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It’s Back! Bacon Mac and Cheese Bread Cone at Disney California Adventure

Well, I’ll be dipped.

So there I was, walking around Disneyland taking in all the sights and tastes for the 24-Hour Kickoff of the Disneyland Diamond Resort Celebration, when I stumbled upon THIS piece of gorgeousness.

Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone sign

The Macaroni & Cheese Bread Cone is BACK! Well, at Disneyland, that is! And you can find it at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

Cozy Cone Motel Sign

Cone Queso at the Cozy Cone Motel

So, why is this such a huge deal? Well, in case you missed it last summer, a little backstory: last August we reviewed the Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone at Disney WORLD found in Hollywood Studios at the concession stands for the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular.

And it was quite a hit. Because it’s a HUGE pile of MAC AND CHEESE. Topped with BACON. Stuffed in BREAD. Like this…

Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone previously served at Fantasmic!

However, probably no more than two days after we reviewed it, it was pulled from the Fantasmic menu.

Gone. Vamoose. Finito!

No big drama or anything, just a regular menu change and pretty much par for the course when you’re scoping out food at Disney World. But a major bummer nonetheless, what with it being MAC AND CHEESE. Topped with BACON. Stuffed in BREAD and all.

So when I saw that sign last week, I knew I had to grab it. Lesson learned: far be it from me to let a moment with the Mac and Cheese Bread Cone slip through my fingers. Pay no mind to the fact that [Read more…]

Photo Tour and Review: The New Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By Wendy 24 Comments

Karibu! Welcome to the new Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Harambe Market Entrance

Harambe Market

This brand new Counter Service location in the Africa section of the park features four distinct serving stations offering dishes based on African street food, and plenty of beverages.

Harambe Market sign

Harambe Market

You have to look for it a bit —it’s tucked behind Tamu Tamu Refreshments, and this new section creates a continuing path from the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction to the road leading from Africa to Asia. Once you get there, the surrounding area begins pulling you into the setting and story even before you set foot past the official entrance….

Atmosphere

The new Harambe Market area is ready to welcome guests from all around the globe.

Harambe Guest House outside of entrance

Surrounding area

Just outside the Market

You walk into the official Market through this entryway.

Harambe Market

Harambe Market gate

Side entrance to Harambe Market

When Disney released the first info about the marketplace to come, they shared a bit of its story as well: the marketplace serves as a center of commerce serving food and goods to world travelers who have come to the town as a respite before or after their safari adventures seeking out the animals of Africa. Of course, we’ll be getting to the food :), but here are a few glimpses of the market.

Best Baskets

Market Goods

Hidden Mickey? Or do I just see them everywhere now?

Market Goods

The water tower stands tall as a landmark over the marketplace.

Water Tower

Whenever the Wildlife Express Train goes by on its trips to and from Rafiki’s Planet Watch, it’s even more believable that you’ve stepped into a place that hosts traveling guests. It’s truly transportive.

Set near the train tracks

My third or fourth attempt to capture the passing train

If you’re like me and could spend all day checking out the detailed signs and wall art all over Animal Kingdom, get ready to have an absolute field day in here.

Signs and posters

Signs

As always, some of the posters and bits of art make you smile while others are more thought-provoking, but all [Read more…]

News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Confirmed Booths, New Dishes, and More Details!

By AJ 22 Comments

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015, and today, we’re starting to get an idea of what this year will include.

We have updates on everything from food to new attractions, so let’s get to it!

NEW Booths and Dishes

While we anticipate lots and lots more announcements about new food items, we’re getting our very first glimpse of some eats that will debut in the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths!

The Scotland Booth is back and will debut a brand new drink, the Scottish Citrus Thistle!

A Grilled Sweet and Spicy Bush Berry Shrimp with Pineapple, Peppers, Onions and Snap Peas will be a highlight at the Australia Booth, and the New Zealand Booth will tempt guests with a Seared Venison Loin with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Kumara Dumpling.

Other new dishes will include Pepper Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese (what WHAT?!??!?) at the Farm Fresh Booth. But I super hope that amazing Hash returns in 2015!

