food IS a theme park
Cookies and cream and a classic holiday flavor? That sounds pepper-MINT TO BE!
Trilo Bites
There’s a lot of peppermint treats in Disney World this year! We’re still dreaming about that Peppermint Bubble Waffle in Disney Springs and the Peppermint Ice Cream Sandwich in Animal Kingdom. And y’all there’s ANOTHER peppermint treat chillin’ in Animal Kingdom. Join us at Trilo-Bites in Dinoland U. S. A. to give their new Peppermint Cookies and Cream Milkshake a try!
“I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now!”
DinoLand U.S.A.
Much like Disney’s Hollywood Studios, DinoLand U.S.A. is already getting into the Christmas spirit!
Back in July, we told you about Animal Kingdom’s newest place to chill out: Restaurantosaurus Lounge. At the time, it was described as undergoing a three month trial period and had limited hours from 5PM to closing. But we loved the concept, particularly as indoor air conditioned places to rest our adventuring feet are always welcome in Walt Disney World’s largest park.
Restaurantosaurus Lounge
That said, as much as we love the concept, sticking a “lounge” in a corner of a counter service restaurant does not make for a relaxing retreat. We’ll give you our full thoughts at the end of this article, but first — some details… .
It’s time for a party with Donald Duck — and friends! — at Donald’s Dino-Bash in Animal Kingdom!
Donald’s Dino-Bash!
To join the Bash, head on over to DinoLand, U.S.A. in Animal Kingdom.
Hello from Animal Kingdom! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re taking you on a Food Tour of Dinoland, U.S.A.!
Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama sign
In the midst of the breathtaking greenery and beauty in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom park is an unexpected and whimsical roadside tourist trap by the name of Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama, and it sets the tone and scene for Dinoland, U.S.A.! Though this area has a decidedly unique feel in comparison to the rest of the park, it does share something in common with every other land: there’s lots of tasty food to be found there! We’d love to share with you one of our favorite Counter Service spots in Disney World, a milkshake with bourbon and bacon (!!!), and much, much more from Dinoland, U.S.A. in our latest DFB YouTube Video! [Read more…]
Picture it: it’s a hot day in Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
(OK, that’s not the case right this minute, but LOTS of the time it’s a hot day in Animal Kingdom. ;-D) You need a beverage. Preferably one that is cold, sweet, and good for 5 o’clock somewhere. Even better if it has a groovy name.
We got your back. The Cretaceous Cooler found at the crowd-pleasing Restaurantosaurus may just check all of those boxes for you.
Aside from serving up consistently good Disney Counter Service classics like Chicken Nuggets and Bacon Cheeseburgers, Restaurantosaurus is also funky, fun, and kitschy enough to fit right in with its kitsch-central home, DinoLand U.S.A. (We say this with nothin’ but love.)
Restaurantosaurus
The paleontology students who — as the story goes — are responsible for the humorous décor all over the restaurant must’ve also felt the need for a cool drink to kick back with after a long week of study (well, those 21-and-over, that is). [Read more…]
You’re gonna hear us saying this a lot over the next several months: there’s a TON of stuff going on in the Disney food world at Animal Kingdom.
First we’ve got quality bites at Tiffins and Nomad Lounge. Second we will soon have two brand new dining options in Pandora — The World of AVATAR: Pongu Pongu and Satu’li Canteen. And third, old standbys like Yak and Yeti and Flame Tree Barbecue are still killin’ the food game. Animal Kingdom has stepped up the food game yet again.
But should you find yourself way over in Dinoland digging on something sweet and indulgent, adventure your way right over to Restaurantosaurus. It’s just past the spinning triceratops and across the way from the dig site. You can’t miss it.
While I LOVE Restaurantosaurus, we have had a bit of a hit or miss relationship with Animal Kingdom’s desserts-in-a-glass, and we’re happy to see them being replaced by better options. The Warm Turtle Brownie we tried recently was a big hit! And since we’re always open to try new things, on this visit we ordered the Strawberry Cheesecake.
Restaurantosaurus Strawberry Cheesecake
Let’s just start by saying this ain’t a dessert in a glass. Look at that crust! It’s all graham crackers and buttery-ness! It’s just the right thickness to add texture without overwhelming the contents of its shell.
When you think of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, you likely think of winding paths, lush greenery, and rich experiences based in the history, culture, and beauty of Africa and Asia.
Unless, of course, you’re HERE…
Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama sign
Welcome!!
Welcome to Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama!
