Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015

We’re celebrating the grand launch of 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.

What’s In The Guide?

As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes:

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.
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, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!
Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning.
A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.
The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket!

While our 2014 Guide was extensive, Disney World is always updating menus, prices, and other dining info. And we’re always finding new things to tell you about! So we’ve updated our 2015 edition with brand new details and more exclusive info! Check out a couple of sample pages below. Click to enlarge!

Be Our Guest FastPass Tips. Newly updated for 2015!

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page

What's New Sample Page from our new 2015 Dining Guide!

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page

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

Over 490 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2015
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top Must-Have Snacks for 2015
A comprehensive chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2015, including new restaurants, menu updates, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planning
Our picks for Great Snacks you must try this year
Tips for scoring a Be Our Guest FastPass for lunch time dining
Our suggestions for [Read more…]

News! Disney Pulls Starbucks “Monorail Purple” Epcot Mug from Shelves

By Brooke 33 Comments

Remember when we told you about the uber collectible, brand new Disney Starbucks mugs last week?

Epcot “You Are Here” Mug

Well…it seems as soon as the Epcot “You Are Here” mug debuted, it was gone.

The colorful collector’s item only arrived on shelves last week. Together with similar versions depicting other parks, the mugs quickly took the internet by storm. Lots of our readers commented that they couldn’t wait to add the mugs to their collections.

But if you’re in that group of eager buyers, you’ll have to wait a bit for the Epcot version, as Disney has pulled it from the shelves. The reason the mug has been yanked is the color scheme.

The mug features iconic images of Epcot, including Spaceship Earth, a couple of World Showcase landmarks, and a monorail whizzing by. All are depicted in shades of blue and purple…and herein lies the problem.

Epcot “You Are Here” Mug Featuring a Purple Monorail

Monorail purple was one of the two trains that were involved in [Read more…]

Dining in TOKYO Disneyland: The Great American Waffle Co.

By Heather 11 Comments

Who doesn’t love a Mickey Waffle? We’ve dedicated lots of posts to this beloved treat here on the blog. In fact, it’s probably one of the only universal Mickey shaped foods that can be found throughout all Disney parks.

We’ve got them here in the states at the Disneyland Resort and they’re aplenty in Walt Disney World. I’ve also had one at Aulani. I saw them at Disneyland Paris, and I’ve seen photos of them from Hong Kong.

But Tokyo Disneyland? They have an entire restaurant dedicated to Mickey Waffles! I give you The Great American Waffle Co.

The Great American Waffle Co.

The Great American Waffle Co. is located in Tokyo Disneyland’s World Bazaar area. I fell in love with this spot the minute I saw this Mickey waffle sign hanging outside. Wouldn’t it be awesome if this sign hung above every place in the world that sells Mickey Waffles??? It really should be the universal sign for Mickey waffles.

Mickey Waffle Sign

The menu here is small, but I guarantee it will make you happy. You can have [Read more…]

Review: S’mores at Herbie’s Drive-In at Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 7 Comments

It wasn’t all that long ago that we paid a visit to Herbie’s Drive-In to check out their Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño.

Learn About:Herbie's Drive-In

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

In that post, we included a picture of Herbie’s current menu, and it stirred up a bit of curiosity about another item on the menu: Herbie’s take on S’mores. So, we’re back at the roundabout in the Streets of America of Hollywood Studios to give them a try!

You’ll find several twists on S’mores at snack stops and restaurants throughout Disney World, such as the Caramel S’more at Karamell-Küche, and the S’more served in a glass at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. Sometimes you’ll even find a version tucked into the bakery case at the Main Street Confectionery.

At Herbie’s, though, the presentation is different. The ingredients most replicate that of a traditional S’more: marshmallow and chocolate completely enclosed in a graham “pocket” crust (which is also dotted with bits of chocolate).

Herbie’s Drive-in Menu

S’mores

As you might be able to gather from the photos you’re about to see, they’re a bit messy. But that didn’t really bug me since I consider that to be one of the hallmarks of a genuine S’more.

Inside the S’more

What’s cool about the S’mores at Herbie’s is that they’re served warm.

Wait — that doesn’t make sense ;). Let me rephrase that: what’s neat and unique about the S’mores here is that they are warm — not fresh-out-of-the-fryer hot, but nicely warm, which [Read more…]

Even More Disney-Inspired Cocktails!

By AJ 30 Comments

Remember last year when we brought you pics of some of the most stunning Disney-themed cocktails we have EVER laid eyes on??

Well — apparently, that was only the tip of the iceberg!!

We are back today with another round of Cocktails by Cody, inspired by some of the most legendary characters around — the universe of Disney!

This man is a mixology genius, and this new round of drinks are just as fabulous as the last ones. In fact, it looks like Cody will be publishing a book in the near future! How long before we can put it on our Amazon wish list???

Check ’em out!

More Disney-Inspired Cocktails!

You knew Elsa and Anna would have to be immortalized in tipsy fashion, right?

Elsa’s cocktail, the Coldfront, is a gorgeous, milky-white and blue concoction that includes White Chocolate Liqueur, Peppermint Schnapps, Milk, and Malibu. Elsa, it would seem, packs a punch!

Coldfront

On the other hand, Anna has inspired the tea-based Warmfront, a Hot Toddy that includes Whiskey, Amaretto, and Orange. Sounds like the perfect antidote for chilly weather!

Warmfront

The Lost Boy perfectly captures the essence of Peter Pan, don’t you think? Midori, Peach Schnapps, and Malibu make for a brilliant green Martini.

Lost Boy

But we can’t get enough of the sassy Fairy Dust! With Honey Vodka, Triple Sec, and Cider, this one would do Tink proud!

Fairy Dust

And Captain Hook gets in on the fun with the Crazed Captain. Of course, it includes a healthy dose of rum — both Spiced and 151 — with a little Midori thrown in for good measure.

Crazed Captain

The Princess and the Frog has also come to life in Cody’s imagination with a couple of different libations.

Bayou Beauty takes its inspiration from Tiana, and includes some flavors that are really trending right now — Ginger Liqueur and fresh Cucumber. White Rum provides the base.

Bayou Beauty

Bad Juju, an homage to voodoo villain Doctor Facilier, is wickedly gorgeous. With a combo of Dark Rum, Passionfruit Rum, and Pineapple Juice, it will go down smooth and I bet you’ll never know what hit ya. 🙂 I love the swords through the strawberry as garnish!

Bad Juju

Pocahontas may Paint with All the Colors of the Wind, and a velvety Martini made of [Read more…]

Disney Holiday Recipe: Pecan Maple Bark from Epcot’s Canada Pavilion

By Brooke 9 Comments

Are you pining for the holidays, or are you ecstatic to have moved on from them? Well, either way, we have a fun surprise for you today!

Many of you chimed in when we wrote about the Pecan Maple Bark featured in the Canada Pavilion during Holidays Around the World. Hands down, it was our favorite snack during the holiday season!

Well, the tree may be down and the bows stored away for another year, but we had to share this recipe. It was so good, we can’t wait to make it at home.

Pecan Maple Bark from the Canada Pavilion

Need a handmade gift for someone special? This candy, a cross between a bark and a toffee, would fit the bill perfectly!

Pecan Maple “Bark” Brittle

Canada Pavilion, Holidays Around the World
Makes a 15″ x 10″ Cookie Sheet

Ingredients:

Maple Brittle
2 cups butter (4 sticks)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup maple sugar
1/3 cup water
2 teaspoons maple extract

Chocolate and Pecans
12 ounces, about 2 cups, high-quality semisweet chocolate, chopped, or chips, divided
1 cup chopped pecans, divided
2 teaspoons sea salt, divided

Instructions: [Read more…]

Review: Simba Lion Cub Cupcake (and more!) at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 15 Comments

Who’s up for a cupcake feast at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery?!

Learn About:Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

A longtime favorite in regards to offering some pretty fantastic bakery eats, Kusafiri is one of those places I just have to stop every time I visit Animal Kingdom. This little shop is home to several bakery favorites (namely, the Cotton Top Tamarin Cupcake and African Spice Cake), and even has a limited breakfast menu that still manages to impress with unique items such as the Warm Colossal Cinnamon Roll and Hot Breakfast Wrap, despite its size.

Alongside the classics, Kusafiri is often a place to find something new, and it didn’t disappoint on a recent visit. To my chagrin, though, I discovered that some of my favorites have undergone a bit of a makeover.

Kusafiri Bakery menu

Let’s start with the good news…

Lion Cub Cupcake

The list of Gourmet Cupcakes has expanded with the Lion Cub Cupcake.

Lion Cub cupcake

I showed this handsome little guy off on my Instagram a while back (‘cuz how could I not — I mean, how cute is little Simba?!), and have been excited to show him to you on the blog ever since. The fondant Simba topping the cupcake (similar to the toppers you’ll find on the Gourmet Cake Cups at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe) is surrounded by a mane of frosting. ROAR!!

The flavor? Passionfruit. It comes through in the pudding-like filling tucked in the vanilla cake under the white vanilla frosting.

Inside the Lion Cub cupcake

Lion Cub cupcake filling

The citrus is mellowed by the creaminess of the vanilla, which is a combo I love. Plus, you can’t argue with the added cute factor, so there’s that.

If Simba just can’t wait to be king, he may have already accomplished that here at Kusafiri, especially in light of the changes to [Read more…]

News! New Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Debuts at Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, Plus Garden Rocks Concert Line Up

By Brooke 11 Comments

It’s exciting to think that we’re just a little over a month away from the start of the 2015 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival!

We’ve always enjoyed this beautiful special event, but now it’s right up our alley since they added Outdoor Kitchens to World Showcase. Similar to Marketplaces Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, they offer tapas-like dishes and sips of all kinds of interesting beverages. It’s super sweet to sample and stroll as you take in all of the gorgeous gardens!

We’re anxiously awaiting all of the puzzle pieces to fall into place about this year’s menus, but today, we have a couple of new details!

New Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen Coming to World Showcase

First and foremost, the FOOD! A brand new Outdoor Kitchen will debut in 2015. Botanas Botánico will be located between the France and Morocco Pavilions. This is the area that was occupied by the Brazil Marketplace Booth during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, so we’re wondering if this will be a featured gathering spot of sorts.

We’re Wondering if the Puerto Rico Marketplace Booth from the Food and Wine Festival May Do Double Duty as the Botanas Botánico Outdoor Kitchen During Flower and Garden!

From the menu, we’re guessing that the influence will be South American in general, and Venezuelan in particular. At any rate, we can’t wait to see the set up!

Speaking of the menu, we already have a few details. Dishes here will include [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

By AJ 26 Comments

You’re in for a real treat today as we take in breakfast at one of my favorite spots, Kona Cafe!

Learn About:Kona Cafe

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

You’ll find Kona Cafe in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. The hotel continues to undergo vast renovations, but we’re so happy to report that Kona Cafe seems to be sticking around!

Meals at this spot are pretty consistently good. Lunch at Kona can offer a welcome respite from Magic Kingdom. And dinner is a hidden gem — many swear by Kona’s Steak. But breakfast offers some serious cult favorites for Disney veterans.

Atmosphere

Kona Cafe is located off of the center atrium at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s conveniently situated for guests of both the Polynesian, and, well, anywhere! Just steps away from the Monorail, it’s a quick ride from both the Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center.

Entrance to Kona Cafe

You may be tempted to dismiss Kona without much thought. After all, its open atmosphere makes it seem like any plain jane hotel restaurant. And I agree — it does look like a Hilton straight out of the mid-90s.

The general feel of the space is supposed to be tropical. Bold colors abound on walls and carpet, while lighter-stained wood and wrought iron round out the space.

Kona Cafe Atmosphere and Seating

Because it’s located off of the atrium, Imagineers have made an effort to give it sort of a garden feel. As a result, some of the lights, like these large leaf-shaped glass fixtures, mimic nature patterns.

Lighting Fixtures

One of my favorite decorative features are the ceiling fans that run the length of the dining room.

These Super Cool Ceiling Fans Keep the Air Moving Nicely

The carpet is very…colorful. Big, splashy exotic blooms are scattered across it. Look closely, and you may just find a familiar shape among the flowers. 🙂

Hidden Mickey, Hidden Very Well Indeed

Seating is a combination of round and rectangular tables. If you’re with your whole fam, this is a nice place to settle in!

Seating

The mixed seating with banquettes on one side and chairs on the other are a good compromise.

Booth Seating

A lot of times, we make a big deal about [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 25, 2015

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Love the city-specific Starbucks mugs? Well, we have some exciting news for you. Disney has unveiled park specific Starbucks mugs. Find them at Starbucks locations in the parks!

Epcot “You Are Here” Mug

More java spots are coming to Walt Disney World. We’ve got the scoop on two new Starbucks locations, including the soon-to-open Trolley Car Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

If you’re more of a Dole Whip fan, you’ll want to know that Sunshine Tree Terrace is still serving Dole Whips. We’re not certain if this is permanent, but for now skip the long lines at Aloha Isle!

For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below!

Disney Food News

Starbucks “You Are Here” mugs now available in Disney Parks Starbucks locations!
Aloha Isle has long been the only place to find Dole Whip in Magic Kingdom. But it’s now on the menu at Sunshine Tree Terrace, too!
It’s the first “What’s New” for 2015! We’re exploring all four Disney World Parks and finding menu updates, new snacks, and scoping out not one, but two upcoming in-Park Starbucks locations.
Five Disneyland Restaurants will be participating in Orange County Restaurant Week 2015 (March 1-7): Steakhouse 55, Naples Ristorante, Catal, Tortilla Jo’s, and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen.
The latest specialty cupcake at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios is a Chocolate Cupcake with Banana Buttercream Icing. Better yet, it’s topped with a white chocolate Baymax from Big Hero 6!
Check out the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Popcorn Bucket, available at popcorn stands throughout the Magic Kingdom!
Check out the signage for Disney’s Hollywood Studios Starbucks location in Walt Disney World!

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 closures, and Rehab Dates for Magic Kingdom’s Liberty Tree Tavern, Valentine’s Day Special at Wolfgang Puck Dining Room, 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!

Celebrating your birthday at Disney World is always a great time to indulge in sweets. Let’s take a look at some fun birthday treats at Disney. First up, a birthday cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall sent in by Facebook Friend Salwa.

Birthday Cupcake at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

And here’s a cutie!!! A third birthday celebration at Crystal Palace shared by Facebook Friend Raquel.

Third Birthday at Crystal Palace

Do you have a favorite find? Share your Disney food photos!

Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Today with a Discount!

Want a big discount on our most popular DFB Guide in time for the new year? Or, you know, just cause you want to start planning your 2015 Disney trip TODAY? ;-D

It’s yours! Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining today and use promo code PRE2015 for $4 off!

We know that when it comes to your Disney vacays, planning ahead is practically essential these days. And if you can save time and money in the process — even better!

And that’s why today, when you pre-order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and enter promo code PRE2015, you’ll save $4 off of the already low cover price!

But the really cool part? You get two books for the price of one! We’ll deliver the 2014 Guide to you immediately, and email you the 2015 Guide as soon as it is available later this month.

Here are a couple of sample pages for you — just click to enlarge!

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Page

Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013

What’s in the DFB Guide?

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is stuffed FULL of helpful features to help make your trip go smoothly, like:

A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from [Read more…]

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