Farm Fresh Marketplace

Of course, we are crossing our fingers and hoping that plenty of dishes that we love return as well. We do know that the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup is returning to the Canada Booth!

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup Will Once Again Join the Festival Line Up

So we can breathe a collective sigh of relief there. 🙂

New Special Events

We cannot wait to check out a brand new festival Premium Event — the French Family Meal Traditions Lunch, which will take place on Fridays and Sundays.

If the French Family Meal Traditions Lunch is Anything Like the Parisian Breakfast, We Can’t Wait!

A brand new premium party, the Rockin’ Burger Block Party, will also take place on select dates. More details to come about that one!

NEW Artists Debuting and Familiar Favorites Returning to Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Taking in an Eat to the Beat Concert as the sun goes down is a great way to enjoy your evening at the festival. And this year, we have some brand new acts to choose from.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat

New acts Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest, and Chaka Khan will take the stage at the America Pavilion in 2015. They’ll be joined by several returning acts, including Wilson Phillips, Smash Mouth, The Pointer Sisters, Jo Dee Messina, Boyz II Men, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

To check out the FULL official line up, click over to our Eat to the Beat Concert Series Page!

Celebrity Chefs to Appear at the 2015 Food and Wine Festival

One of the most fun aspects of the festival is catching a low cost culinary demonstration with celebrity chefs. 2015 will see the return of many favorites. Look for Cat Cora, Robert Irvine, Jamie Deen, Rock Harper, Kenny Gilbert, and Buddy Valastro at Culinary Demos and Special Events.

Cake Boss, 2011 Sweet Sundays Event

Chef Cat Cora Book Signing at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The festival will also welcome back chef and cookbook author John Ash, who appeared at the very first festival in 1996!

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

Also new for 2015 — everyone’s favorite rat chef Remy will be joining the party with [Read more…]

Reminder! Just a Few More Days to Get These Limited Time Discounts!

By AJ Leave a Comment

I hope you’re all having an amazing day on this Memorial Day Monday!

As we mark a time of remembrance this Memorial Day weekend, we also look forward to fun celebrations with family and friends as Summer gets underway! And if you’re like me, that means one thing — vacation is JUST around the corner!

I wanted to remind you that here at DFB we’ve got some fantastic discounts on our best-selling DFB Disney World Dining Guidebooks for a limited time to celebrate all of the fun trips planned ahead!

Believe it or not, it’s already time to start making those Advance Dining Reservations! And we’re going to help you make sure you choose the best restaurants Disney has to offer. There are hundreds, after all!

We have three great offers for you to choose from! Read on for all the details, but hurry — you can only take advantage of these savings through Saturday, May 30!

Discount #1: $5 Off The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015

Our fully guaranteed, comprehensive e-Book offers more than 490 full-color pages to help you plan your very best Disney World trip ever!

With reviews, tips, expert advice, and hundreds of color photographs, you’ll get the biggest bang for your planning buck! And our handy e-Book format has been completely updated for your 2015-16 Disney World vacation.

Inside the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015, you’ll find:

A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. 5 simple steps and you’re done!
A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.
Four free, [Read more…]

Review: Star Wars Specialty Beverages in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 6 Comments

Umm… have we mentioned that there is a wee little event by the name of Star Wars Weekends going on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?!

Star Wars Weekends

In case you missed the memo ;), Star Wars Weekends is running Fridays through Sundays through June 14th. And as in previous years, temporary pop up bars appear for the weekends all around the park offering specialty cocktails just for the occasion. Last year, guests were asked to Choose Their Side by choosing their beverage: The Force or The Dark Side. This year, though, you get to Choose your PLANET!

The Mustafar and The Tatooine

The Endor and The Alderaan

There are four different drinks available, and each bar features two of the four. For instance, in the seating area of Starring Rolls Cafe, I happened upon this pop up bar featuring The Mustafar and The Tatooine.

Popup Bar near Starring Rolls

The pop up bar near the Hollywood Studios Main Stage, however, was serving The Endor and The Alderaan.

Pop-up Bar near Min & Bill’s

For a point of location reference, you can spy a few of the umbrella-topped tables from Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner in the background for this bar, but really you can’t walk very far without happening upon a pop-up in just about every section of the park.

Now, while the drinks differ, there is something special about the beverages that is similar, no matter which bar you visit, and that is the souvenir glow cubes corresponding to specific beverages. With The Tatooine and The Endor, you receive a Millennium Falcon glow cube, while The Mustafar and The Alderaan feature the Death Star.

Death Star Glow Cube in The Alderaan

Last year the glow cubes were a major part of the story, too. First, because they’re awesome. Second, they were so popular that they ran out almost immediately. If I understood correctly, many were gone as early as the second weekend of the event! Here’s hoping the inventory was greatly amped up this year in anticipation of their popularity.

If you choose your drink based on a glow cube, you’re [Read more…]

Guest Review: Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Walt Disney World

By Wendy 6 Comments

Are you ready for breakfast in a galaxy far, far away?

Learn About:Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Great! Then please join us in welcoming one of my good friends, guest author Daniel Staten (@danielstaten on Instagram) with a review of the STAR WARS Dine-In Galactic Breakfast, which has returned for a second run at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant this year through June 14th. While the other returning Star Wars character dining experience, the Jedi Mickey STAR WARS Dine at Hollywood and Vine, features Disney characters in full Star Wars regalia, the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast offers guests the chance to start the day with Star Wars characters from the films… and this one’s all about the Dark Side.

Take it it away, Daniel! And May the Force be with you!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is clearly undergoing some change. One thing that has been constant though, is a strong Star Wars presence in the park.

AT-AT outside of Star Tours attraction

Revenge of the 5th t-shirt

Darth Vader Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake

Earlier in May, I dined with my family at the Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast. There were plenty of photo ops, nostalgic clips, and the Force was strong with the food!

Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast

Booking the Advance Dining Reservation for the breakfast turned out to be a fluke. I wasn’t looking for it specifically, but when a single 9:30 AM reservation appeared on the My Disney Experience website, I jumped at the chance!

The Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast is a lot like other signature character dining experiences in that it’s all-inclusive. For the price – we paid $49.99 – you get a breakfast “appetizer,” non-alcoholic drinks, an entree and a few selected extras.

Sci Fi Galactic Dine In Star Wars Breakfast DHS 3

Menu listing inclusions and selections

Atmosphere

On the morning of our breakfast, we arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the crowds were pretty light. We made our way back towards Star Tours and noticed the huge line for people to sign-up for the Jedi Training Academy! Standing in that line looks like it would take a lot of dedication, but to the young Jedis, it’s well worth it.

The Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast is hosted at the Sci-Fi Dine-In near the back of the park. Once we arrived, we checked in and had a seat to wait for our table to be ready. The restaurant was running about 15 minutes behind and I attribute that to people taking their time with the characters and soaking up the atmosphere! There was so much to see and people generally just enjoying their interactions. I don’t blame them and didn’t mind the additional wait.

Once our table was ready, the Cast Member announced that “The Staten Family is now joining the Empire,” and we were placed in a line to meet Darth Vader and Boba Fett. I tried to look as scared as I could and it didn’t take much! Darth Vader is super intimidating in person!

Meet and Greet with Darth Vader and Boba Fett

Character dining can be awkward for adults sometimes. All of that awkwardness went away almost immediately once we [Read more…]

LIVE News: Food and Fun at the Disney Parks 24-Hour Events!

By AJ 3 Comments

Two MAJOR events are kicking off today at Disney Parks on both coasts in a BIG way!

Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the west coast and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on the east coast are pulling all-nighters once again! All three parks are open today, May 22nd, from 6 am and they’re not closing until the following morning at 6 am.

That means 24 straight hours of fun and FOOD!

That’s right… the 24-Hour Day that started in 2012 for One More Disney Day continued in 2013 to launch a Monstrous Summer. Last year we Rocked our Disney Side, and now what was originally presumed to be a one-time gig is now a start-of-summer tradition!

Things are working a little differently this year, though, thanks to the 60th Birthday of Disneyland. While folks in Disney World are kicking off the “Coolest Summer Ever,” Disneyland guests will begin the official celebration of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration!

As for us here at the DFB, we’re celebrating BOTH! We’ll be updating this post throughout the day with pics from our awesome DFB Readers, as well as MY pictures from right here in Walt’s original park, Disneyland!

Oh, and… HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Happy 60th Anniversary, Disneyland!

Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle with BLING!

Disneyland

Check out the pre-opening crowds (and the 24 Hour MICKEY EARS!!) in the early wee hours ready for the party to start at Disneyland!! Many thanks to Bill Cody (@VegasBiLL) for the pics!

Disneyland pre-opening

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS!!

Hours of operation

Open at 6 am!

Look who got all dressed up for the big Diamond Celebration!

Diamond Celebration Mickey Candy Apple

And I’m loving Minnie’s beautiful diamond bow!

Diamond Celebration Minnie Candy Apple

Mickey and Minnie Diamond Celebration Krispy Treats

And I know this is just a cup… but it is SO NOT just a cup! Disneyland guests will be spotting these beauties for their beverages!

Diamond Celebration Cups

What the Specialty 24-Hour Celebration Dopey Cupcake says is totally true…

“Being Up All Night Makes Me Dopey”

2015 24 Hour Event Logo

Don’t forget that special treats are [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 20th, 2015

By Wendy 6 Comments

Sure, we may have said “So long” to the Flower and Garden Festival for this year, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look forward to at Walt Disney World! Springs moves to summer as Disney World gears up for the busy vacation season, otherwise known as the “Coolest Summer Ever”!

©Disney

And since it’s a very special time of year for Star Wars fans in particular, why don’t we start our ‘round the World tour at Hollywood Studios to see What’s New!

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Star Wars Weekends

kicked off on May 15th!

Star Wars Weekends 2015

The excitement! The pageantry! The CUPCAKES! The Jabba the Hutt Cupcake has joined the Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes this year.

Jabba the Hutt Cupcake

It can be found at counter service locations such as Starring Rolls, Backlot Express, The Trolley Car Cafe, and Tusken Fridge Raiders — the premiere Star Wars snack stop, located inside Darth’s Mall.

Tusken Fridge Raiders

But cupcakes aren’t all that’s in store…

Star Wars snacks for Star Wars Weekends

Like last year, several temporary pop-up bars can be found all over the park for the weekend events.

Star Wars Weekends Pop-up Bar

However, they feature all-new drinks this year. Each bar serves two out of of four drinks: The Mustafar and The Tatooine, or The Endor and The Alderaan.

Star Wars Weekends Specialty Drinks

We’ll be taking a closer look at those beverages soon, but once again this year, it’s ALL about the souvenir glow cubes: drinks come with either a Millennium Falcon glow cube or your very own mini Death Star.

Millennium Falcon Glow Cube

The Jedi Mickey Character Dinner at Hollywood and Vine and Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast returned to Hollywood Studios earlier this month (on May the Fourth Be With You, naturally). But brand new to Star Wars Weekends this year is the Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge Experience, which has effectively converted half of Backlot Express into an abandoned spaceport in the Sullest system.

Entrance to Rebel Hangar

Chips and Sith at Rebel Hangar

Blue Milk!

You can read all about this special month-long dining event featuring small plates and specialty cocktails in our full review of the Rebel Hangar!

Believe it or not, though, it’s not all Star Wars at Hollywood Studios… we’ve got some regular ol’ menu changes at some favorite Table Service restaurants to report as well. Sci-Fi Dine-In has added the Sci-Fi Popcorn Treat to the appetizer selection. It’s popcorn soup (for watching those old movies, of course!) with buffalo popcorn chicken and celery sticks, drizzled with blue cheese dressing.

Sci-Fi Dine-In

New entrees include Grilled Marinated Salmon, while the Veggie Burger got a [Read more…]

Review: Jabba the Hutt Cupcake at Tusken Fridge Raiders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 10 Comments

Well, look who’s joined the Star Wars Weekends party… JABBA THE HUTT!!!

Jabba the Hutt Cupcake

Brand new this year, Jabba joins the Star Wars Character Cupcake line-up alongside the Darth Vader Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcake and the Yoda Chocolate Cupcake with Hazelnut Buttercream Icing. Jabba the Hutt and Yoda can be found at Starring Rolls, Trolley Car Cafe, Backlot Express, and Tusken Fridge Raiders.

Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes return this year

The Darth Vader Cupcake is the only Star Wars Cupcake that can be found at ALL Hollywood Studios Counter Service locations.

So where, exactly, is Tusken Fridge Raiders? The premiere Star Wars snack stop for this year is tucked inside Watto’s Grotto inside of Darth’s Mall, the main merchandise location for Star Wars Weekends.

Darth’s Mall is in the Streets of America

Tusken Fridge Raiders

Tusken Fridge Raiders menu

All three cupcakes are available there (though you’ll find them a little cheaper in the Counter Service locations for $5.19), along with the four specialty Star Wars Weekends cocktails, which we’ll be checking out in a future post.

Tusken Fridge Raiders menu

Cocktail mixes at Tusken Fridge Raiders

Incidentally, Tusken Fridge Raiders is THE home to [Read more…]

Review: Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 17 Comments

Welcome to the Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience!

Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience

In conjunction with Star Wars Weekends, an entire half of Backlot Express at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been completely transformed.

Entrance to Rebel Hangar

Backlot Express transformed into Rebel Hangar

From now through June 14th, instead of entering the standard theming of the movie production warehouse, guests will walk into a long-abandoned building that once served as a busy spaceport in the Sullust system.

The story of the Rebel Hangar printed in the menu

From 4:00 – 9:00 pm daily throughout the run of the Hangar, weary galactic travelers now have the opportunity to take a moment to relax and enjoy Star Wars-themed food among the “discarded remnants” from over 100 planets.

Rebel Hangar atmosphere

Our Advance Dining Reservation to hangout in the Hangar wasn’t until 8:50 pm — 10 minutes prior to the final seating. So I took some time during the day to check out the spot, arriving somewhere around 1:00 pm. That’s right — day guests coming in for the typical Counter Service menu at Backlot Express were able to enjoy much of the atmosphere, too!

Part of Backlot Express transformed

Backlot Express transformed

I, for one, was taken aback by the transformation. I hadn’t realized anything more could be tucked into Backlot Express, already so well-themed for its purposes. But lo and behold…

Rebel Hangar atmosphere

It was a blast spotting ways in which the typical Backlot “props” were incorporated into the Hangar theme.

Backlot props redecorated

You can see where “decay” has settled into this space in the many years since it last served its original purpose as a spaceport.

Decaying spaceport

“Discarded” helmet

It appears a graffiti artist has even taken advantage of the abandoned spot 😉 .

Graffiti wall

Hidden Mickey

Even the tabletops were [Read more…]

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It’s Back! Bacon Mac and Cheese Bread Cone at Disney California Adventure

Photo Tour and Review: The New Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Atmosphere

News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Confirmed Booths, New Dishes, and More Details!

NEW Booths and Dishes

New Special Events

NEW Artists Debuting and Familiar Favorites Returning to Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Celebrity Chefs to Appear at the 2015 Food and Wine Festival

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

Reminder! Just a Few More Days to Get These Limited Time Discounts!

Discount #1: $5 Off The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015

Review: Star Wars Specialty Beverages in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guest Review: Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Walt Disney World

Atmosphere

LIVE News: Food and Fun at the Disney Parks 24-Hour Events!

Disneyland

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 20th, 2015

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Review: Jabba the Hutt Cupcake at Tusken Fridge Raiders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Review: Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Category: Featured

Atmosphere

NEW Booths and Dishes

New Special Events

NEW Artists Debuting and Familiar Favorites Returning to Eat to the Beat Concert Series

Celebrity Chefs to Appear at the 2015 Food and Wine Festival

Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak Scavenger Hunt

Discount #1: $5 Off The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015

Atmosphere

Disneyland

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS