Snack Series: Churro Bites at Disney California Adventure Cozy Cone Motel

I’m pretty sure that Disneyland is the Churro Capital of the World. So when the good folks there decided to build an awesome snack stand in the brand new Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, you better believe there were going to be some tasty takes on churros involved.

And that is how the Churro Cone came to be at the Cozy Cone Motel!

Churro Cone at the Cozy Cone Motel

With its spot-on themeing and delicious food and drinks, we are already big fans of the Cozy Cone. I find that I have to make at least one stop here every trip just to take in the sights! I’m sure I’m going to spy Sally pulling around the corner one of these days. 🙂

We’ve raved about all of the dishes here. Most recently, I really enjoyed the Breakfast Cone paired with a Pear of Dice Soda. But we are also big fans of the Chili Cone Queso and gourmet flavored popcorns that they serve, too!

On a recent visit, though, I learned something new! Many of the cones don’t open until 11AM…but the Churro Bites are available for BREAKFAST! 🙂 You’re welcome.

Menu -- Click to Enlarge

The bite-sized treats are rolled in cinnamon sugar (natch) and are served with a Cinnamon-Spiced Chocolate Sauce! Here they are, just as they were handed to me. And I have to say, [Read more…]

The “DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival” Grand Launch and Discount!

By AJ 6 Comments

We’re thrilled to announce the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book! With over 190 pages and multiple bonus items, it’s pretty substantial! And just in time to make your plans — booking begins on August 13th!

In honor of our grand launch, we have a discount option for DFB readers (as always!). You can get the new mini-guide for $3 off the regular purchase price for a limited time — just use code CHEFS at the check-out!

The DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book

The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book

features all the info you need to know before you attend the Food and Wine Festival this year, from what’s NEW this year to touring strategies and a brand new FAQ section.

And with the Epcot Food & Wine festival rapidly approaching, the time is now! Booking for festival events opens August 13th at 7AM ET, and our exclusive daily schedule of events is the most efficient way to plan your festival strategy. (Did you purchase a pre-order of the DFB Guide to the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and not receive your book? Let us know at [email protected]!)

With a detailed schedule of seminars and events for every single day of the festival, it’s a quick, easy way to decide what activities and events you want to book! Don’t waste time flipping between web pages, PDFs, and websites — just find the date you need and we’ve got it all right there in front of you. Just like that!

Find Everything That's Going On During Your Visit in our FULL Daily Schedule of Events!

As always, we’ve made this mini-guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with [Read more…]

2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details

By Kim LaPaglia 9 Comments

We’re thrilled to finally share the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary and Beverage Seminars and Demonstrations details!

The wait is over (and just in time!) as the details on the low-cost seminars and demos that showcase the delicious and educational options of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival are available.

Click through to our Culinary and Beverage Seminars and Demonstrations page to see links to the Culinary, Beverage, and Mixology events.

Seminars and demos are priced between $14-15 this year, and feature chefs and beverage companies that are at the top of their game. Check the details to find your favorites, like Warren Brown, Robert Irvine, and more!

Booking

Booking will be available for most events on [Read more…]

Review: Vanilla Ice Cream Brownie Sandwich at Downtown Disney’s Earl of Sandwich

By AJ 9 Comments

The Earl of Sandwich is still one of the most popular “non-Disney” food destinations in all of Walt Disney World — and now in Disneyland as well.

Learn About:Earl of Sandwich

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

But you may be surprised to learn that they also have some killer desserts — which take the form of sandwiches, naturally!

A while back I told you about some of them. My first discovery was the Brownie Creme Sandwich. Two of the most amazing brownies ever are stuck together with some rockin’ vanilla frosting. This was Nirvana enough. But then, I tried two more versions of the treat — the Chocolate Creme Brownie Sandwich and the Peanut Butter Creme Brownie Sandwich. Even. Better.

And when I heard about the EoS ice cream sandwich…it was time to return… .

Earl of Sandwich Vanilla Ice Cream Brownie Sandwich

Sure, the brownie sandwiches have been outrageously good up to this point, but they’re about to get even better. Enter, the Vanilla Ice Cream Brownie Sandwich.

It comes to you much like the other brownie sandwiches — nestled in a plastic clamshell.

Brownie Sandwich Earl in its Clamshell

Also just like the other brownie sandwiches, this one is [Read more…]

First Look! 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise and Artwork

By AJ 14 Comments

Excitement is building for the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

We got our first look at festival artwork at the recent Food and Wine Festival preview, and people are already talking about how much they love it! I adore how they’ve worked World Showcase landmarks into the colorful art.

2013 Food and Wine Festival Art Work

Today, we’re psyched to share with you some of the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival artwork and other merchandise that will be featured during this year’s event!

2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Signature Artwork

This year’s signature artwork is quite a departure from last year’s more photojournalistic style. In 2013, the mood has turned whimsical, and the familiar motif of this year’s festival decor turns up in the background, but in a softer pastel palette.

2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Poster

Look closely, and you’ll even spy Remy from Ratatouille perched in the top of the bumbling chef’s toque!

Other Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise: Figurines, Pins, Vinylmation, and More

The chef is also the star of a new 7-inch bobble figurine, made extra awesome because he’s balancing on top of Spaceship Earth!

Bobble Chef Figurine

Disney artists have also created new character artwork with Mickey, Goofy, and Donald in chef whites. The character pieces are reminiscent of similar vintage-inspired pieces that we’ve spied in the Italy pavilion.

We can’t wait to see all the cool ways these three will be featured!

Chefs Mickey, Donald, and Goofy will Turn Up at This Year's Festival

The merchandise team has come up with a great line up of must-haves for the 2013 festival. The bumbling chef turns up on [Read more…]

Guest Review: Kona Café Dinner at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

By AJ 21 Comments

Let’s travel to Disney’s Polynesian Resort for dinner at the Kona Café with guest author Katie Roth. We love the flavors from the south seas at this Walt Disney World restaurant!

Learn About:Kona Cafe

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

I’m embarrassed to admit that I have stayed at the Polynesian multiple times and have never eaten at Kona Café! Until now, I always admired its colorful decorations and festive atmosphere from afar on my way to the monorail.

After eating here, we are THRILLED that we made the decision to try it. I’m pretty sure this restaurant is going to be a staple for our trips now.

Kona Cafe Sign.

Atmosphere

Kona Café is located on the upper terrace of the Great Ceremonial House at the Polynesian resort. Honestly, it’s pretty hard to miss. The colors are vibrant and the decibel level is pretty high compared to other restaurants. (It didn’t seem as loud once we were inside the restaurant though; the sound from the lobby probably amplifies noise coming from the restaurant to any passerby.)

Kona Cafe Dining Room.

Once inside the restaurant, it’s even brighter and cheerier! Everything screams tropics here, from the carpets (see below) to the adorned ceilings. (Editor’s Note: Check out the Hidden Mickey in the carpet!)

Tropical Carpet with HIdden Mickey!

Eats

Once our waitress took our order, we were treated to Kona Café’s complimentary [Read more…]

Review! New Vegetarian Fare and Allergy Kiosk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 22 Comments

We were excited to tell you about the brand new Gardens kiosk at Disney’s Animal Kingdom last week, which caters to guests with allergies and special dietary concerns. The new information station debuted over the weekend — and today, we have photos for you!

But in addition to the Gardens, guests who prefer a vegetarian menu will find some great new vegetarian options in the park, too. We’ve reviewed two new options today for you!

Gardens Kiosk Menu and Offerings

New Gardens Allergy Information Kiosk

The Gardens kiosk opened for business on Sunday, and it looks like a real winner. It’s another great step in Disney’s commitment to being a great destination for guests special dietary needs or restrictions.

The hub, located centrally on Discovery Island near Flame Tree Barbecue and the entrance to It’s Tough to Be a Bug, serves to educate guests about the top eight food allergens.

Cast members are available to advise guests with food allergies on the best places within Animal Kingdom to eat.

Cast Member Giving Guests Information at Gardens Kiosk

But it’s more than just a great place for advice. Guests can stop by the handy booth for [Read more…]

The Troll Horn Conundrum

By Erin 27 Comments

At her urging, I recently made a visit to one of DisneyFoodBlog guru AJ’s favorite spots, Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway pavilion.

While I LOVE the Maelstrom ride in Norway (“Those who seek the spirit of Norway face peril and adventure!”), I must confess that I rarely stop into Kringla when I’m at the pavilion. Depending on which way I’m traveling, my hands are usually already occupied by a margarita from Mexico or a bag of caramel popcorn from Germany.

AJ’s motivation for having me visit Kringla Bakeri was to investigate the mystery of the disappearing Cloudberry Horn. She had heard (gasp!) they were off the menu.

The Cloudberry Horn is one of those Disney cult classic items that a squadron of devotees defend with zeal. MUST HAVE CLOUDBERRIES! (Say that with a troll voice and you’ll tremble slightly.)

Indeed, when I got to the pastry counter I found that there were no “Cloudberry Horns,” but instead there were Troll Horns available. (Do trolls even have horns?)

This troll has no horn, or maybe she chopped it off 🙂

The menu lists Troll Horns for $3.89, same price that the Cloudberry Horns had been.

And look, those cone-shaped sweets are labeled “Troll Horns” in the case.

Upon closer inspection of both a horn and the menu, the difference between a Troll Horn and a Cloudberry Horn is the flavor of [Read more…]

Review: Hot Fudge Sundae at Dino Bite Snacks

By AJ 6 Comments

Guys, it is so hot out there!! And when I’m sweltering and sweating, there’s one thing I know to do: eat more ice cream.

Fortunately, that’s not a hard proposition when you’re in Walt Disney World — just check out our Ice Cream Gallery for the goods!

Dino-Bite Snacks -- Outside

Today, I’m heading over to DinoLand U.S.A. (YAY!!!!!!) in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to one of my favorite ice cream stops, Dino-Bite Snacks!

With its shiny quilted aluminum siding, this little snack shack has a vintage feel that matches the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. It serves up ice cream in a variety of ways, plus churros and other snacks.

Most of the time, a stop for me here means just one thing: a hand-made ice cream cookie sandwich! But I decided to branch out just a bit today and try their new-to-me Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae.

Old-Fashioned Hot Fudge Sundae

You’ll find Dino-Bite Snacks just to the right of Restaurantosaurus (YAY!!!!!!!!!!!) as you’re facing the counter service spot. It’s not much more than a kiosk, with separate windows for ordering and pick up.

Like I mentioned, the menu is limited only to snacks and beverages. Nothing here would make a meal — unless you fancy an ice cream sandwich in place of breakfast. (I’m not necessarily admitting I’ve done this before, but…)

Hand-scooped ice cream is available, but there are only a few varieties. Choose from vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or chocolate chip. You can also get a float here as well!

Dino-Bite Snacks Menu -- Click to Enlarge

But we hadn’t tried the hot fudge sundae, so I decided this was the day. Once I ordered my sundae at window number one, [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe

By AJ 19 Comments

I know I’m not alone in considering the Grand Floridian Cafe to be a hidden gem among resort restaurants.

Learn About:Grand Floridian Cafe

Grand Floridian
Disney World Restaurants

Located in one of Walt Disney World’s most beautiful hotels, the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, this moderately-priced table service restaurant is rarely so busy that you can’t score a walk-up table. That has held true for me at even the busiest times, such as spring break.

A while back we experienced a delightful dinner at Grand Floridian Cafe, and I had been anxious ever since that time to get back for breakfast.

On a recent trip, we finally had an opportunity to take in our morning meal there.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere at the Grand Floridian Cafe is a little on the nondescript side. It’s not that it’s uncomfortable or unattractive; it’s just that bumped up against all the over-the-top themeing in many Disney spots, this one pales by comparison.

Sign at the Restaurant's Entrance

What you will find is a really beautiful, bright, cheerful spot that melds the Victorian with the Floridian perfectly.

At breakfast, you’ll find plenty of guests sitting back, sipping coffee, and reading the paper. It’s just screams “relaxed,” which may be exactly what you need during a busy Disney vacation.

Seating in the Main Dining Room

It does feel a little on the dated side…but that kinda makes sense, since you’re supposed to feel like you’re surrounded by the 19th, not the 21st, century.

Mirrors give the space a larger feel, and the heavy marble and iron tables remind me a bit of the sunroom seating at Tony’s Town Square in Magic Kingdom. It’s a nice tie-in to the Main Street U.S.A. vintage feel.

There’s also mixed banquette and chair seating here, so everyone can have the seat they prefer.

Mixed Seating and Decor

The view through the windows onto the [Read more…]

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