New! Disney Food-Inspired Air Fresheners

According to one of my favorite people at the DisneyParks Blog, merch specialist Steven Miller, there are some awesome new Disney food merch items about to debut!

Turkey Leg and Mickey Ice Cream Bar Air Fresheners

Taking the powerful sense of smell and combining it with the Disney food world, the Parks will release Disney Food-inspired Air Fresheners in August!

And while I’m not 100% sure (not even 25% sure) I’d want a Turkey Leg scent emanating from my car on these hot summer days, I sure could get on board with a yummy Mickey Waffle smell or that spicy candy apple!

Candy Apple and Mickey Waffle Air Fresheners

The turkey leg, Mickey Mouse premium ice cream bar, candy apple, and Mickey Mouse waffle air fresheners seen here were [Read more…]

Review: ESPN Club in Walt Disney World

By AJ 18 Comments

Editor’s Note: As of May 2013, hot dogs are no longer being offered and the nachos are served with BBQ Pork.

Learn About:ESPN Club

Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

It’s been TOO LONG since I’ve done an ESPN Club review for ya, so we finally headed over there on a recent visit. It wasn’t from lack of trying, mind you — I actually like this restaurant a lot and we enjoy going there. But other restaurants kept getting in the way. 😉

But now it’s time for this paradise of bar food to get its day in the spotlight…here we go!

Atmosphere

Your first impression of ESPN Club will be that you’ve died and gone to Sports Bar Heaven. Seriously, as you will see, no detail is left untouched. This is a world created for the die hard sports fan. From the menu to the television placement (more to come!) you need never miss a second of the game while you’re here.

ESPN Club (with a line to get in on Game Day!)

But never fear, even though the feel is straight-up sports bar, it’s very kid-friendly, with the standard Disney kids’ menu offered. And with an arcade off to the side, chances are you’ll wave goodbye to the kids and not see them again until dessert anyway!

As you walk in, you can choose from seating in the bar area to the right or the dining room to the left. The bar area has ample TVs situated all around the room — even at your table.

Bar

And what goes better with the game than beer? Here are a few of the draft selections, including the very popular local Orange Blossom Pilsner.

Beer on Draft

Although we were there on a quiet weekday, make no mistake: this place gets packed fast when there’s a big game on. And while it’s a fantastic venue to catch the play-offs or a World Cup match, be prepared to [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 8, 2012

By AJ Leave a Comment

We hope your holiday was filled with lots of great food this week! The big food news this July 4th was the confirmation of the California Grill closure.

Of course, we enjoyed seeing a new cupcake unveiled for the holiday at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Did anyone see other holiday treats around the parks this week?

Disney Food News

In this week’s food news for Disney fans…

New pictures from the stunning Be Our Guest Restaurant!
HGTV stars will host seminars during the 2012 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.
The Contemporary Resort’s California Grill in Walt Disney World will close for renovations on January 6 through late summer 2013.

We’ve got more food news (including menu info for the new DCL Remy’s brunch, a new policy for Top of the World Lounge…plus LOTS more) on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

DFB Podcast Episode 6 Now Available

We’re pleased to announce that the sixth episode of our brand new podcast has been released! You can catch it over on DFBPodcast.com

In this episode of the Disney Food Blog’s DFB Podcast, we cover the latest Disney Food News, discuss two delicious Disney steakhouses, answer a few listener questions, and reveal the answer to our Episode 5 trivia question (as well as give you a brand new trivia question)!

And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

On to the Round-Up

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups

consumes some fun mocktails!

Designing Disney visits the Toad Hall restaurant at Disneyland Paris. Wow!

Daveland shares beautiful photos from the Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland.

Disney History shares a vintage interview with Walt Disney explaining why [Read more…]

New Be Our Guest Restaurant Pictures from Disney World

By AJ 13 Comments

UPDATE: Read about the Opening Date for Be Our Guest Restaurant and Reservations Info!

Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog, we have a few new images of the gorgeous Be Our Guest Restaurant in Walt Disney World.

From the mysterious cracked door arch into the Beast’s Ballroom…

A Doorway into the Beast's Ballroom

…to these gorgeous entryway mosaics, we know the restaurant will hold many more incredible decor elements for guests to enjoy as soon as it opens!

Slated to open in time for the 2012 Holiday Season, the Be Our Guest Restaurant menu will offer french-inspired eats at a [Read more…]

Guest Review: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure

By AJ 11 Comments

Today we’re welcoming guest author Kent Walker with a cool review of the brand new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure. Read on for a delicious dose of ice cream and brownies!

Having been big fans of chocolate since before we could spell the word, my wife and I were very excited to find out that a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop would be opening at Disney California Adventure. Not only would we be able to ride Radiator Springs Racers, we’d be able to do it with a belly full of ice cream, hot fudge, and brownie.

Atmosphere

The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop occupies the space that used to be the Mission Tortilla Factory, which was an original DCA attraction in 2001.

While we were sad to see the factory go (our sons especially loved the free corn and flour tortillas – including a whole bag on their birthday!), our depression was short-lived when we found out we could drown our sorrows in sea salt caramel hot cocoa!

Inside Ghirardelli at Disney California Adventure

Our family has been to San Francisco and visited the Ghirardelli Square shop, so we knew how good their chocolate, sundaes and chocolate drinks were. Other than the much larger selection of chocolate in San Francisco, the soda fountains are very similar.

Ghirardelli in DCA made the wise choice of having much wider aisles for easier stroller navigation and crowd control, and a Ghirardelli staffer hands out samples and menus out at the door. They even go the extra step and cut off the top of the foil package so it’s easier for you to get at your free chocolate treat. On the day we stopped by, it was a caramel filled milk chocolate piece.

Other than the wider aisles for crowds and strollers, the inside is very similar to other Ghirardelli Soda Fountains across the country. One nice touch, though, is a [Read more…]

New! DFB Podcast Episode 6: Steakhouse Showdown

By AJ 2 Comments

Hey all! Great news today for all you commuters, walkers, runners, gym-goers, and other assorted podcast listeners!

Just wanted to drop a line this afternoon to let you know that the sixth episode of our DFB Podcast is now posted and ready for downloading!

In this episode we cover the latest Disney Food News, discuss two great Disney steakhouses, answer a few reader questions, and reveal the answer to our Episode 5 trivia question (as well as give you a brand new trivia question)!

Click here to go to the Podcast page for Episode 6. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and let us know [Read more…]

Guest Review: Italy Dessert & Wine Event at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Kim LaPaglia 4 Comments

Join us in welcoming guest author Michelle Buchecker with a review of the Italy Dessert and Wine tasting event at last year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival. While we’re not sure yet if this event will be repeated at the 2012 Festival, it’s likely that it will!

Tutto Italia and Gusto Wine Cellar

We attended the Italy Dessert and Wine event that was new to the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. First and foremost, do not make the mistake we did by booking this event on the same day as your Biergarten lunch!

We had lunch at noon, and the event was at 2 pm. Not nearly enough time to digest. (Editor’s Note: I can second that!)

Atmosphere

The event was held in the back room of Tutto Italia. The check-in process went very smoothly, and we were escorted to a table that the 2 of us shared with 6 other people. There were about 50 guests in total and all chairs were taken.

The main presenter, Gabriele, was charming and humorous. He was obviously native Italian, and he took the time to introduce each course. The wine rep from Batasiolo, Jerry, mentioned that he was told to keep his comments short so we could eat and drink more. But at the beginning of each course, he did introduce each wine and described it.

Jerry warned us that all wines at the tasting were frizzante, which means they are lightly bubbly and have low alcohol content to keep it sweet.

Eats

Now on to the courses!

Dessert and Wine Menu

The first course was a Tiramisu paired with the Batasiolo Asti. I found the contents of the Tiramisu pretty basic: repeat layers of soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone topped with a cocoa dusting and chocolate curl.

The presentation was nice as this was all in a Martini glass. The Asti was sweet and crisp.

Tiramisu

The second course was Cannoli. This was huge!! While we were served utensils with it, Gabriele commented that he had to give us the knife and fork but encouraged us to eat it with our [Read more…]

Fun Gluten-Free and Allergy-Free Snacks in Epcot

By AJ 13 Comments

Vacationing with dietary requirements can sometimes be a challenge, but Disney continues to lead the field in options available to guests who have special dietary needs.

On a recent trip to Epcot’s The Land and its fabulous counter service spot, Sunshine Seasons, we spied some fun eats for special diets!

First up: who doesn’t love a little something sweet, crunchy, and indulgent on a trip to Walt Disney World? If you need to find a treat that is gluten- or nut-free, check out Rocky Mountain Caramel Popcorn! Perfect for sharing — if you want to!

Gluten and Nut Free Caramel Popcorn

Gluten and Nut Free Caramel Popcorn - Close-up

If you’re looking for a delicious cookie, but you’d like to avoid [Read more…]

Review: Disney World’s Beach Club Marketplace

By AJ 16 Comments

If you are visiting Disney’s Beach Club Resort in Walt Disney World and you’re hungry for a bite, you’ll soon find that your counter service options are pretty limited here.

Fortunately, you can get a decent sandwich at the deli counter of Beach Club Marketplace.

Beach Club Marketplace Entrance - Inside

Atmosphere

The Marketplace is the Beach Club Resort’s gift shop, so at first glance it may not feel very deli-like. 😉 There are a few tables outside that hint at the fact that you’re near food.

It’s not usually so crowded that you can’t find a spot. I especially love the really pretty setting outside, with the clean, bright white tables and chairs.

Outdoor Seating

Once inside, your suspicions are confirmed: there’s more available here than just souvenirs. As you make your way to the sandwich counter, you’ll feel a little like you’re in a Disney-themed general store!

Beach Club Marketplace - Merchandise

If you are after staples, both the refrigerated section and an assortment of dry goods can provide you with a few necessities to supplement your restaurant meals with foods prepared in your room. Breakfast items, sandwich fixings, peanut butter and jelly, paper goods, and beverages are all available here.

Beach Club Marketplace - Dry Goods

Guests will also find the full Disney beverage set up, comparable to other resort counter service stops around property. Refillable mugs for soda, coffee, and tea are [Read more…]

Review: Frozen Lemonade Flavor Shots in Disneyland

By AJ 4 Comments

Happy 4th of July, everyone!! Today I wanted to share some wonderful Summertime treats in Disneyland. These are the perfect compliment to those hot, hot days…

Frozen Lemonade…and Then Some!

First up, I had to document for you one of my favorite Summer treats. We all love frozen lemonade — and you’ve probably seen it in pre-mixed strawberry or raspberry versions.

But what makes it awesome here is the option to add flavor shots while pouring the icy snack!

Shot of Cherry

Recently, as I was wandering around Disneyland, I made my way back to Fantasyland and noticed a sign for frozen lemonade. Score!

Lemonade Kiosk

But this wasn’t just any frozen lemonade. These lemonades were available with made-to-order flavor shots in either cherry or raspberry! The awesome Cast Member (shhh!) let me go behind the counter to get some great shots of her flavor shot technique.

Disneyland Flavored Lemonade Machine

The flavor of the cherry was delightful — the perfect combo of [Read more…]

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