Review: Cabanas on the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

On the Disney Dream Cruise Ship, Disney Cruise Line’s newest vessel, Cabanas is the breezy buffet that’s accessible to guests all day long. Stop here for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack no matter what schedule you’re on!

Atmosphere

Guests enter the restaurant through a striped canvas bedecked foyer — just like you’re entering your very own cabana!

Entrance

You might even see a few of your favorite friends from Finding Nemo here! Check out these gorgeous mosaic tile murals that decorate the space. And watch out for these guys…

Mine! Mine!

Cabanas availability offers a great opportunity for dining (especially if you happen to miss your set dinner time or would like an early breakfast), and offers some [Read more…]

Snack Series: German Chocolate Caramel

By AJ 5 Comments

We’re headed back to Epcot’s Karamell-Küche this afternoon for another bite of yummy, chocolate-y caramel goodness. This time, I find it imperative that I introduce you to the German Chocolate Caramel.

Karamell-Küche German Chocolate Caramel

This awesome snack consists of chewy Werther’s caramel infused with toasted coconut and covered in [Read more…]

Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares

By AJ 17 Comments

Guest author Carrie Hayward returns to tempt us with chocolate, peanut butter and marshmallow! Carrie writes about private events in Disney parks on her blog, http://disneytravelbabble.com, and is the author of PassPorter’s Disney Weddings & Honeymoons. Thanks, Carrie!

One of my all-time favorite Disney desserts is not available on any restaurant menu or at any snack location. I discovered Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares on a special-event menu when we were planning our wedding at Epcot a few years ago. Although they were once offered for private events at both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, they’ve since disappeared from the menus.

Now the only way to get Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares at Disney is to plan an event and put in a special request for them. Even then, the quality seems to vary—the last time I had them, they were much better at Hollywood Studios than at Epcot.

Elusive Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares in the wild

So, after scouring the Internet for similar recipes and devouring way too many test batches, I think I’ve finally perfected a method for making Chocolate Peanut Butter Marshmallow Squares at home.

Ingredients
1 cup butter
1 cup peanut butter
24 ounces semisweet or milk chocolate
10.5-ounce bag mini marshmallows
12-ounce bag peanut butter chips

Ingredients

Combine butter, peanut butter and chocolate in a double boiler (or, if [Read more…]

Reader Question: Planning a Special Vegetarian Meal at Disney World’s ‘Ohana

By Kim LaPaglia 8 Comments

We recently had a question submitted by a reader regarding the vegetarian meal at ‘Ohana. Now that Chef TJ has taken his culinary skills to the Grand Floridian, our reader, who is celebrating her birthday at ‘Ohana, wondered if Chef TJ’s famed vegetarian meal (six courses!) was still being offered.

Tempura Asparagus at 'Ohana

I’m not sure what the current meal is for vegetarians at ‘Ohana since Chef TJ left, so here’s what I suggest — contact the Disney Special Diets folks (email [email protected] or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-824-5967) and ask them what number to call if you have a special diet, have booked a particularly special meal, and would like to speak with a particular restaurant.

Once you get a direct number for ‘Ohana, ask if you can set up a time to speak by phone directly with the Chef at ‘Ohana, explaining that you booked a birthday meal there based on the rave reviews, but you understand there’s a new Chef there and you’d like to discuss options with him ahead of time since this is a special meal for you. Share the same info with him and see if you can work together to create a multi-course birthday dinner menu.

Be persistent about wanting to talk with the chef. You might run into [Read more…]

Review: Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55

By AJ 24 Comments

I’m so excited to finally be writing this review. This is one of my very favorite restaurants in Disneyland (are you surprised that I love a steakhouse?), and in terms of history and excellent food, it’s a must-do.

Atmosphere

Located in the Disneyland Hotel, Steakhouse 55 has been around for eons, though not always under its current moniker. Until about five years ago, the place was known as Granville’s, named for the wife of Disneyland Hotel creator Jack Wrather — who himself is a very complicated and interesting part of Disneyland history. And history has always been made here.

Photo of Walt

The Steakhouse 55 Lounge and Restaurant feel like they’re from another era — classic Hollywood glamour can be felt throughout the place. Big names and big deals could — and still can — be found here from time to time.

Lounge

Steakhouse 55 Dining Room

Blown-up black-and-white photos on the walls depict VIPs from classic film days, and you can’t help but [Read more…]

2011 Disney World Free Dining Package in September

By AJ 11 Comments

For a limited time, get a free dining plan when you purchase the new 5-night/6-day Memories Vacation Package, including room, theme park tickets and a 20-page Disney’s PhotoPass® Photo Book (required purchase)!

As usual, value resort bookings get the quick-service Disney dining plan; all other resort bookings get the standard Disney dining plan.

This offer is for arrivals most nights at select Disney Resorts between August 28 and September 24, 2011.

Book this through August 27, 2011. Ask for booking code QUH for Value Resorts and N23 for Moderate, Deluxe, and Villa Resorts.

Click here for more details!

Snack Series: Tomato Basil Soup at Pinocchio Village Haus

By AJ 13 Comments

Learn About:Pinocchio Village Haus

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

I’m a soup-lover from way back, and one of my favorites has always been tomato basil. So when I was on a recent research trip at the Magic Kingdom, I was very excited to find tomato basil soup listed on the menu at Pinocchio Village Haus!

Soup is a great snack — cheap, filling, and usually carrying fewer calories and fat than other snacks at the Kingdom.

But, at the time, I thought to myself — how good could it be? I’ve had exceptional tomato basil soup, but I’ve also had plenty of versions that don’t come close to making the cut.

Pinocchio Village Haus menu

Without too many expectations, I found a seat upstairs at the Village Haus and dug in — and it was amazing! I’m not kidding you. I don’t recommend something to you if I don’t love it, and I’m telling you this soup is gorgeous. Savory, buttery, creamy, and very flavorful. Usually when I’m researching, my companions and I split it and I only take a few bites, but I’m pretty sure I commandeered this cup of soup and just about ate the whole thing!

Tomato Basil Soup at Pinocchio Village Haus

So, just a quick post to let you know, if you like soup as much [Read more…]

Favorite Ice Cold Snacks at Disney Parks

By AJ 28 Comments

Recently we polled our Disney Food Blog Facebook Page for their answer to this question: “What are your favorite icy cold snacks and treats in Disney parks?”

Among the many awesome answers, the three chilling treats mentioned the most by our Facebook Friends were Dole Whips, Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, and Kaki Gori shaved ice!

Dole Whips

UPDATE: Dole Whip is no longer being served at Captain Cook’s, is no longer self-serve, and is no longer available 24 hours a day. You’ll now find Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai in Disney’s Polynesian Village in addition to Aloha Isle at the Magic Kingdom. You can also find Dole Whip available intermittently at Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Refreshments, and at Epcot during some special events. On the upside, you can also get a Dole Whip Float at Pineapple Lanai!

We heard your your 34 shout-outs (!!!) to the Dole Whip. Not surprisingly, this palate-pleasing treat was the clear winner!

Disneyland Dole Whip Float

The Dole Whip’s popularity may be partly due to the many versions offered. First, there’s Dole Whip soft-serve in vanilla, pineapple and orange. Guests can further customize their dish by ordering a swirl. Or opt for the [Read more…]

Must-Do Milkshake: Frozen Hot Chocolate at Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort

By AJ 8 Comments

Those of you who have been lucky enough to visit Serendipity 3 in New York City know the wonders of frozen hot chocolate!

Made with blended milk, ice cream, and hot chocolate and topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and a cherry, this chilly treat is the perfect addition to an afternoon by the pool.

When I first tried the original recipe at Serendipity 3, I was bowled over with how different it was from a regular milkshake. Using the hot chocolate gives it a stronger chocolate flavor and a sweeter overall impression.

There’s just more taste there than you get in a standard chocolate milkshake, and the same rings true with the version served at Beech, the pool bar at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort. The flavor itself is truly an indulgence, so don’t plan to sip quickly! By the way, this version is technically sold “for two,” but I promise it’s OK if you drink it all yourself… 😉

Beech at Hilton Bonnet Creek

The next time you’re in Disney World, grab a cab or take your car to the resort, which is located right in between Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Downtown Disney in the middle of Walt Disney World [Read more…]

Guest Review: New Jiko Wine Tasting

By AJ 20 Comments

Welcome to Jenn Lazzaro (whom you’ve seen here before by way of her gorgeous photos), who’s treating us to her review of the brand new Jiko Wine Tasting happening on Wednesdays at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! Take it away, Jenn!

When I first heard that Jiko was starting up wine pairing Wednesday afternoons, I immediately grabbed a calendar to see if any of them coincided with trip in May. Sure enough, one did! Jiko is hands down one of my top two favorite restaurants on Disney property (the other is Citricos), so I couldn’t make a reservation quick enough.

Booking and Background

According to the Disney Parks Blog:

With one of the finest collections of South African wines in the U.S., sommeliers at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge love sharing tastes. Each Wednesday from 3-4 p.m., take a journey through the wine regions of South Africa and sample three delicious vintages paired with cheese and fruit. Cost is $25 plus tax and gratuity, and reservations can be made at 407-WDW-DINE.

Before even asking my other friends if they wanted to join me, I immediately called the Jiko reservation line that was given and left a message with my information that was requested. Within a few hours, I had a confirmation email from one of the Cast Members of Jiko confirming my reservation and letting me know that I can add guests with just a simple email back to her.

After all was said and done, there were 4 of us wanting to attend the wine pairing. We arrived at Jiko a little early and they were still setting up, so we wandered for a bit. After seeing other guests waiting by the bar area, we wandered back and hung out with the crowd.

Atmosphere and Tasting

The sommelier came around to each group to check us in. We were then ushered into the main dining room of Jiko where we all took our seats around a single long table, which sat around 16 or 18 people. The wines were already placed at each seat on top of a place mat that listed the name of each wine sample. As guests started to greet and meet each other, the cheeses were quickly laid in center of the table.

Tasting Wines

I’d wanted to take photos of everything before we were told we could start eating but, unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough. One of the Jiko chefs came to our table to explain the cheeses that we would be having [Read more…]

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