Disney Food Pics of the Week: Ice Cream Sandwiches!

It’s no secret — we are BIG fans of Disney Ice Cream Sammies around here! And judging from some of the supercalifragilistic — well, you get my drift — pics that YOU have posted on Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza, you are, too! There are so many kinds of ice cream sandwiches to choose from!

Today, we’re sharing some of your crave-inducing photos as a thank you! for all of our readers who continue to share your great Disney food experiences on our Flickr page, Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza. Let’s see what’s new!

Pistachio Pressed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich

Photographer: KMFarmer

In short order, L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion has become one of our favorite snack spots. It’s only been open since last year, but we can’t make it around World Showcase Lagoon without some of their ice cream, churned from scratch right on the premises!

Their custom made Pressed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches are some of our favorite hot-meets-cold treats!

Pistachio Pressed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Sandwich

Photographer: JLovely

Fancy, new options are always awesome. But I love to throw in a classic item, too, while I’m snacking my way through the parks. And some days, you just can’t beat a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Sandwich!

One of my favorite things about these treats? You can find them almost anywhere at Disney. Whether you’re in the parks or resorts…Disney World or Disneyland…you can always find this deliciously simple treat.

Mickey Premium Ice Cream Sandwich

Hand Made Ice Cream Sandwich

Photographer: ButRfly512

But then, how can you improve upon perfection? Because IMO, that’s what [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Tangaroa Terrace in the Disneyland Hotel

By AJ 6 Comments

Today, we’re heading into one of my favorite places — the Disneyland Hotel — to enjoy lunch at Tangaroa Terrace.

The counter service spot, billed as “casual island dining”, is a newer addition to this landmark. While the hotel has been around since the beginning of Disneyland time, Tangaroa Terrace opened only a few short years ago as part of a massive renovation.

Tangaroa Terrace

Early reviews weren’t extremely positive. But after the kitchen staff settled in a bit, our Dining in Disneyland columnist Heather Sievers visited and had a mostly positive experience here.

Fans of Captain Cook’s Snack Company in Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Resort (nope, apparently the name hasn’t officially changed yet) are going to find the place very familiar. Time to show you around a bit!

Atmosphere

Tangaroa Terrace isn’t just a renovated space — they built it from the ground up. The standalone spot is located adjacent to the hotel’s three pools, making poolside dining for guests of the hotel a snap.

Enter the restaurant, and you’ll see immediately that ordering your food is going to be an interactive experience. That’s because guests CAN place their orders at kiosks. The concept is a familiar one for veterans of Walt Disney World. But kiosk ordering is still pretty rare around Disneyland Resort.

Ordering Kiosks

The kitchen offers the same open concept like so many other Disney kitchens these days. It’s also worth noting that the staff here service not only Tangaroa Terrace, but Trader Sam’s and poolside orders as well.

A Closer Look at the Kitchen

Indoor seating is extremely limited…but hey, the restaurant isn’t called Tangaroa Terrace for nothing.

Taking a page from the Polynesian Islands, they meld the indoor with the outdoor here. Inside, soaring ceilings and big windows let in plenty of light.

Indoor Seating

But as far as seating goes, [Read more…]

More 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Details and Menus!

By Kim LaPaglia 15 Comments

This year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival will run from September 19 – November 10, 2014! This 53-day festival will give fans a fun culinary experience.

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!

Let’s look at a few more details we’ve just discovered!

Returning Festival Fun

Stroll around World Showcase sampling food and beverages from over 25 international marketplaces. Don’t forget to have your complimentary festival passport stamped at each booth!

There’s lots to choose from — with more than 270 chefs and culinary experts involved in the Festival menus. Everyone loves the Cranberry Bog brought to the festival by Ocean Spray! If you’re still noshing at night, choose from three Eat to the Beat concerts.

Looking for something extra-special? Look for a special event! Make reservations for Party for the Senses or a signature dinner on select festival evenings. Also, Parisian breakfasts return on Saturday mornings. See our 2013 review here!

Cheese Display at 2013 Parisian Breakfast

New Festival Fun

What’s new? “Back to Basics” will be offered as a new Festival Center series. (We’re guessing this will be a LOT like the Authentic Taste Seminars from previous years.) And on Friday mornings, “Food for Thought” will be a new cookbook event by celebrity chefs.

“Sunday Mornings With …” is a new plated brunch. This will be similar to Sweet Sundays from past festivals, but the plated brunch means no more buffet! Three desserts will be created by an expert pastry chef or baker.

Cooking with Carla at Sweet Sundays

The new Patagonia Marketplace merges Argentina and Chile flavors offering menu items like sustainable roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad drizzled with a kicky arugula chimichurri. Pair your dish with a great Chilean wine: Cono Sur Bicicleta Viognier or Cono Sur Bicicleta Pinot Noir Rosé.

Farm Fresh Market replaces the Florida Local Marketplace with a breakfast for dinner dish or “brinner”: Bacon and Eggs (applewood-smoked, pepper-coated bacon, sweet corn, potatoes, Hollandaise, and pickled jalapeños). Or dig into the griddled “yard bird” (chicken) with braised greens. Quench your thirst with Orlando Brewing Company’s I-4IPA or a trendy Ba Ba Black Lager from Salt Lake City’s Uinta Brewing Company.

The returning Brazil Marketplace will once again offer crispy pork belly with black beans, onions, avocado and cilantro. New items will include: moqueca de pescado (tilapia with coconut lime sauce and steamed rice), pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), and cocadas (Brazilian coconut candy).

Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Onions, Avocado and Cilantro

The Poland Marketplace has a new version of the popular pierogi dish that’s been around forever — sauerkraut pierogi and pork goulash.

What’s Free?

With your Epcot admission, the following Festival goodies [Read more…]

Review: Chocolate Caramel Cupcake at Roaring Fork in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort

By AJ 9 Comments

If you stop by the bakery case in Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, there is bound to be something that will catch your eye; maybe the Magic Cookie Bar, or the S’mores cupcake, which is still going strong.

Cupcakes at Roaring Fork

But there is a treat often found there that’s managed to fly under the radar, and that’s the Chocolate Caramel Cupcake.

Chocolate Caramel Cupcakes in Bakery Case

I think this snack’s low profile is due to its rather simple appearance. While chocolate on chocolate always looks pretty good, when it’s placed near something like the Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake…

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes at Roaring Fork

… it can be easy to miss. But my fellow caramel fans should take notice, because you don’t want to pass this by!

Chocolate Caramel Cupcake

While I mentioned this cupcake being rather plain at first glance, the “outside” is still nothing to sneeze at. Rich chocolate cake is topped with dense chocolate frosting that is dark enough to be mistaken for bittersweet chocolate (especially when spied in the bakery case), but reminds me more of chocolate fudge in both flavor and consistency. YUM.

Chocolate Frosting closeup

The frosting is not laid on too thick, which is fine because it leaves more room for what’s inside… and it’s what’s inside that really [Read more…]

Spotted! Musical Tumbler in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 23 Comments

There’s a new souvenir cup at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and it’s something you just gotta see…

Musical Tumbler

Actually, scratch that – this is something you just gotta hear, because this drink tumbler is MUSICAL!!

Musical Tumbler

Found at various locations in Animal Kingdom, the Musical Tumbler is, first of all, eye-catching. These pictures show the mug at various angles so you can see every “side” of it.

The animals found all over the tumbler bring to mind the park’s icon, the Tree of Life.

Musical Tumbler

But what makes this tumbler truly awesome is the handle. As the sign notes (pun alert!), the handle is an “Ocarina” (a wind flute).

You can see the holes in the handle, as well as the smaller hole in the mouthpiece that you blow into to create the sounds.

Ocarina handle

But wait — there’s more! The tumbler comes with instructions on how to play two Disney songs: “It’s a Small World,” and the Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait to be King”!

Musical tumbler info

Here’s the thing… I immediately thought, “Wow, that’s cool.” And I definitely thought it looked great. But I assumed it would sound like one of those plastic flutes for kids. You know, like those toddler toys that come all in primary colors and when the kid starts to play it – bless their heart – it sounds like the world is coming to an end.

Then the guy next to me bought one. Now, I have no idea whether he was some sort of musical genius with an extensive history with woodwind instruments, but I was pretty impressed with what I heard. This thing actually sounds good.

What you get in your tumbler depends on [Read more…]

Review: Vegetarian Chili and Blueberry Cobbler at Columbia Harbour House

By Wendy 8 Comments

Well, it’s bound to happen once in a while… not every day can be perfectly bright and sunny in the Magic Kingdom.

Learn About:Columbia Harbour House

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Though colder days are primarily behind us for this year, sometimes it can get downright chilly, and there is potential to catch a rainy afternoon any time of year.

It’s time to escape to the indoors! Fortunately some of the best spots to get out of the rain are also some of the best food stops in the Park! Today we’re waiting out the rain in Columbia Harbour House, where the warm woods and tucked away sections and corners lend a cozy feel to lunch or snack time.

Upstairs seating in Columbia Harbor House

Upstairs seating in Columbia Harbour House

Additionally, the upstairs seating options offer some great vantage points for watching all the people in their rain ponchos.

Rainy day at the Magic Kingdom

We’re warming up with a couple of hot dishes: the Vegetarian Chili and Seasonal Cobbler. Let’s start with the Chili!

The Vegetarian Chili has long been a stand-out at Columbia Harbour House, offering a meatless option as well as warmth on a cold day (though, really, it’s just a tasty option any day). I topped mine with the oyster crackers available at the Harbour House. You can also sprinkle these in a bowl of their New England Clam Chowder.

Oyster Crackers

Vegetarian Chili Close-up

This tasty chili is so chock-full of veggies that I’m not even certain [Read more…]

Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Return to Downtown Disney’s West Side!

By Wendy 5 Comments

Remember just last week when we took you to the new Starbucks in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace? Well, we’re back at Downtown Disney already to show you the new homes of Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream!

wetzels pretzels haagen dazs west side downtown disney (2)

New location of Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Dazs

Only today we’re on the very end of West Side. We were excited to spot the signs indicating construction of this location a while ago, especially since Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen-Dazs aren’t strangers to Downtown Disney. Their previous location next to Bongos Cuban Café closed last October to make way for what will be the West Side Starbucks. (Wetzel’s Pretzels, meanwhile, has retained a small kiosk in the Marketplace.)

These cheerful walk-up shops are located right outside of Disney Quest (notice the blue wall behind) and across from Cirque du Soleil. For another point of orientation, you can see the House of Blues sign just across the way.

Wetzels Pretzels and Haagen Dazs

Aside from location, another key difference is [Read more…]

Memorial Day Sale! DFB Disney World Dining Guidebook Discounts — Limited Time!

By AJ Leave a Comment

Amid events this Memorial Day Weekend, we’re celebrating the unofficial start of Summer with a great deal for you!

For a limited time, you can enjoy $5 off of our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 by using code Memorial2014!

And you can scroll down to the end of the post for details on even more savings!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014

Our fully guaranteed, comprehensive e-Book offers more than 450 full-color pages to help you plan your very best Disney World trip ever!

With reviews, tips, expert advice, and hundreds of color photographs, you’ll get the biggest bang for your planning buck! And our handy e-Book format has been completely updated for your 2014-15 Disney World vacation.

Inside the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, you’ll find:

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!

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.

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!

Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ affect your vacation planning.

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

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

Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates to pass the time while you’re waiting in line.

Disney Food Bingo Cards — a whole new way to play with your Disney food!

Plus SO much more!

The best part? [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 25, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

We have galactically good news this week from Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. From Darth Vader (YUM!) to Yoda Cupcakes, Death Star or Lightsaber Glow Cube Drinks, and Darth Vader Popcorn Buckets to Stormtrooper Souvenir Mugs, the force will be with you during Star Wars Weekends!

Also, there’s a NEW place to find Dole Whips in Disney World! Get yours — spiked, of course — at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Glow Death Star — Cheers!

Plus, we have more beverage news — Starbucks and Adult Potions! Click on the links below for details!

Disney Food News

We’re tasting the specialty beverages available during Star Wars Weekends at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Will you choose The Force or the Dark Side?
Get your own Darth Vader popcorn bucket at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World during Star Wars Weekends! Prefer sweets? Then opt for a Darth Vader or Yoda cupcake.
The newest Disney World Starbucks location is open in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace!
Cheers to The Glacier — a specialty beverage in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!
Dole Whip debuts in Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Tamu Tamu Refreshments!

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, New Pea Risotto at Le Cellier, 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!

This week, we’re featuring treats from Disneyland!

DFB Reader OurOrdinaryLife spotted this Berliner Doughnut at the Market House. It’s jelly-filled!

Berliner Doughnut

Next up, Terry shares a chocolate funnel cake from the [Read more…]

News! Dole Whip Arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 26 Comments

Um…GET THIS!!!!!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom’s Africa offers two things: Cold Drinks!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

And Good Eats!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Well, things are about to get a little colder and good…er (?!?). Because starting THIS WEEKEND, Tamu Tamu Refreshments is serving up DOLE WHIPS!!

Dole Whip!!

DOLE WHIPS AT ANIMAL KINGDOM?! WHAAAAAAAAAT?!?

That’s right, friends… you read correctly. Just as Dole Whips have departed the Pineapple Promenade at Epcot with the ending of this year’s Flower & Garden Festival, they’re making their arrival at Tamu Tamu Refreshments!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Here’s the scoop! No floats here, a la Aloha Isle – the ultimate Dole Whip location. BUT you will have the option to spike your Dole Whip with alcohol (if you’re 21-or-over, of course)!

Choices are the same as at the 2014 Flower & Garden Festival’s Pineapple Promenade booth: dark rum or coconut rum.

Dole Whips with rum at Epcot’s Flower & Garden Festival

Based on the prices, we’re thinking sizes will be similar to the [Read more…]

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Disney Food Pics of the Week: Ice Cream Sandwiches!