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More 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details and Menus!

This year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will run from September 19 – November 10, 2014! This 53-day festival will give fans a fun culinary experience.

So far we’ve gotten the chance to check out the Eat to the Beat Concerts and a few Special Events. We’ve even heard the news that a new Patagonia Booth will be debuting at the 2014 Festival and we’ve got details on the 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

Let’s look at a few more details we’ve just discovered!

Returning Festival Fun

Stroll around World Showcase sampling food and beverages from over 25 international marketplaces. Don’t forget to have your complimentary festival passport stamped at each booth!

There’s lots to choose from — with more than 270 chefs and culinary experts involved in the Festival menus. Everyone loves the Cranberry Bog brought to the festival by Ocean Spray! If you’re still noshing at night, choose from three Eat to the Beat concerts.

Looking for something extra-special? Look for a special event! Make reservations for Party for the Senses or a signature dinner on select festival evenings. Also, Parisian breakfasts return on Saturday mornings. See our 2013 review here!

Cheese Display at 2013 Parisian Breakfast

New Festival Fun

What’s new? “Back to Basics” will be offered as a new Festival Center series. (We’re guessing this will be a LOT like the Authentic Taste Seminars from previous years.) And on Friday mornings, “Food for Thought” will be a new cookbook event by celebrity chefs.

“Sunday Mornings With …” is a new plated brunch. This will be similar to Sweet Sundays from past festivals, but the plated brunch means no more buffet! Three desserts will be created by an expert pastry chef or baker.

Cooking with Carla at Sweet Sundays

The new Patagonia Marketplace merges Argentina and Chile flavors offering menu items like sustainable roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad drizzled with a kicky arugula chimichurri. Pair your dish with a great Chilean wine: Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier or Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé.

Farm Fresh Market replaces the Florida Local Marketplace with a breakfast for dinner dish or “brinner”: Bacon and Eggs (applewood-smoked, pepper-coated bacon, sweet corn, potatoes, Hollandaise, and pickled jalapeños). Or dig into the griddled “yard bird” (chicken) with braised greens. Quench your thirst with Orlando Brewing Company’s I-4IPA or a trendy Ba Ba Black Lager from Salt Lake City’s Uinta Brewing Company.

The returning Brazil Marketplace will once again offer crispy pork belly with black beans, onions, avocado and cilantro. New items will include: moqueca de pescado (tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice), pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), and cocadas (Brazilian coconut candy).

Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro

The Poland Marketplace has a new version of the popular pierogi dish that’s been around forever — sauerkraut pierogi and pork goulash.

What’s Free?

With your Epcot admission, the following Festival goodies [Read more…]

Spotted! Musical Tumbler in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 23 Comments

There’s a new souvenir cup at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s something you just gotta see…

Musical Tumbler

Actually, scratch that – this is something you just gotta hear, because this drink tumbler is MUSICAL!!

Musical Tumbler

Found at various locations in Animal Kingdom, the Musical Tumbler is, first of all, eye-catching. These pictures show the mug at various angles so you can see every “side” of it.

The animals found all over the tumbler bring to mind the park’s icon, the Tree of Life.

Musical Tumbler

But what makes this tumbler truly awesome is the handle. As the sign notes (pun alert!), the handle is an “Ocarina” (a wind flute).

You can see the holes in the handle, as well as the smaller hole in the mouthpiece that you blow into to create the sounds.

Ocarina handle

But wait — there’s more! The tumbler comes with instructions on how to play two Disney songs: “It’s a Small World,” and the Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”!

Musical tumbler info

Here’s the thing… I immediately thought, “Wow, that’s cool.” And I definitely thought it looked great. But I assumed it would sound like one of those plastic flutes for kids. You know, like those toddler toys that come all in primary colors and when the kid starts to play it – bless their heart – it sounds like the world is coming to an end.

Then the guy next to me bought one. Now, I have no idea whether he was some sort of musical genius with an extensive history with woodwind instruments, but I was pretty impressed with what I heard. This thing actually sounds good.

What you get in your tumbler depends on [Read more…]

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Return to Downtown Disney’s West Side!

By Wendy 5 Comments

Remember just last week when we took you to the new Starbucks in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace? Well, we’re back at Downtown Disney already to show you the new homes of Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream!

wetzels pretzels haagen dazs west side downtown disney (2)

New location of Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Dazs

Only today we’re on the very end of West Side. We were excited to spot the signs indicating construction of this location a while ago, especially since Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs aren’t strangers to Downtown Disney. Their previous location next to Bongos Cuban Café closed last October to make way for what will be the West Side Starbucks. (Wetzel’s Pretzels, meanwhile, has retained a small kiosk in the Marketplace.)

