Dining in Disneyland Review: CHURRO ICE CREAM SANDWICH with Bonus Oreo Churro!

A few weeks ago, as I walked through Downtown Disney, a little something caught my eye: This sign.

Plastic Churro Ice Cream Sandwich Display

Even though these horrible plastic renditions look like, well, something your dog might leave you as a present, I knew that I had to get a churro ice cream sandwich ASAP. I immediately posted this photo on Instagram and people went bananas. Literally one of the most liked and commented on photos ever. So, I quickly put “Eat a Churro Ice Cream Sandwich” on the top of my to do list and came back a week later to check out the real deal.

Located in the heart of Downtown Disney, Anaheim, the California Churro Company cart now has one of what I’m going to predict as the most popular snacks at the Disneyland Resort.

California Churro Cart Visual Menu

Although I LOVE the churros from inside the parks, the churros offered here are unique because of the flavors that are available. All flavors are added to their churros via the sugar sprinkle mix they are rolled in upon ordering (in other words, no filling on the inside). I’ve tried a few of them and trust me, they are heavenly! Pina Colada tastes a bit like a Dole Whip. Pumpkin Spice is amazing, and so is the Salted Caramel. Flavored churros are $4.00.

But let’s get to the REAL reason why were here. The CHURRO ICE CREAM SANDWICH.

The Churro Ice Cream Sandwich

The Churro Ice Cream Sandwich is made fresh to order. It takes about 3-4 minutes and it’s [Read more…]

DFB Deal of the Week: Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and Enjoy Big Savings!

By AJ Leave a Comment

Want a big discount on our most popular DFB Guide in time for your holiday gift giving needs? 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 SANTA for $5 off!

We are getting down to the wire!

And if you’re anything like us, you still have a few names to cross off that gift buying list before you can settle down to Peace On Earth, Goodwill Toward Men time!

But with this great deal, you have a quick, easy option to finish your holiday shopping (and maybe snag something for yourself, too) from your cozy spot in front of the fireplace! (Or, more than likely, the carpool lane.)

Pre-Order the 2015 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and Enjoy $5 Dollars 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 SANTA, you’ll save $5 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 alert you as soon as the 2015 Guide is available early next year.

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…]

Dining in Disneyland: Seasonal Treats at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

By Heather 8 Comments

The Disney Holiday season is in full effect at the Disneyland Resort! I love that the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe is always introducing us to new seasonal items.

In fact, because I never know what I’ll find, I’ve make it a point to check in on nearly every visit to Disneyland!

Jolly Holiday Bakery

On my last trip there were a handful of new items that are special for the Disney holiday season. Also in the bakery cases were some returning favorites.

Eats

The popular Santa Mickey Candy Cane Cupcake is back.

The cupcake is chocolate, topped with a mound of red & green “sure to stain your teeth” frosting, and finished off with a candy cane.

Mickey Holiday Cupcake

I’ve actually never tried one of these because 1) I’m not a huge chocolate fan and 2) it looks way too messy for me to deal with in public!

Holiday Cupcake Close Up

There are also Snowman shaped [Read more…]

Holiday Recipe: Peppermint Bark from the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery in Epcot’s America Pavilion

By Brooke Leave a Comment

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! The holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and that means the return of many of our favorite seasonal snacks — plus the addition of some new ones!

Epcot Christmas tree ornaments

For many years, Epcot has been a terrific place to spend some time during the Winter holiday season. Holidays Around the World features performances of folk stories from different countries, and the Candlelight Processional always draws big crowds.

And while foods that celebrate the Winter holidays have been a mainstay of the season for years, now Holidays Around the World has joined other annual Epcot Festivals, the Food and Wine Festival and the Flower and Garden Festival, as a food-lovers destination — complete with passport to check off dishes as you enjoy them!

We can never resist a stop by the Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery in the America Pavilion to see what’s new!

Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery

One favorite has been there for years — even before the Sugar and Spice Bakery was there! Peppermint Bark!

Peppermint Bark from the Sugar and Spice Bake Shop in Epcot’s America Pavilion

Can’t make it to Epcot, or you don’t want to wait to enjoy some until you do? Check out this handy recipe and whip up a batch at home!

Peppermint Bark

Sugar and Spice Holiday Bakery, Epcot’s America Pavilion

Makes a 15 x 10-Inch Baking Sheet

Ingredients:

[Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Spice Road Table in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion

By AJ 17 Comments

Happy (almost) First Birthday, Spice Road Table!

Learn About:Spice Road Table

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Spice Road Table hit the scene in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion almost one year ago now, so we thought it would be a great time to pay another visit to this beautiful restaurant and see how things are going.

Since it’s opening, this Table Service location has offered Mediterranean tapas (small plates) and a unique wine and beer list. However, Spice Road Table recently changed its approach a bit with the addition of Advance Dining Reservations and acceptance of the Disney Dining Plan, as well as a new focus on entree-sized menu options.

So now is a great time to show you what’s evolved, and what’s remained the same at Spice Road Table!

Atmosphere

While we will be discussing some of the recent changes at Spice Road Table, the atmosphere definitely falls under the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” category.

Spice Road Table

The decor remains stunning, from the restaurant itself to the waterfront views it provides of World Showcase Lagoon. You can get an idea of those views as you approach Morocco from the bridge that connects Epcot’s France and UK Pavilions.

Spice Road Table View from the water

The first thing to greet you as you step inside is the bar area, made remarkable by bold blue on the walls and the view of the water wheel outside.

Spice Road Table Bar — straight ahead as you enter

Spice Road Table Bar

From here, you’ll be seated either indoors or outside (preferences can be stated at the check-in podium, and are honored as availability permits). While the indoor seating area is small and narrow, it is beautiful, featuring intricate woodwork surrounding the booths.

Indoor seating

Gorgeous — there’s no other word for them — Moroccan lanterns and decorative items are on display near the ceiling.

Spice Road Table Indoor Lanterns

Decor

But the most striking decorative element is the view of the water from the large windows lining the inside of the restaurant. (It’s worth noting that most of the indoor booths, with a few exceptions, are situated facing the windows for great water views from just about anywhere in the space).

Indoor seating

Window seat

But Spice Road Table might be best known for it’s outdoor seating area, offering prime views for the nightly IllumiNations fireworks spectacular (and likely the very reason Spice Road Table began offering Advance Dining Reservations, since the spot is in higher demand in the hour before IllumiNations begins).

Outdoor seating

Beautiful lighting fixtures are key decorative elements outside as well.

Spice Road Table Outdoor Lanterns

Hanging lantern

And it’s a cool fact that the [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 14, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

The holidays at Walt Disney World fill our spirits with extra magic. From showstopping decor to heartwarming seasonal treats and beverages, the parks and resorts are at their very best.

Winter Berry Margarita

And we always enjoy seeing the adult drinks that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has available before we tour the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.

And we have a sneak peek at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto coming to Disney’s Polynesian Resort!!

Craving more news? Dig in below — just click on the links!

Disney Food News

Check out the specialty festive beverages available at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!
We also reviewed the Frozen Holiday Premium Package and Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
A holiday dining picnic package is now available for Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Check out the Add-On Princess experiences that will be available at Cinderella’s Dining Experience at Citricos in the Grand Floridian during the refurbishment of Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom.
We have an exclusive recipe for Sweet Corn Cheesecake served at the Mexico Pavilion at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival!!
We returned to the newly refurbished Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music. Check out our food review!
New details revealed about Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto coming to the Polynesian Village Resort!
Read our latest What’s New in Walt Disney World article!

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, Field to Feast, Starbucks West Side Holiday Menu, Frozen Yogurt at Storybook Treats, 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 from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

We always love to see the seasonal treats that the Disney chefs dream up. This week, our fabulous readers show us their holiday finds.

Let’s start with this gorgeous seasonal cupcake featured at the Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant. We have this photo to share with you courtesy of reader Claire. She told us via email “This was from about 3 weeks ago. It was a seasonal offering at Be our Guest in addition to the other regular cupcakes for dessert. It was very cutely designed to look like a cup of egg nog, with chocolate handle on the cup and everything. It had a nice soft, moist texture to the cupcake which was a spice cake. But holy nutmeg Batman!!! I love spice as much as the next person, but the nutmeg seemed really pronounced. If you really like the Christsmas-y flavours, then this is for you.”

Egg Nog Cupcake

DFB Reader Rick tweeted “Cupcake, Gingerbread & Mickey. Who could ask for more!?!” We love this one, too, Rick!

Gingerbread Cupcake

What’s your favorite find? Share your Disney food photos!

DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014

Tis the season to eat, drink, and go to Walt Disney World! And that means it’s time to pick up your copy of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014 e-Book!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book is Fully Updated!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book

features 310 pages of all the info you need to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 250 photos, and an informative FAQ section. It includes:

Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting!
A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants.
New chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations.
New chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season.
A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you.
Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays
Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season.
A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2014” events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, The Celebrate the Magic Castle Show, and the Epcot Candlelight Processional.
Updated Scavenger Hunts
Disney Cruise Line Chapter
A Preview of the 2015 Holidays in Disney World
And more!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun!

You’re probably paying a lot of money for your Disney holiday vacation…and we’re here to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck! And with the holiday season already here, the time is now!

Holiday Guide Sample Pages

Booking early for holiday events and dining is critical, and our exclusive

[Read more…]

2014 Disney Gift Guide: Wearing Your Favorite Disney Snacks

By Wendy 2 Comments

Is there someone on your holiday gift list who loves Dole Whip more than life? (Wait… is there anyone on your list who doesn’t?). Well, what could be better than giving them a way to enjoy their favorite Disney snack all year long? It may not be exactly the same as a personal delivery of the real deal, but these t-shirts, mugs, totes, and phone cases might just be be the next best thing!

This Peace, Love, and Dole Whip t-shirt pretty much sums up all the best things in life, doesn’t it?

Peace, Love, & Dole Whip tee

Those who don this Please Stand Clear of My Dole Whip Tee can pay homage to the monorail and their beloved Dole Whip at the same time.

Please Stand Clear of My Dole Whip tee

Simple and classic, here’s a Dole Whip Mug.

Dole Whip Mug

Okay, here’s one you don’t see every day… I am loving this Lapu-Lapu tote bag for fans of this Tambu Lounge beverage!

Lapu-Lapu tote

Do you heart School Bread? Well, so do [Read more…]

More Details of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Revealed at…Disneyland!?

By AJ 3 Comments

We have some fun new updates for you today of what’s soon to be at Walt Disney World — but they’re coming to us from Disneyland!

Intrepid Dining in Disneyland columnist Heather Sievers attended the fun Mahaloween Luau event earlier this year at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in the Disneyland Hotel. While there, she grabbed a sneak peek of what we can expect at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. We also gleaned a few more details from The Atomic Grog!

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Concept Art — Coming Soon to Walt Disney World!

While details have been kept mostly under wraps since we were given our first glimpse of concept art last Spring, the presentation by Imagineers Brandon Kleyla and Kyle Barnes at the Mahaloween Luau served to add a few more pieces to the puzzle.

I'll Have Whatever She's Making, Please!

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Although we know that Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto will be similar to the wildly popular Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in Disneyland Hotel, we’re also starting to get an idea of how they’ll differ. And the key is right here in some of the photos we are sharing with you today.

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

The most interesting thing to come out of the presentation is the subtle difference in themeing between the two different Trader Sam’s locations. While the Disneyland Trader Sam’s has a style more reflective of Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise ride — think African Queen — Imagineers have something entirely different in mind for the Grog Grotto.

At the Polynesian, Trader Sam’s will celebrate more of the nautical aspect of the intrepid head salesman’s adventures. Look for the primary themeing cues to come courtesy of the [Read more…]

Food Review: Newly Refurbished Intermission Food Court at Disney World’s All Star Music Resort

By Wendy 5 Comments

On December 3rd, Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort reopened after a four-month long refurbishment.

Learn About:Intermission Food Court

Disney World Restaurants

We were excited to see the results, and — of course — excited to taste the food! We shared a photo tour of the whole space just after the food court reopened. But there was so much to see that we couldn’t fit it all in one post. So today we’re back at Intermission Food Court to explore the food options a little more in depth, from a full rundown of the menus to sampling a few of the items ourselves (as we so love to do!).

Still, just as a reminder, we’ll begin by taking a quick peek at the updated design of Intermission Food Court.

Atmosphere

For those familiar with the All Star Food Courts, you’ll notice the changes immediately. First off, bold primary colors have given way to earth tones.

Intermission Food Court Entrance

Intermission Food Court

The larger-than-life murals of musicians are gone, but that doesn’t mean the nods to music have disappeared… they’re just more subtle. Some of my favorite features include the guitar fret wall, the “drum kit” over the beverage station, and the woodwind instruments surrounding the Singing Spirits Bar.

Guitar wall

Beverage Station

Singing Spirits Bar

And, of course, some Disney pals have joined in on the fun, too…

Character Pane

Character Panes

But now it’s time to explore the food options a little more in depth, so here we go!

Eats

Let’s take the food court station by station… and grab a bite or two while we’re at it ;). We aimed to get a small sampling from each station — or “shop” — on our visit, but I don’t want to miss the chance to point out the Pizza and Pasta Shop, which was one station we didn’t try.

Pizza and Pasta Shop menu

So, yeah, there’s pizza here ;). Or you can grab a Hot Italian Sub. The pasta might be the more noteworthy option, though, since [Read more…]

DFB Exclusive! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: Sweet Corn Cheesecake from the Mexico Marketplace

By AJ 46 Comments

AAAAAH!! I am so excited to share this DFB exclusive!

We may have closed the books on the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, but we’re still reliving the memories of one of the best Festivals we remember from recent years! And, NO JOKE, I get emails, tweets, facebook messages, what-have-you EVERY SINGLE DAY from readers asking me for the recipe for the Sweet Corn Cheesecake, the dessert item featured at this year’s Mexico Marketplace Booth.

Sweet Corn Cheesecake

The sweet, rich, creamy dessert was the perfect marriage of the familiar and the unexpected for our readers, and everyone’s all about figuring out how to make it at home.

Sweet Corn Cheesecake — Cross Section

Well, the wait is over! Thanks to the super generous and ever accommodating Chef Gerardo Gonzalez (a.k.a. Chef Jerry), who oversees all of the restaurants in the Mexico Pavilion (and who I may have bugged a little incessantly about giving me this recipe…and the one for the amazing Crema de Elote at La Hacienda de San Angel…still waiting on that one, Chef Jerry…), for sharing it with us and allowing us to print it for you lot!

Sweet Corn Cheesecake

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

, Mexico Marketplace Booth

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

[Read more…]

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