Happy Hour: Block & Hans Craft Beer Kiosk in Epcot's America Pavilion

Happy Hour: Block & Hans Craft Beer Kiosk in Epcot’s America Pavilion

We have some fun news for all of you beer lovers out there!

We spied this new Craft Beer Kiosk in Epcot’s America Pavilion a while back for the first time.

Block & Hans Craft Beer Kiosk

Today, we’re back to tell you all about it, and to give you a closer look!

Block & Hans Craft Beer Kiosk

Block & Hans have apparently been in business since 1612, supplying fine ale to the colonies. 🙂 And now, you can enjoy a beer from their menu while strolling the World Showcase Promenade at Epcot.

Close Up of the Action

You’ll find beer representing many different parts of the country on the menu here. Angry Orchard is also available for those who prefer a nice alternative to beer — Hard Cider.

Were kind of intrigued that they haven’t included any local Florida craft beers, though — you can find them on many menus around Walt Disney World.

Menu — Click to Enlarge

Form follows function, as they’ve chosen to “decorate” with empty beer bottles. It’s a great way to see some of the cool label art.

But all I can think of is…who got to participate in the “Let’s empty some bottles so we can decorate with them!” campaign? Because I’d really like to sign up for that team.

Beer Bottles Displayed

Fortunately, the bottles that you’ll actually consume are on ice, just as they should be on a sunny Florida day.

Brews on Ice

But — to accompany your fine beverage — Pretzels! As far as the eye can see!! And you have the full pretzel panoply here — or just about! You can choose [Read more…]

Review: Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 41 Comments

Man, I love Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I hardly ever go, because it’s next to impossible to review the place since it’s SOOOO dark (you guys would laugh if you knew what I did to get good lighting for these shots); but I really do enjoy it. And I couldn’t wait to head over to try out the new menu on my trip to Disney World last week!

Learn About:Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

And this review experience comes just in time for the super busy Star Wars Weekend time of the year — as well as the newly announced Star Wars-themed character meals that will be available for a limited time at Sci-Fi and Hollywood & Vine. It will be breakfast here — but at least you’ll get a feel for the place. AND — they’re changing up the film reels in a super fun way for the occasion!

If you haven’t had the chance to take in dinner and a movie here, allow me to show you around a bit. I’m pretty sure you’ll be booking a table — er, car — on your next Disney World visit.

Atmosphere

You’ll find Sci-Fi Dine-In at the corner of Commissary Lane and the Streets of America. It’s just a stone’s throw from the counter service spot, ABC Commissary, and next door to Writer’s Stop (of Carrot Cake Cookie fame)!

Enter and head to the totally tubular — sorry, but it’s completely 80s at the entrance — check-in desk, and give them your name.

Check-In Desk

Because we were a very small party, my wait time here was minimal. (It’s usually been a wait for me in the past, though. Keep that in mind if you decide to book an advance dining reservation here. And the waiting area is teensy, so there’s rarely anyplace to sit and relax before your buzzer buzzes.)

Beyond the hostess stand, take some time to look at the cool retro posters, which definitely give you a better sense of the 50s feel they’re going for.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Movie Posters in Entrance Area

While the main dining room looks like an open-air drive in theater, the waiting area and the walkway to the dining room feels like you’re behind the scenes on a soundstage. Is it a movie, or real life?

Walkway into the Dining Room, Looking Back to the Waiting Area. See the Rocketeer Helmet?

You never know what crazy “props” you might spy here.

Walkway Themeing

This rocket pack would be perfect for a quick getaway during the Indiana Jones show, don’t you think?

More Walkway Themeing — a Rocket Pack!

I just love the bowl of eyeballs. I can never resist snapping a pic.

More Fun Themeing

Beware of the flashing light. You might wreck the scene! (No pressure or anything.)

Filming in Progress!

After your short walk from the waiting area, you enter this room. And it’s a little, you know, spectacular.

View From the Back of the Room

Because it really does look like every drive-in movie theater you’ve ever seen (even if you’ve only seen them in the movies).

View from the Front of the Room

So, yes, most of you will sit in the cars as you see. But if you’d rather, you can also request one of about six picnic tables in the back! This is handicap accessible, and perfect for those with little guys in high chairs, car seats, and the like.

Sci Fi Picnic Tables

But as completely awesome as the atmosphere is, there are a couple of [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 6, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

OK, it might not be “news” per se, but I loved my first taste of a Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom this week.

Also, take a peek at our list of Best and Worst Pizza in Disney World!

Click on the links below for more food news from Disney!

Disney Food News

Tables in Wonderland announced new exclusive events!
We taste tested a new Birthday Cake Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.
Take a tour of what’s new around Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Shades of Green is featuring some food events and specials for April!

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, updates, 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!

Let’s give a shout-out to WDW Chef Darren for sharing these snacks. He says: “What’s a stroll along Disney’s Boardwalk without a stop at the Bakery! Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter-Banana Pie topped with candied Bacon, and a double shot of the strongest espresso I’ve ever had!”.

BoardWalk Bakery Treats

And DFB Reader Salwa sent some morning goodies from Chef Mickey’s!

Breakfast at Chef Mickey’s

We can’t wait to see what our readers share with us next!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Deal

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 450 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2014 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

Over 450 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2014
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top 11 Must-Have Snacks for 2014.
An updated section on birthday parties and specialty cakes in Disney World
A comprehensive, 10-page chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2014, including new restaurants, menu updates, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planning
Our picks for the 11 Great Snacks you must try this year
Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates
Bingo Cards
Updates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openings
All new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiences
And much more!

But, of course we’re offering a discount for our Grand Launch week!! Again, to celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBGuide.com and use code: [Read more…]

Review: March Signature Dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By Brooke 2 Comments

Anytime I can enjoy an evening at Raglan Road, I know it’s going to be a good one.

Learn About:Raglan Road Irish Pub

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

The Irish pub, located in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney, is well known for its authentic atmosphere and delicious, modern twist on Irish food. And the nightly live music and dancing makes it one of the best values in all of Disney. It’s dinner and a show all in one!

But recently, we had the opportunity to attend one of Raglan Road’s special dining events, the March Signature Dinner.

Part dinner, and part opportunity to launch a new book detailing the history and recipes of Raglan Road, we couldn’t wait to take part. Read on to see pictures of the evening, as well as some of the interesting dishes we had the opportunity to enjoy.

Atmosphere

If you haven’t had the chance to pop into Raglan Road for a pint and a meal, you should take care of that as soon as possible. If you have any interest in pubs, this is a place you want to see.

Raglan Road in Downtown Disney

Authentic is an apropos descriptor here, as much of the inside of the pub actually came from Ireland. Bars and fixtures were salvaged from churches and pubs.

We have explored the beautiful space in other reviews; click over to our last lunch review to take a bit of a tour. For today, we’re going to stick to the event.

As guests arrived we checked in at the podium and were ushered through the main dining room, around the bar to the left, and into the Raglan Room. The room is a cozy spot with lower ceilings than the main dining room. A partition separated the room from the rest of the pub for the dinner.

Seating for the event consisted of six or so large tables with an open arrangement; there were no assigned seats.

The Raglan Room Begins to Fill Up with Guests

And here’s where I apologize for all the wonky light. It was very bright early in the evening, and then very dark later on. While it made for lovely views to watch the light ebb, it didn’t do my pictures any favors. 🙂 Still, I’m hopeful you’ll get an idea of what a beautiful event this was.

The Newly Remodeled Snug and Another Table

The tables set just the right tone, with an elegant, farmhouse feel. A close up of our table gives you a better idea of the setting. I loved the white tablecloths and kitchen towels that would serve as napkins.

Our Table

The fresh flower centerpieces and candles were a beautiful touch as well.

Table Candles

But there was a touch of whimsy in the place setting as well, owing to the [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Gratin de Macaroni from Les Chefs de France in Epcot

By Brooke 11 Comments

Macaroni and Cheese

— that glorious food that is both side dish and main dish.

Learn About:Chefs de France

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

But one of my favorite grown up versions is the baked Gratin de Macaroni at Les Chefs de France in Epcot’s France Pavilion.

The dish is so well loved that it’s even made its way onto the menu over the years for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in the France Marketplace Booth. Will it make the cut for the 2014 Food and Wine Festival? Only time will tell!

But for the mac and cheese lover, this dish has everything! Sharp, tangy Gruyère cheese, golden crust, and it’s plenty big enough to share — if you want to! (Confession: Usually I don’t want to.)

But what are you to do if your next advance dining reservation for this wonderful spot is months off, and you’re craving some of this awesomeness, like, yesterday???

Gratin de Macaroni at Les Chefs de France

Why, make it at home, of course! Because with this recipe, the cheesy power is in your hands.

Gratin de Macaroni

Les Chefs de FranceIngredients: [Read more…]

Review: Carthay Circle Restaurant at Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort

By AJ 28 Comments

We are heading into Carthay Circle Restaurant today for dinner with a healthy dose of Old Hollywood glamour!

Carthay Circle Restaurant

Located on the newly re-imagined Buena Vista Street at the entrance of Disney California Adventure, this is one majestic building. Let’s head in!

Atmosphere

If there is one word that I would use to describe Carthay Circle as I approach, it would be impressive. Disney is in the business of re-creating scenes from film, as well as re-imagining the past and forging the future. And once more, they’ve done an excellent job.

Carthay Circle Premiere!

I mean, I’ve seen Carthay’s likeness so many times. There’s a gorgeous mural inside Hollywood and Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios depicting the night that Snow White premiered at the famed Tinseltown icon. You’ll find an old framed print of the theatre in one of my favorite Studios haunts, Writer’s Stop (home of the famous carrot cake cookie.) You can also spy it in the relief work of the Studios arch, and there’s a mini version on Hollywood Boulevard, doubling as a gift shop. (For more info, check out this great post.)

Carthay Circle Restaurant Menu

It’s clear that Carthay Circle holds a special place in the hearts of the Imagineering team. And since we’ll never have the chance to venture into the original theatre, it’s a joy to see it so lovingly recreated as part of the DCA overhaul.

Beautiful Detail on the Tower

Two sets of double doors greet you at the entrance of the building. The mirrored doors are great!

Carthay Entrance

Don’t forget — this is a replica of an old Hollywood movie theatre. So naturally, you’ll find ticket windows on either side of the doors. I think it’s fun to see the scale here, don’t you?

Ticket Windows

A plaque reminds you of just why Carthay holds such an important place in Disney history.

Plaque Commemorating the Historic Premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Carthay Circle Theatre

And be sure, if you have the chance, to swing by here at night — if for no other reason than to see this gorgeous view.

Carthay Fountain at Night

As you head in, you’re greeted with separate doors. Two sets lead to Carthay Circle Lounge — and subsequently, onto the restaurant. The other set leads to the exclusive, members-only 1901 Lounge.

Don’t worry! Helpful Cast Members are there to show you the way.

Welcome!

Carthay Circle Restaurant is actually located on the second floor of the building. As you enter, you find yourself in the check in area. Upon confirming your table, you’ll bide your time in a spacious and comfortable waiting area.

Carthay Circle Waiting Area

Spend some time taking in the beautiful decor here, as well as all the fun memorabilia. There are tons and tons of photographs and other fascinating pieces. Be sure to check out the collection of Snow White animated cels that are said to have hung in Walt Disney’s home.

Snow White Animation Cels

Or you can step into the Carthay Circle Lounge, and enjoy a [Read more…]

News! Shades of Green Resort April Food Events

By Kim LaPaglia 3 Comments

Shades of Green located at Walt Disney World is an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) for United States Military Members and their families!

This month, Shades of Green is offering a Food, Wine, and Music event along with discounted meals, and an Easter Basket delivery service. Check out these great happenings at Shades of Green!

Shades of Music: A Food, Wine, and Music Experience

Enjoy the second annual Shades of Music on April 4 and 5th featuring a World Cuisine Buffet with live music.

Shades of Music

Time: 5PM-10PM
Cost: $16.95 adults; $7.95 kids

Reserve your spot now by calling 407-824-6466.

Discounted Meals

Kids 6 and under eat eat free at Mangino’s and The Garden Gallery with a paying adult!

Steak and Seafood Specials

Mangino’s is open 5PM-9:30PM and offering Steak and Seafood Specials on Monday nights in April. Enjoy Surf and Turf or Prime Rib!

Enjoy April specials on steak and seafood!

No landlubbers? Fridays in April feature [Read more…]

The Best (and the Worst!) Pizza in Disney World

By AJ 78 Comments

Ahhhh…Pizza. Most of us love the stuff, whether it’s high end, low end, or homemade.

But one thing’s for sure — you and I both know that not all pizza is created equal — and this is definitely true when it comes to Disney.

Today, we’re awarding some Pizza Pie Superlatives. From Best to Worst and Everything In Between, let’s take a look at a few.

And when we’re finished with the awards, I’ve love to hear if you agree! Leave us a comment with your best and worst!

Best All-Around Pizza in Disney World

If you’ve been reading Disney Food Blog for any amount of time, the winner in this category will come as no shock to you. The hands-down best pizza in all of Disney World are the pies you find at Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion.

With authentic ingredients right down to the flour, tomatoes, and water they use, these are some serious pies that come closest to the real deal from Naples, Italy. They also taste the most like my favorite New York Style pizza (Lombardi’s!!!!) — the gold standard, as far as I’m concerned!

Quattro Fromaggi Pizza from Via Napoli

You can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas you order here, whether you’re getting a personal size, or you’re sharing with the table.

Build Your Own Pizza with Prosciutto (and/or Other Ingredients…Whatever)

We give high marks to the Quattro Formaggi White Pizza, as well as the Build Your Own with Prosciutto. But really, there are no wrong choices here!

Worst Disney World Pizza

When it comes to pizza that you can safely — no, you definitely should — skip, we’ll chalk this up to… [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland Exclusive Events: Dinner at Markham’s and Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Two exclusive events have been announced by Tables in Wonderland. If you’re a member, check these out!

Enjoy an exclusive meal at Markham’s at Disney’s Golden Oak, or celebrate the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with a special event and musical evening!

Exclusive!

An Evening at Markham’s

Date:

Thursday, May 1st, 2014, 6:00pm
Cost: $195.00 per person, plus tax, gratuity included

Located at Golden Oak Club, the über exclusive Markham’s restaurant invites you to enjoy an unparalleled culinary experience highlighting not only the esteemed talents of Chef Christian Rumpler and Chef Michael Gonsalves, but also select culinary personalities from across Walt Disney World® Resort. Sommeliers Melissa Schreiber and Wayne Rigsby have paired special drinks with the 8-course menu for a true epicurean evening.

The event is limited to 30 guests and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. Park admission not required.

Since Golden Oak is a private residential community, security clearance will [Read more…]

Review: Birthday Cake Ice Cream (!!!) Cookie Sandwich at Disney World’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

By AJ 16 Comments

Check it out!

Learn About:Sleepy Hollow

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

I was wandering Magic Kingdom last Friday (on my way to my Be Our Guest Restaurant FastPass+ lunch — more on that soon!), and I noticed something…celebratory…at Sleepy Hollow in Liberty Square.

A new waffle sandwich? No. A change to the funnel cakes? Nope.

What I spotted was this…

Special Menu Placard

Now, those of you who are familiar with Disney’s mucho popular homemade ice cream sandwiches know exactly what immediately ran through my head.

ABirthdayCakeIceCreamHomemadeIceCreamSammy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwich

But let’s back up a little bit here before we get ahead of ourselves… .

Atmosphere

Sleepy Hollow Refreshments is a [Read more…]

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