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DFB Video: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Food Tour

Happy Weekend! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re taking you on a Food Tour of Disney World’s Contemporary Resort!

Meet Chef Mickey at the Contemporary!

Disney’s Contemporary Resort plays host to several dining locations. It offers everything from one of the most popular Character Meals in Disney World, to a favorite Counter Service spot, to fantastic fireworks viewing within a Signature Restaurant setting and much more. There’s something for everyone at the Contemporary when it comes to dining. And that’s especially great because — since the Resort is easily accessible to guests coming to or from Magic Kingdom — just about everyone can make a plan to get there at some point during their vacation if they wish. So join us for a complete Food Tour of the Contemporary in our latest DFB YouTube Video! [Read more…]

34 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World!

By AJ and the DFB Team 10 Comments

One of the most exciting things about visiting Walt Disney World Resort is that there are constantly new things to experience — even if you’ve been hundreds of times.

Magic Kingdom

Here we’ve gathered 34 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World — so let’s all go try something new!

[Read more…]

20 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED

By AJ and the DFB Team 17 Comments

The World of Disney food is a complex and ever-changing one, and that makes keeping track of it all darn near impossible.

Cinderella Castle

Worried? Don’t be! That’s why you have us. 😉Here we will unravel 20 of the most prolific Myths About Walt Disney World food!

[Read more…]

Five Dining Memories To Make at Walt Disney World

By AJ and the DFB Team 4 Comments

No matter how you vacation at Walt Disney World, the primary goal is always the same: to make memories that you can cherish and share for a lifetime. And with hundreds of attractions, shows, and experiences to try, there’s no shortage of ways to make those memories.

Hello from Disney World!

But one of our favorite ways to make new and lasting memories is by enjoying special dining experiences in the World. So if you’re officially planning your next vacay (or just daydreaming, as you should!), here are five unique and special dining experiences sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Dine Above the World

Anyone can sit at ground level and enjoy some tasty Fish and Chips or a tray of Chicken Nuggets, but if you want to elevate your dining, you gotta get above the World. And thanks to some thoughtfully placed restaurants, you can do that with ease! [Read more…]

News: Celebration at the Top with Fireworks Viewing at California Grill

By AJ 4 Comments

A new special event has joined the fireworks viewing lineup: the Celebration at the Top — Savor, Sip, and Sparkle experience offers guests the chance to enjoy small bites and beverages along with Fireworks viewing at the Contemporary Resort’s California Grill.

California Grill Sign

On select Sunday evenings now into this spring, the private Sonoma and Napa Rooms of the California Grill is where Celebration at the Top guests will sip beverages from the complimentary bar (including California wines and premium liquors) and dine on sushi, canapés, and small plates for one hour before the Magic Kingdom fireworks begin. [Read more…]

Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving and Christmas in Walt Disney World

By AJ 3 Comments

If you’re anything like us, you’re already thinking ahead to your next Walt Disney World vacation. If you’re planning to enjoy the parks during the holiday season, you might be wondering what it’s like to celebrate Thanksgiving or Christmas in the World.

mickey-christmas-holiday-santa-krispy-treat-2016-1

Christmas Krispie

First of all: Lucky you! What a fun way to spend the holiday season — with so much to be thankful for in such a cool place!

As you can imagine, the crowds tend to swell at Disney during holiday weeks like Thanksgiving and Christmas as lots of Disney fans choose to celebrate their holidays in the parks. And Disney answers the call with tons of Thanksgiving spirit throughout many of their restaurants. In fact, most table service restaurants in the World will mark the holiday with special holiday menu items!

So whether you’re looking for a traditional meal, a gourmet twist on familiar favorites, or something that’s a complete departure from established customs, you’ll find lots of options for celebrating these special food days. Let’s check out a few of our favorites.

[Read more…]

Guest Review: Brunch at the Top at California Grill in Disney’s Contemporary Resort

By Kim LaPaglia 26 Comments

Guest Author AM Appleby returns to share her California Grill Brunch at the Top experience at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Brunch is offered every Sunday from 10AM – 1PM. Cost is $80 for adults and $48 for kids ages 3-11.

Learn About:California Grill

Disney World Restaurants

California Grill, located atop Disney’s Contemporary Resort, is well known for fine dining and spectacular views. A divine spot for sushi, steak, and fabulous cocktails, the restaurant began serving brunch in February for the first time in its 20-year history.

Considering the reputation of California Grill, I didn’t even glance at the menu before booking an Advance Dining Reservation. I thought brunch would be top notch, and had high hopes that I wouldn’t be disappointed.

Atmosphere

Upon arriving at the Contemporary Resort, we were directed to Valet Parking where a Cast Member was waiting to greet us. After a quick trip to the second floor check-in desk we were whisked away in a private elevator to the 15th floor. We walked towards the abundant light streaming in through the enormous windows, admiring the view beyond, and were given complimentary mimosas (and a children’s mimosa — or “faux-mosa” for my seven-year-old daughter) at the bar.

Complimentary Mimosas

The spacious room was fairly quiet, with charming music being played on piano and double bass. [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-up: August 28, 2016

By Traci C Leave a Comment

Happy weekend! We hope you’re having a wonderful, relaxing weekend! Now it’s time to grab a cup of tea (or coffee), sit back, and check out the latest in Disney food news!

Nutella Brownie Sundae

Perhaps the most exciting news right now is that we’re less than three weeks away from the start of the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! If you’re headed to this year’s Festival you should definitely check out these grown-up frozen drinks!

We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…

Disney Food News

Orlando’s Magical Dining Month starts August 29 and several Disney-area restaurants are participating this year!
Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has a couple new American Kobe Beef items on the menu.
There is a new version of the Mickey Chocolate Covered S’more at Disneyland!
The fifth annual Great Irish Hooley is planned for Labor Day Weekend at Raglan Road!
Joffrey’s Coffee has added a Le Cellier Blend to its Disney Parks and Resorts Specialty Coffees Collection!
We recently dined at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and have a review for you!
Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs has added a Creamsicle Float and a Nutella Brownie Sundae to the menu!

[Read more…]

Best Kept Disney Dining Secrets: Saving Money in Disney World

By AJ 14 Comments

We are back with some of our very best kept Disney Dining Secrets. And we want to share them with you!

Planning where you’ll be spending your food budget in Disney World is a BIG deal. There are so many choices to make! Maybe you’re worried about getting the advance dining reservations you’d like the most. And what about your favorite brands and foods? Will they have them?

These are all great questions, and we address them all in our DFB Guide to WDW Dining e-Book! But today, we’re exploring one of the biggest concerns: Is it possible to save a buck or two when you’re at Disney?

Secrets to Saving Money in Disney World

Today, we’ll share some of our favorite ways to save money during your visit to Walt Disney World. And if you like what you see here, be sure to check out even more secrets in the brand new DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2016 Edition, where we gather over 530 pages of tips, recommendations, and secrets to make your Disney trip the best ever!

Here we go!

Ditch Unwanted Sides

I love this tip, and it can save you some serious cash (and calories!). You may think the price printed on the menu board or in the menu is non-negotiable. But we’ve got a secret to share!

Did you know that you can often forego unwanted sides? For instance, say you order a sandwich that comes with fries, but you don’t really want them. Ask if you can order your sandwich as an entree only and save!

Cheeseburger at Backlot Express!

And if you’re a light eater, or someone who doesn’t really care about (or literally can’t EAT) that side of salad/chips/fries/coleslaw/pasta salad, then you’ll never miss it.

[Read more…]

News: Chef Changes at Disney World Signature Restaurants

By AJ 15 Comments

There’s big news this week regarding chefs at some popular signature dining restaurants throughout Walt Disney World! Chef shakeups at three spots may mean changes at some of your favorites. Read on for all of the details.

Chef Yuhi Fujinaga Takes on Role of Executive Chef at Morimoto Asia

Earlier this week, Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Patina Restaurant Group announced that Chef Yuhi Fujinaga had taken on the role of executive chef at Disney Springs’ Morimoto Asia.

Chef Yuhi first met the famous Iron Chef and restaurant mogul early in his career. “I met Chef Morimoto as a young chef in Hawaii, where I grew up. We bonded quickly over our love of fresh fish, big flavors and new cooking techniques,” said Chef Yuhi. [Read more…]

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DFB Video: Disney’s Contemporary Resort Food Tour

34 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World!

20 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED