magic kingdom | the disney food blog

News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant — Skipper Canteen — Officially Coming to Disney World!

IT’S OFFICIAL!!!

After months of waiting, watching, and hoping, there is now confirmation from Disney that a Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant is indeed on its way to Disney World! The Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen is coming to Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland!

Skipper Canteen Concept Art

Here’s what we know: offering “World Famous Jungle Cuisine,” the Skipper Canteen will feature several different dining rooms such as a Crew Mess Hall, and even a “once-hidden secret meeting room” of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers. [Read more…]

DFB Reader Questions Answered: Where Can I Get a Free Counter Service Refill in the Parks?

By AJ 14 Comments

We’re tackling another question from the DFB Reader mailbag today! Our reader asks:

Which counter service locations in Walt Disney World have self serve kiosks offering free refills?

This is really relevant question from a budget perspective. Since the Resort Refillable Mugs can’t be used in the parks, you might want to know where you can go to get more than one drink from the soda fountain. Let’s check out a couple of spots where you can grab multiple rounds of drinks when you’re extra thirsty.

Note: You do need to purchase a drink from these locations before filling up your cup again and again! Also, our DFB team members have checked with cast members at each location to confirm that refills are, indeed, allowed during your meal at the restaurant. [Read more…]

News: Breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant is Permanent

By AJ 12 Comments

Greetings, Monsieurs et Madames!

Learn About:Be Our Guest Restaurant -- Breakfast

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

The invitation to be the guest of Lumiere, Cogsworth, and Mrs. Potts for breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant has been extended. The initial test phase of the prix fixe, “fast, casual” meal at Be Our Guest Restaurant has ended and breakfast is now officially a permanent offering!

Of course, along with change comes… more change ;). This time in the form of a price increase: it will now cost $21.99 for adults to enjoy the prix fixe breakfast at Be Our Guest (the cost was $19.99 during the test period), and $13.99 for children ages 3-9 (previously $11.99).

Breakfast at Be Our Guest remains 1 Counter Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan.

Open-Face Bacon and Egg Sandwich for Breakfast at Be Our Guest

The official word is that Advance Dining Reservations will open tomorrow, August 5th, via My Disney Experience or by calling (407) WDW-DINE for dates October 4 and extending through the typical 180-day window for reservations. But I’m just sayin’, this is what popped up on my computer today, so you may get lucky and be able to book today for that booking window: [Read more…]

Spotted: Country Bear Jamboree Jug AND Mug in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland

By Wendy 16 Comments

“Howdy, folks! Welcome to the one and only O-riginal Country Bear Jamboree!”

Country Bear Jamboree Jug

So, whaddya think of the new Country Bears Souvenir Jug?!? You can grab yours at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe filled with a fountain beverage for $9.29, or Raspberry Lemonade Slush for $10.49. Here’s a closeup for ya… [Read more…]

Disney Dining Tips: What to Expect on Peak Booking Days

By AJ 10 Comments

Are you excited to book your events for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

OF COURSE you are!! You know who else is excited?

Buddy Valastro Demo at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Lots and lots (and LOTS) of other people. 😉

Booking for Special Events and Demos and Seminars for the Festival will open to the general public on July 30th at 7 am this year, and the popularity of these events makes that date into something we call a Peak Booking Day — a day when you never quite know what to expect, because the phone lines and online booking engines are often jammed with folks trying to nab their top choices.

Get ready to dial!

Of course, sought-after bookings aren’t unique to the Food and Wine Festival. Just ask anyone who’s ever tried to [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Don’t Miss These Holiday Events in Disney World!

By AJ 8 Comments

Summer may have just officially started, but we are already thinking of the Holidays at Walt Disney World!

Sounds crazy, I know, but we’re just over 180 days — six months! — until the holidays are in full swing, and NOW is the time to make dining plans for your holiday meals — but it’s also the time to consider what other fun activities you’ll enjoy at Walt Disney World this holiday season.

To jumpstart your planning, today we’re talking about some of our favorite Tips from the DFB Guide to the Holidays at Disney World: Three Holiday Events that you can’t miss!

And speaking of the DFB Guide, don’t get to take advantage of our 180 Days Til Christmas Sale! Through June 28, we’re offering three great ways to save when you pre-order the 2015 DFB Guide to the Holidays at Walt Disney World. Check out all of the details about the sale here!

Now, let’s take a look at some of our favorite holiday events that you should definitely plan on working into your Disney holiday calendar…

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Snow on Main Street USA and life-size Toy Soldiers? That’s part of your reality when you attend the long-running and beloved Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

This hard-ticketed event takes place during select evenings from November 8 until December 18, 2015, this year, and brings all of the joy and warm fuzzy feeling of Christmas and the holiday season to Magic Kingdom.

Toy Soldiers During the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade!

During the event, guests enjoy special entertainment and character meet and greets. Complimentary cocoa and cookies fuel you up for all the fun. And there are TONS of special, exclusive treats that you can enjoy only during the Party!

Snickerdoodles and Hot Cocoa

And be sure to grab a front row seat for Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade, which features Santa as well as some of your favorite Disney holiday characters. And, of course Anna and Elsa will be there!

Holidays Around the World

Looking to observe the holidays with international flair? Then an evening at Epcot for Holidays Around the World will fit the bill nicely. Enjoy a stroll around Epcot’s beautiful World Showcase as storytellers from around the globe share seasonal tales within several of the pavilions — free with Epcot admission!

Père Noël

And if you didn’t score a seat for the [Read more…]

Review: Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 28 Comments

We are back for another visit to Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern — and this time, it’s for dinner.

Learn About:Liberty Tree Tavern

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

What’s the difference between lunch and dinner? Well, it’s major, actually. Lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern is an a la carte offering — you order what you want off the menu. I’ll often go for their Angus Chuck Cheeseburger. And the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is one of the best desserts on property. (Here’s the recipe.)

But dinner is a completely different deal — and still quite good. You’re treated to a family style feast consisting of roasted meats and all the trimmings.

I haven’t covered dinner at LTT here on the blog for a long time…for two reasons: 1.) It’s always the same. The food rarely changes, and everyone gets the same thing, so our previous reviews are still totally valid when it comes to the food. 2.) For some reason, every time I’ve been there for dinner in the past year, something has happened to keep me from getting the photos I need to blog the post. Either a member of my party gets sick or one of the kids has a meltdown…or we’re with a huge group and the food is decimated before I can take a picture.

So, I made it a focus on my last trip to get over there and make it happen! Here we go!

Atmosphere

Liberty Tree Tavern is a Magic Kingdom icon. It’s been there since the Park opened, and there are many Disney fans who count a meal here among their earliest Disney memories. It’s located on Liberty Square, near the Hall of Presidents and other exhibits celebrating Colonial American History.

Liberty Tree Tavern Entrance

Liberty Tree Tavern offers seating in six different rooms, each themed to a notable historical figure. They include Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and George Washington. You can see a more in-depth atmosphere review here.

A door in the John Paul Jones Room

Model Ship and John Paul Jones Portrait

If your kiddos are studying American history, it’s fun to take a look around each of the rooms to see some of the more well-known stories come to life. Ben Franklin’s kite and George Washington’s wooden teeth appear in their respective rooms.

Kite in Ben Franklin Room

And if there are any invasions or revolutions that require your help, you’re all set. Grab your cloak and three corner hat, and you’re off!

Coats and Hat Hanging at the Ready

Seating throughout the vast network of rooms is made up of booths and tables. Primarily you’ll find ladder back chairs that are fairly comfortable surrounding rectangular and round tables.

Seating

If you prefer some natural light, be sure to request a seat in one of the outer facing dining rooms. But don’t plan on parade- or people-watching. The glass is bubbled and wavy, so you’ll just see blobs of color.

Seating and View

Eats

As I mentioned before, if you dine at Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner, you’ll be partaking in a prix fixe, family style meal. That means that each person in your party will pay a set price — one price for adults, and a lower price for children. (Children under 3 are free.)

Your meal includes everything listed below, including a standard beverage and dessert. The format is all-you-care-to-enjoy, so there’s no reason to ever leave a Liberty Tree Tavern dinner table hungry.

Liberty Tree Tavern Menu — Click to Enlarge

We began with a [Read more…]

News! The Orange Bird Returns to Magic Kingdom — With SUPER Limited Time Merchandise

By AJ 8 Comments

As you may know, there was a little switch-up in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland a few months ago: Aloha Isle (home of the Dole Whip) and Sunshine Tree Terrace (Citrus Swirl haven) changed places to accommodate construction — it is widely believed — for an upcoming Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant.

New Sunshine Tree Terrace location

On the day the “new” locations opened, however, there was one obvious thing missing: the Orange Bird could not be found at Sunshine Tree Terrace (to learn a little more about the Orange Bird’s long Adventureland history, check out the video in this post!).

Disney assured fans, thankfully, of his impending return, and it seems it has now come to pass. The original Orange Bird figurine returned today — Friday, May 29th — to Sunshine Tree Terrace (and he is going to be honored on the location’s sign as well).

Welcome back, Orange Bird!

To celebrate his homecoming, the Disney Parks online store is selling a LIMITED RUN t-shirt and poster featuring our little orange pal! Through June 4 only, this Orange Bird T-shirt will be available in an Adult and Youth size:

©Disney

A print featuring the same design is up for grabs, and so is [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…]

We Want To See YOUR 24-Hour Disney Day Pics This Friday!

By AJ 2 Comments

It’s almost 24-Hour Disney Party Time!

What started a couple of years ago seems to be turning into a tradition as we celebrate the third annual 24-Hour Disney Day at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Stay Up All Night with These Guys -- and Me! ©Disney

And we can’t wait to experience it!

We’ll be bringing you LIVE coverage from the ground in California as they celebrate the kickoff of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Disneyland.

But we want our readers to get in on the fun, too — so I’d love to showcase all of your fun shots from the 24 Hour Disney Day! Who’s game??

To participate, send me your pictures AND reviews to [email protected], twitter, instagram (tagging @disneyfoodblog) and/or facebook!

We’ll be live blogging and updating our post as all of the new stuff continues to pour in!!

I WILL be trying this Mocha Chip Funnel Cake in Disneyland on Friday! ©Disney

So remember, join us for all the fun as we [Read more…]