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News: Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort to Close for Renovations Starting August 1

From August 1 – December 20, 2014, the Intermission Food Court at the All-Star Music Resort in Walt Disney World will be closed for refurbishments.

Intermission Food Court Entrance

During these dates, All Star Music guests will have access to grab ‘n go selections at the Melody Hall Arcade space. Transportation will also be available to the neighboring All Star Sports Resort for guests who wish to enjoy the End Zone Food Court, which was completely refurbished in 2013.

Current Intermission Food Court Seating Area

These dates (along with the grab ‘n go scenario) echo those of the refurbishment that End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports underwent last year (from August 5 – December 20, 2013).

As we now know, when End Zone Food Court reopened last December, the result of the renovation was a cleaner look than it had previously showcased, with earthy hues replacing primary colors – all while maintaining the sports-centered theme of the Resort.

End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports, post-renovation

Some of the offerings that have been a hit at the Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors Food Court (such as a Create-Your-Own Pasta Station and Gelato Bar) were incorporated into the menu along with standard Disney food court favorites. Additionally, it received an all-new option [Read more…]

Review: Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery

By Wendy 6 Comments

Anytime is a good time to stop by the BoardWalk Bakery to check out the Seasonal Cupcake, and summer is no exception.

Through the Fourth of July, Boardwalk Bakery’s Seasonal Cupcake is a patriotic confection I like to call the Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake.

Red White and Blue Cupcake

The bakery case sign, as you can see, simply states “Seasonal Cupcake,” and it’s not difficult to spot the Red, White, and Blue in the case as soon as you walk in the door.

Red White and Blue Cupcakes in bakery case

These cupcakes are huge, thanks to the more than ample amount of decorations on top, featuring red and blue fondant stars as well as an explosion of white chocolate spirals that bring celebratory fireworks to mind.

There is also a small sprinkling of edible silver glitter covering the whipped topping.

Toppings on Red White & Blue Cupcake

My one moment of disappointment was when it came time to [Read more…]

Guest Review: Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 33 Comments

Today, we welcome @MealTrip back to Disney Food Blog with an in-depth look — and some incredible photos! — of the opening night performance of Harambe Nights!

We enjoyed our first experience with this new hard ticket event at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom when we brought you a sneak peek from a media event recently. Now that the performance — which includes the new show The Lion King –A Concert in the Wild, a Welcome Reception, and a Street Party afterwards — is open to the public, we wanted to bring you another look at the event.

Let’s see what works — and what still needs a little work.

Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I made my way to the event location in plenty of time to check out the area for Harambe Nights before many of the guests arrived, and the set up is quite well done.

Festively-capped Cast Members greet guests of the event at the front gate of Animal Kingdom.

Cast Members Welcoming Guests to Harambe Nights

Here’s a close up of the Harambe Nights sign.

Welcome Sign

Let’s head in and take a look around.

Welcome Reception

As you enter the area, don’t forget to grab a program right after you check in and receive your wristband. The program contains information about merchandise, food, and the show.

Distributing Programs

It also gives you a handy schedule so you know just how the evening will unfold.

Event Program — Click to Enlarge

Here’s the view as I arrived. The streets of the new Harambe Theater District are set up and ready to go before the party.

Streets of the New Harambe Street District as Guests Arrive

And here’s the area after 1,000 people are let in!

Streets of the New Harambe Theater District as it Fills with People

There are numerous beverage and food stations set up throughout the area. Here’s an example of one of the beverage stations. And yes — that’s Jungle Juice!

Beverage Station

The Welcoming Party menu is somewhat light, and everything food and drink-wise is repeated at all stations, so if you’ve found one, you’ve found them all.

Welcome Reception Menu — Click to Enlarge

The self-serve hot “appetizer” stations are well-looked after by Cast Members, and if you feel the line is too long when you walk up to one, just hang back and wait a few minutes. The crowds tend to ebb and flow, and there’s plenty of time to visit the food tables multiple times without standing in a long line.

Self Serve Appetizers at the Welcome Party

Spicy Durban Chicken will be familiar to guests who have dined at Boma or Tusker House.

Spicy Durban Chicken

Also throughout the area, there are numerous [Read more…]

News! Disney Kitchen Goodies at the NEW Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney

By Wendy 28 Comments

The Marketplace Co-op just opened on Friday in Downtown Disney in Disney World, and if you’re looking for items to add to your Disney dream kitchen, your search may be over.

New Marketplace Co-op in Downtown Disney

When we got a glimpse of some of the merchandise earlier this year, we thought, “Okay, this could be pretty cool.”

As it turns out… it is COMPLETELY cool!

The Marketplace Co-op is six separate “boutiques” housed inside of what once was one large store (formerly Team Mickey): Beautifully Disney, D-Tech On Demand, The Trophy Room, Cherry Tree Lane, Zoey and Pickles, and Disney Centerpiece.

Marketplace Co-op Stores

The space for each section is not huge… but you will not believe the amount of fun stuff they’ve got packed in there! Being the food fans we are, we’re focusing on what’s available at the Disney Centerpiece.

Disney Centerpiece

The good news is, some of these items are available online, in case you aren’t able to visit the Co-op anytime soon. If you see a clickable link in our description, it will take you to the place where you can buy it!

Oh, my… where to begin?! How about Adventureland section?

Adventureland

Ceramic Dole Whip Keepsake Box

How can we not start with Dole Whips? At first glance, this ceramic Dole Whip appears to be only that – just a ceramic figurine.

Dole Whip Keepsake Box

However, you can lift off the lid and store a keepsake in the Dole Whip’s bowl.

Dole Whip Keepsake Box

I think this would look SO AWESOME on a desk!

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

If you prefer a different homage to your beloved Dole Whip, these Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses might do the trick.

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

Cheers!

Aloha Plates

These “Aloha” plates measure in at 7 inches, for appetizers or desserts… or both 😉 .

Aloha Plates

Color choices are red, blue, and green.

Aloha Bowls

The companion “Aloha” bowls also come in three color choices: [Read more…]

Review: Pineapple and Coconut Frozen Yogurt at Epcot’s Refreshment Cool Post!

By Wendy 10 Comments

Refreshment Cool Post

is a stop along the way around World Showcase. You’ll find it after you cross the bridge from the China Pavilion towards Germany. The Cool Post typically offers a menu of pretty standard quick-eats: hot dogs, frozen slushes, and fruit cups are among the choices.

Refreshment Cool Post

Refreshment Cool Post Menu

However, this unassuming spot has been chosen as the only place to offer a special summer treat unique to Epcot: Frozen Yogurt soft-serve, available in Pineapple, Coconut, or a swirl of the two!

Pineapple Coconut Swirl Frozen Yogurt

It’s next to impossible, of course, for most Disney food fans to hear the words “pineapple” and “soft-serve” in the same sentence without thinking of the original pineapple soft-serve treat: Dole Whip!

Dole Whip!!

So, we thought we’d present this review by bringing you a little side-by-side comparison of the two.

We’ll start with the most obvious characteristic: color. While the Dole Whip is a light yellow, it’s still a definite yellow, where the Pineapple Frozen Yogurt’s yellow is so pale, it’s almost white. My yogurt was a pineapple-coconut swirl, and you can just barely make out the yellow of the pineapple yogurt against the white of the coconut.

Pineapple Coconut Swirl Frozen Yogurt

Next: texture. Okay, so that’s [Read more…]

News: New Menu Item at ‘Ohana in Disney World’s Polynesian Resort

By Wendy 23 Comments

Disney’s Polynesian Resort is currently undergoing a major refurbishment that’s affecting several areas throughout the resort.

From a food perspective, we are very much looking forward to an updated Captain Cook’s sometime this summer, the addition of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto in 2015, and the Pineapple Lanai kiosk for a Dole Whip fix anticipated to open later this year.

Captain Cook’s Refurbishment Sign

One change unconnected to the refurbishments, however, has been more immediate. Several weeks ago, ‘Ohana – arguably the Polynesian’s most popular Table Service restaurant – removed Chicken Skewers from the menu.

While there have been no further removals, we wanted to let you know how the menu has been refreshed in light of that change.

The Entrance to ‘Ohana

Refreshed ‘Ohana Menu

Meal Starters still include ‘Ohana Pineapple Coconut Bread and Mixed Greens with a Lilikoi Dressing.

‘Ohana Bread

‘Ohana Mixed Greens

One new item has been added to the Appetizers: Vegetable Lettuce Wraps with a Hoisin Ginger Sauce join the Pork Dumplings tossed in a Garlic Ginger Sauce.

‘Ohana Pork Dumplings

A new heading has been added the menu as well [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014

By Wendy 14 Comments

For this round of “What’s New,” we’ve got food news (and menu changes galore) from every single Disney World park… and beyond! So settle, in, make yourselves comfy, and join us to see What’s New!

Animal Kingdom

We’ll start with the fact that Dole Whip (with or without rum, y’all) can now be found at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom’s Africa! (Yep; we’ve had confirmation from Dole that it IS indeed authentic Dole Whip Pineapple Soft Serve.)

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Pineapple Soft-serve (Dole Whip!) menu

But we don’t want to miss the chance to mention that Tamu Tamu has also brought back some old favorites with a recent menu refresh: The Slow-cooked Pulled Beef Sandwich is back (hooray!), along with the return of the Quinoa Salad. The Roasted Chicken Salad and gorgeous Fresh Fruit Salad made the cut from the previous menu.

Tamu Tamu Menu

Inside the pulled beef sandwich

Quinoa Salad

And I’m very happy to say that the Fresh Fruit Bowl is back in time for summer!

Fruit Bowl Salad

The Fruit Salad has returned to Bradley Falls, too.

Bradley Falls menu

Remember, Bradley Falls operates seasonally, so if it’s closed during your visit, it’s good to know you can head over to Tamu Tamu for a Fresh Fruit Bowl.

Have you seen (or heard?!) this awesome Musical Tumbler found at various food locations throughout Animal Kingdom? Get the full scoop here!

Musical Tumbler

The Royal Anandapur Tea Company is a perfect spot to grab a cup of hot tea (assorted varieties available) or coffee. However, they’re currently offering some flavored Iced Teas in light of the warmer temps.

Royal Anandapur Tea Company Menu

Though not food-related, I’d like to offer this next picture as a small tribute. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade wrapped up its nearly 13-year run as Animal Kingdom makes way for all sorts of new adventures. I don’t think I’m speaking solely for myself when I say this unique, beautiful and fun parade will be missed.

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Magic Kingdom

The Lunching Pad

has added one more option to its gourmet hot dog selection: the BLT Hot Dog joins the Coney Island Dog and the Philly Cheese Steak Dog.

Lunching Pad Menu

Now, here’s something you don’t see everyday… this next bit is not a new item, but rather a new [Read more…]

Full Review: West Side Starbucks in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By Wendy 14 Comments

Downtown Disney

(currently transitioning to Disney Springs, with the official renaming set for 2015) has opened its second of two Starbucks locations.

West Side Starbucks in Downtown Disney

You may want to grab your own cuppa joe before settling in to take this tour – the West Side location is HUGE, so there is lots to see!

Starbucks Location in Downtown Disney’s West Side

Before we step inside, one of the unique outdoor features is the grass roof, aided in its growth by recycled coffee grounds.

Grass roof as seen from the side

Grass roof

As you approach the door to enter, you’ll notice that this is a Starbucks Reserve location. More on that to come…

Starbucks Reserve door handles

While the Marketplace location that opened a couple of weeks ago is a walk-up counter for grab-and-go coffee, the West Side location is large enough that there is a dedicated room just for ordering and picking up your coffee. The queue is waiting for you!

Queue for the ordering counter

Welcome to Starbucks!

Ordering room

If you are a Starbucks regular, you may not even need to glance at the menu, but it’s there, just in case 😉 .

Menu board

You can grab a bite from the bakery case as well. While there are no location-specific treats, I learned that this location carries just about every item from the La Boulange pastry line including coffee cake, cheese danish, cookies, muffins, croissants, scones, and breakfast sandwiches.

Bakery case

Packaged sandwiches, salads, and cheese and fruit boxes are also available.

Once you pick up your coffee, you can proceed to the next room and grab a spot to relax.

Indoor seating

Since it is anticipated that this will be a very busy spot, the name of the game is seating, and lots of it.

Indoor seating

Seating at the Reserve Coffee Counter

I liked this group table – a smart addition for a family vacation destination (there are a couple of group tables in the outdoor seating area, too, which we’ll see a bit later).

Large table

You can even gain some coffee knowledge if you take a look around. Chalk-style murals depict regions where coffee beans are harvested, as well as a little history of the French Press brewing system.

Mural

French Press mural

A few cool antique coffee grinders and measuring scales are tucked into wall shelves.

Coffee antiques

Antique scale

Everywhere you look, you’ll find more coffee-inspired details.

“Coffee sack” Pillow

Beans at the Reserve Counter

Changing screen showing progess of the coffee bean

With lots of wood and black walls, this spot might be rather dark, but large windows provide plenty of natural light as well as a great view of Downtown Disney and the lake.

Window wall

There are two really unique features in this room to share. One is the interactive screen. The screen is interactive in that you can “draw” on it (think etch-a-sketch, without the little pen).

Interactive Screen

I stole this little greeting idea from Heather, our Disneyland reporter, from her trip to the Starbucks location in Downtown Disney Anaheim 🙂 .

DFB Greeting!

I also mention the Anaheim Starbucks because you can use this screen to check out what’s happening out there from your spot at Disney World!

“Live from Anaheim”

Of course, Anaheim is three hours behind the east coast, so there wasn’t much action to be seen during my morning visit, since they weren’t open yet. But there was still fun to be had — occasionally you can catch a glimpse of the chalk version of yourself, and see what they would be seeing in Anaheim.

Interactive screen

I kind of felt like I was in the “Take On Me” video (by A-ha!) from WAAAAAY back in the day. If you remember that, then I salute you, fellow child of the eighties! (AJ’s Editor Note: “I TOTALLY had that cassette single!!!!!!! This is why Wendy and I are friends.”)

Obviously, part of what’s involved in this technology are cameras, so a disclaimer is present letting you know where to go if you prefer not to be filmed during your visit.

Disclaimer

The other special thing in this room is the Reserve Coffee Counter. If you are looking specifically for Reserve Coffee, save yourself some time and bypass the main ordering section, since you’ll find the Reserve Coffee in the seating room. It has it’s own register, so you can make your purchase without waiting in the main line.

Reserve Coffee Counter on the left

Reserve Coffee Counter

Reserve Coffee is offered at select Starbucks locations, featuring very small batches of “rare and exotic” beans. These upscale brews are [Read more…]

News and Photo Tour! Starbucks at Downtown Disney’s West Side Is Now Open

By AJ 6 Comments

Hey all! Yet another Starbucks has joined the ranks of Disney locations in Walt Disney World…and it’s now open for business!

Starbucks Location in Downtown Disney’s West Side

This time, you’ll find a HUGE one at Downtown Disney’s west Side — with a great view of the Characters in Flight Balloon!

Wendy will be putting together a full review for us of this location, but I just wanted to give you a quick sneak peek to whet your appetite! There are so many cool components to this spot — including an interactive chalk board that’s hooked up with a sister Starbucks location in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District! Let’s take a look!

Ordering Area at Starbucks

While the Marketplace Starbucks is primarily a grab and go location, this spot is [Read more…]

Review: A Sneak Peek at Harambe Nights in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!

By Wendy 39 Comments

Karibuni!! Welcome to Harambe Nights!

Harambe Nights

We were so excited to attend a “sneak peek” of this all-new hard-ticket event, debuting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Saturday, June 7, and running every Saturday evening through August 9^th.

While the centerpiece of the evening will be the brand new show, The Lion King –A Concert in the Wild, Harambe Nights will also feature a Welcome Reception, a street party, and an all-inclusive and wide-ranging selection of food.

Concept art for Harambe Nights

Guests at Harambe Nights will be welcomed into Harambe Village, and into its traditions as reflected in music, story-telling, and cuisine. The primary story will be that of Simba, the Lion King, as it is told by the people of Harambe Village, allowing this well-loved story to be told in a whole new way in honor of the film’s 20^th anniversary.

This event promises to be a full sensory experience, engaging sight, sound, smell, and taste. Since we here at the DFB are all about taste 😉 , allow me to share a few of the culinary highlights in the order that they will be experienced in the event.

Welcome Reception

Harambe Nights will begin with a Welcome Reception where guests will have their first chance to sample the cuisine with an assortment of appetizers.

I was able to sample two of the four appetizers, including the Safari Cheeseburger Rolls with Tomato Curry Aioli. The playful presentation helped set a celebratory tone.

Safari Cheeseburger with tomato curry aioli

I also enjoyed the Moroccan Beef Kefta Meatball with Tamarind Glaze.

Moroccan Kefta with Tamarind Glaze

Of-age guests can pair with African-inspired wine and beer. I particularly liked “Goats do Roam” white from the popular South African Vineyard.

Selection of wine

Selection of beer

Jungle Juice — that refreshing mix of passion fruit, guava, and orange juice — was available as well.

Jungle Juice

Unfortunately, I missed the Pickled Fennel Paneer Cheese with Tomato and the Durban-spiced Chicken Tenders… but there is much more to come!

The Lion King — A Concert in the Wild

After the Welcome Reception, guests will proceed into the brand new Harambe Theater to enjoy The Lion King – A Concert in the Wild. Prior to the show, attendees will be given a special treat.

This snack is seriously one of my new favorite things on earth… LION CHOW!

Lion Chow bamboo pouch

Lion Chow

This mix is much more complex than it appears. The sesame bits, candied pecans, raisins, dried fruit, and spiced toasted chips offer a full and surprising range of flavors. It’s sweet, salty, and mildly spicy all at once (I think it’s the candied ginger that delivers that bit of kick).

I’ve got half a mind to start a petition for a Lion Chow kiosk in Animal Kingdom – it’s seriously addicting!

Close-up of Lion Chow

Guests will be able to enjoy their Lion Chow during the performance. We were given the unique opportunity to see three numbers that will be performed in the show. Understandably, we were not able to take photographs or record this portion of the evening.

Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to capture the power and beauty of the performance even if cameras had been allowed. I can only say that it was a truly special experience watching these performers bring the story of “The Lion King” to new life with such talent and passion. Marsha Jackson-Randolph — the production’s director — called the production an “endeavor of love,” and it shows.

Concept Art for The Lion King – A Concert in the Wild

Having seen the numbers in rehearsal clothing, I can only imagine what amazing things are in store when the entire concert is presented in full costume with a 25-piece orchestra, 16-voice choir, celebrity narrator and co-narrator, 8 dancers, and pivotal moments of the film presented on screens during select moments throughout. I am sincerely excited for those who get to enjoy it.

Street Party

Once the show ends, the night continues on! Harambe Village will invite guests to join in the Harambe Nights Street Party, which will feature (among other things) live music as well as sound by DJ Khalifa, dance, street performers, glow-in-the-dark face painting (yes!), and a few of your best Disney friends.

Timon and Rafiki

Stilt walkers

DJ Khalifa

Musicians at the Sneak Peek

It will also feature African-inspired food, presented at stations throughout the Village.

We’ll start with the Breads and Salads Station. Fans of Sanaa’s bread service will appreciate the assortment of Naan, Onion Kulcha, and Pappadum breads.

Naan, Onion Kulcha and Pappadum breads

Naan being prepared

Accompaniments include Roasted Pepper Hummus, Garlic-Ginger Pickle, and Cucumber Raita. At Boma, I always love the Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, but I really enjoyed that Raita as well.

Cucumber Raita

The salads were simply gorgeous. Even better, they were fresh, flavorful, colorful, and original.

Choices include a Watercress, Melon, Feta, and Berry Balsamic Salad and Roasted Beetroot Salad with Sunflower Seeds. My favorite was the Kachumbari Salad with Tomato, Paneer, Carrot, and Cilantro.

Watercress, Melon, Feta, and Berry Balsamic Onion Salad

Roasted Beetroot Salad with Sunflower Seeds

Kachumbari Salad with Tomato, Paneer, Carrot, and Cilantro

Rarely do I feel that salads are among the highlights of a meal, but here I did.

I was really impressed with the vegetarian options available – not only at the Bread and Salad station, but throughout the selections. One example is the Spicy Vegetable Samosa (a Mango Chutney was available for dipping).

Spicy Vegetable Samosa

I neglected to snap a picture of the Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, but I can’t resist sharing some Disney mac and cheese deliciousness with you today!

Macaroni and Cheese

Moving on to the Surf and Turf Station, there are two other [Read more…]

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News: Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort to Close for Renovations Starting August 1

Review: Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery

Guest Review: Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Welcome Reception

News! Disney Kitchen Goodies at the NEW Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney

Adventureland

Ceramic Dole Whip Keepsake Box

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

Aloha Plates

Aloha Bowls

Review: Pineapple and Coconut Frozen Yogurt at Epcot’s Refreshment Cool Post!

News: New Menu Item at ‘Ohana in Disney World’s Polynesian Resort

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014

Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

Full Review: West Side Starbucks in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

News and Photo Tour! Starbucks at Downtown Disney’s West Side Is Now Open

Review: A Sneak Peek at Harambe Nights in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom!

Welcome Reception

The Lion King — A Concert in the Wild

Street Party

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Category: News

Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Welcome Reception

Adventureland

Ceramic Dole Whip Keepsake Box

Aloha Isle Hurricane Glasses

Aloha Plates

Aloha Bowls

Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

Welcome Reception

The Lion King — A Concert in the Wild

Street Party

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS