Dining in Disneyland: The Return of the Corn Dog Castle!

Heather Sievers has some great Dining in Disneyland news this week — the Corn Dog Castle is back in action!

Nestled between Seaside Souvenirs and what will soon be the new Goofy’s Sky School ride is a little gem that’s been closed for quite some time. When I heard last week that Corn Dog Castle had reopened, it was almost too good to be true. So, of course I had to go and see it to believe it.

The Corn Dog Castle is Back!

Although corn dogs have been available at California Adventure during the closure (first at Farmer’s Market, which eventually closed for the construction of Cars Land, and then at Award Wieners in the Hollywood Pictures Backlot), it was not the same as getting one from the original corn dog king.

Seeing it open again was almost as exciting as [Read more…]

More Details on Disney World’s New Dine with an Animal Specialist Option: Menu, Photos, and Activities!

By AJ 12 Comments

Learn About:Sanaa

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Jambo! Thanks to Vallen Tucker at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge concierge office, we have some great NEW information about the resort’s Dine With An Animal Specialist opportunity!!

As you know, the dining option is offered at Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Kidani Village. Guests can dine with an Animal Specialist, savoring cuisine from Sanaa while learning about the animals grazing outside the window. During the “untamed” lunch, your family will be immersed in African culture while posing questions to the animal expert regarding the animals on the nearby savanna.

Dine With An Animal Specialist: Menu

The four-course menu will delight your senses during this exclusive experience limited to 12 guests. It is recommended for guests over 8 years old. Special Diets can be accommodated and there is a separate menu for kids

First Course: Indian Style Bread Service
Breads – Naan, Onion Kulcha, Papadum, Paneer Paratha

Accompaniments – Red Chile Sambal, Cucumber Raita, Coriander Chutney, Mango Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Green Mango Pickle, Roasted Red Bell Pepper Hummus, Tamarind Chutney

Parts of the First Course Offerings

Second Course: [Read more…]

Review: Captain Cook’s Snack Company

By AJ 36 Comments

Learn About:Captain Cook’s

Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

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!

There are two important things you need to know about Captain Cook’s Snack Company and why I consider it to be one of Disney’s best kept secrets:

1. It offers two of Disney’s most beloved menu items — Tonga Toast and Dole Whips.
2. It’s open 24. Hours.

Those two are reason enough to visit, but when you add in the fact that the place serves up some pretty unique and delicious eats, there’s no reason NOT to escape the crazy of the Magic Kingdom for a quick boat ride over to the Polynesian Resort and a visit to Captain Cook’s.

Entrance Sign

Atmosphere
This joint looks pretty much like a fast-food location decorated in stereotypical Hawaiian style. Because that’s what it is. But it’s also so much more!

Counter-Service Restaurant

It was one of the first locations to pioneer [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 22, 2011

By AJ Leave a Comment

Star Wars Weekends Specialty Popcorn Bucket

We’re reporting from Walt Disney World this weekend, and over the past couple of days I’ve racked up about a hundred new things to share with you! Better get your stretchy pants, my friends!!

This week in Disney food news:

Here’s what’s happening in the World of Disney Food this week…

A brand new specialty dining experience,Dine with an Animal Specialist, debuts at Sanaa!
The specialty popcorn bucket you see to your right comes filled with caramel corn during Star Wars Weekends in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! —>
A Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake makes an appearance at Boardwalk Bakery!
We report on the 2012 Disney World Free Dining package announced for UK residents
Bayside Brews is confirmed to open this summer in Disney California Adventure!
Check out our guest review of the new Fork and Screen Theater in Downtown Disney Orlando.

DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Reviews

Thanks to Magical Kingdoms for publishing a great review of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Here’s what they had to say…

The 250 pages cover pretty much everything you need to know about dining at Walt Disney World, and even those who have made multiple trips may learn something new by reading this book.

See the full review here

. And get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining right here!

And now… on to the round-up!

The Passporter Moms Podcast this week is all about Disney food, and guess who they asked to join them? Thanks to Jennifer and Sara for letting me talk about my favorite subject with them!

Yesterland bids farewell to Pizza Oom Mow Mow in Disney California Adventure.

Fatherhood…Video Games…and Ice Cream shares what it’s like to be Prince of the Day at Cinderella’s Royal Table.

DisneyContemporary.com leads us to some fun (and romantic!) Contemporary Resort dining options for grown-ups.

Main Street Gazette reviews the Steakhouse Salad at the Contempo Cafe.

All Fare’s Food Blog features a guest article (by yours truly 😉 ) about dining aboard the Disney Dream.

Around Disney highlights upgraded menus at Disneyland.

Guest Review: Pink on the Disney Dream

By AJ 5 Comments

Welcome to guest author Nancy Oates, who’s sharing with us today a visit to the Disney Dream’s Pink Lounge! Take it away, Nancy!

With a name like Pink and a subtle elephant on the door to welcome us, it quickly became clear that we were entering an extension of the Pink Elephants on Parade scene from the movie Dumbo.

Atmosphere

Fittingly, the lounge was pink and ethereal. Even the lighting mimicked the bubbles in a champagne glass.

Seating and Bar at Pink

Champagne Decor

Here are those champagne bubble lights we mentioned… [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Just for Fun, Food on the Sailing Ship Columbia

By Heather 3 Comments

While cruising the Sailing Ship Columbia that circles Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer’s Island, I noticed that the crew has many dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining or fish stew, the Sailing Ship Columbia has something for every swashbuckler on board.

The Captain's Dining Quarters

Artichoke & Bread (notice the eaten leaves on the plate!)

This doesn’t look all that [Read more…]

Disney Dream Guest Review: Non-Alcoholic Specialty Drinks

By AJ 12 Comments

Welcome guest author James Dolan with a thirst-quenching review of mocktails aboard the Disney Dream!

click image for larger version

There is a big market for “adult beverages.” That is a euphemism for drinks containing alcohol. Those of us who are adults who don’t consume alcohol are left with the routine fountain sodas, plain fruit juices and occasionally a decent bottled root beer. If you’re lucky, you might actually get a Shirley Temple made correctly (with ginger ale), and if you’re really lucky it might have a cherry for garnish. Of course, there is always the standard, uninspired non-alcoholic pina colada or strawberry margarita.

Meanwhile, our alcohol-consuming friends are choosing from lengthy lists of “adult beverages” and receiving brightly colored drinks in fancy glasses with artfully placed garnishes. These drinks usually cannot be ordered in a non-alcoholic version because they consist of (big surprise) mostly alcohol.

Fortunately, if you are cruising on the Disney Dream, these woes are a thing of the past! Non-alcoholic specialty drinks [Read more…]

New Offering at Animal Kingdom Lodge: Dine with an Animal Specialist!

By AJ 14 Comments

Learn About:Sanaa

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Update: See the Dine with an Animal Specialist menu, food photos, and details here!

Thanks to reader Cliff Yow for the heads up on this awesome new adventure! A new dining experience is available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Dine with an Animal Expert!

Enjoy an exclusive and interactive experience while dining with a Disney Animal Expert at Sanaa, an exotic restaurant offering views of the African savanna. As you immerse yourself in African culture, you’ll get to ask questions of the expert while also learning fascinating facts about the care of savanna’s animals. See the resort’s savanna animals outside the window as you learn special insights into these African creatures.

View from Sanaa

Dine with Animal Specialists: An Untamed Lunch

Offered at Sanaa every Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1:15 pm, this unique opportunity will appeal to animal enthusiasts.

A four course meal and suitable children’s menu will be [Read more…]

Snack Series: Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake at Boardwalk Bakery

By AJ 15 Comments

Once again, cast member Michael S. brings us another new cupcake on Disney property! This one’s for all of you springtime strawberry lovers… and Grand Marnier lovers… 😉

A Strawberry Shortcake cupcake has joined the other new cupcakes at Boardwalk Bakery!

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake

Yummo! Here’s Michael’s review:

The Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake was probably one of the lightest, most refreshing cupcakes I have had at Disney World. It is the perfect dessert or snack for a hot summer day.

The frosting had the light, fluffy consistency of whipped cream. At first glance you may wonder where the strawberries are, but once you cut it open you will find a generous portion of [Read more…]

Tips For Taking Snacks Home From Walt Disney World

By Kim LaPaglia 32 Comments

Departing the Happiest Place on Earth is never easy. It’s a bummer having to return to reality. To lessen the pain, many guests like to stock up on favorite snacks before the journey home. I’m partial to the chocolate covered pretzels. And the Krispie Treats. And the Caramel Apples. 😉 Whatever you choose, these sweet treats make the wait at the airport, flight, or car ride less agonizing.

Chocolate Caramel Fudge from Karamell-Küche

Tips and Tricks For Bringing Snacks Home

Some guests pack food for the plane or car trip home. These munchies are handy for long flights and/or layovers. Others bring them home as gifts for the pet-sitter, teacher, class, and/or as a treat to savor just a few more minutes of Disney magic.

Suggestions for Portable Snacks
If you are on the Disney Dining Plan with leftover [Read more…]

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Dining in Disneyland: The Return of the Corn Dog Castle!