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Dining in Disneyland: The Pumpkin Muffin is Back!

This Friday marks the official start of Halloween Time at The Disneyland Resort. I was so excited when I saw this guy on Main Street, USA!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Anyhow, as I strolled along, I decided to pop into the Jolly Holiday Bakery.

Jolly Holiday Bakery & Cafe

I recently tried several of the new items there and didn’t really expect to find anything in addition to them. But guess what — the Pumpkin Muffin is back early! Even though I was on my way to a big lunch, I had to try one.

Pumpkin Muffins in the Bakery Case

The muffins are enormous. And for [Read more…]

Disneyland Duel: Battle of the Beignets!

By AJ 27 Comments

One of the quintessential Disneyland must-eats are the beignets! You can find ’em at a couple of locations around the Happiest Place on Earth, and there is definitely a difference of opinion on which version is best.

We’re going to take a look at the options, and we want YOU to tell us your favorite!

Mickey Beignets + Dipping Sauces at Cafe Orleans

Cafe Orleans

in Disneyland Park is probably my all-time favorite spot to enjoy Beignets. And there are lots of reasons for that.

Inside, you’re surrounded by rich colors, beautiful stained glass, and Disney history — the spot houses an espresso machine that was a favorite of Walt Disney himself! And the outside patio offers great people watching and a good vantage point to enjoy beautiful New Orleans Square.

Outdoor Patio at Cafe Orleans

But great location is just the tip of the iceberg. Because the real reason that these are some of the best Beignets ever? They’re Mickey-shaped!

Mickey Beignets with a View!

And, luckily, they come with Dipping Sauces! Because just about every food should be dipped, I think.

Here there’s not one, but two — Vanilla Creme Anglaise and Raspberry Coulis. My favorite is the raspberry — combined with the beignets, it’s like eating a jelly donut!

Mickey Beignets with Sauces

A look at the inside shows you just how remarkably light and airy the Beignets are.

Cafe Orleans Mickey Beignets — Cross Section

If you happen to visit Disneyland during the Fall or Winter holidays, you just might stumble upon some seasonal Beignet flavors as well. The [Read more…]

DFB Reader Questions Answered: What’s a Great Spot for a Disneyland Date Night?

By AJ 6 Comments

We’re opening our Disney Food Blog Reader Mailbag for another great question from you today!

And wouldn’t you know it? Romance is in the air. Our reader would like to know:

What’s a good idea for a great date night dinner in Disneyland?

What a fun question! And we definitely have some good ideas for this one. But as we all know, budgets vary. Let’s look at several options:

Special Occasion Date: Napa Rose

Looking for an extra special evening? Napa Rose wins our vote for the best dining experience in all of Disneyland.

I Love the Napa Rose Outdoor Lounge Area

The award-winning restaurant, located in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, offers a warm, relaxed environment. But it’s the food that we absolutely love here.

Chef Andrew Sutton creates a market-inspired menu of seasonal favorites, focusing on the bounty that California offers. And you can pair your meal with their superb list of California wines to enhance each course.

For an extra special treat, reserve the Chef’s Counter, and enjoy watching the staff as they craft your dinner before your eyes.

Veal Filet with Apricot Chutney and Summer Vegetables Entree at the Chef’s Counter

Want a gourmet experience with a more relaxed vibe? Check out Steakhouse 55 Lounge in the Disneyland Hotel for delicious pub grub, inventive cocktails, and an atmosphere that is sheer Old Hollywood Glamour.

Under the Sea Date: Ariel’s Grotto World of Color Dinner Package

Dinner and a show? What could make for a better date?

If you’re looking for more than just dinner out, we love the World of Color Dinner Package at [Read more…]

“The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!” Snacks (Vol. II)

By AJ 20 Comments

Editor’s Note: The Cheshire Cake Cups have been discontinued as of late Summer 2015. We’ll update you if/when they’ll return (because there will be shouts of rejoicing.)

We’re back with another installment in The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney series!

Snacks are a big deal around here. Heck, we plan entire events and crawls around them! And it’s clear Disney thinks snacking is where it’s at, too. We’re seeing more and more small plates restaurants open. Spots like Tutto Gusto, Spice Road Table, and The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge cater to the grazing crowd.

Today, we’re talking about some of our favorite snacks that we enjoy nearly every time we visit Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Dig out your stretchy pants, or plan to do an extra lap on the treadmill, and let’s do this!

