News: Pomegranate Margarita Updated at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot

Fun news today out of one of our favorite watering holes — La Cava del Tequila.

Epcot Restaurants
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Seems that the great group of margarita artistes are at it again.

This time, they aren’t debuting something brand new, like their newest must-have Tamarind Margarita. Nor are they bringing back another old favorite, like the Hibiscus Margarita, for a limited time. (Get it now during the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Hurry!)

No — today, we’re reporting on a revamped favorite. The Pomegranate Margarita, it seems, has received a little attention, and the recipe has been updated. Think of it as the Pom 2.0, if you will.

La Cava Has Changed Up the Recipe for Their Pomegranate Margarita!

The new version even incorporates [Read more…]

Welcome to the NEW DFB!

By AJ 34 Comments

WELCOME to the new and improved Disney Food Blog website!

Surprised you this morning, didn’t we? 🙂

We are SO excited to present our brand new home base to you today, with the goal of providing you — our readers — with a much more user-friendly experience to make your Disney vacation planning (and dining!) even more seamless!

And so with that, let’s do a little walk-through so you can know where to go to find the information you need the most!

“So what are the improvements?”

I’m glad you asked! 😉 We’ve been working on ways to make it much easier to find the information you need. For instance…

We’ve got a brand new menu at the top of our home page so you can find exactly the information you’re looking for at a glance. From your favorite Disney recipes to easy access to reviews for the restaurants you might be considering for your next Disney vacation.

Looking for the latest and greatest food news? Just visit the Disney Food News section highlighted on the Home page.

Are you planning a trip to Disneyland? Then you’ll want to check out our specific section for Disneyland (and vice-versa for Disney World trip planners!), also found on the home page!

See all the latest News, Disneyland, and Disney World posts immediately! Then click to see more!

“But, AJ, I liked the site just the way it was…”

No problem! We are still the Disney Food BLOG, so if you prefer to read the blog the same way you always have, you can just [Read more…]

2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Recipe: Piggylicious Cupcake from The Smokehouse Booth

By Brooke 8 Comments

There have been lots of memorable dishes from the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival.

But one that we continue to hear you rave about is a return dish from 2014 — the Piggylicious Cupcake from The Smokehouse: Barbecues and Brews Booth!

The Smokehouse: Barbecues and Brews

The cupcake made a BIG impression on us from the first time we tried it. And it’s definitely addictive, with that sweet salty combination of flavors.

But we all know that the trip to Disney isn’t always possible. And even if it is, the Flower and Garden Festival will wrap up in just a few weeks.

Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake From Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival

So I’m really happy to share this recipe with you today on the blog! Because once you hear about a Disney cupcake that combines bacon, cake, and maple frosting…well…there’s no way you’re NOT gonna want to make this!

Piggylicious Bacon Cupcake

The Smokehouse Barbecues and Brews Outdoor Kitchen

Makes 24 Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For Cupcakes: [Read more…]

Review: Bacon and Gouda Artisan Breakfast Sandwich at Main Street Bakery Starbucks

By Wendy 7 Comments

Time to ‘fess up: I’d never tried one of the breakfast sandwiches at Main Street Bakery… or at any of the other Disney Starbucks locations.

Learn About:Main Street Bakery

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It’s not so much that the options aren’t appealing, but I could get the same thing three minutes away from my own home at the Starbucks down the street. And about three minutes down the road from there at the next one. And about four minutes from… well, you get the idea ;).

But, no matter what your thoughts are on the availability of Starbucks at the parks, it’s here to stay. And as such, Starbucks Breakfast Sandwiches are a part of the Disney dining scene, so it’s time we grab one for review here on the DFB.

Main Street Bakery

Participants on the Disney Dining Plan might be especially interested to know that the Breakfast Sandwiches are available on the plan as part of one Quick Service meal entitlement, which also includes your choice of beverage.

Main StreetBakery Dining Plan entitlements

While I picked up my breakfast sandwich at Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom’s Starbucks location), the same offerings are available at the other in-park Starbucks as well: The Trolley Car Cafe at Hollywood Studios, and Epcot’s Fountain View.

Choices include a Ham and Swiss Croissant, a Bacon and Gouda Sandwich, a Sausage and Cheddar Biscuit, and a Spinach, Feta, and Cage-free Egg White Wrap.

Breakfast sandwich menu

I went with the Bacon and Gouda Artisan Breakfast Sandwich because … well, ‘cuz, bacon. Also, the roll looked most appetizing to me of the bread choices.

Since there is no [Read more…]

News! Dockside Margaritas Opens at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney This Week

By Brooke 6 Comments

Summer is approaching fast in Florida, and that can mean only one thing: grab the tequila. It’s time to enjoy some Margaritas!

Arriving This Week!

So we’re pretty excited to see that Dockside Margaritas will be opening this week at Downtown Disney Marketplace in Walt Disney World. Or, rather, reopening?

Because we all know that the Margarita Bar that was located at Downtown Disney Marketplace before the refurb was a great place to chill during a visit to the shopping and entertainment district. With shady seating on a deck that was situated slightly beneath the crazy of Downtown Disney, it offered a welcome respite; and the waterfront seating provided some comfortable breezes.

Seating and Live Music at the Old Spot

The new Dockside Margaritas will be fashioned to look like a fruit stand. The location will specialize in fresh tastes of Florida — perfectly in keeping with the rest of Disney Springs.

While the old spot offered some interesting drink options, the new spot promises to be even better, and to have a wider variety of choices.

Disney Margaritas

You’ll still be able to enjoy several different margarita options, and some of the previously available drinks will return, although it appears that the recipes might be freshened up a bit.

Here’s the Margarita Menu: [Read more…]

Spotted! Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day at Disney World’s Beaches and Cream

By Wendy 5 Comments

So, remember a few weeks ago when we announced that some new treats celebrating the “Frozen Fever” film short would be hitting the scene at BOTH Disneyland and Disney World?

Frozen fans on both coasts were given a few new sweet snacks to look forward to, including Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake and even a slice of Anna’s Birthday Ice Cream Cake at a few select Table Service restaurants.

Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake

Well, with many thanks to awesome DFB Reader Jessie J., we can share a picture and mini review for you today of another of the Frozen Fever Treats: Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day! She grabbed it at Beaches and Cream Soda Shop — the favorite ice cream stop for many a guest at Disney World 🙂 .

Beaches and Cream Entrance

Frozen Fever Treat sign

Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day features hot fudge, mint marshmallows, and brownie bites all topping a huge pile of Birthday Cake Ice Cream (a natural choice for the celebration of Anna’s birthday, just like in the film). YUM!

Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day

Jessie shares that, “It’s really tasty, especially the homemade Mint Marshmallows. The Olaf and Sunflower are white chocolate.”

Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day

Even those who have been [Read more…]

News! New Eats and Drinks Debut to Celebrate Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary

By AJ 14 Comments

Did someone say cupcakes?!?!

As I’m sure you know, Disneyland has a rather big birthday coming up. The resort will celebrate its 60th Anniversary in July. But you don’t have to wait until the middle of Summer to have your cake and eat it too!

On May 22, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure will debut some fun (and delish) treats to mark Disneyland’s Diamond Anniversary Celebration.

While cupcakes are usually more of an East Coast Disney thing than a West Coast one, when Disneyland does ’em, they’re incredible. Beginning May 22, find a Lemon-flavorored Cupcake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. Why lemon? It’s the perfect flavor to celebrate the Victorian theme of Main Street USA.

Disneyland Diamond Anniversary Cupcake, Available at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

Similar Cupcakes will be available at Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in Disney California Adventure — but the flavor will be Orange there to represent the 1930s vibe of Buena Vista Street.

In addition to the cupcakes, Disneyland will release lots of new, limited-time beverages. I gotta say — I’m a little perplexed why they’d offer five different drinks that look and sound incredibly similar. 😉

Enchanted Cherry Apple Frozen Lemonade from Troubadour Tavern

Honey Bee Frozen Lemonade Hungry Bear Restaurant

Honey Bee Frozen Lemonade from Hungry Bear Restaurant

But I’ll reserve judgement until I get to try a few! I think I’m mostly looking forward to the [Read more…]

Review: Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

By Wendy 12 Comments

It’s time for lunch at Gasparilla Island Grill in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort!

Learn About:Gasparilla Island Grill

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The Grand Floridian dining scene is primarily defined by unique dining experiences such as Victoria and Albert’s (Disney World’s AAA Five-Diamond Restaurant) and Afternoon Tea as well as two signature restaurants (Citricos and Narcoossee’s) and character meals at 1900 Park Fare. It’s also home to one of my very favorite Disney meals in all of history: the Grand Floridian Burger at the resort’s more casual Table Service restaurant, the Grand Floridian Cafe (the name doesn’t convey the highlight of the dish: it’s the lobster-topped burger you may have heard about).

Even among all that, the Grand Floridian still remains a place where you can grab a quick Counter Service bite 24 hours a day thanks to to Gasparilla Island Grill.

Gasparilla Island Grill sign

The last time we paid a visit it had recently been through a refurbishment, changing from Gasparilla Grill and Games to its current name. While not much has changed in the way of atmosphere since that visit, the menu differs somewhat from its immediate post-refurb offerings, so we’re back to grab a quick bite (or three!) at Gasparilla Island Grill!

Gasaprilla Island Grill entrance

Atmosphere

The general vibe at Gasparilla Island Grill is decidedly — and expectedly — Floridian! Creamy colors, pale greens, and lots of natural sunlight keep it airy, while the lush, darker greens and palms associated with the state of Florida are represented in the seating decor.

Gasparilla Island Grill indoor seating

Second seating area

At the same time, the resort’s Victorian style is reflected in the light fixtures (check out those hidden Mickeys!), and by a small display of dish and glassware.

Lighting

Dish display

Though not known for tons of Disney detailing, the basic scene here is very pleasant in that it’s fresh, clean, and simple.

Perhaps the most unique feature to Gasparilla is the amount of high-backed booths lining the perimeter. They do allow for a certain feeling of privacy in what can be a bustling place, depending on the time of day.

Booth seating

Outdoor seating is also available; however, it wasn’t much in use on the day my friend and I visited, due to to some classic spring showers.

Outdoor seating on a rainy day

Once the rain lightened up, I stepped outside once more to [Read more…]

News! Starbucks “You Are Here” Mugs For Sale Again in Epcot

By Brooke 19 Comments

They’re finally back!

All of you who love to collect the popular Starbucks “You Are Here” Mugs can now finally add the Epcot Cup to your collection. The mugs are once again being sold in the Fountain View Starbucks location in Walt Disney World’s Epcot.

New Epcot Starbucks “You Are Here” Mug, Featuring a Grey Monorail (Photo Credit Steven A. Miller)

Starbucks and Disney originally introduced the joint collaboration mugs earlier this year, and debuted versions for Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Epcot. (Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have a mug as well when the new Starbucks planned for that park opens soon.)

However, the Epcot mug was almost immediately removed from the shelves when it was noted that the monorail featured on the mug had a purple stripe in keeping with the cup’s color scheme. Monorail Purple was one of two trains involved in the 2009 fatal accident that took the life of pilot Austin Wuennenberg. After the accident, the train was retired.

Original Epcot “You Are Here” Mug with Purple Monorail

When the mugs were removed, Disney and Starbucks promised to return an updated version to store shelves shortly. The new cups, which feature a [Read more…]

Disney Drinks in Boots (and a Review of the Latest from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe)

By AJ 4 Comments

A while back I told you all about enjoying lunch recently at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe!

Learn About:Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

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At that time, I promised to highlight a fun part of our lunch — the Slush served in a Souvenir Boot.

Welp, today’s the day. Let’s take a closer look at this fun little keepsake to determine if it’s worth your time and money.

Strawberry Lemonade Slush in a Souvenir Boot

Serving drinks in boots — plastic or glass cups shaped like boots, that is — really isn’t anything new at Disney. After all, we’ve been enjoying Root Beer Floats in a similar vessel practically forever at Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Restaurant. Because nothing says vacay like drinking a Root Beer Float out of footwear! (Complete with Whipped Cream and a Cherry!)

Root Beer Float at Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe

And just a little while back, I couldn’t wait to show you guys when the boot finally made its way East, and landed at Pecos Bill’s. It didn’t feature a root beer float, but they were serving a refreshing Root Beer Slush out of it at that time. It featured the logo from the hot Disney movie du jour at the time — The Lone Ranger.

Souvenir Boot Cup With Root Beer Slush at Pecos Bill — Check Out the Clear Version

When I stopped by Pecos Bill’s for lunch recently, I was glad to see that they were still featuring this fun souvenir item. After all, you’ve gotta stay hydrated, so why not? And having a swell cup to take home and remind you of all the Magic is pretty awesome.

But this time around, the Root Beer Slush has been replaced with a Strawberry Lemonade version.

Souvenir Boot from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

I was surprised to see that the boot is now [Read more…]

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News: Pomegranate Margarita Updated at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot