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New! Chicken and Waffles at Fantasy Fare Food Truck in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

We’ve got all sorts of Disney Food Truck happenings going on this week!

With the debut of the all-new Trucks on the Town Event, along comes a new item to the Fantasy Fare Food Truck: Sticky Chicken and Waffles! I gave it a go on my recent trip to Disney World, and thought you might like a peek…

Fantasy Fare Chicken and Waffles

Each of the four Disney Food Trucks brings flavors from various Disney parks to Downtown Disney. The Fantasy Fare truck features Delightful Dishes from Magic Kingdoms Around the World!

Fantasy Fare Food Truck

Yep. Literally.

Fantasy Fare Food Truck

These “delightful dishes” include the Grilled Ham and Cheese (this is the Croque Monsieur, brought to us from Be Our Guest Restaurant), and the famed Hand-dipped Corn Dog from Disneyland (I grabbed that one, too; YUMMMMM!).

Sticky Chicken and Waffles is the most recent addition, replacing the Glass Noodle Salad (a noodle entrée with chicken and pickled vegetables from Hong Kong Disneyland, served cold). The Sticky Chicken and Waffles are inspired by the waffle sandwiches in Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow. Which. We. Love.

Unlike Sleepy Hollow’s Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich, which incorporate a chicken breast into one huge, folded waffle (you know, like a sandwich 😉 ), here we have two [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014

By Wendy 18 Comments

Today we’re talking everything from Mac & Cheese to Mine Trains, and from slushes to steins. Please join us for another trip around the World to see What’s New!

Magic Kingdom

Friar’s Nook

made waves around New Year’s when the menu changed to feature some very unique styles of Macaroni and Cheese, while hot dogs remained available as a choice. Well, they’ve been brought together in the form of a Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Dog.

Friar’s Nook Menu

Why not, right? They had all the ingredients handy since they introduced all that Mac & Cheese goodness to the menu, and it’s always a lovely thing to find more Mac & Cheese Hot Dogs available at Disney World!

The Omnipresent Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog

But something a bit more unexpected has also arrived: Pot Roast Macaroni & Cheese has replaced the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (whaaaat…?!?).

Pot Roast Mac & Cheese at Friar’s Nook

Soooo, what’s it like? Stay tuned for our review!

Pinocchio Village Haus has reopened since its refurbishment. This Magic Kingdom Counter Service restaurant is known for its many rooms with beautiful artwork honoring the film Pinocchio, and it appears the refurbishment was just a general spruce-up with no major changes.

Pinocchio Village Haus

The entrée menu continues to feature flatbreads, and there are only small changes to report.

Pinocchio Village Haus Menu

Those changes are found on the back of the menu: Lemonade Slush and Blue Raspberry Slush have replaced Pinocchio Punch (though you can find the same beverage at Sunshine Tree Terrace: All-Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam).

Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush

No sign of that Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, either, but the Slushes here do tend to change with some frequency, so we’ll see if Pinocchio’s conscience makes a return one of these days…

Liberty Square Market often reveals some surprises in the small signs around the registers in addition to the more permanent offerings listed on the hanging menu. While this snack stand has had Slushes available for a long time, on my most recent visit they were also offered in the souvenir Horseman’s Stein.

Additional items available at Liberty Square Market

The stein itself has been available at Sleepy Hollow, but this was the first time I’d noticed it here. I adore anything to do with the old Ichabod Crane and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow film, so seeing this piece in other places makes me smile.

Horseman’s Stein

Sing it with me! “He’s the new school master! What’s his name? Ichabod! Ichabo-od Craaaaaane!”

Horseman’s Stein

There’s one more spot where you can grab a Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae (affectionately known here on the DFB as the “Mickey Pants Sundae”). This sign was spotted at the check-in counter for the Plaza Restaurant.

Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae

While these aren’t limited to the Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Emporium is the first place we first got to see the new line Princess and Villain mugs. On a more recent visit, we spied the remainder of the collection! Here is the Cinderella mug…

Cinderella Mug

… and while the general design differs, we thought you might like to see the new Maleficent and Evil Queen mugs, too!

Front AND Back of Maleficent mug

Evil Queen Mug

And among all these small changes, we sure can’t ignore the biggest change of all! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster was dedicated in New Fantasyland on May 2nd, with the official opening date for the public announced for May 28th.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is preparing for Star Wars Weekends 2014 beginning on May 16, and two all-new Star Wars Character Meals have already made their debut in advance of the celebration!

Breakfast is being served at Sci-Fi Dine-In with Darth Vader and some of his fellow Dark Siders at the Star Wars Galactic Dine In.

Star Wars Galactic Dine In sign

While over at Hollywood and Vine, Jedi Mickey and pals joined guests for dinner at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine! Check out our full review of this special event!

Jedi Mickey!!!!

Ewok Chip and Dale welcome you!

