Review: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney World's Downtown Disney

Review: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney World’s Downtown Disney

Ready to get yer game on? We’re heading back to Splitsville Luxury Lanes in search of good eats and good times!

Splitsville Orlando just celebrated its first birthday this past December, so we were excited to experience it again now that it’s really settled in to Downtown Disney’s West Side.

Splitsville definitely changed the West Side landscape immediately upon its arrival, because this place is HUGE. Two floors with outdoor and indoor seating, five bars, a billiards area… oh, and the small matter of thirty bowling lanes!

Atmosphere

You can tell you’re in a festive place even before setting foot inside Splitsville’s doors. Music is always playing in the outdoor seating area, and it’s often provided by live musicians.

Splitsville outdoors

The other hint as to what’s going on here is the colorful display of bowling balls.

Splitsville Bowling Balls

Do I bowl? Not really. Do I totally want one of these? You bet!

Mickey and Minnie Bowling Balls

Upon entering the building, you immediately hear music and the sound of pins being downed by bowling balls. Because there is a LOT to take in right away, these signs directing you where to go for dining and/or bowling are especially helpful.

Splitsville entrance

We headed left to the Dining Check-in and mentioned our Advanced Dining Reservation. Yes, Splitsville does take ADRs, and it’s nice to have one on a weekend, especially. But — thanks to the enormous size — it can be a great place to try to score a walk-in! We were seated right away (even though we arrived about 15 minutes in advance of our ADR), but we couldn’t resist taking a look around.

Colorful lockers and rows of bowling shoes remind you that this isn’t only a restaurant, my friends. It’s the highest end bowling alley dive you’ve ever been to.

Lockers at Splitsville

Rows and Rows of Bowling Shoes are encountered when you walk into Splitsville

As your eyes take in all there is to see – including the enormous escalator joining the first and second floors, the entire vibe is almost over stimulating. The fun and casual attitude of the staff, however, helps you to relax right away and feel at home.

Bowling Lanes at Splitsville

There are nods all over the place to the [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 9, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia 1 Comment

We’ve got full reviews of EVERY food item at the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Booths!

Think this is just flowers and plants? No, sir! As of last year, Disney World has planted some serious foodstuffs into the festival…it’s almost as good as Food and Wine! Spiked Dole Whip? Check! Dole Whip on a waffle? Check! Duck Confit with Garlic Potatoes? Check! Kumquat Pie? Check! And so much more.

Check out our FULL Reviews of all the goodies (including the Piggylicious Cupcake!) here!

There’s even more fun food news from Disney; click on the links below!

Disney Food News

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has announced the Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic for this fall!
Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom introduced new Macaroni and Cheese options — check out the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese option.
We reviewed breakfast and lunch at Las Ventanas, the new restaurant at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort!
The Downtown Disney mega food outlet occupied by Pollo Campero, Bodie’s All-American, and Babycakes NYC has an official closing date.
Check out reviews and photos of every single food item and menu in Disney World’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Plus, our picks for MUST EAT treats!
Plus, we have all kinds of delicious tidbits in our latest What’s New in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Food post!

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, 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!

In honor of Frozen’s Oscar wins, we’re featuring Frozen-themed goodies! Little Miss Party Cakes, a Facebook friend, sent in this cake created for her daughter’s birthday.

Frozen Birthday Cake

Also, Facebook friend Tarin put her baking skills to work for her daughter’s birthday.

Frozen Birthday Cake

Thank you for sharing your birthday celebrations. We can’t wait to see what our readers share with us next!

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

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…]

What’s New Around Disney World and Disneyland for March 8, 2014!

By Wendy 6 Comments

There’s lots new to see all over the World and the Land! So settle in, friends, and read on!

Hollywood Studios

We’re starting this round at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant!

“…It came from the snack bar”

The House-made Sci-Fi Candy Bar has hit the dessert menu: a white and dark chocolate mousse layered between sponge cake and dipped in chocolate ganache.

Sci Fi Dessert Menu

There have been a couple of additions to 50’s Prime Time Café as well.

50s Prime Time Sign

Another vegetarian entrée has been added to the menu: Sissy’s Vegetarian Favorite Multigrain Spaghetti! “Vegetable Protein and Mushrooms tossed in Marinara Sauce, just like Spaghetti and Meatballs.”

And don’t forget dessert! All your favorites remain, but Old-fashioned Handmade Milk Shakes are listed, featuring the famous “Peanut Butter & Jelly” and the limited time “Red Velvet Cupcake.”

Magic Kingdom

Okay, this next update isn’t about food… it’s just next to food 😉 . But I couldn’t resist [Read more…]

News! Closing Date Announced for Pollo Campero and Babycakes NYC at Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By Brooke 70 Comments

News on the Disney Springs front!

The mega food outlet occupied by Pollo Campero, Bodie’s All-American, and Babycakes NYC has an official closing date now. The Downtown Disney Marketplace spot will shutter its doors on Wednesday, March 19.

Pollo Campero at Downtown Disney Orlando

The combo restaurant will close to make way for the continued re-imagining of the Downtown Disney area as it morphs into Disney Springs.

Speculation has abounded regarding what businesses and restaurants will survive and make it through to Disney Springs. Already we have seen the rollout of four food trucks — portending the closure of some restaurants while capitalizing on a hot trend at the same time.

Fantasy Fare Food Truck

Pollo Campero, Bodie’s All-American, and Babycakes NYC join the casualty list that also includes [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at White Water Snacks in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa

By AJ 6 Comments

We’re in Disneyland on this lovely Friday, and we’re heading to White Water Snacks for a quick tour and bite before venturing into the parks!

The counter-service and grab-and-go restaurant is located at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and serves as a stop for a hearty, hot breakfast on the run.

But with lots of grab and go options, you’ll find all kinds of choices to fuel up for a fun day. Let’s head in for a look around.

Atmosphere

Enter White Water from the California sunshine, off of the hotel’s courtyard. The entrance is right off of the pool area, so watch for drippy kids and wet floors! 😉

Entrance

A menu at the entrance gives you some general information about what’s available here, and the hours during which you can order different meals. Handy!

Menu Board — Click to Enlarge

Once inside, you see the same wood and stone touches that are a familiar part of the rest of this hotel. The feeling here is slightly more rustic than Storyteller’s Cafe, however. It’s more like a posh camping outpost than a restaurant in a swanky lodge.

Seating and Rustic Atmosphere

There is seating available both inside and outside. Both options are basic, but comfortable for a quick meal.

More Seating

Outdoor Seating

Be sure to keep an eye out for the famous Disneyland cats! Fun little furballs roam Disneyland’s grounds freely, and they often stop by Whitewater as it’s one of five official Disneyland feeding stations for the kitties (others can be found at Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland and Taste Pilot’s Grill at DCA).

One of the famous Disneyland Cats

Back inside, you start to get a feel for your options, which range from hot, prepared entrees, to grab and go selections.

During our morning visit, we spied a small variety of [Read more…]

Guest Review: Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

By AJ 5 Comments

Courtesy of DFB Reader Christina, we have a mini-review from the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.

This is one of our favorite spots to relax when we’re in the World, and it’s not just because it’s an out-of-the-way retreat! The menu is ALWAYS awesome!

The Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

You’ll remember our discovery of the awesome fondue, charcuterie, house-made chips and dips, and DONUTS, right?? Well, the donuts aren’t there anymore, but you can still get lots of our other favorites!

Bar Area and Round Table Seating at Territory Lounge

Let’s take a look at the current menu…

Territory Lounge Menu

Christina notes a seasonal change with the Mushroom Soup substituted for Clam Chowder. Here’s a previous menu (October 2013) for comparison:

Territory Lounge Menu October 2013

Christina had the new fondue… made with [Read more…]

2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival FULL Food Booth Menus, Photos, and Reviews

By AJ 33 Comments

The 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival started yesterday and runs through May 18. We now have food photos and reviews for EVERY food item (and most of the drinks!) at the 11 amazing Outdoor Kitchens! See our Overall Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Food Booths Page for details!

Simply click on the links for each booth to see photos of the booth, the full menu, and every single food item!

And the festival isn’t resting on its laurels from last year. We were in Epcot for the better part of opening day, trying lots and lots of new things! We have lots to show you, so let’s get to it!

NEW!: Urban Farm Eats

Urban Farm Eats is brand new to the festival this year. Featuring a bevy of farm fresh foods and sustainably farm-raised fish, we didn’t quite know what to expect.

Urban Farm Eats Menu

The Ghost Pepper-dusted Tilapia with Crisp Winter Melon Slaw and Mint Oil featuring The Original Sauce Man’s Kick It Up Rub was a real winner, though! The fish was cooked to perfection, and the spicy ghost pepper lent a kick to the plate.

Ghost Pepper-dusted Tilapia

The Eggplant “Scallop” wasn’t our favorite dish of the day, though. Our serving was way too salty. And even though the eggplant was a miss, the spicy Romesco sauce on the side was great!

Land-grown Eggplant “Scallop”

Huge kudos to the staff for using LAND-grown produce, though! Be sure to check out the Urban Farm Eats page for additional photos and reviews!

Intermissions Cafe

, located at the Festival Center in Future World, will open at 10 a.m. throughout the festival. It features several light and fresh food options.

Intermissions Cafe Menu

This year, they’re showcasing a fun TRYit! food item again for the kiddos — a Push Pop!

Caprese Push Pop

This year, the 1-bite treat features a traditional Caprese Salad mix — with Tomato, Mozzarella, and Balsamic Vinegar.

Pineapple Promenade

If there was one thing that we heard from plenty of you last year, it was the suggestion that Dole Whips served at the festival should be spiked with Coconut Rum. Well, guess what? Disney clearly agrees with you.

Pineapple Promenade Menu

This year’s festival debuts not one, but TWO different [Read more…]

First Look! 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival MUST-EAT Treats!

By AJ 16 Comments

We’ve been touring the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival all day, indulging in the gorgeous views and good eats! See the full menus for this year’s booths here!

As many of you remember, the Flower and Garden Festival added multiple food booths to its offerings last year. They’re all back this year — including one extra addition — to tempt the tastebuds of Springtime visitors to Epcot this time around!

