Top 5 Must-Try NEW Restaurants in Walt Disney World for 2014

Happy New Year

to all of our wonderful Disney Food Blog Readers out there!

Whether you’re busy getting started with those resolutions, or recuperating from the big party last night, we thought we’d take a few minutes and discuss some fun new options that you’ve just gotta try in 2014!

True, there wasn’t nearly as much expansion in Disney Parks in 2013. It’s hard to measure up to New Fantasyland and Cars Land, after all! But there are still some fun new spots to check out.

So if you haven’t had the pleasure, allow me to introduce our picks for the Top 5 Must-Try New Walt Disney World Dining Spots for 2014!

L’Artisan des Glaces

Who knew that you could make Ice Cream even better? We were a little sad to hear that one of our favorite destinations for ice cream, Fountain View Cafe (hand made ice cream sandwiches!!!) would be converting to a Starbucks. But our blues faded away the very first time we stepped foot into L’Artisan des Glaces.

L’Artisan des Glaces Moved into the Former Boulangerie Patisserie Space

The tiny sorbet and ice cream parlour has tons of Old World charm — quite a feat since it opened, brand-new, in 2013! Occupying the space that was previously home to Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion, the shop gave us lots of reasons to venture off the beaten path in search of a refreshing treat. (Bakery fans, not to worry. The très popular bakery and pastry shop was rechristened Les Halles, and expanded to the back of the France Pavilion.)

Inside L’Artisan des Glaces

On any given day, the scoop shop plays host to 16 varying flavors of ice cream and sorbet, made from scratch right here in the France Pavilion.

A scoop of the good stuff

And the flavors aren’t your garden variety vanilla. They’re European-inspired flavors, with exotic names like Caramel Fleur de Sel, Coco-White Chocolate, and Profiterole. Okay and yes — there’s Vanilla, too. 🙂 They’re all made in house (I’ve actually seen the ice cream machines in the back!!), and the flavors absolutely pop.

L’Artisan des Glaces Ice Creams and Sorbets in Epcot’s France

But that’s only part of the story. Because if you’re looking for something a little more interesting than just another scoop of ice cream (really, really incredible ice cream, mind you), then L’Artisan des Glaces is for you. They’re pushing the envelope with not one but THREE fun ice cream snacks that ensure I pop into the shop nearly every trip.

In the category of frosty drink treats with a grown-up twist, we have this gorgeous [Read more…]

Guest Review: Holiday Island Dinner Buffet at Magic Kingdom’s Tortuga Tavern

By AJ 7 Comments

During the busy holiday season, Walt Disney World accommodates famished guests with unique dining experiences. Guest reviewer @MealTrip, takes us to Tortuga Tavern’s Island Dinner Buffet in the Magic Kingdom! Book your meal online or at 407-WDW-DINE.

During the holiday season, through January 4th, the dining area that is normally utilized for Tortuga Tavern counter service dining is trying out something new. From 5pm until 9pm they’re hosting a dining event called the “Island Dinner Buffet.”

Atmosphere

Tortuga Tavern is normally a walk-up, counter service Mexican food location, just across the street from the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. I was curious as to how they would frame out the rather open, free-seating area so passers by would not inadvertently sit down and join the buffet. The solution… planted palm trees.

Potted palm trees keep the area private

Many, many planted palm trees tucked into every nook and cranny, between every garbage can and bench, which all added to the Island theme quite nicely — and surprisingly, did provide separation from the main walk way.

The entrance to the event is over by what is usually the walk-up counter. Because this is not the normal configuration of the space, payment for your meal happens at one of the restaurant’s normal registers before you are seated. This is a bit different for a Disney restaurant, but not unusual for a buffet.

Covered registers

There appears to be seating for around 350 guests at any given time, and before we get into the food, I picked up a great tip from one of the managers. There are at least 50 seats that are kept out of the booking system every day… until 24 hours before the next day’s meal. This is because some of the seating can be considered “not covered.” If they’re expecting inclement weather (i.e. rain or cold), they will not release those seats to the booking system.

Outdoor tables and tables with umbrellas

So if you would like to go to the Island Dinner Buffet, and it looks like it’s completely booked up… fear not… unless it’s raining or exceptionally cold out, they may just have a bunch of extra seats that won’t hit the booking system until the day before you want to go. Because that’s pretty short notice in Disney-Speak, that may also mean there’s a chance that you can score a seat without any reservations at all.

Seating at Tortuga

This is great news for Disney Dining Plan guests with one table service dining credit and no [Read more…]

My Holiday Dining Dilemma

By Erin 52 Comments

Erin Foster is the Disney Food for Families columnist and a behind-the-scenes guru here at Disney Food Blog! Check out more of her posts here.

I’ve had the good fortune to spend several major holidays at Walt Disney World with my family. Last week, as I made reservations to spend the winter holidays at the parks again this year, I was reminded of a situation we encountered on Thanksgiving Day 2008.

My three pre-teen daughters, my husband Jeff, and I are dining at the California Grill. They’ve got a special menu of turkey and all the trimmings, hubby and I ordered a nice bottle of wine, and we’ve timed it so that Wishes is starting just as we’re ready for dessert. It’s pretty much a perfect celebratory situation.

California Grill is a perfect holiday destination

We’re enjoying each other’s company and the dining room is filled with other families as pleased as we are. A few tables away from us, is a woman dining alone, seated by the window overlooking the Magic Kingdom. She’s well-dressed, maybe late-30s or early 40s. She’s not reading a book or playing iPhone Scrabble (like I often do when I’m eating alone at a table service restaurant). She’s simply eating her turkey at a moderate pace, enjoying the view of the castle, and chatting pleasantly with the waiter when he comes to refill her water or offer more bread.

On absolutely any other day, I wouldn’t have given this woman a second thought. I’ve been that woman myself many times. I frequently travel to Walt Disney World on my own and often enjoy the peace of a solo meal at a fine restaurant.

The Sunset at California Grill is a great backdrop for a solo dining experience

If I had seen her a few days earlier, I would have assumed she was a business woman at a convention, or a food blogger, or just someone who likes to travel alone. Again, all perfectly normal situations. If I had seen her a few days earlier, I would have [Read more…]

The Year in Review: Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

By AJ 7 Comments

If you’re a Disney Food Fan, then 2013 has been an exciting year!

We’ve had lots of change, new announcements, and brand new experiences.

So today, we thought we’d take a look back at this year, and review the Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

From new coffee to new restaurants, new technology to new ice cream, we have a ton to cover!

Let’s get started!

1. COFFEE!

When Starbucks and Disney announced in 2012 that the coffee giant would be coming to Disney Parks, the news was huge! And when the first Walt Disney World locations began opening in 2013, the story once again topped the list of Disney food headlines.

Starbucks at Main Street Bakery is Right in the Middle of the Magic

The first location to open was Main Street Bakery on Magic Kingdom’s Main Street USA. While some loyal fans of the historic spot decried the chain store intrusion, many coffee lovers were thrilled that they could now enjoy their favorite brew in the shadow of Cinderella’s Castle.

And with the Main Street cinnamon rolls available at Gaston’s Tavern (at least they claim they’re the same…you can see our cinnamon roll throw down here!), well — at least not all of our favorite goodies are lost.

A Busy Morning at Main Street Bakery

The reopening of Fountain View Cafe in Epcot as the second WDW Starbucks location seemed to ruffle fewer feathers, since the themeing for the futuristic ice cream parlor wasn’t as beloved as Main Street Bakery. Still, patrons were irked with the lack of seating, even if the many, many bays for ordering mean that your java arrives fresh and fast.

Have Your Starbucks in Epcot with a View of Spaceship Earth

But Starbucks wasn’t the only coffee news we debated in 2013. Disney also announced that Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, headquartered in Tampa, would become the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Joffrey’s is Named the Official Coffee Brand of Disney Parks

We’ve been enjoying Joffrey’s products for ages at the kiosks throughout the parks, so this was welcome news to many. So far, we are hearing that you seem pleased with the switch from Nescafe to Joffrey’s.

2. RESTAURANT FASTPASS TESTING — AND MORE TECH UPDATES!

Waaaaayyyyy back in January of this year, we first wrote about how we thought My Magic+ would affect Disney Dining.

And before the year was out, we had the opportunity to see just how some of the new technology would work.

One of the most intriguing uses of MyMagic+ technology was the Touch to Pay System. We had an opportunity to put our Magic Bands to work with the new system, and Erin, our Disney Food For Families columnist, documented the process so our readers could be in the know!

Erin Paying with Her Magic Band at Artist Point!

And while we love the Magic Band concept, even cooler is all the Disney food bling that you can get to individualize your bracelet! I’m a sucker for the cupcake!

Magic Band Food Bling

Another rumor that came to fruition was that [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 29, 2013

By AJ Leave a Comment

We hope our readers are enjoying a wonderful holiday season. Maybe some of you have even tried our DFB 2013 Holiday Cupcake Crawl!

