Orlando's Magical Dining Month is Back This September!

Orlando’s Magical Dining Month is Back This September!

Once again, if you’re planning to visit Walt Disney World during the month of September, you can take advantage of Orlando Magical Dining Month! And this year, the discounts actually start six days early during a brand-new Preview Week!

Mark your calendars for August 25 — September 30. During that time, guests can enjoy prix-fixe menus at more than 75 Orlando Area Restaurants — including a few at Disney-area spots!

Dinners at all of the restaurants will feature three courses from a set menu for $33. And even better — $1 from each dinner will go to benefit the Foundation for Foster Children!

La Luce Butterscotch Pudding – YUM!

If you’re Disney-bound during this time and would like to take advantage of the savings while dining on property, check out the offerings from these participating restaurants!

Il Mulino

, located at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, offers some of the best Italian fare that we’ve enjoyed in Walt Disney World. Check out a review of our recent visit!

Il Mulino Magical Dining Menu

La Luce by Donna Scala

You’ll find La Luce by Donna Scala at Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort. The menu features [Read more…]

Review: New Items (and a Classic) at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion

By AJ 14 Comments

We are checking out some new finds — and taking a look at an old favorite! — at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe.

Learn About:Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This quaint (read: tiny) spot in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion has a big cult following for interesting pastries and sandwiches. And it’s a great spot to try something a little out of the ordinary on your Drink Around the World stroll — Aquavit!

But today, we’re a sampling a few sweet treats that are new to us, plus one snack that we absolutely can’t visit Kringla without getting! Three guesses? 😉

Let’s take a closer look.

Frozen Bundt Cake

Our first item is another entry into the wildly popular Frozen food team! It’s a Frozen-themed Bundt Cake.

You’d have to imagine that Elsa and Anna had a hand in putting this one together, since they both love chocolate. (Smart women that they are.)

It doesn’t look all that spectacular, does it? Just rich, Dark Chocolate Cake, Blue Icing, Coarse Sugar for a little crunch, and a Frozen Souvenir Ring in the shape of a snowflake.

Frozen Bundt Cake

But it’s ah-MA-zing! I was shocked. I left it to eat until last as I thought it would be forgettable. But it super wasn’t. In fact, I still haven’t forgotten about it, and hope it’s there when I go back to Disney World next!

Frozen Bundt Cake — Cross Section

Just look at the dense, decadent cake! You actually don’t need frosting. (Whaaaa? Did I just say that??) It’s almost like a cross between a cake and fudge. So good!

Brown Goat Cheese Waffle

The next new treat I tried was the Brown Goat Cheese Waffle. I love Cheese, and I love the Waffles here at Kringla. So hey, why not?

The waffle is filled and topped with a traditional Norwegian Cheese called Ekte Geitost. It’s a type of Brunost, or “Brown Cheese” made from goat’s milk. The cheese is produced by boiling together milk, cream, and whey, until the sugars caramelize, giving the cheese its distinctive brown color and sweet flavor. See? You learned something today!

Brown Goat Cheese Waffle Display

Here’s my Brown Goat Cheese Waffle, freshly made. You can see the [Read more…]

Review: Espresso Gelato “Affogato” in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion

By Wendy 1 Comment

We’re in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion, and that means it’s GELATO TIME!!!

Unless, of course, it’s pizza time, but for now we’re just going to focus on the sweet stuff :).

Italy’s simple Gelato Stand is located just before you enter the Pavilion coming from Germany.

Gelato Stand

We’ve enjoyed grabbing Gelato Ice Cream Sandwiches during a stroll or two around World Showcase, and you can always get a scoop of your choice of gelato in a cone or cup.

Gelato Selections

But there are some additional items on the menu as well. For instance, the Coppa Delizia pretty much rocked our world. Given that bit of awesomeness, we were curious to try one of the other “Gelato Creations” (designated as such on the menu): the Espresso Gelato “Affogato.”

Gelato Stand menu

I’m going to steal the description directly from the menu: this creation is “Italian Espresso poured over Fior di Latte Gelato topped with chocolate coffee beans.” And here’s what it looks like:

Espresso Gelato Affogato

You’re getting a few treats in one here: a scoop of vanilla gelato, a shot of espresso, and several accompaniments: two simple cookies, chocolate coffee beans, and a wafer “straw”. By the way, am I right that the cookies stuck just so into the scoop of gelato make a Mickey?

Is that you, Mickey?

Affogato means “drowned,” and that pretty much sums up the consistency of this gelato creation. The weird thing is, even though [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Landscape of Flavors in Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort

By AJ 22 Comments

Today, we are taking in lunch at one of Disney’s newer counter service locations, Landscape of Flavors at the Art of Animation Resort.

Learn About:Landscape of Flavors

Disney World Restaurants

Landscape of Flavors took Walt Disney World by storm when it opened a couple of years ago. It was similar to other value resort counter service spots and food courts, in that it offered quick service food from various stations. But right from the start, Landscape of Flavors offered fresh flavors and customizable options that set it apart.

And with it, there came a bit of a wait.

Today, we’re heading back to see what is the same, what has changed, and if the wait times for food that we feared have come to pass.

Let’s head in!

Atmosphere

One of the most interesting things about Landscape of Flavors is its entrance. You actually access the restaurant through the Ink and Paint Gift Shop.

You Shop Your Way Through the Ink and Paint Shop to Get to Landscape of Flavors

Go past the wares, and here you are!

Landscape of Flavors Sign

Seating is ample, to say the least. More than 500 spots await you once you receive your food, and there are more tables and chairs outside.

Seating

The beautiful lights overhead are painted to represent scenes from each of the four films highlighted at the resort: Finding Nemo, Cars, Lion King, and The Little Mermaid.

Overhead Lights

I know that was a pretty quick tour of the surroundings, but I promise you there’s a lot to look at in the ordering area! So let’s get to it.

Eats

Like many other Disney food court-type counter service spots (think Everything Pop or Sunshine Seasons), Landscape of Flavors offers different stations for different types of food. The difference here is that the options have an international flair that’s a little more interesting than some other spots.

But don’t worry; there are flavors to appeal to picky and discriminating eaters alike.

During breakfast, stations change up with morning meal options. Today, we’re taking a look at a few of the stations you’ll find for lunch and dinner. I was visiting for lunch at the time.

The name of the game here is customization! Nearly everything can be made according to what you like. You can order a custom salad from the Salad Station.

Salad Station

I absolutely love their Create Your Own Pasta Station! I had one of my favorite meals here on a recent trip.

Create Your Own Pasta Station

I also snapped a picture of the [Read more…]

News! Discounts, Early Booking Dates, Eat to the Beat Dining Packages, and Sneak Peek at Menu Items From the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By AJ 8 Comments

DFB had the wonderful opportunity of attending the Epcot Food and Wine Festival preview yesterday evening at Walt Disney World’s Epcot, and I have more new information to share about the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Below, you’ll find:

ALL of the details, prices, and dates for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events
DISCOUNTS, early booking dates, prices, and more for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Seminars and Demonstrations and Special Events
Updates from the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths
Photos of BRAND NEW Epcot Food and Wine Festival menu dishes
Details on the NEW Eat to the Beat Dinner Packages
And more!

As always, you can visit our Epcot Food and Wine Festival index page for ALL updates at any time.

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Information

Be sure to check out our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Page for updated menus, food photos, and more as the Festival gets closer!

OFFICIAL 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths:
The following booths have been confirmed as officially returning in 2014. We’ll have more to list for you — and full menus — this week!

Patagonia
Africa/South Africa
Brazil [Read more…]

First Look and Photo Review: The NEW Club 33 in Disneyland!

By AJ 52 Comments

The time has come! Ever since we told you about the Club 33 renovation in Disneyland, we’ve been awaiting opening night…and now we’ve got PICTURES!! (You can see a history of Club 33 here.)

33 Mosaic

Heather will be busily working on her full review for ya, but I couldn’t help sharing a few gorgeous photos of what the newly renovated (and MOVED) restaurant looks like now. I’m happy to say that there have been lots of positive additions, and some of the classic touches from Walt’s day have survived. Let’s take a look!

Atmosphere

As many know, the Court of Angels in New Orleans Square was a favorite spot for picture-taking…and just “getting away from it all” in Disneyland for many guests. This area has now been taken over by the new entryway of Club 33!

You can see details and the backstory on this area over at Daveland’s Page. But here’s what it looks like today…

Steps Down to Club 33

The look and feel of 33 is now heavily accented with Art Nouveau touches, and the detail starts here on the stairs with this lighting.

Steps Detail

As always, Club 33 retains its mystery. Many will remember the old entrance — just a nondescript door with a “33” plaque and a doorbell next to it.

The old Club 33 entrance at Disneyland

Today, the entrance remains understated. No big signs point the way to this exclusive location.

Door Entryway

But the doorbell has received an upgrade. Still under-the-radar, but a bit classier.

New Doorbell

Once you get buzzed inside, you’ll see that the new space is well appointed, indeed. This [Read more…]

More Menu Updates for the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Kim LaPaglia 5 Comments

Hooray! We’ve got a few more menu updates to share about the booths at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

For a record 53 days, this year’s Food and Wine Festival begins September 19th. And we have another returning booth confirmed — Greece!

In addition to the menu items already on our list for the 2014 festival, let’s take a look at a few more NEW menu items!

Puerto Rico Booth — 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Puerto Rico booth returns after a year-long hiatus, and we can look forward to Sweet Corn Sorullitos with Mayo Ketchup and a Sangriiia Cocktail! (Nope, I totally didn’t spell that wrong.)

Greece Booth — 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Greece Booth returns yet again in [Read more…]

News! Souvenir Tiki Dole Whip Cups Available to Celebrate Disneyland’s 59th Birthday

By AJ 10 Comments

Ya gotta love souvenir schtuffs, especially if it has a Dole Whip in it!

Dole Whip in Souvenir Tiki Bowl

Found at the original Disney Dole Whip location, The Tiki Juice Bar in Disneyland, the souvenir bowl (and a companion souvenir sipper if you prefer your pineapple juice sans Whip) are now available while supplies last.

Souvenir Sipper and Bowl Pricing

What better way to celebrate Disneyland’s 59th Birthday than with a classic Dole Whip in a fun commemorative cup? Don’t forget to take yours in when [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese from Jiko at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

By AJ 11 Comments

I have a super special treat for you today!

Learn About:Jiko -- The Cooking Place

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

I know I’m not the only person in love with the Macaroni and Cheese at Jiko, right? This signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — and this dish in particular! — regularly tops my list when I’m visiting Disney World.

And when you run into me having dinner here, chances are better than great that I’ll be enjoying their Oak-Grilled Filet with a side of their amazing Mac and Cheese.

While the filet is a mainstay on their menu, the side dishes that it’s paired with tend to change up regularly. But Jiko created a legend with the filet and cheesy goodness combo; it had legions of fans! So normally, even if the mac and cheese isn’t on the menu, you can request it.

Oak Grilled Filet with Mac and Cheese

And now you can make it at home too!

Jiko’s Macaroni and Cheese

Jiko — The Cooking Place, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients: [Read more…]

News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events, Dates, and Prices; Booking Begins July 31st!

By AJ 8 Comments

Awesome news today! We have a few more pieces of information to share with you about the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We now know that booking for Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events will begin on July 31st at 7AM EST! Call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378).

What are we excited most about? Parisian Breakfasts BACK this year on Saturday Mornings! We absolutely loved these events in 2013, and we can’t wait to book it again in 2014! And we look forward to taking in some new experiences as well.

Be sure to check out our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events page for ALL of the details on these options; and check out our 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival page for all of the latest news and updates on this year’s festival.

New Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events for 2014

Sunday Mornings With…

— This event will be a plated brunch with noted pastry chef or baker who will craft 3 different desserts for guests. Time and Price TBD

Dining Through the Decades, A Tribute to Walt Disney (October 24) $99 pp or $119 pp

Experience Puerto Rico – The All Star Island (September 20) $99 pp

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival — Boot Camp Series — An interactive epicurean adventure (September 21, October 5, 12, 19, Nov. 2) $119 pp

Food for Thought [Read more…]

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