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Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: Part I

There were so many good food posts this week that we’re splitting the blog into two parts! We’ll cover the first half of the round-up today, and the second tomorrow. Onward!

etckt discusses Dining Options at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: A hearty look at restaurants in the studios, complete with etckt’s remarkable photography.

The Orlando Sentinel notes some suggestions for Cheap Eats in Disney World: Good budgeting and money-saving tips from readers, including my favorite: eat a late breakfast and schedule a late lunch to take advantage of restaurants’ lower prices.

SoloFriendly reviews the WDW Downtown Disney’s Planet Hollywood: SoloFriendly contributes two reviews this weekend (one today, one tomorrow). Here, see inside the giant globe that is Planet Hollywood!

Main Street Gazette posts a new look at Victoria and Albert’s: The Grand Floridian’s (and Disney World’s) flagship restaurant is known for its precision…until today!

Disney World Rivalry: ‘Ohana Potatoes vs. Noodles

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One thing that’s constant about Disney World is that it’s always changing, and that goes for restaurants as well. One in particular that can’t ever seem to maintain a dinner menu is the Polynesian Resort’s ‘Ohana. Over the many years I’ve been frequenting the World, ‘Ohana’s menu has been re-vamped at least four times.

I was there for the lazy susan with the fried rice. I was there for the pineapple with the caramel. I was there when they had the shrimp, and then they didn’t have the shrimp, and then they had the shrimp as an appetizer, and then they had the shrimp on the skewers again. I was there when the sausage came and went and came again, and when the chicken turned into turkey. Usually I just go with the flow. As long as I can get unlimited meat, I’m good to go.

But one of the recent changes was jarring. Nay…it was painful.

The loss of the scalloped potatoes.

RIP Scalloped Potatoes (photo courtesy Brett Young)

In around 2005 (correct me if I’m wrong), a new sheriff (i.e. chef) came into town (i.e. ‘Ohana) and changed up the whole service of the restaurant. The lazy susan, on which appetizers had been served family style, was replaced with white ceramic bowls of food. The pineapple bread briefly went AWOL. There were suddenly fried wonton chips instead of dumplings. The pineapple and caramel was gone. It was a massacre.

But then the potatoes came.

It was as though the heavens had opened. I was a huge fan of scalloped potatoes — always had been — and these were incredible. ‘Ohana suddenly gained a permanent spot on my Priority Seating Arrangement list. We started requesting that they just bring two dishes of potatoes at the beginning of the meal, because we knew we’d polish them off.

So you can imagine our displeasure when, just about a year later, we arrived to find this instead of our beloved potatoes:

'Ohana Noodles

Inquiring as to the absence of our potatoes, our server made it very clear that 1.) She was tired of answering questions about the potatoes, and 2.) The reason was because the potatoes had trans fats, and the NON-trans-fats version the chef had tried was not as well liked as the original.

Now, she didn’t explicitly state that the disappearance of the potatoes was New York City’s fault, but we all know it is. Bloomberg and his team are clearly to blame for this abomination. Sigh.*

So, folks, I know that many of you actually prefer the noodles to the potatoes. And I, too, agree that they’re fine, and that we’ve been guilty of eating our fair share of the healthier dish. But every once in a while I miss that scrumptious, buttery (i.e. lard-y) bowl of starch and onions. Yes. Yes I do.

Let me know what you think about ‘Ohana’s changes — and about other dishes you miss at Disney World — by sending me a message or commenting on this blog post.

*Of course, in reality, I have no idea if this had anything to do with the decision. Or if the potatoes actually had trans fats. But it all made perfect sense at the time.

Potatoes photo courtesy @MrBrettYoung

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: July 26

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There has been SO much Disney food news this week! Free Dining Offer extensions, 2009 Epcot Food and Wine Festival details announced, and an opening date for Cat Cora’s new Kouzzina restaurant (book your ADRs now), among other items! You can always catch up by visiting our Disney Food News section (you can get there by clicking on the little newspaper icon in the right sidebar).

In the meantime, there have also been some great Disney food posts on the web! Here we gooo!

SoloFriendly reviews Downtown Disney’s Wolfgang Puck Cafe: Another balanced review from SoloFriendly about her recent WDW trip. Great detail…and a scrumptious photo of some cobbler a la mode!

The OC Weekly highlights Disneyland’s Club 33: Few of us know the real deal on this membership-only club in Disneyland; this blog takes a look at the length of the waiting list and the cost to be a member…if that’s even an option anymore!

TheDisneyChick shares the recipe and photos of her foray into making Boma’s Melktart: Anyone who’s tasted this yummy dessert at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma restaurant knows that it’s yummy and likely none-too-easy to make! TheDisneyChick is always kind enough to provide photos of the process for anyone brave enough to tackle the recipe. (And, yes, it’s technically from July 15th, but it’s awesome, so it’s here.)

The TouringPlans.com Blog reviews Epcot’s Biergarten: Kristen shares insights into the decor, food options, and entertainment at Epcot’s Germany Pavilion table-service restaurant — and a photo of her companion’s liter of beer! (FYI. That’s a lotta beer.)

MissKim highlights here some Disneyland dining reviews from her recent family vacation: This is part three of her reviews section, so be sure to scroll back through the posts to catch parts one and two!

ScottJosephOrlando is polling for the best pizza in Orlando!: Okay, not really “Disney,” but for any of us who have tried to find a good slice in the World, you KNOW we need this information! Head on over and check the stats!

Have a great week all! I hope to see you over on our DisneyFoodBlog Facebook Page!

Disney World Free Dining Extended Through December 17th

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Disney just announced that Disney Visa Cardmembers can now book the “Free Dining” package through 9/27-12/17 (codes EVN or GCA). Word is that this will be extended to the general public on Sunday.

Specs:
1. Book a full price WDW vacation package (3 nights minimum + at least a one-day theme park ticket).

2. If you’re in a value resort, the free dining package includes the Magic Your Way + Quick Service Dining plan. If you’re in a moderate or deluxe resort, the free dining package includes the Magic Your Way + Dining plan.

3. For those in a value resort, upgrading to the regular dining plan = $10/adult/day and $2/child/day; upgrading to the deluxe dining plan = $42/adult/day and $12/child/day. For those in a moderate or deluxe resort, upgrading to the deluxe dining plan = $32/adult/day and $10/child/day

4. You must book this offer by 9/26/09.

Christmas in July at the Disney Food Blog

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Christmas (Eve) is in exactly six months, and I thought it’d be fun to visit a couple of Disney resorts and their food-rific Christmas decor! You’ll have to forgive me that these photos are a few years old (2005, I think), but we all know that gingerbread scenes are where it’s at for Disney resorts at Christmas-time, so at least they’re up-to-date in concept!

Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: “Santa’s Toy Workshop”
Disney bakers have a history of hiding characters — including hidden Mickeys — in their gingerbread scenes. This one has the fab five hidden throughout!

Boardwalk Inn Gingerbread Display: Santa's Toy Workshop

And of course, this is all made out of edible ingredients!

Santa's Toy Workshop Ingredients

The Beach Club: “Gingerbread Carousel”
The gingerbread carousel at the Beach Club is pretty much the same every year. Yep, the horses change, but the concept remains. And if you’ve seen the Travel Channel special, you know that there’s usually a white chocolate hidden Mickey somewhere on the display.

Beach Club Gingerbread Carousel

And, again, completely edible — and a group effort!

Carousel Ingredients

Hopefully this will put you in the holiday spirit a bit and remind you of all the wonderful Disney food to come over the holiday season! 🙂 Happy Holidays and Happy Christmas in July!

(PS: I take NO responsibility for the lot of you who are about to go check and see if there are any good deals on Disney resorts at Christmastime right about now…no responsibility at all!)

Kouzzina by Cat Cora Opening Sept. 17th; Book Your ADR From July 24th

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Cat and Mouse

According to @DisneyParks on twitter, Cat Cora’s “Kouzzina” restaurant — the replacement for Spoodles — will be opening on September 17th.

You can book reservations at 407-WDW-DINE or online starting July 24th.

Undignified Dining

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There are two restaurants in Disney World that people either love…or hate! And it’s not because of the food; it’s because of the service. Not that 50’s Prime Time Cafe and Whispering Canyon Cafe have bad service; you simply have to know what to expect.

Disney incorporates “story” into all of its theme parks, rides, hotels, and restaurants. And in these two particular restaurants, the “story” is that you’re being served in an atmosphere that calls for a little less dignity and a few more pranks.

50's Prime Time Cafe

50’s Prime Time Cafe

The 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has long been the place to get fried chicken, meatloaf, chicken soup, and other mom-a-rific favorites. The story here is that you’re eating in Mom’s kitchen, and that your server is some sort of relative — aunt, cousin, uncle, brother…you get the idea.

To make this “comforts of home” story even more real, Disney has trained its cast members at 50’s Prime Time Cafe to treat their customers as family. They bring around photo albums to show the table and ask about Aunt Betty and Cousin James. But they also tell customers to keep their elbows off the table, finish their vegetables, and set the table!

Of course, if you don’t decide to follow directions, punishments which range from slightly embarrassing to hilarious may ensue! Should you find yourself pinning a sugar packet to the wall with your nose, standing in the corner, or singing “I’m a Little Teapot” — with motions — in front of a restaurant full of your new best friends, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Whispering Canyon Cafe

Whispering Canyon Cafe Warnings

While Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge doesn’t have quite the same reputation for humiliation as does 50’s Prime Time Cafe, you will definitely experience your fair share of pranks here!

Cast members adopt specific personalities, complete with wacky nicknames, that harken back to the old west. There’s not a lot of respect for niceties around these parts. You may have napkins and straws thrown at your table, and making a cell phone call from your seat probably isn’t smart — your waiter might want to have a word with the person on the other end! Of course, the last thing you want to do is ask for ketchup… unless, of course, you really like ketchup! (I won’t post specifics, but if you request the info via the “contact us” button above, I’ll give you the low-down.)

So you think you might want ketchup...?

But the games and pranks are all in fun, and kiddos have a great time at this restaurant. There are sing-a-long songs, hobby horse races, coloring pages, and other games. And, of course, the repeat-after-me vows to “stay up as late as I can,” and “never, ever go to Universal Studios.”

So Go Have Some Fun!
I think that a lot of folks who dislike these restaurants simply aren’t prepared for the type of service that’s customary. Once you know what you’re in for, you can be ready for it…and even have a few zingers ready for retorts! That said, if “interactive” service isn’t for you, just let your server know that you’d rather watch the fun rather than be a part of it. Shouldn’t be a problem in either restaurant. Enjoy!

Photo Credits:
Ketchup: EdenPictures via flickr
Prime Time Cafe: JoshMcConnell via flickr
Special Thanks to WildernessLodgeSite.com

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: July 19

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So MANY fantastic food posts this week…you’re in for a treat! Here we goooooooo!

Deb Koma at All Ears interviews Marianne Hunnel, manager of culinary programs for the 2009 Food and Wine Festival: Hopefully I’m hiding my jealousy…is it working? 😉 Read this if you’re planning on heading down to the festival in Sept/Oct/Nov! There’s also a prelim lineup of events so you can get an idea of how you’re going to have to work your current dining plans around the Food and Wine collection of seminars and events.

Disney Geek Dad discusses his Top Seven Favorite Snacks at Disney World: A great list, including some you wouldn’t find on typical lists — anyone up for some Figaro Fries?

Main Street Gazette highlights A Recipe from Epcot’s France Pavilion: But they didn’t find it in any restaurant… . A heartwarming and interesting post; just what you’d expect from this fantastic website.

SoloFriendly visits Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney Hollywood Studios: Continuing the string of great Disney food reviews by SoloFriendly; you won’t be disappointed this week either.

Kati’s Kupcakes shares photos of her Alice in Wonderland Cupcakes: An adorable group of cupcakes, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and, of course, the Queen of Hearts. You can see more of Kati’s Kupcakes on her website.

DVCbyResale highlights the Boardwalk’s Flying Fish Cafe in this week’s “Main Course” segment: Some delicious food photos from a restaurant that’s often overlooked.

All Ears makes the list twice with this review of the Kidani Village Poolside Dining service: One of the first of its kind on Disney property, I hope it continues! I love the idea of room service by the pool…

Best Disney World Restaurants for Fireworks Viewing: Part I

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One of the most enjoyable ways to spend an evening is with dinner at a great restaurant followed by a beautiful Disney fireworks display. The best way to spend an enjoyable evening is to have the great dinner DURING the fireworks display!

There are several Disney restaurants from which you can see either Magic Kingdom’s Happily Ever After or Epcot’s Illuminations. Here in Part I of our “Restaurants for Fireworks Viewing” series, we’ll look at restaurants from which you can see Happily Ever After.

Happily Ever After is the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks display. It usually takes place at 9:00PM, but it can be earlier or later depending on time of year and the MK’s schedule of special events. The Happily Ever After soundtrack is piped into the restaurants, so hearing the accompaniment to the fireworks will not be a problem.

Best Restaurants From Which to View Happily Ever After Fireworks

‘Ohana‘Ohana

, one of the two table-service restaurants at the Polynesian Village Resort, has arguably the best view of Happily Ever After from any restaurant. With a wall of windows facing the castle, directly across Seven Seas Lagoon from the Polynesian, the view of Happily Ever After is head-on — just as you’d see it on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom (only farther away).

See that blue spot in the middle? That’s the Castle from our ‘Ohana table.

The second picture isn’t the best — the castle looks a million miles away — but trust me that it’s a great show from ‘Ohana. Definitely worth booking. And speaking of booking, you’ll want to book a reservation about 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled time for Happily Ever After. When you arrive at the podium, request a “Fireworks view” table. They cannot guarantee it, but they’ll do their best. If you happen to be seated in one of the few tables from which you can’t see the fireworks, you’re free to move during the show to stand in an area of the restaurant offering a better view.

Also, note that if you don’t get a reservation for around fireworks viewing time, the Polynesian Village Beach is another great spot to view Happily Ever After.

‘Ohana is a casual dining establishment; standard park-wear is acceptable here.

Narcoossee’s
Narcoossee’s, in the Grand Floridian Resort, sits over to the left-hand side of the Magic Kingdom. Several window tables offer a great view of the Happily Ever After fireworks show.

View of Castle From Narcoossee’s

Narcoossee’s also has an outdoor viewing area along the railing outside of the restaurant. This will offer a great view if you’ve not yet been seated at your table. Again, book a reservation about 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled start time for Happily Ever After.

Narcoossee’s is a bit fancier than ‘Ohana; you might want to dress up a bit.

California Grill
California Grill, on the Contemporary Resort’s 15th floor, is often thought of as the quintessential Happily Ever After viewing spot. The restaurant offers its outdoor viewing deck in addition to the views from the wall of windows in the restaurant.

California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

View of Castle from our California Grill Table

That said, California Grill isn’t my favorite location for Happily Ever After viewing, as the vantage point is strongly to the right of the castle. As a result, many of the fireworks launched from a mile or so behind the castle are skewed and don’t appear as they would when watching the show from directly in front. However, California Grill definitely has my vote for best food of the three!

Note that if you can’t book a reservation around fireworks time (these fill up fast) but get a reservation at some other time that evening, you are welcome to return to the 15th floor observation deck to view the fireworks at their scheduled time. Also, James comments below that the bar at California Grill has non-reservation seating, so you might get lucky with a seat at the bar if you hit the Contemporary at the right time. (This seating is first-come, first-served.)

California Grill is another Disney signature dining location, so it’s pricey…and dressy.

OTHER OPTIONS FOR RESTAURANT WISHES VIEWING

While these three are clearly the front-runners in dining reservations, you can also see glimpses of Happily Ever After from Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Restaurant, Crystal Palace, Casey’s Corner, and Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station.

Interesting “views” of Wishes can be had from Cinderella’s Royal Table in Cinderella Castle and Pinnochio’s Village Haus in Fantasyland. While the fireworks are exploding above your head (not necessarily in your view, of course), you can see the flares being released from the tops of Magic Kingdom buildings around you. You won’t be able to truly experience Happily Ever After, but it’s a unique view for anyone who has an interest in pyrotechnics, engineering, or fireworks in general.

Restaurants in the Magic Kingdom from which you can see very little — if any — of the Happily Ever After Fireworks display are: Liberty Tree Tavern, Tony’s Town Square, Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Tortuga Tavern, and Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Cafe.

Check out the other “Best Disney World Restaurants” in our series!

Disney Food Weekly Round-Up: July 12

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Some really interesting Disney food posts around the web this week! You’re gonna love ’em!

SoloFriendly Reviews Spoodles: This restaurant will be replaced by Cat Cora’s Kouzzina this fall, so make your reservations quickly! SoloFriendly writes a glowing review.

PRD3000’s Revenge at 50’s Prime Time Cafe: Finding a way to “fight back” after being stuck in the corner singing “I’m a Little Teapot” for putting elbows on the table. Talk about needing a fastpass for the bathroom… .

WatchMeEat Tries Out Lottawatta Lodge at Blizzard Beach: Most of this post is about Blizzard Beach (which many of you will find interesting, I’m sure), but if you just want to see food, scroll down for pics. Great review of Blizzard Beach, to boot!

Kevin Kidney Details the History of Disneyland’s Birthday Cake Room: While it may be a stretch to include on a food blog, this is a really interesting article for you Disney history nuts out there. At least it has “Birthday Cake” in the title.

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Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: Part I

Disney World Rivalry: ‘Ohana Potatoes vs. Noodles

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: July 26

Disney World Free Dining Extended Through December 17th

Christmas in July at the Disney Food Blog

Kouzzina by Cat Cora Opening Sept. 17th; Book Your ADR From July 24th

Undignified Dining

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: July 19

Best Disney World Restaurants for Fireworks Viewing: Part I

Best Restaurants From Which to View Happily Ever After Fireworks

Disney Food Weekly Round-Up: July 12

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Best Restaurants From Which to View Happily Ever After Fireworks

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS