food IS a theme park
It’s time once again to celebrate a GRAND tradition… the Fifth Annual Easter Egg Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort!
Grand Floridian Easter Egg
And it’s become something of a tradition for us here at the DFB to share them with you in case your spring break plans don’t include a visit to Disney World this year. (If they DO, you’ll want to note that the Eggs are on display through April 4th.) [Read more…]
Today, we head to the west coast for a guest review of Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. Let’s take a tour — courtesy of guest author, Liz Jostes.
For our family’s first trip to Disneyland, I booked breakfast at Goofy’s Kitchen. Since we were staying at the Disneyland Hotel and our flight home wasn’t until the afternoon, it was a perfect and convenient stop on our final morning on property.
Goofy’s Kitchen is located next to the pool area in the Disneyland Hotel, and a short, easy walk from the Downtown Disney District (for those not staying at the Disneyland Hotel).
As you walk through the doors of Goofy’s Kitchen, you enter into a lobby and wait for your turn to check-in and pay for your meal (gratuity is automatically included). Then you are welcome to meet Goofy while waiting for your table. [Read more…]
It’s that time of year, all! While there’s no guarantee that it will be back, Disney World often announces Free Dining in the Spring for Fall bookings!
And I want you to be the FIRST ONES to hear if they announce it again! So there’s never been a better time than NOW to join the DFB Newsletter!
Besides the possibility of Free Dining Plan offers, there’s just so much happening at Walt Disney World. And with new events like the rumored Rivers of Light Dinner Packages, having first mover advantage is a must!
And you know…the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and 2016 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival are just around the corner too…
It’s a lot to keep straight!! So aren’t you glad we’re here to bring you all the Disney Food News First? 😉
Yes! There’s SO much happening at Disney parks and resorts. And sometimes, especially when it comes to breaking news like Free Dining Offers or Brand New Restaurants or Special Events, it’s important to get the news as soon as possible. And that’s where the DFB Newsletter comes in. [Read more…]
Nothing hits the spot quite like that decadent treat, a Disney Cinnamon Roll. Whether you’re enjoying one of these mammoth pastries for breakfast with your coffee, or as an afternoon snack, it’s been one of my favorites forever!
It’s unfortunate that some of the very best ones, like the Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll and the Sticky Bun at Kouzzina, are no longer available.
But there are still so many delicious options available out there! Let’s take a look at a few of my favorites, and then you can share with me which ones you like the best. [Read more…]
Remember the big news a few weeks back announcing some of the additions on the way with the continued expansion of Disney Springs? It included the goods on some more new eateries making their way to the area formerly known as Downtown Disney, which are set to open in phases beginning May 15th — spots like Amorette’s Patisserie, the Coca-Cola Store, and a few more details about Sprinkles and its already-famous Cupcake ATM.
Well, it looks like the first of these new additions on the way will be (drum roll, please…) D-Luxe Burger! Disney has announced that this Disney-owned and operated gourmet burger-and-shake joint will open its doors to this western-inspired spot in May, set in the Town Center section of Disney Springs. Even better… they’ve shared some details on the MENU! [Read more…]
Get your party on, because it’s Mardi Gras everyday at Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter! And for a little taste of New Orleans, you don’t have to look any further than Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory.
Our last visit for breakfast was some time ago. But I still knew I could expect to find some unique items for lunch that can’t be found in many other spots on property, even including the French Quarter’s sister resort, Riverside. Naturally, the French Quarter has a distinct advantage to add some unique flair to its dining choices, since its New Orleans vibe and theming is so naturally linked with Cajun and Southern cuisine.
Never fear, the less adventurous eaters in your group will find plenty of Counter Service staples here, too. But today we’d like to explore what makes Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory unique (aside from that tongue-twister of a name, that is ;-D).
So, let’s get in and let the good times roll!
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory is easily located after entering the beautiful lobby of Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter.
Port Orleans French Quarter Lobby
Appropriately enough, the theming for this quick-service spot is directly influenced by New Orleans — and more specifically, Mardi Gras! [Read more…]
We are back with some of our very best kept Disney Dining Secrets. And we want to share them with you!
Planning where you’ll be spending your food budget in Disney World is a BIG deal. There are so many choices to make! Maybe you’re worried about getting the advance dining reservations you’d like the most. And what about your favorite brands and foods? Will they have them?
These are all great questions, and we address them all in our DFB Guide to WDW Dining e-Book! But today, we’re exploring one of the biggest concerns: Is it possible to save a buck or two when you’re at Disney?
Today, we’ll share some of our favorite ways to save money during your visit to Walt Disney World. And if you like what you see here, be sure to check out even more secrets in the brand new DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition, where we gather over 530 pages of tips, recommendations, and secrets to make your Disney trip the best ever!
Here we go!
I love this tip, and it can save you some serious cash (and calories!). You may think the price printed on the menu board or in the menu is non-negotiable. But we’ve got a secret to share!
Did you know that you can often forego unwanted sides? For instance, say you order a sandwich that comes with fries, but you don’t really want them. Ask if you can order your sandwich as an entree only and save!
Cheeseburger at Backlot Express!
And if you’re a light eater, or someone who doesn’t really care about (or literally can’t EAT) that side of salad/chips/fries/coleslaw/pasta salad, then you’ll never miss it.
may not be all that interesting to look at.
But — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — this spot consistently offers delicious and unexpectedly good to great food.
Considered a bit of a hidden gem, Kona is normally a pretty easy spot for snagging an advance dining reservation. And with its super convenient location in the Polynesian Village Resort (right on the Magic Kingdom Monorail line!), it’s easily accessible from — well, pretty much anywhere.
But while we’ve enjoyed meals every time of the day here throughout the years, I never rely on past experiences to predict future outcomes. 🙂 And so I made it my mission on a recent visit to take in lunch at Kona once again.
Sure, it meant missing out on some of my most favorite breakfast items (sob — Tonga Toast!) — but hey, it’s worth it to bring you all the latest! Right?
So hop on the monorail with me, and let’s head to Kona for a midday meal.
If you haven’t had the chance to check out the newly renovated Polynesian Village Resort, be sure to pencil in a little extra time when you head to Kona Cafe. I think Disney has done a great job of simultaneously breathing fresh air into this original Disney World spot and celebrating history. It’s new and old at the same time!
Newly Renovated Polynesian Village Resort Lobby
Unfortunately, the Imagineering Love didn’t reach all the way to Kona. So you’ll find the same decor that’s been here for quite some time. [Read more…]
Happy Sunday and happy first day of Spring! We hope the sun is shining and the flowers are blooming wherever you are! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on the latest Disney food news!
Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese
Speaking of springtime and flowers blooming, the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is in full bloom right now and we’ve had a chance to eat our way around the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens!
There are so many delicious items on the menus but we have our favorites. Be sure to check out our Best of the Fest – we have the scoop on what you should eat at the Flower and Garden Festival.
We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…
The Force is strong at Symphony in the Stars, a Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party! Beth Wesesky, guest author, takes us to this hard ticket event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. No faster-than-light travel necessary. 😉
A short time ago…in a state far, far away…
Nerd, geek, dweeb, scruffy-looking Nerfherder… any way you describe it, my family and I are proud Star Wars fanatics! So, on our most recent trip to Walt Disney World, we just KNEW that we had to get our “fix”! That “fix” included booking reservations for the “Symphony in the Stars, A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party” held in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select nights through April 30th, 2016.
Symphony in the Stars
The day the reservation window opened, I made the jump to hyperspace and booked our party! Admission price is $69.00 for adults and $39.00 for children ages 3-9 and Hollywood Studios admission is required. Disney Dining Plan entitlements may not be used and prepayment with a credit card is required.
The party is described on the Walt Disney World website as: The Dessert Party You’re Looking For! Enjoy an out-of-this-world selection of desserts and specialty drinks—including alcoholic beverage options. Nibble on Darth Vader cupcakes as you take in an up-close view of the enthralling Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks Show.
A Galactic Evening
We arrived in Disney’s Hollywood Studios around 6PM on January 24th, and headed for the Dessert Party check-in, which is located beside Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner. We were checked in by a lovely Cast Member who instructed us to return closer to 7PM. We were given a wrist band to present at the entrance when we returned.
Around 6:45PM, we headed back to an already very long line of party-goers waiting to be admitted to the viewing area. The viewing area was set up on the left side of Center Stage, in the hub of the park. The tables were standing tables, draped with black and red (nice Dark Side touch) tablecloths that just touched the ground. Keep in mind, there is no seating available, but the area is spacious and comfortable. Besides, once the fireworks begin, you’ll be on your feet in awe! The evening of our party, the temperature was about 38 degrees (brrrrr…), so Disney had several heat sources set up in the area to keep guests from shivering through the show!
Standing Tables
Dessert Party Tables
Before the event got started, park-goers were entertained by an awesome light show and DJ who was playing modern dance tune mixes, which everyone enjoyed! As soon as we got into the viewing area, we headed for a table near the front to get a clear view of the fireworks. There were some trees blocking a bit of the view for other tables, but I’m sure this wasn’t a deal breaker.
We made the table our own, and went off to scope out the offerings! WOW…I’ve got to say, we were very impressed with not only the taste of the desserts and savory bites, but also with the presentation and layout as well! There were two food buffet stations, one on either side of the viewing area. Each station had the same selections, and it made navigating the area very stress-free. No bumping into other people reaching over you for food!
The sweet dessert options that were beautifully displayed on the stations included: Blue Milk Panna Cotta with Crispy Pearls (our 15-year old son’s favorite), “Darth Maul” The Pastry Menace Eclairs, [Read more…]
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