Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 2, 2014

One of the most beloved restaurants in Disney World, Casey’s Corner, has emerged from a controversial revamp! Read all about it — and let YOUR thoughts be known — here!

Casey’s Corner

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

Disney Food News

The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend returns in 2014 to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Trilo-Bites in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom serves a new specialty: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich!
Disney World and Disneyland will offer Braille menus at select locations for guests with Visual Disabilities starting March 1, 2014.
There are two upcoming signature dining events at Downtown Disney’s Raglan Road at Walt Disney World. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road!
Casey’s Corner re-opens after refurbishment with an updated indoor seating area!
Eat to the Beat Concert schedule taking shape for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

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, Refurbishment at Captain Cook’s in the Polynesian Resort, 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 look at some eats from the BoardWalk Bakery! MrTomMorrow tweeted this green cupcake creation.

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake

And how about breakfast? This sandwich with turkey sausage was enjoyed by DFB Reader Katie.

Breakfast Sandwich from BoardWalk Bakery

As always, we can’t get enough of your Disney food finds. 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…]

News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule

By AJ 20 Comments

Great news, Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans!

We’ve got the latest on a few Eat to the Beat concert line-up listings ALREADY for 2014!

For those who don’t know, Epcot brings in several bands and musicians popular in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s each year to entertain Epcot Food and Wine Festival guests in the evenings. Concert-goers can start making festival plans to see their favorite group during the festival, which runs September 19-November 10, 2014.

Since this partial list is preliminary, you’ll want to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule!

Eat to the Beat concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three chances each night to see your favorites — 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM!

2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

Note that this schedule is subject to change

September 22-23: The Pointer Sisters [Read more…]

News! Casey’s Corner in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Reopens with Updated Indoor Seating Area

By AJ 36 Comments

We looooove telling you about news that can make your Disney trip even more comfortable and relaxing, and today we’re on a roll!

Learn About:Casey’s Corner

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

We’ve all been there… walking around Casey’s Corner with an armful of cardboard trays filled with hot dogs, French Fries, and a couple of enormous Cokes, searching indoors and out for a place to sit while hoping we don’t drop anything.

Welp, after a refurbishment that started in January, the Corner has reopened and is sporting some brand new digs! Yep — as far as we can tell, there are no more bleachers and no more movies…now we’ve got real, honest-to-goodness indoor seating (not just a few scattered tables) at Casey’s!

Casey’s Corner

Let’s take a quick look at the refurbished restaurant first. The entryway welcomes guests as always (just polished up a bit), and the menu remains unchanged (hooray!).

Casey’s Entryway

Casey’s Corner

Casey’s Corner Menu

And, of course, all of those nods to vintage baseball that make Casey’s what it is remain.

Casey’s Baseball Memorabilia

The big surprise comes when you enter the indoor seating area.

This spot used to house a few tables, but the “Casey at the Bat” bleachers and a movie screen spinning old school Disney sports cartoons were the focal points of the area. The banners and scoreboards are still there…

Mudville Banners

Scoreboard

However, the bleachers have been removed to make way for more tables, and the movie screen has been removed.

Refurbished Indoor Seating

Refurbished Indoor Seating Area

Casey’s is a beloved spot for many reasons [Read more…]

Guest Review: Crystal Palace Breakfast in the Magic Kingdom

By AJ 25 Comments

Welcome back guest author Catie Hiltz! Hundred Acre Wood fans will love this review of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Read on…

Learn About:The Crystal Palace

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

I have been going to Crystal Palace ever since I was a little kid – they have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with “character” for years from their prime location near Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

My husband and I were lucky enough to get to visit Walt Disney World last year at Christmas time – and we couldn’t miss out on the chance to dine at this character buffet featuring Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet.

We had a 9:40am Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, and we arrived a bit early so we could leisurely stroll down Main Street before heading over to the restaurant (and we took time to pose for a photo or two of course!).

Ready for a delicious Crystal Palace Breakfast

Atmosphere

The week of Christmas is a busy time at the Disney Parks but I was pleased to see that the level of service I had come to expect from Disney was still upheld. We were led inside promptly at 9:40am and our waitress appeared right after to take our drink order (soft drinks, coffee, teas, and juice are available here) and explain the buffet to us.

Entrance to Restaurant

The atmosphere of the restaurant was pretty upbeat overall; it was loud and crowded and full of kids running around, but it was a high-spirited kind of chaos, where everyone seemed happy – which I am convinced had to do with the amazing food options!

Winnie The Pooh and Friends Greet You As You Enter

Eats

The menu is pretty standard as far as Disney breakfast buffets go; it’s advertised as “traditional fare with American flair” – which means there will be plenty of options to choose from, and that everyone will find something they love!

The Menu!

The kids’ area featured puffed french toast and Mickey waffles.

Pooh’s Corner

There’s a selection of Assorted Pastries.

Assorted Pastries

At the Fresh Fruit Station, you’ll have plenty of choices, including Honey Yogurt and Strawberry Yogurt.

Mixed Fruit, Watermelon, Strawberries, and more

OK, this probably was my favorite part of the buffet. I LOVED the [Read more…]

News! 2014 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events and Registration Announced

By Kim LaPaglia 12 Comments

Registration for the 2014 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Events opens March 4, 2014, at Noon!

Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members — booking starts today! Click here for registration.

Once again, runDisney invites you to a nighttime race that takes place during the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Our favorite time of the year!

This year’s race weekend is November 7-8, 2014!

Pre-Race Taste Party

This year, the weekend kicks off again with a Pre-Race Taste Party on Friday, November 7, 2014, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.! The party takes place at the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where guests can relax before the big race.

Wine and Dine Half Marathon!

The Pre-Race Taste will feature:

early entry into Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 6:00 p.m.;
a private party at Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show;
four tastes from the Epcot Food & Wine Festival;
one “signature sip” drink coupon;
cash bar;
and Disney character meet & greets.

Tickets will be $79 (ages 3 and up). Children under 3 do not need a ticket.

Half Marathon and Finish Line Party

Join the ultimate runners night out as you race a half marathon through three Disney Theme Parks. Throughout your journey, you’ll pass entertainment and characters. Imagine running a race that circles the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, cruises down the Streets of America underneath the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing Lights in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and finishes near Spaceship Earth at Epcot.

Then, the party gets started after you cross the finish line! Celebrate your achievement at the Finish Line Party – an exclusive, after-hours [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure

By AJ 5 Comments

“Eat at Flo’s and Get Gas!”

Yep — It’s time to head to Radiator Springs in Carburetor County, for a tasty breakfast along Route 66 at Flo’s V-8 Cafe!

Flo’s Sign

Since it opened a couple of years back, Flo’s has quickly garnered a great reputation for delicious table service-style breakfast with counter service convenience and prices. It even makes our list of favorite fast food joints in Disneyland!

Let’s head over for an early morning visit to Cars Land in Disney California Adventure!

Atmosphere

As you quickly see from Flo’s Sign out front, the restaurant is superbly themed. If you’re a fan of the film Cars, you are gonna love this place. With the backdrop of desert rock formations (a.k.a. Radiator Springs Racers!!), Imagineers have outdone themselves here. You truly feel as though you’ve stepped through the silver screen.

Flo’s Sign

And while it’s all stunning in the daytime, you should definitely make a point to visit at night, when the glow from pastel fluorescent lights brings every inch of this place to life!

Flo’s V-8 Cafe at night

Flo’s V-8 in the movie is, of course, the only gas filling station in Radiator Springs…which, of course, equates to food for us humans. 🙂

Outside View

Flo’s roof is famously patterned after an oil filter. Get it?

Oil Filter Roof — Up Close

Directly in front of the restaurant’s entrance, you’ll find one of the outdoor seating areas. These are the filling stations in the film, so naturally, you’ll find gas pumps and stacks of oil cans nearby.

Motor Oil and Gas Pumps on the Patio

As you go into Flo’s, you realize the seating area is enormous. It looks much larger inside than it does outside! It’s more than just Disney magic, though; one of the seating areas is themed both inside and outside as the Ornament Valley Mechanical Clinic.

Ornament Valley Mechanical Clinic

Head inside, and step further back in time. The round-room entrance is crowned by this [Read more…]

New! DFB Podcast Episode 19: The DISNEY ICE CREAM POLAR VORTEX!

By AJ 2 Comments

Happy February, Disney foodies! We’ve got some fantastic news today for all you hungry commuters, walkers, runners, snow-shovelers, gym-goers, and other assorted podcast listeners!

Just a note to let you know that our latest DFB Podcast episode is now available! The 19th episode of our DFB Podcast is now up and ready for downloading!

Hunker down! It’s time for the Disney ICE CREAM POLAR VORTEX!!!

Yep, it makes total sense that in this edition of the DFB Podcast, AJ and Brad discuss the must-have, must-try, most brain-freeze-inducing ice cream and other cold delicacies at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Dole Whip (is it reeeeally ice cream?!?)? Beaches ‘n Cream Sundaes? Jungle Juice Slush? They’re all discussed here.

Peanut Butter Hot Fudge Sundae in a Chocolate Waffle Bowl

We also answer two listener questions, give the answer to our Episode 18 trivia question, and reveal a new trivia question!

Here’s the Podcast page for Episode 19. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think! The podcast has its own Twitter account — tweet us at @DFBPodcast!

Review: Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich at Animal Kingdom’s Trilo-Bites

By Wendy 32 Comments

Editor’s Note: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich has been replaced by a Buffalo Chicken Waffle Slider. More details on the new offering here.

You know we lurve our waffles here on DFB, and today we’ve got ANOTHER awesome new waffle item to share with you!

Now, Waffle Sandwiches aren’t new to Disney World. At Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, the featured waffle sandwiches are the Sweet and Spicy Chicken, the Ham, Prosciutto, and Swiss Cheese, and Nutella and Fresh Fruit. Even Epcot got in the game for a while over the holidays with a Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle and a Savory Seasonal Waffle (think Thanksgiving in a waffle!).

But today? Today we’ve got an extra EXTRA special waffle sammy. We’re heading to Trilo-Bites today for a sometimes-it’s-there-sometimes-it’s-not Waffle Sandwich!

Trilo-Bites

Trilo-Bites in Dinoland previously held the distinction of being THE spot to pick up a Turkey Leg in Animal Kingdom. The menu has shifted, however, to offer sweeter fare: a Warm Waffle with Fresh Strawberries and Cream and a Baked Apple Blossom with Ice Cream (or without) are the menu highlights.

Waffle with Strawberries and Baked Apple Blossom

You can also find Milk Shakes, Floats, and a Waffle Bowl Sundae here, too.

(By the way, for those of you wondering, “Well, where do I get my Turkey Leg in Animal Kingdom now?”, you can head over to Flame Tree Barbeque. You’ll see the Turkey Leg listed under the entrees with a side of slaw, but it can also be purchased by itself for $9.79.)

Anyway, on a recent visit to Animal Kingdom, I noticed something special was briefly back on the menu. It’s a little hard to catch since it’s only offered on “peak crowd level” days, so it was great to spot it: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich! Seriously? You ask? YES! I reply!

Trilo-Bites Menu with Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich

See, that’s the bonus to visiting the Parks when they’re crowded: MORE FOOD! Shazam!

There was no picture on the menu, so I was happily surprised when I was presented with this (Ooooooh! Aaaaaah!):

Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich

The pulled buffalo chicken tops the waffle, of course, but it also [Read more…]

News!: Disney World and Disneyland to Offer Braille Menus at Select Locations Starting March 1st

By AJ 1 Comment

Today we get to share with you one more way that Disney parks on both coasts are becoming more user-friendly for all of us!

Both Disney World and Disneyland Resort are preparing to offer a new service for guests with visual disabilities. Starting March 1, 2014, guests may request Braille menus at select food locations across the Parks.

Kouzzina by Cat Cora Menu Cover

As always, guests may continue to request menu reading assistance from Cast Members at any location in order to interpret the menu if a Braille version is not yet available at their chosen location, or to meet the preference of the individual.

Cast Members at Flo’s

Prior to visiting, more information for guests with visual disabilities ranging from restaurant and [Read more…]

Seven Must-Eat Disney Treats for 2014!

By AJ 23 Comments

It’s time for some seeeeeeeerious recommendations, friends!!! Do you have your planning spreadsheets ready?!?

As much as I love my classics (Dole Whip!!!), I have found some brand new delicious Disney treats to add to the list of my favorites in 2014.

If you’re looking to try some new things, or you’re just curious about what fun new finds we’re celebrating, read on — and discover My 7 Favorite New Disney Food Items for 2014!

Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches at L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop

There’s nothing like finding something completely new and original while you’re strolling through the parks. And I wasn’t disappointed on a recent trip through Epcot’s France Pavilion.

We all love L’Artisan des Glaces Sorbet and Ice Cream Shop. I mean, 16 delicious, artisan ice creams and sorbets made right here in Epcot (I’ve seen the machines)!

L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

PLUS Ice Cream Martinis and Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches. Are you kidding me?? Utter yumness.

But stop the presses! (Ha! That will be even funnier after you finish reading this.) Because they’ve also added Croque Glaces — Pressed Ice Cream Sandwiches.

L’Artisan des Glaces Pressed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwich with Pistachio Ice Cream and Raspberry Sauce

If you love ice cream sandwiches as much as I do, you’ve gotta try this. They take a freshly baked Brioche Bun, add a scoop of your choice of Ice Cream, and a drizzle of your choice of Raspberry or Chocolate Sauce. (Yep! It’s totally customized!)

Adding Ice Cream and Sauce to the Mix!

Then, the top of the bun is replaced, and the whole thing is [Read more…]

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