Recently, the End Zone Food Court re-opened at the All-Star Sports Resort. Plus, we featured more holiday treats!

For details, just click on the links below!

Disney Food News

The End Zone Food Court at All-Star Sports Resort has re-opened with a refreshed menu and updated dining room!
Holiday Snacks and specialty mugs have been spotted at select locations throughout Walt Disney World!
Gingerbread Beignets are being served at Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar.

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!

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!

All the way from Disney’s Aulani, DFB’s Disney Food for Families Columnist, Erin Foster, shares these tropical Mickey waffles.

Tropical Mickey Waffles

Facebook friend Megan sent this note: “Best way to eat a Mickey Waffle – Brown Sugar, Butter, and Syrup! MMMmmm.” Woo — now that’s breakfast!

Mickey Waffle for breakfast

Thanks for sharing your Mickey waffles with us!

Pre-Order The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 and get the 2013 Guide FREE!

Headed to Disney World soon? Pick up our 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for $4 off using code DINE! With this pre-order, you’ll get the 2013 Guide instantly — for free!

This comprehensive e-Book offers over 400 pages of expert information, color photographs, advice, reviews, and details about Dining in Disney World. And these awesome bonus items are included:

Downloadable worksheets for planning your trip.
Seven sample one-day dining itineraries to help you with brainstorming.
A comprehensive index of bars and lounges.
An index of some of our favorite Top 5 lists.
Four food-themed scavenger hunts — one for each Disney World theme park!
Disney Dining Trivia to play while waiting in line, or waiting for a table.

Pick up your copy today with code DINE for a $4 discount! As a downloadable PDF, the [Read more…]

Review: Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando

By AJ 2 Comments

OK, I totally have ANOTHER awesome waffle sandwich to share with you today!!

And you can find it in an unlikely location…the Waldorf Astoria Orlando Resort. Nestled in Bonnet Creek, within the main gates of Walt Disney World, it’s a great mix of convenience and refinement. Plus, there are some seriously killer views of Disney’s theme parks from its balconies.

Today, we’re grabbing a casual lunch at the resort’s main lounge — Peacock Alley.

Peacock Alley Menu Cover

This spot’s namesake is the fashionable Peacock Alley of the Waldorf Astoria in New York City (the original was given the name due to the colorful peacock feathers the ladies wore in their hats); but while it’s elegant, you can definitely choose this location for a relaxed and casual lunch.

Atmosphere

Everything about Peacock Alley makes me want to take a deep breath, sink into a comfortable chair, and relax. The cool colors and motif of peacock feathers surrounds you throughout (even on the carpet!).

View of Peacock Alley

The view is of the Waldorf’s pool area and golf course. And you may even catch a glimpse of Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Seating

There is a luxuriously appointed bar on one wall, and there’s even a peacock etched in the mirror.

Peacock Alley Bar

Check out this awesome [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Holiday Treats!

By AJ Leave a Comment

We are back with another fun post featuring YOUR Disney Food Pics of the Week! That’s right — this is the post that we turn over to you guys to showcase all of the amazing food photos that you share on the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza!

If you’d like to get in on the fun, head over to Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr and join the group. We’d love to see even more of your great food shots!

Today, I thought it would be fun to share with you some Holiday Treats that the group has captured on film. Let’s hit it!

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Goodies

You just know it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas when Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party gets underway at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! Festive decorations, that beautiful castle, snow on Main Street USA — and complimentary Hot Cocoa and Cookies! Sign me up!

Photographer: Hilary White

Hot Cocoa and Cookies at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

Mickey Krispie Treats

Rice Krispie Treats

are pretty darn irresistible anyway. But make them into [Read more…]

First Look and Photo Tour! Disney World’s All Star Sports End Zone Food Court Reopens after Renovation

By Wendy 16 Comments

The End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports has just reopened after a lengthy refurbishment — four months, to be exact! We were thrilled to be on the scene for opening day, and are excited to have you join us for a FIRST LOOK!

End Zone Food Court Atmosphere

The first sight to greet you is nicely familiar… the entryway sign remains the same, so as to make the transition from the hallway seamless.

End Zone Food Court Entrance

But in no time you start to notice that things have indeed changed, thanks in part to this sleek “Now Serving” marquee immediately to your left at the entrance.

“Now Serving” Board

Then things really kick into high gear! Gone are the primary colors and life-size cutouts of football and baseball players. In their place are earthy tones and clean lines.

The changes are most notable in the dining area.

End Zone Dining Area

But they extend throughout the Food Court [Read more…]

Guest Review: Holiday Gingerbread Beignets at Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Today, we’re wishing our readers happy holidays with another seasonal treat — Gingerbread Beignets — courtesy of guest author Kelli! Let’s take a closer look at this holiday specialty from Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar!

Atmosphere

The Mint Julep Bar located in Disneyland’s New Orleans Square can be considered a hidden gem. Located close to the Disney Railroad stop in New Orleans Square, this spot is the perfect resting ground for those needing a short break from all the walking and a quick bite to eat.

The Mint Julep Bar is a small walk-up spot located in New Orleans Square.

A note to those who may not be as familiar with the New Orleans Square area: the Mint Julep Bar is not visible from the main road. To get to it, turn left from the main road (Rivers of America will be on your right), as if you are going toward the eating section of the French Market Restaurant. Mint Julep Bar is in one of the corners of the Market’s outdoor patio seating.

The Mint Julep Bar is located in the outdoor patio seating area of the neighboring French Market Restaurant.

Eats

While the small walk-up spot is known for its New Orleans Mint Julep — a refreshing mint drink featuring a hint of lime — the classic Mickey-shaped beignets are a house specialty. These treats come coated generously with powdered sugar in packs of three ($4.19) or six ($7.19).

Mickey-shaped Beignets and New Orleans Mint Julep are some of the house specialties at this walk-up.

For those who don’t know: beignets (pronounced “ben-yays”) are doughnut or fritter-like pastries that are dipped in batter and deep fried. These delightful treats are derived from the Middle French “bignet” pastry that included a meat or fruit filling.

Regular Mickey Beignets at Disneyland's Mint Julep Bar

For the holidays, the Mint Julep Bar takes these Mickey-shaped beignets to the next level and features limited-time “Gingerbread Beignets” for the entire month of December only. According to the cast member working at the window, these gingerbread-flavored treats can only be found at the Mint Julep Bar, in neighboring Café Orleans — which is known for its version of the beloved Monte Cristo sandwich — or in Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Restaurant, located in Downtown Disney.

As a gingerbread lover, I would always get the Mickey Gingerbread Cookie that can be found in Downtown Disney’s Marceline’s Confectionary or at the Penny Arcade on Main Street (fun fact: a cast member told me these Mickey Gingerbread Cookies are actually available year round because gingerbread was Walt Disney’s favorite cookie).

But for this Disneyland trip, I knew I had to divert from my usual treat to try the gingerbread beignets. All in the spirit of the season, right?

Mickey Gingerbread Cookie.

After standing in a short line at the Mint Julep Bar around noon on a crisp, sunny Tuesday afternoon, I finally got the highly anticipated Gingerbread Beignets.

A list of the walk-up spot’s seasonal treats are in the window, and some of the treats are also listed on a separate menu board at the bar’s entrance.

The Mint Julep Bar is currently featuring several seasonal drinks and treats.

I opted for the three-pack, consisting of three decently sized, gingerbread-flavored, Mickey-shaped beignets served in a white paper bag. Knowing that the treats would be messy, I asked the cast member for a plate, which he willingly retrieved for me from the adjacent French Market Restaurant.

The little white bag filled with delicious Gingerbread Beignets.

I opened the bag and peeked inside [Read more…]

2013 Holiday Snacking Around the World!

By AJ 3 Comments

Merry Christmas from DFB! It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Walt Disney World… and we’ve got the goodies to prove it!

Just take a look at some of your favorite snack stops around the World! From Magic Kingdom’s Big Top Treats and Main Street’s Confectionary, to Downtown Disney’s Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company, to Sweet Spells at Hollywood Studios… signs of the season are everywhere :).

2013 Holiday Bakery Case

I’m loving these gorgeous Candy Apples, created to look like ornaments!

The merry Mickey and Minnie Candy Apples are back this year, too, as is the Snowman.

Holiday Minnie and Mickey Candy Apples

Holiday Candy Apples -- the full line-up!

Krispy Treats take a festive turn with Santa Hats… and how cute are the glittering marshmallow pom-poms?

Santa Krispy Treats

Even the pretzel rods and a few of the marshmallow wands have a touch of holiday spirit!

Pretzel Rods at Big Top Treats

Decorated Marshmallow Wands

The Cake Pop trend shows no signs of slowing down. Snowmen and Reindeer Cake Pops steal the show this year.

[Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED