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First Look!: Disney’s Soda Fountain Muppets “Rainbow Connection” Sundae

I’m currently working on a very fun post about a fabulous Muppet Party going on at Disney’s Soda Fountain in honor of the new Muppets movie release. However, I couldn’t wait to share a tasty treat that is being offered in honor of my favorite frog and pig.

Disney's Soda Fountain in Hollywood

The gorgeous Rainbow Connection Sundae is currently available at Disney’s Soda Fountain and will remain available throughout the movie’s run (Nov 23rd- Jan 8th) next door at the El Capitan theater.

Rainbow Connection Table Top Signage

The “official” description of the sundae is Luscious vanilla ice cream surrounded by strawberry syrup, caramel, and a marshmallow rainbow. My personal description: a sundae cup full of happiness. I mean, I was smiling from ear to ear as soon as it was placed in front of me.

Try to not smile when this is sitting in front of you....

My boys had taken a trip to the restroom upon delivery, so I was completely prepared to dig in without them! I, personally, am not a huge chocolate fan (Gasp! I know, I get that alot), so when I read that the Rainbow Connection was vanilla based, I knew it was [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 27, 2011

By AJ 1 Comment

Turkey Leg Treat

We hope everyone had a delicious Thanksgiving!

Now it’s time to look toward the rest of the holiday season with all of its sugary treats and savory meals!

Latest Disney Food News

After a relaxing holiday, we’ll get you caught up on the latest info!

If you’re in the parks this week, keep an eye open for Turkey Leg rice krispie treats!
New characters will debut on Disney’s glowing character punch this holiday season! Look for Ariel and “Jack Sparrow” (a skull and crossbones!)
Disney California Adventure is unveiling all kinds of new holiday desserts this year! Get the scoop and the pics!
If cinnamon-glazed nuts are your favorite holiday treat, check out the new stand in Epcot!
Want more info on holiday treats and dining experiences in the parks? We’ve compiled our 2011 Disney Holiday Dining Page with all the specs!
The restaurants at the WDW Swan and Dolphin resorts announce holiday meals.

Check out our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

DFB Dining Adventures e-Book Now Available

We’ve had lots of reader requests for pre-planned dining strategies that can be dropped right into your Disney World vacation plans, and we thought that was a pretty good idea, too! So we took it one step further and added some extra FUN!!

Our very first DFB Dining Adventures e-Book is now available! Use code “adventure” at check-out for $2 off!

And we’ve made your holiday gift-giving even easier by creating Disney Food Blog e-Book Gift Certificates! Don’t forget to use code “holiday” at check-out for some great discounts!

On to the Round-Up!

Road Trips for Beer

has one of the best posts we’ve seen this week! An awesome perspective on “What Beers Would the Muppets Drink”!!! Find out how they match muppets to brews!

DisneyContemporary.com features the Bay Lake Tower Villa Kitchens – with a complete list of cookware!

Gastropod Travels reviews the Palo Champagne Brunch aboard the Disney Dream. Cheers!

Main Street Gazette peruses one of our fave vintage cookbooks – Cooking with Mickey around our World.

Eating (and Drinking) around the World makes an Epcot Food and Wine Festival dish – Singapore Shrimp Cakes!

990square reviews dining aboard the Disney Dream.

A Taste of Wonderland dines with a special diet at Citricos at the Grand Floridian. See the gluten-free delights!

Disney Treats: New Cinnamon-Glazed Almond and Pecan Stand in Epcot

By AJ 9 Comments

As the holidays at Disney are out in full force, and our good friend Cheryl Perlmutter, one of the informed voices on the Disney Film Project, sent over some photos of one of our favorite additions!

New Nut Stand in Epcot's World Showcase

A new glazed almond and pecan stand has been added to the spot recently vacated by the Food and Wine Festival Belgium booth, right next to Les Chefs de France!

They do have glazed nut stands set up in the Magic Kingdom and elsewhere in Walt Disney World year-round, but I think they’re extra special at the holidays…and I haven’t seen this stand before!

Nut Stand Menu

This booth sells cinnamon-glazed almonds, cinnamon-glazed pecans, beer, and water. It’s pretty straightforward, but as soon as you get a whiff of those glazed almonds we think you’ll be won over! They’re delicious (and think of the added protein to keep you going on a long touring day!!).

Cinnamon Glazed Almonds

PS: My Dad’s in WDW right now sending me holiday updates, so expect some serious gingerbread happenings over the next few days!!

DFB Dining Adventures e-Book and DFB Holiday Gift Certificates Now Available!

By AJ 3 Comments

We’ve got two exciting announcements today! Our very first DFB Dining Adventures e-Book is now available, and we’ve made your holiday gift-giving even easier by creating Disney Food Blog e-Book Gift Certificates!

The best part? There’s a HUGE holiday sale to go along with it all! 🙂

DFB Dining Adventures e-Book Now Available

We’ve had countless reader requests for pre-planned dining strategies that can be dropped right into your Disney World vacation plans, and we thought that was a pretty good idea, too!

So we are so excited to announce the grand launch of the Disney Food Blog Dining Adventures e-Book! Our team had such a great time with this book that it’s over 100 pages (!!!) of pre-planned deliciousness, and has great bonus features too!

Of course, in honor of our grand launch, we have a discount option for DFB readers (as always!). You can get the new mini-guide for $2 off the regular purchase price for the next 7 days — just use code ADVENTURE at the check-out! And don’t forget to keep your transaction number — it may provide a discount on upcoming Disney Food Blog products (hint, hint)!

This guide consists of one-day, two-day, and one-week themed dining and attraction strategies that you can mix and match to fit YOUR vacation style! They’re an easy and fun way to make sure your visit to Walt Disney World is 100% unique, and take a lot of the planning right off of your to-do list!

And our Dining Adventures all fit into a fun theme! Here are just a few examples of the dozens of different Dining Adventures that you’ll find within the The Disney Food Blog Dining Adventures, Start Point: Magic Kingdom Area e-Book: [Read more…]

Ariel and Jack Sparrow Kids’ Cup Glow Lights to Debut

By Heather 3 Comments

Word on the Disney Streets is that two new glowing Disney character lights will be appearing at the Disneyland Resort this holiday season. Both Ariel and a Pirates of the Caribbean Skull that is being called “Jack Sparrow” will make their debut at Ariel’s Grotto very soon.

These two new character lights will be clipped, as usual, to the “Glowing Character Punch” that is served in a souvenir cup for $6.99.

Buzz Lightyear Glowing Character Punch

Other Characters that are currently available throughout the parks include [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: New Holiday Desserts at Disney California Adventure!

By Heather 8 Comments

I know I am not alone in believing that there is nothing like a visit to the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season.

Their spectacular decor adorns every nook and cranny of the parks. The sights, the scents, the holiday cheer; it’s really an amazing experience. The Disneyland Resort goes above transforming both parks into “The Merriest Place on Earth.” They transform everything from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle to the menu boards at many of their eateries.

Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle

This year, I had the pleasure of meeting two very special people that help create the magic that happens on those menu boards. Karlos Siqueiros & Mechelle Miller both play important roles in Disney Food & Beverage Concept Development. This past Saturday night, I attended a special event (courtesy of Disney) that showcased their latest holiday delights.

Karlos & Mechelle from Food & Beverage Development

After enjoying an amazing dinner, fun activities, and special photo opportunities, Karlos & Mechelle took the stage with Chef Goofy to share the Resort’s special holiday dessert menu items.

Holiday Chef Goofy

Brand New Holiday Desserts to Be Revealed at Disney California Adventure Restaurants

Although I know both Anaheim resorts offer special holiday menu items, these particular goodies are brand new to the parks and are only available at California Adventure.

The presentation was creative and fun, and as each item was described Cast Members dressed in their holiday best pranced out to show off each dish.

Almond Cookie Sandwich Presentation

When the dessert “show” was over, we turned around to find that some Disney Magic had taken place behind our backs and a beautiful buffet featuring all of the presented dishes had been set up! I decided an organized right-to-left situation was necessary so I wouldn’t miss anything… [Read more…]

Special Disney Holiday Eats and Experiences Page on the DFB

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Gingerbread Mickeys

Disney food-lovers have lots to be excited about during the holiday season at Walt Disney World and Disneyland!

From life-size Gingerbread houses to Candy Cane Fudge, the parks and resorts celebrate with sweet treats and special dining experiences!

You may have noticed a new little holiday icon on our sidebar!

That links to a page where we’ll be compiling all of our Disney World and Disneyland Holiday information, so if there’s anything you need to know — check there!

For the third year in a row, we’re sharing the yummy offerings found only at the holidays, including some awesome reader suggestions for seasonal dining.

Boardwalk Gingerbread Display

We’re covering all the news about holiday-themed eats and we’ve already seen some fun and decorative treats this year. They almost look too pretty to eat! 😉

The Gingerbread Displays are beginning to appear, too. All our favorites have returned at the Contemporary, Boardwalk Beach Club, and Grand Floridian resorts. We’ll tour them in the coming weeks!

In Disneyland, the annual Candy Cane frenzy has begun. Dates can be found here! Also, sign up now to work on your holiday construction skills. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will be holding gingerbread house workshops!

From gift ideas to information on Holiday events, we’ll keep you up-to-date on our 2011 Holiday Dining Page.

What’s your favorite WDW or Disneyland holiday experience? Let us know in the comments section!

And if you’re in a Disney park or resort this holiday season and find something yummy, let us know and send over a pic!

WDW Swan and Dolphin Restaurants Offer Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Dining

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Il Mulino in the Swan Resort

The fabulous restaurants at the WDW Swan and Dolphin have released Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas dining options. From buffets, to regular menus to specialized offerings, the holidays are sure to be delicious at any of these restaurants!

Thanksgiving, November 24

Il Mulino 5-11:00 p.m. Regular and Holiday Menu

Specialty menu option will include: Braised Stuffed Turkey Breast, “Italian” Turkey Sausage, Sweet Potato Parsnip Puree, Brussel Sprout Leaves, and Warm Cranberry Sauce.

Garden Grove 1-9:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Buffet
Adults $35.95, Kids 3-9 $15.95
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted Turkey, Herb Crusted Grouper, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato with Marshmallow Brulee, Green Apple and Chestnut Stuffing, and more! There will also be salads, and of course, an assortment of pastries. Kids can dine on familiar foods – nuggets, corn dog, mac & cheese – too!

Fresh Mediterranean Market 12-6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Buffet
Stations will include Salads, deli meats and cheeses, soup and more! The griddle will serve up Seared Salmon. Traditional food will include Cider Glazed Virginia Ham, Roasted Organic Tom Turkey, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, and Bread Stuffing. A selection of desserts will be offered.

bluezoo 5-11:00 p.m. Regular and Holiday Menu
Specialty menu option will include: [Read more…]

Thanksgiving Meals at Fort Wilderness and Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Fort Wilderness Restaurants

Howdy! Round up your crew for the annual Thanksgiving at the Fort! Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will host countrified meals on Thursday November 24, 2011. And the Diamond Horseshoe will open its doors for table-service and counter-service meals on Turkey Day as well! Yee-haw!

Thanksgiving at the Fort

Mickey & Minnie (and some of their favorite friends) invite you to dine with them at the ranch. Look for Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Pocahontas, Meeko, Country Bears, and Chip & Dale. (Characters are subject to change.) At this hoe-down you’ll hoot ‘n holler with the live entertainment including a country band and Trevor the Trick Roper.

This outdoor event rolls out an all-you-can eat buffet of comfort foods in an outdoor, covered pavilion where you’ll be seated family-style with other guests. After you wrangle up some good grub, kick up your heels and dance away those calories!

Location
Fort Wilderness Pavilion (Home of Mickey’s Backyard BBQ)

Seating Times [Read more…]

Walt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday Displays for 2011

By AJ 12 Comments

Holiday Chef at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in Disney World, anyway! And it will be looking even more so very soon!

As we look forward to the holidays in our favorite Disney parks, let’s take a look at when to expect the artful decor to go on display this year. And we’ll look back to the gingerbread displays from past holidays to warm our spirits (and appetites) for now!

These displays will be created by the WDW Food and Beverage team. Sometimes you can even watch the chefs put on the finishing touches! And don’t forget to check out the limited edition Gingerbread Display pins coming out this year!

Please note that information is subject to change.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

(Gingerbread House was scheduled to open on November 14th)

As your eyes try to take in the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby, your sense of smell will lead you toward the 16 foot tall Gingerbread House located in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort.

Grand Floridian 2010 Gingerbread House

It takes over 400 hours to bake the 10,000+ pieces of gingerbread! Last year’s house was amazing, and one of our colleagues snapped some pics of the construction this year! Thanks to Carla at Hoperatives for these!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Construction 2011

Don’t forget that you can purchase a treat made from a classic Austrian gingerbread recipe right inside the Gingerbread House!! Freshly baked items will include [Read more…]

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First Look!: Disney’s Soda Fountain Muppets “Rainbow Connection” Sundae