Boardwalk Inn and Villas | the disney food blog

News! January Wine Dinner at BoardWalk Inn’s Flying Fish Cafe

The Flying Fish Café at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Resort has announced the first dinner for the 2013 Winery Series!

Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Be sure to block off Wednesday, January 30th, 2013, on your calendar for this fun and high end meal!

Kicking off the 2013 Season with Style and Elegance

Featuring the Exciting Wines of Grgich Hills Estate – Napa, California.

With Special Guest, Violet Grgich – Co-proprietor, Vice President of Sales & Marketing
Violet’s passion for wine began at an early age, as she grew up accompanying her father in the vineyards and cellar.

Grgich Hills Estate

She spent her summers at the winery, doing everything from bottling line work to laboratory analysis and working in the tasting room.

Violet Grgich

After attending the University of California, Davis, Violet returned home to Grgich Hills. She’s now responsible for daily management of the winery, as well as sales and marketing. She says that she has the ideal job: “I believe that wine is part of a healthy, happy and long life. Wine brings people together and makes them happy, which makes my job extraordinarily fulfilling.”

Wines to be paired with Chef Tim Keating’s California-inspired Menu

Grgich Hills Fume Blanc 2009
Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2009
Grgich Hills Zinfandel 2008
Grgich Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Grgich Hills Violetta 2008

A menu from a seasonally-influenced market will be offered at the 6:15pm dinner. A reception [Read more…]

News! Disney World Boardwalk Bakery Renovation in 2013; Details Here!

By AJ 7 Comments

We’ve mentioned this news previously on our Disney Food News Pin Board, but we’ve just gotten a bit more detail!

If Boardwalk Bakery at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn is one of your favorite stops for breakfast, lunch, or sweet treats, you’ll want to plan accordingly for the spot’s upcoming renovation. The Bakery will be closed beginning Sunday, January 6, through Friday, April 26, for renovations.

Boardwalk Bakery

What’s being added? Lots!!

Fans of the old-fashioned bakery can expect a new entrance, queue area, and refillable mug station when the space reopens in the spring. More menu items will also be added, like soups and even more sandwiches.

Will the Peanut Butter Cake Make the Move to the Temporary Location? We Hope So!

But don’t panic! Due to the spot’s overwhelming popularity, there will be a temporary location set up during the closure. You’ll find the tent located [Read more…]

Food Challenge: The DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl

By AJ 9 Comments

When I started thinking about what to get you for the holidays, it came to me in a flash: what could be more perfect than a brand new food challenge?

And we’re not talking about just any challenge. Introducing the…

2012 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl!

You can follow the path that we lay out for you, or you can can choose to mix in a few entries from the 2012 Cupcake Crawl. (Heck, we’ll even let you choose a cake or two from the 2011 challenge!)

Remember, many of these cupcakes can be purchased with a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, so be sure to stock up and save them for this important undertaking!

Here we go!

Epcot: Cupcakes Required = 4 Mini

Let’s begin in Epcot, where I’m so excited to share with you a really super fun find from Epcot’s America Pavilion.

American Adventure Gingerbread House
Within Liberty Inn, you’ll find another life-size gingerbread house, similar in scope to the Grand Floridian’s display. And much like that house, you can purchase goodies here as well!

American Adventure Gingerbread House Cupcakes Sign

American Adventure Gingerbread House Mini Cupcake Assortment: NEW THIS YEAR is a really fun treat that I couldn’t wait to try!

Rather than having one ginormous cake with just one flavor, the pastry chefs at Epcot are offering four different mini-cupcakes served together.

American Adventure Gingerbread House Cupcakes

The Apple Pie Cupcake features a lovely surprise inside — apple pie filling! Crowned with fluffy vanilla icing and garnished with a sprinkle of streusel and nuts, this one [Read more…]

Review: The Peanut Butter and Jelly and Bacon and Jalapeno Burger at ESPN Club

By AJ 14 Comments

On a recent trip to Disney World, we headed over to one of our favorite stand-by restaurants — ESPN Club at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn — for some grub.

Learn About:ESPN Club

Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

But this visit brought something a bit unexpected…and because I write this blog I absolutely HAD to try it and share it with you!! But first, let’s set the stage…

Atmosphere

If you love sports and are at Disney for any amount of time, you will eventually make your way to ESPN Club. 🙂

And why wouldn’t you? This is everything you want a sports bar to be. And more.

ESPN Club -- Outside

Once inside, you can choose from two main seating areas. Both the bar and the dining room feature plenty of seating — and lots and LOTS of televisions!

Bar Seating

The dining room also features a HUGE screen and sound booth. Check out the broadcast desk and the big comfy lounge chairs! Someday I will eat my wings there…

Dining Room Seating

Sound Booth

There’s a taste of the atmosphere, and you should be sure to check out our most recent ESPN Club Review for even more photos of the restaurant!

But this post is about something completely unexpected, like I said…

Eats

Yep, as soon as I got my menu I knew I had a mission that needed to be tackled.

Don’t worry; I still ordered my ESPN Dingers, but this next one was the main entree… [Read more…]

Best Disney World Restaurants According to Zagat

By Kim LaPaglia 6 Comments

Zagat released its inaugural 2013 Orlando Survey

recognizing Orlando as a true food-lover’s haven!

ZAGAT: Orlando City Guide

Covering 360 restaurants, 75 nightspots, shops, and more, the Zagat results are based on the opinions of 5,614 local consumers.

And, not surprisingly, several Walt Disney World venues made the top lists in many of the categories, from Top 10 Restaurants in Orlando to Best Decor to Winning Nightspot!

Let’s take a look at where Disney’s recommended in the new Zagat guide…

Top 10 Restaurants

Clocking in at an impressive second place in the Top 10 Restaurants in Orlando category, Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian takes the honors.

This elegant restaurant is also voted as best romantic venue.

Victoria and Albert's Seating

And Jiko at the Animal Kingdom Lodge receives accolades placing 8th in the Top 10 Category!

Seating by the Window at Jiko

These restaurants are also highlighted in the “Best Food” and “Best Wine List” categories!

Top Rated Restaurants by Cuisine

For New American cuisine, Chef Scott Hunnel at Victoria & Albert’s gets top marks once again!

Sake-Soy-marinated Long Island Duck with Bok Choy and Soy Beans at Victoria & Albert's

Best Eclectic/New World Restaurants

One of our favorite Downtown Disney restaurants, Paradiso 37, made the list in this category!

Paradiso Chocolate Stack Dessert

Best Japanese Restaurants

Looking for Japanese cuisine? Head to Epcot’s [Read more…]

2012 Walt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday Displays

By AJ 11 Comments

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in Disney World!

As we look forward to the holiday season in Walt Disney World, let’s take a look at when to expect the artful (and edible) decor to go on display this year! Several Disney deluxe resorts showcase massive holiday gingerbread displays, and we’ve got info and photos about where and when to see them below!

And if you’re really craving all there is to know about the holidays in Walt Disney World, it’s time to treat yourself (or a friend!) to the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2012 e-Book! We’ve included all of the gingerbread displays, when to visit them, and more!

The gingerbread displays at Disney’s deluxe resorts are created by the Walt Disney World Food and Beverage team. Sometimes you can even watch the chefs put on the finishing touches! In addition to the beautiful displays, storefronts at each display sell yummy treats, and 2012 limited edition Gingerbread Display pins!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

As your eyes try to take in the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby, your sense of smell will lead you toward the 16 foot tall Gingerbread House located in the Grand Floridian Resort. Stop by November 19th – December 31st!

Grand Floridian 2010 Gingerbread House

It takes over 400 hours to bake the 10,000+ pieces of gingerbread! Look closely and you may even see puffs of smoke coming from the chimney!

Looking Down on the Gingerbread House

Don’t forget that you can purchase a treat made from a classic Austrian gingerbread recipe right inside the Gingerbread House!! Freshly baked items will include [Read more…]

Review: To Go Kiosk at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn

By AJ 13 Comments

Heading to Disney’s BoardWalk for a stroll or some shopping? If you need a bite to tide you over until that next Advance Dining Reservation, you’re in luck!

We can always recommend the Boardwalk Bakery for quick eats, but on this recent trip I decided to find out what the Boardwalk To-Go kiosk had to offer!

BoardWalk To Go Kiosk

This place has been on my radar for a loooooong time, because they keep tempting me with new specials listed on vibrantly colored boards hanging out front (Fried Ravioli! Chicken Wings! Corn Nugget Fritters!)! That said, I’d never actually eaten here since I’m always on my way to or from another meal (and usually I’m LATE for said meal!).

But on this recent trip, I promised myself I’d check out the goods here. And I should probably just go ahead and throw it out there: this stuff ain’t healthy. The menu is definitely “basket” and “fried” driven, so while it’s easy to grab-and-go, it’s probably not an everyday choice if you want to maintain the energy you’ll need to run around the parks!

Menu - Click to Enlarge

Sides and Drinks Menu -- Click to Enlarge

Chicken Wings and Hamburger Menu Detail -- Click to Enlarge

Basically, the process is as such: pick out what you want, order, wait a few minutes while they fry it, eat. You’ll find nearby seating at table and chair groupings, as well as nearby benches; but there’s no completely sheltered or indoor seating available at To Go. PLUS, the ducks are serious about stalking you, so [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…]

Disney Strawberry Shortcake Desserts

By Kim LaPaglia 18 Comments

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! Anyone who’s been to Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness knows how historic this dessert is at Walt Disney World!

And, luckily, there are several versions to sample around the parks and resorts! Let’s take a peek at a few that we enjoy…

Strawberry Shortcake at Sunshine Seasons

Nestled on the lower level of the Land pavilion in Epcot, Sunshine Seasons is known for market-fresh eats.

One of the best desserts at Epcot (and also a great value) is the strawberry shortcake. Fresh strawberries, smooth whipped cream and gorgeous vanilla shortcake are layered together for a fresh and decadent treat.

Strawberry Shortcake at Sunshine Seasons

Strawberry Shortcake Sundae at Storybook Treats

UPDATE: Please note that as of June 2015, the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is no longer being served at Storybook Treats.

In the Magic Kingdom, Storybook Treats (formerly Mrs. Potts’) dishes up refreshing snacks, including the strawberry shortcake sundae, topped with vanilla soft-serve and [Read more…]

DFB Challenge: 2012 Walt Disney World Cheese Crawl

By AJ 31 Comments

We’re sending our courageous (and hopefully hungry) readers on another crawl.

Not surprisingly, this one is all about cheese! 😉 (You asked for it…and we thought it was an AWESOME idea!!) The best part? You’ll visit mostly counter-service and/or grab ‘n go locations on this cheese crawl, so no Advance Dining Reservations required! (Of course, if you want table-service cheese options, check out our Disney World Cheese Plates here!)

Some of you have attempted the 2011 Disney cupcake crawl and the 2012 Disney cupcake crawl and now it’s time to tackle another DFB favorite…

The Disney Food Blog’s “Walt Disney World Cheese Crawl” Strategy

Gear up for tasting cheese selections on menus all over Walt Disney World. Your challenge is to sample these sweet and savory items, hopefully in a single Disney World vacation.

Follow the crawl step by step, or opt to select the items that you find most appetizing. You’ve reached the Cheese finish line when you’ve visited at least seven locations and sampled at least seven different cheese items.

Remember that Disney World menus have a way of changing, so if you need to substitute out new options for the ones below, we won’t deduct any points! Depending on your level of tolerance, you may want to split this crawl up over a couple of days. Either way, we won’t judge!

Tutto Gusto Cheese

Some of these items can be purchased for a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, so save up those snacks!

EPCOT: Cheese required = 2

Depart your hotel for a morning in Epcot’s Future World. At 11am, make your way to World Showcase! Your first stop is the Rose & Crown pub in Canada.

Rose & Crown Pub
Rose & Crown pub in United Kingdom is an awesome spot to hang with friends over drinks and apps. Be sure to say hi to Carl for us!

Cheese Plate: Here’s an updated cheese plate with layers of flavors. Which cheese will be your favorite — Cotswolds Cheddar, an aged
[Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED

News! January Wine Dinner at BoardWalk Inn’s Flying Fish Cafe

Kicking off the 2013 Season with Style and Elegance

Wines to be paired with Chef Tim Keating’s California-inspired Menu

News! Disney World Boardwalk Bakery Renovation in 2013; Details Here!

Food Challenge: The DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl