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As you know, here at DFB we report as SOON as we have any Epcot Food and Wine Festival info. And today we have a FIRST LOOK at a couple of the artists you can expect to return for the 2016 Eat to the Beat concert series!

If you’re new to the Food and Wine Festival, here’s a little background. Eat to the Beat is a concert series that takes place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which runs this year from September 14-November 14. The series features musical acts from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s each year, and concerts take place throughout most evenings of the Festival.

Since this partial list is preliminary, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule! We will bring you all the latest news first!

Eat to the Beat concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three opportunities every night to see your favorite acts — at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM.

2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up…So Far

Note: this schedule is subject to change

September 16-18: Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas
October 20-21: Christopher Cross

We’ll be updating our Eat to the Beat Schedule Page as soon as we have more bands confirmed! Taking in an Eat to the Beat concert is a great way to unwind and continue the fun of the Food and Wine Festival into the evening. [Read more…]

Review: Star Wars Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By Wendy 6 Comments

Allright, Star Wars Fans! And Cupcake Fans. And Contempo Cafe Fans…

Learn About:Contempo Cafe

Disney World Restaurants

We’re back yet again this week at one of Disney World’s longtime bonafide Cupcake Capitals — the Contempo Cafe in Disney World’s Contemporary Resort — to check out one of the more recent additions to its nearly legendary bakery case. While it remains home to treats like the awesome Peanut Butter Pie (aka: heaven), it’s still a great spot to grab a good old fashioned cupcake.

As always, the cupcakes here do change with higher frequency than many spots. The featured cupcake for the month of March, for instance, is a Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake (and early April should bring a Carrot Cake Cupcake). But when I went to see it for myself, it was another batch that caught my attention.

The Star Wars Cupcakes.

Now, typically I’d insert a picture of the bakery case display to give you pricing information, descriptions, and all that. And I do have one to share in a moment. But first, I’ll show you the cupcake I grabbed.

Star Wars Cupcake

The cupcake that you see above is topped with a Star Wars character ring; specifically, Phasma, Captain of the First Order from Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens. [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 15, 2016

By Wendy 16 Comments

Happy Spring! At least, it’s Spring in Disney World where temperatures are starting to rise once more with warm days leading into gorgeous nights!

Springtime Treats at Main Street Confectionery

No matter what the thermometer says in your neck of the woods, why not enjoy a bit of spring with us here at the DFB as we travel all over Disney World to find out What’s New!? [Read more…]

Review: Dinner at the Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By AJ 11 Comments

The Contempo Cafe has consistently been one of my favorite spots for better-than-average counter service meals.

Learn About:Contempo Cafe

Disney World Restaurants

What you find here is quick service, no advance dining reservation required. But the fare is anything but fast food quality.

It had been a while since I’d enjoyed a meal here, and since that last visit, they’d added a Lobster Roll that was getting rave reviews from readers!

Recently, on a very quick visit to the World, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to check out all that’s new at the Contempo — and to see if I still consider it a must-do stop.

Atmosphere

If you’re unfamiliar with the Contempo Cafe, well, you’ve probably seen it before, and you just didn’t know it! It occupies primo Disney real estate right next to Chef Mickey’s on the Grand Canyon Concourse in Disney’s Contemporary Hotel.

Contempo Cafe Entrance

That’s the area that you whizz by when you’re traveling on the Monorail en route to Magic Kingdom. See? [Read more…]

Best of the Fest: What to Eat at the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

By AJ and the DFB Team 22 Comments

There’s a lot to love about Epcot during just about every season. With the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in the Fall, and Holidays Around the World celebrating Winter holidays, this has truly become a festival Park!

But Spring in the park is especially beautiful as the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival gets going. (I know. It doesn’t feel like Spring everywhere. But trust me. It does in Florida.)

The Flower and Garden Festival, which runs through May 30, opened last week, and we were there for the very first day! After an afternoon of Eating and Drinking Around the World, we came away with pictures of all of the dishes — and more than a few new favorites! Today, we’d like to share with you our Best of the Fest — our top picks from the new dishes that you can enjoy when you visit this year’s Festival.

Jerk-spice Grouper (or Chicken) from La Isla Fresca

La Isla Fresca

debuted at the 2016 Flower and Garden Festival, and it brings with it the fresh flavors of the Caribbean. Everything that we tasted here was a winner!

La Isla Fresca Dishes

But we especially liked the option to choose between Jerked Grouper or Chicken (although we went for both! :-D) But seriously — not everyone is a fish lover, and not all folks eat chicken. So having a dish where you can decide, but still enjoy the flavors, is a great idea! [Read more…]

News: The Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Starts TODAY!

By Brooke 2 Comments

It’s just about that time — St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner!

And if you happen to be in Orlando for the holiday, there’s just one place you’ve gotta be…Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant!

Year after year, Raglan Road continues to wow with this festival, which combines the best of Irish music, dancing, culture, and food. And even throughout the constant construction in Disney Springs, they’ve kept it going strong.

This year’s festival will span seven full days. The party starts TODAY — Friday, March 11 — and runs straight through St. Patrick’s Day on the following Thursday!

