food IS a theme park
We’ve been eating our way around Disney World trying some of their 150 new bites and sips!
Contempo Cafe
Contempo Cafe is home to some of our favorite sweets, so our expectations were high when we learned that they would be serving up TWO new desserts for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!
Sprinkles Cupcakes is a fun bakery in Disney Springs (in Disney World) and the Downtown Disney District (at Disneyland Resort) that serves up unique cupcakes, cookies, and more.
Sprinkles Cupcakes
Some locations of this spot even have a cupcake ATM outside where you can buy a treat to go without even stepping inside the store! Each month, you can find some limited-time flavors at this spot. For September, Sprinkles is bringing back a few favorite cupcake flavors — but you’ll have to get there in time to try them all!
Are you planning on hitting up Sprinkles the next time you’re in Disney Springs in Disney World or Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney?
Sprinkles in Disney Springs
I’m willing to bet YES… and if that’s correct, you’re going to want to be in the know about the January CUPCAKE flavors at Sprinkles! [Read more…]
OK, it’s September 1st, and that means fall is (un)officially here!!!
That’s a Pumpkin Spice Latte, btw!
We’ve already spotted TONS of seasonal flavors around Walt Disney World, including the Mozart Chocolate Cream Pumpkin Spice liqueur at EPCOT, prepackaged Halloween treats and hot drinks in new cups. And we also know that Halloween and fall fun are coming back to Magic Kingdom soon!
Fall is going to be a little sweeter this year thanks to the September cupcakes from Sprinkles!
Sprinkles Cupcakes Sign
We have already chatted about the September Pumpkin, Apple Pie, German Chocolate, and Pumpkin Spice Latte cupcakes. And just when we thought Sprinkles had given us all we could ask for, they’re going to be offering a Banana Sugar Cupcake. But there’s a catch…
It’s Fall, ya’ll! You know what that means — all the spicy and sweet treats you can eat in Disney World and Disneyland!
Sprinkles in Disney Springs
Although we really love Halloween candy (we’ve got a stash waiting for us at home), the cupcakes at Sprinkles in Disney Springs and Downtown Disney during this time of the year have our hearts! And, you HAVE to see the flavors being baked up this month!!
Coconut lovers, have I got a treat for you today!
And it’s located someplace rather unexpected: Gasparilla Island Grill in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
You see, Gasparilla Island Grill has never been a spot we’ve visited specifically to seek out dessert. Like, EVER. Gasparilla has always carried a couple of cupcakes in the refrigerated section, like the Pina Colada Cupcake and the German Chocolate Cupcake. But when you consider the fact that some really incredible dessert options are just a quick ride away via the Resort Monorail (like the Peanut Butter Pie at Contempo Cafe, or Dole Whips at Pineapple Lanai), Gasparilla’s offerings usually seemed pretty ho-hum in comparison.
However, when the counter service spot opened up again after its most recent refurbishment (no major changes to the guest area, other than the addition of Coke Freestyle machines), the dessert options had changed. And they’d been enhanced.
Gasaprilla Island Grill entrance
No longer relegated to a small row or two in the refrigerator, desserts now entirely take up a full bakery case next to the more traditional breakfast pastry selections. The cute-as-a-button Minnie Mouse Cupcake stands out right away. [Read more…]
I was in Walt Disney World recently for a quick visit.
And even though it was a super short visit, mostly due to the opening of the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, I HAD to head over to Disney Springs. But — and I know you totally saw this coming! — my first stop was Sprinkles!
I’ve made no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of Sprinkles. So it’s only natural that Sprinkles + Disney equals Dream Come True territory for me.
I love all of their treats — Cupcakes, Cookies, Ice Cream, you name it. And who can resist a Cupcake ATM for your After Hours Cupcake neeeeeeeds??
But today, I’m checking out their Seasonal Cupcake Flavors. And if they look good to you, hightail it over to Sprinkles and get ’em before they’re gone!
(Also, I apologize in advance for all the upcoming Sprinkles posts here on DFB.)
Let’s kick off the party with the Lemon Meringue Cupcake.
Lemon Meringue Cupcake
This one has it all, kids: Marshmallow Icing and Lemon Cake on the outside… [Read more…]
It’s time for lunch at Gasparilla Island Grill in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort!
The Grand Floridian dining scene is primarily defined by unique dining experiences such as Victoria and Albert’s (Disney World’s AAA Five-Diamond Restaurant) and Afternoon Tea as well as two signature restaurants (Citricos and Narcoossee’s) and character meals at 1900 Park Fare. It’s also home to one of my very favorite Disney meals in all of history: the Grand Floridian Burger at the resort’s more casual Table Service restaurant, the Grand Floridian Cafe (the name doesn’t convey the highlight of the dish: it’s the lobster-topped burger you may have heard about).
Even among all that, the Grand Floridian still remains a place where you can grab a quick Counter Service bite 24 hours a day thanks to to Gasparilla Island Grill.
Gasparilla Island Grill sign
The last time we paid a visit it had recently been through a refurbishment, changing from Gasparilla Grill and Games to its current name. While not much has changed in the way of atmosphere since that visit, the menu differs somewhat from its immediate post-refurb offerings, so we’re back to grab a quick bite (or three!) at Gasparilla Island Grill!
Gasaprilla Island Grill entrance
The general vibe at Gasparilla Island Grill is decidedly — and expectedly — Floridian! Creamy colors, pale greens, and lots of natural sunlight keep it airy, while the lush, darker greens and palms associated with the state of Florida are represented in the seating decor.
Gasparilla Island Grill indoor seating
Gasparilla Island Grill indoor seating
Second seating area
At the same time, the resort’s Victorian style is reflected in the light fixtures (check out those hidden Mickeys!), and by a small display of dish and glassware.
Lighting
Lighting
Dish display
Dish display
Though not known for tons of Disney detailing, the basic scene here is very pleasant in that it’s fresh, clean, and simple.
Perhaps the most unique feature to Gasparilla is the amount of high-backed booths lining the perimeter. They do allow for a certain feeling of privacy in what can be a bustling place, depending on the time of day.
Booth seating
Outdoor seating is also available; however, it wasn’t much in use on the day my friend and I visited, due to to some classic spring showers.
Outdoor seating on a rainy day
Once the rain lightened up, I stepped outside once more to [Read more…]
Today we’re headed to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort to check out the newly renovated Gasparilla Island Grill!
This counter service spot, tucked in a corner off of the first floor lobby, offers counter service fare.
Open 24 hours a day, it’s a great amenity for guests who arrive early or late in the day for their Disney visit. It’s also a good option for revelers who are enjoying late or early Extra Magic Hours!
The big news regarding Gasparilla, however, is the recently completed refurbishment that has changed the spot up a bit.
Gasparilla Sign
Let’s head in to see what has changed about this counter service oasis amid the finery of one of Disney’s most expensive resorts.
The Grand Floridian is undergoing lots of construction and refurbishment lately. In addition to the new Disney Vacation Club villas being built and the Beach Pool Bar undergoing updates, Gasparilla was closed from late summer 2012 until early this year, as the space (and the name!) was given an overhaul.
From the outside, however, it still looks very much the same as before. You enter the restaurant through doors from an outside terrace.
Terrace Leading to Gasparilla Island Grill
One complaint guests had about the previous incarnation of this spot was the “Grill and Games” combo. An assortment of arcade games shared space with the seating area. Though convenient for parents, it could get a little loud at times.
The arcade has now been relocated to an adjacent space where the Grand Floridian’s kids’ club used to be. With the arcade gone, the restaurant has been rechristened “Gasparilla Island Grill.” As with many spots around the Grand Floridian, this one takes its name from a Florida locale, Gasparilla Island, a gulf barrier island located on the state’s southwest coast.
Gasparilla Island Grill Entrance
Guests familiar with the old layout of Gasparilla will immediately notice the change to the restaurant’s look. The green and burgundy palette has been replaced with a simpler, more modern green and blue combination.
The seating has been greatly expanded as well, although the actual ordering area remains very similar.
View of the Restaurant Through the Seating Area
Ornate touches remain, however, and these chandeliers are a nice new (almost steampunky) touch. Check out the [Read more…]
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