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Mickey’s Country House Kitchen

From Chef Mickey’s restaurant to Mickey’s Country House Kitchen, this is one gourmet guy!

Mickey's Country House

You’ll recall our visit to Minnie’s kitchen a couple of weeks ago, so, of course, we had to visit Mickey’s as well! His, however, is a bit less organized…

Mickey's Mess

But we can blame this on the kitchen remodeling contest that Goofy and Donald have entered…using Mickey’s kitchen as their canvas!

toontown fair kitchen remodeling

And, YIKES! Don’t set that towel on fire!

Mickey's Stove

At least Mickey’s shopping list is in order. This looks surprisingly like Minnie’s list… Hmm…

Mickey's Shopping List

Now, if we head outside, we’ll see what Mickey’s been doing while Goofy and Donald have been “remodeling!” He’s been working in his garden, hoping to cultivate some prize-winning veggies for the Toontown Fair!

Welcome to Mickey's Garden

And these are prize-winning pumpkins and tomatoes to be sure!

Mickey's Pumpkins

Mickey's Tomatoes

Hopefully Mickey doesn’t forget where he left those overalls!

Mickey's Garden

Call Good Luck to Mickey as you pass by the judge’s tent and head into his garage!

Huh? What’s this? Seems like even Mickey has some left-over appliances that he doesn’t use anymore and has tossed into his garage! Check out that great juicer!

Mickey's Garage

Thanks for visiting Mickey’s Kitchen with me! We’ll miss it when it’s gone!

Hidden Mickeys in Disney Restaurants

By AJ 4 Comments

The research for this blog began when I noticed a hidden Mickey tucked into a chair at Boma during my Animal Kingdom Lodge Culinary Tour; it’s been all downhill from there! Of course, thanks to all of the Facebook fans and twitter followers who responded to my call for “food-related hidden Mickeys” back in October!

Where possible (and if necessary), I’ve tried to include a photo of the Mickey and a photo of the surrounding area so that it’s easier to find. Not possible with all, unfortunately…

Here we go:

Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom
This was one of my earlier findings, and it’s definitely one of my favorites. You can find it on one of the decorative wooden racks in the lobby of Liberty Tree Tavern — it’s to the right and toward the back as you walk into the lobby.

Blueberry Hidden Mickey at Liberty Tree Tavern

Decorative Rack Containing Blueberry Hidden Mickey

Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge
Ah, the original! I’m not sure if this even qualifies as “hidden,” but I liked it! Some chairs have it, and some chairs don’t — cross your fingers that you get a good one!

Boma Hidden Mickey in Chair

TRex in Downtown Disney
One of Disney’s newer restaurants (stay tuned for my review, coming soon!), TRex includes a moving (yep–moving) Octopus Bar. Look closely at the tentacles, and you’ll see what I saw…

Tentacle Hidden Mickey at TRex

A Wider Shot of the Octopus Bar for Context

Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort
My Dad found this one, but was assured that it’s authentic! It was also mentioned on facebook (Thanks, Kristina!) as a fan favorite! Look up and to the right as you enter the restaurant to see this onion ring hidden Mickey in the decorative border.

Onion Ring Hidden Mickey at Beaches and Cream

Context Shot for Beaches and Cream Hidden Mickey

Goofy’s Candy Company in Downtown Disney
OK, this isn’t technically a restaurant, but you can get some pretty good noms here anyway! NOTE: You can also spot this hidden Mickey in the decor around the Goofy’s Candy Company section of MouseGears in Epcot! (Psst…look closely and you’ll see even more hidden characters…)

Hidden Mickey at Goofy's Candy Company

The Rest of the Hidden Characters at Goofy's Candy Company

Reader Favorites
Thanks again to those who answered the call! Here are some reader-suggested food-related hidden Mickeys!

@aryssabrooke from Twitter
At Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot, you can see how they make Mickey shaped pumpkins and watermelons.

@ArmandNoUsagi from Twitter
I have to say my favorite is at Teppan Edo, When the chef makes a Mickey volcano out of an onion.

Allison Palmer-Gleicher from Facebook
The bread Mickey head in Tony’s — over by the Lady and the Tramp picture behind the fountain.

Tinker Kell from Facebook
My favorite one is on the dog statue near the check-in desk at Mama Melrose’s.

Calling All Hidden Mickey Spotters!
I know for a fact that I haven’t seen nearly all of the Disney dining hidden Mickeys, so I hope you can help me out! Contact me via twitter, facebook, or email with a photo or remembrance of your favorite food-related hidden Mickey, and I’ll add it to this blog. The blog itself will be placed (with great honor) in the special posts section in the right-hand column so that you can keep tabs on the updates.

Disney Food Snack Series: Home-Made Ice Cream Sandwiches

By AJ 20 Comments

Famous Disney Home-Made Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

One of my favorite treats at Disney is the home-made ice cream cookie sandwich. If you haven’t tried this yet, be sure to save a meal (yep! a meal!) for this delicious snack.

I know what you’re thinking: “What’s the big deal about an ice cream sandwich?” The big deal for me is that the cookies are freshly made, and they are HUGE. On top of that, the cast members always kindly pile scoop after scoop of vanilla bean ice cream onto the sandwich.

Grab a knife and split one of these between two people…or maybe even three. I promise your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied!

Disney Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich...From The Side

There are five places to get the home-made ice cream sandwich in Disney World: the Main Street Bakery and Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom, Dino-Bite Snacks in Animal Kingdom, Fountainview Cafe in Epcot, and Hollywood Scoops in Hollywood Studios! Most spots serve only chocolate chip cookies with the sandwich, but the Main Street Bakery has been known to give you the choice of using any type of cookies in the bakery (I’ve often chosen chocolate chip on the bottom and M&M cookie on the top)!

My suggestion: head to Main Street Bakery in the early morning and split the sandwich for breakfast (I know…I’m weird…but it can’t be THAT much worse than a giant cinnamon roll for breakfast, right?), or pop into the Bakery after Wishes and grab an ice cream sandwich while waiting for the Magic Kingdom’s kiss goodnight. It’s a great opportunity for people watching while you wait for the park (and the transportation!) to empty out.

Enjoy!

Disney + Food + Technology = :-D

By AJ 8 Comments

Disney’s been sampling how technology can enhance theme park dining for years. One of my earliest memories is stopping at the Epcot WorldKey under the golf ball to make dinner reservations via the talking head on the screen.

Today, Disney’s continuing to make progress in the information age. The recently launched online Advanced Dining Reservations system and the following tech-y installments are good examples.

Computerized Ordering
You’ll recall a previous post on the Food Blog about the Contemporary Resort Contempo Cafe’s new computerized ordering system. It resembles the made-to-order (“MTO”) ordering system from my favorite gas station chain, Sheetz, and I thought it was fantastic when I got the chance to use it for the first time in February.

As it turns out, Disney’s been adding these ordering systems in several spots throughout the parks and resorts. I’ve got some photos from Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe in the Magic Kingdom and Captain Cook’s quick service restaurant in the Polynesian Resort, as well as the Contempo Cafe photos.

Contempo Cafe Ordering System Instructions

Contempo Cafe Ordering Computer Stations

Contempo Cafe Ordering Screen

Computers for Ordering at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe

Computer Order Screen at Captain Cooks

Captain Cooks Order Screen

Online Ordering
One tech advancement I’m very excited about is Wolfgang Puck Express’ online ordering system. While this isn’t a “Disney innovation,” it is a way to take advantage of technology when dining at Downtown Disney.

If you’re planning on heading to Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace, simply visit their online ordering website in advance. No need to log in, just click on “browse menu” and set a date, then make your choices — even substitutions — online.

Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney

Online Ordering advertisement at Wolfgang Puck Express

Even if you’re headed to Disney World in a few days, you can pre-order what you’d like for lunch when you arrive and have it waiting for you at Downtown Disney as soon as you land at MCO. Brilliant.

Where have you seen technology at work?
If you’ve experienced online or computerized ordering, or have a comment about another dining technology at work, I’d love to hear your story! Contact me via the email form button above!

More Wishes Dessert Party Photos!

By AJ 6 Comments

6/2011 Update: The Wishes Dessert Party can be booked online here. There’s no telling how long the party will be available (it’s been extended far beyond its original trial period).

Goodies at the Wishes Dessert Party

As you know, we were lucky enough to attend a Wishes Dessert Party while in Disney World a few weeks ago! It was a blast, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone who can snag a seat.

To be fair, there have been some negative reviews of the event. These included comments that the service felt rushed, they ran out of items quickly, and there was a long line to get into the actual seating area. I will add that there are several rows of assigned seating, and while we had a seat in the front row, I’m not sure I’d be as happy with the cost if we’d gotten a seat in the back.

During our party, we arrived late (therefore not having to deal with a line to get in), and found that desserts were replenished regularly. Perhaps Disney’s heard some of the complaints and made adjustments accordingly. For us, the show was wonderful, and the desserts were delicious.

Below, you can see photos of many of the desserts, along with labels of what they actually are.

For more information about the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at the Magic Kingdom, which has now been extended through the end of the year, check our Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party info-post. Now on to the photos!

Banana Creme Tart

Tiramisu

Mango Shooter

Classic Cheesecake (delish!)

Rice Krispy Treats

Creme Brulee

Chocolate Cheesecake

Brownies

Raspberry Tart

Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart

Chocolate Truffles

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

My crappy photo of Tinkerbell

There you go!! Hope you enjoyed! 😉 For even more photos, check out our earlier post highlighting pics from our friend Zapperz at My Disney Mania. While ZapperZ’ Wishes Dessert Party Photos are much better than mine, I figured I’d toss mine up here, too! You can never have too many pics of dessert!

For more Wishes Dessert Party information:
Wishes Dessert Party Announced (includes details of the evening)
Wishes Dessert Party Photos!!
Wishes Dessert Party Extended Through October, 2009
Wishes Dessert Party Extended into January 2010
Wishes Dessert Party Confirmed Through End of May
Wishes Dessert Party Booking Through August 2010
Wishes Dessert Party Extended Through December 2010

“Is This Place Ever Open?”: Sunshine Tree Terrace

By AJ 16 Comments

There are three places in Walt Disney World where you can order the coveted pineapple Pineapple Float: Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, Captain Cook’s quick service restaurant at the Polynesian Resort, and here…Sunshine Tree Terrace, also in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland. (Note: Sunshine Tree Terrace no longer serves Pineapple Dole Whip, but the Citrus Swirl is back as of early 2012.)

Sunshine Tree Terrace

Sunshine Tree Terrace was an original fixture in Walt Disney World. With the Florida Citrus Growers (FCG) as a sponsor of the pavilion, this was the place to get orange juice and citrus-based concoctions, including the Citrus Swirl.

Sunshine Tree Terrace Open for Business

The FCGs’ Orange Bird mascot became a well-known fixture in Adventureland, and he appeared as both an audio-animatronic at Sunshine Tree Terrace and as a costumed character outside of the restaurant. The little Orange Bird has been removed from the restaurant’s decor in the years since the FCGs’ sponsorship expired in 1986.

Florida Citrus Growers' Orange Bird

Today, the Sunshine Tree Terrace is the place to get your pineapple float (a “dole whip float” with vanilla soft serve), along with other ice cream floats, slushes, milkshakes, and snacks. You can still get orange juice here, I’m happy to note.

Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu circa 2009

Sunshine Tree Terrace is probably open a bit a bit more often during the year than the other two restaurants highlighted in the “Is This Place Ever Open?” series, but it’s a seasonal restaurant and has rarely been open when I’ve been in the World.

Juice at Sunshine Tree Terrace

A lot of fantastic “vintage Disney” posts have been written about the Sunshine Tree Terrace and the Orange Bird recently, and I’m going to send you over to one of my favorite websites, Widen Your World, to read up on the extensive history of Sunshine Tree Terrace and its Adventureland surroundings.

Orange Bird sticker photo via Jason Liebig‘s flickr stream, creative commons.

Dining In Disney World With Kids: Part 1

By AJ 3 Comments

Introducing the Disney Food BlogDining in Disney World With Kids two-part series! Thanks to Zannaland for guest blogging Part 1, where she includes a few of her favorite family secrets. And stay tuned for tomorrow’s Part 2 in the series, where Disney World Moms Panelists determine the best dining locations for kids of certain ages. There are some very informative and surprising ideas that I think you’ll enjoy!

Parent or not, the wonderful dining options and experiences for kids at Disney World are no secret. But what if you don’t want to spend your entire vacation doing character meals? (Not that there’s anything wrong with those — they offer some of the best food on property!) What I’d like to share are some of the dining secrets we’ve discovered over the years as the best options for something different. They may just become regular favorites for your family!

Best Location For a Nap

Maya Grill – This restaurant became a favorite of ours during a stay at Coronado Springs Resort when we were unable to secure a breakfast reservation anywhere else. We had been to Maya Grill for dinner on its opening night, but hadn’t tried it for breakfast. We were so pleasantly surprised by the food as well as the fact that it was not crowded at all. It was nice to enjoy a peaceful, leisurely breakfast for a change. For that reason, it makes it a great location for a stroller-bound child to enjoy a nap without interruption. The location also makes for some lovely scenery as you walk off your meal.

Columbia Harbor House – Magic Kingdom’s hustle and bustle excitement is sometimes too much for the littlest guests, and all the over-stimulation leads to not wanting to nap at all. Columbia Harbor House is a respite from that stimulation. The dark paneling and dimly lit interior ensure no distractions for tired kids. Even on the hottest of days, it’s always cool and calm inside. Sometimes, the second floor is open for even more secluded dining. Once they wake up, there are some great kids’ favorites here like Mac & Cheese and Chicken Nuggets.

Best Entertainment

Sanaa – Animals are perhaps the most engaging entertainment for little kids. Young kids are just learning different animals’ names and habitats, but even older kids will be fascinated by the on-going show happening just outside the dining room windows at Sanaa, located in Disney’s Kidani Village in Animal Kingdom
Lodge. The best part is the show is completely unpredictable and different each time you visit. Your server is also able to tell you more about the animals as well as the unique cooking options offered at Sanaa, making it a great learning experience for all.

Germany’s Biergarten – One of my fondest childhood memories at Disney World is seeing the German Ocktoberfest show in Epcot’s World Showcase for the first time. More than just the great music and singing, guests are invited onto the dance floor to show off their best polka moves. Wonderful memories and photo opportunities are to be had here watching kids dance with parents and grandparents. It’s also an easy-to-walk-in location if you don’t have reservations.

Best Kids’ Activities

Olivia’s – Disney Food Blog’s recent entry about Olivia’s reminded me of this favorite spot, located at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Amazing food and scenery aside, Olivia’s offers a special treat for all children – Olivia’s Artist of the Day. Upon arrival, kids are given a coloring sheet and crayons to color however they wish. Then they turn in their masterpieces, and twice a day – morning and evening – cast members choose an Artist of the Day. The chosen artwork is displayed at the front hostess stand, and the winning child gets to ring a bell in celebration. Despite the sibling rivalry when my son was chosen first, both kids were chosen during our stay and it made for quite the memorable experience.

Whispering Canyon Cafe Warnings

Whispering Canyon Cafe – This is perhaps not a real secret to many Disney World fans, but I couldn’t pass up talking about it. Whispering Canyon Cafe offers some of the best entertainment around, and there really isn’t a set show at all! Here, your servers are the entertainment, often yelling back and forth to each other and joking around. For even more fun, ask for ketchup. (If you’re shy, sit back and wait for someone else to ask for it; I’ve never been there when someone hasn’t asked for ketchup, and the fun ensues.) There are also several times when kids can engage in pony races using wooden hobby horses. There is definitely no shortage of entertainment for kids and adults here.

A Candy-Lover’s Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

By AJ 16 Comments

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party entrance sign

As you saw with the pumpkins on main street, Disney World hasn’t left the foodies out of the Halloween plans. There’s plenty more where that came from, and I can’t wait to share with you more Halloween food items at Disney World.

But today I want to focus on the real reason why we spend all that money on tickets to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP): the candy.

MNSSHP Trick or Treat bag

The Basics
For those who haven’t yet attended, this year’s party is much like those of past years. Simply request your Trick or Treat bag from the CMs at the front of the park, get your MNSSHP brochure with the candy spots marked, and you’re off. Look for the Goofy’s Candy Company balloons throughout the park and follow the lines to the candy.

MNSSHP Brochure With Map and Showtimes Inside

These Balloons Will Mark Candy Spots

Once you see the balloons, just find the entrance sign for the candy line and follow the crowd.

Trick or Treat Spot Entrance Sign

The actual candy tub will look like this, once you approach. The line will usually split into two lines, each going to one of the two CMs manning candy tubs at each location. Note: Occasionally you’ll see a third candy tub behind the initial two. This one has only raisins, so choose accordingly.

Candy Tub and CMs

The candy haul is pretty good this year — Buttefingers, Dots, Twizzlers, Mike and Ike, Snickers, Now and Later, Sugar Babies, and other name brands are mixed in with the smarties and suckers — and if you’re diligent, you can really fill that bag up! Granted, for the amount you’re paying for the Party tickets you could probably buy a whole shelf of candy at the Walgreen’s, but the experience has always been worth the money for us, even when we go without kids.

Also, this year there are more “indoor” candy spots than in prior years. Be sure to head over to Pirates of the Caribbean — there’s a Trick or Treat location in the Pirates’ League. Of course, the CMs handing out candy are pirates, so be on guard!

Tip to Maximize Your Haul
As has been the case for the last few years, the highest concentration of candy goodness is in Mickey’s Toontown Fair and the subsequent Alice and Mad Hatter’s Treat Party, which is located on the path between Toontown and Tomorrowland.

Toontown Fair

MNSSHP Alice and Mad Hatter Treat Party

Decorated with images from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland (the animated version — not the upcoming Depp-ified, Burton-ified version due in March), this little walkway is rarely crowded, and happens to hold about 3 or 4 trick or treat spots in close proximity. This is also where you might catch a glimpse of the White Rabbit during the evening!

CM Manning the Treat Party

Speaking of characters, in between your Trick or Treating, keep your eyes open for some rarely seen characters at MNSSHP. Lots of Villains abound, and you might catch a glimpse of Tarzan and Jane, or even Snow White, accompanied by ALL SEVEN of her dwarf friends.

Snow White and the Seven (ALL Seven!) Dwarfs

And be sure to catch one of the two showings of the Halloween Boo to You Parade, which is by far one of the best parades on Disney property. Of course, it highlights Goofy and his famous Candy Company!

Goofy's Candy Company Parade Float

MNSSHP has always been one of my favorite Fall activities at Disney World. Trick or Treating is done by ALL, not just the kiddos, so get out there shamelessly with your bag, my friends! And costumes are optional; you’ll blend in with one or without one. The only rule? Have fun!

Still don’t have your tickets to MNSSHP? There are plenty more dates available (even though Halloween is now sold out). Just call 407-WDisney to purchase tickets, or visit DisneyWorld.com’s MNSSHP page!

New Dishes at Liberty Tree Tavern (And We Tried One!)

By AJ 9 Comments

We were over at Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch today and found out about two brand new dishes: Chicken and Dumplings and Salmon Cakes!

New Liberty Tree Tavern Menu Items

The chicken and dumplings was not what we expected, and almost tasted like a very hearty, peppery chicken soup. A bit too homogeneous a taste for an entree (we like some sides with our meals), but not a bad dish.

Liberty Tree Tavern Chicken and Dumplings

Unfortunately, the pasta dish has been taken off the menu.

D23 Expo Reveal: Be Our Guest Restaurant and Gaston’s Tavern!

By AJ 13 Comments

UPDATE: Read about the Opening Date for Be Our Guest Restaurant and Reservations Info!

The rumors from this summer are true! By now, many of you have heard about the incredible re-vamp in store for Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Fantasyland. You’ve heard about Dumbo expanding, the Ariel attraction, and dancing lessons with Cinderella. But what WE like to hear about is the FOOD! And Disney has happily included some new dining establishments in its Fantasyland plans: Be Our Guest Restaurant and Gaston’s Tavern!

Be Our Guest Restaurant:

Be Our Guest Restaurant Concept Art, Beast's Castle

Both dining spots will be in the new Beauty and the Beast area of Fantasyland, and we know for certain that Be Our Guest Restaurant will be a three-room, themed, table-service restaurant in the “Beast’s Castle.” Speculation is that this may be the re-emergence of a restaurant slated for Disneyland Paris’ fantasyland a while back.

Michael, over at Progress City, U.S.A., hypothesized even more for the restaurant in his July 16th, 2009, blog post. This came soon after the initial blueprints for the fantasyland plans were leaked earlier this summer:

What’s really mysterious is the “Be Our Guest Restaurant.” … Could this new restaurant be a revived version of the unrealized dining concept for Disneyland Paris’s Fantasyland, which would feature an animatronic dinner show based on Beauty and the Beast? In that attraction, guests would dine while the Beast’s castle slowly came to life around them; it would be as if they had combined the Enchanted Tiki Room with an actual restaurant. It would certainly be a nice addition to the park.

This sounds like an amazing dining experience. My fingers are crossed!

Gaston’s Tavern:

Gaston's Tavern Concept Art

Also new on the scene is Gaston’s Tavern, which looks like it might be a counter-service or less-expensive table service location. You can see, as Jay Rasulo quipped in his description, Gaston said he likes to decorate with antlers…

From The Source
Here’s the YouTube video of Jay Rasulo’s speech on the subject! Enjoy!

Other info welcome!
If you were at the Expo or know anything more about these two dining spots, let us know. I can’t wait to hear more.

You can contact me via facebook, twitter, or email. Thanks!

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