New Be Our Guest Restaurant Pictures from Disney World

UPDATE: Read about the Opening Date for Be Our Guest Restaurant and Reservations Info!

Thanks to the Disney Parks Blog, we have a few new images of the gorgeous Be Our Guest Restaurant in Walt Disney World.

From the mysterious cracked door arch into the Beast’s Ballroom…

A Doorway into the Beast's Ballroom

…to these gorgeous entryway mosaics, we know the restaurant will hold many more incredible decor elements for guests to enjoy as soon as it opens!

Slated to open in time for the 2012 Holiday Season, the Be Our Guest Restaurant menu will offer french-inspired eats at a [Read more…]

Guest Review: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure

By AJ 11 Comments

Today we’re welcoming guest author Kent Walker with a cool review of the brand new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop at Disney California Adventure. Read on for a delicious dose of ice cream and brownies!

Having been big fans of chocolate since before we could spell the word, my wife and I were very excited to find out that a Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop would be opening at Disney California Adventure. Not only would we be able to ride Radiator Springs Racers, we’d be able to do it with a belly full of ice cream, hot fudge, and brownie.

Atmosphere

The Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop occupies the space that used to be the Mission Tortilla Factory, which was an original DCA attraction in 2001.

While we were sad to see the factory go (our sons especially loved the free corn and flour tortillas – including a whole bag on their birthday!), our depression was short-lived when we found out we could drown our sorrows in sea salt caramel hot cocoa!

Inside Ghirardelli at Disney California Adventure

Our family has been to San Francisco and visited the Ghirardelli Square shop, so we knew how good their chocolate, sundaes and chocolate drinks were. Other than the much larger selection of chocolate in San Francisco, the soda fountains are very similar.

Ghirardelli in DCA made the wise choice of having much wider aisles for easier stroller navigation and crowd control, and a Ghirardelli staffer hands out samples and menus out at the door. They even go the extra step and cut off the top of the foil package so it’s easier for you to get at your free chocolate treat. On the day we stopped by, it was a caramel filled milk chocolate piece.

Other than the wider aisles for crowds and strollers, the inside is very similar to other Ghirardelli Soda Fountains across the country. One nice touch, though, is a [Read more…]

New! DFB Podcast Episode 6: Steakhouse Showdown

By AJ 2 Comments

Hey all! Great news today for all you commuters, walkers, runners, gym-goers, and other assorted podcast listeners!

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

In this episode we cover the latest Disney Food News, discuss two great Disney steakhouses, answer a few reader questions, and reveal the answer to our Episode 5 trivia question (as well as give you a brand new trivia question)!

Click here to go to the Podcast page for Episode 6. And don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast via RSS or on iTunes!

Take a listen and let us know [Read more…]

Guest Review: Italy Dessert & Wine Event at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By Kim LaPaglia 4 Comments

Join us in welcoming guest author Michelle Buchecker with a review of the Italy Dessert and Wine tasting event at last year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival. While we’re not sure yet if this event will be repeated at the 2012 Festival, it’s likely that it will!

Tutto Italia and Gusto Wine Cellar

We attended the Italy Dessert and Wine event that was new to the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. First and foremost, do not make the mistake we did by booking this event on the same day as your Biergarten lunch!

We had lunch at noon, and the event was at 2 pm. Not nearly enough time to digest. (Editor’s Note: I can second that!)

Atmosphere

The event was held in the back room of Tutto Italia. The check-in process went very smoothly, and we were escorted to a table that the 2 of us shared with 6 other people. There were about 50 guests in total and all chairs were taken.

The main presenter, Gabriele, was charming and humorous. He was obviously native Italian, and he took the time to introduce each course. The wine rep from Batasiolo, Jerry, mentioned that he was told to keep his comments short so we could eat and drink more. But at the beginning of each course, he did introduce each wine and described it.

Jerry warned us that all wines at the tasting were frizzante, which means they are lightly bubbly and have low alcohol content to keep it sweet.

Eats

Now on to the courses!

Dessert and Wine Menu

The first course was a Tiramisu paired with the Batasiolo Asti. I found the contents of the Tiramisu pretty basic: repeat layers of soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone topped with a cocoa dusting and chocolate curl.

The presentation was nice as this was all in a Martini glass. The Asti was sweet and crisp.

Tiramisu

The second course was Cannoli. This was huge!! While we were served utensils with it, Gabriele commented that he had to give us the knife and fork but encouraged us to eat it with our [Read more…]

Fun Gluten-Free and Allergy-Free Snacks in Epcot

By AJ 13 Comments

Vacationing with dietary requirements can sometimes be a challenge, but Disney continues to lead the field in options available to guests who have special dietary needs.

On a recent trip to Epcot’s The Land and its fabulous counter service spot, Sunshine Seasons, we spied some fun eats for special diets!

First up: who doesn’t love a little something sweet, crunchy, and indulgent on a trip to Walt Disney World? If you need to find a treat that is gluten- or nut-free, check out Rocky Mountain Caramel Popcorn! Perfect for sharing — if you want to!

Gluten and Nut Free Caramel Popcorn

Gluten and Nut Free Caramel Popcorn - Close-up

If you’re looking for a delicious cookie, but you’d like to avoid [Read more…]

Review: Disney World’s Beach Club Marketplace

By AJ 16 Comments

If you are visiting Disney’s Beach Club Resort in Walt Disney World and you’re hungry for a bite, you’ll soon find that your counter service options are pretty limited here.

Fortunately, you can get a decent sandwich at the deli counter of Beach Club Marketplace.

Beach Club Marketplace Entrance - Inside

Atmosphere

The Marketplace is the Beach Club Resort’s gift shop, so at first glance it may not feel very deli-like. 😉 There are a few tables outside that hint at the fact that you’re near food.

It’s not usually so crowded that you can’t find a spot. I especially love the really pretty setting outside, with the clean, bright white tables and chairs.

Outdoor Seating

Once inside, your suspicions are confirmed: there’s more available here than just souvenirs. As you make your way to the sandwich counter, you’ll feel a little like you’re in a Disney-themed general store!

Beach Club Marketplace - Merchandise

If you are after staples, both the refrigerated section and an assortment of dry goods can provide you with a few necessities to supplement your restaurant meals with foods prepared in your room. Breakfast items, sandwich fixings, peanut butter and jelly, paper goods, and beverages are all available here.

Beach Club Marketplace - Dry Goods

Guests will also find the full Disney beverage set up, comparable to other resort counter service stops around property. Refillable mugs for soda, coffee, and tea are [Read more…]

Review: Frozen Lemonade Flavor Shots in Disneyland

By AJ 4 Comments

Happy 4th of July, everyone!! Today I wanted to share some wonderful Summertime treats in Disneyland. These are the perfect compliment to those hot, hot days…

Frozen Lemonade…and Then Some!

First up, I had to document for you one of my favorite Summer treats. We all love frozen lemonade — and you’ve probably seen it in pre-mixed strawberry or raspberry versions.

But what makes it awesome here is the option to add flavor shots while pouring the icy snack!

Shot of Cherry

Recently, as I was wandering around Disneyland, I made my way back to Fantasyland and noticed a sign for frozen lemonade. Score!

Lemonade Kiosk

But this wasn’t just any frozen lemonade. These lemonades were available with made-to-order flavor shots in either cherry or raspberry! The awesome Cast Member (shhh!) let me go behind the counter to get some great shots of her flavor shot technique.

Disneyland Flavored Lemonade Machine

The flavor of the cherry was delightful — the perfect combo of [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Hot Dogs

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Your photo contributions to the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on flickr are soooooo mouthwatering! We love looking through your food pics!

The Disney Food Pics of the Week this week feature Disney hot dogs (we would have added corn dogs, but I think those should get their own feature)! For a classic theme park snack or meal, the hot dog is always a delicious option.

Loaded or plain — these hot dogs from Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom look fabulous!
Photographer: Lucy Bartholomew/DisneyRoobs

Hot Dogs at Casey's

Here’s the new Italian Hot Dog from [Read more…]

What Disney Food Are You Most Excited To Eat?

By AJ 82 Comments

OK, we’ve got an interactive post today, because I need your suggestions!

I’m headed back to Disney World this Summer, and I’ve got a few treats I can’t wait to finally eat. But I’d love to hear what snacks, entrees, and other menu items you’re looking forward to eating on your next Disney visit so that I can add a few of your eagerly anticipated eats to my list! Let me know your choices in the comments!

First up, here’s what I can’t wait to try on my upcoming trip…

Chicken Waffle in the Magic Kingdom

I keep hearing raves about this giant, saucy sandwich found at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, and I’m really looking forward to trying it for myself.

I’ve had the Prosciutto waffle, but still need to try the others!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich

“The King” Cupcake at Pop Century Resort

Um… peanut butter frosting, chocolate cake, banana custard filling, candied bacon, and chocolate drizzle. Must have.

This Elvis-inspired King Cupcake at Everything Pop Food Court has both [Read more…]

News! Temporary Closure in 2013 for Disney World’s California Grill

By Kim LaPaglia 13 Comments

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

Chef Brian Piasecki reveals a few details of the upcoming renovation of the popular California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World!

This high-end restaurant offers exquisite cuisine and top-notch fireworks viewing, but we’ll have to find another signature spot to dine for the first half of 2013! According to the DisneyParks Blog, we finally have a solid date for the restaurant’s closure that we reported earlier this year.

California Grill will close in early 2013, and re-open in the late summer. Save us a spot at this window table! 😉

Great view from California Grill

Menu and Other Updates

While the menu will undergo some tweaking, a fresh, seasonal menu with top-of-the-line sushi will continue to be the main focus of the kitchen.

The continued use of creative flavors and techniques will allow chefs to [Read more…]

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