Volunteer for a Day and Get a Free Disney Ticket!

Here’s a great way to celebrate the New Year!! Disney’s “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” promotion begins today, January 1, 2010! Via this promotion, you can trade a day of volunteering at one of several nonprofit organizations for a Disney park ticket. (See more from the “Give a Day” Announcement Event here.)

Why Not Volunteer for a Food-Related Charity?
If food is your passion, consider volunteering for a charity focused on promoting healthy eating or eliminating hunger. There are plenty of organizations where you and your family can “give a day,” and the Hands On Network, which is managing the volunteering portion of Disney’s promo, has a great Hunger in America fact sheet you can use to show your kids why hunger still happens in America and why their hours of volunteering are so important.

How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in volunteering, head over to the [Read more…]

Disney Food News: Big Stories of 2009

By AJ 8 Comments

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

Happy New Year’s Eve, all! It’s been a wonderful nine months since I’ve started the Food Blog, and I look forward to more exciting Disney food news, reviews, photos, history, and everything in between as we march into 2010.

Thank you for reading, sharing incredible pictures and stories, and keeping me company as I rattle on and on about one of my favorite things: Disney food!

Now, what better way to culminate the decade of the “noughts” than to remember our big Disney Food news stories from this year? Original? No. Still fun? Yes! Here we go…

New Disney Restaurants Open in 2009
This has been quite a year for new restaurants in Disney parks!

Sanaa, a restaurant that incorporates a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, opens in Animal Kingdom Lodge’s new Kidani Village.
Cat Cora opens Kouzzina, her first signature restaurant, on the Disney World Boardwalk.
Paradiso 37, a hub of delicious tapas and tequila, opens in Disney World’s Downtown Disney.
Celebration Round Up and BBQ heats things up again at Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch.
Disney World’s Animal Kingdom introduces a new type of quick-service dining with the Picnic in the Park.
Customize your own rice bowl at the renovated and re-placed Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disneyland.
Disney World’s La Cava del Tequila brings Mexico’s favorite drink to the forefront in the World Showcase. The sheer number of varieties on the Cava del Tequila menu is astonishing.

Screen Shot of Online Advanced Dining Reservations System

Online Advanced Dining Reservations and Online Menus at DisneyWorld.com
Finally. After so many years of setting three alarms for 6:50 AM and convincing everyone in the household to call on a different phone line…we have online ADRs! [Read more…]

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

By AJ 12 Comments

Tucked into the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, an Italian restaurant with a very special theme.

Atmosphere
What is the theme, you ask? “Where Italy meets California in the heart of the Backlot,” of course. What does that mean? Well… most of us don’t really know or understand what it means… but here’s the general backstory: Mama Melrose moved from Italy to Hollywood to pursue acting, but was persuaded by friends to open a restaurant instead. (At least, this is one of the stories I’ve heard.)

So the kitschy “Italian home-cooking” restaurant — which would be at home in New York City’s Little Italy with its checked tablecloths, mis-matched furniture, and pizza oven — is (strangely) augmented by scads of Hollywood memorabilia from Mama’s collection. [Read more…]

Disney World Bakery Throw Down: Boardwalk Bakery

By AJ 8 Comments

Welcome to the third bakery in our Disney World Bakery Throw Down: The Boardwalk Bakery!

Atmosphere
Located on the Disney World Boardwalk, the Boardwalk Bakery is within walking distance of many of Disney World’s hotels and attractions. It’s a great place to take a break from a day in either Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or just head downstairs from your hotel room at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Villas!

Boardwalk Bakery Entry

As you approach the bakery, the windows will remind you what’s available…

…and who’s responsible!

Along the windows, you’ll see several outdoor tables and chairs. Be sure to snag them quickly; this is the bakery’s only seating! Of course, you could always stroll along the boardwalk with your purchases and find seating along the way.

Boardwalk Bakery Seating

Head inside the double doors and you’ll be greeted by a small space bordered by baked goods and condiment counters. Look over the counter to your left, and you might see some Disney bakers making specialty items for one of the resorts, or even a wedding cake!

Boardwalk Bakery condiment counter

Eats
You’ll find options for any time of day on the Boardwalk Bakery menu, from breakfast baked goods to salads to sandwiches.

Boardwalk Bakery Breakfast Menu

Boardwalk Bakery Lunch and Dinner Menu

Refrigerators to your right will hold drinks, sandwiches, and salads:

Cold Items and Drinks

Salads

Salads and Fruit

The long glass display cases will be chock full of goodies and custom cakes:

Muffins, Danish, and Cupcakes

Sweets of all Sorts

Boardwalk Bakery Cakes

Mickey Cake

And the bakers’ racks will be slowly filling up with freshly baked items:

Muffins cooling on the bakers' racks

While waiting for your order, take a peek at the wall behind those bakers’ racks to see the detailed images of baked goods painted on the tiles. As usual, Disney spares no expense when it comes to detail!

Also, take a few minutes to look beyond those counters and see some real bakers at work; this is one of the few places to see a real behind-the-scenes look at the type of baking that happens in Disney’s biggest, busiest, and most professional bakeries! I wasn’t kidding about that wedding cake I mentioned earlier — they really do make them here!

Vote For Your Favorite!
Thanks for joining us as we visited the third of the five Walt Disney World Bakeries we’re showcasing on the Throw Down! First was Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, second was Boulangerie Patisserie, and we’ll be highlighting the other two 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%)

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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 History: Disneyland’s Carnation Ice Cream Parlor

By AJ 11 Comments

As many of you know, Disney Company and Disney parks history is of great interest to me, so when James (a.k.a. @DisneyNorth) sent along this fantastic menu, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

Here’s a short quote from his email, describing his vintage find:

Thought you may find this item interesting. I bought it recently on eBay. It is a 1962 Carnation Ice Cream Parlor menu from Disneyland, that doubles as a postcard. Check out the prices on some of those sundaes!!!

Menu

In addition to the burgers, franks, and grilled cheese, the restaurant showcased sundaes created to highlight different parts of Disneyland, like Frontierland’s Old Timer, made with Peppermint Stick ice cream; and Fantasyland’s Snow White Sundae, made with Vanilla ice cream, coconut, and marshmallow topping.

Here are the images of the menu; you can click each photo for a larger version.

I love that the sandwiches are “delightfully” garnished with cottage cheese; and that the Mammoth Matterhorn Mountain sundae, “One of the world’s largest sundaes,” with 5 scoops of ice cream, sliced pineapple, 5 different sundae toppings, sliced banana, chopped almonds, whipped cream and cherry, costs just $1.00.

This description is to the right of the menu when the postcard is fully unfolded:

Here’s the postcard back of the menu ($.03 postage!):

Carnation Ice Cream Parlor History
Carnation Ice Cream Parlor opened with Disneyland in 1955. An outdoor dining area was added in 1977, and the restaurant was closed in 1997. The indoor area now houses the counter-service Blue Ribbon Bakery, and the outdoor area survives as the Carnation Cafe, serving table-service meals.

You can read a great memory of the Carnation Ice Cream Parlor’s final day over on mouseplanet.

Thanks, James!

Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 27, 2009

By AJ Leave a Comment

Eat here

Welcome to the last Disney Food Post Round-Up of 2009! Here’s the latest news and some great stories about Disney Food posted on the web this week:

NEWS
Possibly a new Pizza Place in Italy?

More thoughts about restaurant changes in Italy and Mexico from Progress City USA.

Citmagazine reports that Disneyland Paris is launching 16 private theme park dinner events for groups. Thanks to Chip for the link!

WDW Daily News reports that Veranda Refreshments is now open in Disney World’s Adventureland. The seasonal spot is supposed to be open at least for the next week.

STORIES
WDW Central visits Epcot’s Club Cool.

Imaginerding makes Geppetto’s Gingerbread Cookies for the holidays!

Global Disney Pinvestigation has some amazing photos of Christmas in Disney parks as well as a great pictoral review of Christmas Pins past and present.

Disney Parks Blog has a mouth-watering photo of a Disney holiday treat!

Main Street Gazette highlights Disney World’s Kona Cafe. Also, starting very soon, you can look forward to the the Main St. Gazette featuring Disney food articles every Wednesday!

Chicken Soup for the Disney Foodie Soul II

By AJ 2 Comments

christmas mickey mouse M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !

I want to wish everyone a happy, safe, Merry Christmas. And for this first Disney Food Blog Christmas post, I wanted to share a few more of the heartwarming stories I’ve received from readers. These are their own wonderful Disney food memories, shared in their own words. I received these in response to our first Chicken Soup For the Disney Foodie Soul post, which featured several WDW Moms Panelists.

E N J O Y ! H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S !

From Jackie via email

On our most recent trip of August 2009, we celebrated both my children’s birthdays at Disney World. For my ten year old, autistic son, who adores Winnie the Pooh and Friends, what better place than the Crystal Palace? For once, we felt like a ‘normal’ family when my son interacted with Winnie during his cake presentation. Andrew blew out his candles and went and gave Winnie a great big squeeze. The smile
on my son’s face was precious and during that special moment Andrew was with us in our world and out of his daily world of anxiety, fear and frustration. Only at Disney do we all relax and have a fantastic time. My son comes into his own and opens right up, enough so that his always has language bursts of development.
Thank you Disney for the peace and joy and progress we experience when visiting.

From Kristin via email

My favorite Disney Dining memory took place during the weekend of the surprise 60th birthday trip I took my mom on.

Birthdays With Cinderella

It was her FIRST trip to Disney World. Yes, at age 60! We enjoyed an early morning at Super Soap Weekend, but I had plans for her at the Magic Kingdom later that night. I planned a birthday dinner for her at 1900 Park Fare. I had let them know of her birthday ahead of time so she had a tiara to wear during dinner. Cinderella spent extra time with her and discussed her lovely tiara. After we had finished eating, Cinderella and our waitress delivered the mini-castle cake I had ordered before we left for the World. Mom was in tears as they delivered the beautiful little cake, perfect for the two of us to share. We sang happy birthday to her, and she said “This is truly the best birthday I’ve ever had!” Doesn’t get any better than that!

From Chris via email

My Disney memory didn’t happen at a signature restaurant, although I’ve had a lot of great meals at those. It happened at Pecos Bill’s. In 2007 we took a trip to Disney with my in-laws. My sister-in-law usually vacations at rustic yoga retreats, so Disney was way out of her comfort zone. To make her feel more at ease, she asked to do the cooking at our rental house. Daily, we returned from the parks to very
healthy, and okay, very boring meals. After a few days, I was dying for some real food. One night, she kindly watched our infant twins while my husband, older child and I went to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party where, away from the watchful gaze of my SIL, I made a beeline over to Pecos Bill’s for a pulled pork sandwich. Unfortunately, when I got out, the parade had started and my husband and son were across the street. At first I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to join them, but I soon realized what an advantage I had. It was my son’s first trip and the look on his face was priceless. If it hadn’t been for my pressing need for some pulled pork, I wouldn’t have seen his reactions. It ended up being a perfect moment.
And the sandwich wasn’t half bad either.

From The Lill Family via email

I would like to suggest for a very special occasion, a family dinner at Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table! You won’t find a better meal anywhere on property. Victoria & Albert’s is an AAA Five Diamond restaurant for a reason! The food and service is exceptional. Having dinner in the main dining room is wonderful as well. Dining at Victoria & Albert’s is an experience that you will always remember… and want to repeat!

From James via blog comment

Even for those who visit a Disney properties just one time, most families would say
that they have shared a lovely “magical memory” and that’s the magic of Disney. Many
of the cast members go well out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and to
“spread the pixie dust”, especially for children and those who are celebrating a
special occasion.

Our own magical memory is watching Chloe at three years old walk in her first parade with the characters at ‘Ohana. I was following a ways behind with a video camera and at first she was very hesitant (her first time walking somewhere without mom or dad) but Eeyore moved in right behind her and helped her around the restaurant twice,and all the time encouraging her to shake the maracas and enjoy the parade. He was so nice and helpful to our daughter. Eeyore was my favorite character while growing up, and I’m so thankful that he made that moment special for not only her, but to us as well. 🙂

For more Holiday Disney Foodie fun, check out the compendium of Christmas posts from this season on the Disney Food Blog.

Caution: Hot Cheese!

By AJ 41 Comments

UPDATE: Sadly, Disney has removed its hot cheese dispensers from its counter-service locations as of June 2015. You may still be able to order plastic cheese as a topping for your snacks from cast members directly.
_________________________

Hot Cheese Dispenser at Casey’s Corner

Since spending a year in Switzerland, my family’s traditional Christmas Eve dinner has been fondue. There’s just nothing better, in my opinion, than an entire meal centered on hot cheese and an accompanying carb.

So, while I’m at the in-law’s this year for Christmas Eve and therefore don’t get to partake in the fondue with Mom and Dad, I’ll post a food blog about another version of hot, melty cheese in honor of my family’s traditional meal.

Cheese Fries at All Star Movies

What’s The Cheese?
If you’ve been following the Disney Food Blog, you know that one of my favorite Disney treats is a big plate of cheese fries; but you can’t find the gorgeous, bright yellow cheese just anywhere. This exalted condiment is the consistency of melted plastic, and the number of places to find it on property is shrinking.

Where’s The Cheese?
I used to find the hot cheese dispensers at every counter service spot — Casey’s, Electric Umbrella, Cosmic Ray’s, Pecos Bill’s, etc. Lately, I’ve only found the cheese at Casey’s and Pecos Bill’s in the park, but I have found it over at the All Stars and Pop Century food courts!

Spot Awaiting Hot Cheese at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Here’s a quick primer:
Casey’s and Pecos Bill’s in the Magic Kingdom: Unlimited hot cheese can be self-served from dispensers in the fixin’s bars.
All Stars and Pop Century Food Courts: Get cheese fries. Ask for an extra cup of cheese if the amount of cheese on your fries is stingy (and…how could it not be?)

Extra Cheese for Dipping at All Star Movies

Why Do You Like The Cheese?
I have no idea. It’s not as good as the queso I’ve been sampling since moving to the southwest, and I truly have no idea what this stuff can possibly be made from. It doesn’t look like there are any natural products in there! But, for some strange reason, I’m addicted to that bright yellow delicousness.

If you agree, let me know. I’d love to hear from others who love this strange add-on.

If you’re against me, let me know that, too! How can you avoid the siren call of the hot cheese calling out for a dip from your fries?

Stop the Presses: New Pizza Place in Disney World?!

By AJ 15 Comments

Don’t get too excited; we don’t know too much yet, but MousePlanet has reported the following:

It appears that a new pizzeria will be coming to Epcot’s Italy pavilion. A construction permit has been filed for construction of the new pizzeria, naming the Patina Group as the owner/operator of the facility. Patina also owns and operates Tutto Italia.

This would be a welcome addition, as WDW has — shall we say — never been especially known for it’s pizza…

Resort Specialty: Mom’s Night Out at Pop Century

By AJ 10 Comments

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!

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