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

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

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

Grand Floridian
Disney World Restaurants

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

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

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…]

News! Disney to Roll Out Allergy-Friendly Menus at More Than 100 Restaurants in Disney World and Disneyland

By AJ 31 Comments

Editor’s Note: Copies of the Allergy Menu from Skipper’s Canteen have been added to this post as of January 14, 2016.

For some time, Disney has been a leader in the hospitality industry when it comes to serving guests with food allergies and sensitivities. Today, we’re learning that they’re offering options that will hopefully continue to make Disney visits more enjoyable and worry-free for guests who live with allergies.

Allergy-friendly kiosk menu

After previously piloting Allergy-Friendly Menus at a number of venues, Disney has announced they will roll out Allergy-Friendly Menus to around 120 restaurants. The menus will be available at both counter service and table service locations throughout Walt Disney World and Disneyland parks and resorts. The move will include venues at Disney water parks and Downtown Disney restaurants as well.

Gluten Free Menu currently at ABC Commissary

ABC Commissary Took Part Offered a Gluten Free Menu During the Pilot Program

The goal is to provide a convenient way for guests to manage their food allergies while dining at Disney restaurants, and to provide more food options that are readily available.

The allergy-friendly menus will focus on the most common allergens: [Read more…]

Review: The Boathouse at Disney World’s Disney Springs

By AJ 69 Comments

We’ve been waiting, and it’s finally here! The Boathouse is now open!

Learn About:The Boathouse

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

The restaurant is located in what will be The Landing Area of Disney Springs (still officially Downtown Disney, but it seems to be getting closer to the changeover everyday.)

The Boathouse opened its doors on Monday, but don’t rush out to get an Advance Dining Reservation just yet. While we’ve had success booking through the Open Table website for May 15th and after, Disney still isn’t offering ADRs — a signal that this is clearly a soft opening period, and a time for the staff and kitchen to work out the kinks.

There’s been a ton of hullabaloo over what we can expect, food and price-wise. We have lots of information and pics to share with you — as well as some information to clarify! So let’s get started.

Atmosphere

I’ve been dying to get a peek behind those walls forever — and now they’re down! And the new restaurant is pretty beautiful.

As You Approach the Boathouse

You’ll see the entrance to the restaurant to the left. The big green tower that we’ve all been watching for a while now is the entrance to the Ship’s Store, the Boathouse’s gift shop.

Entrance to Ship’s Store

Between the two entrances on the day we visited, there was this tiny little boat right by the front door. I’m thinkin’ it would be pretty fun to take it for a spin. 🙂

A Tiny Boat By the Front Entrance

Here’s a shot from across the water. This is a great way to sort of get your bearings if you’re still wondering where in the grand scheme of Downtown Disney that The Boathouse is located. This also gives you a glimpse of how The Boathouse has “grown” rather organically. I’m looking forward to hearing the story here. Because we all know — this is Disney. There’s always a story.

The Boathouse as Seen from the Water View

But The Boathouse will be more than just a place to eat. It will also be home to several boat-themed attractions. In other words, it really is a boathouse.

We gave you a glimpse of Amphicar dress rehearsals taking place the other day ahead of Monday’s soft opening. And today, we have a few more pics to show you! You’ll find the Amphicar Launch around the side of restaurant, to the left of the main entrance.

Amphicar Launch

So you think they just hop in the car and drive it into the water, right? Well, of course, it’s not quite that simple.

See this Amphicar Captain? That wheel behind him is more than just a fancy prop. The captain’s wheel has many gears just behind and under it. When a member of the staff turns the wheel, it actually rotates the turntable that the Amphicars are parked on. When they come in from the lake, they are facing the street. The car wheels are locked down, and the captain turns this wheel, which rotates the car 180 degrees, so that it’s facing the water again. Pretty swift, eh?

Amphicar Captain Stands at the Ready

And in case you aren’t tired of looking at these cute little overachievers, here’s another shot. The teal one may just be my favorite.

One of the Amphicars on the Ramp

And…off he goes! Super fun.

One of the Captains Taking an Amphicar for a Spin

But the amphicars aren’t the only game in town. While we haven’t yet seen the 40-foot Italian Water Taxis that are touted as another Boathouse draw, there are plenty of interesting watercraft to check out.

Like this gorgeous option. I wouldn’t mind cruising the harbor in one of these.

Another Beautiful Boat

And then, there’s the U-22 Alter Ego, a vintage racing boat. This thing is [Read more…]

Take A Tax Break…

By AJ Leave a Comment

Yep, today is TAX DAY in the US of A, and we know you’ve been buried under receipts and government forms and other boring things for days, weeks, and months.

This is me while I’m doing my taxes.

But it’s time to take a TAX BREAK…and plan your DISNEY TRIP INSTEAD!

Today and tomorrow only, we’re offering our uber popular DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for 50% off…just to jump start your happy mood! Use code TAXBREAK to get the discount!

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!!

Today and tomorrow only, use code: TAXBREAK to get 50% off the regular price for a limited time!

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…]

Photo Tour: Reopened Barefoot Pool Bar and Volcano Pool at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

By Wendy 9 Comments

Okay, so we all know the news surrounding bars and lounges at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has revolved almost solely around two places recently: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto and Tiki Terrace.

Learn About:Barefoot Pool Bar

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

But one place we haven’t discussed much at all recently is the Barefoot Pool Bar… primarily because it hasn’t been open. You see, with the major refurbishment of the Polynesian’s Volcano Pool came the closure of its accompanying pool bar.

But early this month the pool opened up again — much to the happiness of many a Poly guest! And the Barefoot Pool Bar has reopened right along with it.

Not much has changed at the Barefoot Pool Bar itself, still finding its home at the side of the volcano, though the sign is new.

Barefoot Pool Bar at the main Polynesian pool

Barefoot Pool Bar sign

But the general feel is somewhat different, and I think that’s due more to the bar’s changed surroundings more than the lounge itself. For instance, the fence around the pool, which ends at the Barefoot, does change the vibe (though all are still welcome to have a drink at the bar — only Resort guests are permitted swim in the pool, as per usual).

Barefoot Pool Bar

The familiar Disney pool bar drinks still grace the menu (and the full bar is also available).

Barefoot Pool Bar menu

Specialty drinks closeup

Menu closeup

Info on menu board

A little reminder is posted regarding operating hours.

Operating Hours for Barefoot Pool Bar

Alas, I didn’t have time to sip, since I was preparing to get in line for Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. But I did take a few moments to do a little exploring in the surrounding areas. Now that the pool is open again and the majority of construction walls are down in the main area surrounding the Great Ceremonial House, we can all at last get a feel for what the renovated Polynesian Village Resort is like.

Map of the Polynesian Village Resort

So while we’re here, let’s take a walk, shall we? Here’s another look at the pool.

Lava Pool

One very welcome addition is that of the new [Read more…]

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