to me on the menu.

Menu -- Click to Enlarge

And right there between the Meatball Sandwich and the Create-Your-Own Pasta, I saw those three magical words. Cheesy. Pesto. Bread.

Um. Yes, please.

And then I realized that it’s a Disney Dining Plan snack credit option! What a great deal! I mean, that thing is pretty much the size of two french bread pizzas…it could easily be a meal, right?

Cheesy Pesto Bread

It takes a while to make the pesto bread, since it’s not put together ahead of time and sitting under a heat lamp. I think the wait is worth it!

When I received my order, cheese hot and bubbly from under the broiler, it looked so much better than it did in the menu picture. I could really tell that [Read more…]

Snack Series: Pumpkin Pecan Tart at Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors

By AJ 9 Comments

One of the most exciting new spots at Walt Disney World to open this year is Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and I got to stay at AoA as it celebrated its very first holiday season! I couldn’t wait to see what new treats would be available, and I wasn’t disappointed when I found this little gem…

Pumpkin Pecan Tart

There in the ready-made case, I spied the Pumpkin Pecan Tart. I haven’t found this anywhere else on property, though it may be at the other value resorts (lemme know if you find it!).

Pumpkin Pecan Tart without the Cover

Opening the clam shell container, I could tell this would be fantastic! The topping looked like the best sticky, ooey-gooey pecan pie, and the thick crust looked perfect. Something else to note: see the white stuff? You think it’s whipped cream, right? So did I. But actually, it’s cream cheese frosting. The best condiment ever? I think so.

Cutting the tart in half finally revealed the creamy pumpkin custard that was beneath the pecan pie topping. This is like having two of your very favorite holiday pies all in one!

Pumpkin Pecan Tart -- Cross Section

The top half delivered, as it tasted just like it looked: the best part of a [Read more…]

Review: Drop Off Pool Bar at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

By AJ 11 Comments

Long ago I did several posts in my “Pool Bar Series,” and it’s time to add another to the mix!

Drop Off Pool Bar

On a recent visit to Disney’s newest resort, Art of Animation, I took some time to hit the pool bar for a drink one evening. In fact, I hit the Drop Off just in time to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics!!

Seating at Bar

The Drop Off Pool Bar is named after the ominous danger zone in Disney’s Finding Nemo film — the drop off to the ocean floor! While I’m sure this pool bar can be dangerous for some, my visit revealed a [Read more…]

What’s Your Favorite Disney Burger?

By AJ 48 Comments

It’s usually my job to smash though the stereotype that theme parks only serve burgers and fries, but today…it’s time to embrace it! We’re going to talk burgers, all! Are ya ready to share your favorites?

It’s time to update our “best burgers in Disney World” list, and we think there are some seriously unexpected meat-and-bun creations that go far beyond what you would expect from a theme park burger. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable in the bunch.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, though! I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below!

Picnic Burger at Sci-Fi Dine-In

UPDATE: Please note that the Picnic Burger is not currently being served at Sci-Fi-Dine-In Restaurant, but they often feature a specialty burger on the menu in addition to the Build-Your-Own Burger.

The All American Picnic Burger is a flame-broiled Angus burger patty topped with…wait until you hear this…a grilled hot dog! On top of this, you get sauerkraut, sautéed onions, ketchup, mustard, and a pickle spear! Yep — this one is HUGE…and messy!

Served at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a picnic on a plate. Go ahead and indulge!

Picnic Burger

Beaches and Cream Burger

The simple Beaches and Cream Burger made our very first “Best Burgers” list way back when, and now their upgraded Bacon and Blue version has made our list again!

Beaches and Cream is your spot for comforting food, including malted milkshakes, chicken noodle soup, awesome ice cream sundaes, and Angus cheeseburgers.

Bacon and Blue Burger at Beaches and Cream

Surf and Surf “Burger” at Landscape of Flavors

This is probably the newest on the list, and hails from Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors!

Not technically a burger, the Surf and Surf is actually a Crab Cake topped with fried popcorn shrimp, tomato, lettuce, and Cajun remoulade on a brioche bun. There are plenty of other great burgers to choose from at this new counter-service stop, though, so [Read more…]

Photo Tour: Art of Animation Resort Desserts

By Kim LaPaglia 17 Comments

With the opening of Disney World’s newest resort — Art of Animation — we have all new delicious food to sample. The Landscape of Flavors food court offers some unique desserts that you can’t find anywhere else in Disney World! Let’s take a peek…

First up, I love these one-of-a-kind Rice Krispie Treats that feature the characters you’ll find decorating the Art of Animation resort buildings!

Krispie Treats

Landscape of Flavors offers a variety of gelato flavors for your cold sweet tooth! I love the fun designs the cast members have made on the top! (See any hidden characters?)

Gelato

Pistachio Gelato, when they’ve got it, is a [Read more…]

Where to Get Waffles in Walt Disney World

By AJ 56 Comments

We’ve gathered all kinds of waffle choices in order to bring this Waffle Gallery to you! Whether you’re hankering for a Belgian waffle with fruit topping, a waffle with powdered sugar, a Mickey shaped breakfast waffle, or even a waffle sandwich – we’ve got the deets on where to take care of your craving.

There are some really creative waffle creations in the mix, so be sure to add one or more of these waffle choices to your next Walt Disney World visit.

Giant Mickey Waffle

Yes, Disney World menus are ever-changing so always check the most recent menus prior to your visit. The waffles listed below are in alphabetical order based on how they’re listed on Walt Disney World menus.

Bananas Foster Waffles

Roaring Fork

at the Wilderness Lodge is home to some comforting waffle creations on the regular and kid’s breakfast menus. You’ll find more to tempt you further down in this list. The Bananas Foster Waffles are covered with warm bananas in a buttered rum-flavored sauce. Plus, they are Mickey-shaped!

Bananas Foster Waffles

Belgian Waffle

A Belgian waffle with Maple Butter and Candied Pecan Topping is offered at the Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Maple Syrup and Whipped Cream accompany the Belgian waffle offered at Wolfgang Puck Express, Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Belgian Waffle Sundae

At the AMC Dine-In Theatre in Downtown Disney, a pair of warm Belgian waffles are infused with maple flavor, then topped with vanilla ice cream, drizzled in luscious caramel sauce and topped with a generous sprinkle of sweet and savory candied bacon. What a dessert!

Belgium Waffle

A Belgium waffle with cinnamon Apple compote and [Read more…]

Guest Review: Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

By Kim LaPaglia 22 Comments

Today, we’re welcoming back Bill Iadonisi with a guest review of the Art of Animation Resort’s new food court – Landscape of Flavors! You can see our previous review of Art of Animation here!

We love Disney for so many reasons; the attractions, shows, fireworks and one of my favorites, the food! For us, nothing beats a meal at Disney. But the ultimate magical experience is dining at a brand new eatery! Case in point is the new “Landscape of Flavors” counter-service restaurant in the newly opened Art of Animation resort.

This restaurant is the only eatery for the resort and is counter-service. It is very similar to one of my very favorite places to dine, the Sunshine Seasons in the Land pavilion at EPCOT. Here you will find healthier, more upscale offerings than the usual hot dogs, burgers and chicken fingers. The menu has something for everyone.

Atmosphere

I like to rate eateries on four criteria – Atmosphere, Service, Food, and Value. Let’s begin!

You enter the restaurant through the Animation Hall lobby, making a left through the “Ink and Paint Shop” gift store. The dining area seats 596 guests, but in no way will you feel crowded. The spacious dining room is bright and airy.

Dining Area

There are several smaller areas off of the main room, and like the main area, they are surrounded by pictures and lighting fixtures.

On the far wall by the pool area, the whole wall has floor to ceiling windows, offering a fantastic [Read more…]

What Disney Food Are You Most Excited To Eat?

By AJ 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…]

Art of Animation Resort: Kitchenettes and Room Service Menu

By Erin 52 Comments

Earlier this week, we brought you a very thorough review of the Art of Animation Resort Food Court, Landscape of Flavors.

Today, it’s time to check out the kitchenettes and room service menu at this brand new Walt Disney World hotel!

Three quarters of the rooms at the new Art of Animation resort at Walt Disney World are “family suites.” These rooms sleep six, and have two bathrooms and a “kitchenette.” Your big question now is, “What’s a kitchenette?” Here’s your answer.

Art of Animation Kitchenettes

The kitchenette is cabinet on top of a small tiled area, which includes a dorm sized refrigerator, coffee maker, bar sink, and a microwave oven.

Position of kitchenette in the living room.

Art of Animation kitchenette

You’ll find extra paper towels under the sink.

Extra paper towels under the sink.

The Avanti brand microwave is small, but manageable. Here, I’m using a one-foot ruler to give you an idea of capacity.

Avanti brand microwave. One foot ruler to give an idea of capacity.

The fridge is slightly larger than a [Read more…]

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Super VALUE: Cheesy Pesto Bread at Art of Animation Resort