Food and Wine Festival | the disney food blog

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival FIRST LOOK!

Woo-hoo! We were SO excited to hear that the California Adventure Food and Wine Festival was coming out of hiatus this year. And I’m thrilled to report that it’s AWESOME!

Yep — the festival, which runs in Disney California Adventure in Disneyland Resort on weekends through May 1, opened for business yesterday. And DFB was there to explore!

Food and Wine Festival Signage

Yesterday, we mostly explored the brand new food booths that are debuting at the festival for the first time. Those of you familiar with the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in Walt Disney World will know the set-up. Small booths featuring several tapas-sized menu items and selected beverages are set up around the festival. This is the first time that the California festival has done this, so we were super excited to check it out.

Here’s what we sampled and tasted yesterday!

[Read more…]

Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Event Booking Now Available!

By AJ Leave a Comment

You KNOW how excited I am about the return of the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, right? Well, if you’re with me on that — and can’t wait ’til it starts NEXT MONTH (!!!!!) — I’m happy to let you know that booking is now available for the Festival events!

Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Events

There are currently two types of bookable events at the Festival this year: the Beverage Seminars and the Celebrity Kitchen events. Both can currently be booked at Disneyland.com and require pre-payment.

Beverage Seminars

DCAFWF Beverage Seminars are built to showcase the art and science behind some of the world’s most popular adult beverages. Up to 75 guests will enjoy a 45-minute lesson led by an expert winemaker, sommelier, brewmaster or industry expert. The outdoor seminars take place on the Sonoma Terrace at Golden Vine Winery and include up to 3 sample tastings!

When: Fridays: 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Saturdays: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Sundays: 12:00, 2:00, 4:00 & 6:00 PM
Where: Sonoma Terrace, located at Golden Vine
Winery, Disney California Adventure Park
Price: $15 per person, plus tax

See a full list of Beverage Seminar dates, times, and presenters here!

Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Beverage Seminar

Celebrity Kitchen

On Stage 17, celebrity chefs like Robert Irvine and Guy Fieri will entertain the audience with a 90-minute demonstration from a demonstration kitchen on the main stage.

[Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Pina Coladas in Disney World

By AJ 4 Comments

It’s time to check in with our awesome reader/photographers over at Disney Food Photo Extravaganza! And we’re starting Happy Hour a little bit early here on DFB today…

Pina CoLAVA

First up, this seriously beautiful Pina CoLAVA from Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort. We agree with the photographer…if you like “Getting Caught in the Rain” this is totally the drink for you!

Photographer: Obelix_22 (Margo Rioux)

Pina CoLAVA from Petals Pool Bar at Disney's Pop Century Resort

DragonBerry Colada at Epcot

No discussion of Disney adult drinks would be complete without a trip to the (sigh) Epcot International Food and Wine Festival! This DragonBerry Colada may be diminutive in size, but it’s delicious and packs a punch! And with World Showcase as the backdrop, how can you go wrong? (Click here for the recipe so you can make these at home between Food and Wine Festival trips!)

Photographer: Kelly Tressler

Dragon Berry Colada from the Caribbean Marketplace

Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada

If you like your Pina Coladas without the punch of rum, Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort is the spot for you! Along with amazing Tonga Toast and the Big Kahuna, you can score a creamy Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada that’s just right 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…]

Free Disney Facebook Timeline Covers — Food-Themed!

By AJ 13 Comments

How many of you are on facebook? And how many of you have switched to the new Facebook “timeline” feature? Well, this post is for YOU! It’s time to add some Disney Food Magic to your Facebook page courtesy of photographer extraordinaire Tom Bricker, from DisneyTouristBlog.com.

Below, you’ll find fabulous food cover photos from Disneyland and Walt Disney World. These photos are all the optimal size to fit the new Facebook timeline. NOTE: See the instructions below for how to upload the photos into your Timeline.

Unlike most free Facebook Cover providers, Tom will not be adding watermarks to these Covers; in lieu of that, be sure to give him credit by adding a comment to the entry on your Timeline indicating that you’ve added or changed your cover stating “New Cover provided free, courtesy of http://DisneyTouristBlog.com. Check it out for great Disney Facebook Covers!”

Dole Whip
It’s the classic snack found in both Disneyland and Disney World — we love the pineapple flavor!

Hollywood Brown Derby
The celebrity caricatures on the walls of the Hollywood Brown Derby are a great conversation piece while you’re enjoying your meal (or grapefruit cake!).

Main Street Bakery
This turn of the century decor in the Main Street Bakery is very welcoming. Also, inviting? The [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 25, 2011

By AJ 1 Comment

OK, all! We’re here in Walt Disney World for the Happiest Time of the Year! Stay tuned to see lots of tweets and facebook updates from us as we wander around the World.

And we’ll, of course, bring you more-than-you-thought-possible kinds of coverage of the Epcot Food & Wine Festival here on the blog! Don’t forget to start planning your trip now by checking out our individual World Showcase Booth pages — they’re already sporting photos of the food you can purchase!

(Don’t care about the Food and Wine Festival? Fear not! We’re prepping Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and Disneyland Paris reviews for the next couple of weeks, too!)

Latest Disney Food News

We’ve interviewed seminar leaders for the Second Annual Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. Learn what to expect from the Beer, Mixology, and Spanish Wines seminars!
Iron Chef Cat Cora’s Kitchen Memories event has been canceled at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
A new menu was recently discovered at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You’ll see our review of the famed Picnic Burger this week!
Shula’s Steak House takes the “Best of Award of Excellence” recognition for their extensive wine list in Wine Spectator Magazine’s annual Wine List Awards.
Foodies will find another delicious event in Orlando this fall! The Waldorf Astoria Orlando will host Orlando Food & Wine Weekends, Sept. 30 – Oct. 30, 2011.
The Disney Food Blog is creating a series of e-books highlighting Disney Dining Adventures. Check out an example and learn how YOU can be a part of our next Disney Dining Adventures e-Book!
Check out the 2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon Finish Line Party Brochure and Map! Get set for an evening of fun in Epcot!

The DFB Mini-Guide to the 2011 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book Reviews

We’re honored that our newest Mini-Guide is getting such positive reviews!

Jackie’s Magical Moments has this to say:
The last time I went to the Festival, I didn’t do any of the special events, I didn’t know what to expect at all. I felt like I’d missed everything. It doesn’t have to be that way and you can make the very most of everything if you’re prepared, even if you only have a couple of days. This guide is a MUST-HAVE if you are attending….

Check out the rest of the review to learn several reasons why the mini-guide is a must for your Food & Wine planning.

Thanks, Jackie!

And Now…On to the Round-Up!

Gorillas Don’t Blog

shows us Big Al making popcorn!

DisZine reports that the Cake Boss will appear at this year’s Food and Wine Festival. See a video of Buddy and Pam Brandon here!

Kevin Kidney will be at WDW on September 30 and October 1st! Check out the Haunted Mansion themed item that he created for an auction.

Main Street Gazette features one of our favorite Fall treats in Disney World!

Healthy Disney highlights vegetarian options at Wolfgang Puck Express.

Touringplans.com Blog lets us escape to the Territory Lounge. We love a great place to relax!

DisneyParks Blog shares Club 33’s recipe for pumpkin beignets! Impress your friends with these treats at your Halloween party.

We’ll see you at the Festival!

9 Top Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths

By AJ 7 Comments

The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is now less than a month away! And we asked Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans on facebook to share their personal tips for navigating the festival!

We received some valuable information that has been Festival-tested! For example, Michelle O. shared a personal experience warning of the dangers of sipping around the world before attending a seminar on The World’s Sharpest Knife. Learn from her experience. Bring first-aid or sip AFTER the knife session!

Here are a few more tried and tested tips…

Tip #1: Share

Facebook Fans Michelle J. and Susan S. advise Festival-goers to share their eats with family and friends. Joline S. agrees: “Share what you buy so you have enough room to try more things.”

Heather P. likes to share too! “If you want to try more than one item at each booth have everyone that is with you order something different so that you all can have a taste.”

Sharing is Caring at the Ireland Booth: Lava Cake, Fisherman's Pie, and Meade

Tip #2: Meal Planning and Touring Strategies

Sometimes planning ahead and taking your time while at the festival are the best ways to make sure you’ll be able to sample everything that you want. (Psst… taking a look at our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Food Photos will help with the planning ahead!)

Christopher N. has mastered a dining (and grazing!) technique: “We plan a day where our lunch and dinner dining is at the festival booths. We start at one end of World Showcase with a preplanned idea of what items we want to try. We take our time and [Read more…]

Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend Step-by-Step Guide

By Kim LaPaglia 8 Comments

Let us help you gear up for the Wine and Dine Half Marathon weekend being held September 30 – October 1, 2011! Whether you are racing in the 5K or the half marathon, or cheering on a participant, this weekend will also offer time to dine on international foods at the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Be sure to check out our Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend pages for all the info you need!

Calendar of Events

Friday, September 30

Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Expo

Jostens Center at ESPN Wide World of Sports 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Expo is a two-day event filled with fun, fitness and food! This is where runners will register for the weekend events, pick up numbers and goody bags, and attend any seminars or events having to do with the races.

Pre-Race: Race waiver forms are ready to be downloaded and printed. Fill out the waiver and bring it with you to the Expo so you can receive your race number. Go ahead and take care of it out now! Pack the waiver with your other race essentials. Download here.

Now is a good time to review your Half Marathon, Half Marathon Relay, Family 5K, and Disney Kids’ Final Race Instructions. Unable to attend Packet Pick-Up? See Absentee instructions.

Will you wear a costume? Costumes are permitted in the Half Marathon. No face masks and costumes must not “be questionable or offensive” to others.

Transportation: Buses from Host Resorts will leave every 20 minutes. Look for runDisney logo in the front window of bus. Buses will run from one half hour prior to Expo opening until one half hour after Expo closing.

Step 1: Pick up your race packet at the HP Field House, then proceed to the Jostens Center for your t-shirt and goody bag.

Note: Your race packet should contain Half Marathon Bib Number with B-tag attached, Bag Check Sticker, Finish Line Party Guide, Finish Line Party Wristband, $10 Disney Gift Card, Pre-purchased commemorative pin if applicable.

Step 2: Pick up pre-purchased items. You will need to show your ID to pick up your items including commemorative Ears.

Step 3: Purchase any tickets needed for [Read more…]

WDW Foodie Fest News: Special Room Rate and Free Upgrade at WDW Dolphin

By AJ 7 Comments

The 2011 WDW Foodie Fest is right around the corner, and we hope to see you there! We’ve got food and fun scheduled for October 2 – 8, 2011, the first week of the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, so take a look at WDW Foodie Fest’s Schedule of Events to see when you might be able to join the party!

As part of the WDW Foodie Fest, Disney Food Blog readers can arrange a special discount and room upgrade at the WDW Dolphin resort.

The WDW Dolphin is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the Yacht and Beach Club Resort, where our main WDW Foodie Fest event in Ariel’s will take place on October 2nd. In addition, you’ll only be a short walk away from all the foodie fun taking place in Epcot for the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can’t get a better location than this!

Disney World Dolphin Resort

Disney Food Blog readers can book for $199 per night AND automatically receive a complimentary upgrade to the next room category!

Stay at the WDW Dolphin any dates between
October 1 – October 9, 2011
to be eligible for this rate.

To book, call 888-828-8850 and ask for code FOODFEST

Also, don’t forget that the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic will be coinciding with the Friday and Saturday of WDW Foodie Fest, so you’ll have the prime spot to take advantage of that great event! (We’ll even have a WDW Foodie Fest meet-up there during the Classic, so stay tuned for details.)

Please note this special rate is only for the WDW Dolphin.

Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 26, 2011

By AJ 5 Comments

Happy Summer! If you’ve been on vacation or spent a day by the pool, you may have missed some of this week’s Disney food news. We’ve gathered it here for your easy reading!

2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News

This week’s updates on Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival!

See our Exclusive interview with Marianne Hunnel, the brains behind the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Chocolate seminars set to debut in this year’s festival!
Mixology seminars will be a nightly occurrence at the Festival Center this year!
Details and dates of Special Events have been released, including booking information and discount information!

We have always updated, in-depth coverage of the 2011 Epcot Food and Wine Festival here!

Summer Sale on the Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining!

Not sure whether the Disney Dining Plan is for you? What will be the best use for your DDP credits? Which restaurants are kid-friendly? Where can I get food in the middle of the night in Disney World?

You’ve got Disney dining questions! We’ve got answers! Get your guide now with our 20% off Start of Summer sale!

Order YOUR copy of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining here — use code SUMMER at check-out to get 20% off!

Now, On to the Round-Up!

Kevin Kidney

works on artistic touches inside Trader Sam’s! Amazing!

Disney Contemporary reminisces about the Concourse Steakhouse which closed in 2008.

Main Street Gazette reviews the Angus cheeseburger at Pecos Bill!

Disney Parks Blog reminisces about the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’s long-standing home, Pioneer Hall!

All Ears reviews the recent Tables in Wonderland Illuminations Dessert Party.

4Parks1Blog.com highlights Disney Pub Crawls in a two part series. Part 1 and Part 2.

NY Times reveals a BabyCakes doughnut recipe. Try these gluten-free treats at home!

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Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival FIRST LOOK!

Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Event Booking Now Available!