Disney Foodie Friday: Holiday Gift Ideas Part 4

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%)

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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 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%)

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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!

Dining “To Go” at Disney’s Boardwalk

By AJ 13 Comments

When you think “dining at the Boardwalk,” what comes to mind? Probably restaurants like Flying Fish, Kouzzina, the ESPN Club, and other table-service spots. But what if you’re in a hurry?

There are plenty of dining options on the Boardwalk for those who need to “eat and run!”:

Boardwalk Joe’s
For coffee drinks or pastries, Boardwalk Joe’s is the place to go.

Boardwalk Joe's

This is perfect for grabbing some breakfast before rope drop at Epcot’s International Gateway or getting your latte before a walk over to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Boardwalk Joe's Menu

If you’re headed over a bit later, try a premium beer or a cocktail. You can even get some Bailey’s and Coffee — perfect for those chilly days!

Boardwalk Joe's Alochol Options

Boardwalk Joe's Cast Member

Boardwalk Pizza Window
This is the “take-out” Boardwalk dining that most folks think of first. This used to be the Spoodles pizza window, and still remains in the same spot even though Kouzzina has now taken over the restaurant attached.

Boardwalk Pizza Window Menu

Boardwalk Bakery
The Boardwalk Bakery has a wonderful range of fresh-baked goodies available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hang around for a while and you might catch the bakers decorating a wedding cake or putting the finishing touches on a batch of brownies or cookies.

Boardwalk Bakery

Boardwalk Bakery Breakfast Menu

Boardwalk Bakery Lunch and Dinner Menu

Boardwalk To Go Kiosk
This hot spot is rather new on the Boardwalk, but it’s another place to get a chili cheese dog, so it’s definitely on my radar! They also have my favorite snack — cheese fries. Heaven.

Boardwalk To Go Kiosk

Boardwalk To Go Menu

So where there used to be a dirth of quick-service food options on the Boardwalk, there are now a wealth of spots to grab a bite. And, don’t forget — if all you want is a bunch of candy or ice cream, Seashore Sweets is available to you as well!

Disney Food Post Weekly Round-Up: December 13, 2009

By AJ 5 Comments

I wanted to start this week by recapping some great news about Disneyland! A new cupcake kiosk has opened in Downtown Disney and will be selling the sweet treats through January 9th!

Also, I wanted to share a couple of fun links from blogs with whom I had the opportunity to collaborate:

Resourceful Mommy recently posted an interview with the Disney Food Blog where I had the chance to give some thoughts on Dining in Disney World.

Touring Plans posted this week a guest blog from DFB about Avoiding Crowds and Saving Time and Money While Dining in Disney World. Be sure to check it out!

And here are some more recent Disney food posts from around the web!

Mommy Musings shares some some photos of the gorgeous Grand Floridian Gingerbread House.

futureprobe sings the praises of the dining options (and the smells!) in Epcot’s The Land.

Daveland has some great photos of Disneyland’s Blue Bayou Restaurant, including some delicious dessert pics!

The Disney Blog shares news about Disney World holiday dining experiences.

All Ears Net offers a review of Todd English’s bluezoo restaurant in Disney World.

The Disney Chick shares her experience making Cape May Cafe’s chocolate cookie mousse.

The Daily Disney at the Orlando Sentinel shares the recipe for Chicken Asiago Pasta from the All-Star Resorts.

Disney Every Day takes us for a photo tour through the renovated Disney World McDonald’s.

Main Street Gazette visits Epcot’s Tangierine Cafe in the Morocco pavilion.

KatisKupcakes made up some adorable Hundred Acre Wood Cupcakes!

DisneyShawn takes a look at Rosie’s All-American Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Cupcake Store at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney

By AJ 16 Comments

Check out these great photos from the new Cupcake Store kiosk in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney! The kiosk will be around until January 9th, and flavors include: vanilla bean with butter-cream frosting; chocolate with chocolate butter-cream frosting; red velvet with cream-cheese frosting; yellow cake with butter-cream frosting and sprinkles, and chocolate or vanilla cake with coconut icing. Cupcakes are $4.95 a piece.

Thanks to Misti Song and her family for the photos!

The Cupcake Store Kiosk

Cupcake Packaging

Cupcake Display

Holiday Decorated Cupcake

Chocolate and Chocolate

Snowman Decoration

Thanks again to Misti and her family!

Disneyland Cupcakes and Star Wars Beer

By AJ 1 Comment

I happened upon a couple of pieces of news today that I just had to share (I’m breaking my “no Saturday post” rule all too often these days):

new-glarus-imperial-stout-trooper

1. New England Imperial Stout Trooper Beer hits the shelves the week before Christmas in 750ml bottles. Distributed in CT, MA, RI, NY, and FL, this Star Wars tribute beer ranks an “average of 4.31 on Beer Advocate [and] appears to be very close to breaking the top 100, should that average hold up on this next batch.” Perhaps that piece of news isn’t 100% “Disney,” but you can see the connection…right?

Cupcake Packaging

2. Disneyland has a new Cupcake Cart, which will be offering cupcakes to hungry Downtown Disney visitors through January 9th! According to the OC Register,

Cupcakes sell for $4.95 each. The flavors: vanilla bean with butter-cream frosting; chocolate with chocolate butter-cream frosting; red velvet with cream-cheese frosting; yellow cake with butter-cream frosting and sprinkles, and chocolate or vanilla cake with coconut icing.

The kiosk opened last Friday night and sold about 240 cupcakes in the first five hours, said owner Carol Streeter. The Mission Viejo-based bakery plans to open a retail location there in January.

For more cupcake photos — see our Cupcake Store blog post!

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