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

Here we goooooo, Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans!

We’ve got the first word on a few Eat to the Beat concert line-up listings ALREADY for 2015!

For those of you who may not know, Eat to the Beat is an Epcot concert series that takes place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, running this year from September 25-November 16. The series features musical acts from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s each year, and concerts take place throughout most evenings of the Festival.

Since this partial list is preliminary, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule! We will bring you all the latest news first!

Eat to the Beat concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three chances each night to see your favorites — 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM!

2015 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

Note that this schedule is subject to change

October 2-4 – Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas
October 10-11 – 38 Special
October 19-21 – Air Supply

Taking in an Eat to the Beat Concert is a great way to unwind and continue the fun of the Food and Wine Festival into the evening.

All concerts take place in the American Gardens Theater at Epcot’s America Pavilion. Concerts are free — included in the price of your Epcot admission!

Many folks plan [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Frozen Fun Food at Disney California Adventure

By Heather 10 Comments

Frozen Fun

has taken over the Backlot area of Disney California Adventure, and with it come some pretty tasty snacks. Let’s head inside of Olaf’s Snow Fest and see what Arendelle has to offer.

Olaf’s Snow Fest

The lighting inside of Olaf’s Snow Fest is very pink, so it made for a tough photo spot. Adorable nonetheless though! A snack area in the corner is set up so that visitors to Arendelle can recharge after playing in the snow. Although there is only one spot to order, the area is organized to look like separate food booths with different offerings.

Arendelle Eats

The menu is set up in the center of the snack area.

Snow Fest Menu Board

On my recent visit, I tried just about everything they had to offer!

Arendelle Offerings

The first [Read more…]

Raglan Road Irish Pub Wants to Send YOU to Ireland with Their Master Chef Contest!

By AJ 8 Comments

One thing is certain: Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant knows how to celebrate!

Learn About:Raglan Road Irish Pub

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

We recently enjoyed sampling some of Raglan Road’s new menu items. And today, we’ve got some news for you about how they plan to celebrate their upcoming Tenth Anniversary!

The restaurant, located in Downtown Disney Orlando (soon to be Disney Springs), will mark their Tenth Anniversary in October. And to celebrate, they’re hosting a Master Chef Contest that could land YOU in Ireland!

Now through April 21st, amateur cooks are invited to submit “a video featuring an original three-course menu of appetizer, entrée and dessert worthy of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary celebration.”

Raglan Road’s Master Chef Kevin Dundon will judge entries and choose five finalists on April 28.

Finalists will all win an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland! They’ll fly to the Emerald Isle on May 21 and stay at [Read more…]

Review: Gourmet Grilled Cheese at Epcot’s Taste Track

By Brooke 39 Comments

Today, we’re grabbing lunch from a pop up seasonal spot in Epcot! And this one involves Grilled Cheese!!

You know these kiosks…often you’ll find them closed (and sometimes not even there!) if you’re lucky enough to visit during less busy times of the year.

Epcot!

But since we’re smack dab in the middle of Spring Break, we’re seeing lots of extra food around the Parks to help feed the hungry crowds and minimize wait times at regular Counter Service and Table Service Locations.

Thanks to readers Daniel Wanderman and Megan McQuillan‎ for letting me know recently that we needed to get over to Epcot’s Taste Track to check out an incredible menu of Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. I can’t wait to show you these!

Atmosphere

If you’re looking for Taste Track, hang a right as you’re facing Test Track, and head back toward Future World. If the kiosk is serving, this is where you’ll find it.

Taste Track

You won’t find much in the way of seating — as in tables and chairs — but there are the same highboy tables that you see scattered around World Showcase, especially during the Flower and Garden and Food and Wine Festivals.

Tables Near Taste Track

More Tables

There are also some benches shaded by umbrellas situated a short walk away. And there are a few low planters with walls that conveniently double as both benches and tables.

For a landmark to get your bearings, Cool Wash is directly behind you if you’re facing the Taste Track kiosk.

Cool Wash, Across from the Taste Track Kiosk

Everything on the menu sounded pretty fantastic and we were excited to sample a range of things. Let’s check out what we chose.

Eats

For such a small booth, there’s a surprisingly diverse menu offered here!

With three different Gourmet Grilled Cheese Selections, plus Soup and Salad options, this could be a stop for the whole family. There are also some fantastic Craft Beer Selections. Because Grilled Cheese and Beer.

Taste Track Menu — Click to Enlarge

I thought the Kids’ Meal option of Grilled Cheese on Goldfish Honey Wheat Bread was fun, too. I tried to snap a pic from the family behind me; alas, they must have been hungry because they snatched it too quick. 🙂

When it came down to it, my friend and I decided to sample all three of the “grown up” options. We began with the [Read more…]

News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant May Be Coming to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 29 Comments

We first brought you news that a new restaurant was coming to Adventureland a while back.

And today, there’s more buzz that the rumor may be fact!

Jungle Cruise Eats? Sign Me UP!!!

The folks over at Orlando Weekly and WDW News Today have been reporting on some GREAT news for Adventureland Fans! While initial reports we were hearing firsthand indicated that a new restaurant would be a New Orleans-themed, a la Princess and the Frog…it may be that something EVEN BETTER is coming instead. Because the area just may actually be themed after the Jungle Cruise!

Do You Think Any of the Specialties from the Crew Mess will Make It to the Skipper's Cantina Menu??

Do You Think Any of the Specialties from the Crew Mess will Make It to the Menu??

The whole thing would take place at the old Adventureland Veranda, which served as a restaurant for years — with Kikkoman as a corporate sponsor. Here’s an awesome photo by Widen Your World that shows the old signage.

Old Adventureland Terrace Sign, Courtesy of

Old Adventureland Veranda Sign, Courtesy of Omniluxe.net

But most recently, the veranda has been used as a character Meet and Greet with Tinkerbell and her Fairy Friends. (Tink and Co. have since flitted over to the Main Street Theater, where you can catch them, along with Mickey and other characters, for aaaaaalllll of your photo op needs.) These days, you’ll frequently spy Peter Pan and Wendy here.

But now, it would seem that this new opening is definitely linked to the switcheroo we told you about last week, when Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace swapped real estate (and treats). You can find all of your favorite Dole Whip Delicacies at the new Aloha Isle location, while the new Sunshine Tree Terrace continues to offer Citrus Swirls (and it’s pretty busy there, too, if our trip through the area the other day is any indication.)

But back to the restaurant. The backstory for the new spot may include a retreat for Jungle Cruise skippers, or even a secondary source of income for them!

After a Day of Dodging These Guys, It Will Be Great to Kick Back and Grab Some Grub!

Do you think we’ll be able to dine while viewing the backside of water?

Perhaps the spot will be similar to Be Our Guest Restaurant, in that it will offer counter service lunch (or quick service, more accurately) and table service dinner.

So another great question — will any of the fun drinks that we associate with the now defunct Adventurer’s Club, or Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at the Polynesian (I’m counting the days ’til it opens later this month!!!) OR Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar be on the menu?

Schweitzer Falls — a non-alcoholic drink at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar

After all, Disney broke the long-standing tradition of no alcohol in Magic Kingdom with the inclusion of beer and wine on the Be Our Guest Dinner Menu. We’ll anxiously await the answer to this one. 🙂

Wonder if Trader Sam Will Be a Frequent Visitor?

While we look for answers to the many, many, MANY questions this news brings up, if the rumors are true we anticipate the new restaurant could open as early as late 2015.

Are you as excited as I am about this HUGE rumor/news out of Magic Kingdom today?? Leave a comment and tell me if you think it’s a good idea…

Source: Orlando Weekly, WDW News Today, WDW Theme Parks

FULL “Everything On The Menu” Review: Breakfast at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant

By Wendy 82 Comments

The long-awaited moment has arrived…

Learn About:Be Our Guest Restaurant -- Breakfast

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

So, in the (slightly paraphrased) words of Lumiere, “Now, we invite you to relax, let us pull up a chair, as Be Our Guest Restaurant proudly presents… your Breakfast!”

Since the day Be Our Guest Restaurant opened as part of New Fantasyland in November of 2012, it seems to have only picked up steam. To say that its initial offerings of a Table Service Dinner and Counter Service Lunch have been successful would be an enormous understatement. The popularity and demand for meals at Be Our Guest have led to a third offering for the day, which is the new meal and experience that we’re here to review now: Breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

UPDATE: Please note that as of June 2015, the original test phase of breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant has been extended and Advance Dining Reservations are available for breakfast through October 3, 2015.

Be Our Guest sign

Before we step inside, though, it’s worth exploring the outside grounds a bit, since that’s where you check in for your Advance Dining Reservation. But mostly, it’s just a neat hour to be in New Fantasyland and experience some of the quiet among the earliest breakfast arrivals.

Quiet New Fantasyland

With the Daylight Savings Time change being so recent, the sun had not been out long before my friends and I arrived for check in, so the natural light in the area was especially beautiful.

Beast’s Castle

Gargoyles in the morning

But it’s also the indoor themeing of this restaurant that makes it so special, so let’s step once more into the Beast’s Castle…

Entrance to Be Our Guest

Atmosphere

We’ve taken one or two (or three) tours around Be Our Guest Restaurant before, but it’s undeniable that the exceptional theming has been the top draw for guests hoping to dine here. And since, as with lunch, you get to choose where you sit for breakfast, you’ll want to give each of the three rooms consideration before your visit.

I don’t know which of the rooms has been most in demand since Be Our Guest opened. I’m guessing that it might be the Ballroom, since it so perfectly captures the scene where Belle and Beast dance together in the film, and is complete with elegant seating, stunning chandeliers, and falling snow.

The Ballroom

Dancing Snow Outside of Be Our Guest Ballroom

Ballroom Tables

Chandelier

Many guests, though, are eager to dine in the West Wing: the place Belle was forbidden to go due to the presence of the Enchanted Rose.

The West Wing

Enchanted Rose

Aside from the magically falling rose petals, amazing special effects in this room include the sound of periodic thunderstorms, simultaneously revealing glimpses of the Beast in the portrait of the prince.

Prince - Beast portrait at Be Our Guest Restaurant West Wing

Portrait of the Prince

A Glimpse of the Beast

While the third room, the Rose Gallery, isn’t open for dinner, it IS open for both breakfast lunch. The highlight is the [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 22, 2015

By Brooke 2 Comments

It’s been a stellar week for Disney food fans! After months of speculation, Disney not only confirmed that Be Our Guest Restaurant would begin service breakfast…breakfast service began before the week was out!

Be Our Guest in the First Light of Morning

Currently in a “testing phase” through June 18, we enjoyed our very first early morning trip to the Beast’s castle this week! While we’ve offered you a First Look at just what breakfast is about, we’ll have more details for you in our full review on Monday.

For now, let’s take a close look at all of the interesting news that we’ve brought you this week. Just click on the links to see more detail about each item.

Disney Food News

St. Patrick’s Day included fun celebrations at favorite spots in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney.
A NEW Wishes Dessert Party will debut on July 5 at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Booking is open now!
Mickey Check Meals debut on Disney Cruise Line.
We offer you a FIRST LOOK at breakfast in Be Our Guest Restaurant!
We are trying some delicious Disney Cupcakes at two of our favorite spots — Apple Spice and Black Forest Cupcakes at Sunshine Seasons, and a Hot Chocolate version at Contempo Cafe.

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 Restaurant Closure Updates, Special Events at Disney Restaurants, Seasonal Pop-Up Food Stands, 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 delicious reader finds from the France Pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot!

We can never resist a trip through Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie, and apparently, reader Kristina Dennett agrees wholeheartedly. Check out her delicious assortment of French Pastries! Do you think she’ll share? 😉

Les Halles Goodies

When it’s time for coffee, nothing beats a well-crafted Cappuccino. Reader Zara Agnew’s husband ordered one at Les Chefs de France, and it was topped with this beautiful heart. Froth art is the best!

Cappuccino with Love from Les Chefs de France

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

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015

We recently launched The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World.

The fully updated 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 subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2015 Guide:

[Read more…]

Review: Hot Chocolate Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By AJ 6 Comments

So, today we’ve got a SUPER cute cupcake from Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort!

Learn About:Contempo Cafe

Disney World Restaurants

The restaurant, located on the Concourse in the Resort, is one of my favorite stops for delicious counter service eats. It’s just a monorail ride (or quick walk) away from Magic Kingdom, making it a great option if you need a break during a busy Park day.

But they’ve also featured some truly decadent and beautiful Cupcakes throughout the years. I’m always anxious to pop in every time I’m in town to see what Chef Jeff Barnes and his creative team have come up with!

And on a recent visit, I didn’t come up empty handed when I stopped by for an afternoon snack.

The Hot Chocolate Cupcake

Well, the very last thing that you want in Florida 11 1/2 months out of the year is a steaming cup of anything. So this is a fun nod to hot chocolate without getting any of the “hot!”

It’s pretty great that you get so much description here on the sign…and it’s pretty irresistible, eh?

Hot Chocolate Cupcake — In the Case, with Description

I quickly opted to try this new-to-me cupcake, passing by the ever popular Frozen Cupcake and the classic Red Velvet Cupcake.

It’s definitely super cute, with Toasted Marshmallows on top, a Striped Chocolate Straw, Red Sprinkles, and a mound of light Chocolate Buttercream.

Hot Chocolate Cupcake — Up Close

When I cut into it, I found [Read more…]

First Look! Breakfast at Disney World’s Be Our Guest Restaurant!

By AJ 44 Comments

Here we goooooooooo!

Learn About:Be Our Guest Restaurant -- Breakfast

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

After months of waiting, it’s finally here. The first day of Breakfast at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant is on the books, and it was a great one!

After opening in 2012, Be Our Guest Restaurant was an instant sensation for disney-goers, and it has since become THE reservation to get when you’re planning a trip to the World.

BOG has a long history of “firsts.” The table-service dinner at the French, Beauty and the Beast-inspired restaurant features alcohol in the Magic Kingdom for the first time ever, the lunch meal became the first to offer dining FastPass+ bookings (no longer offered), and subsequently lunch just became the first counter-service restaurant to require reservations to dine.

Now, Be Our Guest’s counter-service breakfast is also taking Advance Dining Reservations!

And today we’ve got a fun FIRST LOOK at all of the food for you. We’ll have a full review on Monday with our fancy camera pics, but I couldn’t wait to share a few phone pics with you this morning!

UPDATE: Please note that as of June 2015, the initial test phase of breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant has been extended and Advance Dining Reservations are currently available through October 3, 2015.

Atmosphere

There’s nothing like an early morning romp through the Magic Kingdom — especially when the park is totally empty (well, almost)!

Cinderella Castle in the early morning light

And that’s one of the many benefits of booking a “before-the-park-opens” meal at one of Magic Kingdom’s breakfast restaurants. Not only do you get some great photo ops, but you’re also done with breakfast and ALREADY IN THE PARK just in time to get to the front of the line at your favorite rides as soon as they open.

Morning at Magic Kingdom

But, our favorite attractions are always the restaurants, so we couldn’t wait to cross that bridge over to the Beast’s Castle and enjoy breakfast at Be Our Guest for the first time ever.

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Check-in was at two umbrella’d tables in front of the main [Read more…]

NEW Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party Debuts July 5th — Booking Opens March 20th (TODAY!)

By AJ 55 Comments

A NEW VERSION of the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party will make its debut on Sunday, July 5th, at Magic Kingdom!

©Disney

The “Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party” will offer enhancements to the very popular Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party (the final date of the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party will be July 4th). You can see our review of the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party here.

Guests will experience reserved seating areas and raise a sparkling cider toast as “Wishes” begins.

Wishes at Magic Kingdom

Of course, desserts will remain a key factor in the celebration, and Disney has revealed plans for offerings such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, and ice cream. New menu additions will include seasonal fruit and cheese assortments along with Disney character cupcakes. Additions to the beverage line-up will include [Read more…]

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