Chicken Soup for the Disney Foodie Soul II

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.
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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!

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%)

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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 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.

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