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What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 3, 2015

We’re taking a quick trip around all four Disney World Parks and then making stops at several Resorts, where a lot of food news seems to be taking place as of late!

But we’re starting our “World”-wide tour at Downtown Disney, and taking a peek at how things are shaping up as the transition towards “Disney Springs” continues on. And we may even take a sneak peek at something coming to our friends in Disneyland on the west coast.

Disney Springs mural

So, are you ready to see What’s New? Good! Because in the words of Peter Pan, “Here we GOOOOOOO…”

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Okay, so we’ve mentioned it a couple of times recently, but that’s because we’re happy that BabyCakes has a new home in Downtown Disney! Located at The Landing of what will be Disney Springs, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC has been up and running since 1 pm on Sunday, February 22nd.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery storefront

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Erin McKenna

Samoa Donut

Featuring gluten-free and vegan baked goods, this is great news for guests on some dietary restrictions. Read our opening day review here!

Flour and Sugar

Speaking of baked goods, Flour and Sugar is a little kiosk that can be found on the newly opened Marketplace Causeway. It sells pre-packaged cookies inspired by various cities in the Sunshine State.

Flour and Sugar

We tried the Siesta Key Key Lime S’more, and we’ll have a review here for you soon!

Key Lime S’more

Disney Springs Construction

All in all, things really seem to be picking up speed in Downtown Disney with the Causeway completed, allowing an easy stroll from spots around T-Rex to the Rainforest Cafe side at the Marketplace.

The Marketplace Causeway

Light post on The Marketplace Causeway

Disney Springs sign

We’ll be sure to take a little tour along the path when we’re back with our Flour and Sugar review! The next thing we have our eyes on? Look for [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 9, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia 1 Comment

We’ve got full reviews of EVERY food item at the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Booths!

Think this is just flowers and plants? No, sir! As of last year, Disney World has planted some serious foodstuffs into the festival…it’s almost as good as Food and Wine! Spiked Dole Whip? Check! Dole Whip on a waffle? Check! Duck Confit with Garlic Potatoes? Check! Kumquat Pie? Check! And so much more.

Check out our FULL Reviews of all the goodies (including the Piggylicious Cupcake!) here!

There’s even more fun food news from Disney; click on the links below!

Disney Food News

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin has announced the Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic for this fall!
Friar’s Nook in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom introduced new Macaroni and Cheese options — check out the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese option.
We reviewed breakfast and lunch at Las Ventanas, the new restaurant at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort!
The Downtown Disney mega food outlet occupied by Pollo Campero, Bodie’s All-American, and Babycakes NYC has an official closing date.
Check out reviews and photos of every single food item and menu in Disney World’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Plus, our picks for MUST EAT treats!
Plus, we have all kinds of delicious tidbits in our latest What’s New in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Food post!

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, 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!

In honor of Frozen’s Oscar wins, we’re featuring Frozen-themed goodies! Little Miss Party Cakes, a Facebook friend, sent in this cake created for her daughter’s birthday.

Frozen Birthday Cake

Also, Facebook friend Tarin put her baking skills to work for her daughter’s birthday.

Frozen Birthday Cake

Thank you for sharing your birthday celebrations. We can’t wait to see what our readers share with us next!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 450 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2014 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

Over 450 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2014
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top 11 Must-Have Snacks for 2014.
An updated section on birthday parties and specialty cakes in Disney World
A comprehensive, 10-page chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2014, including new restaurants, menu updates, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planning
Our picks for the 11 Great Snacks you must try this year
Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates
Bingo Cards
Updates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openings
All new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiences
And much more!

But, of course we’re offering a discount for our Grand Launch week!! Again, to celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBGuide.com and use code: [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World and Disneyland for March 8, 2014!

By Wendy 6 Comments

There’s lots new to see all over the World and the Land! So settle in, friends, and read on!

Hollywood Studios

We’re starting this round at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant!

“…It came from the snack bar”

The House-made Sci-Fi Candy Bar has hit the dessert menu: a white and dark chocolate mousse layered between sponge cake and dipped in chocolate ganache.

Sci Fi Dessert Menu

There have been a couple of additions to 50’s Prime Time Café as well.

50s Prime Time Sign

Another vegetarian entrée has been added to the menu: Sissy’s Vegetarian Favorite Multigrain Spaghetti! “Vegetable Protein and Mushrooms tossed in Marinara Sauce, just like Spaghetti and Meatballs.”

And don’t forget dessert! All your favorites remain, but Old-fashioned Handmade Milk Shakes are listed, featuring the famous “Peanut Butter & Jelly” and the limited time “Red Velvet Cupcake.”

Magic Kingdom

Okay, this next update isn’t about food… it’s just next to food 😉 . But I couldn’t resist [Read more…]

News! and Review: Las Ventanas Makes its Debut at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort

By Wendy 15 Comments

UPDATE: Please note that as of February 2015, Las Ventanas also serves dinner. Advanced Dining Reservations are also accepted.

Guess what! Disney World opened a new restaurant, and we’ve got all the details for you! 🙂

Nope; you won’t find it at the parks. You won’t even find it at Downtown Disney! Nope — it’s at Coronado Springs, a Mexican-themed moderate resort!

Coronado Springs has a few aces up its sleeve when it comes to dining. The Pepper Market has a great reputation for lots of delicious choices in its unique station-style food court, and no one can argue with the margarita flight available at Rix Lounge and Maya Grill. Today, we’re excited to present the Resort’s brand new restaurant: Las Ventanas!

Las Ventanas entry

Well…it’s not exactly new. Las Ventanas has always been the private dining room for Rix Lounge. I guess they just realized they needed more table service offerings for conventioneers!

Las Ventanas is open for breakfast and lunch. It’s tucked in a hallway next to Rix Lounge. Since it’s closer to the Convention Center, if you are staying at Coronado as a non-Convention guest, it could be easy to miss. Thankfully, there is a sign in front of the Pepper Market leading the way.

Pepper Market

Las Ventanas sign with operating hours

Atmosphere

Two things struck me upon entering Las Ventanas. First, the size. It’s small and intimate, due to previously being a private dining room. You’ll nearly be able to see the entire restaurant within these pictures.

Las Ventanas seating

Las Ventanas

There were only 14 or 15 tables in the whole place and, even though the room is small, they were very well-spaced with plenty of room in between each.

Las Ventanas Table

Second, it’s beautiful. Decor is minimalistic. Rather than being filled to the brim with details, things are kept rather simple. This serves to enhance the atmosphere, as you can truly take in the touches that catch your eye.

Las Ventanas Hanging Lamps

Fresh flowers on the table

Wall decoration

One thing I can’t share with you in pictures [Read more…]

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What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 3, 2015