Disney Holiday Preview: Christmas Traditions and Delicious Finds in Epcot's UK Pavilion

Disney Holiday Preview: Christmas Traditions and Delicious Finds in Epcot’s UK Pavilion

In some parts of Walt Disney World, the holiday switch has been flipped, and Christmas and other winter celebrations have arrived! In Epcot though, the Food and Wine Festival is still going strong, so the holidays have been delayed just a bit.

But since World Showcase is one of my favorite spots to visit — and a definite must-do for those visiting WDW during the holiday season — I thought we’d take a look back at some of my favorite holiday offerings in some of the Pavilions. They’ll be arriving in the next couple of weeks, and I can’t wait!

Epcot UK Christmas Tea Topiary

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Review: NEW Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 49 Comments

It’s time to Eat, Drink, and BE MERRY at Hollywood & Vine for MINNIE’S HOLIDAY DINE!

Learn About:Hollywood and Vine Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

This past weekend delivered the debut Minnie’s Seasonal Dine Character Meals in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From now through January 3, 2016, dinner at Hollywood & Vine is a holiday meal, offerings guests the very unique opportunity to celebrate the season with a few of our favorite Disney pals!

Once the holidays wrap up, dinner parties with Minnie Mouse and friends will continue; however, the theme will change with the seasons! Starting January 4, 2016, Minnie and the gang will host a celebration of Hollywood and the movies. Spring, summer, and even Halloween will have themed celebrations of their own; and decor, music, and even certain menu items will change along with the party theme.

This isn’t the first time Hollywood & Vine has changed things up from its typical non-character buffet dinner (breakfast and lunch, it should be noted, will continue to feature Disney Junior pals at Play ‘n Dine). Hollywood & Vine has played host to themed, seasonal character dinners in the past with Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine, held in conjunction with Star Wars Weekends for the past two years.

Hollywood and Vine

But the only Force involved in Minnie’s Holiday Dine is a whole lotta of HOLIDAY SPIRIT… [Read more…]

New! Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcake with Maple Buttercream Icing in Disney World

By Tina F. 2 Comments

Ready for a little “Pilgrim”-age to Hollywood Studios? Sorry — I had to.

We are back again with yet another delicious new disney cupcake over at DHS. Replacing the Halloween Carrot Cake Cupcake is the all new Thanksgiving Pumpkin cupcake!

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Cupcake

These can, as usual, be found at many of the quick service spots around the park. Keep in mind that Rosie’s All American Cafe and Catalina Eddies’s are currently closed for renovations! We found this one at Fairfax Fare.

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Review: Lunch at The Boathouse in Disney Springs

By AJ 20 Comments

It’s back to The Boathouse for us today on the DFB!

Learn About:The Boathouse

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

The BOATHOUSE (as it’s officially known) has only been part of the Disney dining scene since this past April, when it opened in The Landing area of Disney Springs . (Believe it or not, though, it’s no longer the newest dining gig in town, since spots like Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, Vivoli il Gelato, and Morimoto Asia have all made their debuts since). Still, it has already made a big name for itself for a few reasons: first, its arrival marked the debut of the first of several more upscale dining additions coming to Disney Springs (with a price tag to match).

Second, with live music and watercraft tour options (have you seen the Amphicars?!), it’s also helping to ring in the entertainment-heavy focus that will continue to become a hallmark of several dining options in Disney Springs once the area’s transformation is complete.

While we explored the restaurant in full during its opening week, on my most recent trip, we decided to do things a little differently — a midday visit to explore what the main bar area has to offer.

The Boathouse Sign

Of course, we couldn’t help taking another quick look around this beautiful space first… [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 8, 2015

By Traci C 1 Comment

Happy first full week of November! Don’t forget, you have just a short amount of time left to wine and dine your way through the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! The Festival ends on November 16!

Peppermint Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

The Christmas tree is already up at the Magic Kingdom, which means before we know it the gingerbread houses and other Christmas decorations will be up!

And, the first Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is tonight at the Magic Kingdom!

We have a lot to share, so let’s jump right in…

Disney Food News

Say it isn’t true! The Pork Shank is off the menu at Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom!
We celebrated the grand launch of the ‘DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015’ e-book!
Take a peek at the festive treats at this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
There’s a new DFB Podcast! This time we’re talking about dining with kids at the Disney Parks.
It’s time to start your holiday shopping! We’ve found some great kitchen and dining goodies – but the sale ends TONIGHT!
Our #OnTheList series continues with the Alfresco Tasting Terrace at Disney California Adventure.
We reviewed the limited-run breakfast at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

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Joffrey’s Master of the Roast Exhibit at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Brooke Leave a Comment

We have another new experience to show you today from the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Joffrey’s Presents Master of the Roast

We all know that Disney has really, seriously upped their game where coffee is concerned. Gone are the days when you couldn’t get a decent cup of coffee in the ‘World. And a lot of the credit for the transformation goes to Joffrey’s.

While you may be most familiar with Joffrey’s for the numerous kiosks that they operate throughout the Parks, their presence at Disney goes a lot further than that.

Stop for that morning latte or Americano at Contemporary Grounds, and you’re drinking Joffrey’s. Or the next time you savor that special roast at your favorite Disney Signature Restaurant, and you’ll be happy to know that Joffrey’s is responsible.

Happy, why? Because you can now also take their signature roasts home with you, thus extending the deliciousness of your vacay just a wee bit longer. [Read more…]

Sneak Peek: Festive Treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

By Wendy 8 Comments

Are you attending Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party this year?

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

If so, it’s time to get ready for SNOW on Main Street, U.S.A…

Main Street Magic Kingdom

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Review: Lunch at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

By AJ 17 Comments

One word: PIZZA!

Learn About:Via Napoli

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Two more: VIA NAPOLI!!

Okay, so we’re having more than “just pizza” at Via Napoli today (even though it still easily takes the top spot on our Best Pizza in Disney World list by a mile). We’ll also be trying some soups, pasta… and maybe even a little vino while we’re at it.

No matter what I order, though, I look forward to my Advance Dining Reservation for Via Napoli — tucked in the back of Epcot’s Italy Pavilion — on every Disney World trip without fail (especially when my husband’s with me — this is a MUST for him). Not only does it serve up the Best Pizza in all of Disney World, but it also earns gold stars in my book for a pretty rare accolade from me: it is consistently good food.

Via Napoli Window

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It’s a Swell World This Holiday Season! Get 25% Off Disney Kitchen and Dining Goodies!

By Brooke Leave a Comment

We love sharing with you all of the fun merch that Disney comes up with to usher in the holiday season!

We’ll have a whole series of gift guides to help you find just the right thing for every person on your holiday gift list this year.

Today, we’re kicking off with a fantastic collection of retro-inspired serving pieces to make your trim-a-tree party the best yet! If you like what you see, just click on the links and head over to DisneyStore.com to purchase!

While you’re there, you can take advantage of their Friends and Family Sale, going on today through Sunday, November 8. Purchase at least one eligible item, enter code DISNEYPAL, and receive 25% off of your entire order!

And don’t forget — when you spend $75 or more, shipping is FREE with code SHIPMAGIC!

Let’s take a look at a few of our favorites…

Large Holiday Tray

Disney is on to something with their continued emphasis on retro designs. The Large Holiday Tray brings together characters you just know would hit it off — Mickey, Minnie, and Tink! Captured in muted colors and mid-century detail, this tray is sure to remind you that The Holidays are Swell! [Read more…]

News: Pork Shank No Longer on the Menu at Gaston’s Tavern

By AJ 94 Comments

RIP, Pork Shank…

Learn About:Gaston's Tavern

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

We’ve been hearing rumors about this for a while, and it has finally to pass — the Pork Shank is no more.

Gaston’s Tavern opened in late 2012 as part of the New Fantasyland expansion in Magic Kingdom, featuring a variety of snacks and beverages. Headliner items on the menu — which, until now, has remained basically unchanged since the opening — include LeFou’s Brew (the Tavern’s own signature beverage) and Warm Cinnamon Rolls (noteworthy since they are no longer served at Main Street Bakery).

The one non-snack item on the list, though, might be the one that gained the biggest reputation from the get-go: the Pork Shank. This huge serving of meat-on-bone drew immediate comparisons to the iconic Jumbo Turkey Leg. Unlike the Turkey Legs, though, which have a home in every park, Gaston’s Tavern was the only place where you could consistently find a Pork Shank (aside from being served for a stint at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner in Hollywood Studios), and ultimately it drew a dedicated fan base of its very own.

Pork Shank

The Pork Shank has recently been removed from the menu at Gaston’s Tavern. Below is a screenshot of the current menu from the Walt Disney World website. [Read more…]

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