Cars Land | the disney food blog

Disney Recipe: Veggie Tater Bake from Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure (A Vegetarian Recipe!)

It’s always a good idea to have a vegetarian meal or two tucked into your recipe box, don’t you think? And if Shepherd’s Pie or Cottage Pie are your thing, you’ve gotta try this veggie version!

Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure

Offered at Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land, Flo’s Veggie Tater Bake has been delighting herbivores and carnivores alike since the restaurant first opened two years ago!

Veggie Tater Bake

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas for Meatless Mondays or Fridays during Lent, or you have special friends you’d like to impress with your vegetarian cooking skills, we definitely think you should give this hearty casserole a try!

Veggie Tater Bake

Flo’s V-8 Cafe, Disney California Adventure

Serves 6

Ingredients: [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure

By AJ 5 Comments

“Eat at Flo’s and Get Gas!”

Yep — It’s time to head to Radiator Springs in Carburetor County, for a tasty breakfast along Route 66 at Flo’s V-8 Cafe!

Flo’s Sign

Since it opened a couple of years back, Flo’s has quickly garnered a great reputation for delicious table service-style breakfast with counter service convenience and prices. It even makes our list of favorite fast food joints in Disneyland!

Let’s head over for an early morning visit to Cars Land in Disney California Adventure!

Atmosphere

As you quickly see from Flo’s Sign out front, the restaurant is superbly themed. If you’re a fan of the film Cars, you are gonna love this place. With the backdrop of desert rock formations (a.k.a. Radiator Springs Racers!!), Imagineers have outdone themselves here. You truly feel as though you’ve stepped through the silver screen.

Flo’s Sign

And while it’s all stunning in the daytime, you should definitely make a point to visit at night, when the glow from pastel fluorescent lights brings every inch of this place to life!

Flo’s V-8 Cafe at night

Flo’s V-8 in the movie is, of course, the only gas filling station in Radiator Springs…which, of course, equates to food for us humans. 🙂

Outside View

Flo’s roof is famously patterned after an oil filter. Get it?

Oil Filter Roof — Up Close

Directly in front of the restaurant’s entrance, you’ll find one of the outdoor seating areas. These are the filling stations in the film, so naturally, you’ll find gas pumps and stacks of oil cans nearby.

Motor Oil and Gas Pumps on the Patio

As you go into Flo’s, you realize the seating area is enormous. It looks much larger inside than it does outside! It’s more than just Disney magic, though; one of the seating areas is themed both inside and outside as the Ornament Valley Mechanical Clinic.

Ornament Valley Mechanical Clinic

Head inside, and step further back in time. The round-room entrance is crowned by this [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast Cone and Pear of Dice Soda at Cars Land’s Cozy Cone Motel

By AJ 14 Comments

I was SO excited to try this new Breakfast Cone at Disney California Adventure’s Cozy Cone Motel, and I can’t wait to tell you about it!

This super-themed snack stop comes to you straight from the animated feature Cars, and it figures prominently into the landscape of the park’s newest area, Cars Land.

Cozy Cone Sign

I headed over to the popular spot one sunny morning to try out something we hadn’t seen here on Disney Food Blog firsthand yet — the Breakfast Cones! Time to see if they lived up to my expectations!

Atmosphere

If you are a fan of the Disney Pixar film Cars, then you are going to love Cars Land. Everywhere you turn, you feel like you’ve wandered into the movie. And nowhere is that more apparent than at the Cozy Cone Motel.

And look! Mater is parked out front of the office, waiting for Sally! (And check out the taillight coneflowers in the garden. 🙂 )

The Cozy Cone Motel in Disney California Adventure Cars Land

Have a peek through the windows to look around the office before moving on. You’ll see lots of thoughtful details from the movie, and you’ll even catch a glimpse of another Pixar hero — Buzz Lightyear — peeking from under a pylon.

Buzz Lightyear Peeking Out From Below a Cone

Beyond the front office building, where guest cars would check in to the motel in the movie, you find the various cones, which serve as rooms for tired travelers heading down Route 66. In Cars Land, rather than providing lodging, the cones serve snacks!

The different cones feature different snacks. Head to Cone #1 for [Read more…]

My Favorite Food Kiosks at Walt Disney World! What Are Yours?

By AJ 20 Comments

I get lots of emails and questions about the food I personally love in Disney World, and today I’m sharing some of my favorite Disney Food Kiosks!

You know the ones — those cute little structures that are almost restaurants, but not quite? Here are a few of the BIGGEST TASTES you can get at the smallest places in Disney World! 🙂

I hope you’ll share some of your favorites in the comments, too!

Aloha Isle

There is no way I could have a list of favorite kiosks without putting Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle right up front! The welcoming little stand, located in Adventureland, is home to one of Disney’s most beloved treats, after all.

Aloha Isle

That’s right — we’re talking Dole Whips!

And whether you like yours in float form, swirled with vanilla, or are you’re a purist, most Disney fans don’t consider their trip complete until they’ve made at least one stop here.

Dole Whip Float! A Must-Eat snack for every Disney guest.

As for me, I prefer about one visit to Aloha Isle for each day I’m at Disney. 🙂 No kidding, even though I’m usually eating non-stop on every Disney trip, this is one snack I never skip.

Fife and Drum

At the midway point while you’re walking around Epcot’s World Showcase, you’ll encounter another of our favorite stops, Fife and Drum.

This unassuming little stand looks like just another drink stop, but be sure to swing by and check out the menu for some seriously fun eats. Fife and Drum is home to some items you won’t find anyplace else! But there are not-to-be missed classics here as well, like the cult favorite Smoked Turkey Legs.

Fife and Drum Tavern

If you’re a pretzel fan, you have three different varieties to choose from. The stuffed Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel has a great spicy kick! And you’ll also find the sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel (decadent!) and the Mickey Soft Pretzel (cute!) here, too. This is one of the few places in Disney World to find all of these kinds of pretzels sold in one spot.

UPDATE: Please note, you can still find all these pretzels in the American Adventure Pavilion; however, they are now located at the Block and Hans Craft Beer kiosk.

Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel!

There are also some amazingly tasty drinks here as well. We’ve told you about the Jim Beam Red Stag Lemonade, a wonderful little frozen drink with a punch, thanks to black cherry-flavored bourbon.

You can get your root beer float fix here, too, made with vanilla soft serve.

Root Beer Float

But the piece de resistance of slushies can also be found in this humble spot: I give you the American Dream! This incredible frozen drink combines [Read more…]

Guest Review: Breakfast and Lunch at Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure

By AJ 17 Comments

Welcome back guest author Carrie Hayward with a review of breakfast and lunch at Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Cars Land, Disney California Adventure!

This Spring we got to attend an Annual Passholder preview of Cars Land. Everything was open, including new counter-service restaurant Flo’s V-8 Cafe.

We are usually pretty disappointed by the counter-service options at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland (Jolly Holiday Bakery excepted!), but we waited in the 20-minute line with our hopes high. Who wouldn’t want to eat in a life-size replica of the stylish drive-in from Cars?

Flo's Really Shines at Night!

Atmosphere

Flo’s is HUGE inside, with four dining rooms.

The restaurant actually extends halfway down the block, but one wing is themed to an auto clinic [Read more…]

Cars Land First Look! Fillmore’s Taste-In in Disney California Adventure

By Heather 4 Comments

When you’re in Cars Land and you are drooling over Radiator Springs Racers (which are totally worth drooling over), don’t forget to check out the fun little details Cars Land has to offer.

One of my favorite sights caught my eye as I was walking over to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. On my way to ride, I got completely distracted by the psychedelic glow of Fillmore’s Taste-In. So much so, that I went over to check it out before hitting the spinning tractors!

Fillmore's Taste-In

Atmosphere

Fillmore’s signage is cleverly made of mufflers dangling from hubcaps, and his tent is just a “prop.” My guess is that inside is a storage area. The actual store consists of stands filled with what Disney calls “healthier” snacks and drinks.

Fillmore's Signage

Just like Fillmore’s character in the Cars movies, the Taste-In makes groovy “natural” snacks available to help you refuel and keep you racing! I was lucky to get to see Fillmore’s at night; the colors were spectacular, changing every few minutes (hence the crazy glowing [Read more…]

First Look: Flo’s V8 Cafe Revs Up for Business in Disney California Adventure!

By Heather 17 Comments

A few weeks ago, I was able to get a media sneak peek and food preview of Cars Land.

While we were there, every single attendee was in awe of its landscape, then we were blown away even more when we were led into Flo’s V8 Cafe for a tasting!

Flo's V8 Cafe Signage

At that time, no photos were allowed. But, guess what? After 5 years, the time has come, the walls are down, and Flo’s is open for business!

Flo's Entrance

Flo’s V8 Cafe was modeled after a Route 66 stop called Midpoint Cafe in Midpoint, Texas.

And the backstory in Cars Land is that Flo’s caters to the growing number of Route 66 visitors and race fans coming to Radiator Springs, with a “showroom” dining area that overlooks the Radiator Springs Racers attraction. This is one of the amazing views…

Watch the Radiator Springs Racers and enjoy the view while you dine at Flo's!

Atmosphere

The minute you walk into Flo’s, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. To me, it felt like the scene in Back to the Future when Marty enters the soda fountain to find his dad, George McFly sitting there.

You’re in complete awe of the music, the colors, the decor; everything. Flo’s is, in fact, so gorgeous that they have a Photo Pass photographer set up with a tripod out front to take pictures of people in front of the restaurant!

Here’s some of the fun outside “decor” that makes Flo’s so much fun to [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 13, 2012

By AJ Leave a Comment

Citrus Turkey Plate at Flo's V-8 Cafe in Cars Land

Will you be dining at one of the new Cars Land or Buena Vista Street restaurants at Disney California Adventure when they open on June 15th?

We’re so excited to be taste-testing and reviewing the food offerings, including those at Flo’s V-8 Cafe and Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel!

Disney Food News

Here’s the latest happening in the Disney Food World this week!

Food photos and Tasting Review from the new Flo’s V-8 Cafe and Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure!
We’ve got some great details about Carthay Circle Restaurant and 1901 Lounge, opening June 15th in Disneyland Resort’s Disney California Adventure: food pictures and reservation information; and sneak peek at the interiors.
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil and House of Blues are offering a Dinner and Show package for 6:00 pm shows June 1 – 30, 2012.
Splitsville is headed to Orlando’s Downtown Disney in Fall 2012. Dine, dance, drink, and bowl! Look for great eats such as sushi, pizza, sliders, and burgers.
Announcing the Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival, plus Kids Eat Free package for Aulani!

We’ve got more food news (including poolside ice cream at Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort) on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2012 Ebook Review

Thanks to our good friend StudiosCentral.com for a great review of our latest guidebook, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2012.

Here’s an excerpt:

… the amount of detail here astounds and impresses me. Topics I had never even considered were covered (scavenger hunts, how to avoid meltdowns in WDW restaurants, etc). If you love Walt Disney World and enjoy dining there, then to me there’s no question that you ought to pick up a copy of this book for your collection.

For Studios fans, you’ll find sections in the e-book that are just for you, including: a drinking guide, reviews of counter-service and table-service restaurants, snack recommendations, and a unique one-day dining strategy.

Read the full Studios Central review here!

Order your copy of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining today! And don’t forget to check out our other great e-Books at our new DFBStore.com!

On To The Round-Up

AllEars.net’s

Andrew Rossi visits the Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge.

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups investigates options for solo diners at Disney World!

Yesterland reminisces about the Baker’s Field Bakery in Disney California Adventure.

Random Neat Stuff shares vintage Disneyland restaurant menus!

DVCNews announces that soft serve ice cream will be served pool-side at Saratoga Springs Resort.

Daveland shares vintage photos of the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant in Disneyland. Awesome pics!

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World take us on a culinary tour around Epcot’s World Showcase, including a Wine Walk and pizza at Via Napoli.

Main Street Gazette discovers savory (not sweet) options at Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France pavilion.

Cars Land First Look: Food Photos and Reviews From Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel

By Heather 9 Comments

After our fun look at Flo’s V-8 Cafe, I couldn’t wait to tell you all about Sally’s Cozy Cone Motel and the eats you can find there come June 15th at Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land!

We now have even more info than we did in our previous Cars Land Menu Post. Read through the menu below, then take a look at our tasting reviews!

Cozy Cone Motel Menu

Cone Number 1

Churro bites with cinnamon-chocolate sauce, cinnamon-spiced hot cocoa, and Ramone’s Pear of Dice Soda made with dessert pear syrup, mojito syrup and Sprite.

Cone Number 2
Soft-serve ice cream and “route” beer floats.

Cone Number 3
Savory bites all served in edible bread cones, such as a bacon-scrambled egg cone for breakfast, chicken verde or chili “cone” queso for lunch and dinner.

Specialty beverages are Fillmore’s Fuelin’ Groovy Ades, all-natural lemonade with [Read more…]

First Look! Food Photos and Tasting Review From Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Cars Land

By Heather 26 Comments

Today I had the pleasure of walking behind the closed off walls of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. This brand new land in the Disneyland Resort has been under construction for years, and I couldn’t believe I was actually going to get a sneak peek…and even get to sample some of the brand new menu items that will be served there and on Buena Vista Street when they open next month!

Standing under the mountains of Ornament Valley with the Radiator Springs Racers whizzing by, I had to take a deep breath. Goosebumps on my arms, tears in my eyes. What in the world was happening to me? I’ve watched the progress of Cars Land from day one, and now, it’s nearly done.

Flo's V-8 Cafe Under Construction in Cars Land

Just weeks away from the June 15th grand opening and there I stood, inside getting a sneak peek! The only way for me to describe Cars Land is simple and true. You are IN Radiator Springs. You have stepped into Cars.

After telling myself to get it together and wishing I could take a photo, I followed the other attendees into Flo’s V8 Cafe for a sampling of the menu!

Menu and Backstory of Flo's V-8 Cafe

Because Flo’s is not 100% complete, photos were not allowed, the pictures you see here were from a “preview” room that we were taken to beforehand.

Atmosphere

I’ll do my best to describe to you in detail the atmosphere of Flo’s. Flo’s is a counter service restaurant serving up breakfast, lunch & dinner. Upon entering, be sure to look up. There is a giant light fixture made of shiny tail pipes.

Flo’s caters to the growing number of Route 66 visitors and race fans coming to Radiator Springs, with a “showroom” dining area that overlooks the Radiator Springs Racers attraction. The cafe also is home to Flo’s personal memorabilia, collected during her glamorous career as a singer with the Motorama Girls.

The service area includes several walk-up kiosks (or food pods) divided by road barrier type blockades to keep you in your line. The main color of the cafe is turquoise. There is a giant juke box fixture at the counter. Two main dining rooms make up the cafe, and there is both indoor (booths & tables) and outdoor seating.

Best of all? You can’t beat the view from the dining rooms. One side features a perfect view of Sally’s Cozy Cones and the other — a breathtaking view of [Read more…]

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED