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The Year in Review: Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

If you’re a Disney Food Fan, then 2013 has been an exciting year!

We’ve had lots of change, new announcements, and brand new experiences.

So today, we thought we’d take a look back at this year, and review the Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

From new coffee to new restaurants, new technology to new ice cream, we have a ton to cover!

Let’s get started!

1. COFFEE!

When Starbucks and Disney announced in 2012 that the coffee giant would be coming to Disney Parks, the news was huge! And when the first Walt Disney World locations began opening in 2013, the story once again topped the list of Disney food headlines.

Starbucks at Main Street Bakery is Right in the Middle of the Magic

The first location to open was Main Street Bakery on Magic Kingdom’s Main Street USA. While some loyal fans of the historic spot decried the chain store intrusion, many coffee lovers were thrilled that they could now enjoy their favorite brew in the shadow of Cinderella’s Castle.

And with the Main Street cinnamon rolls available at Gaston’s Tavern (at least they claim they’re the same…you can see our cinnamon roll throw down here!), well — at least not all of our favorite goodies are lost.

A Busy Morning at Main Street Bakery

The reopening of Fountain View Cafe in Epcot as the second WDW Starbucks location seemed to ruffle fewer feathers, since the themeing for the futuristic ice cream parlor wasn’t as beloved as Main Street Bakery. Still, patrons were irked with the lack of seating, even if the many, many bays for ordering mean that your java arrives fresh and fast.

Have Your Starbucks in Epcot with a View of Spaceship Earth

But Starbucks wasn’t the only coffee news we debated in 2013. Disney also announced that Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, headquartered in Tampa, would become the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Joffrey’s is Named the Official Coffee Brand of Disney Parks

We’ve been enjoying Joffrey’s products for ages at the kiosks throughout the parks, so this was welcome news to many. So far, we are hearing that you seem pleased with the switch from Nescafe to Joffrey’s.

2. RESTAURANT FASTPASS TESTING — AND MORE TECH UPDATES!

Waaaaayyyyy back in January of this year, we first wrote about how we thought My Magic+ would affect Disney Dining.

And before the year was out, we had the opportunity to see just how some of the new technology would work.

One of the most intriguing uses of MyMagic+ technology was the Touch to Pay System. We had an opportunity to put our Magic Bands to work with the new system, and Erin, our Disney Food For Families columnist, documented the process so our readers could be in the know!

Erin Paying with Her Magic Band at Artist Point!

And while we love the Magic Band concept, even cooler is all the Disney food bling that you can get to individualize your bracelet! I’m a sucker for the cupcake!

Magic Band Food Bling

Another rumor that came to fruition was that [Read more…]

First Look and Photo Tour! Disney World’s All Star Sports End Zone Food Court Reopens after Renovation

By Wendy 16 Comments

The End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports has just reopened after a lengthy refurbishment — four months, to be exact! We were thrilled to be on the scene for opening day, and are excited to have you join us for a FIRST LOOK!

End Zone Food Court Atmosphere

The first sight to greet you is nicely familiar… the entryway sign remains the same, so as to make the transition from the hallway seamless.

End Zone Food Court Entrance

But in no time you start to notice that things have indeed changed, thanks in part to this sleek “Now Serving” marquee immediately to your left at the entrance.

“Now Serving” Board

Then things really kick into high gear! Gone are the primary colors and life-size cutouts of football and baseball players. In their place are earthy tones and clean lines.

The changes are most notable in the dining area.

End Zone Dining Area

But they extend throughout the Food Court [Read more…]

Guest Review: Holiday Gingerbread Beignets at Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Today, we’re wishing our readers happy holidays with another seasonal treat — Gingerbread Beignets — courtesy of guest author Kelli! Let’s take a closer look at this holiday specialty from Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar!

Atmosphere

The Mint Julep Bar located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square can be considered a hidden gem. Located close to the Disney Railroad stop in New Orleans Square, this spot is the perfect resting ground for those needing a short break from all the walking and a quick bite to eat.

The Mint Julep Bar is a small walk-up spot located in New Orleans Square.

A note to those who may not be as familiar with the New Orleans Square area: the Mint Julep Bar is not visible from the main road. To get to it, turn left from the main road (Rivers of America will be on your right), as if you are going toward the eating section of the French Market Restaurant. Mint Julep Bar is in one of the corners of the Market’s outdoor patio seating.

The Mint Julep Bar is located in the outdoor patio seating area of the neighboring French Market Restaurant.

Eats

While the small walk-up spot is known for its New Orleans Mint Julep — a refreshing mint drink featuring a hint of lime — the classic Mickey-shaped beignets are a house specialty. These treats come coated generously with powdered sugar in packs of three ($4.19) or six ($7.19).

Mickey-shaped Beignets and New Orleans Mint Julep are some of the house specialties at this walk-up.

For those who don’t know: beignets (pronounced “ben-yays”) are doughnut or fritter-like pastries that are dipped in batter and deep fried. These delightful treats are derived from the Middle French “bignet” pastry that included a meat or fruit filling.

Regular Mickey Beignets at Disneyland's Mint Julep Bar

For the holidays, the Mint Julep Bar takes these Mickey-shaped beignets to the next level and features limited-time “Gingerbread Beignets” for the entire month of December only. According to the cast member working at the window, these gingerbread-flavored treats can only be found at the Mint Julep Bar, in neighboring Café Orleans — which is known for its version of the beloved Monte Cristo sandwich — or in Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Restaurant, located in Downtown Disney.

As a gingerbread lover, I would always get the Mickey Gingerbread Cookie that can be found in Downtown Disney’s Marceline’s Confectionary or at the Penny Arcade on Main Street (fun fact: a cast member told me these Mickey Gingerbread Cookies are actually available year round because gingerbread was Walt Disney’s favorite cookie).

But for this Disneyland trip, I knew I had to divert from my usual treat to try the gingerbread beignets. All in the spirit of the season, right?

Mickey Gingerbread Cookie.

After standing in a short line at the Mint Julep Bar around noon on a crisp, sunny Tuesday afternoon, I finally got the highly anticipated Gingerbread Beignets.

A list of the walk-up spot’s seasonal treats are in the window, and some of the treats are also listed on a separate menu board at the bar’s entrance.

The Mint Julep Bar is currently featuring several seasonal drinks and treats.

I opted for the three-pack, consisting of three decently sized, gingerbread-flavored, Mickey-shaped beignets served in a white paper bag. Knowing that the treats would be messy, I asked the cast member for a plate, which he willingly retrieved for me from the adjacent French Market Restaurant.

The little white bag filled with delicious Gingerbread Beignets.

I opened the bag and peeked inside [Read more…]

Spotted: Unique Holiday Mugs at Disney World Starbucks

By AJ 13 Comments

Ho-ho-ho and how’s it going? By now, I’m hoping that you’re sitting by a roaring fire, listening to some Christmas standards, and chomping on some dee-licious cookies.

What? You’re dreaming of 80 degrees, a Mickey Ice Cream Bar, and a ride on Soarin’ for Christmas? Sigh. Me too. But since I’m not there, I think I’ll amuse myself with doing a little window shopping from my computer screen. (Get it? Window shopping? Ha!)

Starbucks and Spaceship Earth!

And, if you’re lucky enough to be in Walt Disney World and are looking for some super cute drinkware to enjoy your cocoa from, you’ll love what we have to show you! Here’s what we found over at the new Fountain View Starbucks in Epcot!

Let's Head In!

Holiday Mugs at Fountain View Cafe in Epcot

I know what you’re probably thinking — more mugs emblazoned with that oh-so-familiar green siren on them?!? I mean, Fountain View is a Starbucks now after all. But these aren’t the coffee giant’s handiwork! I think that’s why they captured my attention. I haven’t seen them in other spots.

The mugs are actually Dunoon Fine Bone China, and are made in England. So they’re definitely gift-worthy options, elevating your cozy drink experience to the next level.

Christmas Tree and Christmas Goodies Mugs

I really love the artwork on the cups. They definitely speak to [Read more…]

Spotted: Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners at Disney World!

By Wendy 19 Comments

Oh. My. Word… at LONG LAST!

Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners have arrived at Disney World!!!

Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners

You remember these, don’t you :)? Last Fall, a few of our favorite Disney snacks were highlighted in a unique way. For the first time, guests were able to bring a few beloved Disney snacks (and their scents!) home with them in the form of air fresheners. You can read the reviews of each of these scents here.

The original foursome is still available: Turkey Leg, Mickey Ice Cream Bar, Candy Apple, and Mickey Waffle.

Turkey Leg and Mickey Ice Cream Bar Air Fresheners

Candy Apple and Mickey Waffle Air Fresheners

As fun — and truly iconic — as these fresheners are, the initial selection immediately begged the question: “Soooo… where’s the Dole Whip?”

And now, it’s HERE.

Dole Whip Air Freshener

You know what else? It. Smells. TERRIFIC!

Of all the fresheners available, I think this one is the closest match to its real-life mate! And the image is even more realistic [Read more…]

Spice Road Table Signage Up in Disney World’s Epcot!

By AJ 7 Comments

Welp, we’re getting closer and closer to the newest restaurant in Epcot! The gorgeous Spice Road Table signage was spotted by DFB roving reporter Wendy this week!

Check out the colors and iron scroll work!

What’s Spice Road Table, you ask? You’ll remember that waaaaay back in 2012, DFB broke the exclusive news that a new restaurant would be opening in Epcot’s Morocco pavilion!

And, as we confirmed, Spice Road Table is opening soon!

Spice Road Table

The small plates restaurant-on-the-water will highlight regional flavors from the Mediterranean. Dishes will include harissa chicken, a Mediterranean omelet, mussels, jumbo shrimp, and more.

Fried calamari at Spice Road Table

There will also be a series of [Read more…]

Review: Downtown Disney’s World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

By Wendy 15 Comments

At long last (and as you may know from a previous DFB post), the final food truck has arrived at Downtown Disney’s West Side in Walt Disney World!

World Showcase of Flavors joins Superstar Catering, Namaste Café, and Fantasy Fare to complete the Disney Food Trucks lineup.

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck pre-opening

We’ve got a full review of that $18 lobster roll for ya, so scroll down to see that! In the meantime, let’s take a peek at this sleek truck!

Atmosphere

Each Food Truck reflects the theme of a different Disney World Park (thus far Superstar Catering for Hollywood Studios, Namaste Café for Animal Kingdom, and Fantasy Fare for Magic Kingdom). World Showcase of Flavors represents Epcot — more specifically, the beloved Epcot Food & Wine Festival that comes to Epcot every Fall.

Banner on the back of the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

The adventure of travel and exploring other cultures for which World Showcase is known is captured in the design of the truck. I think the way it brings to mind an old-fashioned travel trunk covered with vintage-style “badges” collected along the way is pretty cool!

My favorite touch is the row of suitcases on top of the pickup window.

Pickup Window

By the way, my next pictures appear in a different setting – that’s because the trucks move :)! I snapped a few close-ups at its location by Cirque de Soleil pre-opening hours, but went back to eat when it was parked at the grassy area by Bongos Cuban Café.

Food Truck location by Bongos Cuban Cafe

Eats

The menu brings “The Best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival” to guests year-round.

The three entrees are Festival favorites

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Things To Do in Walt Disney World and Disneyland On New Year’s Eve

By Kim LaPaglia 11 Comments

We’re gearing up for New Year’s Eve; and those of us lucky enough to ring in the New Year at our favorite Disney parks and resorts should be aware of the evening’s festivities.

Many of the exclusive options may already be booked solid, so we’ll also offer some unique alternate ideas.

Walt Disney World

Holiday events

are underway in Walt Disney World.

Epcot

Stroll around World Showcase where you’ll find a variety of DJs. The lineup includes DJ Scooter (Top 40) at the Future World Fountain Stage, DJ Mark Sanchez (European Techno/Pop) on the Italy Stage, DJ Carlos Carrion (Latin Dance/Top 40) in the America Gardens Theatre, and DJ David Griffiths (British Revolution Style) on the United Kingdom Stage, and more. Enjoy two showings of IllumiNations with a holiday finale at 6:30PM and New Year’s countdown at 11:40PM.

Monsieur Paul: Opening at Noon, Monsieur Paul will serve a three-course menu for $75 (plus tax and gratuity) until 6:30PM. At 9PM and 9:30PM, there’s a special four-course menu to ring in the New Year for $195 (plus tax and gratuity). See menus here.

View of IllumiNations from Monsieur Paul

La Hacienda de San Angel: On the waterfront in Mexico this location will host a New Year’s Eve dinner.

Biergarten: This festive stop in Germany has announced special lunch and dinner options.

Le Cellier Steakhouse: This popular restaurant in Canada will hold three festive seatings.

World Showplace: This unique venue will offer a buffet dinner (4:30-10:30PM) and dancing.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will feature Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season at 9PM with a special presentation of Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at 11:50PM.

Tomorrrowland Terrace: This spot with excellent views of Cinderella’s Castle is offering a special ticketed dinner and fireworks party.

Wishes from the Dessert Party Vantage Point

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Enjoy an evening of dancing, music, and fireworks while touring this festive Disney theme park. Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can rock in the New Year with Mulch, Sweat and Shears, the resident landscaping rock and roll band. Enjoy sets of classic rock and roll, special effects, a DJ spinning dance tracks, and fireworks. The party starts a 6PM.

Hollywood & Vine: Holiday buffet lunch and dinner meals.

Party with the Little Einsteins

Downtown Disney

Enjoy a festive atmosphere at Downtown Disney. Look for a DJ at the Cirque du Soleil Stage, Keith Park’s Living Statues, and special New Year’s Eve celebrations at House of Blues, Bongo’s Cuban Café, Paradiso 37, and Raglan Road.

DisneyQuest: Want to really impress the kids? Choose an evening of fun, games, music, and dancing at DisneyQuest featuring Wreck-It Ralph! With 5 floors of electronic games (innovative and classic), you’ll be able to play as you ring in the New Year from 8PM-1AM. You’ll have access to all of the DisneyQuest attractions and games, Disney character meet ‘n greets, a New Year’s Eve countdown, food, and refreshments for $55 in advance or $65 per person at the door. Call 407-934-7639 for tickets or visit the Box Office.

Splitsville: Bowl and dine at this fun entertainment complex. Watch for New Year’s specials.

Bongos: Check out this restaurant for New Year’s Eve specials.

Portobello: Holiday prix fixe menus available at lunch and dinner.

Raglan Road: Rings in the Irish New Year at 7PM, followed by a midnight celebration with complimentary champagne toast. Music starts at 6PM.

Dancing Podium and Live Music Stage at Raglan Road

Cirque du Soleil: Attend the 6 or 9PM shows.

House of Blues: Michael Ray and Jill’s Cashbox will take the stage on New Year’s Eve starting at 9:30PM. Cost is $27.

Resorts

Hang out at one of the amazing Disney resorts or [Read more…]

Menu! World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By Kim LaPaglia 11 Comments

We’ve been reporting on the new food trucks at Downtown Disney steadily as they’ve been appearing, and now the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck has joined Fantasy Fare, Namaste Café, and Superstar Catering, bringing the current line-up of Downtown Disney Food Trucks to four.

Featuring “The Best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,” the green truck with vintage travel decor will be offering some of our Epcot Food and Wine Festival favorites!

Vintage Travel Posters

The Epcot Food & Wine Festival marketplace booths represented are Hops & Barley, Poland, and Florida Local. Let’s take a closer look at the menus…

Hops and Barley

From Hops & Barley, you’ll find the Lobster Roll with House-made Chips. The price of $18.25 seems kind of steep, right?! Not sure I’d be willing to shell out that amount, though you DO get a larger size serving than you do at the festival.

Hops and Barley Menu

Here’s the Food and Wine Festival version. Expect the Truck version to be MUCH larger!

Linda Bean’s® Perfect Maine Lobster Roll®

Poland

Pierogies with Kielbasa and Caramelized Onions are highlighted as a nod to the Poland booth.

Poland Menu

Fans of the Poland marketplace will be familiar with this version:

Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream

Florida Local

Florida Local showcases [Read more…]

Epcot Debuts Sweet and Savory Waffles for the Holidays!

By Wendy 19 Comments

Epcot’s Holidays Around the World celebration features holiday customs and flavors from across the globe. Each country’s Pavilion in World Showcase offers a treat reflecting a bit of traditional holiday cuisine in the represented culture.

Last week we took you around to see most of the yummy additions, but…we had to give these awesome holiday waffles their own post!

Let’s head to Promenade Refreshments!

Promenade Refreshments

Even if you are familiar with Epcot, you may be less so with Promenade Refreshments. Located at the entrance to World Showcase from Future World (it’s closer to Canada than Mexico), it may be best known as the Desserts & Champagne Booth during the Food and Wine Festival, or the spot that doled out Spiced Rum Dole Whips (see what I did there? 😉 ) during the Flower and Garden Festival.

Promenade Refreshments

Promenade Refreshments has received another festive menu makeover. Take a look!

Promenade Refreshments Holiday Menu

Okay, so there are a few traditional treats on the menu… hot cocoa, apple cider, and mint tea, to name a few. Even with those, however, there is an option to add a twist. We’ll get back to that in a little bit.

For now, let’s focus on a couple of traditional holiday flavors presented in a very non-traditional way: the Savory Seasonal Waffle and the Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle! Then, we’ll head over to the bevvies!

Promenade Refreshments Menu

Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle

Um…kudos to the chefs who think these things up! Let’s chat about — the Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle! YUM! Look at that thing!

Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle

The difference here lies in the batter: it’s made of sweet potato. The flavor combo of the batter along with the more-than-ample toppings of marshmallow, pecan, and caramel sauce was absolutely terrific.

And I thought it still looked great even after I “opened up” the waffle!

Inside of the Sweet Potato Waffle

I’d anticipated something way more gooey (I think I was expecting more of a marshmallow “fluff” topping), but this was much easier to handle. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. While I liked both waffles, the Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle was the winner.

Just a note: be prepared to wait a few minutes (maybe four or five) for your waffle, because they are made per order. I didn’t mind the wait, because it meant each waffle came to me fresh and hot.

But if savory is more your thing…

Savory Seasonal Waffle

The Savory Seasonal Waffle brings together elements of a traditional American holiday feast: turkey, gravy, and cranberry, all together on a waffle made of…wait for it…stuffing batter!

Savory Seasonal Waffle

Stuffing! Batter! This is not [Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED

The Year in Review: Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

1. COFFEE!

2. RESTAURANT FASTPASS TESTING — AND MORE TECH UPDATES!

First Look and Photo Tour! Disney World’s All Star Sports End Zone Food Court Reopens after Renovation

End Zone Food Court Atmosphere

Guest Review: Holiday Gingerbread Beignets at Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar

Atmosphere

Eats

Spotted: Unique Holiday Mugs at Disney World Starbucks

Holiday Mugs at Fountain View Cafe in Epcot

Spotted: Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners at Disney World!

Spice Road Table Signage Up in Disney World’s Epcot!

Review: Downtown Disney’s World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

Atmosphere

Eats

Things To Do in Walt Disney World and Disneyland On New Year’s Eve

Walt Disney World

Epcot

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Downtown Disney

Resorts

Menu! World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

Hops and Barley

Poland

Florida Local

Epcot Debuts Sweet and Savory Waffles for the Holidays!

Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle

Savory Seasonal Waffle

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS

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STAY CONNECTED

Category: News

1. COFFEE!

2. RESTAURANT FASTPASS TESTING — AND MORE TECH UPDATES!

End Zone Food Court Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Eats

Holiday Mugs at Fountain View Cafe in Epcot

Atmosphere

Eats

Walt Disney World

Epcot

Magic Kingdom

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Downtown Disney

Resorts

Hops and Barley

Poland

Florida Local

Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle

Savory Seasonal Waffle

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS