News: Updates to Disney's Standard Bar and Lounge Menu

News: Updates to Disney’s Standard Bar and Lounge Menu

’Tis the season… and we’re not talking about Fall or the Holidays (though they are soon upon us here at Disney World). Nope, it’s about that time of year when Disney World bars and lounges receive a menu makeover.

Classic Margarita with a View

If you’d like to explore all the options including beer and wine, we’ve got the updated Disney Bar and Lounge Menu for you here. And today we’re going page-by-page through the Specialty Cocktails to explore the new offerings, and see which of the favorites have stuck around. Allrighty, then… here we go!

Pimm’s Punch and the Rye Manhattan are both returnees that are included in the updated menu.

Pimm’s Punch and Rye Manhattan

Pimm’s Punch as served

But the Moscow Mule, Blue Mule, and the Sidecar Noir (nominee for favorite name!) are all [Read more…]

News: Fantasmic! Dining Experiences Coming to Disneyland

By AJ 16 Comments

Are you looking forward to seeing Fantasmic! at Disneyland, but waiting to grab a seat… well, not so much?

Fantasmic Finale at Disneyland

Beginning November 12, guests will be able to book dining experiences for Fantasmic shows starting December 12. Each dining package includes a Fastpass for Fantasmic (which will be a requirement for seats in reserved viewing starting December 12).

There are four packages to choose from:

Guests can book the Blue Bayou Restaurant “Fantasmic!” Dinner Dining Package. This package includes one three-course meal (an appetizer, entree, and dessert, along with a beverage), a special Fantasmic! souvenir, along with the Fastpass for Fantasmic! The price (tax and gratuity not included) is $61.00 for adults, $23.00 for children ages 3-9. Dinner seatings will begin at 4:00 pm.

Blue Bayou Sign

The River Belle Terrace will open exclusively to guests enjoying the River Belle Terrace “Fantasmic!” Dinner Dining Package. While River Belle Terrace will remain open as a quick service for breakfast until 2:00 pm every day, the spot will transition into a Table Service experience for Fantasmic guests. Dinner seatings will begin at 3:00 pm, and will include one three-course meal (an appetizer, entree, and dessert, along with a beverage) along with the Fantasmic Fastpass. The price (tax and gratuity not included) is $41.99 for adults, $21.99 for children ages 3-9.

River Belle Terrace

Prefer to fill up the critters [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at ABC Commissary in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 10 Comments

Let’s say you’re in Hollywood Studios. It’s about a million degrees or freezing outside, and you’re hungry. You need some A/C (or heat) and food stat. So, you head right into ABC Commissary.

Learn About:ABC Commissary

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

More often than not, I think, that’s the drill for ABC Commissary. The theme (that of… well, a basic studio lot commissary) isn’t altogether exciting, and mostly it has a reputation for being a great place — above anything else — to score an easy seat in the air conditioning, and maybe grab a burger and a Coke.

But there are a few dishes here we hadn’t paid much attention to previously that get a fair amount of love from DFB readers. So here we are at the Commissary, ready to try a couple of choices unique to this spot… and do a little exploring while were at it.

Atmosphere

The name tells you just about everything: ABC Commissary is themed as a cafeteria on a studio lot — in this case, that of the ABC network.

ABC Commissary Sign

ABC Commissary Entrance

Entering ABC Commissary

ABC logo

And this completely explains the decor: a very basic collection of insane amounts of seating, peppered with props, pics, and posters from ABC shows.

ABC Commissary seating

And plants and stuff.

ABC Commissary seating

Costumes from “Nashville”

Signed pictures from cast of “The Chew”

Props from “Revenge”

Oh, and some palm trees, while we’re at it 😉 .

Palm tree in seating area

Clips from ABC shows are looped on high-hanging screens throughout your meal.

TV screen

For my part, I got a kick out of seeing this display of props from [Read more…]

News! Epcot’s Spice Road Table Now Accepting Advance Dining Reservations

By AJ 7 Comments

Spice Road Table

in Epcot’s beautiful Morocco Pavilion is now accepting Advance Dining Reservations!

Learn About:Spice Road Table

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Spice Road Table features a variety of Mediterranean tapas and wines, and is also known for its prime waterfront location offering IllumiNations fireworks viewing while you dine. IllumiNations can be seen from both the covered outdoor seating area, as well as from the large windows in the indoor seating area.

At the time of this writing, online reservations are available beginning December 2nd. While it does appear that reservations can be made throughout the standard 180-day window, we’re not certain if this advanced booking option will extend beyond this year’s busy holiday season.

Find available seating at Spice Road Table

Currently, guests are able to state preferences on whether they would like to sit outdoors or indoors upon their arrival at Spice Road Table, and requests are honored whenever possible based on availability. There is no option for stating preference when making your Advance Dining Reservation.

Spice Road Table outdoor seating

Spice Road Table Indoor View

No matter where you’re seated, this opportunity for reservations will be [Read more…]

Review: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats

By Wendy 7 Comments

I can say this much about our pal, Mickey Mouse…

“Celebrate the Season” with Mickey and Minnie!

He sure knows how to throw a Very Merry Christmas Party!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Celebrate the Season stage show

Once Upon a Christmastime Parade

Jack Skellington Sandy Claws character meet

Jack Skellington as “Sandy Claws” character meet

Frozen Holiday Wish

From the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, to Holiday Wishes Fireworks, to all the fun in between, including character dance parties and appearances, special stage shows, and a whole, huge [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 9, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

With the on-going renovations at Disny’s Polynesian Village Resort, we’re having fun visiting the updated quick-service restaurants — Captain Cook’s was our first stop, and recently, Kona Island.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice, cherry and pina colada

We sampled the NEW Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Yum!

Plus, click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News…

Disney Food News

Hawaiian Shaved Ice is on the menu at Kona Island in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
BabyCakes NYC will likely return to Downtown Disney as Erin McKenna’s Bakery Valentine!
Pesto Knots have replaced Bread Sticks on the menu at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie debuts at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland Park.
Disney Resort Cast Members at resorts around the World competed in pumpkin decorating contests.

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, Stitch-themed Waffles at ‘Ohana, Citricos Wine Dinner, 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 especially love when our readers share their special celebrations with us; Happy Birthday!

Here’s a gorgeous Mickey Ears Birthday Cake from Facebook Friend, Erin:

Mickey Ears Cake

Isn’t turning 1 awesome?! This Mickey cake shared via Facebook by Natalie is fabulous!

Mickey Cake

Do you have a Favorite Find? Please, share with us!

DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014: Grand Launch!

Tis the season to eat, drink, and go to Walt Disney World! And that means it’s time for the Grand Launch 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 Here!

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…]

Disney Holiday Gift Guide 2014: Holiday for Your Home Collection

By AJ 3 Comments

The elves are already hard at work at this year! And you can see their handiwork as part of this year’s new Disney Parks Holiday for Your Home Collection at retail locations all over Disney World.

Holiday Merchandise display

And I do mean it’s all over. Pretty much any shop you step in has a display like this, featuring this really fun retro-style line reminding you that the holiday season is inching closer by the minute. And, as always, we especially love checking out any and all kitchen goodies! Ready to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Just click any of the links you see below…

The Happy Holidays mug gives you a good idea of the design of the line, with the fun font and a general vibe that reminds me a bit of 50’s Prime Time Cafe.

Happy Holidays mug

These small trays are cute as buttons, featuring Tinker Bell, Mickey, or Minnie.

Small tray assortment

Or the whole trio is featured [Read more…]

Review: Chef Gale Gand’s Culinary Salted Caramel Brownies Demo at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Wendy 3 Comments

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

fans always anticipate the announcement of the Culinary Demonstrations: low-cost events where guests can enjoy presentations by a Disney or celebrity chef.

Food and Wine Festival demonstration kitchen

This year, I took the opportunity to purchase a $15 ticket to see Chef Gale Gand: pastry chef, author of cookbooks, 8-year host of the Food Network’s “Sweet Dreams,” as well as a founding partner of the restaurant Tru in Chicago (among a bajillion other accomplishments!).

I chose Chef Gand’s session because I love to bake. But I still consider myself a novice with just a few trusty recipes under my belt, and I don’t tend to stray from those. So, I was interested to find out upon arrival that Chef Gand would be sharing her recipe for Salted Caramel Brownies with those of us in the audience.

Before Chef Gand came to the stage, we enjoyed a presentation by a Master Sommelier who spoke about the choice of wine that we would enjoy with Chef Gand’s creation.

Master Sommelier

It really was interesting to hear him speak about the incredibly intense learning and examination process that it takes to become a Master Sommelier. But even with his depth of knowledge and expertise, I was happy to hear him share his favorite piece of advice when it comes to wine selection: “Drink what you like, when you like, with whom you like.” Works for me!

Viognier from Cambria Winery

In this case, what we were drinking was the Tepusquet Vineyard Viognier from the Cambria Winery. Our Master Sommelier led us through the process of picking up the tropical, fruity notes in the aroma, and the floral notes in the flavor. I can’t claim to have picked up on all that on my own ;). As someone who prefers white wines over red, I can just say I enjoyed the glass.

When Chef Gale Gand arrived on stage, she greeted the audience with a smile and immediately continued in the personable, light-hearted tone set by the Sommelier.

Chef Gale Gand

She also greeted us with a surprise: today, she would be demonstrating two recipes. Even though this was a pastry demonstration, Chef Gand started with [Read more…]

Review: Hawaiian Shaved Ice at Kona Island in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

By Wendy 14 Comments

Even if you’ve paid a visit to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, you may not be familiar with Kona Island.

Learn About:Kona Island

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

This pleasant little stop upstairs in the Great Ceremonial House sits directly next to a much larger restaurant: Kona Cafe. So it can be pretty easy to pass by — unless you are in the know of its reputation for being one of the places on property where you can enjoy some sushi, or even a press pot of Kona Coffee, brewed to order.

Kona Island was closed for a while in the late summer to accommodate some of the construction going on at the Polynesian (among those changes, the eagerly-anticipated addition of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto to the resort).

Kona Island sign

But it reopened by the end of September, and more recently I finally had a chance to stop by and sample something I’d been curious about.

Kona Island

Hawaiian Shaved Ice is now part of the offerings. You can get all one flavor (“Kumau”) for $3.99, or a combo of two flavors (“Haukalima”) for $4.99.

Koan Island Hawaiian Shaved ice sign

While flavors may vary due to available syrups, I was able to choose from eight on the day of my visit: orange, passion mango, cherry, coconut, blue raspberry, strawberry, pineapple, and pina colada. I could’ve happily tried all eight flavors (and many thanks to the extremely patient Cast Member who waited while I took a crazy long time to decide!). But I ultimately chose a combo of pina colada and cherry.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice, cherry and pina colada

The swirl of white (you can see it much better on the red cherry side) is [Read more…]

Disneyland Snack Series: Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland Park

By AJ 6 Comments

We are stopping into Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe to check out a new sweet treat that recently debuted!

Although Jolly Holiday is a fairly new addition to Main Street USA, the atmosphere of this spot is so perfectly excecuted that you’d swear it’s been there since Walt Disney walked these streets! Whenever I’m in Disneyland, even if it’s only for a short trip — and on this trip I was there for about 36 hours — I have to make time for this place.

Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe

The counter service spot celebrates all things Mary Poppins. Seating is outdoors here, but that’s perfectly fine with me — look how cheerful the patio setting is! (Seriously, is the weather EVER bad here?)

Outdoor Seating

Inside, you’ll find touches everywhere that remind you of the film. Porcelain figurines bring a couple of the best movie scenes to life. I love this one of Mary on her carousel horse!

Mary Poppins!

After a look around at all the wonderful touches, I wanted to see just what was new in the bakery cases! The lunch menu gives you an idea of the general offerings at Jolly Holiday. But the bakery has also become a landing spot for new and seasonal treats. Heather shared a few of them with you not too long ago!

Menu — Click to Enlarge

This time out, I saw a bunch of new things. But one treat in particular called my name, and I know it’ll call yours, too!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie

Since it opened in a couple of years ago, Jolly Holiday has been a popular spot. But lately, they’ve really stepped up their game by offering some fantastic seasonal and limited-time options.

When I heard that they had debuted a Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie? Wild horses and all that.

Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie at Jolly Holiday Bakery

You know I am all about the Peanut Butter. And Disneyland has some of my favorite PB treats, like the [Read more…]

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