News! Disney Fairytale Weddings Launches Wedding Cake Projection Mapping

Remember a while back when Disney was making waves in tech circles for, well, food reasons?

At that time, several tech outlets were all abuzz with the news that Disney had filed a patent application for an “interactive cake”. We did a post about what seemed like a fun adventure with food, since we couldn’t figure out how we’d approach interacting with a cake (other than eating it with wild abandon, of course), we studied the pics and did our best to imagine the end result.

Cakes and Patents…Patents and Cakes

Well, this week, Disney has finally let the cat out of the bag as it introduced Disney Wedding Cake Projection Cake Mapping at its Fairytale Weddings Expo.

And it actually looks pretty cool.

Disney Introduces Cake Mapping

Basically, Disney has taken technology that looks similar to what it uses in its nightly slideshows at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, and reduced it in size. The video sequence is then projected on the blank slate of a wedding cake.

Couples still have the option to customize the inside of the cake with delicious fillings and flavors. The video is customizable as well, with the aim to tell a couple’s unique story.

Want to see the effect in action? Check out these videos

[Read more…]

Review: Babycakes Treats and Tofutti Ice Cream at the Gardens “Allergy” Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By Wendy 9 Comments

It’s been just over a year now since the Gardens Kiosk opened in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. (Editor’s Note: Animal Kingdom’s Allergy-Friendly Kiosk is now called Terra Treats, and is located across from Creature Comforts on Discovery Island).

Learn About:Terra Treats

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

This kiosk is unique in that its focus is on providing snack options for guests with special dietary needs or restrictions. You might know it by its unofficial name: the “Allergy Kiosk,” earned not only for having treats that are free of the most common food allergens, but also because guests can receive information from the friendly and knowledgeable Cast Members about dining all over Animal Kingdom in light of restrictions.

(Oh, and also because of the “Allergy Dining Tips” sign above the menu 😉 ).

Along with various pre-packaged food items, this one of the locations in Disney World where you can find Babycakes gluten-free and vegan-friendly items.

I grabbed two Babycakes treats, though you’ll just see them labeled as Gluten-Free Vegan Doughnuts and Gluten-Free Cupcakes on the menu.

Gardens Kiosk Menu

The Gluten-Free Cupcakes come in packages of four minis, and they are not unique to Animal Kingdom. You can still find these in several Resort Quick Service locations, including (but not limited to) Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors and Beach Club’s Marketplace.

Babycakes Brownie Cupcakes

The full name of “Brownie Cupcakes” is [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Pictures and Review: France and Mexico Marketplace Booths

By AJ 16 Comments

We’re back today with another delicious look at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

It’s always exciting to see what new Marketplaces and other experiences pop up each year at the Festival, but I’m always eager to indulge in my tried and true favorites as well!

Today, let’s take a peek at some always-busy booths — France and Mexico — to take a closer look at both classics and brand new flavors.

The France Marketplace Booth

When you visit the France Marketplace, you’re participating in Food and Wine Festival Heritage! That’s right — it’s one of the original spots from the very first event, which was held in 1996.

And though the menu has changed a bit from year to year, it’s always a favorite stop for guests.

France Marketplace Booth

You’ll notice that the France booth has a very robust menu. With three different savory items, plus dessert, you could easily make a meal out of the offerings here. Add to that wines and cocktails, and you would definitely want to visit the Marketplace more than once to try everything.

2014 France Menu

The big news at the France booth this year was a change to the classic Escargot offering. In the past, guests have enjoyed Escargots en Persillade in the perfect stroll-and-eat version; the escargots were nestled in rounds of Brioche.

But in 2014, escargot became an ingredient in a savory tart. The Tartelette aux Escargots combined the Snails with Spinach, Garlic, Bacon, and Parmesan, presented in a deep, rectangular savory tart.

Tartelette aux Escargots

This one has probably been one of the biggest controversies of the festival this year! We’ve heard from guests who love it, and from guests who hate it.

Me? While I’m not a huge fan of spinach or snails on their own, the combo of flavors is an absolute win here. But really, is there a way to go wrong when Bacon and Garlic are involved??

Cross section of Tartlette aux Escargots

Also joining the line up this year is Gratin de Crozets de Savoie. The savory combination of Gruyere and Mushrooms makes this rich vegetarian dish a hit.

Gratin de Crozets de Savoie

The pasta used in the dish, Crozet, comes to us from Savoie. It’s a uniquely French version of pasta, customarily a whole wheat variety.

Gratin de Crozets de Savoie — Inside

Also on the menu is another popular option from years past: [Read more…]

Grand Launch! 2014 DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks E-Book

By AJ Leave a Comment

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2014 DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks e-Book is now available!

And in honor of our grand launch, you can get the new Guide for $3 off the regular purchase price for a limited time — just use code SNACKS14 at the check-out!

With over 280 pages of delicious snacks, the DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks is part of our DFB Guide Snacks Series!

As always, you will enjoy an instantly downloadable PDF guide with comprehensive information and advice on well over 250 delicious snacks that you can savor at the Animal Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios parks in the Walt Disney World resort.

The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks e-Book includes:

Full-color photos of well over 250 of our favorite snacks
Over 280 pages of great information, tips, and insider info
Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status
Disney Food Blog reviews of all snacks
Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?!)

DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks Sample Page

Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving!

Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or tablet!

Get Yours At a Discounted Price for a Limited Time!

To celebrate the grand launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the brand new Guide for $3 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $11.95 (regularly $14.95). To secure the discount, use code SNACKS14 at the check-out.

Or Bundle For Even More Savings!

Headed to Disney World and want the whole scoop on snacks? Bundle four of our most popular Disney Dining Guides and SAVE!

Pick up our DFB Guide and Snacks Bundle for over 40% off! This includes our critically acclaimed DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, and DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks along with the brand new DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks. All editions have been [Read more…]

Happy National Coffee Day! Three Unique Ways to Enjoy Coffee at Disney World

By AJ 5 Comments

In case you didn’t know, today is National Coffee Day. And we all know that java lovers don’t check their passion for this Drink of Life when they step foot inside the Big Purple Gates!

There are the big headliners in the Disney coffee game. With Starbucks at two parks and Downtown Disney (and coming soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios), you’re never far from your favorite coffee beverage. And Joffreys coffee stands inside and outside the parks lure us with those fresh coffee smells and giant doughnuts. But what if you’re looking for something a little different? Today, we have a few suggestions for other spots to indulge in some really unique coffee treats in Disney World.

Tipsy Ducks in Love

Looking for a coffee drink with a little “cheer” involved? Try the Tipsy Ducks in Love at the Joy of Tea in the China Pavilion at Epcot. Besides the crazy fun name, this refreshing Iced Mocha comes with two additions to make it extra special — a shot of Bourbon and a crown of Whipped Cream.

Tipsy Duck

It’s the perfect drink for strolling the Promenade on a hot day. Or enjoy it after dinner as dessert!

Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake

Speaking of dessert, one of my favorite ways to enjoy coffee is in cupcake form. 🙂 So when the craving strikes, head over to Toy Story Pizza Planet in Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a Cappuccino Chocolate Cupcake.

Since I prefer to get my coffee buzz with liberal amounts of other flavors thrown in, this mammoth cupcake is perfect! The coffee flavors are very subtle, and take a backseat to the chocolate. But it’s a flavor that’s more complex than your garden variety chocolate cupcake.

Cuppuccino Cupcake

And the whipped Buttercream Frosting and Toffee and Nut Bits that complete this classic are a nice addition.

Victoria & Albert’s

But if you’re looking for a coffee experience, you must try [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant

By Wendy 16 Comments

We’re dining “Under the Sea” today at Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant!

Learn About:Coral Reef Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

And if you’re wondering if it was all part of my plan to insert that song in your head for the rest of the day, the answer is “Yes.”

(Insert evil laugh here. 😉 )

Coral Reef is one of only two Table Service Restaurants in Epcot’s Future World (the other being Garden Grill), and the only one open for lunch, which is the meal we’re having today. But first things first: in order to eat at Coral Reef, you’ve got to find it. Just head to “The Living Seas…” whoops! I mean, “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” Pavilion.

And once you get your fill of the birds chanting “Mine, Mine, Mine,” just hang a right…

The Seas Pavilion

… and head as far as you can towards the back. (The outdoor sign will help, too.)

Heading to Coral Reef

Coral Reef sign

So, now we’ve found it! Let’s head in…

Atmosphere

As per usual with Disney dining, there are some fun details to take in here, starting right at the entrance.

Entrance

Seahorse door handle

The dining room is well-concealed for the “big reveal” to come, but touches in the check-in area (which expands into a fairly large hallway) give several indications as to what awaits you once you dine.

Octopus at Check in

Octopus at check-in counter

What are those lights, anyway? Jellyfish?

Check-in area hallway

Glass fish behind check-in counter

But as fun as it always is to check out the little things, the truth of the matter is that everyone is here to see one, single, MAJOR “detail.” The aquarium!

Coral Reef Dining Room

Yep — the dining room has giant picture windows that look right into the massive Living Seas aquarium. It’s like you’re dining in a submarine.

Coral Reef Dining Room

And here’s an interesting thing about Coral Reef: in most restaurants, several of the tables for two are often tucked on the outer perimeters, and sometimes that can lend to a feeling of being a little removed from the atmosphere. At Coral Reef, many of the tables for two receive “front rows seats” for the big show. Our table for two was right next to this table for four.

Coral Reef Seating in front of aquarium

Our server presented Fish Guides to us, so we could identify some of the marine life swimming by.

Fish Guide

Being that close contributed just a little extra to an already unique experience. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves…

Aquarium views

Though I gotta say, this felt [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 28, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

We’ve got the scoop on some new cupcakes in Disney World!

Oreo Cupcake

The BoardWalk Bakery is one of our favorite sweet spots, and the revamped Strawberry and Oreo cupcakes are a fun addition to the mix. There’s also a new Halloween cupcake that’s worth a peek.

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

Disney Food News

Find out What’s New around Walt Disney World! You’ll love the Epcot Food and Wine Festival updates, Halloween Merchandise, Pumpkin Flavored Treats, and more updates from around the parks and resorts!!
See our review of the new Epcot Food and Wine Festival Premium Package and Late Nights LIVE! events.
Take a look at pictures and reviews of the Brazil and Puerto Rico Marketplace Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
We have a first look at a brand new Disney Dooney & Bourke Collection that celebrates the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Check out Disney-themed Donuts at the Donut Bar near Disneyland!

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 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!

Some of our readers turn to Disney recipes when they are missing their favorite Disney foods. A great example is School Bread made by Facebook Friend Dennis. Nice production!!

Homemade School Bread

Start your morning with Mickey Mouse pancakes! DFB’s Facebook Friend Lori shared a fun homemade version. (I LOVE the plates, Ryan and Shannon!

Mickey Mouse Pancakes at Home

What’s your Favorite Find? Send it in!

The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book!

Pick up your copy of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book for $4 off today using code OPENINGDAY!

The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book features all the info you need to know before you attend the Food and Wine Festival this year, from what’s NEW this year to touring strategies — and a new section with top tips on how to use MyMagic+ at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with over 220 pages of detailed information about the Festival as well as photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars (or Disney Dining Plan snack credits) stretch all around World Showcase. And we have a fully updated FAQ section that answers questions you didn’t even know you had!

Bonus Items

The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival includes customized bonus items that go above and beyond any other Food & Wine Festival coverage currently available. These include:

A full, daily schedule of events for every day of the festival
A printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist that you can use to plan, and easily bring with you to the festival
Themed World Showcase booth crawls (there’s even one for the kids!)
Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for One Day visits, Budget-Conscious visits, visits with kids, and more
A chapter dedicated to all [Read more…]

Review: Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package, and Food and Wine Festival Late Nights LIVE! Event

By Wendy 111 Comments

The 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is underway, and this year marks the debut of several new options for Festival guests. We’re going to cover two of the most popular — and most expensive — today!

The Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package is available exclusively to Disney Resort guests (as well as guests at Swan & Dolphin and Golden Oak), and the Food and Wine Festival — Late Nights LIVE! after hours party, which is available for purchase to all guests.

Premium Package credential, gift card, and themed MagicBand

Today we’re breaking down the components into a few sections beginning with the Food & Wine Premium Package. At the end of the post, we’ll go over our thoughts regarding value for the price of these options.

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Premium Package

There are three main components to the Food & Wine Premium Festival Package available for Disney Resort guests: In-Room Amenities, dedicated Food & Wine Festival Premium Package Areas at Epcot, and entrance into the Epcot Food & Wine Late Nights Live! party. The package costs $199/person.

In-room Amenities

I was definitely curious to see the in-room amenities included in the package, though I had some idea from the official description from Disney: “a select bottle of wine (for Guests over 21 years of age), a festival wine glass and delicious chocolate truffles.”

I arrived to my resort a few hours early, hoping for the possibility of an early check-in. I was kindly accommodated, but since I arrived early, I actually picked up my gift bag at Concierge Services at the front desk. So, if you are participating in this package and are also an early check-in hopeful (before 3:00PM), that’s just something to keep in mind. With that said, I received everything in a thermal Food & Wine tote.

Amenities Bag

Let’s check off the list, starting with the wine, which was a bottle of “Sogno d’ Italia (Dream of Italy)” Chianti. It was one of the bottles “made exclusively for Disney Parks.”

Dream of Italy Chianti

Sogno d’Italia label

Guests can find this wine sold in the Italy Pavilion (we’ll have a “math breakdown” later on to discuss more of the value).

A Food and Wine Festival souvenir stemless wine glass is part of the package as well.

Souvenir wine glass

Four truffles came in an edible box made of dark chocolate, topped with a white chocolate themed decoration.

Truffle box made of chocolate

Flavors included salted caramel, cherry, ganache, and white chocolate.

Truffles

The in-room amenities are fun, and it did feel a little like a holiday, opening gifts upon arrival.

Gifts inside the amenities bag

But it may be the next three items that are of the most interest: a Food & Wine themed MagicBand, a $50 Disney gift card, and the Premium Package “credential” lanyard, which grants guests access to exclusive Premium Package Areas within the Festival.

Premium Package credential, gift card, and themed MagicBand

The credential is a lanyard to wear around the Festival, and while we’ll explore its design and function more in the next section, it’s worth noting that one side is printed with the dates the guest can access the Premium Package areas.

The MagicBand is decorated with the current signature artwork for the Food and Wine Festival.

Themed MagicBand

Finally, there is a $50 Disney gift card. It’s the [Read more…]

Don’t Miss A Minute of the Magic — Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter Today

By AJ Leave a Comment

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! No, we aren’t jumping on the bandwagon to usher in the Winter Holidays two months early. 😉 We’re talkin’ Fall at Disney!

And whether you’re celebrating the change of seasons in Disneyland or Walt Disney World, this time of year is something special. With must-do seasonal events and lots of special eats and drinks, we don’t think you should miss a single thing!

But there’s the rub. Because there’s so much to cover, it’s tough to bring you all the news on the Blog. That’s why we send out the DFB Newsletter twice a month.

Right now, there’s so much happening. You have new snacks, like the Pumpkin Spice Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion.

Artisan des Glaces Pumpkin Spice Macaron Sandwich

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom includes tons of exclusive favorites — plus all that candy! At Disneyland, we see the return of classics, like the Pumpkin Muffin and Halloween Time!

And of course…we are right in the middle of THE [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, Port Orleans French Quarter

By Kim LaPaglia 16 Comments

Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory

— it’s a long name for dining spot, and kind of a tongue twister — but it has some unique menu items and is definitely worth a visit if you’re a beignet fan!

Learn About:Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Disney World Restaurants

Or a New Orleans fan.

Or a Mardi Gras fan.

Or just like big, giant parade float heads hanging from ceilings.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Let’s take a look inside… .

Atmosphere

Sassagoula is, of course, the river running through the resorts around Downtown Disney, including the sister Port Orleans resorts — Riverside, and French Quarter. Upon arrival at the Port Orleans French Quarter resort, a welcoming indoor courtyard complete with an ornate fountain creates a relaxing atmosphere.

If you’re hungry, you’ll find Floatworks — named as such because it’s themed after a warehouse storing Mardi Gras parade props — opposite the Registration area. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are offered throughout the day.

Entrance to Float Works

Look closely and you’ll see some hidden dining references in the Sassagoula sign. Utensils, seafood, lemon, asparagus… what else?

Look for hidden food references

A display reminds guests of their dining choices while visiting the Port Orleans resorts.

Dining Choices at the Port Orleans Resorts

Here’s your first glimpse of the “floatworks.” Crazy, eh?

It’s Mardi Gras time!

While the weird parade props have always disturbed me, some guests enjoy the whimsical decor. I understand the theme but find the decor outdated. (I’d love to see a refresh here). Of course, you’ll find whimsy around the resort — from Scales (the serpent pool slide) to jazzy tunes, the vibe is casual and relaxing. Just as it should be on vacation!

I spy a yellow piece of candy!

Entertain the kids with a game of “I Spy” while dining!

A great snack option is ice cream!

I do like the dining room’s dark wooden tables and mismatched chairs; it just feels cozy. Brick accents and lantern lighting adds to the quaint ambiance. In fact, the whole resort is a mixture of playfulness and charm.

Mardi Gras props in dining room

Most importantly, the dining area and serving stations are kept very tidy. (During our stay, we did not find this to be the case over at the Riverside Mill.)

Artwork reflects the Cajun and Creole flavors on the menu such as the Gumbo and Jambalaya dishes served later in the day.

Louisiana is known for spicy Cajun and Creole dishes

Take your breakfast to the adjacent Scat Cat’s Club for a quieter meal.

Additional seating at Scat Cat’s

Inside the club, your morning meal can be savored with a dose of cartoons!

Cartoons

Eats

Guests on the Disney Dining Plan can use their quick service credits to redeem meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Use your Disney Dining Plan credits

Snack options are also available!

Got a Rapid Fill mug? Head to the beverage island for hot and cold drinks!

Hot and cold beverages

At the Rapid Fill station, fill up on water, Sprite Zero, Barq’s Root Beer, Fanta Orange, Coca-Cola Zero, Minute Maid Light Pomegranate Lemonade, Coca-Cola Cherry, Sprite, Powerade Mountain Berry Blast, Hi-C Fruit Punch, Diet Coke, and Coca-Cola.

Cold beverages at the Rapid Fill station

Breakfast
Breakfast here at Sassagoula often includes their “you-can-only-get-’em-here” made-to-order beignets. Many Disney guests visit this spot solely for these doughy treats.

Port Orleans French Quarter Beignets

But we’d had beignets the previous day, so my husband opted for the Bounty Breakfast Platter served with [Read more…]

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