Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 21, 2015

Happy Father’s Day to all of you out there who are celebrating today!

Zuri’s Sweets Shop Opens in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Today, we’re sharing all the news that you might have missed this week, including important openings, interesting new treats, and some brand new experiences. Check it out!

Disney Food News

A brand new culinary adventure is available for DVC members, and booking opens tomorrow! Stay tuned to DFB for details!
We have a first look at Zuri’s Sweets Shop, which opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom — and we include a review of their new poop candy! (It’s deeeeelicious!)
Creature Comforts, the new Starbucks in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, also opened this week. We take you on a photo tour of this new java stop.
Disney World is testing free taxi service for guests traveling to signature restaurants.
Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl has returned to Walt Disney World. We review Min and Bill’s version of this favorite dish here!
In our latest installment of Epcot Food and Wine FAQs, we give you advice on how to budget for this year’s festival.

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.

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Today, we’re featuring Comfort Foods!

Melissa Edmonds Kruep shared this wonderful shot of the Meatloaf at T-Rex. She says it’s Amazing!

Meatloaf at Walt Disney World’s T-Rex

Beth Kahline Scott just celebrated her honeymoon at Disneyland with this delicious meal — Three-Cheese Monte Cristos and Pommes Frites from Cafe Orleans! The PERFECT celebration meal, IMHO!

Three-Cheese Monte Cristo and Pommes Frites from Disneyland’s Cafe Orleans

Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us!

Deal of the Week: 180 Days ’til Christmas Sale Now Through June 28!

Why is the 180 Day mark so magical? Most restaurants at Disney World start booking for Christmas Day on June 28th, 180 days before Christmas Day. So if you wanna get a table for your holiday dinner at one of Disney’s most popular restaurants, now is the time to book! And we can help you plan every meal.

180 Days ‘Til Christmas Sale — 3 Great Ways to SAVE!

We know you’re just as excited as we are about the upcoming holiday season in Walt Disney World! And like we said: it’s never too early to start making plans. After all, you’ve gotta make those advance dining reservations 6 months ahead, especially around the busy holiday season. So we have three exciting offers for you today — and they’re all yours until June 28th — 180 Days Before Christmas!

On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars stretch all around Disney World. Our DFB Guides are ALL you need to plan your holiday dining!

And with these handy, e-book format guides at your fingertips, there’s nothing that you won’t know about food at Walt Disney World! Just download them, put them on your mobile device, and GOOOOOOO!

Check out our 180 Days ’til Christmas Sale to discover three great ways to save for a limited time!

As always, thanks for your support of DFB! We couldn’t do this without you!

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

is giving away a Dooney and Bourke bag! Check out all of the details on their website — but hurry! The deadline to enter the drawing is June 29.

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World highlights the big news that the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog will return to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year.

Disney Parks Blog shares the special Inside Out-inspired options available right now at Disney California Adventure’s Award Wieners.

WESH TV explores the Dine with Animal Specialists Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Resort.

And it’s always fun to take a look at what’s new on Cake Wrecks. This week — fantastic Disney Cake Fails.

Nerdy Nummies whips up some Carbonite Cheese and Crackers — the perfect snack for your next Rebel get together! (Get the molds she uses here.)

Epcot Food and Wine Festival FAQ: How Much Should I Budget For the Festival?

By AJ Leave a Comment

You may be just starting Summer vacation and all that goes with it, but here at Disney Food Blog, we’re also busy gearing up for one of our most favorite times of the year — the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

The festival, which runs from September 25 until November 16 this year, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2015. There is so much to do, see, taste, and experience, all crammed into seven weeks. So you’re bound to have some questions about planning for it — and specifically, how to budget for all you want to do.

So today, let’s talk a little bit about budgeting to get you ready for Fall’s biggest Disney food event.

How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

Many things at the festival are included in your Epcot admission. Attractions and events such as Eat to the Beat Concerts, Back to Basics Seminars, and the Cranberry Bog are all complimentary with your Epcot ticket.

The Cranberry Bog Returns to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in 2015

And new for 2015, guests can also enjoy Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Scavenger Hunt, a fun game that will take place around World Showcase.

But food and drink, even at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths, is not included in the price of admission. And Special Events do cost extra and can range widely, depending on the events you plan to attend.

How Much Money Should I Budget For a Day at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival?

The answer to this question varies widely from person to person. A great way to experience the festival is by Eating and Drinking Your Way Around the World, Marketplace Discovery Passport, in hand! In the past, plates and pours at the World Showcase Booths have averaged [Read more…]

News: Disney World Testing Free Taxi Service to Signature Restaurants

By Kim LaPaglia 18 Comments

Disney is currently testing a new transportation method — complimentary direct taxi service — for guests dining at select signature restaurants while staying at Walt Disney World monorail resorts!

Monorail Orange at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Until June 30, 2015, some guests at the monorail resorts (Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary) will be selected to participate in this Disney dining test. Those invited to participate will receive complimentary round-trip vouchers delivered to their room.

Participants will have the option of enjoying direct taxi transportation to [Read more…]

First Look: Zuri’s Sweets Shop — and the Poop Candy! — at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 27 Comments

Editor’s Note: The “Match the Species” Treats at Zuri’s Sweets Shop — aka the “poop” candy — is no longer available. Cast Members at the spot have said that it was only available as a test. We’ll let you know when/if we see it return!Zuri’s Sweets Shop

is open for business in Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Zuri’s Sweets Shop

And we are so excited to give you a little tour! But there’s a particular treat at this candy shop that may not be for the faint of heart… .

Of course there’s plenty of animal-themed candy and confections here at Zuri’s, but when your eye lands on the poop-themed candy?

Giraffe Poop

Let’s take a little look around the shop, and then we’ll give you our full review of [Read more…]

Photo Tour: Animal Kingdom Starbucks Now Open

By AJ 16 Comments

Starbucks opened today

in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, completing the line-up of Starbucks locations in Walt Disney World parks (the others being Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, Epcot’s Fountain View, and Hollywood Studios’ Trolley Car Cafe along with Downtown Disney’s two locations).

On a recent tour of the building’s exterior (formerly a merchandise store), we noticed what looked like coffee beans added to the design elements. Africa is one of three main regions from which Starbucks sources their coffee!

As you approach the Starbucks from the front of the park (located between Discovery Island and Africa), this is the first Entrance of two that you will encounter.

Starbucks Entrance and Peter, a Super Helpful and Friendly Cast Member Decked Out in the Team Uniform

You’ll notice that the name “Creature Comforts” has stuck, which kind of make sense, right? I love the two little monkeys with their coffees flanking the sign. 😉

The Store’s Official Name is Creature Comforts. And Yes, They Do Serve Monkeys Apparently.

But just in case you’re not sure where you are, a subtle mermaid logo sign is posted near the door.

With [Read more…]

The 180 Days ’til Christmas Sale Starts TODAY!

By AJ 4 Comments

Christmas Sale? Whaa?? “But AJ, it’s June, and we’re sweltering and/or being rained on!”

Well…it’s also only 192 days until Christmas. And if you’re planning a December Disney trip, it’s time to don your Santa hat and get into the holiday spirit, my friends! We’ve got three great offers starting today that are all yours until that magical 180 Days Before Christmas on June 28th!

Main Street Holiday Decor!

Why is the 180 Day mark so magical? Most restaurants at Disney World start booking for Christmas Day on June 28th, 180 days before Christmas Day.

So….if you wanna get a table for your holiday dinner at one of Disney’s most popular restaurants, you’ve gotta get on the horn in the next couple of weeks! Not sure where you want to eat? Let us help you with that!!

Holiday Cupcake from the BoardWalk Bakery

180 Days ‘Til Christmas Sale — 3 Great Ways to SAVE!

1) Get $5 Off the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015 e-Book Pre-Order (Plus 2014 Guide FREE!)

Get $5 off

when you pre-order your copy of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2015 during our 180 Days ‘Til Christmas Sale going on from now until June 28th! Just use code 180Days when you check-out to get the discount.

And if that’s not enough to make you press the purchase button, remember you’ll be able to instantly download the 2014 Guide for FREE and start your planning — today! We’ll share our favorite spots for holiday meals, all of the holiday events, hundreds of photos, and more! It’s the perfect way to nail down your plans and snag the most popular holiday reservations in Walt Disney World.

You’ll then receive the 2015 Guide via email automatically as soon as it’s published in early November. Yep — that means you get two editions for the price of one, so you can start planning right away.

2) Bundle for More Savings!

Want more for your money?

Purchase the Holiday Bundle for $5 off the already deeply discounted price! It’s like getting an entire book for free! Just enter code 180days at the check-out.

In the Holiday Bundle, you’ll get:

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2015 Edition,
The 2015 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2014 Edition for FREE as an immediate download.

On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars stretch all around Disney World. These two unique resources are ALL you need to plan your holiday dining!

To take advantage of this amazing deal, just enter Promo Code 180days at checkout!

3) Get Over 70% Off ALL of the DFB Dining Guides!

Finally, this is the way to get the biggest bang for your buck in our 180 Days ’til Christmas Sale. ACT NOW and collect ALL of Disney Food Blog’s Dining guidebooks for 70% off their regular prices.

Do you anxiously await new DFB posts? Want even more great information, pictures, and tips? Then the DFB Everything Bundle is for you!

And to get you ready for that next big Disney World trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for 50% off the already low BUNDLE price — that’s over 70% off the cover prices of the books. Just enter promo code 180Days at checkout to take advantage of this offer for a limited time only.

The Everything Bundle includes, well, Everything! When you purchase this special bundle of DFB Guides, you’ll get it all:

[Read more…]

Raglan Road (In Ireland!): Master Chef Contest Winners Share Their Experiences

By Brooke Leave a Comment

If you were following along during our #RaglanRoadTrip coverage, then you know that I recently returned from spending four days in Ireland with the winners of the Raglan Road Master Chef Contest as well as Chef Kevin Dundon.

Winners and Writers at Dunbrody House in Ireland (photo by Raglan Road photographer Ivan Cummins)

The winners will all contribute a dish to the Raglan Road 10th Anniversary Celebration October! I wanted to get to know our winners a little better, so I asked each of them three simple questions:

What gave you a desire to work with Raglan Road?
What was your first experience with Raglan Road like?
As a home cook, what’s your biggest cooking takeaway from this experience?

Here’s what they had to share with me.

Aaron

Aaron Von Swearingen

had long been a fan of cooking — and Raglan Road. It’s been a favorite spot of his for nearly as long as it’s been around, and he and his family often choose to go there for special occasions.

Aaron Chats with John, Owner of Danescastle Fruit Farm

Aaron Chats with John Mernagh, Owner of Danescastle Fruit Farm

But recently, his passion had taken a different turn: recipe development. So when Aaron heard about the Master Chef contest, he thought the challenge to come up with a three-course meal would be a terrific way to test his new found interest.

And clearly, he rose to the occasion. Following his successful bid to become a Master Chef finalist, Aaron headed to — where else? — Raglan Road to celebrate!

Aaron Getting Tips from John Cook on Filleting Fish

His time in Ireland was, as with other members of the group, transformative. Aaron says that, more than anything, he’s leaving with a clear vision that a simple approach is the best one; focus on simple, great, pure ingredients, and be creative and thoughtful in your presentation. “To know those things, going home, is very freeing,” he summed up.

Colleen

Like Aaron, Colleen Kerney has a young family and lives in Central Florida. But her motivation for entering the contest was a little different.

Colleen Receives Some Helpful Hints from Chef Julien

Colleen had been in the process of planning a family trip to Ireland, and had even considered leaving at the same time as the contest was planned for. But budgetary constraints led her to reconsider the timing, and she and her family began to earnestly save for a trip some time in the future.

One day recently, she was flipping through a local Central Florida publication when she came across this headline: “Kevin Dundon wants to send YOU to Ireland.” Well. That sounded pretty good to her. And we can say that the rest is history.

Interestingly enough, Colleen hadn’t ever actually dined at Raglan Road, although she was familiar with Chef Kevin because of his cooking show, which airs on PBS. However, she and her extended family celebrated her winning the contest by booking brunch at the Irish Pub.

Oyster Soup, Colleen’s Dish

While she enjoyed her time in Ireland immensely and definitely plans to return for that promised family visit in the near future, she also had some fun takeaways from the experience. First and foremost? “Butter makes [Read more…]

Review: Caramel Sticks at Disneyland’s Candy Palace

By AJ 11 Comments

So, last month I headed out west for the 24-Hour Kickoff of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Anniversary Celebration …and pretty much ate my way through Disneyland in three days. SO, I have LOTS to share with you here on the blog of my epic Diamond eating adventure.

Sleeping Beauty Castle decked out for the Diamond Anniversary

But, today I’m going to highlight one of the best things I ate, hands down, during those three days. And that’s saying something, because I had a Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone, brunch at Club 33, all five Jungle Skewers at the Bengal Barbecue and so much more.

Are you ready? Then allow me to set the scene…you wander into the Candy Palace to check the candy cases to see what’s new…

The Candy Palace

And here they are… [Read more…]

Dining Details: Wall Murals at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

By AJ 1 Comment

It just goes to show… you can visit Disney World a million and one times (and I’ve got to be coming up close to that number 😉 ), and still notice something new every time.

Learn About:Via Napoli

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

I’m a fan of Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion. Not only does it serve the best pizza in Disney World; it’s become a tradition for us.

So how is it, then, that I only noticed this incredibly cool detail on my most recent visit? OK, at least I THINK it’s a cool detail. I might be totally making it up, but I could super see Disney Imagineers doing this on purpose.

Look at this orange tree as seen through one of the restaurant’s windows.

Orange Tree outside the window

And now check out the fresco painting on the wall right next to it.

Wall mural next to the window

Hmmmm…. Looks similar, right?

I think this may be a continuation, bringing the [Read more…]

Epcot’s L’Artisan des Glaces Celebrates its Second Anniversary with New Flavors and Sundaes!

By AJ 13 Comments

Happy Second Anniversary, L’Artisan des Glaces!

Learn About:L'Artisan des Glaces

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

From the moment the doors opened two years ago in the former spot of Boulangerie Patisserie in the France Pavilion, it was clear L’Artisan des Glaces was not your typical ice cream stop.

The Boulangerie relocated to a larger space, and L’Artisan des Glaces began to carve its own unique niche in the Disney dining scene almost immediately upon its debut.

So, what made the arrival of this little shop so special?

First of all, every single one of the 16 flavors of ice cream and sorbet was — and still is — made in-house.

L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Opening Day L’Artisan des Glaces Flavors

L’artisan des Glaces ice cream case

And second? The shop began to introduce some incredible and unique ice cream confections that we’d never seen the likes of before in Walt Disney World!

As we wish L’Artisan a huge Happy Birthday and Bon Anniversaire, we wanted to take a peek at just a few of these creations that are now a part of the eating scene in Epcot!

Ice Cream Martinis

Thanks to the addition of L’Artisan, Epcot guests 21 and over suddenly had the option of pairing their ice cream flavor of choice with…BOOZE! Grand Marnier, Clement Rhum from Martinique, or Whipped Cream flavored Vodka could be added to create their own gorgeous Ice Cream Martini.

Ice Cream Martini

Between this and the rich, creamy homemade ice cream, L’Artisan started earning its terrific reputation from the get-go. Refusing, however, to rest on their laurels, the ice cream artists have continued to change things up and crank out surprises year-round.

Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

Additional treats began to appear later in 2013, starting with the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich. This decadent snack is a scoop of chocolate ice cream sandwiched inside a large, crisp-on-the-outside, chewy on the inside chocolate macaron cookie.

Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

While you can still get the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream sandwich any time of year, new versions of this treat began [Read more…]

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