Cheshire Cake Cup

Who doesn’t love a ginormous cupcake? You know I’m a big fan of these edible works of art. But at the end of the day, I pretty much see them as frosting delivery systems. So you can imagine my delight when I got wind of Cake Cups at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe!

Layers of alternating cake and frosting make a parfait-style dessert that’s hard to resist.

Cheshire Cake Cup at Cheshire Cafe

I know, I know. I talk about these a lot. But I figure if there’s something I NEVER miss when I’m at the Magic Kingdom, I should take every opportunity to suggest it so you don’t miss it either. 😉

Frosting!!

Two new, equally gorgeous varieties have recently made an appearance — White Rabbit and Queen of Hearts versions! Expanding the cake cup line? We are ALL IN.

White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cups

These are the closest snacks I’ve found to them just giving me a bowl of frosting and a spoon, soooooo, yeah.

Dole Whip

Next up is one of my favorite Disney snacks of all time, the classic Dole Whip.

Oh, sure, you have your cult classics. Your Turkey Legs. Your Mickey Bars. And they’re great. But if there’s one snack I must have every time I’m at either Disneyland (umbrellas and cherries!!!!) or Walt Disney World, it’s some variety of Dole Whip.

This creamy pineapple-flavored soft serve made news here on Disney Food Blog for a different reason last year, when we brought you word not of what it is — but what it isn’t! Seems that our favorite Disney chilly treat is now Vegan, Dairy Free, and Gluten Free!

Dole Whip Float at Disneyland’s Tiki Juice Bar — My Favorite!

So if you’re looking to indulge in a creamy, delicious snack, but [Read more…]

First Look and Photo Review: The NEW Club 33 in Disneyland!

By AJ 52 Comments

The time has come! Ever since we told you about the Club 33 renovation in Disneyland, we’ve been awaiting opening night…and now we’ve got PICTURES!! (You can see a history of Club 33 here.)

33 Mosaic

Heather will be busily working on her full review for ya, but I couldn’t help sharing a few gorgeous photos of what the newly renovated (and MOVED) restaurant looks like now. I’m happy to say that there have been lots of positive additions, and some of the classic touches from Walt’s day have survived. Let’s take a look!

Atmosphere

As many know, the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square was a favorite spot for picture-taking…and just “getting away from it all” in Disneyland for many guests. This area has now been taken over by the new entryway of Club 33!

You can see details and the backstory on this area over at Daveland’s Page. But here’s what it looks like today…

Steps Down to Club 33

The look and feel of 33 is now heavily accented with Art Nouveau touches, and the detail starts here on the stairs with this lighting.

Steps Detail

As always, Club 33 retains its mystery. Many will remember the old entrance — just a nondescript door with a “33” plaque and a doorbell next to it.

The old Club 33 entrance at Disneyland

Today, the entrance remains understated. No big signs point the way to this exclusive location.

Door Entryway

But the doorbell has received an upgrade. Still under-the-radar, but a bit classier.

New Doorbell

Once you get buzzed inside, you’ll see that the new space is well appointed, indeed. This [Read more…]

Disney Food Challenge: The Disneyland Ice Cream Crawl!

By AJ 12 Comments

Ah, the hottest days of summer are upon us! And I can think of no better way to cool down than with a frosty ice cream treat!

And don’t you love all the forms of yummo snacks that ice cream can take? Its natural diversity makes it a perfect candidate for one of our favorite pastimes…

Introducing, The Disney Food Blog Disneyland Ice Cream Crawl!

Now, we realize, this is a LOT of ice cream. So feel free to break up your crawl over a period of a few days. Or, you know, eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and snacks). We won’t judge.

So without delay, let’s hit it!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Hot Fudge Sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

We are going to start our Epic Ice Cream Day with a stop into Gibson Girl Ice Cream.

The vintage vibe is alive and well in this recently-renovated Main Street USA staple. I love all of the old fashioned ice cream shop options you have here. The Waffle Cones, made right there in the shop, are deeeelish!

Waffle Cones at Gibson Girl

And who wouldn’t love an Ice Cream Soda served in a real (souvenir) glass?

Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor Glass

But my favorite treat at Gibson Girl is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Hot Fudge Sundae. It has everything — Cookies, Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream — and of course, Ice Cream!

