Resort Specialty: Mom's Night Out at Pop Century | the disney food blog

Resort Specialty: Mom’s Night Out at Pop Century

Update: Fried Chicken is served on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday is now Meatloaf night; Thursday and Friday evenings offer turkey dinners.

Many of the Disney Resorts have specialty food items for which those hotels are uniquely known. Disney’s Pop Century has several of these, like the famous tie-dye cheesecake, but there’s one fun foodie twist that I’m not sure everyone knows about:

Pop Century Favorites

The “Mom’s Night Out” meal fits perfectly into the resort’s theme, which highlights famous and popular toys, inventions, and productions from the 20th century. In this case, “Mom’s Night Out” refers to the nights when Mom went out to the PTA meeting or bowling league, meaning Dad and the kids got to have TV dinners! Except this isn’t just any TV dinner — and it sure doesn’t taste like it came out of the microwave.

Head over to Pop Century’s food court from 4-10pm any night of the week to sample the Mom’s Night Out dinner — Saturday, Sunday, and Monday feature fried chicken; Tuesday and Wednesday bring turkey; and Thursday and Friday are pork. The best part (in my opinion) is the fresh cornbread with each meal.

Pop Century Moms Night Out Menu

Which is your favorite Mom’s Night Out meal? And let us know of the other “resort favorites” you’ve seen and tried!

Top Three Milkshakes in Disney World

By AJ 37 Comments

Editor’s Note: We’ve amended this earlier post to reflect that Beaches and Cream does now accept Advance Dining Reservations. milkshake

There are plenty of places to grab a milkshake in Disney World, but there are a few that are spectacular. Pulled from an informal reader survey taken earlier this year, here are the top contenders:

50’s Prime Time Cafe
The 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is well known among Disneyphiles as the place where television, formica, and fun reign supreme.

At this clever cafe, the focus is on food straight from Mom’s Kitchen, and your meals are served by your “cousins,” “aunts,” and “uncles.” You can choose from 1950’s favorites, including meatloaf, fried chicken, and pot roast.

And after your meal, the dessert menu comes to your table. But this is your normal dessert menu — it’s a viewfinder. You remember, those pictorial toys that you used to view images of the Grand Canyon and Disneyland when you were a kid? That’s the one! Except, this time, you get to see the yummy desserts available at the restaurant. (Almost as good as the Grand Canyon, no?) One of those desserts is arguably the most delicious malted milkshake I’ve ever had. Very thick and served in a tall glass, with the extra in the shake cup on the side, you might just need that spoon…

50’s Prime Time Cafe Malted Milkshake and Viewfinder

Beaches and Cream
One of our favorite restaurants is Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort near Epcot. This place is reminiscent of a mid-century soda shop, complete with mirrored walls, a long counter for seating, pastel tiled floors, and wrought-iron tables.

What you order here is burgers, fries, hot dogs, onion rings, and a french dip sandwich if you’re feeling fancy. But the real reason to head to Beaches and Cream isn’t for the fried food (though it’s delicious); it’s for the ice cream! Beaches and Cream is famous for its giant sundaes, including the Kitchen Sink, which includes scoops of every flavor of ice cream, every single topping, candy bars, oreos, and a whole can of whipped cream.

We usually intersperse our sundae orders with an occasional milkshake order. Served in a soda fountain glass (you get the extra on the side here, too), you’ll be instantly transported back in time to your days at the drugstore.

Beaches and Cream Milkshake

Sci-Fi Dine In
This is a restaurant like no other. You sit in a car. It’s dark — very dark. There are hilarious, old-fashioned B movies playing on a massive screen in front of you. Yet you’re eating spinach and artichoke dip? Indeed!

This place, found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, is true Disney Imagineering at its best. You’re meant to feel as though you’re sitting in your convertible at a 1950’s drive-in, and, amazingly, it all works! Well-trained CMs weave in and out of dozens of parked cars — in the dark — taking orders, bringing food, bussing tables, and never getting in the way of the movie trailers playing on the screen. It’s a fun, interesting, and exciting meal, to be certain.

And though I can highly recommend the cheesecake for dessert, the truly authentic dessert is the milkshake! Any flavor is delicious, and a wonderful ending to a delicious meal.

Sci Fi Milkshake

Let Us Know Your Thoughts
Have you tried one of these milkshakes, or do you have an idea for a contender for the top three? Let me know by leaving a comment on the post! Would love to hear from challengers!

Photo Credit: SanctumSolitude

Disney World Bakery Throw Down: Boulangerie Patisserie

By AJ 16 Comments

Welcome back to the Disney World Bakery Throw Down! Today we’re highlighting the second bakery in the Throw Down: the France pavilion’s Boulangerie Patisserie.

Boulangerie Patisserie Epcot

Atmosphere
The bakery, which specializes in breads and sweet pastries, is located toward the back of the France pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase. (Just follow your nose, and you’ll find it!) As you would expect from a World Showcase shop, it’s themed to look like a bakery native to a small French village. Welcoming window displays draw you inside, and bistro tables line the sidewalk outside.

Seating Outside the Bakery

Inside, you’re greeted by a lovely baker’s rack full of delicious-looking baked goods, baking paraphernalia, and a wide-open French cookbook, giving you the idea that the bakers are hard at work at the ovens.

Baker's Rack at Bakery Entrance

Themeing at Boulangerie Patisserie

Keep walking to your left, where your eyes are invited to take in rows and rows of sugary, frosted pastries and savory sandwiches and cheese. The bakery is set up with two identical showcases on either side of a long aisle. This lets twice as many people through at once, but you’ll often still encounter lines… this place is popular!

Eats
Before you take a look at any of my bakery eats photos, you must go over to Ryan Wilson’s Main Street Gazette post about the Boulangerie Patisserie. It’s headlined with one of the most tempting photos of the bakery’s goods I’ve ever seen…

Now that you’ve whet your appetite, here we go down the center aisle of the Boulangerie Patisserie! We start with a few savory items, such as those delicious cheese plates, quiche, rustic ham and cheese tartine, baguettes with jambon (ham) and fromage (cheese), and cheese-filled croissants.

Savory Items

Cheese Plate

Ham and Cheese Baguette

From there, you hit the gorgeous pastries — cakes, pies, pain au chocolat, croissants, apple tarts, eclairs, cheesecake, napoleons, creme brulee, and more:

Creme Puffs

Nid d'abeille

Raisin Swirl

Chocolate Cake

Creme Brulee

Raspberry Schuss

Napoleon and Cheesecake

Apple and Raspberry Turnovers

Chocolate Eclairs

Lemon Tarts and Chocolate Mousse

Apple Tart

Chocolate Croissants

Once you reach the end of the showcases, you’re able to order a drink and pay for your items.

Boulangerie Patisserie Drink Menu

There is seating on the sidewalk outside and inside the marketplace outside of the France film:

Indoor Seating Near the Bakery

If you can still walk with all of those baked goods in your belly, head out to the beautiful perfume shops on the other side of the pavilion, visit Belle and the Beast in Belle’s library, or head over to watch Impressions de France in the theater at back of the pavilion. Have a wonderful day in Epcot!

Vote For Your Favorite!
Thanks for joining us as we visited the second of the five Walt Disney Bakeries we’re showcasing on the Throw Down! The first bakery highlighted was the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, and we’ll be highlighting the other three throughout the month.

You can vote for your favorite right here:

What's Your Favorite Bakery in Walt Disney World?

Boulangerie Patisserie (Epcot) (40%)
Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom) (27%)
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Epcot) (13%)
Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk) (11%)
Starring Rolls Bakery (Disney's Hollywood Studios) (8%)
Other (1%)

Loading ...

If you have a stand-out favorite bakery, weigh in with your comments via twitter, facebook, or email.

In January, I’ll post the results, along with any reader insights as to what makes those particular bakeries so special. If you have another bakery you like better, vote “other.” (I’d love to hear what the “others” are as well!)

Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 20, 2009

By AJ Leave a Comment

The next to the last Disney Food Post Round-Up of the year starts….NOW! Lots of news coming to light this week, including the Cantina de San Angel refurb coming up in January. Here we go…

Don’t forget about the Exclusive New Year’s Eve Parties at the Magic Kingdom — info courtesy of the Disney Parks Blog.

MousePlanet posts the menu for the new Surf’s Up Disneyland breakfast and an extra date for Candy Canes at the Candy Palace!

The Save Pleasure Island Blog has some speculative updates on the new Pleasure Island restaurants. There’s an addendum here.

Studios Central shares a story from Jennifer of Broke Hoedown and Those Darn Cats about experiencing great Disney service at Le Cellier. There are also moose boxer shorts involved, so do head over for a fun read.

Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide has an exclusive recipe for Braised Beef Short Ribs from the 2009 Epcot Food & Wine Festival.

WDW Radio Show has a podcast piece on the Turf Club at Saratoga Springs.

The Disney Parks Blog also has a cool holiday video on how to make a Yule Log. Another post mentions a new pastry chef at the Contemporary Resort.

One of my favorite The Disney Chick posts ever: Twinkie Tiramisu at Pop Century Resort.

Thanks for reading and have a great holiday week! Don’t forget to vote on the Disney World Bakery Throw Down if you haven’t already! We’ll be highlighting each of the five bakeries in the throw down over the next month. The first was Main Street Bakery this week.

Disney Foodie Friday: Holiday Gift Ideas Part 4

By AJ Leave a Comment

We’re on our final week of Disney Foodie gifts! That’s right, Christmas is only one week away and, Disney fans, if you’re like me and have procrastinated this far…well…it’s time to step it up! 😉 Suck it up, pay for the fast shipping, and order some cool Disney foodie gifts for your friends!

plates

Movie Night Disney Snack Plates — Set of 4 I have seen these at WDW several times and almost bought them. They’re ON SALE now, which is very cool. Come to think of it, everything seems to be on sale now. I really AM late to the game!

villains candy dish

Disney Villains Candy Dish This thing is snazzy. It’s perfect for those who prefer villains to princesses, and they can leave it out year-round. According to Amazon, there are only two left…

princess tiana cooking set

The Princess and the Frog Princess Tiana Cooking Set This looks like so much fun, and it’s perfect for your little princess who just abandoned Cinderella for her new favorite — Tiana! 😉 I love the little plastic veggies.

holiday snack tray

Disney Mickey Mouse Deluxe Snack Tray This is the thing you want to buy if you have to send something to a client and you haven’t gotten around to it yet. FYI. You can have it shipped directly to them. Seriously.

Mickey Waffle Maker

Disney Mickey & Gang 5 in 1 Tasty Baker Waffle Maker They’ve discontinued so many of the old Mickey Waffle Maker versions, so this is one of the few options left. It makes all kinds of baked goods, and also includes spots for the other Fabulous Five friends.

Mickey waffles for breakfast the day after Christmas sounds just about right…if you want to know how to make ’em at home, check out this post with the secret ingredients for Mickey Waffles.

For the other posts in this series (e.g. more gift ideas!), click here:

Please note: By making purchases via certain links, a tiny percentage of what you spend goes toward supporting the Disney Food Blog. This week, all of these links will return that benefit.

Hidden Dole Whips?

By AJ 102 Comments

UPDATE 9/9/11: Peter’s Polar Parlor may have discontinued Dole Whips per a reader comment below. BUT, see the list below — and the comments section — for updates on where other readers have found Dole Whip throughout the USA!

Believe it or not, Dole Whip — that delicious frozen treat that is the true Disney food for many of us — can be found in many other places around the country.

Scott Thomas, who runs the legendary website PSCalculator.net, told me a few months ago that his area has several spots that serve Dole Whip. These include Peter’s Polar Parlor near the New York State Fairground:

Peter's Polar Parlor in New York State

Peter's Polar Parlor Sign

Scott says he’ll send “proof” photos of the Dole Whips in the Spring; right now all of the ice cream places are closed for the winter…brr!!! 🙂

Now, about a month or so after Scott told me that New York State was riddled with Dole Whips, I was thrilled to see my very own outside-of-Disney-parks Dole Whip during my first trip to Hawaii!

These are from Zack’s in Kaua’i:

Zack's Dole Whip Decorative Tile

Zack's Dole Whip Sign

Zack's Dole Whip Menu

And Kilohana Grill in the San Francisco East Bay area (San Ramon) has just started serving Pineapple Dole Whip (as of June 2011).

Note: You can also purchase Dole Whip Mix online and make your own…but I think it’s always more fun to buy one from a vendor!

Where Else Can You Find Dole Whips?

Have you found Dole Whip somewhere other than Orlando or Anaheim? Let me know! We’ll make sure that other Dole Whip lovers know if there’s a hidden Dole Whip lurking in their backyards! Here’s what we’ve heard from other readers so far:

Got this email from Barbara R.:
“Boy Blue Dairy Treat Stores in Wisconsin carry Dole Whips. I have also ordered the Dole Whip mix from Hawaii and made it in my ice cream maker. Delish!!!”

“Dole Whip can be found at peachwave yogurt. It looks like they have locations in many states. I have had it several times at the Beaverton, OR location.”
http://www.peachwaveyogurt.com/locations/

“Mom & Pop’s Cone Corner in New Albany, IN sells the Dole Whip. I believe they are closed for the winter.”

“My husband and I have had the dole whip at our Indiana State Fair. We had the orange dream whip flavor. yummy!!!!”

Reader Mary found Dole Whips at the St. Louis Zoo! “I had the plain pineapple one while my fiance had pineapple and raspberry swirl.”

Reader James shared this Dole Whip Discovery: “My sister found this at Earth Fruits Yogurt in Sarasota, FL.” See www.earthfruitsyogurt.com.

Dole Whip at Earth Fruits Yogurt in Sarasota, FL!

“You can find Dole Whip & Dole Floats at Farrs Fresh frozen Custard, Icecream and Frozen Yogurt Cafe on Riverdale Road in Ogden Utah. We carry both Pineapple and Raspberry flavors.”

Cantina de San Angel Refurbishment Scheduled For 2010

By AJ 7 Comments

Cantina de San Angel Epcot

According to WDWMagic, the quick service dining location outside of Epcot’s Mexico pavilion, Cantina de San Angel, will begin refurbishment in January 2010. The refurb will provide higher seating capacity and presumably reduce the bottleneck effect that clogs this major entrance to the World Showcase from Future World.

Taqueria Del Lago, the Food & Wine Festival booth that has become semi-permanent in the Mexico pavilion, will provide outdoor quick service Mexican food during the refurb.

Disney World’s Main Street Bakery

By AJ 12 Comments

The first bakery to be highlighted in our Disney World Bakery Throwdown is: Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery!

Main Street Bakery

Atmosphere
Main Street Bakery fits right into the turn-of-the-century atmosphere of Main Street USA.

Main Street Bakery Window

With brass, period light fixtures; wrought iron chairs; and walls covered in tile and mirrors, you really will feel as though you’ve stepped back in time when you walk through the doors of the Bakery.

Main Street Bakery Ordering Line

Main Street Bakery Seating

There’s even a collection of dishes and teapots in the seating area:

Main Street Bakery China Cabinet

Main Street Bakery Teapot Collection

Good Eats
One of the most well-known Disney bakeries, Main Street Bakery has been made famous by its French Toast Loaf and Homemade Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Homemade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

But you can find a large assortment of other baked goods and snacks at the Bakery as well!

Treat Options at the Main Street Bakery

Cakes

Cupcakes and Danish

In the center of the Bakery is a circular, refrigerated section with drink choices.

Drinks at Main Street Bakery

The Main Street Bakery is a great place to stop for breakfast on your way into the park, or for a rest as the park is closing — those are definitely my two favorite times to visit! If you’re a fan of the Main Street Bakery, be sure to vote for it in the Bakery Throwdown!

Bakery Throwdown
This is the first post in our Bakery Throwdown; the other four bakeries will be highlighted over the next month. To participate, cast your vote for your favorite bakery on the poll posted below. You can check the results throughout the month over in the right-hand sidebar!

What's Your Favorite Bakery in Walt Disney World?

Boulangerie Patisserie (Epcot) (40%)
Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom) (27%)
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Epcot) (13%)
Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk) (11%)
Starring Rolls Bakery (Disney's Hollywood Studios) (8%)
Other (1%)

Loading ...

If you have a stand-out favorite bakery, weigh in with your comments via twitter, facebook, or email.

Disney World Bakery Throwdown

By AJ 5 Comments

Bakery items at boulangerie patisserie

We’re going to figure out, once and for all, which is the Best Disney World Bakery! They’re all known for their specialties, so here comes the Disney Food Blog’s Disney World Bakery Throwdown!

Over the next month (December 15 – January 15), I’ll be highlighting 5 bakeries in WDW: Main Street Bakery, Boardwalk Bakery, Starring Rolls, Boulangerie Patisserie, and Kringla Bakeri og Kafe.

Cast your vote for your favorite on the poll posted below. You can check the results throughout the month over in the right-hand sidebar! And if you have a stand-out favorite bakery, weigh in with your comments via twitter, facebook, or email.

What's Your Favorite Bakery in Walt Disney World?

Boulangerie Patisserie (Epcot) (40%)
Main Street Bakery (Magic Kingdom) (27%)
Kringla Bakeri og Kafe (Epcot) (13%)
Boardwalk Bakery (Boardwalk) (11%)
Starring Rolls Bakery (Disney's Hollywood Studios) (8%)
Other (1%)

Loading ...

I haven’t voted yet, because I just can’t make up my mind. I can’t wait to see what you think!

Restaurant iPhone App for Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin Resorts

By AJ Leave a Comment

restaurant_app

Some cool news about the Swolphin: there’s an iPhone and iTouch application devoted to their restaurants.

Head over to the app and choose to visit one of the following: Signature Dining, Casual Dining, Quick Service, Character Dining, Lounges, Photos, or More Info. You can quickly and easily see menus and even make reservations from your phone, no matter where you are! You can find out more info about the app at the Swan and Dolphin website.

The Swan and Dolphin Resorts are located centrally in Walt Disney World, within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They boast 17 restaurants and lounges, including Todd English’s bluezoo; Shula’s Steak House; and Italian restaurant, Il Mulino New York Trattoria.

Have you tried the Swan and Dolphin restaurant iPhone app? Would love to hear your review. You can contact me via twitter, facebook, or email. Thanks!

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED