News | the disney food blog

Perfect Mommy/Daughter Day: Royal Tea at Waldorf Astoria Orlando!

If you’re looking for an indulgent way to enjoy some elegance at Walt Disney World this year — or scoping out a great way to escape for some mother/daughter (or daddy/daughter!) time — look no further than the Waldorf Astoria Orlando‘s Royal Tea!

Located within Disney World’s Main Gates in the Bonnet Creek area, the Waldorf is close to all the excitement (you can almost touch the Tower of Terror from your hotel room). But you’re worlds away when you’re ready to relax (believe me; it makes SUCH a difference)!

The great news is that even if you aren’t staying at the Waldorf Astoria, you can indulge your senses (and your taste buds) with the acclaimed Royal Tea in Peacock Alley on Sundays!

For only $30 per adult and $15 per child, this is an affordable way to truly enjoy the high life for a day (There’s even live piano music). It’s the perfect mother/daughter escape — a REAL tea party!

Waldorf Astoria Orlando Royal Tea Menu -- click for larger image

The Royal Tea is available on Sunday afternoons in February from 3-5pm. If your trip is scheduled for later in the year, be sure to call and ask if the Tea will be available during your stay. For reservations (highly recommended!), call 407-597-5409.

Comfy Peacock Alley Seating

A variety of teas are offered, and you can indulge in goodies like [Read more…]

Review: Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure (+ Disneyland Lunar New Year Menu Details!)

By AJ 9 Comments

This spot might elicit a “wha?!? where’s that?!?” reaction for some since it really doesn’t get its share of the spotlight. But I really enjoy heading to the Lucky Fortune Cookery once in a while when I’m in Disney California Adventure!

The counter service location is a great thematic fit for the Pacific Wharf area of the park and offers some pretty tasty, customizable goodies for those who stumble upon it.

Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure

After the review, we’ll also have some awesome info for you about what Lucky Fortune Cookery and other dining spots are serving for this year’s Lunar New Year celebration in Disneyland — so scroll down for that! OK — Let’s dig in!!

Atmosphere and Themeing

Lucky Fortune Cookery is teensy. The outdoor location is nearly an afterthought — or so it seems. There are three main ordering windows and just a few tables scattered around.

Lucky Fortune Cookery Ordering Area

You’re clearly in an industrial section of town here at the Wharf, and the fun lanterns hanging from the rafters give this a sweet “downtown” vibe I think! It’s such a great way to soften an otherwise harsh space.

Lucky Fortune Cookery Ordering Area and themeing

Tables are scarce, but don’t forget that you’re surrounded by about three other huge restaurants here at the Wharf.

There’s a ginormous seating area just across the way, so if there are no seats available at [Read more…]

Limited Time Magic Dinners at Disney World and Disneyland Just in Time for Valentine’s Day!

By AJ 1 Comment

Love is in the air — especially at Disney!

As 2013 continues to be the year for Limited Time Magic Events, Disney is hosting True Love Week at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland complete with specialty menus at several restaurants!

It's Romance Time at Disney!

Walt Disney World

As a Limited Time Magic addition during February 11-17, romantic dinners for two will be offered with prix fixe menus at select restaurants.

Specially-created menus at Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort make an ideal setting for a romantic evening.

Book online at disneyworld.com/dining, or call (407) WDW-DINE.

The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney's Hollywood Studios is the Perfect Setting for Your Romantic Dinner

Disneyland

Also during February 11-17, choose romantic dinners with prix fixe menus at the following restaurants: Blue Bayou and Café Orleans in Disneyland, Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California [Read more…]

February Tables in Wonderland Events: Design and Display Warehouse Event and Discovery Dinner!

By Kim LaPaglia 5 Comments

Fun updates for Tables in Wonderland members! Tables in Wonderland has announced a Discovery Dinner at The Wave…of American Flavors at the Contemporary Resort and a Special Event at the Design & Display Warehouse for February. Both are NOW available for booking!

Tables in Wonderland Special Event - click image for larger version

Tables in Wonderland Design and Display Warehouse Special Event

Location

: Design & Display Warehouse
Date: Friday February 22 and Saturday February 23, 2013; 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Cost: $115 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

The Park Event Operations Design and Display team dreams, designs, and creates themed atmosphere settings for Conventions, Special Events, and many other activities throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. From concepts to renderings, through finished construction, the Design and Display team can bring any “theme” to life.

They use their talent, experience, and design skills to design and build custom pieces for events. With hundreds of props, sets, and backgrounds in the warehouse, they create the perfect atmosphere and surroundings for events. This is your opportunity to peek “backstage”, and see historical Disney pieces like the Nautilus and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride! Come meet the Design and Display team, learn about what they do, see all the props up close, and enjoy a Buffet Reception with fellow Tables in Wonderland members!

Circus Popcorn Action Station
“Popcorn” Chowder with Grilled Chicken, White Cheddar and Roasted Red Pepper
Gourmet Salted Freeze Fried “Popcorn” dusted with Truffle, Bacon, or Lobster Sea Salts
Seafood Ceviche topped with Green Onions, “Popcorn” and Corn Nuts

Tron Chilled Action Station
Trio of Flavors from the “Grid”
Duo of Sweet and Sour “Isomorphic” Test Tubes
Heirloom Tomato “Disc” with Micro Basil and Balsamic

The Little Mermaid Action Station
Nori “Sea” Salted Kale Chips
Baked Indian “Ocean” Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges
“Under the Sea” Conch Roll – Conch Fritters served in Bun with Lettuce and Key Lime Aioli

Good vs. Evil Action Station
Medley of “Good” Greens and Vegetables served with “Evil” Bloody Mary Vinaigrette
“Good” Roasted Marble Potatoes with [Read more…]

News! Full Food and Beverage Listing for the 2013 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Marketplaces!

By AJ 25 Comments

Great news! I got the chance to speak with Epcot Park Event Content Development Manager Michael Jenner — basically the head honcho when it comes to food at this year’s Flower and Garden Festival — and now I’m excited to share not only his recommendations for noshing around the World this spring, but everything that will be on offer at this year’s Festival!

As you know, the 2013 event will be the first to debut multiple food and beverage marketplaces throughout the World Showcase.

Today, we’ve got a few more great updates and tips to share, plus we’ve got the FULL list of food and beverage offerings! Click here to see everything you’ll be able to try during the festival this year!

Q&A with Michael Jenner

I can’t wait to try all of the new goodies at the Festival this year! Let’s find out how this awesome addition came about…

Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Angel Food Cake with Macerated Berries

Q: What brought about the idea of bringing more food and beverages to the Flower and Garden Festival?

A: We’ve been wanting to do this for several years. It’s been a daytime festival, so even though the parks stayed open at night, the festival kind of shut down. By adding the Food and Beverage component, as well as lit topiaries this year, the festival can continue after dark.

Guests have also been interested in the natural progression of food from garden to table. So the 12 new marketplaces will feature huge gardens in front of them, and the menus will feature ingredients inspired by what we’re displaying in those gardens.

Q: What are a couple of dishes you’re most excited about and recommend?

A: I’ll be at the Smokehouse Barbecue and Brews marketplace all day. We’ll actually have a wood burning smoker on stage smoking the pig for the pulled pig slider. The Smoked Brisket with Collard Greens with Jalapeno Cornbread just melts in your mouth! Also, portions at the smokehouse will be hearty-sized, not tapas-sized — you can’t do barbecue small!

I’m also excited about the Dole Whip with spiced rum at the Pineapple Promenade . We’ll be selling both regular dole whip and the spiced rum version, and the staff is really excited about it.

The Florida Fresh marketplace is featuring ingredients from local farms, and I love the Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro. It pairs well with the Hot Sun Tomato Wine, which has a spicy, almost Bloody Mary taste.

Q: What other surprises can we expect at the Flower and Garden Festival this year?

A: We’re finalizing the Passport for the Flower and Garden Festival. This will be a lot like the Epcot Food and Wine Festival passport, with which guests can get stamps when they visit various marketplaces.

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro

We’re also excited about the “TRYit” items on the marketplace menus. These are specialty items that are inspired by the gardens around the World Showcase. They’re perfect ways for you (or the kids!) to try something new. One of these items is the Beet Lollipop, a “push-up” filled with roasted red and golden beets and cream cheese. It will be found at Intermissions Cafe in the Festival Center!

You’ll also want to check out the Oz Garden, inspired by the new Disney film, Oz, the Great and Powerful. This playground will be lit so the kids can play at night, and it’s the perfect place for them to blow off some steam while you (the parents) indulge in food from the marketplaces. The Oz Garden is scheduled to open next week (February 11th)!

Now let’s jump right into the full list of incredible eats and drinks you’ll have the chance to indulge in during the festival!

Flower and Garden Festival Marketplaces and Food and Beverage Listing

Note that many items on this list will be available for a Disney Dining Plan snack credit! Items in BOLD below are part of the “TRYit” menu inspired by fruits and vegetables growing in the gardens throughout the World Showcase during the festival! Be sure to [Read more…]

Guest Review: Photo Tour of NEW Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grill at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort

By AJ 16 Comments

We’re thrilled to introduce guest author Bob Sikon with a review of the re-opened Hurricane Hanna’s quick service restaurant and pool bar at the Yacht and Beach Club Resort.

Learn About:Hurricane Hanna’s

Disney World Restaurants

The poolside dining area at Stormalong Bay has been under refurbishment for the past several months, and now re-opens with a fresh feel and brand new name! There are also several more items on the bar menu and counter service menu for guests to enjoy! Scroll down to see pictures of a few of these!

Let’s take a look at the updated name, atmosphere, and menu…

The quick-service outdoor restaurant at the Beach Club resort has re-opened after a lengthy refurbishment. It’s now known as Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar & Grill!

New Sign

Poolside Dining

View of Hurricane Hanna's

Atmosphere

As you look at Hurricane Hanna’s, the bar is on the left, the food ordering queue and counter is in the center, and the mug wash and condiment station is on the right.

Bar Area at Hurricane Hanna's

The updated yet classic nautical feel offers guests a “sit and stay a while” feel. We like the new sturdy wooden bar chairs and great-looking lanterns lighting the bar area.

Outdoor Bar

Enjoy a beverage at the bar!

View from the Bar

The counter-service ordering area is set up as usual to the right of the [Read more…]

Grand Launch Sale! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book

By AJ 5 Comments

We’re excited to announce the grand launch of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2013 visits, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining opportunities while in Disney World.

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 400 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite things — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next vacation! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2013 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Note: If you purchased the 2012 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.

What’s In The Guide?

As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes:

A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.
A comprehensive and in-depth look at Disney World restaurants, including our personal tips and tricks to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.
Free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for your next trip!
Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.
A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.
The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!

While our 2012 Guide was very extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’ve updated our 2013 edition with over 100 new pages of details along with more exclusive info! Check out a couple of sample pages below. Click to enlarge!

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page

Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2013 Guide:

Over 100 NEW pages of Disney Dining information — 400 pages total!
A greatly expanded Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2013
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter for enjoying treats in the theme parks and resorts, one of the most popular Disney dining topics
An extended and updated section on birthday parties and specialty cakes in Disney World
A comprehensive, 10-page chapter of Disney Dining news and updates from the past year, including new restaurants, new menus, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System could affect your vacation planning
11 Great Snacks you must try this year
Scavenger Hunts and Top 5 List updates
Updates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openings
All new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiences
And much more!

And the best part is: the price hasn’t changed! Our extensive Disney Dining information, fully updated and extended with 100+ extra pages and countless new details, will cost you the same amount that it did in 2012.

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page

But, of course we’re offering a discount for our Grand Launch week!! To celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBGuide.com and use code: 2013 for your discount!

Should I buy the 2013 Guide if I have the 2012 Guide?

The 2013 Guide has entirely updated information, a greatly extended Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, over 100 extra pages and more photographs, an updated chapter on snacks, a 10-page “what’s new this year in Disney World” section, extended scavenger hunts, and more.

If you purchased the 2012 Guide and would like to purchase the 2013 Guide, we’ve got a special discount for repeat purchasers. Email me here to get a limited-time, one-use, exclusive discount code to purchase the 2013 Guide at a $6 discount. Please include the email address you used to purchase the 2012 Guide in the body of your email.

For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!

Great three awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only…

Three Great e-Books: Over 30% Off!

Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers:

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013, PLUS
The DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, AND
The DFB Mini-Guide to Epcot Snacks

All three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $29.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $42.00.

Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 250 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 30% off here.

Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here!

Thanks for your support of the DFB!

News! First Look at the New California Grill Menu at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By Brooke 20 Comments

We previously brought you the news that California Grill, one of Disney World’s most popular dining spots, will be closing for a major renovation on February 1.

The signature restaurant, located high atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, will be closed until late summer. In the meantime, Chef Brian Piasecki is already busily creating a new menu that blends classic dishes with fresh updates. Thanks to Disney Parks Blog, we’re getting a few first looks at a few of the creations. First up: sushi!

Although Yoshie Cabral, the restaurant’s beloved sushi chef, is retiring, sushi will continue to play a big role on the menu.

New Sushi Creations

Some of the new items aren’t fish at all, but take their inspiration from traditional Japanese dishes, like Japanese-style Bone Marrow with Crunchy Panko and Sweet Onion Jam and Beef Tartare. I can’t wait to try these!

Traditionalists will also find Sea Urchin Nigiri with Mamanori (soybean paper), Salmon Roe and freshly grated Wasabi Root.

More New Sushi Options

Meat lovers will find plenty to tempt their palates, too. The 24-hour Braised Beef Short Rib with Truffle Whipped Potatoes, Vol-au-Vent (puff pastry) with Roasted Vegetables and Natural [Read more…]

Guest Review: New Earl of Sandwich Macaroni and Cheese!

By AJ 9 Comments

Welcome DFB guest author Jenna G. as she tells us all about the brand new Winter Special at Earl of Sandwich in Disney World’s Downtown Disney — Mac and Cheese!

Learn About:Earl of Sandwich

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

For those of us braving the wintry weather in most of the country, there are some new cozy comfort foods at Earl of Sandwich that may make us all feel better!

Check out these Earl of Sandwich Winter Time Specials, available for a limited time only.

We tried the macaroni and cheese, which was medium in size and was a sharable snack between two.

Winter Time Specials -- Get 'Em While You Can!

As a connoisseur of great Walt Disney World macaroni and cheese (my favorite being the Truffle Mac & Cheese from Yachtsman Steakhouse) I will say that this wasn’t the best mac ‘n’ cheese. But I can easily see it being a favorite with children.

Macaroni and Cheese

For the price of $3.99, it provides great value and [Read more…]

UPDATES! Food Photos of Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menu Items (Plus New Marketplaces!)

By AJ 28 Comments

Awesome news! We’re just as excited as you are that FOOD will be featured at this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival (March 6-May 19), and now we have PICTURES!!

UPDATE: See the full list of food and beverages available at the festival here!

Below, you can see the updated menu (with extra menu items AND marketplaces added in red in the lists below) and photos of some of the eats you can expect to find a the Festival! See this post for previous details!

Menu Items Will Include:

Dole Whip with Spiced Rum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro

Shrimp and Stone Ground Grits with Andouille Sausage, fresh Zellwood Corn, Tomatoes and Cilantro

Angel Food Cake with macerated Florida Berries

angel food cake with macerated berries

Watermelon Salad with Pickled Red Onions

Watermelon Salad with pickled Red Onions, Baby Arugula, Feta Cheese and Balsamic Reduction

Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw

Pulled Pig Slider with Cole Slaw

Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes are paired with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and fresh Basil

Waterkist Farms Heirloom Tomatoes are paired with house-made Mozzarella, Minus 8 Vinegar and fresh Basil

Sweet “Frushi” made with Fresh Fruits and Coconut Rice
Hot Sun Tomato Wine, Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail, Orange Blossom Pilsner, and Blueberry Blue wine

Watermelon Passion Fruit Cocktail, Orange Blossom Pilsner (both Florida Fresh marketplace) and Blueberry Blue wine (Fruits by the Glass marketplace)

Nonalcoholic drinks will include chilled rose blush lemonade, frozen desert violet lemonade, and strawberry slush

Chilled Rose Blush Lemonade (The Cottage marketplace near UK pavilion), Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Pineapple Promenade marketplace) and Strawberry Slush

Marketplaces Will Include:

To showcase these goodies, 12 specialty themed marketplaces will be set up around Epcot. These will include:

Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure
Florida Fresh at the World Showcase Promenade
Primavera Kitchen in the Italy Pavilion
The Cottage: Savories, Trifles and Tea garden marketplace at the UK Pavilion
Pineapple [Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED

Perfect Mommy/Daughter Day: Royal Tea at Waldorf Astoria Orlando!