Guest Review: The Green Cabin Room at Disney's Vero Beach Resort

Guest Review: The Green Cabin Room at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort

It’s off to the beach with D.J. Jones as we escape to the Green Cabin Room at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort. D.J. is a lifelong Disney fan from Ocala, Florida. You can follow all of his adventures at The World of Deej. Now, let’s take that seaside journey…

If you’re planning a vacation at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, be sure to check out The Green Cabin Room for some light bites and a view that simply can’t be beat.

The Inside of The Green Cabin Room

Atmosphere

One part traditional oak paneled bar, another part oceanfront patio, the atmosphere at The Green Cabin Room is the best of both worlds. Inside, you’ll find dim lighting, antique style furnishings, and a gorgeous old-school wooden bar.

There is live entertainment nearly every evening, which seems to be popular not just with guests, but with locals as well. In addition, there are two TVs discreetly tucked in the corners, which can come in handy should the [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: New Holiday Desserts at Disney California Adventure!

By Heather 8 Comments

I know I am not alone in believing that there is nothing like a visit to the Disneyland Resort during the holiday season.

Their spectacular decor adorns every nook and cranny of the parks. The sights, the scents, the holiday cheer; it’s really an amazing experience. The Disneyland Resort goes above transforming both parks into “The Merriest Place on Earth.” They transform everything from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle to the menu boards at many of their eateries.

Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle

This year, I had the pleasure of meeting two very special people that help create the magic that happens on those menu boards. Karlos Siqueiros & Mechelle Miller both play important roles in Disney Food & Beverage Concept Development. This past Saturday night, I attended a special event (courtesy of Disney) that showcased their latest holiday delights.

Karlos & Mechelle from Food & Beverage Development

After enjoying an amazing dinner, fun activities, and special photo opportunities, Karlos & Mechelle took the stage with Chef Goofy to share the Resort’s special holiday dessert menu items.

Holiday Chef Goofy

Brand New Holiday Desserts to Be Revealed at Disney California Adventure Restaurants

Although I know both Anaheim resorts offer special holiday menu items, these particular goodies are brand new to the parks and are only available at California Adventure.

The presentation was creative and fun, and as each item was described Cast Members dressed in their holiday best pranced out to show off each dish.

Almond Cookie Sandwich Presentation

When the dessert “show” was over, we turned around to find that some Disney Magic had taken place behind our backs and a beautiful buffet featuring all of the presented dishes had been set up! I decided an organized right-to-left situation was necessary so I wouldn’t miss anything… [Read more…]

“You Know You’re Dining in Disney When…” Part Two!

By Kim LaPaglia 21 Comments

We freely admit that our first “You Know You’re Eating in Disney World When…” post amused us so much that we had to do a Part 2! After all, where else can we dine with a beloved mouse in the kitchen!

Our “You know you’re eating in Disney World when…” thoughts were bountiful, and we’d love to hear yours too! Who knows…there may just have to be a third post in the series!

Leave us a comment with your personal “You know you’re eating in Disney World or Disneyland when…” experience! 😉

You Know You’re Dining In Disney When…

Your beverage glows in the dark!

Disney's Blue Glow-Tini

You find it appropriate to have your server correct your manners (and, frankly, get kind of annoyed when they don’t!).

Take your elbows off the table!

You order ketchup and have multiple bottles delivered to your table by a dozen patrons seated near you.

Whispering Canyon Cafe Ketchup Delivery

There’s a train [Read more…]

Special Disney Holiday Eats and Experiences Page on the DFB

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Gingerbread Mickeys

Disney food-lovers have lots to be excited about during the holiday season at Walt Disney World and Disneyland!

From life-size Gingerbread houses to Candy Cane Fudge, the parks and resorts celebrate with sweet treats and special dining experiences!

You may have noticed a new little holiday icon on our sidebar!

That links to a page where we’ll be compiling all of our Disney World and Disneyland Holiday information, so if there’s anything you need to know — check there!

For the third year in a row, we’re sharing the yummy offerings found only at the holidays, including some awesome reader suggestions for seasonal dining.

Boardwalk Gingerbread Display

We’re covering all the news about holiday-themed eats and we’ve already seen some fun and decorative treats this year. They almost look too pretty to eat! 😉

The Gingerbread Displays are beginning to appear, too. All our favorites have returned at the Contemporary, Boardwalk Beach Club, and Grand Floridian resorts. We’ll tour them in the coming weeks!

In Disneyland, the annual Candy Cane frenzy has begun. Dates can be found here! Also, sign up now to work on your holiday construction skills. Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will be holding gingerbread house workshops!

From gift ideas to information on Holiday events, we’ll keep you up-to-date on our 2011 Holiday Dining Page.

What’s your favorite WDW or Disneyland holiday experience? Let us know in the comments section!

And if you’re in a Disney park or resort this holiday season and find something yummy, let us know and send over a pic!

Review: California Grill

By AJ 20 Comments

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

When planning meals for our October trip to Walt Disney World, I realized it had been a LONG time since we’d visited California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort! And I haven’t reported on it here on the blog for over a year, so I figured it was time to get a little updating in!

Let’s head over to the check-in desk, shall we…?

Atmosphere

To access California Grill, guests need to head to the 2nd floor of the Contemporary Resort and visit the restaurant’s check-in desk (you can get here by elevator, or by taking the stairs/from the back of the lobby).

Once you’re checked in, you’ll be waved over to a special elevator — one used only for California Grill guests — and taken up to the restaurant itself on the 15th floor of the hotel!

Entry from Elevators

I’m always immediately impressed by the nearly 360-degree view of Walt Disney World. The gorgeous, sprawling Grand Floridian Resort in front of you; the spires of Cinderella Castle, Big Thunder mountain, and Space Mountain to your right; and the Wilderness Lodge and Epcot to your left will make it difficult for most folks to tear themselves away from the walls of windows to take a look at the menu!

When you walk in, you’ll be greeted at the podium and (likely) handed a pager. No worries; there’s lots to do while you’re waiting. Start walking toward the windows and you’ll pass the California Grill Bar and head into the lounge area.

California Grill Bar

California Grill Lounge

Here’s a tip! If you don’t have a [Read more…]

WDW Swan and Dolphin Restaurants Offer Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Dining

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Il Mulino in the Swan Resort

The fabulous restaurants at the WDW Swan and Dolphin have released Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas dining options. From buffets, to regular menus to specialized offerings, the holidays are sure to be delicious at any of these restaurants!

Thanksgiving, November 24

Il Mulino 5-11:00 p.m. Regular and Holiday Menu

Specialty menu option will include: Braised Stuffed Turkey Breast, “Italian” Turkey Sausage, Sweet Potato Parsnip Puree, Brussel Sprout Leaves, and Warm Cranberry Sauce.

Garden Grove 1-9:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Buffet
Adults $35.95, Kids 3-9 $15.95
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Roasted Turkey, Herb Crusted Grouper, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato with Marshmallow Brulee, Green Apple and Chestnut Stuffing, and more! There will also be salads, and of course, an assortment of pastries. Kids can dine on familiar foods – nuggets, corn dog, mac & cheese – too!

Fresh Mediterranean Market 12-6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Buffet
Stations will include Salads, deli meats and cheeses, soup and more! The griddle will serve up Seared Salmon. Traditional food will include Cider Glazed Virginia Ham, Roasted Organic Tom Turkey, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, and Bread Stuffing. A selection of desserts will be offered.

bluezoo 5-11:00 p.m. Regular and Holiday Menu
Specialty menu option will include: [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 20, 2011

By AJ 2 Comments

Holiday Ice Cube Cupcakes at Disney's Hollywood Studios

With the holidays underway at the Disney parks and resorts, we’re gathering lots of goodies to share with you.

From Snowman cupcakes to Ice Cube cupcakes (wow!) to seasonal beverages, we’re getting in the spirit of the season!

Latest Disney Food News

Busy week? Let’s catch up on the news!

Disney World’s Gingerbread displays are emerging this week!
New Thanksgiving meals announced in Walt Disney World!
Disney’s partnering with charity to help end Child Hunger, and they’re doing it in some very interesting ways!
Disney Dining Plan credits now being accepted at the Disney World Boardwalk Pizza Window.
New recipe request form at Disneyland!
Sleepy Hollow in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has changed its menu, and added some delicious new waffle sandwiches!

Do you crave more news? Check out our Disney News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

Coming Soon! Give the Gift of Delicious Planning This Year with DFB Guide Gift Certificates!

Our popular Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, and upcoming DFB Dining Adventures e-Books make great gifts for friends or family members planning a trip to Walt Disney World!

Very soon, you’ll be able to purchase gift certificates to share the books with your friends and relatives this holiday season! Stay tuned this week to find out how!

The best part? You’ll be able to take advantage of our individual e-Book Holiday Discounts, or purchase all of our e-Books and receive our e-Book Bundle Discount!

Friends don’t let friends go to Disney World unprepared. These e-books will ensure that your loved ones will get the biggest bang for their dining buck in Walt Disney World! More info on this great gift idea will be available later this week!

On to the Round-Up!

PopCenturySite.com

takes a refreshing break at the Petals Pool Bar.

WESH.com reveals the top 5 WDW foodie fantasies provided by yours truly!

Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups takes us to the Territory Lounge at the Wilderness Lounge. And don’t forget that WDW for Grownups has an awesome Muppets Giveaway this week!

Orange Bird

Progress City, U.S.A. reminisces about the adorable Little Orange Bird. His citrus-y presence is missed in Adventureland!

All Ears reviews the Best of Bocuse Dinner at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.

Main Street Gazette reviews the White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake at Kusafari Coffee Shop & Bakery in the Animal Kingdom. It’s a cupcake and lollipop in one!

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle masters the Jedi Art of baking Star Wars cookies.

All Fare’s Food Blog shows us how to make Mickey Mouse cake pops. Adorable-ness!

Thanksgiving Meals at Fort Wilderness and Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe

By Kim LaPaglia 2 Comments

Fort Wilderness Restaurants

Howdy! Round up your crew for the annual Thanksgiving at the Fort! Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground will host countrified meals on Thursday November 24, 2011. And the Diamond Horseshoe will open its doors for table-service and counter-service meals on Turkey Day as well! Yee-haw!

Thanksgiving at the Fort

Mickey & Minnie (and some of their favorite friends) invite you to dine with them at the ranch. Look for Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Pocahontas, Meeko, Country Bears, and Chip & Dale. (Characters are subject to change.) At this hoe-down you’ll hoot ‘n holler with the live entertainment including a country band and Trevor the Trick Roper.

This outdoor event rolls out an all-you-can eat buffet of comfort foods in an outdoor, covered pavilion where you’ll be seated family-style with other guests. After you wrangle up some good grub, kick up your heels and dance away those calories!

Location
Fort Wilderness Pavilion (Home of Mickey’s Backyard BBQ)

Seating Times [Read more…]

Walt Disney World Gingerbread Holiday Displays for 2011

By AJ 12 Comments

Holiday Chef at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…in Disney World, anyway! And it will be looking even more so very soon!

As we look forward to the holidays in our favorite Disney parks, let’s take a look at when to expect the artful decor to go on display this year. And we’ll look back to the gingerbread displays from past holidays to warm our spirits (and appetites) for now!

These displays will be created by the WDW Food and Beverage team. Sometimes you can even watch the chefs put on the finishing touches! And don’t forget to check out the limited edition Gingerbread Display pins coming out this year!

Please note that information is subject to change.

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House

(Gingerbread House was scheduled to open on November 14th)

As your eyes try to take in the enormous Christmas tree in the lobby, your sense of smell will lead you toward the 16 foot tall Gingerbread House located in the lobby of the Grand Floridian Resort.

Grand Floridian 2010 Gingerbread House

It takes over 400 hours to bake the 10,000+ pieces of gingerbread! Last year’s house was amazing, and one of our colleagues snapped some pics of the construction this year! Thanks to Carla at Hoperatives for these!

Grand Floridian Gingerbread House Construction 2011

Don’t forget that you can purchase a treat made from a classic Austrian gingerbread recipe right inside the Gingerbread House!! Freshly baked items will include [Read more…]

Holiday Food and Fun at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Spend your holidays at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando or Hilton Bonnet Creek. There are special menus and events that food-lovers and their families are sure to appreciate!

A Toast to the Holidays

Thanksgiving at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Thanksgiving Dinner at La Luce restaurant

Thursday Nov. 24 5-11pm
Savor the ala carte menu at this award-winning restaurant, with features from Chef Donna Scala We’ve got a review of La Luce’s menu here!

Thanksgiving Family Dinner Buffet at Harvest Bistro
Thursday Nov. 24, 4-10pm
$39 for adults (excluding tax and gratuity)
Children under age 12 eat free (up to two children per paid adult)

This all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving feast includes hand-carved roasted turkey, and other traditional holiday fare. View menu here. For your memorable ending, enjoy the homemade dessert finale. Reservations are recommended at 407-597-3600.

Bonnet Creek Activities

Football Fun

What’s Thanksgiving without football? Enjoy the weekend’s NFL and college football action at Zeta Bar, where feature drink and food specials will win big points!

Celebrate Fall Festival
Nov. 24 – Nov. 26 12:30-5pm
Poolside
Even the kids will be thankful after spending time at the [Read more…]

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