Tip from the DFB Guide: Where To Dine With Both Picky AND Adventurous Eaters!

We’re sharing another great tip from our critically-acclaimed e-Book, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014!

Today, we’re talking about a common conundrum: How do you satisfy all of the people, all of the time?

We’ve all been there. You have a picky eater in your group. No problem, right? Hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets are all available throughout the parks and resorts.

But where do you go when you have both picky and adventurous eaters among your number?

How about a buffet or food court?

Disney excels at offering some truly interesting, all you care to eat options and food court choices, where the picky and the persnickety can both find satisfying options. Let’s check out a couple.

Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Tusker House

in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite stops for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The restaurant features a wonderful spread of African-inspired food. And at breakfast and lunch, you also have the added benefit of a character dining experience!

Goofy Strikes at Pose at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you’re feeling adventurous, start your meal off with the interesting array of Chutneys and Spreads, before moving on to interesting house specialties like Bobotie or Potato and Pea Samosas.

Beef Bobotie at Tusker House

And lovers of food and pickier eaters alike are [Read more…]

Review: Frozen Chai at Animal Kingdom’s Royal Anandapur Tea Company

By Wendy 15 Comments

We’ve visited the Royal Anandapur Tea Company in Animal Kingdom more than a few times.

Learn About:Royal Anandapur Tea Company

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Tucked in Animal Kingdom’s Asia just across the way from Kali River Rapids, this hidden gem is known primarily for it’s terrific variety of loose hot teas.

But you can also grab yummy snacks (check the baked goods case for one of those giant pink donuts from time to time) as well as specialty drinks. You’ll even find holiday flavors here during the Winter.

But since our visit coincides with the absolute pinnacle of Summer in Orlando, it was time to find something cool — even icy — to sip.

Royal Anandapur Tea Company

Royal Anandapur Tea Company signs

Tea selection at Royal Anandapur Tea Company

We know a lot of our readers love the Frozen Chai, and so we figured it was high time to feature it here on DFB! Ready to dive in??

Royal Anandapur Tea Company Menu

While several of the coffee and tea beverages on the menu can be found at other Joffrey’s Coffee kiosks around Disney World, I believe this is one of the only locations where you can find a blended Frozen Chai. (You can find the Iced Chai — a creamy chai tea poured over ice — at a few of the other kiosks.)

When I placed my order, I was asked if I wanted whipped cream on top of my beverage. Hmmm, let me think about that… YES!!!

As someone who sees Mickey-shaped food rather frequently, I have no idea why I was so happy when it came to me like this…

Whipped Cream Mickey!

A Whipped Cream Mickey!

Frozen Chai

I had to make it past the fun-ness, though, to try the Frozen Chai.

My first impression was that it was [Read more…]

New! “Frozen” Food Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Summer!

By AJ 7 Comments

We have more Frozen food news for you out of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! (Frozen food! Get it? Ha!) Last week, we told you about the Frozen Summer Fun Package — complete with Dessert Party!

Today, we’re back with our very first look at some of the Frozen-themed treats that you can find throughout the Park!

The Studios bunch continues to delight guests with all kinds of ways to celebrate the epic success of the Disney animated film Frozen this summer. Perfect, right? Who doesn’t love a cool breeze on a HOT Florida day?

And in addition to super cool 😉 attractions like ice skating, guests can also snack and drink their way through Arendelle!

Let’s start with a few refreshing drinks! The one that we’re most excited about is the “Let It Glow”! This non-alcoholic cocktail will be perfect for the whole family! A refreshing concoction of Pineapple Juice, Grenadine, and Ginger Ale — it comes with a fun souvenir Glow Cube. I can’t wait to try this one!

“Let It Glow” Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

For grownups, there are two fruity options that come with an extra kick — the Summer Berry Margarita and the Blue Dream. While the Margarita features the fruits of summer, the Blue Dream is a magical mix of Citrus Vodka, Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps, Sweet-and-Sour Mix, and Pineapple Juice. And since both of the adult beverages come with a Glow Cube as well, everybody’s happy!

Summer Berry Margarita and Blue Dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

You’ll find all three daily from 4-10 p.m. at Animation Bar and Idol Bar.

But WAIT until you see the snacks!!! They clearly have my number with this one. Over at

[Read more…]

Disney Food Challenge: The Disneyland Ice Cream Crawl!

By AJ 12 Comments

Ah, the hottest days of summer are upon us! And I can think of no better way to cool down than with a frosty ice cream treat!

And don’t you love all the forms of yummo snacks that ice cream can take? Its natural diversity makes it a perfect candidate for one of our favorite pastimes…

Introducing, The Disney Food Blog Disneyland Ice Cream Crawl!

Now, we realize, this is a LOT of ice cream. So feel free to break up your crawl over a period of a few days. Or, you know, eat ice cream for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and snacks). We won’t judge.

So without delay, let’s hit it!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Hot Fudge Sundae at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor

We are going to start our Epic Ice Cream Day with a stop into Gibson Girl Ice Cream.

The vintage vibe is alive and well in this recently-renovated Main Street USA staple. I love all of the old fashioned ice cream shop options you have here. The Waffle Cones, made right there in the shop, are deeeelish!

Waffle Cones at Gibson Girl

And who wouldn’t love an Ice Cream Soda served in a real (souvenir) glass?

Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor Glass

But my favorite treat at Gibson Girl is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Hot Fudge Sundae. It has everything — Cookies, Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream — and of course, Ice Cream!

Cookie Sundae

With my love of Handmade Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, this was made for me! Really. It ought to be called “The AJ”. 😉

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar

After your breakfast sundae and a trip or two down the Matterhorn, you’ll be ready for a snack — and I have just the thing. We couldn’t go too far in our odyssey without having that most iconic Disney ice cream treat a — Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar.

With all of the amazing snacks and food at Disney, I have to carve out time for this one on every trip!

Irresistible Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar!

How could you resist? It’s a smile on a stick!

The Butterscotch Sundae at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop

For our next ice cream stop, head over to Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop. It’s a match made in heaven — rich ice cream coupled with some of the best chocolate around!

The choices are dizzying here…it’s practically impossible to make a decision! Normally I can’t resist their [Read more…]

News! Booking NOW AVAILABLE for 2014 Candlelight Processional Dining Packages at Disney World!

By AJ 6 Comments

Great news for fans who love the Epcot’s Candlelight Processional at Disney World during the holidays!

We brought you news last week of the first confirmed narrators for the 2014 Epcot Candlelight Processional. And today, we wanted to share that booking for Candlelight Processional Packages is now open!

The Candlelight Processional features the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator. The reading is accompanied by a robed choir and a full orchestra performing Christmas carols.

Amy Grant narrating 2013 Candlelight Processional

The popular event takes place three times each evening throughout the holiday season at the America Gardens Theater in Epcot’s World Showcase. This year, guests can see the performance from November 28 to December 30.

Because of the show’s popularity, seats go quickly! The Candlelight Processional Package is an excellent idea if you would like a guaranteed seat.

Packages include a meal at one of Epcot’s participating restaurants: click here to see which restaurants are included on the 2014 Candlelight Processional list! Booking a package entitles each person in the party to a ticket for guaranteed seating at the evening’s performance of the Candlelight Processional. Packages are available for both lunch and dinner seatings. Lunch packages start at [Read more…]

Review: NEW Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France

By Wendy 10 Comments

Being that it’s July – the month we celebrate America’s independence – it’s not surprising to find a little extra red, white, and blue around Disney World these days.

Fife and Drum Corps at the American Adventure Pavilion

Fourth of July decorations at the American Adventure Pavilion

Red, White, and Blue flowers at the American Adventure Pavilion

All-American Mickey!

Of course, Americans aren’t the only ones who claim these colors in their flag. Among others, our friends in France do, too!

French flags

Still, you don’t really expect to see these colors incorporated together in your food, which is why I was so surprised to spot the new Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion, sporting the colors of the French flag!

Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich sign

Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches in case

I have to applaud the creativity of the chefs who came up with this treat. Check out the incredibly vivid red and blue making up each side of the macaron!

Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich blue side up

Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich red side up

Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich blue side up

Of course, those colors may make you question the flavor of the macaron surrounding the ice cream – it’s vanilla. Essentially, this is the vanilla version of this treat’s counterpart, the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich. In fact, the vanilla version comes to you in that same French “newspaper” wrapping.

Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich in French “newspaper”

If you’ve enjoyed the housemade ice cream at L’Artisan des Glaces, then you know how very creamy, dense, and decadent it is, and this is certainly true of the rich vanilla ice cream in the center of this sandwich.

Vanilla ice cream in center

The vanilla macaron surrounding the ice cream differs from the one surrounding the chocolate version in that [Read more…]

Guest Review: Eats and Treats at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea

By AJ 12 Comments

Welcome guest author Audrey B. with a review from Tokyo Disneyland!

When I recently had the opportunity to spend the day at the Tokyo Disney Resort, I was ecstatic but a bit apprehensive about the food situation.

[Read more…]

Review: La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, Walt Disney World

By AJ 39 Comments

I’m gonna be honest. On my last few trips to La Hacienda de San Angel, the cost just wasn’t worth the experience.

Learn About:La Hacienda de San Angel

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

But on this visit, things were a bit different. Maybe it’s because I ordered the things I was confident in, or maybe it’s because I had a killer window table and view of IllumiNations. Or maybe it was just the margaritas. (But I’m pretty sure it was the soup. More to come on that.)

But no matter how it happened, this was a night to remember! An expensive night to remember, but a night to remember nonetheless.

Wanna hear about it??

Atmosphere

Start your adventure by heading into Epcot’s World Showcase and swing by the Mexico pavilion. Step up to the archway bearing this sign at the entrance, and you’ll have found the check-in podium. It’s hard to miss.

The check-in podium is underneath this sign!

La Hacienda Sign

Once inside, you’ll receive a pager and take a seat in the waiting area if there’s one available. We were dining on a steamy day and would have appreciated a larger place to hang out. Our table wasn’t quite ready when we arrived, but that was probably due to the fact that we asked for a spot by the window.

We weren’t in a hurry, however. So taking a load off was kind of nice. We’d made a 7:30 reservation with the hopes of seeing the 9:00 fireworks, so we knew we had some time to kill. And we were seated soon enough.

One thing that La Hacienda got right straight from the beginning is the ambiance. Simply put, this is a gorgeous restaurant.

Inside the Restaurant

The soaring ceilings, heavy furniture, and warm-colored tile floors give a homey feeling to the spot, which totally makes sense. This is La Hacienda, after all. You’re dining in a residence-turned-restaurant. (For more of the backstory, you can see one of my earlier reviews.)

The whimsical hanging lights — both the punched metal star sconces and the paper lanterns — are just beautiful! As the light wanes, they become even more breathtaking, lighting the space with a candlelight-like glow.

One of the Main Dining Rooms at La Hacienda

Another View of the One of the Dining Rooms

Seating is a combination of booths and tables with chairs.

Seating

Booths line the center of the room, as you can see from an earlier pic. But some of my favorite booth seating is elevated and along the back wall. This is a cozy way to enjoy the view of World Showcase.

Booth Seating

And speaking of the view…here it is! As I mentioned, we waiting for a little while to get this window-side table. And it was totally worth it. Check out our stellar [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 6, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

We hope your family has enjoyed a festive holiday weekend! And the celebration continues here at the Disney Food Blog with Christmas in July. That’s right, some of the 2014 Candlelight Processional narrators have been announced. See if your favorite narrator is on the list!

Epcot’s Candlelight Processional

Are you headed to Disney World this summer? Check out the new Frozen Premium Package at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a VIP Frozen-themed dessert party and more!!

You’ll find more Disney Food News by clicking on the links below!

Disney Food News

Some of the Candlelight Processional narrators have been announced!
Enjoy the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package with Dessert Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Take a sip of the Coconut-Lychee Lemonade cocktail at Animal Kingdom’s Drinkwallah.
Cheers to regional craft beer at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel! Cigar City Brewing Company takes over the taps July 2-8 at Cabana Bar and Beach Club.

Of course, there’s more!

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, a Garden View Tea Room renovation this summer at the Grand Floridian, new summer dinner dishes at Carthay Circle, and more!

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!

I’m famished. Let’s take a look at some mouth-watering entrees from Disney World’s Epcot. Here’s a delicious tweet. Tracey shared her Via Napoli pizza. YUM!

Pizza at Via Napoli

Seafood Fans, here’s one for you from DFB Reader, Andrew! This Broiled Salmon can be found at Les Chefs de France in Epcot.

Broiled Salmon at Les Chefs de France

Well, now I’m even more hungry. Still I appreciate the great photos. Keep ’em coming!

Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition

This week, we announced the Grand Launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition! And to continue the celebration, we’re offering a $3 discount for a limited time! Use code Epcot2014 at check-out!

We’ve updated our detailed snack guide to help you find the best eats (and treats!) in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. You’ll see some of your old favorites as well as some snacks that you might have missed. We’ve kept most of the snacks in the $1-5 range, but there are a few big spenders in there. (Yep, that turkey leg or frozen mojito is gonna cost you!)

How Do I Get One?

There is absolutely no waiting to satisfy your snack cravings! This guide is an instantly downloadable PDF guide with over 290 pages of information and advice on over 150 delicious snacks that you can savor in Disney World’s Epcot. Download your copy right now, and start planning!

This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan your snacks and treats in Epcot, or your money back — we all know that treats in Epcot are just as important as a FastPass+ for Soarin!

The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book includes: [Read more…]

Guest Review: ‘Ohana Character Breakfast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

By Kim LaPaglia 33 Comments

While Disney’s Polynesian Resort is undergoing extensive renovations (including Captain Cook’s), it’s still a good time to stop by ‘Ohana for the Best Friends Breakfast featuring the adorable Lilo & mischievous Stitch. Today, guest author Rebecca Elliott reviews her family’s morning meal at Walt Disney World.

Learn About:‘Ohana

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

‘Ohana, located in Disney’s Polynesian Resort, is an extremely popular dinner venue with overwhelmingly positive reviews. Its all-you-care-to-eat format of delicious Polynesian-inspired dishes and relaxed atmosphere earn it rave reviews from just about everyone that eats there.

But is the character breakfast equally as good? My husband, daughter and I decided to find out!

Atmosphere

The Polynesian is one of Walt Disney World’s original resorts. I remember going to the luau when I was a kid back in the 70s and feeling like I was in another country.

As an adult, I recognize that there’s something decidedly kitschy about it. I half expect to see Elvis a la Blue Hawaii round the corner with Joan Blackman on his arm. The theming is fantastic, and consistent.

Pluto Makes His Way Through the Dining Room

‘Ohana is on the second level of the lobby, just a stone’s throw away from the monorail. Guests are required to check in at the host stand before entering the restaurant. We found this a little confusing, mostly because there were a lot of excited children swarming the area.

We ended up walking right past the host stand. We were re-directed to the “cousin” in the lobby’s host area who was pleasant and efficient and whisked us to the photo area. (Cast members are called “cousins” to reinforce the feeling that everyone at ‘Ohana is family.)

We had our picture taken in front of a Tiki-inspired hut and waited for our buzzer to go off. When it did a few minutes later, we made our way to the host stand inside the restaurant, where we were greeted warmly by more exceptionally friendly “cousins.”

Baskets of Welcome Bread Await Diners

Eats

On the way to our table, our host gave us helpful information about the service for our meal and tidbits about the open kitchen and some of the menu items.

We were seated at a sunny table near the window with a sweeping view of Seven Seas Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom. (Editor’s Note: Views may be obstructed due to ongoing construction.) Our server quickly greeted us and also took a moment to explain the service style. Breakfast would arrive in a large skillet, with the ever-popular Mickey waffles brought separately. Before scurrying away, she uttered those six magical words, “It’s all you care to eat.”

Live Kitchen Elements, Including This Grill, Are a Focal Point

Our server returned with a basket of Hawaiian welcome bread flavored with pineapple and coconut, as well as iced cinnamon bread. Both were delicious.

Welcome Bread with Pineapple and Coconut, and Iced Cinnamon Bread

She also brought ‘Ohana’s famous breakfast beverage – a combination of passion fruit, orange and guava juices, known as P.O.G. I would drink this juice intravenously if I could. It’s heaven.

P.O.G. – Passion Fruit, Orange, and Guava Juice

Next came a fruit plate, with cantaloupe, honeydew, grapes, and berries. Poor fruit plate. It barely got touched, because the gigantic skillet of breakfast yumminess arrived, heaped with [Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED