News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival -- More Booths and Special Events Confirmed!

News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — More Booths and Special Events Confirmed!

It’s that time of year!

Okay, so it’s not exactly time for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival juuuust yet (that’s September 25 – November 16th this year). But is IS time for LOTS of news to come out in anticipation of the event!

Just last week, we brought you word of NEW booths and dishes set to debut at this year’s Festival, along with the full Eat to the Beat line-up and lots of other great news!

Today we’re happy to confirm a few more booths that will be returning to this year’s Festival!

Fan favorites including Poland (and those terrific Pierogies), Belgium (Waffles!), and Hawaii (Kalua Pork Sliders, anyone?) will all return again this year as part of the Festival’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

Kielbasa & Potato Pierogie with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream

The Kalua Pork Slider from the Hawaii Booth is a Family Favorite

Additionally, it has been announced that the Party for the Senses will be returning to the Festival every Saturday in October!

Party For the Senses

Not only that… aspiring [Read more…]

Review: Caramel and Pecan Treats at Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s Germany

By AJ 11 Comments

What’s a walk around World Showcase these days without stopping in Germany’s Karamell-Küche?

Learn About:Karamell-Küche

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

After all, it’s the one place where every single item is built around the same awesome ingredient: caramel. Werther’s Caramel, to be specific.

In fact, you can even take a moment or two to check out the wall to your left upon entering the Caramel Kitchen (once you’re past the window, that is). It’s a mural depicting the timeline of the company, which had its start in the German village of Werther. It’s quite the history lesson.

Of course, you probably won’t.

Because if you’re anything like me, you’re going to be entirely distracted by all the choices held inside the bakery case (not to mention the buttery fragrance of caramel wafting through the air)!

Karamell-Kuche bakery case

That bakery case full of caramel goodness is one reason I don’t mind the typically long lines here. It gives me more time to peek over shoulders and heads in front of me to decide what I want. It takes some time! But having sampled just about everything in that case (and some more than a few times — I’m lookin’ at you, Chewy Caramel Shortbread Bar), I decided to go with something I hadn’t tried before.

Or two things, because… well, do you really need a reason why here ;)?

Anyway, one item I hadn’t chosen previously was the Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan; which, I’m guessing, should probably be called the Milk Chocolate Pecan Caramel Cluster…but that’s just splitting hairs.

Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan

At first glance, you think you have it pretty much figured out: a dollop of hardened milk chocolate over a layer of caramel covering the pecans. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing…

Caramel Cluster Milk Chocolate Pecan

And just so can have one more look at [Read more…]

News: Disney World Refillable Mug Price Change Test Currently Underway

By AJ 54 Comments

UPDATE: In the days since this post first published, many of our readers have reported that the new price of the Refillable Mugs has rolled out to several more Disney Resorts in addition to the original locations named in this post.

Heads up, all! A few select Disney World Resorts have rolled out an updated pricing structure for the Rapid Fill Mugs — refillable mugs that provide guests the option to purchase one mug and reuse it for fountain and other drink station beverages throughout their vacation for a pre-designated amount of time.

Rapid Fill Mugs

The price for a Rapid Fill Mug has been $17.99 for length of stay, with lower pricing options available for 1, 2, and 3 day visits since the Rapid Fill drink program debuted in August 2013. And it remains in effect at several Disney resorts currently.

Rapid Fill Price Sign

BUT…at Pop Century, the All Star Resorts, and Port Orleans – Riverside, the price is currently $16.49 plus tax for length of stay.

Rapid Fill New Length of Stay Pricing — Refillable Mugs

However, the 1, 2, and 3 day options are not currently available to guests, so essentially [Read more…]

Review: Beignet at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion

By Brooke 6 Comments

Bonjour! We are popping into Les Halles Boulangerie and Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion today to take a closer look at a new-to-us pastry!

Learn About:Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

You may remember last year around Mardi Gras time when we shared with you the Beignets commemorating that time of year. They were really interesting — unlike what we normally think of as beignets. (You know, those fluffy fried pillows of deliciousness. Rectangular or Mickey-shaped — we’re good either way.)

But on a recent visit to Les Halles we were intrigued to read that the Beignets seemed to be different, since they were described as Chocolate Hazelnut-filled.

Wait. What?!

Yeah…that’s all it took to get us there.

Le Beignet at Les Halles

The previous beignets at Les Halles were Bugnes Lyonnaise, diamond-shaped with a hole in the middle, and were rolled in granulated sugar. So when I was handed this treat, it was clear that we were dealing with something completely different.

Enjoying a Beignet in a Quiet Spot

We took the snack to my favorite secret hide-y place in the France Pavilion. (Nope, not tellin’ ya where…OK, behind the perfume shops. But don’t tell.) It’s a wonderfully quiet and shady spot — a perfect place to dig into Les Halles loot!

As you can see, it looks like a traditional filled doughnut. Actually, it reminded me a lot of the Berliner featured at the Germany Booth during last year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Les Halles Beignet — Up Close

Time to cut into it! I went for it, expecting to see a snug little pocket of chocolate Hazelnut filling. But this is what greeted me on the cross section.

Beignet — Cross Section

Well, I knew there was filling in there. It was too heavy for there not to be! And so I [Read more…]

Review: Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

By AJ 23 Comments

It’s time to head back to Everything Pop Food Court at Disney’s Pop Century Resort for lunch!

Learn About:Everything Pop Food Court

Disney World Restaurants

Pop Century Resort has a cult following of legendary proportions, and Everything Pop Food Court goes right along with that. Maybe it’s because the eats here are little more imaginative than they have historically been at other value resorts. Or maybe it’s just because you can get a waffle with a giant Pop! emblazoned on it!

Whatever the reason, this spot has long been a favorite of mine — and even a destination for me for some of their specialties when I’m staying at other resorts. (King Cupcake, anyone?)

It’s been a while since I’ve visited, so on a recent trip I made it a point to stop by Everything Pop for a bite to eat.

Let’s take a look at what I found!

Atmosphere

You will find no shortage of color and decor as you enter Everything Pop. But you wouldn’t really expect a Zen experience with such a name anyway, right?

Entrance Sign — Up Close

It’s fun, and it’s, well. Pop. The kind of loud, happy decor you’d expect with a name like that. These food “billboards” entice you into the eating area, beckoning you to come check out the newly updated menus.

Fun Food Signs

As with other Food Court-type settings at Walt Disney World, the “Create You Own” theme is big here. But you’ll find more options to customize here than just about anywhere else. As the sign says, it’s the perfect place to head when you’re feeling hungry AND creative!

Poppin Nachos and Baked Potatoes Sign

We’ll take a quick side journey to check out seating.

While there are plenty of tables and chairs to choose from, you won’t find super comfy digs here. After all, this is counter service. I don’t figure that you’re interested in lingering for hours over that burger or plate of eggs.

Seating Area

Still, if you do require a bit of a comfortable break, booth seating is padded and a little more cozy, since it’s walled (or windowed) off to one side.

Booth Seating

More tables along the bank of floor to ceiling windows provide a little space from the rest of the guests, and give you a good view out onto the grounds.

Table Seating

Enough with tables and chairs. On to the food!

Eats

Pop in to Everything Pop, and you can choose from seven different serving stations. They include, in broad terms, a [Read more…]

News and Rumors: Potential Updates to the Disney Dining Plan

By AJ 26 Comments

Disney World guests utilizing the Disney Dining Plan will want to be aware of some rumored changes taking place to the popular plans available for Disney Resort guests starting today, May 31, 2015 (though it is rumored that Disney will not post the changes officially until June 4th).

Please note that at this time we have not received official confirmation from Disney regarding any of these changes. We just wanted you to be aware of the rumors in the case that you’d be able to put them into practice this week in the parks.

Participants on the Dining Plan will be able use their dining credits in the typical ways (i.e. guests on the standard Disney Dining Plan will still receive 1 Table Service Credit, 1 Quick Service Credit, and 1 Snack Credit per night of stay and can use those credits accordingly at designated locations); however, there may be additional opportunities that will allow for more flexibility.

Snack Entitlements

The most commonly rumored change says that a “snack credit” will now include all single-serve items and beverages such as Caramel Apples — not including Character designs — and large Mickey Cookies among other previously ineligible items. Also included may be Quick Service restaurant side items and breakfast items, like sides of bacon or sausage.

Caramel Apples

These may include: [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 31, 2015

By Brooke Leave a Comment

Wow! There is just so much going on in the world of Disney Food this week that I bet you’ve had a hard time keeping up!

Not only did we publish the first big news about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — in its 20th year!! — but we also now have the complete line up for the uber popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series!

Well, the good news is…that’s what we’re here for! And after a busy week covering the latest and greatest in California, Florida, and Ireland, we’re back, sorting through all of the biggest stories to keep you informed.

We have a ton of stuff to share. Let’s get right to it!

Disney Food News

We have our first big news about the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, including new dishes that will debut!
We have a FIRST LOOK Photo Tour and Review of the brand new Harambe Market at Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
The full Eat to the Beat Concert Series Schedule for the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival has been announced!
We offer a review of the Disneyland 60th Anniversary Mickey Mouse Cake Pop.
Cooking Classes and Demos for kids and grownups are coming to Downtown Disney Orlando (soon to be Disney Springs).
In news from our trip to Ireland, we learn that Raglan Road will soon be adding Irish Grass-Fed Beef to its regular menu!
We review some fun specialty Star Wars drinks at Star Wars Weekends!
The Orange Bird is back in Magic Kingdom, and to celebrate his return, OB merch is making a comeback for a limited time!
Bacon Mac and Cheese in a Bread Cone is BACK — but this time, you’ll find it in Disney California Adventure instead of Hollywood Studios, as it was last summer.

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!

In honor of Star Wars Weekends, happening now through June 14, we’re featuring some treats commemorating all the fun!

Jacqueline Melanson kicked her day off right with a Darth Vader Waffle at Sci Fi Drive In.

Darth Vader Waffle at Sci-Fi Dine In Restaurant

But Disneyland fans — you aren’t left out of the fun! JD Boo-won grabbed himself a Hans Solo Popcorn Bucket in front of Pizza Port at Disneyland!

Han Solo Popcorn Bucket in Disneyland

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

Deal of the Week: 2015-2016 Disney World Vacation Must-Have E-Book Sale!

Do you have a Walt Disney World Trip on the books for this year? Woohoo!! There’s nothing more exciting than counting down the days to your next Walt Disney World Trip!

But, even the most spontaneous Disney fan knows that planning ahead is the key to a stress-less vacay. And that mantra is absolutely true when it comes to dining.

If you really want to dine in the hottest restaurants, you pretty much have to plan ahead. Be spontaneous, of course. But get a couple Advance Dining Reservations in place.

But which ones?

That’s where Disney Food Blog comes in, because we are all about the planning!!

You already enjoy our reviews, news, and tips daily on our Blog. But did you know — that’s JUST the tip of the iceberg. Because we have lots more to share with you in our complete line of DFB Guides.

If you’re ready for a fun, easy way to personalize eating and drinking your way through Disney, then check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book.
Fully updated for your 2015-2016 adventures, the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subject — Eating Your Way Through Disney! So you save time and money as you enjoy planning one of the most important parts of your trip. 😉

And to thank all of you for your support of DFB, we are offering extra savings on our most popular DFB Guide right now. Just enter promo code 2015 at checkout and you’ll save $4 off of our cover price of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book!

But if you’d like to enjoy even more detail, check out another great offer.

DFB Everything Bundle SALE!

If you’d like even more great information, pictures, and tips, then the DFB Everything Bundle is the right fit for you.

And to get you ready for that next big trip, we are offering the DFB Everything Bundle for $15 off the already low price! It’s like getting an entire book for free. Just enter promo code Everything15 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

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

It’s Back! Bacon Mac and Cheese Bread Cone at Disney California Adventure

By AJ 9 Comments

Well, I’ll be dipped.

So there I was, walking around Disneyland taking in all the sights and tastes for the 24-Hour Kickoff of the Disneyland Diamond Resort Celebration, when I stumbled upon THIS piece of gorgeousness.

Bacon Mac & Cheese Cone sign

The Macaroni & Cheese Bread Cone is BACK! Well, at Disneyland, that is! And you can find it at the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure.

Cozy Cone Motel Sign

Cone Queso at the Cozy Cone Motel

So, why is this such a huge deal? Well, in case you missed it last summer, a little backstory: last August we reviewed the Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone at Disney WORLD found in Hollywood Studios at the concession stands for the Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular.

And it was quite a hit. Because it’s a HUGE pile of MAC AND CHEESE. Topped with BACON. Stuffed in BREAD. Like this…

Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone previously served at Fantasmic!

However, probably no more than two days after we reviewed it, it was pulled from the Fantasmic menu.

Gone. Vamoose. Finito!

No big drama or anything, just a regular menu change and pretty much par for the course when you’re scoping out food at Disney World. But a major bummer nonetheless, what with it being MAC AND CHEESE. Topped with BACON. Stuffed in BREAD and all.

So when I saw that sign last week, I knew I had to grab it. Lesson learned: far be it from me to let a moment with the Mac and Cheese Bread Cone slip through my fingers. Pay no mind to the fact that [Read more…]

News! The Orange Bird Returns to Magic Kingdom — With SUPER Limited Time Merchandise

By AJ 8 Comments

As you may know, there was a little switch-up in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland a few months ago: Aloha Isle (home of the Dole Whip) and Sunshine Tree Terrace (Citrus Swirl haven) changed places to accommodate construction — it is widely believed — for an upcoming Jungle Cruise-themed restaurant.

New Sunshine Tree Terrace location

On the day the “new” locations opened, however, there was one obvious thing missing: the Orange Bird could not be found at Sunshine Tree Terrace (to learn a little more about the Orange Bird’s long Adventureland history, check out the video in this post!).

Disney assured fans, thankfully, of his impending return, and it seems it has now come to pass. The original Orange Bird figurine returned today — Friday, May 29th — to Sunshine Tree Terrace (and he is going to be honored on the location’s sign as well).

Welcome back, Orange Bird!

To celebrate his homecoming, the Disney Parks online store is selling a LIMITED RUN t-shirt and poster featuring our little orange pal! Through June 4 only, this Orange Bird T-shirt will be available in an Adult and Youth size:

©Disney

A print featuring the same design is up for grabs, and so is [Read more…]

News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule!

By AJ 8 Comments

It’s finally here! We have more information to share with you from the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which runs September 25-November 16, 2015.

The Eat to the Beat Concert line-up is in the books! There are lots of exciting returning acts like Hanson, Wilson Phillips, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. And as always, a few new acts freshen up the mix a bit. We look forward to seeing Tiffany, Everclear, Maxi Priest, and Chaka Khan this year!

Here’s the full list. Don’t forget to check out our 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for all the latest details on the festival!

2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Line-Up

David Cook – September 25-27, 2015
Wilson Phillips – September 28-29, 2015
Christopher Cross – September 30-October 1, 2015
Starship – October 2-4, 2015
Smash Mouth – October 5-7, 2015
The Pointer Sisters – October 8-9, 2015
38 Special – October 10-11, 2015
Rick Springfield – October 12-13, 2015
Sugar Ray – October 14-16, 2015
The S.O.S. Band – October 17-18, 2015
Air Supply – October 19-21, 2015
Fuel – October 22-23, 2015
Tiffany (NEW!) – October 24-25, 2015
Dennis DeYoung – October 26-28, 2015
Jo Dee Messina – October 29-30, 2015
Everclear (NEW!) – October 31-November 1, 2015
Boyz II Men – November 2-4, 2015
Sister Hazel – November 5-6, 2015
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 7-9, 2015
Hanson – November 10-12, 2015
Maxi Priest (NEW!) – November 13-14, 2015
Chaka Khan (NEW!) – November 15-16, 2015

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat

Eat to the Beat concerts are free with Epcot admission throughout the festival. You can catch up to three shows per night at at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM and 8:00 PM in the America Gardens Theater, located in the America Pavilion. Check out our Eat to the Beat Concert page for details and times.

Start Your Planning Today! The DFB Guide to the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival e-Book is now available for Pre-Order!

This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Pre-order your 2015 edition today, and download the 2014 guide for FREE — immediately!

Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World!

Use code Chefs at check-out for a $3 discount!

Is YOUR favorite act [Read more…]

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News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival — More Booths and Special Events Confirmed!

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