Even with all this going on, Hollywood Studios has still managed to remember [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 27, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia 1 Comment

Let’s dig in! We’ve got a hearty portion of Disney Food news to share with you this week. Of course, you’ll want to take a look at the restaurants possibly coming to Disney Springs!!

Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae

We also savored the adorable Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae that can now be found at three Disney World locations.

Finally, Star Wars fans were excited to hear about the debut of the “Feel the Force” VIP Dining event. Click on the links below for more information on this new hard-ticketed event and more food news from Disney!

Disney Food News

Check out the new Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae at the Main Street Ice Cream Parlor and Beaches and Cream Restaurant!
More restaurants are possibly coming to Disney Springs. Find out the big names that are being considered!
The new Feel the Force Premium VIP Dining Event package includes VIP viewing with snacks of the Celebrity Motorcade and a Star Wars themed dessert party at a VIP fireworks viewing area!
We sipped an Iced Cappuccino with ice cream and whipped cream at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion!
The Patina Restaurant Group is slated to open a new restaurant at Disney Springs!
Disney Parks and Resorts are showcasing new merchandise and treats in April!
Disney merchandise continues to showcase beloved characters from the film “Frozen”! We love the cookies and rice krispies treats recently spotted in Walt Disney World.
Todd English’s bluezoo debuted a new dinner and beverage menu.
Kouzzina by Cat Cora is closing September 2014 at Disney’s BoardWalk resort in Walt Disney World. Recently, Cat Cora addressed the closing of this restaurant.

Of course, there’s more! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, Wolfgang Puck Dining Event, Citricos Wine Dinner, and more!

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Dole Whips! This week, we’re taking a look at one of our favorite Disney treats.

Shared by DFB Reader Mary: “I knew that Dole Whips were sold at the STL zoo, but this weekend was the first time I bought one there. I had the plain pineapple one while my fiance had pineapple and raspberry swirl. They were so yummy! I can’t wait to get a Dole Whip float on our trip to WDW.”

Dole Whip at St. Louis Zoo

DFB Reporter James Armstrong spotted fun magnets while at the Dole Plantation in Hawaii.

Oh, yes, indeed!!

Thanks for sharing your super finds with us!

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book Deal

We’ve got more snacks! The 2014 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available!

It’s time to snag your copy! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is one of the many fun and informative Disney Dining e-Books offered by Disney Food Blog! Now we’ve updated our best-selling DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book for 2014 with even more great information, photos, and…yep!…snacks!

We’ve made this guide instantly downloadable. It’s a PDF guide with photos, information, and advice on well over 150 delicious snacks (over 50 more than in our previous edition!) that you can savor in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back — we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book includes:

Full-color photos of over 150 of our favorite snacks
Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status
Snack locations
“Hidden treats” and add-ons that aren’t published on menus or that aren’t widely known
Disney Food Blog reviews of all snacks
Tips and tricks from experienced snack eaters
Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)

Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars.

Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving!

To thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $2 off its already discounted purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $8.95 (regularly $10.95). The price will go up in three weeks, so grab your copy now! To secure the discount, use code MAGIC14 at the check-out.

For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! 🙂

Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!

Great three awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only…

Bundle for greater savings!

Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers:

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014, PLUS
The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,
The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, AND
The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks

All three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $35.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00.

Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 500 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 40% off here.

Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here!

Thanks for your support of the DFB!

Winnie the Pooh Mug

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

features a classic Pooh ceramic mug!

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups munches on caramel popcorn at Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s Germany pavilion. Crunchy sweetness!

disZine showcases new Disney t-shirts, including a Sunshine Tree Terrace shirt. Love that Orange Bird!

Yesterland highlights the latest Downtown Disney restaurant closures at Walt Disney World.

Disney Parks Blog announces awards from the Southern California Restaurant Writers. Is your favorite Disneyland restaurant on the list?

Bon Appétit talks to a Disney Cruise Line chef aboard the Disney Magic. Check out how the onboard menus are enhanced for Mediterranean sailings!

News! More Popular Restaurants Possibly Coming to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World

By Kim LaPaglia 9 Comments

As expected, we are hearing more news about Disney Springs in Walt Disney World! We recently shared the announcement of a Patina Group Restaurant taking over the 8Trax and Mannequins clubs as the Pleasure Island area of Downtown Disney is completely re-imagined.

Disney Springs Artwork on construction walls

And now we’ve got even more info for ya. If the current plans remain unchanged, we can expect some impressive eateries when Disney Springs officially opens in 2016.

Restaurants that are being considered include: Morimoto (based in New York and Philadelphia) featuring Japanese and sushi; STK (a steakhouse currently in New York, Miami,and Las Vegas); Los Angeles restaurant, The Edison; and The Boathouse.

A Landry’s restaurant, The Boathouse, currently serves up seafood and steak dishes at its British Columbia locations. T-Rex Cafe, Yak and Yeti, and Rainforest Cafe are also owned by Landry’s.

STK

Morimoto, STK, and The Edison are upscale restaurants with award-winning accolades. The addition of these restaurants would help Disney Springs become an Orlando-based culinary destination for gourmands.

What’s happening with the current restaurants? As reported earlier, Planet Hollywood will remain in its current location. However, it will be converted into a planetary observatory! Will the theme change from celebrities to celestial stars? We can’t wait to find out!

If The Boathouse is constructed, it will occupy prime lagoon real estate next to [Read more…]

News: Patina Group Restaurant Opening in Disney World’s Downtown Disney Springs

By Kim LaPaglia 18 Comments

As Downtown Disney continues to transform into Disney Springs, we’ve learned of a new restaurant slated for this dining, shopping, and entertainment district in Walt Disney World.

Disney Springs’ Town Center

Paperwork was filed in Orange County for a permit on two connected venues — the old 8Trax and Mannequin’s clubs on Pleasure Island. According to the permit, a new restaurant owned by the Patina Restaurant Group will take over this space. Plans include “two floors, a new dining area, kitchen [and] cast and guest restrooms.”

This space is pretty large, so we’re wondering if there will be more than just a restaurant? Fingers crossed for more entertainment to come back to Pleasure Island!

Based in Los Angeles, the Patina Restaurant Group already runs two restaurants at Walt Disney World [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World: April 19, 2014!

By Wendy 5 Comments

We’ve got updates this go ’round from several corners of Disney World, ranging from a few small menu changes to big construction projects. But we’re starting with something that is popping up all over no matter where in the World you are: Easter treats! Please join us for another trip to see What’s New!

Easter Treats

From bunny ears to Easter Eggs, we’ve just got to give you a few glances at the Easter snacks popping (or hopping!) up absolutely everywhere around Disney World.

Main Street Confectionery Bakery Case

These particular goodies were spotted in the Main Street Confectionery, but similarly-themed sweets can be found through the Easter holiday at locations such as Big Top Treats, Sweet Spells, Goofy’s Candy Co. and the Candy Cauldron.

Easter treats

And you’ll find this White Chocolate Raspberry bunny-ear cupcake at Quick Service locations all over Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

The Lemon Blueberry Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery has received a spring holiday makeover, too!

Lemon Blueberry Cupcake

We can’t resist giving you one more look at one of the gorgeous chocolate eggs in the Annual Easter Egg Display at the Grand Floridian.

“Frozen” Egg

Back of “Frozen” Egg

These works of art will be on display through April 22nd, and they are worth a special trip to the Grand Floridian if you’re enjoying your Spring Break in Disney World. But if you can’t make it in person, you can check out the full display here.

Downtown Disney

Progress towards the future Disney Springs continues to move forward in Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney Construction

Can you remember when the upcoming location for the West Side Starbucks was both a Wetzel’s Pretzels and a Haagen Dazs Ice Cream store?

West Side Starbucks Construction

Well, their new home is “In Progress,” too! The construction site for the new Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen Dazs location is [Read more…]

What’s New Around the World!

By Wendy 12 Comments

What’s new in your favorite Disney World “chomping grounds”? What’s changed? Read on to find out what we’ve checked out recently!

Downtown Disney

The biggest change over the past week has been the addition of The Smokehouse to Downtown Disney’s West Side. This stop for all-things-barbeque features a lovely outdoor seating area and the chance to enjoy live music.

The Smokehouse

Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with House-made Cole Slaw

Live music!

Signs of bigger changes to come can be spotted all over Downtown Disney as the area delves into its transformation to Disney Springs … and when I say “signs,” I mean actual signs.

We’ll be sharing more in a future post, but the artwork all over Downtown Disney give us an idea of what guests can look forward to in the future.

Artwork depicting the future Disney Springs

Artwork reflecting the West Side Starbucks, opening Spring 2014

A smaller change – yet nearly as significant for fans of “Earl’s” 😉 – is that Earl of Sandwich has added [Read more…]

The Year in Review: Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

By AJ 7 Comments

If you’re a Disney Food Fan, then 2013 has been an exciting year!

We’ve had lots of change, new announcements, and brand new experiences.

So today, we thought we’d take a look back at this year, and review the Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2013!

From new coffee to new restaurants, new technology to new ice cream, we have a ton to cover!

Let’s get started!

1. COFFEE!

When Starbucks and Disney announced in 2012 that the coffee giant would be coming to Disney Parks, the news was huge! And when the first Walt Disney World locations began opening in 2013, the story once again topped the list of Disney food headlines.

Starbucks at Main Street Bakery is Right in the Middle of the Magic

The first location to open was Main Street Bakery on Magic Kingdom’s Main Street USA. While some loyal fans of the historic spot decried the chain store intrusion, many coffee lovers were thrilled that they could now enjoy their favorite brew in the shadow of Cinderella’s Castle.

And with the Main Street cinnamon rolls available at Gaston’s Tavern (at least they claim they’re the same…you can see our cinnamon roll throw down here!), well — at least not all of our favorite goodies are lost.

A Busy Morning at Main Street Bakery

The reopening of Fountain View Cafe in Epcot as the second WDW Starbucks location seemed to ruffle fewer feathers, since the themeing for the futuristic ice cream parlor wasn’t as beloved as Main Street Bakery. Still, patrons were irked with the lack of seating, even if the many, many bays for ordering mean that your java arrives fresh and fast.

Have Your Starbucks in Epcot with a View of Spaceship Earth

But Starbucks wasn’t the only coffee news we debated in 2013. Disney also announced that Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company, headquartered in Tampa, would become the official specialty coffee provider for Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Vacation Club resorts.

Joffrey’s is Named the Official Coffee Brand of Disney Parks

We’ve been enjoying Joffrey’s products for ages at the kiosks throughout the parks, so this was welcome news to many. So far, we are hearing that you seem pleased with the switch from Nescafe to Joffrey’s.

2. RESTAURANT FASTPASS TESTING — AND MORE TECH UPDATES!

Waaaaayyyyy back in January of this year, we first wrote about how we thought My Magic+ would affect Disney Dining.

And before the year was out, we had the opportunity to see just how some of the new technology would work.

One of the most intriguing uses of MyMagic+ technology was the Touch to Pay System. We had an opportunity to put our Magic Bands to work with the new system, and Erin, our Disney Food For Families columnist, documented the process so our readers could be in the know!

Erin Paying with Her Magic Band at Artist Point!

And while we love the Magic Band concept, even cooler is all the Disney food bling that you can get to individualize your bracelet! I’m a sucker for the cupcake!

Magic Band Food Bling

Another rumor that came to fruition was that [Read more…]

News! Food Trucks (AND Disneyland Corn Dogs!!!!) Coming To Downtown Disney Orlando

By Kim LaPaglia 32 Comments

Remember when we wondered “will there be food trucks at Disney Springs?”

Well, now we’ve got answers! And there’s one new addition we’re particularly excited about!

With the announcement of the Downtown Disney renovation including the new name Disney Springs, we were sure hoping that food trucks would roll into the area! And guess what? The first food truck is expected to arrive later this Fall!

Disney Springs' Town Center

In fact, there will be themed food trucks!! Let’s take a closer look at what will be available…

Enchanted Fare Food Truck

Favorite dishes from worldwide Disney Parks will include: Croque Monsieur (Magic Kingdom/Be Our Guest Restaurant) and Glass Noodle Salad (Hong Kong Disneyland).

Croque Monsieur as served at Be Our Guest Restaurant!

But the big news here? WE’RE GETTING THE DISNEYLAND HAND DIPPED CORN DOGS IN DISNEY WORLD!!!!

Disneyland Corn Dog and Fries

Will they be up to snuff?? Who knows. But I can’t wait to try ’em!

The World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

Crowd favorites from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will be offered year-round. Look for tasty eats such as [Read more…]

Review: Cap’n Jack’s at Downtown Disney

By AJ 12 Comments

It’s time to talk about a restaurant that hasn’t yet been on Disney Food Blog! (GASP!!)

Learn About:Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

Time to try out lunch at a Cap’n Jack’s! I’ve been to this spot twice now, and even though it will likely disappear at some point in the next few years with the Downtown Disney / Disney Springs renovation, I still need to tell you about it so that you can run over and get in a meal before it’s too late! 🙂

Looking every inch the waterside Florida seafood restaurant, Cap’n Jack’s is located at Downtown Disney Marketplace and sits right atop a pier overlooking Village Lake. You’re so close to the water that you’ll feel like you’re floating!

Recently, I stopped into Cap’n Jack’s for lunch with a friend. My previous visit wasn’t great, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Will it be hit or miss? Time to find out!

Atmosphere

If you have ever been to a waterside seafood restaurant in your favorite beach resort town, Cap’n Jack’s will at once seem a bit familiar. Housed next to the Downtown Disney Marina, it’s a classic seafood spot!

Captain Jack's Sign

And that sense of history that you feel isn’t purely Disney magic. This restaurant has actually been around since 1975 when Buena Vista Shopping Center — now Downtown Disney Marketplace — originally opened. In Disney terms, that’s a seriously long time!

Within the restaurant, you’ll find fairly standard seating, low ceilings, and wooden floors. This feels like the family-owned seafood restaurant that you’ve been visiting for years.

Wide View of Seating

One thing you typically won’t find at Cap’n Jack’s is [Read more…]

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New! Chicken and Waffles at Fantasy Fare Food Truck in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014

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