These cheerful walk-up shops are located right outside of Disney Quest (notice the blue wall behind) and across from Cirque du Soleil. For another point of orientation, you can see the House of Blues sign just across the way.

Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Dazs

Aside from location, another key difference is [Read more…]

News! Dole Whip Arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 26 Comments

Um…GET THIS!!!!!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom’s Africa offers two things: Cold Drinks!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

And Good Eats!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Well, things are about to get a little colder and good…er (?!?). Because starting THIS WEEKEND, Tamu Tamu Refreshments is serving up DOLE WHIPS!!

Dole Whip!!

DOLE WHIPS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM?! WHAAAAAAAAAT?!?

That’s right, friends… you read correctly. Just as Dole Whips have departed the Pineapple Promenade at Epcot with the ending of this year’s Flower & Garden Festival, they’re making their arrival at Tamu Tamu Refreshments!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Here’s the scoop! No floats here, a la Aloha Isle – the ultimate Dole Whip location. BUT you will have the option to spike your Dole Whip with alcohol (if you’re 21-or-over, of course)!

Choices are the same as at the 2014 Flower & Garden Festival’s Pineapple Promenade booth: dark rum or coconut rum.

Dole Whips with rum at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival

Based on the prices, we’re thinking sizes will be similar to the [Read more…]

LIVE News: Eats and Treats at the Rock Your Disney Side 24-Hour Events in Disney Parks

By AJ 11 Comments

Hey all! We were up before the sun and are reporting live from the Disney 24-hour Rock Your Disney Side event on both coasts!

We’ll be updating this post throughout the day with new eats and treats, so be sure to stay tuned! We already have a LOT to share with you!

For those who haven’t heard about this event, it’s Disney’s opportunity to kick off the Summer season (and to promote their new rides and movies) by being open for 24 solid hours at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland! Guests get the chance to indulge in one-day-only treats and goodies, have access to fun one-day-only merchandise, and fight super SUPER huge crowds (always a must when you’re at Disney, right?). 😉

OK, let’s dive right into the list of what we’ve been noshing on this morning…

Disney World AND Disneyland Specialty Treats

So with this whole “both coasts homogenize all their food” thing (blerg), you can see similar specialty treats in Disney World and Disneyland more and more often. This is definitely happening for this big event!

Rock Your Disney Side Heroes vs. Villains Cupcakes
Of COURSE there are specialty cupcakes! How could they deny us this?

Today, they’re featuring vanilla and chocolate versions with little villains and heroes logo chocolate pieces on top. (I guess your “Disney side” is heroes vs villains?)

Disney Side Cupcake

Chocolate Disney Side cupcakes

Maleficent Themed Rice Krispie Treats, Caramel Apples, and Cake Pops
These Maleficent goodies are definitely some of the most creative I’ve seen in a while! Interestingly, the cake pops were executed MUCH better in Disneyland than they were in Disney World, so I chose the prettier pic to share. 😉

Maleficent Krispie Treat

Maleficent Cake Pops

Maleficent Apples at Disney World

Maleficent Apple at Disneyland

Disney World Specialty Treats

There are a few goodies debuting at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom today! (We’re hoping some of them might hang around on the menus, but, sadly, most of them won’t.) We’re super excited about this one in particular:

Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae
Found at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Square, this lightly sweet waffle is topped with vanilla soft serve and stewed apples (basically good apple pie filling). The whole thing is sprinkled with green and purple sugar crystals to promote the new Maleficent film.

Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae at Sleepy Hollow

Breakfast Dog
Over at the Lunching Pad, this breakfast dog features sausage, eggs, and plastic cheese!

Breakfast Dog at Lunching Pad

Character Cupcakes
These new cupcakes featuring some of your [Read more…]

Review: “The Force” and “The Dark Side” Specialty Beverages at Disney World’s Star Wars Weekends

By Wendy 15 Comments

Looking for something to quench your thirst – with a little kick – during your Star Wars Weekends adventure at Hollywood Studios?

If so, then there’s something you have to do first: you must Choose Your Side.

Star Wars Weekends Specialty Beverages

Two specialty beverages are available during Star Wars Weekends: The Dark Side and The Force. You can find them at temporary mini bars throughout Hollywood Studios, such as this one near Mama Melrose’s…

Mini Bar outside of Mama Melrose’s

… or this one near Sci-Fi Dine-In.

Mini Bar outside of Sci-Fi

We’ll be looking at the two signature drinks served at each of these bars, but they also carry a small assortment of other beverages available for purchase.

Bar assortment

The Dark Side, as you can see on the sign, is a mix of Coconut Rum, Cointreau, and Pomegranate Lemonade. As nice as that sounds, let’s face it — it’s all about the souvenir that comes with it: a Death Star glow cube!

The Dark Side

Like the regular glow ice cubes at Disney, the glow Death Star has an on-off switch to preserve it for future use, and can be set to stay at one color or set to rotate through several changing colors.

Glow Death Star

Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.

I especially enjoy Disney glow drinks when you can place the glow cube under the ice so the entire thing is all lit up. Here is my attempt to stuff the Death Star underneath the ice with my straw.

Attempting to submerge the Death Star

It popped back up less than a second later. I tried to submerge the Death Star several times. But the Death Star would not be submerged. True story.

Pop Up Death Star

Awesome Death Star notwithstanding, you still want to be sure you’ll enjoy the drink, so here’s what’s good to know: I was able to pick up on each flavor in the drink, from the Coconut Rum to the Cointreau and the lemonade. It was nice that no flavor overpowered the other, and I thought mine was mixed well. For a drink representing the Dark Side, it was actually quite beachy, thanks to the rum. And who doesn’t love a good beach drink served up with a splash of Imperial darkness?

Your other choice is, naturally, The Force. This beverage consists of Grey Goose Vodka, Chambord, and Wildberry Lemonade. The souvenir piece is a glowing Light Saber.

The Force

While the Light Saber doesn’t change colors, it is [Read more…]

News and Photo Tour: The Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks is Now Open!

By Wendy 11 Comments

So, we thought we’d give you a quick glimpse at the newest java stop in Downtown Disney… the Marketplace Starbucks is open and ready for business (with another one coming to the West Side soon). Let’s have a look!

Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks

You’ll find the location tucked in between the front entrances into the World of Disney store.

Marketplace Starbucks at World of Disney

The first thing you’ll likely notice is the Starbucks Coffee signage in front of the signature green siren logo. The A frame mirrors those of the entrances to the store.

Starbucks Coffee Signage

From that point, what you see is what you get! This location is walk-up only, with no seating other than the regular tables around Downtown Disney. This is a spot for grabbing your beverage and continuing your stroll.

Front view of Marketplace Starbucks

Speaking of beverages, all the Starbucks favorites are here… as well as some of that new “Oprah Chai” you may have heard about.

Beverage Menu

One day I’m gonna order that, just to hear myself say it: “Oprah Chai me!”

Anyhoo, there is also an assortment of standard Starbucks snacks, including pastries from the new “La Boulangerie” line of treats that may have made it to your local store.

Starbucks food window

Cookies by the register

You simply walk up to one of the two ordering windows…

Ordering windows

… then pick up your beverage on the side. After that, you’re all set to visit the rest of the shops and restaurants, with a little caffeine boost to help you along.

Left side pickup window

Right side pickup window

While that’s the basic gist, there are a few cool details to share. Only viewable from [Read more…]

24-Hour Disney Day Disney World Menu

By Kim LaPaglia 7 Comments

Are you gearing up for the Magic Kingdom all-nighter at Walt Disney World? The 24-hour Rock Your Disney Side Party will be held May 23-24 (this FRIDAY!), 2014, from 6AM to 6AM.

We know you’re going to need nourishment, so be sure to try some of the new treats that are exclusive to this event. The only goodies that you’ll be able to find on a regular Magic Kingdom park day are the Olaf souvenir beverage and the Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae. So, head for a commemorative cupcake or two!

Headed to Disneyland? Check out the Disneyland Rock Your Disney Side Menu here!

Rock Your Disney Side Party Food List

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae: waffles with stewed apple topping and whipped cream

Poisoned Apple Waffle Sundae

The Lunching Pad
Olaf souvenir cup with specialty beverage

Friar’s Nook
Olaf souvenir cup with specialty beverage

Gaston’s Tavern
Princess-themed cupcake

Main Street Bakery
Maleficent Cupcake
Frozen-themed Cupcake
Olaf Carrot Cupcake

Cupcakes

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor and Plaza Restaurant
Mickey’s Kitchen Sink Sundae

Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae

Storybook Treats
Poisoned Apple Shortcake Sundae: ice cream, yellow cake, stewed apple topping and whipped cream.

Poisoned Apple Shortcake Sundae

Various Outdoor Food Locations
Pink and blue [Read more…]

Star Wars Weekends: Darth Vader Popcorn Bucket

By AJ 8 Comments

It’s finally here! Star Wars Weekends have officially begun!

Star Wars Weekends!

And while they brought back an assortment of themed cupcakes and drinks (you’ll see all the reviews on DFB next week!), I had to show you probably the best souvenir so far…

Darth Vader Popcorn Bucket

Yep! Vader’s helmet has officially made its way to being a popcorn vessel!

I know you guys are with me in being big fans of the fun new popcorn buckets Disney has been introducing for holidays and special events, and I figured this one would quickly be a MUST-HAVE on many of your “bucket lists.” (Ha ha ha!!)

So even if you’re a rebel, consider crossing to the Dark Side to grab your own Vader popcorn bucket…we won’t tell! 😉

Vader Bucket with Popcorn

Get yours for [Read more…]

Disneyland News! Rock Your Disney Side 24-Hour Event Menu Items (Did Someone Say Red Velvet Funnel Cake?!?)

By Kim LaPaglia 3 Comments

Rock YOUR Disney Side! Disneyland’s and Disney World’s 24-hour event takes places May 23-24, 2014, from 6AM to 6AM. To keep the party going, special menu items will be featured throughout the parks!

If you plan on dining at a table service restaurant, make your reservation now!

Disneyland Rock Your Disney Eats

Table-ServiceCarnation Café

: Fried Sampler Plate with crispy fried zucchini, crunchy onion rings, and those addictive fried pickles.

Blue Bayou Restaurant: Pan-seared New York pepper steak topped with asparagus, poached egg, lump crab meat, Cabernet and Béarnaise sauces with potato galette.

Quick-Service
Plaza Inn: Fried Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Mickey Waffles at Disneyland’s Plaza Inn!

Jolly Holiday Bakery Café: Super Sub Sammie with salami, cappicola, prosciutto topped with kicky arugula salad, whole-grain mustard and citrus aioli on a French roll.

Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor: Black and White Ice Cream Sandwich with hand-scooped vanilla ice cream between chocolate chip cookies with a white and dark chocolate drizzle and mini chocolate chips.

Rancho del Zocalo: Street Taco Trio with beef, chicken or carnitas on corn tortillas with cilantro and onion and topped with salsa casera or salsa verde. Also lightly fried sopes (fried masa cakes) with refried beans, beef, chicken or carnitas, shredded cabbage, cotija cheese and drizzled with salsa casera or salsa verde; or pozole, a mild chile and pork stew with hominy, garnished with shredded cabbage, julienned radishes and oregano.

French Market Restaurant: Shrimp Po’ Boy with crispy popcorn shrimp, mayo, sliced tomato and shredded lettuce with oil and vinegar, served on a toasted potato roll with house-made potato chips and fresh fruit.

Village Haus Restaurant: “Pastram’boli” Flatbread: cheesy roasted garlic flatbread with beef pastrami, caramelized onions and pickles and topped with a Dijon mustard sauce. Also try the apple berry flatbread with poached apples on sweet cream cheese topped with fresh berries and mint.

Apple Berry Flatbread

Hungry Bear Restaurant: Sweet and Spicy Hot Dog on a jalapeño cheddar roll with honey mustard and sautéed onions and peppers.

Harbour Galley: Turkey Tortilla Soup with roasted corn and black beans, garnished with sour cream, pico de gallo and fried tortilla strips.

Sweet Snacks
Stage Door Café: Red velvet funnel cake with cream cheese frosting (WHAT?!??!), raspberry and mango funnel cake a la mode, and blueberry and kiwi funnel cake a la mode.

Bengal Barbecue: two sweet skewers – brownies and crispy cereal squares.

Mint Julep Bar: Super Power Punch with sprite, a shot of cotton candy and Dessert Pear gourmet syrup.

Breakfast Bites
Café Orleans: Bananas Foster French Toast made with thick-cut brioche that’s battered and grilled then topped with caramelized bananas and caramel sauce. Bacon on the side. Also a Mickey-shaped [Read more…]

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STAY CONNECTED

More 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details and Menus!

Returning Festival Fun

New Festival Fun

What’s Free?

Spotted! Musical Tumbler in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Return to Downtown Disney’s West Side!

News! Dole Whip Arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

LIVE News: Eats and Treats at the Rock Your Disney Side 24-Hour Events in Disney Parks

Disney World AND Disneyland Specialty Treats

Disney World Specialty Treats

Review: “The Force” and “The Dark Side” Specialty Beverages at Disney World’s Star Wars Weekends

News and Photo Tour: The Downtown Disney Marketplace Starbucks is Now Open!

24-Hour Disney Day Disney World Menu

Rock Your Disney Side Party Food List

Star Wars Weekends: Darth Vader Popcorn Bucket

Disneyland News! Rock Your Disney Side 24-Hour Event Menu Items (Did Someone Say Red Velvet Funnel Cake?!?)

Disneyland Rock Your Disney Eats

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS

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STAY CONNECTED

Category: News

Returning Festival Fun

New Festival Fun

What’s Free?

Disney World AND Disneyland Specialty Treats

Disney World Specialty Treats

Rock Your Disney Side Party Food List

Disneyland Rock Your Disney Eats

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS