Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Share Your Favorite World Showcase Booths

For many of us, the main draw at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival are the World Showcase marketplace booths!

One of the questions I get most often about the Festival is “What booths are your favorite?” As you know, I think it’s pretty important to plan what booths you want to visit the most (there’s only so much money, time, and stomach space, after all), so I thought it would be fun to share my favorites!

Hawaii Booth at the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Below are few of my choices for not-to-be-missed booths, and I’d love to hear yours in the comments below!

And don’t forget to check out our full list of Booth Menus to plan your choices! Each booth has its very own page, and we’ve got FOOD PHOTOS of most of the menu items!

Must-Do 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths

So which booths am I running for as soon as the festival opens? These ones, for sure!

Mexico is offering Crispy Shrimp Tacos again this year (yum!); and that strawberry lime margarita is awesome.

Crispy Shrimp Taco in Mexico

Strawberry Lime Margarita on the Rocks

Argentina features those grilled beef skewers and boniato puree that [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Halloween Time Starts Now!

By Heather 11 Comments

This week I lucked out and was able to attend the Disney Parks Blog Halloween Meet Up in Disneyland.

After an announcement was made on the Disney Parks Blog, 100 Annual Passholders, including me, quickly registered for themselves (and could bring one guest) to attend the “Get Spookier” meet up.

A perfect opportunity to try out this year’s Halloween costume!

Can you tell who I am???

We’ll get to the treats and eats in just a bit, but first off — the events! The evening was designed to celebrate the kick-off of Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, which officially started last Friday, September 14th.

We started off the night seated outdoors at the French Market (aka Club Skellington) for a presentation from some fabulous cast members: David Caranci, Manager of Park Enhancement; and Brian Sandahl, Senior Designer for Disney Entertainment for Creative Development.

They each told us about their roles in preparing the park for Halloween. We learned lots of fun facts about the Haunted Mansion Holiday overlay as well as park stats such as how many pumpkins are used as decor during Halloween Time. The answer? Over 1000; some real and some artificial. Including this guy:

A Few of the 1000+ Pumpkins that Adorn Disneyland During Halloween Time!

After the very informative chat with David and Brian, guests were sent off to ride the Haunted Mansion Holiday over and over again for 45 minutes. Each ride a walk on!

Although this was also spectacular (this year’s Gingerbread House is a must see, I LOVE newly added the ghost train) I was most interested in, you guessed it: the desserts!

Treats!

After our ride(s) we were treated to a [Read more…]

News! Menu Changes at Beaches and Cream in Disney’s Beach Club Resort

By AJ 46 Comments

Learn About:Beaches and Cream

Disney World Restaurants

One of our favorite places in Walt Disney World has changed up the menu a bit! It’s even sporting a new contrasting color scheme!

Beaches and Cream at Disney World’s Beach Club Resort has definitely added and subtracted from the menu from time to time over the past several years.

But this update includes a few big changes to the entrees section. (Don’t worry…the No Way Jose and your other favorite sundaes are still there!)

Beaches and Cream Menu

Thanks once again to AJ’s Dad — my favorite roving reporter — we have some great shots of the new menu and even some pics of the new food!!

Here’s a wide angle pic of the whole menu. Beaches fans will see some definite changes to the style of the triptic.

Menu Wide Angle.

Eats Updates

Now, let’s check out what’s been changed and updated food-wise!

The Fountain Favorites are pretty much the same as before. Guests can still get their favorite flavored cokes here (cherry for me, please!) — and is the raspberry flavor new, Beaches fans?

Fountain Favorites - click image for larger version.

But the Hot Off The Grill section has definitely seen some changes! From what I can see…this place is getting FAN-CY!

New here are a Bacon Angus Burger served with blue cheese and barbecue sauce; the Beaches Rachel Sandwich featuring [Read more…]

Guest Review: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort

By AJ 14 Comments

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

Today, we’re welcoming Alex F. with a signature dining review. Alex takes us with her to the top of the Contemporary Resort for dinner at the California Grill! Let’s go…

I have been to Disney World over 20 times and I have always wanted to write a review. So, finally I decided that on my latest trip, I would take pictures and review California Grill at the Contemporary Resort. I hope that this review is helpful and enjoyable!

Atmosphere

California Grill

, a signature dining restaurant located on the 15th floor of the Contemporary Resort, features unique views through the walls of windows and the two observation decks.

While dining here, you can either have close up aerial views of the Magic Kingdom from one side of the dining room, or distant views of Epcot and Hollywood Studios from the other (you can see Spaceship Earth, the Swan and Dolphin hotels, and even the Tower of Terror).

Table by the Window with Magic Kingdom View

To access the California Grill, you must check-in on the 2nd floor to the right of the escalators. Years ago, you were able to simply go straight upstairs and check-in, but that has all changed. Now, once you have checked in, you can head over to a special elevator just for [Read more…]

Guest Review: Complimentary Wine Seminar at Tutto Gusto in Epcot’s Italy

By AJ 5 Comments

We’re welcoming back Melissa Sue Sorrells Galley with a fabulous review of a FREE wine seminar that’s been taking place Mondays and Thursdays this Summer at Tutto Gusto in Epcot’s Italy pavilion. Let’s take a look!

As big fans of Mexico’s La Cava del Tequila in Epcot, my husband and I were anxious to try Disney’s newest not-quite-counter-service wine bar, Tutto Gusto.

Tutto Gusto

Located near the back of the Italy Pavilion in Epcot, just behind Tutto Italia, Tutto Gusto wine cellar offers light meals, meats, cheese, and of course, wine!

They also, as we found out during our recent visit to Disney World, offered complimentary wine tastings in the dimly-lit, cozy little wine cellar Monday and Thursday throughout August and September.

A-frame sign advertising the wine seminar - click image for larger version.

Atmosphere

Upon entering, we felt like we’d been transported to a family-owned winery with a modern twist. Classic, old-world style details mingled with fun, contemporary features — like the unique wine bottle light fixture above the bar.

Glass bottle light fixture (and Italian servers!)

Beautiful details on the walls.

Glass cases lined with fresh meats, sandwiches, and delectable desserts drew us in deeper, and the [Read more…]

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Trick-or-Treat Map, and Special Diets Treat Exchange

By AJ 16 Comments

Halloween in Walt Disney World has pretty much already started! (September? Who needs September?)

And highlighting the Fall season, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party is the place to trick-or-treat!

But be sure to check out this treat map so you know exactly where you want to head as soon as you get in the park!

Trick or Treat Locations - click image for larger version

11 candy spots (and pop-up treat stations) will help curb party-goers’ sweet cravings. And to guarantee the candy [Read more…]

What’s Your Favorite Disney Burger?

By AJ 48 Comments

It’s usually my job to smash though the stereotype that theme parks only serve burgers and fries, but today…it’s time to embrace it! We’re going to talk burgers, all! Are ya ready to share your favorites?

It’s time to update our “best burgers in Disney World” list, and we think there are some seriously unexpected meat-and-bun creations that go far beyond what you would expect from a theme park burger. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable in the bunch.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, though! I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments below!

Picnic Burger at Sci-Fi Dine-In

UPDATE: Please note that the Picnic Burger is not currently being served at Sci-Fi-Dine-In Restaurant, but they often feature a specialty burger on the menu in addition to the Build-Your-Own Burger.

The All American Picnic Burger is a flame-broiled Angus burger patty topped with…wait until you hear this…a grilled hot dog! On top of this, you get sauerkraut, sautéed onions, ketchup, mustard, and a pickle spear! Yep — this one is HUGE…and messy!

Served at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a picnic on a plate. Go ahead and indulge!

Picnic Burger

Beaches and Cream Burger

The simple Beaches and Cream Burger made our very first “Best Burgers” list way back when, and now their upgraded Bacon and Blue version has made our list again!

Beaches and Cream is your spot for comforting food, including malted milkshakes, chicken noodle soup, awesome ice cream sundaes, and Angus cheeseburgers.

Bacon and Blue Burger at Beaches and Cream

Surf and Surf “Burger” at Landscape of Flavors

This is probably the newest on the list, and hails from Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors!

Not technically a burger, the Surf and Surf is actually a Crab Cake topped with fried popcorn shrimp, tomato, lettuce, and Cajun remoulade on a brioche bun. There are plenty of other great burgers to choose from at this new counter-service stop, though, so [Read more…]

New Menu: Grand Floridian’s Beach Pool Bar

By Kim LaPaglia 12 Comments

Disney chefs worked behind the scenes on new menu items for the Grand Floridian Beach Pool Bar at the Grand Floridian, which recently re-opened! Courtesy of Chef Jack Butler, we have all the details!

Beach Pool Bar Under Construction

After new recipes are developed, they are tested to see which menu items are most popular with guests. Testing took place at Gasparilla Grill before it closed for refurbishment this month.

Gasparilla Entrance

The new menu at the Beach Pool Bar now replaces Gasparilla as the go-to counter-service location for Grand Floridian during renovations. As always during refurbs and menu updates, this is all subject to change.

Let’s check it out!

New Menu Items

Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad with Red Onion Vinaigrette

($7.19)
Chunks of watermelon, feta cheese crumbles, grape tomatoes, and shaved red onion on a base of arugula.

Grilled chicken Caesar salad ($8.39)
This is a holdover from Gasparilla. You can now sub out the chicken for grilled shrimp for an additional charge.

Crab Cake Sandwich ($9.99).
Served with a corn tartar sauce and cucumber salad. The cake itself is an un-breaded version of the Grand Floridian Cafe crab cake.

Crab Cakes at Grand Floridian Cafe

Citrus Chicken Salad Sandwich ($8.99)
Shredded chicken with a citrus tarragon [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Chefs Behind the Scenes…

By Kim LaPaglia 8 Comments

Walt Disney World is gearing up for this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival beginning September 28 and running through November 12, 2012.

Let’s take a look at the fun ways that the Disney chefs are preparing courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog.

Cutting up apples…

then making dough.

I’m thinking about Germany’s apple strudel now.

Apfel Strudel featuring Werther’s Original Karamell Sauce and Vanilla Sauce

Here, the chefs are busy [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Review of 1901 Lounge in Disney California Adventure

By Heather 21 Comments

When standing in front of Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure, you will notice three entrance doors. The two on the left lead you into the restaurant while the one on the right takes you somewhere very, very special.

Carthay Circle Restaurant Marquee

Atmosphere

1901, a private lounge reserved for Club 33 Platinum Members and their guests, is perhaps one of the most tranquil spots in all of Disney California Adventure. A variety of eats and treats are served here, which are also served at Carthay Circle Lounge (a spot that all park guests can access — no membership needed there).

With a simple 1901 plaque at its entrance, behind the door is a spectacular space filled with historic mementos that Walt himself would’ve probably chosen to put on display.

1901 Entrance Plaque

As with Carthay Circle Restaurant, when you walk into 1901, you are immediately taken back to the 1930’s. The colors, decor and furniture are inviting, almost as if you are walking into someone’s home.

The lounge is divided into two areas.

The hallway that divides the room in two.

On one side of the room you’ll find comfy couches surrounded by some chairs, loveseats, and a few little [Read more…]

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