Guest Review: Florida Orange Groves Winery Seminar at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival

It’s time to start gearing up for the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! So please join me in welcoming Vikki Hurley-Schubert & Michelle Maskaly with a review of a past Epcot Food and Wine Festival event.

Beverage seminars were offered during the 2011 Festival, including the Florida Orange Groves activity priced at $10 per person. Now, on to the review!

I’m not a fan of wine, so when my foodie buddy, Michelle, better known as The Adirondack Chick, suggested one of the seminars at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, I wrinkled my nose, sort of whined and said “OK, you’re the guest, let’s go”.

To say we enjoyed the Florida Orange Groves Winery session would be an understatement. So would calling it a typical festival wine tasting. When we sat down, the wines were already poured to tempt and tease us with their bright and fruity aromas.

Atmosphere and Info

From the start, the winery’s owner, Vincent Shook was engaging and fun. He incorporated stories about how they got started in the business, debunked several myths about fruit wines, and incorporated practical ways to use the beverage, even telling us what dishes he and his wife like to pair their favorites with.

We were surprised to learn that Florida has more than a [Read more…]

Review: White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake at Animal Kingdom

By AJ 13 Comments

We’ve featured rockin’ cupcakes from Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery before, and we’ve sung the praises of their brownies too, but on my recent trip, I had to sample the white chocolate elephant cupcake for myself!

Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery Sign

Kusafiri Menu - click image for larger version

While I’ve heard recently that sometimes the treats are scarce, I had no trouble finding what I came for the day of my visit. As it turns out, you sometimes just have to wait until 11:30 for the ‘cakes to be available. No worries!

And as you can see, the cupcake is still the towering showstopper that it’s always been!

White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake

I mean, this thing is HUGE. You WILL get stares as you walk around with this cupcake, so be ready to answer [Read more…]

Sunshine Tree Terrace Updates Entrees, Adds New Desserts

By AJ 17 Comments

Editor’s Note: Menu entree items are seasonal and may not be available on your visit.

I absolutely love Sunshine Tree Terrace in the Magic Kingdom, and I’m always excited to see it expanding its menu!

After years of neglect and closure, Sunshine Tree Terrace has really come into its own again this past year. The menu has bounced around a bit, but it looks like entrees are back again, and there are even new drinks and desserts! (Thanks to @MansonRepublica for the tip and menu photo!)

MENU — EARLY APRIL 2012

Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu April 2012 -- click for larger image

The menu has added:

Orange Glazed Chicken with Rice
Asian Barbecued Pork Sandwich with apple slices or chips
Tuna Salad with Croissant
Asian Salad with Chicken
Asian Pineapple Salad…and EVEN
KEY LIME PIE!!!!

These entrees and desserts are available from 11AM to 4PM. For kids, a Turkey Sandwich and PB&J have been added to the menu.

Of course, that Citrus Swirl is now officially on the main menu! And you can now also get All Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam (whatever that is). As you can see, Dole Whips are [Read more…]

Tables in Wonderland: La Nouba Discount, Flower Power, and The Wave

By AJ 6 Comments

There are some fun Tables in Wonderland perks and events over the next couple of months! First up, members will receive a discount on Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba tickets in Orlando’s Downtown Disney from April 17th-May 11th! Next, another Flower Power Happy Hour will be happening in May. And The Wave has another great dinner planned!

La Nouba Discount

Tables in Wonderland members will receive a discount on tickets for themselves and up to three guests at 6pm and 9pm performances Tuesday-Saturday between April 17th and May 11th, 2012.

Tickets will be Category 2, and price will be $66.75 for adults and $54.00 for kids. Call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328) to purchase tickets! (Must show current Tables in Wonderland card when picking up tickets at the Box Office.)

Click for MUCH larger image

Flower Power Happy Hour

Held in the special event space atop the Norway Pavilion at Epcot®, join your fellow Tables in Wonderland members for a cocktail hour and then reserved seating for the Flower Power concert of Herman’s Hermits starring [Read more…]

Review: Fairfax Fare and the Macaroni & Cheese and Truffle Oil (and Bacon) Hot Dog

By AJ 17 Comments

Learn About:Fairfax Fare

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Another fun review of a new (to me) item in the parks that’s a little over the top!! Remember when we told you about the Gourmet Hot Dogs that are now being served at Hollywood Studios’ Fairfax Fare?

I finally got my chance to give one a try! Knowing I had a Mama Melrose reservation in just a couple of hours, I headed over to Fairfax Fare just in time to hit smack dab in the middle of Spring Break lunch crowds! Woo! Anyway; here’s the sordid tale…

Atmosphere

With a primo location in the shadow of Tower of Terror, the open air market vibe of Fairfax Fare makes it a terrific place to grab a bite while you’re waiting for your FastPass time or the next street show along Hollywood Boulevard.

Fairfax Fare Sign

However, if you’re visiting during a busy season be ready for the crazy that is the crowdiness of Dinney Whirl. Seriously; I waited for at least 20-30 minutes in these lines. Off the charts.

Fairfax Fare Spring Break Crowds

Once you grab your snacks here, head over to the condiment bars to the left of the building, then snack yourself a table somewhere in the sea of seats in [Read more…]

Review: Triple Yeti Blast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 11 Comments

Lots of you will remember when I spotted Upcountry Beverages in Animal Kingdom for the first time — I sampled some yummo frozen drinks, braved the pouring rain, and ended up with the Maharaja Margarita! 🙂 [Editor’s Note: Since the writing of this post, the name of Upcountry Beverages has been changed to Warung Outpost.]

Well, on my recent visit I was interested to note that the daiquiris are gone from the menu, and the whole thing is margaritas now!! So I just had to try all three…

Animal Kingdom Upcountry Beverage Cart

Updated Menu (no daquiris) – click image for larger version

Fortunately for my ability to stand up straight, they offer all three of these refreshing margaritas in one delightful drink — [Read more…]

Review: Bongos Cuban Cafe

By AJ 22 Comments

Learn About:Bongos Cuban Cafe

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

At long last, we finally made it to the Downtown Disney hotspot that is Bongos Cuban Cafe!

I’ll admit, I’d been putting off my visit to this restaurant. I hadn’t heard great reviews, and I wasn’t sure I’d like the food. But I’m SUCH a giant loser — what have I been waiting for?!?

I had a great time, I had awesome food…and it’s finally time to peek inside and find out what the Big Pineapple has to offer!

Atmosphere

With architecture billed as “Old Havana” in style, this breezy, open restaurant certainly puts you in the mood for a tropical drink and a conga line. 😉 When we visited just before St. Patrick’s Day, Downtown Disney was alive with the excitement of a young, vibrant crowd, ready to get their dance on! The traditional Cuban dance music pouring out from the restaurant beckons you to come take a closer look and listen, and was perfect for a warm, breezy Florida evening.

Bongos Sign

Originally, our Advanced Dining Reservation was scheduled for much later than our 7:30 meet up time. When we checked in at the podium, though, we had no trouble getting a seat immediately. As a newcomer to Cuban food, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the fun setting hinted of some adventurous eating ahead!

One of THE most amazing features of Bongos is the wide open feel of the place. Seating is available both inside and outside, giving the restaurant an authentic Cuban or Miami vibe. After all, these are places where people “live outside,” and restaurants in these locations really reflect that.

To help with the heat, both inside and out, we noticed high ceilings and lots of ceiling fans. It really lends to the impression of cool, airy spaces.

Outdoor Atmosphere

The upstairs veranda also provides a pleasant view of surrounding hotels, the Characters in Flight balloon, and the lake beyond. VERY cool view, eh??

Upstairs Outdoor Seating

While the walls inside are painted to give an old world, weathered feel (and the stone no doubt lends to a sense of coolness on a sweltering Florida summer day), there are plenty of [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland Sneak Peek: New DCA Foodie Merchandise

By Heather 9 Comments

Disney California Adventure

is set to release a whole bunch of fun new merchandise when the construction walls come down this June!

Check out all of the foodie-related items that I found at the recent Passholder Preview this week (where I also tried the new popcorn flavor and slushies that will debut!). I absolutely love the new artwork being used.

California Adventure Cookie Jar

California Adventure Themed Lunch Bag

I just love the retro-looking image of Mickey and Minnie pulling the trailer on this lunch bag. It’s also insulated, roomy, and it has an [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 1, 2012

By AJ Leave a Comment

Pomegranate Martini Conquers Everest

Happy April Fool’s Day! No tricks here, today — just treats!! In the Disney Food news this week, we take a look at Springtime treats, new menu items, more menu changes, and some new adult beverages!

We’ve also gathered some really fun and fascinating reads in the round-up. Cheers!

Disney Food News

Here’s the latest…

Hurry and get the Pomegranate Martini drink special on your next visit to the Animal Kingdom. We’ll be sharing more details about new drinks in the Animal Kingdom later this week!
New beverages and popcorn flavors announced for Disney California Adventure this summer!
The 2012 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival has debuted a Haiti Exhibit featuring frozen rum drinks and coffees.
Sanaa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has introduced a new Disney dessert!
The baked sweet potato is NEW at Liberty Square Market in the Magic Kingdom!
Cream Cheese Pretzels are now being sold at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
We love the treats decorated in bright pastels for Easter! Cupcakes, cookies, and rice krispie treats are showing off spring colors!

We’ve got more delicious news on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

The DFB Podcast Second Episode

Episode 2 of the DFB Podcast is rarin’ to go! In this episode, we’re talking about some of our newest counter-service finds, answering listener questions, and awarding our first DFB Podcast Trivia prize!! 🙂 Head on over and click on the Mac and Cheese Hot Dog!

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it. 🙂

If you have any Disney dining questions, send them along to us to be answered on the podcast! Just contact us here, and put PODCAST in the subject line!

On to the Round-Up

Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups

heads to the Wilderness Lodge for breakfast at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Pixie Crust throws a vintage Disneyland party featuring Dole Whip cupcakes!

AllEars.net tours Europa – the adult entertainment district aboard the Disney Fantasy!

Disney Tourist Blog reviews one of my favorite counter service spots in Disneyland — the Plaza Inn!

Main Street Gazette samples the new Slow-roasted Pulled Beef Sandwich at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in the Animal Kingdom.

Laughing Place reviews one of the rotational dining restaurants on the Disney Fantasy — Animator’s Palate! But Inside the Magic didn’t love the Animator’s Palate food on the Fantasy — see why here!

stuff from the park looks at a vintage menu from Disneyland’s Cafe Orleans.

DisneyContemporary.com shares a recipe for Creamy Goat Cheese Polenta from the California Grill. Love this stuff!!!

Review: Epcot Haiti Drinks Booth (or “The Best Frozen Lemonade EVER”)

By AJ 12 Comments

At the 2012 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, the Haiti: Garden of Many Colors display is a fun, new exhibit where guests can learn about Haitian culture.

Haiti Sign

We stopped by the beverage kiosk, which features Haitian rhums (rum) and liqueurs in delicious frozen cocktails along with other non-alcoholic options.

Personally, I think this addition is awesome. I love any time they add new food kiosks, but, I have to say, the yummy treats I tried were seriously rockin’. I can’t wait to tell you about ’em! (Oh, and there’s a video of one of my favorite songs at the bottom of this post, too, so…just sayin’.)

An added plus? The booth area is even lighted — allowing for Happy Hour to continue long after the sun sets!

Atmosphere

The bright colors of the booth and surrounding decor made for a great, attention-grabbing display!

Haiti Booth Sign

Those of us who were at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival will remember a veeeeery similar-looking booth to this one! 😉 Reduce, Reuse, [Read more…]

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