Cookie Sundae

With my love of Handmade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, this was made for me! Really. It ought to be called “The AJ”. 😉

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

After your breakfast sundae and a trip or two down the Matterhorn, you’ll be ready for a snack — and I have just the thing. We couldn’t go too far in our odyssey without having that most iconic Disney ice cream treat a — Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar.

With all of the amazing snacks and food at Disney, I have to carve out time for this one on every trip!

Irresistible Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar!

How could you resist? It’s a smile on a stick!

The Butterscotch Sundae at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

For our next ice cream stop, head over to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. It’s a match made in heaven — rich ice cream coupled with some of the best chocolate around!

The choices are dizzying here…it’s practically impossible to make a decision! Normally I can’t resist their [Read more…]

Best Disneyland Meals With a View

By AJ 11 Comments

Good food is tops. But having a delicious meal with a lovely view makes everything taste even better, I think. And I’m pretty sure you agree with me, since we both love Disney!

Disneyland Dole Whip Float

I’m feeling a little homesick for the Park that Started It All today, so I thought I’d take a virtual trip to Disneyland and check out a few of my favorite spots that offer not just great food, but also cool stuff to look at. I’ll be honest — sometimes, it’s the view that draws me to a couple of these spots, even more than the eats!

Let’s take a look at some of our favorite Disneyland Meals with a View!

Blue Bayou

When thinking of a restaurant with a view, your mind may immediately jump to something outside — say, a river or a mountain. We’ll get to those, for sure — but we’re going to start with the Bayou.

That’s right. Our first meal with a view takes place at that Disney landmark, Blue Bayou. It may be Southern Cali sunny when you enter, but inside, the sky is inky blue, and the mood is foreboding.

Night Falls on the Bayou

Something mysterious and slightly sinister is in the air. Could it be…Pirates?

Should We Warn Them They’re About to Encounter Scallywags?

Yes, indeedy! Because Blue Bayou overlooks the entrance to Pirates of the Caribbean. So you’ll have a chance to see folks off at the beginning of their perilous journey.

Fortunately, you’re safe on the terrace of this gracious Southern mansion, about to tuck into some delicious, Cajun-inspired food.

The Beautiful Terrace Seating Area

Blue Bayou is open for lunch and dinner, but we prefer the former. That’s the only time you can get the famous and incredibly delicious Monte Cristo Sandwich.

Le Special de Monte Cristo Sandwich

Classic food with a classic view. It’s a pretty special way to pass the time.

Cove Bar

When I’m in the mood for a little grown-up libation, I love to head over to Cove Bar in Disney California Adventure.

You’ll find this somewhat hidden gem situated above Ariel’s Grotto overlooking Paradise Pier. And it’s the location that makes this stop so special (though the food ain’t half bad).

View from Cove Bar

That covered area with the beautiful seaside touches is a great place to relax and unwind. With the shady patio seating and close proximity to the water, you’ll often enjoy cool breezes that make you feel like you’re inside and outside at the same time!

And while most of the drinks here are part of the Standard Disney Bar Menu, you will find a couple specialty drinks as well. Personally, I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to indulge in that Disney classic cocktail, the [Read more…]

What’s Your Perfect Disneyland Dining Day?

By AJ 11 Comments

Have you ever stopped to dream up your Perfect Disney Day? I bet I’m not the only one who’s whiled away the hours in this way. But I’m sure you won’t be surprised to find out that my daydreams about upcoming trips are frequently planned around — what else? — the FOOD!

So today, we’re going to have a little fun. I want to hear all about what your Perfect Disneyland Dining Day would look like! Where would you eat your meals? What would you have for snacks? Would it be an all fancy-meal affair? Or would treats and counter service eats make the cut too?

I’ll get the ball rolling on the food fantasy by sharing my picks!

Breakfast at Steakhouse 55

One of my favorite places for a serene breakfast is Steakhouse 55. This historic restaurant has been welcoming guests since the very earliest days of the resort. Formerly known as Granville’s, you’ll find a cool and classy atmosphere here with a retro vibe to it.

Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel

But the digs aren’t the only retro touch. The menu celebrates the past too, with classic dishes. That’s true for dinner as well as for breakfast.

And that combination of serene surroundings and delicious food with a touch of elegance makes Steakhouse 55 a great way to start your day on vacation.

New York Steak and Eggs

Besides, how you can resist a good plate of steak and eggs? 🙂

Morning Snack at Corn Dog Castle

I must admit, a plate of steak and eggs will probably keep me going for the better part of the day, so I’m likely to skip the morning snack after a meal like that in the real world. But this isn’t the real world at all — it’s the Best. Day. EVER! Right? So you guys, there’s totally gonna be a morning snack stop at Corn Dog Castle.

And making a choice here is no small feat. I mean, you’ve got the amazing classic Hand-Dipped Corn Dog, and you absolutely cannot go wrong with it. But there’s also the nearly-as-delightful Cheddar Cheese Stick if you’d like to skip the sausages altogether.

For me, on this Dream Day, I’m going all the way — and opting for the Hot Link Corn Dog!

Hot Link Corn Dog Meal

In this case, that hand-dipped, made to order treat consists of crunchy Cornbread Coating that enrobes a Hot Link. And it’s definitely got a little zip to it.

Hot Link Corn Dog

Believe me when I say to you — Go there. Get this. One of the three options, anyway. A trip to Corn Dog Castle must be on your list. I insist. (You’ll thank me, I promise.)

Lunch at Cafe Orleans

OK, you guys KNOW that this place is going to be on my “list of anything awesome in Disneyland,” so if you’ve read all of my goings-on about the restaurant already, you’re allowed to skip this section. ;-D Yep. One of my very favorite Disney table service stops is Cafe Orleans.

As much as I love their Gumbo here, it’s the Pommes Frites that I never pass up. Perfectly cooked fries are tossed with Parmesan, Garlic, and Parsley and served with a side of Cajun Spice Rémoulade for dipping. So, so good!

Cafe Orleans Pommes Frites

Next, I always make space in my Disneyland eating plans for a [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Cheesy Enchilada Soup from Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery

By Brooke 6 Comments

We’ve got the recipe for this fancy Cheesy Enchilada Soup at Jolly Holiday Bakery and had to share it with you guys!

The flavorful soup is full of veggies, but the creamy base is hearty and will definitely satisfy! Add some crusty bread and a salad, and you’re all set with a delicious meal.

Cheesy Enchilada Soup is a Seasonal Favorite at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery

If you can’t wait to get going on this one, here’s the recipe!

Cheesy Enchilada Soup

Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery
Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients: [Read more…]

Best Table Service Restaurants in the Disneyland Resort

By AJ 12 Comments

We’re counting down some of our all-time favorite spots to dine when we visit Disneyland!

And while snacking abounds and counter service can be delicious, today we are turning our attention to our favorite table service spots.

While Disney’s original park may not offer the same number of dining locations as Walt Disney World, there are certainly some places that you won’t want to miss. And we love them for all different reasons. Some are sentimental favorites, while others offer fantastic food.

Head out with us as we tour our Top 6 Table Service Spots in Disneyland Resort!

Steakhouse 55

Our first stop takes us to a spot steeped in Disneyland history — Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel.

Dark, cool interiors are replete with luxury and plenty of nods to the past. Named for the year that Disneyland opened, of course, Steakhouse 55 channels a bygone era with the glamour of Old Hollywood. Close your eyes, and you can easily imagine power lunches by the entertainment elite taking place at the next table.

Inside the Cool and Serene Steakhouse 55

There’s more here than just posh surroundings, however. The food is incredible, too. For dinner, expertly prepared Steaks and classic steakhouse Sides are the draw. And don’t forget the famous 24-layer Chocolate Cake!

No time for an epic meal, but still want to experience this awesome place? Stop in for Drinks and delicious Pub Grub in the Lounge.

Bone-In Ribeye Steakhouse 55

But don’t forget breakfast! If you’re after a quiet start to your morning, you can’t go wrong with specialities like Eggs Benedict or New York Steak and Eggs.

Napa Rose

When I’m up for a culinary experience with a modern, California vibe, I head to Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

The Craftsman style and open floor plan gives the restaurant a warm, welcoming feel. It never feels too intimidating or hoity-toity, even though you are dining in one of Southern California’s most celebrated eateries.

Begin your evening in [Read more…]

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Dining in Disneyland: The Pumpkin Muffin is Back!

Disneyland Duel: Battle of the Beignets!

Mickey Beignets + Dipping Sauces at Cafe Orleans