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Now Available! DFB Podcast Episode 16: The Other Parks

Hola, fellow Disney food-lovers!

Exciting news today for all you hungry commuters, walkers, runners, beach-goers, gym-goers, Disney summer road-trippers, and other assorted podcast listeners!

Just a note to let you know that the 16th episode of our DFB Podcast is now up and ready for downloading!

In this episode, Brad and I cover the latest Disney food news and discuss their favorite table service restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and California Adventure.

We also answer two listener questions (sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and chocolate chip cookies, oh my!), and reveal the answer to our Episode 15 trivia question (and reveal a pretty tough question for this episode)!

Here’s the Podcast page for Episode 16. Thanks in advance for listening!!

Please rate and review the podcast on iTunes, follow DFBPodcast on Twitter, and [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: New Menu Items at Carthay Circle Lounge & 1901

By Heather 13 Comments

We’ve got new eats over at Disney California Adventure! Two new dishes have arrived at Carthay Circle Lounge & 1901, and we’re very excited to share them with you here on the blog.

Carthay Circle Lounge can be found at the entrance to Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure

Although the shared menu at Carthay Circle Lounge/1901 is limited, the items available are pretty amazing.

1901 Lounge Menu Cover

Carthay Circle Lounge is open to all Disney guests, and can be found at the entrance to Carthay Circle restaurant. You don’t need a reservation to dine here! However, 1901 Lounge is an exclusive lounge open only to Club 33 Members and their guests.

Carthay Circle Lounge

Updates to the Carthay Circle Lounge/1901 Lounge Menu

Sharing a menu, these two fabulous lounges serve up Bites & Snacks, Rolls, Small Plates, and Carthay Signature Desserts

. The menu has barely changed from its opening almost exactly one year ago, but now we’ve got some updates!

Since opening, they’ve ditched the [Read more…]

Introducing: The Mickey Marshmallow Cone at Trolley Treats

By AJ 6 Comments

Today, we’re headed to Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure to sample some seriously adorable eats!

Located on the recently re-imagined Buena Vista Street, Trolley Treats is a candy store featuring a show kitchen on the premises — a first for California Adventure. And the shop captures that nostalgic sweets shop vibe perfectly.

Trolley Treats Candy Sign

No matter how old you are, you’ll want a treat from Trolley Treats, complete with its custom Trolley Treats packaging!

I Heart the Vintage-Inspired Trolley Treats Logo!

And now, in addition to the delicious handmade marshmallows in a variety of amazing flavors, I’ve found another must have: Mickey Marshmallow Cones!

Mickey Marshmallow Cones

I just love finding treats that uniquely represent Disney, you know? And when I spied what looked like Mickey Mouse ice cream cones in the display case, I knew I had to take a closer look. And taste, actually!

The sweets masquerading as hand-dipped frozen treats turned out to be made of marshmallow!

Marshmallow Cones in the Case

I saw these on an initial visit to Trolley Treats on my last Disneyland vacation, and HAD to go back to actually try one!

As we’ve mentioned here before, one of Trolley Treats’ signature sweets are gourmet marshmallows, made right in the shop’s show kitchen. So I’m thinking these are [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Gourmet Marshmallows at Trolley Treats

By Heather 18 Comments

When you’re looking for a tasty treat (which, of course, you ARE on Mardi Gras), a must stop shop on Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street is Trolley Treats.

Trolly Treats on Buena Vista Street

The aroma of the candy kitchen entices you as you pass the picture window where you’ll often see candy makers creating one of their signature Trolley Treats items: The Gourmet Marshmallow.

Marshmallow Making at Trolley Treats

Sold either individually for $3.49 from the counter, or in packs of two for $5.95 from the store’s display, the hand made fluffy squares are available in several different flavors.

Trolley Treats Marshmallow Display

The flavors I went with were Banana Split, S’mores, Luscious Lemon, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Madness. I have to say all of them were great, but it was a serious sugar overload.

Normally I’d say just get an individual one and share it with someone, but hey, I was “working.” Let’s take a look at them all:

Banana Split Gourmet Marshmallow

First up, let’s go with the Banana Split. Topped with a cherry, this fun marshmallow is adorable and delicious. In fact, I think I’d call it my favorite. I love banana flavored items though, so this was right up my alley.

Banana Split Gourmet Marshmallow

The banana flavor reminded me a bit of banana flavored Laffy Taffy — sort of artificial, but the added chocolate drizzle, caramel & cherry on top made it the perfect combination to impersonate a mini banana split.

I love watching the candy makers in action and happened to get some [Read more…]

Review: Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure (+ Disneyland Lunar New Year Menu Details!)

By AJ 9 Comments

This spot might elicit a “wha?!? where’s that?!?” reaction for some since it really doesn’t get its share of the spotlight. But I really enjoy heading to the Lucky Fortune Cookery once in a while when I’m in Disney California Adventure!

The counter service location is a great thematic fit for the Pacific Wharf area of the park and offers some pretty tasty, customizable goodies for those who stumble upon it.

Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure

After the review, we’ll also have some awesome info for you about what Lucky Fortune Cookery and other dining spots are serving for this year’s Lunar New Year celebration in Disneyland — so scroll down for that! OK — Let’s dig in!!

Atmosphere and Themeing

Lucky Fortune Cookery is teensy. The outdoor location is nearly an afterthought — or so it seems. There are three main ordering windows and just a few tables scattered around.

Lucky Fortune Cookery Ordering Area

You’re clearly in an industrial section of town here at the Wharf, and the fun lanterns hanging from the rafters give this a sweet “downtown” vibe I think! It’s such a great way to soften an otherwise harsh space.

Lucky Fortune Cookery Ordering Area and themeing

Tables are scarce, but don’t forget that you’re surrounded by about three other huge restaurants here at the Wharf.

There’s a ginormous seating area just across the way, so if there are no seats available at [Read more…]

Review: Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure

By AJ 8 Comments

I’m not sure how beautiful a day it is today in your neck of the woods, but on my last visit to Paradise Garden Grill in Disney California Adventure, it sure did FEEL like paradise! Ah, the SoCal weather…

Paradise Garden Grill

Atmosphere

This dining spot is an outdoor eatery. It shares its Paradise Pier location and seating with Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta next door, and Bayside Brews nearby.

The whole group forms a little mini-town at the edge of the Pier, and its relatively remote location means that you could luck into an un-crowded eatery if you’re dining at the right times!

Paradise Garden Grill and Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta Seating Area

Available seating includes covered and uncovered outdoor seating, so if it’s unseasonably cold or warm, take that into consideration before dining here.

But, like I said, it’s SoCal, so it’s probably going to be beautiful. 😉 (Yes, I’m originally from Buffalo, and yes, I’m jealous.)

Paradise Garden Grill Covered Outdoor Seating

Once you’ve ridden Toy Story Midway Mania a few times and checked in with Ariel “Under the Sea,” it’s time to head on over for a relatively healthy meal!

Eats

The menu here follows the (I think) awesome trend of customizing your eats to your liking. It’s basically a mix-and-match Mediterranean menu where guests get to choose their skewer base: Steak, Chicken, Beef Kefta, or Veg/Tofu; and their sauce: Moroccan Chili, Chimichurri, Tandoori-Spiced Yogurt, or Tzatziki.

(Note that the price has gone up to $11.49 for the platters since this photo was taken.)

Paradise Garden Grill

Dessert choices include Baklava and a Brownie and Strawberry Skewer (not noted on the menu, but reviewed here!), and you can indulge in [Read more…]

Top 6 Disneyland Bars and Lounges

By AJ 9 Comments

Let’s face it. Sometimes a Disney vacation can be absolutely exhausting! That’s why we like to seek out bars and lounges in which we can share fun with family and friends or relax while enjoying good food and special beverages.

Schweitzer Falls at Trader Sam’s Tiki Bar

A while back, we took a look at our Top 10 Disney World Bars and Lounges, and now it’s time to take a peek at our favorites in the Disneyland Parks and Resorts!

Here are our picks for Top Six Disneyland bars and lounges — a list that includes a little help from our Facebook Friends! Thanks for your input!

Ready to jump in? Here’s our favorite place to while away some time at the Disneyland Resort…

Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

Trader Sam’s

should be your first choice for chilling out in Disneyland!

This is due to some great bartenders, unique drinks (often served in souvenir glasses), good food, and, of course, the interactive activities here. (Careful not to sit on the sinking bar stools!)

This place is an awesome tropical retreat located at the Disneyland Hotel. Check out our Trader Sam’s Review here!

Trader Sam’s Bar

While there is indoor and outdoor seating, all of the action is inside where there is limited seating (about 50 spots); so get here early as evenings may be quite crowded.

Cove Bar

Located in Disney California Adventure, the Cove Bar (not to be mistaken for Cove Cafe on the Disney Cruise Ships or the Cove Bar at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort…) is your place to escape the long lines and hot sun while enjoying great water-side views.

View from Cove Bar

Leave the thrills behind and savor specialty drinks and craft beers. The Raspberry Rain is a memorable choice! Look for an attractive menu offering my favorite, Buffalo Wings, and Lobster Nachos.

Hearthstone Lounge

Make the Hearthstone Lounge in the Grand Californian Resort a must-do in Disneyland.

Whether you are looking for some quiet alone time or bringing along friends, this cozy fireside lounge has a lodge theme and soaring ceilings that immediately relax you. And that’s before your first drink order!

Take a seat at the bar, on a cozy sofa, or at a [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: The Holiday Specialty Caramel Apple (A.K.A. the Peppermint Beast)

By Heather 10 Comments

Walking past Marceline’s Confectionery in Downtown Disney, I noticed a new caramel apple on display in the candy kitchen window.

It’s size was enormous compared to the other two on display, and I knew I needed to do some investigating!

Holiday Caramel Apples at Marceline's

On our way out, I decided to grab one to go and conquer this beast at home.

At $12.99, this apple is way expensive, but you can basically feed a whole army with it. AND this is what you will want to do because as I was paying for it, the Cast Member announced to the entire population of Marceline’s, “1400 Calorie Apple Right Here!”

I was like, “Seriously?” And the answer? “Yep.” A little disgusted with myself, I justified the situation knowing I was going to share it with my family.

1400 Calories Sitting on the Counter of Marceline's

The Granny Smith Apple is first dipped in caramel; it is then given a coating of peppermint (YES! PEPPERMINT) chocolate and rolled in a serious amount of red & green M&M’s. After that, it’s drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with sparkly sugar crystals.

The official name of this apple is literally “Specialty Holiday Caramel Apple.” A little boring right? Especially since they could call it something fun like “Peppermint Beast…”

Bringing her home.

Immediately after opening the package I had to do a public service and weigh this thing. It felt really heavy, and I was curious about the actual weight.

So, I grabbed my little scale and went for it. Any guesses? [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland: Holiday Treats in Disneyland and DCA

By Heather 11 Comments

With a few weeks left of the Disney Holiday Season, you still have plenty of time to head on over to the Disneyland Resort to taste some of the special holiday offerings. Read about some of the fun eats and events happening this year on our 2012 Disneyland Holiday page, and check out even more below…

And even if you aren’t a candy cane or egg nog fan, it’s worth a trip just to see the decor. I mean come on, look at this:

Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle

I recently visited Disney’s California Adventure to get a sampling of all the yumminess the resort has to offer this season — and let me tell you, there are some pretty tasty treats.

A sampling of this year's holiday goodies.

Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure are carrying a line of holiday caramel apples. Choose from a festive Mickey or Minnie, or go for the cute snowman complete with chocolate Mickey ears and a sour belt scarf!

Festive Mickey & Minnie Caramel Apples

Snowman Caramel Apples

Both parks are also carrying a variety of Christmas Cupcakes, including this chocolate peppermint one! The frosting is whipped and infused with peppermint flavor.

It was by far my most favorite part of the cupcake. Warning though: with that bright green and red frosting, your tongue stands no chance against staining…

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcake

Traditional chocolate cake cupcakes with red & white vanilla frosting topped [Read more…]

Money-Saving Tip: The “No Kids Meal Challenge”

By AJ 12 Comments

Let’s welcome back guest author Katie Drake with an interesting food challenge: saving cash by NOT ordering kids’ meals! Sounds counter-intuitive? Read on…

The Kids’ Meal Dilemma

Tell me I’m not the only parent this has happened to: you sit down for lunch, and instead of eating their chicken nuggets and apple sauce, your child is eager to get moving to the next ride.

So you and your spouse pick at the nuggets, eventually throwing most of the meal away. And 30 minutes after lunch is done, you hear the dreaded whine: “I’m hungry.”

No Kids Meal Challenge

I’m not a plate cleaner myself, but I do hate seeing so much food – and money – go to waste. So on our recent trip to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, our group of three families agreed to a challenge: no kids meals.

Instead, the three sets of parents would share their meals with the five kids in the group, supplementing with snacks if we were still hungry.

We figured this would save us some cash, result in less food being thrown away, and leave more room in our tummies for the Mickey-shaped pretzels and Dole Whips we always seem to buy anyway.

No Kids Meals Group

We figured this would work:

because Disney’s portions are generally pretty big,
our kids are still fairly small (ranging in age from one to five years old),
we’re never actually hungry in the parks anyway since there is so much good stuff to eat by way of snacks.

Always prepared, the moms did supplement our meals a bit. String cheese, juice boxes, crackers, apple sauce, and fruit snacks all made their way into the parks with us, and they were available whenever any child showed the slightest hint of hunger away from a meal or other snack. [Read more…]

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Now Available! DFB Podcast Episode 16: The Other Parks

Dining in Disneyland: New Menu Items at Carthay Circle Lounge & 1901

Updates to the Carthay Circle Lounge/1901 Lounge Menu