Disney Food Pics of the Week: Hot Dogs

Your photo contributions to the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on flickr are soooooo mouthwatering! We love looking through your food pics!

The Disney Food Pics of the Week this week feature Disney hot dogs (we would have added corn dogs, but I think those should get their own feature)! For a classic theme park snack or meal, the hot dog is always a delicious option.

Loaded or plain — these hot dogs from Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom look fabulous!
Photographer: Lucy Bartholomew/DisneyRoobs

Hot Dogs at Casey's

Here’s the new Italian Hot Dog from [Read more…]

What Disney Food Are You Most Excited To Eat?

By AJ 82 Comments

OK, we’ve got an interactive post today, because I need your suggestions!

I’m headed back to Disney World this Summer, and I’ve got a few treats I can’t wait to finally eat. But I’d love to hear what snacks, entrees, and other menu items you’re looking forward to eating on your next Disney visit so that I can add a few of your eagerly anticipated eats to my list! Let me know your choices in the comments!

First up, here’s what I can’t wait to try on my upcoming trip…

Chicken Waffle in the Magic Kingdom

I keep hearing raves about this giant, saucy sandwich found at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, and I’m really looking forward to trying it for myself.

I’ve had the Prosciutto waffle, but still need to try the others!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich

“The King” Cupcake at Pop Century Resort

Um… peanut butter frosting, chocolate cake, banana custard filling, candied bacon, and chocolate drizzle. Must have.

This Elvis-inspired King Cupcake at Everything Pop Food Court has both [Read more…]

News! Temporary Closure in 2013 for Disney World’s California Grill

By Kim LaPaglia 13 Comments

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

Chef Brian Piasecki reveals a few details of the upcoming renovation of the popular California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World!

This high-end restaurant offers exquisite cuisine and top-notch fireworks viewing, but we’ll have to find another signature spot to dine for the first half of 2013! According to the DisneyParks Blog, we finally have a solid date for the restaurant’s closure that we reported earlier this year.

California Grill will close in early 2013, and re-open in the late summer. Save us a spot at this window table! 😉

Great view from California Grill

Menu and Other Updates

While the menu will undergo some tweaking, a fresh, seasonal menu with top-of-the-line sushi will continue to be the main focus of the kitchen.

The continued use of creative flavors and techniques will allow chefs to [Read more…]

New! 4th of July Caramel Apple Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 11 Comments

Thanks to reader Patrick, @InIronsPL on twitter, for sending information on this holiday treat!

There’s a July 4th caramel apple cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World…and we’ve got pics for ya!

4th of July cupcake

For those who are brave enough to head to the parks this week, you get the prize of trying this sweet treat complete with apple pie filling, caramel buttercream, and [Read more…]

Review: Big River Grille and Brewing Works at the Boardwalk Inn Resort

By AJ 23 Comments

Learn About:Big River Grille and Brewing Works

Boardwalk Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Today, it’s high time that we share with you our thoughts about the one and only working microbrewery at Walt Disney World, Big River Grille & Brewing Works!

Located at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort, the American pub-style restaurant features a primo location to see and be seen right on the Boardwalk. But, I’ll be right up front with you and tell you now that this has NOT been my favorite place to eat at Disney in the past.

However, we came to it with an open mind hoping to find some improvements on our last visit. We were rewarded with a much, much better experience than in times past! What did they do right on this visit? Read on…

Atmosphere

The entrance to the restaurant on the Boardwalk, beneath an awning bearing the restaurant’s name.

Big River Grille & Brewing Works

Once inside, you’ll notice that there are three distinct seating areas within the restaurant: the bar area to the right; the seating area to the left, a rather nondescript space; and a patio area offering great views of the Boardwalk, the lake, and the Yacht and Beach Club on the other side of water. (You may even see the tops of Illuminations fireworks from here.)

There are a few good reasons to head over to Big River Grille:
1.) It’s normally pretty easy to get into, so if you’re hungry and don’t have an advance dining reservation, or you’re at Epcot or Hollywood Studios and would like to skip out on the park crazy for a while, this can be a good place to come for a bite and a sip.

2.) As I mentioned above, it’s the only working microbrewery at Disney, and the beers are quite popular! (More on the beer a little later.) It’s also pretty cool to look around the interior and see just where your brew is being produced.

Brew Kettle, Big River Grille

3.) Finally, while I don’t love the [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 1, 2012

By AJ Leave a Comment

Beast Castle

Even more incredible happenings in the Disney Food World this week! We finally got some news about the most anticipated dining event in recent Disney history — Be Our Guest Restaurant!

I know I’m excited about this (my fingers are crossed for a miraculous early opening for my Fall trip), and can’t wait to hear more!

Disney Food News

Take the edge off your Disney food cravings with the news from this week…

Yes, we have Magic Kingdom Fantasyland updates – Be Our Guest Restaurant menu and reservation info!
Epcot’s Candlelight Processional Lunch and Dinner Packages now on sale!
Tables in Wonderland announces Food and Wine Sneak Preview Event!
Flying Fish Cafe announced a July Wine Dinner and Food and Wine Festival Events!

We’ve got more food news (including info about a new menu at bluezoo…plus LOTS more) on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

Two New Reviews for the DFB Guide!

We’re pleased to share two new reviews of our 2012 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book this week!

First up, RunningAtDisney.com says,

My favorite thing about the guide are all of the great tips. AJ and the DFB team have done a lot of research (I’m totally jealous!) to help us find the best meals and the best values on WDW property. …And then there is the Disney Dining At-A-Glance section… Where to find the best popcorn, a place to propose, exotic eats, the least expensive buffet, and the list goes on and on.

Read the full review here!

Next up, a fun review from LEG+JCB who are on their way to Disney World soon. Here are a few nice words they said about the Guide…

Not only is it updated annually, but as an e-book, it’s loaded with links to more extensive reviews and photo essays on their site, and [it’s] great to take with you to the parks on a smartphone (or, if you’re adventurous, a tablet).

The book also comes with budgeting spreadsheets and sample dining itineraries which I found to be extremely helpful… . Lance will also be happy with the book’s comprehensive list of bars and lounges, which I’m sure he’ll need to utilize after one trip on It’s a Small World.

Read the rest of the review (pretty funny :-D) here.

Pick up your very own copy of the 2012 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining right here!

On to the Round-Up

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups

stops by the Tune In Lounge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Daveland is won over by his first trip to the Mad-T Party at Disney California Adventure.

Exporting Sunshine caps off a trip around the world with dinner at Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort!

Disney by Mark stop by Disney’s Aulani resort in Hawaii for lunch at the Makahiki restaurant.

AllEars.Net discusses dining at Walt Disney World with a special diet.

Main Street Gazette travels to the Norway pavilion for an apple and cream concoction – the Veiled Maiden – at Kringla Bakeri og Cafe.

Disney Parks Blog features a Dad and Daughter team who have made a habit of visiting Sci-Fi Dine-In at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

News! Downtown Disney Anaheim Celebrates Avocado Week

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

The second annual California Avocado Week is being held July 1-7 at Downtown Disney Anaheim at the Disneyland Resort. Guests can take part in cooking demos, munch on featured menu selections, and more!

Throughout the week, Downtown Disney restaurants will feature special California avocado menu items, and Sephora will offer refreshing avocado facials. Celebrate the Avocado season in Disneyland!

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney

Main Stage Schedule

4 p.m.: Cooking demonstrations will feature dishes made with California avocados

by a chef from one of the premiere restaurants at Downtown Disney. Seating on a first-come, first-served basis will be available for 100 guests and each seated guest will have the chance to taste the menu item. Unlimited standing room will be available as well.

6 p.m.: A Guacamole contest will feature three participants (selected by the California Avocado Commission) with the challenge to make guacamole out of ingredients provided. The winning dish will be awarded a $100 gift card to a participating restaurant in Anaheim’s Downtown Disney District.

Nightly until 10 p.m.: DJ Wendy will entertain.

Food Demo Calendar

Sunday, July 1

Chef Meyer, House of Blues, California Avocado and Blue Cheese Crusted Rib Eye

Monday, July 2
Chef Thomas Keaveny, ESPN Zone, Mini California Avocado Shrimp [Read more…]

Guest Review: Thanksgiving at Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, Fort Wilderness

By AJ 4 Comments

Welcome to Guest Author Ann Bennett with a fun photo tour of the Thanksgiving at the Fort event held at Fort Wilderness this past November. See if this is something you’d like to try this year!

Our family had thanksgiving at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness in the Pavilion dedicated to Mickey’s Backyard BBQ. The event title for reservations is Mickey’s Thanksgiving Feast at the Fort. It cost us 2 Disney Dining Plan dining credits per person.

I was worried after we booked this event and I was unable to find reviews and/or pictures, but it turned out to be wonderful!

Atmosphere

You can get to Fort Wilderness by bus from any Disney World theme park or Downtown Disney, or by boat from the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary Resort, or Wilderness Lodge.

Fort Wilderness Mickey's Backyard BBQ Pavilion Entrance

A rustic and outdoors setting, the pavilion usually serves meals when the weather cooperates! At this particular meal, you’ll find plenty of Disney characters and entertainers to celebrate Thanksgiving with!

Pavilion Dining Area

Eats

The food was wonderful! The Turkey breast, which was sliced, was moist and juicy.

Turkey

And for those who didn’t want the traditional turkey, there was also [Read more…]

News! Tables in Wonderland Food and Wine Festival Sneak Preview Event

By Kim LaPaglia 5 Comments

Tables in Wonderland has announced a “Taste Your Way Around the World” Sneak Preview of the 2012 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival!

As we count down the days to the Festival, which begins September 28, the Sneak Preview is the place to sample new dishes and learn more about the upcoming events!

Location: Odyssey Pavilion at Epcot®

Date: Saturday July 28, 2012 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Price: $110.00 per person, plus tax. Gratuity is included.

This exclusive event allows guests to sample the food and learn about the new things in store for this year’s Festival! Get the scoop on the new Epcot Food and Wine Festival marketplaces as well as new special events.

The event is limited to 150 Guests, and is exclusive to Tables in Wonderland members. Park admission not required.

Food and Wine Sneak Preview - click image for larger version

For reservations:

Visit www.disneyurl.com/SneakPreview for self-booking and instant confirmation.
Note this is a new booking process. The website will go live and begin taking reservations on Monday July 2, 2012, at 10:00am.

When you go to the website please have the following information ready: [Read more…]

Review: Crispy Fried Shrimp and Bacardi Frozen Mojito at Epcot’s Refreshment Port

By AJ 11 Comments

Learn About:Refreshment Port

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Note: As of 7.22.2012, the Crispy Fried Shrimp Basket is once again being served with french fries instead of tostones. Thanks to reader Billie Jean for the heads up!

Today, it’s time to talk about another delicious snack available at that culinary gateway to World Showcase — Epcot’s Refreshment Port!

I told you in the not-so-distant past about my favorite new treat there that’s worthy of the calories, the Spicy Chicken and Cheddar Poppers. (I know, they’re frozen, probably bought in bulk from Sysco or something, but they’re wonderful!)

Well, in the name of research (and with a new, shrimp-loving friend to join me), I decided once more to forego a sit-down meal during a recent visit to Epcot in order to sample a few more items on the Refreshment Port Menu (hidden gem of fried-ness that it is).

Menu - click image for larger version. See overall section for info on menu changes.

After looking over the menu (and NOT succumbing to the temptation of more spicy chicken cheddar poppers…because I’m strong like that), we decided to try the Crispy Fried Shrimp with French Fries and Cajun Tartar Sauce.

Just as before at this location, we had to wait for a bit to get our food. But since we were surrounded by British teens having the time of their lives (cheerleading competition, maybe?), at least we made some new friends while we waited.

While I didn’t eat too much of this, I did have a taste. The shrimp were piping hot when they emerged, fried perfectly with a good, crunchy breading. The dip reminded me of a tangy remoulade (but I’m not a connoisseur).

Crispy Fried Shrimp, French Fries, Cajun Tartar Sauce

And I couldn’t resist trying the [Read more…]

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Disney Food Pics of the Week: Hot Dogs