Tales From the Bog!! Our Time in Epcot's Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog...

Tales From the Bog!! Our Time in Epcot’s Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog…

Welcome to a rare treasure of a post today on Disney Food Blog! For a year, Disneyland expert Heather Sievers and I have been trying to figure out how we could pull on some waders and get into that Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And now we get to tell you about the day it happened! We have a LOT to share with you, so without further ado, let’s jump right in (literally)!

Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival (Note that the person in the bog is NOT AJ or Heather)

Bogging By Moonlight

Heather Says:

When one is given the opportunity to put on some waders and hop into a Cranberry Bog, the answer should always be YES.

AJ and I were given the chance to attend a reception INSIDE the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, where we learned that running away from home and becoming a bogger sounds like a pretty great plan.

Heather showing off her berries

AJ Says: To be honest, Heather and I have known for over a year that we were cut out to be boggers.

Ever since Ocean Spray featured its Bog in Epcot last year, we’ve been campaigning for our very own waders. (By the way, thanks to all of you who heeded the call when I asked you to petition Ocean Spray to let me get into the Bog earlier this year — it worked! And you guys know I rarely share photos of myself here on DFB, but this one was too fun!)

AJ working hard in the Bog

We quickly donned our cranberry-red wader socks (yep — you have to wear special socks with the waders!) and jumped into our new attire for the evening. Once suited up, we were told to sit at the edge of the Bog and swivel around to get in. Even though the Bog is only a couple of feet deep, it still took some getting used to!

Boots -n- Berries

Heather Says: The moment we put on our waders, we knew we were in for a good time. After all, see those tables in there? Those were for drinks and hors d’oeuvres. IN. THE. [Read more…]

Snack Series: Halloween Bat Cupcake at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 4 Comments

Happy Halloween!! We’ll be covering a few of the fun, spooky goodies you can find this year around Disney Parks in the next couple of days, but I wanted to start out with this decadent Bat Cupcake I found at Kusafiri Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Bat Cupcake at Kusafiri Bakery

You know we love our Disney Cupcakes here at DFB, and finding a new one to try is always a delicious adventure.

Animal Kingdom’s contribution to the Disney cupcake landscape has been getting better and better, and I have to say that their Cotton-Top Tamarin Cupcake and Elephant Cupcake are two of my very favorites on property. So I had high hopes for [Read more…]

Hurry!! Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise Available Online For One Week Only!

By AJ 11 Comments

We have great news, but you’ve gotta hurry! If you forgot to pick up an item at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, need a gift for a Disney food-loving friend, or weren’t able to get to the Festival but want a piece of it anyhow, it’s time to shop online now!

DisneyStore.com is offering Food and Wine Festival Merchandise online until October 14th!

Let’s take a look at some of the fun finds you can pick up this week ONLY!

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Cookbook

Inspired by favorite current and past Epcot Food and Wine Festival menu items, this 2012 Food and Wine Festival Cookbook will allow you to “taste your way around the world” from your at-home kitchen. The handy softcover guide (with 60 pages!) is in an easy-to-use spiral format for finding new cocktails, appetizers, pairings, and more!

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Cookbook

Epcot Food and Wine Festival T-Shirt

In a fitted silhouette, this Epcot Food and Wine Festival shirt is a fun addition to your wardrobe. Wear this comfy tee while hanging out and reminiscing about your trip around the World at this year’s Festival!

Ladies Festival Shirt

Epcot Food and Wine Festival “Mission Around the World” T-shirt

The 2012 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival screen art logo is on the front of the shirt. On the back, “Mission Around the World” screen art is featured. This Epcot Food and Wine Festival T-Shirt was a major favorite at the festival, and it’s [Read more…]

DFB Podcast Episode 10: Chef Mickey’s and Goofy’s Kitchen

By AJ 7 Comments

Howdy, Disney food lovers!

Great news today for all you hungry commuters, walkers, runners, gym-goers, stair-monster-climbers, and other assorted podcast listeners!

Just wanted to drop a line to let you know that the 10th episode of our DFB Podcast is now posted and ready for downloading!

In this episode we cover the latest Disney Food News and have a “telekinetic” discussion about the ever-popular Goofy’s Kitchen buffet at Disneyland and Chef Mickey’s buffet at Walt Disney World.

We also answer a couple listener questions, and reveal the answer to our Episode 9 trivia question (and debut a new trivia question)!

Here’s the Podcast page for Episode 10. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and as always, let us know what you think!

Review: House-Made Caramel Corn and More at Big Top Treats in the New Fantasyland

By AJ 15 Comments

We’ve waited for months (sometimes it seems like years!) for the debut of the first sections of the New Fantasyland in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and now we can finally say…

Welcome to Storybook Circus!

Sections of Storybook Circus have been open for a while — we even scoped it out a bit here!

But today we’re taking a more in-depth tour of Storybook Circus in the New Fantasyland — with a special emphasis on all the fantastic new FOOD, including the house-made caramel corn! But more about that later…

Welcome Area Outside

Occupying the area that was once Mickey’s Toontown Fair, Storybook Circus is themed as an old-fashioned circus straight out of the picture books that I loved as a kid.

Here, you’ll see plenty of touches that recall beloved scenes and a fun retro vibe from the classic film Dumbo, with lots of other Disney characters thrown in for good measure!

Big Top Souvenirs and Big Top Treats Show Kitchen

Big Top Souvenirs takes center stage in Storybook Circus. Inside the huge tent structure, you’ll also find Big Top Treats right in the middle, complete with a show kitchen.

Big Top Souvenirs and Big Top Treats -- Outside View

The sign outside hints at the treats inside, with teasers for cotton candy and caramel apples.

Treats Sign Outside

And cast members embrace the fun atmosphere! This guy with his puppets was hilarious! I totally wanted to tweak his clown nose. 🙂

A Big Welcome from a Friendly Clown!

Thoughtful touches surround [Read more…]

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Food Pictures and Review: Japan and Hops & Barley Booths

By AJ 10 Comments

It’s time to head back to the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival for some more booth reviews!

Today, we visit two very different stops on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival mission to eat our way around the World: Japan and Hops & Barley!

Be sure to check out full coverage of each booth on our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Pages! Click on any booth or country name for detailed information, menus, photos, and prices.

Japan

The very popular Japan Booth almost always has a line — and with good reason: every year, this fan favorite offers terrific sushi options!

Japan Booth

2012 Japan Marketplace Booth Menu - Click for larger image

This year’s menu has several new items to sample. Anything featuring tuna is always a hit, and I predict that the Spicy Hand Roll with Tuna and Salmon this year will continue that tradition.

Spicy Hand Roll (Tuna & Salmon with Chili Pepper, Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil Topped with Kazan Volcano Sauce)

For folks who like the idea of sushi, but not so much the idea of raw fish, there’s a brand new roll featuring chicken: Crispy Chicken Breast with Sushi Rice and Spicy Mayonnaise. The chicken is cooked in a tempura fashion, and I’ll admit that mine was [Read more…]

Review: 50s Prime Time Cafe (The Cheese is Back!!)

By AJ 39 Comments

I never say no to a meal at 50s Prime Time Cafe, but I hadn’t been in WAY too long. So when I got a little email tip from a reader last week (thanks, Courtney!!) I knew I had to head over there…and quick! A menu change was about to make my dreams come true!

Learn About:50’s Prime Time Cafe

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this place is pure nostalgia. You really feel like you’ve stumbled into the 1950s when you enter this eatery — from the decor to the menu, everything screams mid 20th Century Americana.

Fancy meatloaf and mashed potatoes or fried chicken? Then you’re in the right place! Grab a napkin and set of silverware, remember to keep your elbows off the table, and join me for a fun, interactive helping of comfort food in this well-loved table service spot.

Atmosphere

Stepping into this restaurant truly is like stepping back in time.

50s Prime Time Sign - Outside

I never cease to be amazed at the way this restaurant immerses guests in the 1950s home atmosphere. You begin your meal by waiting in Dad’s Living Room. Be sure to take a moment and look around; I bet you’ll find something you’ll remember from your parents’ (or grandparents’!) house — I always do!

Dad's Living Room - The Waiting Area

Fancy a drink from Dad’s Liquor Cabinet? Then sidle up to the Tune-In Lounge Bar for a house specialty, or order something once you arrive at your table.

Full Bar at Tune In Lounge

Here’s a tip: If you can’t get an Advanced Dining Reservation here, hang out at the bar. You can order food there, too.

Another of Dad's Living Rooms - Seating for the Tune-In Lounge

When it’s time to [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: October 7, 2012

By AJ 4 Comments

Whew! What a week!

As you know, I’ve been busy at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival eating my way around the World and updating ALL of our World Showcase Booth food pictures!!

But the best part? TV!! Those of you in Orlando may have seen me talking Food and Wine on Fox 35 News Orlando last Tuesday morning; and if you’re in Tampa you may have heard me chat about the Festival on WTSP 10 News yesterday morning!

Be sure to check out this clip all about my money-saving tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

But in addition to that, we’ve also got some fun new updates from the rest of the World of Disney to share with you… . Let’s take a look!

Disney Food News

Get ready to dig in to this week’s sweet and savory headlines from Disney!

We have more photos of the Rose Gallery and Ballroom in Be Our Guest Restaurant opening later this year in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland!
A map of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival gluten free items has been released for the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Check out all of the details about the 2012 Food & Wine Weekends by the Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek!

We’ve got additional food news (including a clawdaddy food truck at Downtown Disney, self-ordering kiosk at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, restaurant closure updates and LOTS more) on our Disney Food News Pin Board!

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Updates

The 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is in full swing, but we’re still updating our coverage daily with World Showcase booth reviews, new photos, and other news popping up from the Festival Center!

Check out this fun video of some Food and Wine Festival Entertainers in Future World!

Find all of the latest Epcot Food and Wine Festival News and Reviews here, and stay tuned this week for our take on several seminars and events around the festival (including exclusive pics of ME in WADERS in the OCEAN SPRAY CRANBERRY BOG!).

Also, our great DFB Deals of the Week for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Opening Week have been extended!!

Check out the awesome discounts we have available on our Disney Dining e-Book Bundles and our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Guide!

More to come… stay tuned!

On to the Round-Up

Mickey Fix

shares some very cool Alice in Wonderland teacups and saucers (which I haven’t ever seen before)!

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups sips on a Caramel Apple Frozen Margarita at Boardwalk Joe’s.

Passport to Dreams takes us on a vintage tour of Disneyland’s food service history. Wow!

Studios Central reminisces about extinct food once served at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Gorillas Don’t Blog discovers a vintage picture of Disney Legend Ginny Tyler sitting in front of Hills Bros. Coffee House in Disneyland.

Main Street Gazette dishes up Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumettes from the Caribbean marketplace at the Food and Wine Festival.

All Ears shows us the history of Dinoland, including the Restaurantosaurus.

Disney Parks Blog unveils the recipe for Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli served at the California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.

New! Be Our Guest Restaurant Ballroom and Rose Gallery Pictures

By Kim LaPaglia 4 Comments

Good news!! We now have a more complete look of the gorgeous Rose Gallery inside the Be Our Guest Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland.

This highly-anticipated new restaurant will (soft) open on November 19th with an official opening date of December 6th. See more photos and full menus from Be Our Guest Restaurant here!

The Rose Gallery is one of three dining rooms themed to the popular “Beauty and the Beast” film. The centerpiece of the room will be a large music box nearly 7 feet tall with Belle and the Beast slowly twirling atop.

Be Our Guest Restaurant's Rose Gallery

Adorned with rose accents, paintings and tapestries, the Rose Gallery will serve quick-service lunch featuring French-inspired cuisine. See the full Be Our Guest lunch menu here.

And take a look below at the awe-inspiring ceiling inside the Ballroom! The ballroom features [Read more…]

New! Gluten Free Menu for the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Kim LaPaglia 11 Comments

Finally!! Guests visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival now have access to an official map with the location of menu items that are gluten-free!

See photos of ALL gluten-free items on our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Page!!

Gluten Free Map for the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Here are your Disney-approved options for gluten-free eats at this year’s Festival:

Argentina
Grilled Beef Skewer – Order without the Chimichurri Sauce!

Australia
Shrimp on the Barbie
Grilled Lamb Chop

Caribbean Islands
Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick

Jerk Spiced Chicken Drumstick with Mango Chutney

Canada
Beef Filet Mignon

Cheese
Cheese offerings are gluten-free – skip the bread!

Florida Local
White Corn [Read more…]

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