Dino-Rama Entrance
This street carnival smack-dab in the middle of Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland, U.S.A. is… well, it’s like nothing else in Disney World, that’s for sure. A brightly-colored and whimsical fair of carnival games and rides with over-the-top roadside-stop flair!
Primeval Whirl
Comet Crasher
TriceraTop Spin
Mammoth Marathon
Mammoth Marathon
It’s also where you can find some traditional carnival treats, like cotton candy and snow cones at Dino Diner, and popcorn at Corn-Ivores Popcorn Cart.
Corn-Ivores Popcorn
Corn-Ivores Popcorn
In fact, it was while stopping by Corn-Ivores that I spotted this sign for a Carnival Cocktail: a blend of lemonade, blue cotton candy, and Bacardi Black Razz Rum.
Carnival Cocktail sign
This, I had to try!
Upon placing my order, I was expecting a cotton candy-topped beverage akin to the Cotton Candy Lemonade that you can occasionally find at the Everything Pop Food Court. Nope! Here the cotton candy is blended into the mix prior to pouring. Sad face.
But at least it’s BEAUTIFUL! Don’t you just want to jump in?
Carnival Cocktail
You can spy the vivid blue hue coming from the drink machines.
Carnival Cocktail in drink machines
But just because I couldn’t see the cotton candy, doesn’t mean it wasn’t there. Because [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich has been replaced by a Buffalo Chicken Waffle Slider. More details on the new offering here.
You know we lurve our waffles here on DFB, and today we’ve got ANOTHER awesome new waffle item to share with you!
Now, Waffle Sandwiches aren’t new to Disney World. At Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, the featured waffle sandwiches are the Sweet and Spicy Chicken, the Ham, Prosciutto, and Swiss Cheese, and Nutella and Fresh Fruit. Even Epcot got in the game for a while over the holidays with a Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle and a Savory Seasonal Waffle (think Thanksgiving in a waffle!).
But today? Today we’ve got an extra EXTRA special waffle sammy. We’re heading to Trilo-Bites today for a sometimes-it’s-there-sometimes-it’s-not Waffle Sandwich!
Trilo-Bites
Trilo-Bites in Dinoland previously held the distinction of being THE spot to pick up a Turkey Leg in Animal Kingdom. The menu has shifted, however, to offer sweeter fare: a Warm Waffle with Fresh Strawberries and Cream and a Baked Apple Blossom with Ice Cream (or without) are the menu highlights.
Waffle with Strawberries and Baked Apple Blossom
You can also find Milk Shakes, Floats, and a Waffle Bowl Sundae here, too.
(By the way, for those of you wondering, “Well, where do I get my Turkey Leg in Animal Kingdom now?”, you can head over to Flame Tree Barbeque. You’ll see the Turkey Leg listed under the entrees with a side of slaw, but it can also be purchased by itself for $9.79.)
Anyway, on a recent visit to Animal Kingdom, I noticed something special was briefly back on the menu. It’s a little hard to catch since it’s only offered on “peak crowd level” days, so it was great to spot it: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich! Seriously? You ask? YES! I reply!
Trilo-Bites Menu with Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich
See, that’s the bonus to visiting the Parks when they’re crowded: MORE FOOD! Shazam!
There was no picture on the menu, so I was happily surprised when I was presented with this (Ooooooh! Aaaaaah!):
Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich
The pulled buffalo chicken tops the waffle, of course, but it also [Read more…]
We’re welcoming back DFB Guest Author Joey Beyer with a guest review of the Dino Diner in Animal Kingdom’s DinoLand!
Howdy everyone! On a recent visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom I had the opportunity to try a couple of delicious items at the Dino Diner in DinoLand U.S.A. While Chester and Hester may seem like they are all fun and games, in Dinoland they are serious about snacking!
Dino Diner!
The Dino Diner is located to the left of Primeval Whirl if you are facing the entrance to that attraction. The stand is designed as a concessions trailer that you would expect to see at a carnival or county fair, and fits perfectly with the theme in this area of the park.
Seating is minimal and there’s little shade, so this is more of a grab-and-go spot.
The menu here is small and features cinnamon glazed nuts, drinks, and a hot dog if you are looking for something a bit more filling.
But the BIG news is the frozen lemonade. New this year, Animal Kingdom has introduced several alcoholic frozen lemonades around the park at various locations. Dino Diner is one of the lucky ones, sporting the Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade.
Dino Diner Menu.
But first — the food. I am a big fan of the cinnamon glazed almonds but my partner in crime on this particular day preferred the pecans, so we went with those.
These can be found in all of the parks and many [Read more…]
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