During the event, you can enjoy all of the wonderful food and drink that Raglan Road offers; and there will be complimentary face painting. Please note: seating will be first come, first served on St. Patrick’s Day, and a cover charge of $10 per person will be applied on that day only for all guests over the age of 18. It gets BUSY, so go early!

Let’s take a look at what you can expect in 2016!

Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Special Culinary Events

Master Chef Kevin Dundon is sure to have something special in store for guests who attend Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival culinary events! Choose from a luncheon and culinary demonstration, or indulge in a special signature dining experience. [Read more…]

Celebrate Daylight Savings with…MORE Savings!

By AJ Leave a Comment

Coming up on Sunday we’ll be celebrating Daylight Savings and Springing Forward — and you know what that means: one less hour of sleep.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but let me also be the bearer of GOOD news: we at DFB have decided to add a silver lining to your weekend and offer some GREAT savings at DFBStore.com in honor of Daylight Savings time! [Read more…]

News: Two NEW Challenges Join the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2016!

By AJ 5 Comments

We don’t often report on runDisney news here at the DFB (unless it has to do with WHAT you’re going to eat BEFORE your race and WHERE you’re going to eat after to celebrate your accomplishment!).

But we make a small exception for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon… ‘cuz wine. And DINE! And also because it takes place in tandem with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, our favorite celebration of the year!

So we thought we’d chime in with some news about the 2016 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which will take place November 3 – 6, 2016.

Here’s the RUNdown, along with details on two NEW challenges debuting this year!

Wine and Dine Half Marathon

First:

the Half Marathon — typically a nighttime race — will take place in daytime hours moving forward, beginning at Epcot at 5:30 AM on Sunday, November 6th. An updated course will bring runners through Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Please note that the Post Race Party will take place on Sunday evening, and runners will have exclusive access during “later hours,” according to runDisney. (This is AWESOME, because it means you don’t miss out on party fun if you’re a slower runner…not that I have any experience in that department at all, of course. ;-D)

2015 Epcot Wine and Dine Medal

Wine and Dine 10K — NEW!

Second:

a Disney Wine & Dine 10K has been added to the weekend, with Chef Remy on the way to host the race! The race will start at Epcot at 5:30 AM on Saturday, November 6th. (There will still be a 5K race as well :-D; Mickey’s Holiday 5K will take place at Animal Kingdom on Friday, November 4.)

Lumiere’s Two Course Challenge — NEW!

[Read more…]

News: Disney Dining Plan Price Increase

By AJ 19 Comments

Are you in the midst of planning your next Walt Disney World vacation? Then you’ll want to know that Disney has increased the price of the Disney Dining Plans for the Quick Service, Standard, and Deluxe Dining Plans as of March 9, 2016.

Disney Dining Plan Prices as of March 9, 2016

Quick-Service Dining Plan

$44.13 per night ages 10 and up
$19.04 per night ages 3 to 9
(Increase from earlier 2016 pricing of $42.84 and $17.47)

Standard Dining Plan
$63.70 per night ages 10 and up
$22.85 per night ages 3 to 9
(Increase from earlier 2016 pricing of $61.84 and $20.96)

Deluxe Dining Plan
$115.08 per night ages 10 and up
$35.49 per night ages 3 to 9
(Increase from earlier 2016 pricing of $111.57 and $32.56)

This pricing was obtained through booking online reservations on DisneyWorld.com.

Wondering Whether the Disney Dining Plan Will SAVE You Money?

We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — including a full chapter and price break-down and comparison on whether the Disney Dining Plan will save YOU money — in our big, bold 2016 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining!

With more than 530 pages, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 30+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs, how to save dough on your Disney dining, and more!

With sample dining itineraries, plus multiple bonus features and reusable worksheets, you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining E-book — and use code HAPPYPLACE for an extra $4 discount for a limited time!

What are your thoughts on the latest pricing information for the Disney Dining Plan? Please chime in with a comment.

Dining in Disneyland: Afternoon Tea at Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55

By Heather 10 Comments

Up until recently, Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel has only offered breakfast/brunch and dinner. This past January, they opened their doors for a lovely Classic Afternoon Tea.

Steakhouse 55 Located Inside the Disneyland Hotel

When I first heard about the tea offering, I knew I wanted to try it out. Steakhouse 55 has always been one of my favorite Disneyland Resort restaurants. I especially love the atmosphere here, so I was really excited to have a new Steakhouse 55 experience. Breakfast at Steakhouse 55 is what I believe to be one of the very best breakfasts on property. Dinner is wonderful too, so I was sure afternoon tea would be a delight as well!

I tried to book immediately, but it was full almost a month out! So, I booked my month out and waited patiently. Checking in for tea is the same process as a meal. Just head on up to the podium and you will be escorted back to the dining room.

Check In Podium

When the time came, I was joined by my best pal. We took the first reservation of the day, which was at noon, and when we got there it was basically empty. By the time we left, there was not one open table! [Read more…]

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News! 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Preliminary Dates

2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up…So Far

Review: Star Wars Cupcake at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 15, 2016