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DFB Video: Cinderella’s Royal Table vs Akershus Royal Banquet vs Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast

Happy Friday, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re discussing all things Disney Princesses!

Rapunzel at the Bon Voyage Character Breakfast

To be more specific, we’re talking about three of the most popular Character Meals where Disney Royalty come directly to your table to greet you as you dine. But when you’re trying to determine which one is best for you (and possibly your little princess or prince), how do you narrow it down between Cinderella’s Royal Table, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and the Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast? Well, that’s exactly what today’s video is designed to help you find out! [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World — January 23, 2017

By Wendy 8 Comments

It’s our very first Trip Around the World of 2017 to check out What’s New!!

Happy 2017 from Walt Disney World!!

And things have sure started out with a bang, especially at… [Read more…]

News! 2016 Disney World Candlelight Processional NARRATORS Announced and Booking Available!

By AJ 10 Comments

Great news for fans who love the Epcot Candlelight Processional at Disney World during the holidays!

We been watching and waiting for news about the popular event. Today we’re happy to share the list of narrators, and that booking for Candlelight Processional Packages is now officially open!

Neil Patrick Harris Narrating the Candlelight Processional

You can only make your Advance Dining Reservation by booking online at disneyworld.com, or by phone by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).

The Candlelight Processional features the retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator. The reading is accompanied by a robed choir and a full orchestra performing Christmas carols. [Read more…]

Review: Traditional Kjottkake (Norwegian Meatballs) at Epcot’s Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

By AJ 14 Comments

Lovers of the Traditional Kjottkake (that’s MEATBALLS!!!) from Akershus Royal Banquet Hall will be very excited to see what I spotted on my last visit to Epcot’s Norway!

Learn About:Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Granted, right now much of what I’m spotting in Norway are construction walls, as the Pavilion simultaneously preps for the summer openings of the Frozen Ever After attraction (in the former home of Maelstrom…sob!) and a new Frozen Character Meet and Greet.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping by to grab some favorite Norwegian treats like Skolebrød (School Bread) or a Troll Horn, which is exactly what I was expecting to find on my recent trip. And while I did indeed find those, I also found another old favorite… albeit in an all-new form.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is now serving a snack-sized version of the popular Norwegian Meatballs that we’ve loved for years at Akershus (the home of Princess Storybook Dining in Epcot)!

So, how does it measure up? Let’s find out!

Atmosphere

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is the little bakery packed with all sorts of Scandinavian goodies in the Norway Pavilion.

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Inside, lots of wooden paneling and candlelit chandeliers decorate the snug space. [Read more…]

Guest Review: Allergy Friendly Dining at Walt Disney World

By Kim LaPaglia 23 Comments

Join us in welcoming guest author Jennifer Harris with an informative review of allergy friendly dining at Walt Disney World. Are you on a special diet? Read on!

Oh Disney, how I love your allergen-friendly ways. Dining at Disney is half the fun for those with food intolerance/allergy while visiting its theme parks. From the very first meal, it is apparent their talented team of chefs has got your back and then some. With table and quick service, buffet, and fine dining options, the attention paid to preparing allergen-free cuisine is exemplary. The sky is the limit at Disney because serving their guests is top priority.

Preparation tables are sanitized, gloves are changed, and one chef handles the order from start to finish to ensure there is no cross contact. Disney can currently prepare meals for those allergic/intolerant to: wheat, gluten, peanuts and tree nuts, soy, eggs, corn, dairy and lactose, shellfish, and fish.

Gluten Free Mickey Waffles

[Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Including Testing of New Service Style)

By AJ 24 Comments

Velkommen til Akershus!

Learn About:Akershus Royal Banquet Hall — Princess Storybook Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Today we’re visiting Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot’s Norway! This Pavilion has certainly seen its fair share of changes over the past year or so, primarily due to the influence of all things “Frozen.” The biggest headline of them all, of course, was the closing of the Maelstrom attraction in October 2014 (prompting a memorial Maelstrom Margarita at La Cava del Tequila in the neighboring Mexico Pavilion) to make way for “Frozen Ever After,” anticipated for a 2016 opening.

But that’s not the only change. We learned that Akershus — best known as being home to the Princess Storybook Dining character meal — had undergone a test alteration of its own. Typically featuring a cold buffet (Norwegian Koldtbord) along with hot breakfast, lunch, or dinner entrees served at your table, a test run recently brought about a new service style to Akershus. While it remains an All-You-Care-to-Eat option, the cold buffet was closed and several of the previous options are now brought to the table and served family style as part of a trial run at this popular restaurant.

This test has since ended, but we were told that it’s now up to guest feedback as to whether it comes back permanently.

Akershus Sign

Let’s head back inside the fortress walls to see what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what we think about this proposed update to the serving style at Akershus! [Read more…]

DFB Reader Questions Answered: Best Restaurants to Celebrate a Grown-Up Birthday at Walt Disney World

By AJ 18 Comments

Today, we’re pulling another great question out the Disney Food Blog mailbag. You guys ask some great ones, and lots of times, we’ll get several emails and inquiries about the same subject.

Spontaneous Birthday Treat at Citricos

Today, we’re going to delve into the wonderful world of birthday celebrations for grown-ups!

Celebrating Grown Up Birthdays in Walt Disney World

Our DFB reader asks:

We will be vacationing at WDW in May. My 25-year old son will have a birthday while we are there. We would like to have a special meal to celebrate, something fun but also really good!

I love this question! Disney brands itself a great place for all kinds of celebrations. And when it comes to birthdays, why should kiddos have all the fun?

When planning a special meal to celebrate a birthday at Walt Disney World, the most basic advice is probably a great starting point: what does the birthday boy or girl enjoy?

Birthday Dessert

Does he like fine dining, or would he prefer a great night out at a sports bar? Does she like a quiet, elegant setting, or a spot with intricate themeing? Or are they a kid at heart who can Celebrate Mickey with the best of them?

Fantastic ideas abound for fun birthday celebrations at Disney World, but let’s go with my three favorite ideas. At the very least, it might lead to some good brainstorming when it comes time to plan your own special dinner party!

Signature Dining

For the Disney fan who enjoys a fine dining experience, there would be no other place to celebrate a birthday than where these two things meet — Disney’s signature dining restaurants.

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of fine dining, consider booking a table at Victoria and Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.

Victoria and Albert’s Main Dining Room

The ultimate in Disney fine dining, this relaxed, refined restaurant has won countless awards for its upscale take on modern American fare and its stellar wine menu. To make it an even more special experience, book the Chef’s Table!

Another great option is California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The restaurant sits atop the hotel, and boasts panoramic views. It’s a great spot for viewing Wishes, Magic Kingdom’s fireworks spectacular!

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli is as Good as Ever

Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli at California Grill

Food here is always fresh and inventive, celebrating the farm to table movement and the Asian fusion style that placed California on the culinary map.

For something a little off the beaten path but no less delicious, check out Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

In a relaxing atmosphere that mimics the [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: June 4, 2014

By Wendy 14 Comments

For this round of “What’s New,” we’ve got food news (and menu changes galore) from every single Disney World park… and beyond! So settle, in, make yourselves comfy, and join us to see What’s New!

Animal Kingdom

We’ll start with the fact that Dole Whip (with or without rum, y’all) can now be found at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Animal Kingdom’s Africa! (Yep; we’ve had confirmation from Dole that it IS indeed authentic Dole Whip Pineapple Soft Serve.)

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Pineapple Soft-serve (Dole Whip!) menu

But we don’t want to miss the chance to mention that Tamu Tamu has also brought back some old favorites with a recent menu refresh: The Slow-cooked Pulled Beef Sandwich is back (hooray!), along with the return of the Quinoa Salad. The Roasted Chicken Salad and gorgeous Fresh Fruit Salad made the cut from the previous menu.

Tamu Tamu Menu

Inside the pulled beef sandwich

Quinoa Salad

And I’m very happy to say that the Fresh Fruit Bowl is back in time for summer!

Fruit Bowl Salad

The Fruit Salad has returned to Bradley Falls, too.

Bradley Falls menu

Remember, Bradley Falls operates seasonally, so if it’s closed during your visit, it’s good to know you can head over to Tamu Tamu for a Fresh Fruit Bowl.

Have you seen (or heard?!) this awesome Musical Tumbler found at various food locations throughout Animal Kingdom? Get the full scoop here!

Musical Tumbler

The Royal Anandapur Tea Company is a perfect spot to grab a cup of hot tea (assorted varieties available) or coffee. However, they’re currently offering some flavored Iced Teas in light of the warmer temps.

Royal Anandapur Tea Company Menu

Though not food-related, I’d like to offer this next picture as a small tribute. Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade wrapped up its nearly 13-year run as Animal Kingdom makes way for all sorts of new adventures. I don’t think I’m speaking solely for myself when I say this unique, beautiful and fun parade will be missed.

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade

Magic Kingdom

The Lunching Pad

has added one more option to its gourmet hot dog selection: the BLT Hot Dog joins the Coney Island Dog and the Philly Cheese Steak Dog.

Lunching Pad Menu

Now, here’s something you don’t see everyday… this next bit is not a new item, but rather a new [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Should I Book a Disney Character Meal?

By AJ 13 Comments

Dining at Walt Disney World is very often an experience rather than just a meal. It’s become a rite of passage to dine with characters during a visit to Disney — and there’s stiff competition to secure Advance Dining Reservations at some of these table-service restaurants.

Mickey strikes a pose!

Meeting Cinderella, rubbing Pooh’s tummy, hugging Mickey Mouse, and posing with Chip and Dale are some of the memorable moments that can be discovered while dining at Character Meals.

Tigger Lounges and Signs an Autograph Book at the Plaza Inn

But is a character meal right for your group? On one hand, adults and kids alike enjoy meeting characters from Winnie the Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood, Cinderella’s Castle, and more! Yet on the other, character meals can be costly — both in time and money!

We’ve been to countless meals in which Disney characters hobnob with guests, and now we can help you determine if a character meal fits well into your next Disney vacation!

Chef Mickey serves up fun and food at the Contemporary Resort!

In our The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book, we have an informative section on character meals. Pick up your copy here for an extra $4 off using code 2013 for a limited time! Your vacation is an investment and we want you to have the best trip possible!

So let’s take a look at whether a character meal makes sense for YOUR family…

Should I book a character meal?

Let’s get right to some important dining considerations that we’ve included in the DFB Guide to help you plan your meals.

Meet the princesses at a character meal!

1. Do you have kids who may be afraid of characters?

Character meals can be a good place for children to get to know the Disney characters. However if one (or more) of your children are not fond of the characters then consider dining at a restaurant with a fun theme instead.

Not sure if your kiddo hates characters? Here’s how to find out without too much trauma: [Read more…]

Disney Recipe: Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce from Epcot’s Norway

By AJ 25 Comments

Today, we are happy to share with you the recipe for a fan favorite — Rice Cream with Strawberry Sauce from Epcot’s Norway Pavilion!

Learn About:Kringla Bakeri og Kafe

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This classic Norwegian dessert can be found on the Akershus Royal Banquet Hall menu in the dessert section. But fans who aren’t interested in booking a table for the princess character encounter can also find this sweet treat at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe.

Because Rice Cream is a chilly, rich dessert, it makes a fun alternative to ice cream. And it’s also a good choice if you aren’t in the mood for sugar shock; the sweetness here comes from the beautiful, bright red strawberry sauce, which complements the creamy rice pudding perfectly.

You can find my review of Epcot’s Rice Cream here!

Norway's Rice Cream in Epcot

This adapted recipe does not require fresh strawberries, making it a perfect option for an autumn dessert when the summer berries aren’t in season. 🙂

I’m thinking this would make a lovely addition to a holiday dinner, no?

Rice Cream with Strawberry

Serves 4-6
Ingredients for Rice Cream:
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup short-grain white rice
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Ingredients for Strawberry Sauce: [Read more…]

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DFB Video: Cinderella’s Royal Table vs Akershus Royal Banquet vs Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast

What’s New Around Walt Disney World — January 23, 2017

News! 2016 Disney World Candlelight Processional NARRATORS Announced and Booking Available!