Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 24, 2015

It’s been a busy week for us at Disney Food Blog!

Diamond Celebration Krispy Treats

While AJ has been in Disneyland soaking up all the magic surrounding that park’s 60th Anniversary kickoff, I’ve been writing to you from Ireland, as I spend some time with Raglan Road Master Chef Kevin Dundon and the Finalists in the Raglan Road Master Chef Competition.

But that’s not all that’s going on! Let’s take a look at all the Disney Food News we’ve brought you this week.

Disney Food News

Wendy updates us on What’s New Around Walt Disney World this week.
A New Jabba the Hut Cupcake joins the Star Wars snack lineup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Chef Mickey’s will begin offering brunch on May 31, and advance dining reservations are currently open.
We offer our first look and review of the brand new Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Check out the updates in the Raglan Road Master Chef Competition.
Follow along with a photo history of the Disneyland and Disney World 24-hour days!
Check out a great review of the Star Wars Galactic Dine-In!

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 news 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 delicious treats!

Christian Chirat shared this awesome shot via facebook. This 60th Anniversary Cake Pop is supa cute!

Disneyland 60th Anniversary Cake Pop

And my good friend @JoeSchreiber enjoyed a refreshing Milky Way Sundae — to go! — at Beaches and Cream!

Milky Way Sundae from Beaches and Cream

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

DFB Disney Dining Guidebook Memorial Day Sale!

We have got some seriously incredible deals going on this week for the DFB Disney Dining e-Books, you guys.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World during the busy Summer season, or you have your eyes set on a Fall Food and Wine Festival Trip or a Holiday Extravaganza, we know one thing for sure: you need to make some plans.

Believe it or not, it’s already time to start making those Advance Dining Reservations! And we’re going to help you make sure you choose the best restaurants Disney has to offer. There are hundreds, after all!

There are too many choices available to put it all here today, so head on over to our Memorial Day Sale post to check out the offers!

Thanks for your support of DFB!

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

highlights this Citrus Swirl Tee. I’m with her — the Orange Bird is such an icon!

WDW For Grown Ups showcases 5 Must Try Sweet Treats at Animal Kingdom.

Disney Parks Blog offers a glimpse at the Mixology Classes aboard Disney Cruise Line Ships.

TDR Explorer gives us a sneak peek at some of the special food and drinks that guests can enjoy during Tanabata Days, happening at Tokyo Disneyland June 24th to July 7th.

Disney Tourist Blog offers a review of their Chef Counter Experience at Disneyland’s Napa Rose.

Pop Sugar highlights some truly stunning Disney-inspired cupcakes.

Update: Raglan Road Master Chef Competition

By Brooke 1 Comment

It’s a big week for us here at Disney Food Blog! While AJ has been busy reporting to you LIVE from the kickoff of Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary Celebration, I’m in Ireland with Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant!

Cod Cornucopia at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs

But what does that have to do with Disney, Brooke?

Haha — Excellent question!

As we previously reported, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will celebrate its Tenth Anniversary this Fall, and they’re doing it up BIG! To mark the occasion, they sponsored a Raglan Road Master Chef Contest. Read more about it here.

Welp — the five finalists have traveled to Ireland to spend time soaking up the atmosphere, fine tuning their culinary skills, and honing their attention to detail with Master Chef Kevin Dundon!

Raglan Road tries to bring a slice of authentic, contemporary Ireland straight to Walt Disney World. We see it in the decor of the pub and their menu. We’ve had the opportunity to dine at some of Chef Kevin Dundon’s favorite spots that provide inspiration for the menus at Raglan Road, including brunch at Herb Street in the heart of Dublin.

Herb Street in the Heart of Dublin

But I couldn’t leave Dublin without a stroll on Raglan Road, the street that inspired the poem…that inspired the song…that inspired the Pub that we all know and love.

Raglan Road. Like, the Real Place.

Today, we leave Dublin and head for County Wexford, where we’ll spend time watching the Raglan Road master chef finalists hone their skills at Chef Kevin Dundon’s Dunbrody Country House Hotel. Hopefully we’ll get to know what makes Raglan Road tick.

Thanks for following along!

I’m traveling to Ireland on behalf of Disney Food Blog, courtesy of Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, but my opinions and viewpoints are my own. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

Guest Review: Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Walt Disney World

By Wendy 6 Comments

Are you ready for breakfast in a galaxy far, far away?

Learn About:Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Great! Then please join us in welcoming one of my good friends, guest author Daniel Staten (@danielstaten on Instagram) with a review of the STAR WARS Dine-In Galactic Breakfast, which has returned for a second run at Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant this year through June 14th. While the other returning Star Wars character dining experience, the Jedi Mickey STAR WARS Dine at Hollywood and Vine, features Disney characters in full Star Wars regalia, the Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast offers guests the chance to start the day with Star Wars characters from the films… and this one’s all about the Dark Side.

Take it it away, Daniel! And May the Force be with you!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is clearly undergoing some change. One thing that has been constant though, is a strong Star Wars presence in the park.

AT-AT outside of Star Tours attraction

Revenge of the 5th t-shirt

Darth Vader Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake

Earlier in May, I dined with my family at the Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast. There were plenty of photo ops, nostalgic clips, and the Force was strong with the food!

Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast

Booking the Advance Dining Reservation for the breakfast turned out to be a fluke. I wasn’t looking for it specifically, but when a single 9:30 AM reservation appeared on the My Disney Experience website, I jumped at the chance!

The Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast is a lot like other signature character dining experiences in that it’s all-inclusive. For the price – we paid $49.99 – you get a breakfast “appetizer,” non-alcoholic drinks, an entree and a few selected extras.

Sci Fi Galactic Dine In Star Wars Breakfast DHS 3

Menu listing inclusions and selections

Atmosphere

On the morning of our breakfast, we arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the crowds were pretty light. We made our way back towards Star Tours and noticed the huge line for people to sign-up for the Jedi Training Academy! Standing in that line looks like it would take a lot of dedication, but to the young Jedis, it’s well worth it.

The Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast is hosted at the Sci-Fi Dine-In near the back of the park. Once we arrived, we checked in and had a seat to wait for our table to be ready. The restaurant was running about 15 minutes behind and I attribute that to people taking their time with the characters and soaking up the atmosphere! There was so much to see and people generally just enjoying their interactions. I don’t blame them and didn’t mind the additional wait.

Once our table was ready, the Cast Member announced that “The Staten Family is now joining the Empire,” and we were placed in a line to meet Darth Vader and Boba Fett. I tried to look as scared as I could and it didn’t take much! Darth Vader is super intimidating in person!

Meet and Greet with Darth Vader and Boba Fett

Character dining can be awkward for adults sometimes. All of that awkwardness went away almost immediately once we [Read more…]

LIVE News: Food and Fun at the Disney Parks 24-Hour Events!

By AJ 3 Comments

Two MAJOR events are kicking off today at Disney Parks on both coasts in a BIG way!

Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on the west coast and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on the east coast are pulling all-nighters once again! All three parks are open today, May 22nd, from 6 am and they’re not closing until the following morning at 6 am.

That means 24 straight hours of fun and FOOD!

That’s right… the 24-Hour Day that started in 2012 for One More Disney Day continued in 2013 to launch a Monstrous Summer. Last year we Rocked our Disney Side, and now what was originally presumed to be a one-time gig is now a start-of-summer tradition!

Things are working a little differently this year, though, thanks to the 60th Birthday of Disneyland. While folks in Disney World are kicking off the “Coolest Summer Ever,” Disneyland guests will begin the official celebration of the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration!

As for us here at the DFB, we’re celebrating BOTH! We’ll be updating this post throughout the day with pics from our awesome DFB Readers, as well as MY pictures from right here in Walt’s original park, Disneyland!

Oh, and… HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to the Happiest Place on Earth!

Happy 60th Anniversary, Disneyland!

Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle with BLING!

Disneyland

Check out the pre-opening crowds (and the 24 Hour MICKEY EARS!!) in the early wee hours ready for the party to start at Disneyland!! Many thanks to Bill Cody (@VegasBiLL) for the pics!

Disneyland pre-opening

TWENTY-FOUR HOURS!!

Hours of operation

Open at 6 am!

Look who got all dressed up for the big Diamond Celebration!

Diamond Celebration Mickey Candy Apple

And I’m loving Minnie’s beautiful diamond bow!

Diamond Celebration Minnie Candy Apple

Mickey and Minnie Diamond Celebration Krispy Treats

And I know this is just a cup… but it is SO NOT just a cup! Disneyland guests will be spotting these beauties for their beverages!

Diamond Celebration Cups

What the Specialty 24-Hour Celebration Dopey Cupcake says is totally true…

“Being Up All Night Makes Me Dopey”

2015 24 Hour Event Logo

Don’t forget that special treats are [Read more…]

Review: Dockside Margaritas at Disney Springs Marketplace

By Brooke 3 Comments

Remember the Margarita Bar that was at Downtown Disney Marketplace? Great news! It’s been given a new look and a new name…and voila, Dockside Margaritas is born!

Learn About:Dockside Margaritas

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

We first told you about the new-but-not-quite new spot a while back. And ever since then, I’ve been eager to drop by and check out the new scene. So on a sweltering day last week, that’s just what I did. Let’s have a look.

Dockside Margaritas

I gotta say it — it looks awesome.

In keeping with the new Florida-forward Disney Springs theme, Dockside Margaritas looks like a little stand you’d find in the middle of a citrus grove. But they’re selling stuff that’s waaaaaay better than orange juice.

Dockside Margaritas at Disney Springs Marketplace

The distressed, faded sign gives the spot built-in age. But the bright citrus green and yellow palette keeps it feeling fresh.

Dockside Margaritas — Other side

The open-air feeling of the bar lends to that “grove stand” feel. You can walk up and order from three of the four sides. And regardless of where you are, you always have a great view of Village Lake.

Overhead Bar Menu and the View. You Can Access the Bar From Three Sides

As you approach Dockside from the front — meaning the side that faces the shops, not the water — the largest area of seating is just to the right of the building. And I think that it’s really beautifully done as well. A pergola overhead gives a little protection, but still allows for plenty of sunshine. Strands of overhead lights and a stand set up for a musician hint at a scene that promises to be relaxed but festive as the sun goes down.

Seating Area

I can’t wait to meet friends here at night for a drink (or two).

Another View of the Patio

Looking back onto Dockside from the larger seating area, you also note that there is bar seating. Upon closer inspection, you see two bars actually — you can face the bar and chat with the friendly staff, or stare out over the water.

Waterfront Bar Seating

View of the Pedestrian Bridge

But at this point, after much deliberation, it was time to settle on a drink. So let’s take a look at the options. And this is where it gets good.

While the old spot was fine, just fine, for ordering a handful of tequila-based drinks and a couple of other options, things are way [Read more…]

Memorial Day Sale! DFB Disney World Guidebook Discounts for a Limited Time!

By AJ 2 Comments

As we mark a time of remembrance this Memorial Day weekend, we also look forward to fun celebrations with family and friends as Summer gets underway! And if you’re like me, that means one thing — vacation is JUST around the corner!

We have three great offers for you to choose from! Read on for all the details, but hurry — you can only take advantage of these savings through Saturday, May 30!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015

Our fully guaranteed, comprehensive e-Book offers more than 490 full-color pages to help you plan your very best Disney World trip ever!

With reviews, tips, expert advice, and hundreds of color photographs, you’ll get the biggest bang for your planning buck! And our handy e-Book format has been completely updated for your 2015-16 Disney World vacation.

Inside the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015, you’ll find:

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. 5 simple steps and you’re done!
A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.
Four free, [Read more…]

We Want To See YOUR 24-Hour Disney Day Pics This Friday!

By AJ 2 Comments

It’s almost 24-Hour Disney Party Time!

What started a couple of years ago seems to be turning into a tradition as we celebrate the third annual 24-Hour Disney Day at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Stay Up All Night with These Guys — and Me! ©Disney

And we can’t wait to experience it!

We’ll be bringing you LIVE coverage from the ground in California as they celebrate the kickoff of the 60th Anniversary Celebration of Disneyland.

But we want our readers to get in on the fun, too — so I’d love to showcase all of your fun shots from the 24 Hour Disney Day! Who’s game??

To participate, send me your pictures AND reviews to [email protected], twitter, instagram (tagging @disneyfoodblog) and/or facebook!

We’ll be live blogging and updating our post as all of the new stuff continues to pour in!!

I WILL be trying this Mocha Chip Funnel Cake in Disneyland on Friday! ©Disney

So remember, join us for all the fun as we [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 20th, 2015

By Wendy 6 Comments

Sure, we may have said “So long” to the Flower and Garden Festival for this year, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look forward to at Walt Disney World! Springs moves to summer as Disney World gears up for the busy vacation season, otherwise known as the “Coolest Summer Ever”!

©Disney

And since it’s a very special time of year for Star Wars fans in particular, why don’t we start our ‘round the World tour at Hollywood Studios to see What’s New!

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Star Wars Weekends

kicked off on May 15th!

Star Wars Weekends 2015

The excitement! The pageantry! The CUPCAKES! The Jabba the Hutt Cupcake has joined the Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes this year.

Jabba the Hutt Cupcake

It can be found at counter service locations such as Starring Rolls, Backlot Express, The Trolley Car Cafe, and Tusken Fridge Raiders — the premiere Star Wars snack stop, located inside Darth’s Mall.

Tusken Fridge Raiders

But cupcakes aren’t all that’s in store…

Star Wars snacks for Star Wars Weekends

Like last year, several temporary pop-up bars can be found all over the park for the weekend events.

Star Wars Weekends Pop-up Bar

However, they feature all-new drinks this year. Each bar serves two out of of four drinks: The Mustafar and The Tatooine, or The Endor and The Alderaan.

Star Wars Weekends Specialty Drinks

We’ll be taking a closer look at those beverages soon, but once again this year, it’s ALL about the souvenir glow cubes: drinks come with either a Millennium Falcon glow cube or your very own mini Death Star.

Millennium Falcon Glow Cube

The Jedi Mickey Character Dinner at Hollywood and Vine and Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast returned to Hollywood Studios earlier this month (on May the Fourth Be With You, naturally). But brand new to Star Wars Weekends this year is the Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge Experience, which has effectively converted half of Backlot Express into an abandoned spaceport in the Sullest system.

Entrance to Rebel Hangar

Chips and Sith at Rebel Hangar

Blue Milk!

You can read all about this special month-long dining event featuring small plates and specialty cocktails in our full review of the Rebel Hangar!

Believe it or not, though, it’s not all Star Wars at Hollywood Studios… we’ve got some regular ol’ menu changes at some favorite Table Service restaurants to report as well. Sci-Fi Dine-In has added the Sci-Fi Popcorn Treat to the appetizer selection. It’s popcorn soup (for watching those old movies, of course!) with buffalo popcorn chicken and celery sticks, drizzled with blue cheese dressing.

Sci-Fi Dine-In

New entrees include Grilled Marinated Salmon, while the Veggie Burger got a [Read more…]

Review: Jabba the Hutt Cupcake at Tusken Fridge Raiders at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 10 Comments

Well, look who’s joined the Star Wars Weekends party… JABBA THE HUTT!!!

Jabba the Hutt Cupcake

Brand new this year, Jabba joins the Star Wars Character Cupcake line-up alongside the Darth Vader Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cupcake and the Yoda Chocolate Cupcake with Hazelnut Buttercream Icing. Jabba the Hutt and Yoda can be found at Starring Rolls, Trolley Car Cafe, Backlot Express, and Tusken Fridge Raiders.

Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes return this year

The Darth Vader Cupcake is the only Star Wars Cupcake that can be found at ALL Hollywood Studios Counter Service locations.

So where, exactly, is Tusken Fridge Raiders? The premiere Star Wars snack stop for this year is tucked inside Watto’s Grotto inside of Darth’s Mall, the main merchandise location for Star Wars Weekends.

Darth’s Mall is in the Streets of America

Tusken Fridge Raiders

Tusken Fridge Raiders menu

All three cupcakes are available there (though you’ll find them a little cheaper in the Counter Service locations for $5.19), along with the four specialty Star Wars Weekends cocktails, which we’ll be checking out in a future post.

Tusken Fridge Raiders menu

Cocktail mixes at Tusken Fridge Raiders

Incidentally, Tusken Fridge Raiders is THE home to [Read more…]

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