Don’t forget to grab your Flower and Garden Festival passport and keep track of all the eats!

We’ll have a full review of ALL the goodies for you tomorrow, but let’s take a peek at some of the must-try items this year!

Ahhh, Epcot in the Spring.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Waffle with Dole Whip at Pineapple Promenade

This awesome combo of sweet potato waffle and everyone’s favorite pineapple deliciousness is a must-try for Epcot guests. We were really surprised how much we enjoyed the cinnamon + pineapple combo!

Find it at the Pineapple Promenade booth at the front of the World Showcase!

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Waffle with Dole Whip

Piggylicious Cupcake at The Smokehouse

If you woke up this morning thinking you should really have bacon AND cupcakes for breakfast, well, we’ve got the ticket! Just head over to the Smokehouse booth!

This Piggylicious cupcake gives you a bacon cupcake topped with maple frosting AND pretzels! Where do the pretzels come from? Who cares? Yum. Our team says the cake has lots of salty, smoky bacon; and the cake base is less sweet than normal yellow cake.

The maple frosting is much better than we expected, and altogether, this treat really works! Pancakes and bacon in a cupcake? Shore!!

Piggylicious Cupcake — Bacon cupcake with maple frosting and pretzels

Kumquat Pie at Florida Fresh

New at the Florida Fresh booth this year, guests can partake in a Kumquat Pie!

We found the texture a [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Top 5 Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Values for 2014

By AJ 13 Comments

Now that you’ve booked your 2014 Disney World vacation, it’s time to make your Advance Dining Reservations.

But which restaurants are worthy of your precious Disney Dining Plan credits?

What’s the DDP? The vacation package add-on called the Disney Dining Plan is a pre-purchased meal plan. Based on the plan you choose, you’ll receive a certain number of credits to be utilized during your Disney stay. (Remember your college meal plan? Yeah; it’s kinda like that!)

Many table-service meals in Disney World cost one credit per person, but are you getting the best value?

If you reeeeeeally want to get your money’s worth, stick to the one-credit restaurants, order the most expensive meal on the menu, and maximize your savings! Let’s get to the DFB guide’s top picks for best value at “one table-service credit” Walt Disney World restaurants.

Remember: this is primarily based on food cost, but we have taken atmosphere and food quality into consideration a bit as well. We don’t want you eating at a bad restaurant, after all. 😉

Tutto Italia

Offering regional specialties, Tutto Italia is located in Epcot’s Italy pavilion. With dinner entrees costing about $30, and a pricey dessert topping $13, your one meal here is a great use of a table service dining credit!

Braised Meatballs and Shortrib

Kouzzina

features Mediterranean cuisine showcased on a menu created by Celebrity Chef Cat Cora. A dinner at this BoardWalk restaurant can be costly. With a $35 grilled steak entree and $10 desserts (Baklava!!), Kouzzina is a smart choice for your dining credit use!

Baklava Dessert at Kouzzina

Teppan Edo

is a fun Hibachi restaurant in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. Order the $32 Filet Mignon and a dessert at $5-7 to make the most of your table service credit.

Steak and chicken at Teppan Edo

Les Chefs de France

Located in Epcot’s France pavilion, Les Chefs de France serves up delicious cuisine. Dinner entrees cost $20-35 with desserts about $9 each. Use your table service credit here for a memorable meal.

Creme Brulee at Chefs de France

Rainforest Cafe

While Rainforest Cafe gets mixed reviews, [Read more…]

News! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars

By AJ 17 Comments

Back by popular demand, The Swan and Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World has announced that it will hold its Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic this Fall!

Coinciding with the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic offers even more great food and drink for Disney fans!

This event is always amazing and very well done. We can’t wait to go again this year!

2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Details

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2014. Seminars begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Causeway is open from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Dining al fresco on the Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic!

This year’s event continues the tradition of fun and informative food and beverage seminars that focus on wine, cocktails, sake, beer, pasta-making, and more. The seminars are conducted by experts in each field and last for approximately 60-90 minutes.

At 5:30, the Causeway between the Swan and Dolphin comes alive as the staff of the Resort’s award-winning restaurants host tasting booths. In addition, there is live entertainment as you sample and stroll around the beautiful grounds!

Wine Seminar at the 2012 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars

You can see details on all of the 2013 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars here!And new for this year, the Classic is adding a Cheese seminar!

Seminars this year include:

Wine Blending;
Let’s Make Caipirinhas!;
It’s Better to “Wine” in Italian;
TQU: Tequila University;
Base to Bubbles (see our Base to Bubbles review here!);
Beer, Please!;
Modern Mixology (see our Modern Mixology review here!);
The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake;
The Cheese Course (NEW!); and
Pasta Making with Chef Cib!

Causeway Tasting Booths with Optional Beer Garden Upgrade!

The Causeway between the Swan and Dolphin Resorts will have tons of great offerings again this year. And we can’t wait to see the menus! We’ll be back soon with full details for you!

Want a little more than just the standard tasting experience? Upgrade to the [Read more…]

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