Review: Electric Umbrella at Epcot

You may have run right by it dozens of times in a rush to get those all-important Soarin’ Fast Passes or en route to World Showcase for something more exotic.

Learn About:Electric Umbrella

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

But if you’re starving (or have picky, non-experimental eaters to feed), that neon sign over the Electric Umbrella in Epcot can be a very welcome sight.

But should you keep walking? Or is there anything of interest here? It had been a while since we had last taken in a lunch at the Future World counter service stop, so I thought it was time to pop in and see if I could find anything new! (Oh, and please forgive any fuzzy pictures; I was using a new camera lens and I couldn’t quite get the hang of it! ;-D)

Atmosphere

Located adjacent to both the Innoventions Fountains and Mouse Gear, you can’t miss this restaurant. It anchors the plaza in Epcot’s Future World to the left, as you peer toward World Showcase.

Outside View and Patio Seating

There is a ton of shaded seating here, so finding a table and a place to take a break is rarely a problem. And inside, you’ll find a fun, futuristic, neon-weather vibe. This is early Epcot at its best, IMHO.

Neon Sign

Weather Motif and Theming

And of course, true to the name of the restaurant, you’ll find “electric umbrellas” in bright, primary colors lighting up the inside. (If you are a late 70’s early 80’s baby, you are required to love this.)

Electric Umbrellas!

Now, should you seek seating that’s a bit quieter than that outside or underneath the giant umbrellas, here’s a feature that many people don’t even know about: [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 11, 2012

By AJ 2 Comments

After much speculation, we now know where the first two Disney World Starbucks locations will be!

In Summer 2013, guests will be able to get their “sbux” at Main Street Bakery in the Magic Kingdom, and Fountain View Cafe in Epcot!

Other big news? We had our first lunch review from Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland earlier this week. Here’s another informed Be Our Guest Restaurant lunch review, too!

Disney Food News

Interesting food news this week. Read on!

The first two Disney World Starbucks locations have been announced — Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom, and Fountain View Cafe in Epcot.
New fudge at Walt Disney World and Disneyland!
Hurry! There’s a sale at DisneyStore.com! Time to get shopping!
Earl of Sandwich opened in Downtown Disney Anaheim at the Disneyland Resort!
If you plan to be in London through the holidays, be sure to visit Disney at Harrods and Disney Cafe by Harrods, two new experiences opened at the famed department store in the United Kingdom! (Oh, and take me with you!)
This is the LAST WEEKEND of the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Catch our updates and reviews here!

We’ve got additional food news (including Via Napoli Pizza Window opened in Epcot, restaurant closure updates, and LOTS more) on our Disney Food News Pin Board!

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food in or from Disney, share a photo with us so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds!

Suzannah DiMarzio from Zannaland shared a unique find – limited edition cupcakes from the Festival of the Masters art festival in Downtown Disney this weekend.

Festival of the Masters Cupcakes

Brett Young sent us this delicious photo collage of eats from Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival!

Food and Wine Festival Pics

Abby Millsaps tweeted this pictures of a holiday dessert she found at Disneyland’s French Quarter. Abby says it has the “texture of a zebra Dome”! Yum!

Holiday Dessert at French Market in Disneyland

On to the Round-Up

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups

hangs out at the Trout Pass Pool Bar outside the Wilderness Lodge.

Daveland visits Disney California Adventure and heads to Flo’s V-8 Cafe.

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World visits the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Main Street Gazette shares the recipe for Pumpkin Mousse Trifle from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

The Disney Post interviews a Disney Food Scientist!

Disney by Mark shares Disney Aulani’s Food and Wine Festival details in Hawaii!

Disney Parks Blog makes a pit stop at the Cozy Cone Motel at Disney California Adventure.

News! Disney Café Opens at Harrods Department Store in London for the Holidays

By AJ 18 Comments

Are you heading to the UK for the Christmas season — or do you just wish you were? Me too! The “wish I were” part, I mean!

Well, if you actually are there, DFB reader Lynn has pointed out an opulent Disney experience right in the heart of London: A pop-up Disney Store and Disney Cafe at Harrod’s Department Store in Knightsbridge, London! (Scroll down for the full menu!!)

Disney at Harrods

Just in time for the winter holidays, the famous London department store has opened a pop-up boutique and Cafe on its fourth floor. The store features [Read more…]

First Disney World Starbucks Locations Announced!

By AJ 101 Comments

The news is finally here! Disney has officially announced that Starbucks will take over the Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom and Fountain View Cafe in Epcot in 2013.

Note the Mickeys on the Cup Sleeve

Main Street Bakery and Fountain View Cafe to become Starbucks

We’ve been wondering for nearly a year now where the Starbucks would be located at the Magic Kingdom. And as it turns out, the Main Street Bakery will be completely revamped to hold the new java shop.

According to Disney, the Bakery will close in January 2013 with Starbucks opening in early summer. At Epcot, Fountain View will close in March 2013 and reopen as a Starbucks location in midsummer.

As we saw with Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe in Disney California Adventure, the Starbucks locations will adhere as much as possible to the theme of the parks where they’re located.

For example, Magic Kingdom’s Starbucks will have an early 20th century theme to fit in with Main Street USA. Baristas will be costumed in period wear. In Epcot, the look and feel will represent the modern feel of Future World.

Starbucks Stuff in Current Disneyland Location

Also as we saw at Fiddler in DCA, the locations will offer Starbucks signature beverages along with sandwiches and baked goods.

Bakery Case at Starbucks in Disney California Adventure

If the sandwiches are anything like they are in Disneyland’s location, this means another [Read more…]

Guest Review: Croque Monsieur at Magic Kingdom’s Be Our Guest Restaurant

By AJ 12 Comments

Please welcome guest author Julie B. as she shares with us some great details about the traditional Croque Monsieur at Be Our Guest Restaurant. To read about other lunch items at Be Our Guest Restaurant, click here. To experience Be Our Guest dinner review, click here.

Today, I’m excited to bring you news about another item from the counter service lunch offerings at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland.

On a cold Florida morning recently, we were delighted to find Be Our Guest Restaurant was open for lunch service! With such interesting options on the interactive kiosk screen, it was a little difficult to make a decision.

I had a couple of opportunities to try lunch during my recent visit, but on this particular day, I couldn’t wait to sample the Croque Monsieur.

Adult Lunch Menu -- Click to Enlarge

The bread was a hearty whole grain variety, which I prefer (I’m a big fan of seeds and grains in my bread, especially to add a little crunch to the softer sandwich fillings). The ham was cut in thick slices, and lent itself to more of a rustic French cafe feel, which seems to be what they are trying to achieve at lunch time.

The cheese was nutty and salty, and the béchamel blended in a bit with the cheese and soaked into the bread. I enjoyed a little extra sauce that oozed out of tiny pockets in the bread. A side of béchamel would be great dip for your fries! It was a perfect combo.

Croque Monsieur and Pommes Frites

I did find it to be very [Read more…]

Guest Review: Chef Robert Irvine Culinary Demo at Epcot Food & Wine Festival

By Kim LaPaglia 8 Comments

Join us in welcoming 14-year-old guest author Katie Smith with a review of the culinary demonstration given by super popular Chef Robert Irvine at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! I love hearing about the Food and Wine Festival from the perspective of one of our younger readers! Thanks, Katie!

On Thursday October 25, 2012, my family and I got to see Robert Irvine’s culinary demonstration at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Atmosphere

We had been to Cat Cora’s culinary demonstration earlier that month and thought we knew what to expect. Turns out, we had no idea. I am a huge fan of Robert Irvine, so I was really excited to watch him cook and eat his food!

To start out, there was a representative from Hannah Winery & Vineyards from Sonoma County, California. The wine was a Hanna Chardonnay.

All about Hannah Winery & Vineyards

Then Robert was introduced and proceeded to tell everyone to stand up, put their cameras down, their hands in the air and to go wild. It was a good way to warm up the crowd.

Then, he started cooking the dish, which was a Seared Scallop, Polenta, and Demi-glace. He was very big on audience participation and had an audience helper on stage almost the whole time.

Cooking Polenta with Robert Irvine

Eats

The scallop was cooked perfectly, the polenta was creamy and delicious, and the [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Maple Crème Brûlée from Epcot’s Le Cellier Steakhouse

By AJ 6 Comments

I’ve tried a lot of Disney Crème Brûlée, and this one is definitely near the top of the list!

Learn About:Le Cellier Steakhouse

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Time to head over to Epcot and into fan (and DFB!) favorite Le Cellier Steakhouse for today’s Disney recipe!

The Maple Crème Brûlée here has got to be one of the most-often ordered desserts on the menu, and it’s very clear why! The super creamy custard has exactly the right amount of sweet maple flavor — and it’s perfect for the holidays!

So while we can’t provide a Moosehead or a serenade by Off Kilter to complete the virtual trip to Epcot’s Canada Pavilion, this decadent dessert will go a long way to putting a smile on your face!

Maple Crème Brûlée from Epcot's Le Cellier Steakhouse

Maple Crème Brûlée

Serves 6
Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
9 egg yolks [Read more…]

Disney Gift Guide 2012: 25% Off DisneyStore.com Sale! Our Fun Disney Dining Picks…

By AJ 6 Comments

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — or it almost is, and that’s about the same thing, right? 🙂

If you’re looking to get a little jump on your Christmas entertaining and gift shopping, we’re here to help. Today through Monday, November 12, you can take 25% off of everything storewide at DisneyStore.com! Just use code DISNEYPAL at check-out to grab that discount.

I can’t think of a better way to kick off my holiday shopping and entertaining — can you?

To show off a few of my favorite gift ideas (yep — you can get gifts for YOURSELF, too!), I thought we could combine two of my favorite things — dinner and Disney! All of these items will be perfect accents for your holiday entertaining this year. Let’s go!

Mickey Snowflake Beverage Charms

Greet your guests with a cold cocktail when they arrive, and help them to keep track of their drink throughout the evening with chic Beverage Charms. Don Draper never looked so fabulous!

Mickey Mouse Icon Beverage Glass Charms Set

Mickey Mouse Bamboo Coasters

Offer friends a trendy place to put their glasses with this set of Mickey Bamboo Coasters. Sleek and sophisticated, these subtle and understated coasters are a perfect addition to just about any decor.

Bamboo Mickey Mouse Coaster Set

Animator’s Palette Appetizer Plates

Serve your tapas on these cool Animator’s Palette Appetizer Plates. They’re just like the ones you’ll find in the restaurant aboard Disney Cruise Line ships!

Animator's Palette Appetizer Plate

Animator’s Palette Butter Knives

If butter or cheese is on the buffet, be sure to pick up a few of these sleek Animator’s Palette Butter Knives. [Read more…]

Coming Soon! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2012!

By AJ 11 Comments

Wishing for the best holiday trip ever at Walt Disney World? Done!

Planning strategies change drastically during Disney World’s busiest season of the year! And we’ll soon be sharing all of the best planning tips and tricks — and hidden gems that are available only during the holidays — in our brand new DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays, 2012, e-Book!

Whether you want to avoid the crowds, choose meals that are perfect for your family, discover the best gingerbread displays, attend seasonal special events, or visit with Santa, The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays, 2012, will help you pick and choose the perfect plans.

And this time, we’re not just talking about food. While there will be plenty of holiday-specific food and dining information, we’re also including extensive Disney holiday activity and event information — and even a monthly schedule of events for the winter holidays. This is the perfect way to prep for your holiday Disney vacation this year…or get a jump on the game for next year!

Sneak Peek!

With well over 100 pages of information and photos (actually, at last edit it was more like 150+ pages!), you’ll get all [Read more…]

Guest Review: Ten Tips for Disney Cruise Dining with a Toddler

By AJ 7 Comments

Welcome to guest author Julia Mascardo with an informative review and GREAT TIPS for dining with a toddler aboard the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship!

In any given week, toddlers may decide that they want to eat everything offered to them — or they may want to dine on goldfish crackers and string cheese for every meal.

When you are on land, it isn’t a major problem to make sure your toddler’s whims are met even if you are on vacation. But the idea of spending a week at the mercy of a cruise ship’s galley might make a parent reconsider the idea of cruising.

After spending a week aboard the Disney Fantasy, I found that with a little advance planning, toddler dining on a Disney cruise can be an enjoyable experience—for parents and children alike.

Even if your child doesn’t get desserts at home, you probably will want to allow a little indulgence when on board — like this decorate-your-own-cupcake dessert!

Here are my top 10 tips for making the most of Disney cruise dining with a toddler:

1. Pick your battles

When adults are on vacation, they eat in ways that they wouldn’t eat at home. The same can be said for toddlers.

If you have certain rules that you want to enforce on ship, let your servers know. For instance, if your child must have three bites of vegetables before any macaroni and cheese, they can bring out a plate of vegetables for those required three bites and then bring out a “next course” of pasta.

Flexibility with rules can make life easier, however. If you are okay with treats like doughnuts for breakfast and French fries with every meal, that flexibility may make the experience more pleasant for everyone.

Buffets offer opportunities for your child to pick what he or she wants to eat— and for you to decide what you put on the plate.

2. If you don’t see it, ask

Our daughter drinks milk with every meal. But milk was not listed on the room service menu as a drink option for lunch or dinner, and was not visible at the buffet restaurant Cabanas for lunch.

Milk is available, but sometimes you need to ask where to find it.

One quick question to a cast member and I found that room service will not only will deliver milk, but you can set up for a daily scheduled delivery at a specific time if desired.

For lunch at Cabanas, milk is stored behind the manned salad bar station. All you have to do is ask a cast member, and he or she will [Read more…]

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