Review: Beef Nachos and Vegetarian Burrito at the Magic Kingdom's Tortuga Tavern

Review: Beef Nachos and Vegetarian Burrito at the Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern

AAAARRRRRR

ye ready to grab some food with yer fellow Pirates at Tortuga Tavern?!

If you AAAARRRRRR, you should know that Tortuga Tavern falls under the “open seasonally” category of Quick Service restaurants, so you’ll only catch it during the busiest times of year such as the holidays, spring break, and peak weeks in the summer.

With summer upon us, and especially busy weeks such as the 4th of July holiday week soon approaching, you may have more of a chance to catch it open in the coming months. We thought we’d take a look now in case you should find it open during your vacation, so you can decide if this is a place your inner Pirate needs to visit.

Tortuga Tavern Sign

Tortuga Tavern

Please join us for some Grub and Grog in this ever-elusive spot…

Grub & Grog here!

… if ye be brave enough to enter under the Jolly Roger, that is!

Jolly Roger Flags

Atmosphere

Tortuga Tavern sits directly across from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland. The thing about the Tavern is that, since it is only open occasionally, there isn’t much in the way of detailing.

Juuuuuust kidding. Thar’ be plenty of treasure here, mateys! (Okay, I’m almost out of Pirate-speak, I promise… almost. 😉 )

Proprietor, A. Smith, welcomes you to this Pirate hangout!

A. Smith, Proprietor

And he offers plenty of fine dinnerware for the crew.

Platters and bottles

Mugs for Grog

Though Blackbeard makes his presence known above the Toppings Bar…

Blackbeard guarding the Toppings Bar Treasure

… Captain Jack Sparrow’s “Black Pearl” has the largest Crew in the Roster, even over Blackbeard’s “Queen Anne’s Revenge.”

Window looking towards the courtyard

Closeup of Crew Rosters

Although, Captain Jack’s Roster also includes [Read more…]

News! La Passion Martini Slush Debuts at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

By AJ 5 Comments

The 2014 Food & Wine Festival is starting one week earlier this year (beginning on September 19 and running through November 10)!

But we keep getting details, and they’re coming faster and faster these days!

So far we’ve gotten the chance to check out the Eat to the Beat Concerts and a few Special Events. We’ve even heard the news that a new Patagonia Booth will be debuting at the 2014 Festival and we’ve got details on the 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

New La Passion Martini Slush Coming to the Food and Wine Festival Marketplace!

And today, we’ve got the skinny on a new slush being introduced at the France Food and Wine Festival booth this year.

The “La Passion Martini Slush” replaces the Cosmo Slush this year. Ingredients for this newly perfected cocktail include Vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, Cranberry & Passion Fruit Juice!

La Passion Martini Slush

This cocktail will — at least for the 53 days of the Festival — find its place in France among the granddaddies of them all: the Grand Marnier Orange Slush and Grey Groose Citron Slush, available all year long at Les Vins de Chefs de France.

Grand Marnier and Grey Goose Slushes in Epcot’s France Pavilion.

Oh, and be sure you stop by the Les Vins de Chefs de France any time of year to check out the “Featured” menu. You may encounter even more [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Nine Dragons in Epcot’s China

By Wendy 26 Comments

Welcome back to Nine Dragons Restaurant in Epcot’s lovely China Pavilion! We’re visiting this Table Service restaurant for lunch.

Learn About:Nine Dragons Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

It’s been a while since we’ve visited Nine Dragons. While we truly enjoy the beauty of this spot (and will provide a few more glimpses for you today), the food has never really elevated it to a “Must Go” spot. In fact, for some it has been a “Must Skip!” So, it’s time for another visit to see how things are faring, and what — if anything — has changed.

You’ll spot Nine Dragons immediately upon approaching the China Pavilion from Norway. I find nearly everything to be eye-catching in the China Pavilion. The outdoor colors of Nine Dragons echo those in the Pavilion’s entrance gate and the replica of the Temple of Heaven.

Nine Dragons Restaurant

Nine Dragons Sign

But we’re more interested by what’s inside, so let’s have a look.

Atmosphere

There is a definite change in the color palette upon entering the space. Dark and ornately carved woods are dominant in the décor, but the restaurant is peppered with fun and colorful lanterns that keep things from feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

Nine Dragons Seating

Lanterns

The large windows also provide natural light along with some great views of World Showcase.

Seating near windows

Even if you aren’t seated near a window, some of the glass in the walls serve to let in some of that light, while also separating dining areas.

Table for Two

While we’re on the subject of seating, I know many people have found this restaurant doesn’t offer much in the way of elbow room in regards to space between tables. We arrived at a rather off-time for lunch (2:00 pm), when much of the noon-time crowds had dispersed. So, feeling overcrowded was not my experience, but the potential for it is something you’ll want to consider when choosing a time.

So, what about the dragons? They’re incorporated into several spots around the restaurant! You’ll find artistic dragons throughout the restaurant, from the beautiful green-glass wall at the check-in…

Glass etching in entrance

… to the ceiling in the same area.

Look up!

And they can be spotted in the dark wood entrance and exit of the dining area.

Check-in area

Beautiful woodwork

You’ll also want to check out the wall nearest to the kitchen in the central dining area. Because seating in Nine Dragons is divided up into separate sections, you may miss it, so be sure to take a stroll at some point during your visit.

This wall is where you’ll find… what else? Nine Dragons 🙂 .

Display of Nine Glass Dragons

All nine of these glass sculpture dragons are truly beautiful; but out of respect for your time, I’ll just give you a glimpse of my top three dragons!

Glass Dragon

Okay, top four… because they are pretty cool!

Dragon Number Four!

All right, enough with the dragon-spotting… It’s time to eat, so grab a cool place mat and join us!

Nine Dragons Place mat

Eats

My friend and I went with the Appetizer Trio for starters (meant to serve two).

Appetizer portion of menu -- click to enlarge

Appetizer and sides portion of menu — click to enlarge

This allowed us to try [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 15, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

We’re celebrating Father’s Day with a DFB sale! Check out our discounted guidebooks now!

Dole Whip Keepsake Box

Looking for a gift for Dad? Stop by the NEW Marketplace Co-Op at Downtown Disney for unique coffee mugs. Want a ceramic Dole Whip? This is the place for you. Accessorize your Disney dream kitchen at this new store!

Check out these news items and more by clicking on the links below!

Disney Food News

DFB celebrates Father’s Day with a sale on guidebooks!
The Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music will be closing for a lengthy refurbishment.
The BoardWalk Bakery has a Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake available for a limited time!
Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is now open to the public. Check out our Harambe Nights review!
Downtown Disney’s NEW Marketplace Co-Op has Disney kitchen accessories for sale!
The Banana Split Gourmet Caramel Apple is available for a limited time in Disneyland!

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, Free Dining Pin Codes, 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!

We love cake; especially when they’re created for special celebrations. Here’s two Disney themed birthday cakes!

DFB Reader Jenifer shared this first birthday cake. Impressive! Love the Disney font on the side!

Happy Birthday Dexter!

This beautiful Frozen cake was tweeted by DFB Reader Jeff. What a lucky little girl Ella is!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Thanks for sharing your celebration cakes with us!

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book Deal

We’ve got more snacks! The 2014 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available!

It’s time to snag your copy! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is one of the many fun and informative Disney Dining e-Books offered by Disney Food Blog! Now we’ve updated our best-selling DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book for 2014 with even more great information, photos, and…yep!…snacks!

We’ve made this guide instantly downloadable. It’s a PDF guide with photos, information, and advice on well over 150 delicious snacks (over 50 more than in our previous edition!) that you can savor in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back — we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book includes:

Full-color photos of over 150 of our favorite snacks
Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status
Snack locations
“Hidden treats” and add-ons that aren’t published on menus or that aren’t widely known
Disney Food Blog reviews of all snacks
Tips and tricks from experienced snack eaters
Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)

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 Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving!

To thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $2 off its already discounted purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $8.95 (regularly $10.95). The price will go up this week, so grab your copy now! To secure the discount, use code MAGIC14 at the check-out.

For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!

Great three awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only…

Bundle for greater savings!

Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers:

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014, PLUS
The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,
The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, AND
The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks

All three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $35.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00.

Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 500 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 40% off here.

Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here!

Thanks for your support of the DFB!

It’s Tiki Time!

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

highlights Tiki Torch Party Candles. Great for fans of the Polynesian!

WildernessLodgeSite.com visits the Trout Pass Pool Bar!

DisZine announces special waffle sandwiches available at Typhoon Lagoon. Happy 25th to this fun water park!

Cake Wrecks makes us chuckle with these hilarious Disney themed cakes. Warning: Scary Mickey!

Disney Parks Blog features new tastes at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery.

The Daily Meal showcases six Disney characters and their love for food.

Father’s Day Sale! DFB Disney World Dining Guidebook Discounts — Limited Time!

By AJ Leave a Comment

This weekend, it’s all about Dad, and we have a terrific way for you to show him just how awesome you think he is! And — even better — it’s a great deal for you and it will save him money! How can you beat that??

For a limited time, you can enjoy $4 off of our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 by using code DadDay!

And scroll to the bottom of this post for details on additional ways to save!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014

Our comprehensive e-Book offers and incredible value! With 450 full-color pages to help you plan your very best Disney World vacation yet, you’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing that it’s fully guaranteed. Not happy? Just let us know and you’ll get your money back!

Our handy e-Book format has been completely updated for your 2014-15 Disney World vacation. And with reviews, tips, expert advice, and hundreds of color photographs, we know that you’ll enjoy savings of both time and money — much needed on a Disney World vacation!

Inside the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, you’ll find plenty of must-know information, reviews of every restaurant and kiosk on property, and more; including:

Seven sample one-day dining itineraries to help you start the planning process. There are hundreds of dining options in Disney World. These examples, which highlight particular theme parks, touring styles, and dietary needs, will help you get an idea of what a perfect dining day might look like for you and your family.

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!

Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ affect your vacation planning. These brand new tools make planning every aspect of your vacation easier than ever before. We’ll walk you through some of the

A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. Disney Food Blog readers asked for this feature, and we were happy to make it happen! An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, we devote a whole index to the topic. Every single bar and lounge in Disney World is covered — and includes a review!

Tables that help you understand if the Disney Dining Plan will save you money. It’s a question we get all the time: is the Disney Dining Plan really a good deal? We walk you through comparisons to determine if the Disney Dining Plan is a good fit for you!

Sample Page from the 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining

Sample Page from the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014

Fun activities, like Trivia and Scavenger Hunts to pass the time while you’re waiting in line or for FastPasses!

Disney Food Bingo Cards — because we know you love to play with your food just like us!

Plus SO much more!

And the best part is [Read more…]

News: Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All Star Music Resort to Close for Renovations Starting August 1

By AJ 11 Comments

From August 1 – December 20, 2014, the Intermission Food Court at the All-Star Music Resort in Walt Disney World will be closed for refurbishments.

Intermission Food Court Entrance

During these dates, All Star Music guests will have access to grab ‘n go selections at the Melody Hall Arcade space. Transportation will also be available to the neighboring All Star Sports Resort for guests who wish to enjoy the End Zone Food Court, which was completely refurbished in 2013.

Current Intermission Food Court Seating Area

These dates (along with the grab ‘n go scenario) echo those of the refurbishment that End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports underwent last year (from August 5 – December 20, 2013).

As we now know, when End Zone Food Court reopened last December, the result of the renovation was a cleaner look than it had previously showcased, with earthy hues replacing primary colors – all while maintaining the sports-centered theme of the Resort.

End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports, post-renovation

Some of the offerings that have been a hit at the Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors Food Court (such as a Create-Your-Own Pasta Station and Gelato Bar) were incorporated into the menu along with standard Disney food court favorites. Additionally, it received an all-new option [Read more…]

Best Table Service Restaurants in the Disneyland Resort

By AJ 12 Comments

We’re counting down some of our all-time favorite spots to dine when we visit Disneyland!

And while snacking abounds and counter service can be delicious, today we are turning our attention to our favorite table service spots.

While Disney’s original park may not offer the same number of dining locations as Walt Disney World, there are certainly some places that you won’t want to miss. And we love them for all different reasons. Some are sentimental favorites, while others offer fantastic food.

Head out with us as we tour our Top 6 Table Service Spots in Disneyland Resort!

Steakhouse 55

Our first stop takes us to a spot steeped in Disneyland history — Steakhouse 55 at Disneyland Hotel.

Dark, cool interiors are replete with luxury and plenty of nods to the past. Named for the year that Disneyland opened, of course, Steakhouse 55 channels a bygone era with the glamour of Old Hollywood. Close your eyes, and you can easily imagine power lunches by the entertainment elite taking place at the next table.

Inside the Cool and Serene Steakhouse 55

There’s more here than just posh surroundings, however. The food is incredible, too. For dinner, expertly prepared Steaks and classic steakhouse Sides are the draw. And don’t forget the famous 24-layer Chocolate Cake!

No time for an epic meal, but still want to experience this awesome place? Stop in for Drinks and delicious Pub Grub in the Lounge.

Bone-In Ribeye Steakhouse 55

But don’t forget breakfast! If you’re after a quiet start to your morning, you can’t go wrong with specialities like Eggs Benedict or New York Steak and Eggs.

Napa Rose

When I’m up for a culinary experience with a modern, California vibe, I head to Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

The Craftsman style and open floor plan gives the restaurant a warm, welcoming feel. It never feels too intimidating or hoity-toity, even though you are dining in one of Southern California’s most celebrated eateries.

Begin your evening in [Read more…]

Review: Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery

By Wendy 6 Comments

Anytime is a good time to stop by the BoardWalk Bakery to check out the Seasonal Cupcake, and summer is no exception.

Through the Fourth of July, Boardwalk Bakery’s Seasonal Cupcake is a patriotic confection I like to call the Red (Velvet) White and Blue Cupcake.

Red White and Blue Cupcake

The bakery case sign, as you can see, simply states “Seasonal Cupcake,” and it’s not difficult to spot the Red, White, and Blue in the case as soon as you walk in the door.

Red White and Blue Cupcakes in bakery case

These cupcakes are huge, thanks to the more than ample amount of decorations on top, featuring red and blue fondant stars as well as an explosion of white chocolate spirals that bring celebratory fireworks to mind.

There is also a small sprinkling of edible silver glitter covering the whipped topping.

Toppings on Red White & Blue Cupcake

My one moment of disappointment was when it came time to [Read more…]

Guest Review: Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 33 Comments

Today, we welcome @MealTrip back to Disney Food Blog with an in-depth look — and some incredible photos! — of the opening night performance of Harambe Nights!

We enjoyed our first experience with this new hard ticket event at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom when we brought you a sneak peek from a media event recently. Now that the performance — which includes the new show The Lion King –A Concert in the Wild, a Welcome Reception, and a Street Party afterwards — is open to the public, we wanted to bring you another look at the event.

Let’s see what works — and what still needs a little work.

Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

I made my way to the event location in plenty of time to check out the area for Harambe Nights before many of the guests arrived, and the set up is quite well done.

Festively-capped Cast Members greet guests of the event at the front gate of Animal Kingdom.

Cast Members Welcoming Guests to Harambe Nights

Here’s a close up of the Harambe Nights sign.

Welcome Sign

Let’s head in and take a look around.

Welcome Reception

As you enter the area, don’t forget to grab a program right after you check in and receive your wristband. The program contains information about merchandise, food, and the show.

Distributing Programs

It also gives you a handy schedule so you know just how the evening will unfold.

Event Program — Click to Enlarge

Here’s the view as I arrived. The streets of the new Harambe Theater District are set up and ready to go before the party.

Streets of the New Harambe Street District as Guests Arrive

And here’s the area after 1,000 people are let in!

Streets of the New Harambe Theater District as it Fills with People

There are numerous beverage and food stations set up throughout the area. Here’s an example of one of the beverage stations. And yes — that’s Jungle Juice!

Beverage Station

The Welcoming Party menu is somewhat light, and everything food and drink-wise is repeated at all stations, so if you’ve found one, you’ve found them all.

Welcome Reception Menu — Click to Enlarge

The self-serve hot “appetizer” stations are well-looked after by Cast Members, and if you feel the line is too long when you walk up to one, just hang back and wait a few minutes. The crowds tend to ebb and flow, and there’s plenty of time to visit the food tables multiple times without standing in a long line.

Self Serve Appetizers at the Welcome Party

Spicy Durban Chicken will be familiar to guests who have dined at Boma or Tusker House.

Spicy Durban Chicken

Also throughout the area, there are numerous [Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED