News: Restaurant and Bar Refurbishments at Disney World's Old Key West Resort

News: Restaurant and Bar Refurbishments at Disney World’s Old Key West Resort

As those who have stayed there will know, Old Key West Resort in Walt Disney World has a special feel all its own. It was the first Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort, and, to many guests, it really is a home away from home.

Old Key West Resort

Recently we stopped by to see the results of some recent refurbishments in the dining spots here.

Good’s Foods to Go

We’ll start with a change at Good’s Foods To Go, the Resort’s Quick Service option.

Good’s Food To Go Sign

While the menu is unchanged (you’ll still find the Conch Chowder!), the beverage refill station now opens up into a hallway that allows guests to enter the area from the side coming from the pool as well as the front.

Good’s Food To Go

Beverage Station at Good’s Food To Go

This helps the area feel less cramped and more easily accessible, and the natural light coming in brightens the overall space.

Good’s Food To Go facing beverage station area

Gurgling Suitcase Updates

Our next stop is right next door at the Gurgling Suitcase. This little bar is well-loved… and with good reason.

Gurgling Suitcase

While the general set-up is the same (the space itself remains in the same area and has retained its intimate size), the decor has gone through some changes. The difference that [Read more…]

Review: The Lucky Combo at the Joy of Tea in Epcot’s China

By Wendy 14 Comments

I’ll bet you’ve all spent a day or two (or more!) strolling around Epcot’s World Showcase…walking right past the Joy of Tea in the China Pavilion.

Epcot’s China Pavilion

After all, with all of China’s gorgeous themeing inside the gate, who would happen to look outside of it?

Huzzah! The Joy of Tea Kiosk!

Many folks assume it serves… well, just tea.

Joy of Tea sign

So they may not give it much thought as they make their way towards Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in the neighboring Norway Pavilion for a fix of School Bread.

But this fun grab-and-go stop actually offers so much more!

The Joy of Tea Menu — click to enlarge

And here’s a DFB tip! You can try all of their snacks at once via the Lucky Combo.

The Lucky Combo is a terrific way to sample the eats at the J of T: the Curry Chicken Pocket, Chinese BBQ Pork Bun, and Egg Roll (if you order the snack portion of any of these, you get two of the item – for the Combo, you get one each).

The Lucky Combo also includes your choice of ice cream (Caramel Ginger or Strawberry Red Bean), AND a can of soda to quench your thirst!

Lucky Combo!

The price? $9.98 for everything. Score! That’s less than the cost of one turkey leg!

I took my Combo over to the seating area at the Lotus Blossom Café.

Seating at the Lotus Blossom Cafe

Let’s go down the list, shall we?

The Lucky Combo

Starting with the Curry Chicken Pocket (AJ’s a fan!), the center is [Read more…]

News! Menu Changes at ‘Ohana and Earl of Sandwich in Disney World

By Wendy 53 Comments

Adios chicken skewer!

Yup — the rumors are true. There’s another menu change at ‘Ohana at Disney World’s Polynesian Resort!

‘Ohana

Menu Changes at Disney World’s ‘Ohana

Among other dining changes at this resort, guests will now find fan-favorite ‘Ohana removing one of their most popular items from the all-you-can-eat dinner.

Grilled Chicken at ‘Ohana

While the majority of the menu remains the same, the Grilled Chicken Skewer has been removed from the options, while the Sweet and Sour Pork Loin, Szechuan Sirloin Steak, and Spicy Grilled Shrimp remain.

A children’s dessert has also been added to the menu here (more bread pudding for meeeeee!).

‘Ohana Dinner Feast Menu

While we’re on the topic, it appears there has been a menu change at another Disney dining favorite:

Earl of Sandwich Menu Updates

At Downtown Disney, all eyes are on the construction of what will become Disney Springs, and it seems Disney food fans have much to look forward to. Still, we love our old Downtown Disney favorites, and for many – or most — that certainly includes Earl of Sandwich, so we wanted to let you know of a few recent changes to the sandwich menu.

Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Orlando

First, the All-American and Cannonballs sandwiches [Read more…]

Spotted! New Disney Princess Mugs… and a few Villains, too!

By AJ 40 Comments

Okay, Disney Princess fans, this one’s for you (oh, and you Villains fans haven’t been forgotten, either)!

I always love to check out the mugs in the big merchandise shops around Disney World – places like Magic Kingdom’s Emporium, Epcot’s Mouse Gears, and Downtown Disney’s World of Disney.

Main Street Emporium

Why, I don’t know, because I have way more mugs than I have people to pour coffee for… plus, I’m pretty sure they multiply themselves (I mean, I couldn’t have purchased all of those, could I?). But still, I’ve always liked the idea of a souvenir that you can use in your daily life — and use often, at that.

Well, my most recent visit to the Emporium was rewarded with my first look at these: the new line of Princess mugs!

Princess Mug Display

Much like the popular ear hat ornaments, these mugs incorporate distinctive elements of a particular character’s design and story (in fact, Disney Merchandising has stated that this line was inspired by the ear hat ornaments).

First, for those who might be unfamiliar with the ear hat ornaments, here’s an example.

Ariel Ear Hat Ornament

Now on to the mugs! I have to start with Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), because I love how the clever design showcases both her pink dress as well as her blue one. I’m also pretty impressed with the way the “gems” are painted in such a way that they almost look real.

Both sides of the Princess Aurora Mug

Princess Aurora Mug down the middle

Snow White’s mug is certainly eye-catching, due to her bold primary colors as well as the sparkling apple.

Snow White Mug

By the way, the sparkling apple is what makes this one unfit for the microwave – I did not find that to be the case with the other mugs when I peeked at the bottom (though I should note that Cinderella’s mug wasn’t yet on the shelves the day I saw them, so I’ll need to check. I can’t wait to see that one!).

Sparkling Apple

You gotta love that so many of our Princesses have iconic hair-dos, and those have been incorporated into each mug handle as well. Arguably, the most famous locks belong to Rapunzel…

Rapunzel Mug

Though many are partial to Ariel’s red hair.

Ariel Mug

And then there’s always [Read more…]

Snack Series: Mickey Gingerbread Cookie

By AJ 9 Comments

If you’re like me, you typically reserve gingerbread treats for the end of the year. I simply can’t disassociate the fragrance and taste of gingerbread from all-things-Holidays.

I look forward each November to the Gingerbread Cupcake at Hollywood Studios in the same way I look forward to making gingerbread treats in my own home throughout December. (Okay, so they’re the pre-made/pre-cut cookies that you just have to warm up in the oven… that counts, right?)

DHS Gingerbread Cupcake

BUT, if you want access to delicious gingerbread all year round…you’ve got it — in the form of the Mickey Gingerbread Cookie!

Mickey Gingerbread Cookie in case

You’ll often find this little guy in bakery cases across Disney World. But I’ve had the best luck at Sweet Spells and Writer’s Stop in Hollywood Studios, Goofy’s Candy Co. in Downtown Disney, and Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery, which is where I grabbed mine.

Main Street Confectionery

Confectionery bakery case -- Gingerbread Mickey is on the bottom row

Confectionery bakery case — Mickey Gingerbread is on the bottom row

The composition is simple: a gingerbread cookie with the signature ears dipped in milk chocolate, with two white chocolate candy buttons to spiffy up the ol’ outfit. To be honest, he looks more like a “Mickey Fan Gingerbread” wearing an ear hat as opposed to a “Mickey Gingerbread” to me, but we’ll let that slide, since he looks cute as a traditional Gingerbread Man either way!

Mickey Gingerbread Cookie

Maybe it’s because [Read more…]

Review: Fish & Chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Disney World’s Epcot

By Wendy 40 Comments

Are there any Disney experiences that are such important vacation traditions for you that, had they not taken place, you’d almost feel as though you hadn’t really been to Disney?

Learn About:Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Allow me to give you an example: “I haven’t really been to Magic Kingdom until I’ve been on the Haunted Mansion.” Or, of course, any of these great first day at Disney traditions!

Well, mine ways always: “I haven’t been to Epcot until I’ve had Fish & Chips from the United Kingdom Pavilion.”

Is anyone with me here?

Let’s head back to the Yorkshire County Fish Shop for its signature dish!

Atmosphere

The Yorkshire County Fish Shop blends in fairly seamlessly with the rest of the Pavilion. The shop itself stands independent of the seating areas, and can be identified by its forest green signage, which identifies (just about) everything on the menu: Fish & Chips!

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

It’s not at all unusual to find a line here at any time of day, but the midday lunch rush and the half hour before Illuminations are particularly busy.

Upon receiving your order, the next part of your adventure is finding a place to sit. There isn’t a ton of seating in the area, and the tables to the right (facing the Fish Shop) are rather large, not leaving a lot of options for smaller parties or more tables.

Tables to the right of the shop

If you can score a table, you’re rewarded with some of the best views World Showcase can offer. However, be warned — you may also be visited by some birds… they are not even remotely shy here.

Even with more ample seating, it would likely be a struggle to find a place, because it’s nearly always hoppin’. There is a bit of additional seating with smaller tables towards the back of Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room.

Walkway to the back

This group of tables is separated from the Rose & Crown seating by a small wall, and it offers a bonus of being right by the water.

Back of Rose & Crown and Yorkshire County Fish Shop

While these benches aren’t only for guests of the Fish Shop, they do offer enviable seating when you’re enjoying your fish & chips while waiting for Illuminations to begin.

View of World Showcase from the UK Pavilion

For my part, when I spent some (admittedly far too brief) time in London, I picked up fish & chips at a few stands that never had any sort of seating, and I just found a random place to sit wherever I could. So that’s exactly what I do at the UK Pavilion. I pass the gardens across the street and head towards the back.

Back of the UK Pavilion

Bench in UK Pavilion

We found a seat… now it’s time to tuck in!

Eats

Like I said, the signs on the Fish Shop tell you just about everything you need to know about the menu, specializing in only one entree…

Yorkshire County Fish Shop Menu

Fish & Chips!

Fish & Chips

Prior to grabbing your spot, you’ll want to stop by [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 27, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia 1 Comment

Let’s dig in! We’ve got a hearty portion of Disney Food news to share with you this week. Of course, you’ll want to take a look at the restaurants possibly coming to Disney Springs!!

Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae

We also savored the adorable Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae that can now be found at three Disney World locations.

Finally, Star Wars fans were excited to hear about the debut of the “Feel the Force” VIP Dining event. Click on the links below for more information on this new hard-ticketed event and more food news from Disney!

Disney Food News

Check out the new Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor and Beaches and Cream Restaurant!
More restaurants are possibly coming to Disney Springs. Find out the big names that are being considered!
The new Feel the Force Premium VIP Dining Event package includes VIP viewing with snacks of the Celebrity Motorcade and a Star Wars themed dessert party at a VIP fireworks viewing area!
We sipped an Iced Cappuccino with ice cream and whipped cream at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion!
The Patina Restaurant Group is slated to open a new restaurant at Disney Springs!
Disney Parks and Resorts are showcasing new merchandise and treats in April!
Disney merchandise continues to showcase beloved characters from the film “Frozen”! We love the cookies and rice krispies treats recently spotted in Walt Disney World.
Todd English’s bluezoo debuted a new dinner and beverage menu.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora is closing September 2014 at Disney’s BoardWalk resort in Walt Disney World. Recently, Cat Cora addressed the closing of this restaurant.

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, Wolfgang Puck Dining Event, Citricos Wine Dinner, 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!

Dole Whips! This week, we’re taking a look at one of our favorite Disney treats.

Shared by DFB Reader Mary: “I knew that Dole Whips were sold at the STL zoo, but this weekend was the first time I bought one there. I had the plain pineapple one while my fiance had pineapple and raspberry swirl. They were so yummy! I can’t wait to get a Dole Whip float on our trip to WDW.”

Dole Whip at St. Louis Zoo

DFB Reporter James Armstrong spotted fun magnets while at the Dole Plantation in Hawaii.

Oh, yes, indeed!!

Thanks for sharing your super finds 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 in three weeks, 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
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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!

Winnie the Pooh Mug

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

features a classic Pooh ceramic mug!

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups munches on caramel popcorn at Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s Germany pavilion. Crunchy sweetness!

disZine showcases new Disney t-shirts, including a Sunshine Tree Terrace shirt. Love that Orange Bird!

Yesterland highlights the latest Downtown Disney restaurant closures at Walt Disney World.

Disney Parks Blog announces awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers. Is your favorite Disneyland restaurant on the list?

Bon Appétit talks to a Disney Cruise Line chef aboard the Disney Magic. Check out how the onboard menus are enhanced for Mediterranean sailings!

Fun Find: Must-Have Teapots in Epcot’s UK Pavilion

By Brooke 14 Comments

I love tea, so I rarely make a trip through Epcot without checking out what’s new at the Tea Caddy in the UK Pavilion.

The little shop is your stop for just about any variety of Twinings Tea that you might be looking for. You’ll also find an ever-changing host of snacks and British pantry items. But my favorite items to browse are the tea pots, teacups, and mugs you’ll find here.

The Tea Garden Behind the UK Pavilion’s Tea Caddy

I always spy something new. And my recent visit at the beginning of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival didn’t disappoint.

Cupcake Tea Accessories

You know all those afternoons that you sit around, leisurely sipping tea and eating delicious cupcakes?

Right. Me neither.

But a girl can dream, can’t she?

So maybe daily cupcakes aren’t such a great idea for my waistline. But cups of tea? Score! Super good for you! So we might as well have our Cupcake Teapot. And hold the cupcakes. (At least some of the time. On Thursdays maybe?)

Cupcake Tea Pot

And while you’re at it, here’s a great coordinating Mug!

Cupcake Mug

And Coasters, too!

Cup Cake Coasters

And don’t you need a little calorie-free-ish cupcake-themed serenity in your life?

Alice in Wonderland Goodies

But there are also some really fun finds if you love a little [Read more…]

News! More Popular Restaurants Possibly Coming to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World

By Kim LaPaglia 9 Comments

As expected, we are hearing more news about Disney Springs in Walt Disney World! We recently shared the announcement of a Patina Group Restaurant taking over the 8Trax and Mannequins clubs as the Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney is completely re-imagined.

Disney Springs Artwork on construction walls

And now we’ve got even more info for ya. If the current plans remain unchanged, we can expect some impressive eateries when Disney Springs officially opens in 2016.

Restaurants that are being considered include: Morimoto (based in New York and Philadelphia) featuring Japanese and sushi; STK (a steakhouse currently in New York, Miami,and Las Vegas); Los Angeles restaurant, The Edison; and The Boathouse.

A Landry’s restaurant, The Boathouse, currently serves up seafood and steak dishes at its British Columbia locations. T-Rex Cafe, Yak and Yeti, and Rainforest Cafe are also owned by Landry’s.

STK

Morimoto, STK, and The Edison are upscale restaurants with award-winning accolades. The addition of these restaurants would help Disney Springs become an Orlando-based culinary destination for gourmands.

What’s happening with the current restaurants? As reported earlier, Planet Hollywood will remain in its current location. However, it will be converted into a planetary observatory! Will the theme change from celebrities to celestial stars? We can’t wait to find out!

If The Boathouse is constructed, it will occupy prime lagoon real estate next to [Read more…]

Guest Review: Califonia Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By AJ 9 Comments

The California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort has re-opened with a new menu and revitalized decor. This week, guest author Paul Kuconis returns with a review from this Walt Disney World restaurant.

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

My daughter and I last ate at California Grill in May 2012, seated in the Wine Room overlooking Wilderness Lodge and Epcot in the distance. The meal, as usual (and expected) was superb! Soon after this the restaurant was closed for a remodel. And the wait began.

When I found out (in early September, I believe) that California Grill was accepting Advance Dining Reservations I thought I would give it a shot for our October visit. I was able to grab the date and time I wanted. AWESOME!!

So off we head on the boat from Wilderness Lodge to the Contemporary.

From the Boat Dock

You can’t beat this view of the Contemporary right around dusk! Red sky at night, Sailor’s delight. We are in for a nice day tomorrow.

Atmosphere

The reception desk is now on the right of the elevator banks, moved from the left.

Reception Signage

Right off the elevator — the first new element I saw was the immense wine cooler.

The Wine Cooler

As we waited for our table we took in the sights.

A Nice Spot to Watch the Fireworks

The results of the remodel look fantastic and the contemporary theme was carried throughout. The bar has a nice clean look to it with illuminated shelving and neatly arranged bottles.

The Bar

The open concept seating remained, providing good views out all the windows.

The Dining Area

Even the light fixtures carry the ‘contemporary theme’, right down to different colored globes!

Contemporary-Themed Light Fixtures

It was nice to see that the open kitchen concept was maintained through the remodel. I enjoy watching the chefs prepare the offerings. And it is done with Military precision. No ‘Hells’ Kitchen’ theatrics here!

Open Kitchen

You can’t beat white tablecloths and sharp, branded linen napkins. Classy!

A nicely set table

OK, enough of the Atmosphere. We came to eat!

Eats

Now the fun begins. The menu logo mirrors the signage we saw at the reception desk.

The Menu

My daughter and I selected a bottle of Landmark Vineyards Overlook Chardonnay. The vineyard is located in Kenwood in the heart of Sonoma (along with Napa and Mendocino) in the North Coast wine region of California. Also in keeping with the California theme.

Chardonnay Choices

We made a nice choice. We noticed aromas of dried pit fruits, melon, honey, and tarragon. It was very fruity, with a nice finishing warmth and lingering spiciness.

The Wine

A Nice Pour

Luckily we got rolls and butter and that gave me something to eat while I perused the menu.

Rolls and Butter

As usual with Disney, they are not just ‘rolls and butter’. We had a choice of sourdough rolls (my favorite and a staple of San Francisco) and focaccia. The butter was topped with sea salt and a lavender blossom. Visually, perfect! This is important as we ‘see’ the food before we eat it.

The crunchiness of the salt worked well with the butter and spread that on the sourdough roll — it doesn’t get any better. At least until the appetizer arrives!

Appetizer and entrée selections proved to be very difficult. To me, that is the sign of a well thought out menu. So many choices, so little time!

I like to try items I have never had and the [Read more…]

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