food IS a theme park
Welcome to our roundup of What’s New at Disney’s Contemporary, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian Village Resorts!
Grand Floridian Resort in DIsney World
We’ve got a lot to tell you about, including new menu items (like seasonal BACON) and construction updates!
What’s better than celebrating the start of a new year? Celebrating at Walt Disney World, of course!
View of Fireworks from the Contemporary
Joining the lineup of New Year’s Eve events at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the Riviera Resort are several other parties around Disney World property.
For many, Walt Disney World dining is a central part of the vacation experience, and you know we’re right there with you! And over many, many (did we mention many?) table service meals, we’ve scoped out some of the finest real estate in Disney World restaurants. These are seats that give you a little somethin’ somethin’ — like a view of something spectacular or proximity to the little details. Fireworks view, anyone?
View of Fireworks from the Contemporary
The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2021 is packed full of tips — like over 700 pages worth! And we’ve got a list of Recommended Table Requests you might want to consider on future visits.
It’s been way way WAY too long since I last took in a meal at Narcoossee’s, one of the signature restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort. (With three signature restaurants at that resort, it’s hard to get to all of them on a regular basis! So much rich, wonderful food — SO expensive!)
The restaurant has topped our list of Disney Food News for a couple of brand new offerings lately. You can now enjoy Sunday Waterfront Brunch here. And soon, you’ll be able to take in an evening Wishes Dessert Party from the dock nearby.
But during a recent (extremely quick!) visit to Walt Disney World, I decided it was time to enjoy dinner here once again.
The fairly small restaurant, perched on the edge of the resort where water meets land, boasts stunning views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a seafood-inspired menu. But it tends to be overshadowed by other signature spots, like the nearby California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, or Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian. And so it largely flies under the radar.
My question is always this: in a resort that has two other signature restaurants, is there room for a third?
Read on to learn more about our evening here.
If you’re heading to Narcoossee’s, be prepared for a walk. This is that circular building on stilts that juts out into Seven Seas Lagoon next to the dock at Grand Floridian, so it’s far far away from the entrance to the resort (but a quick walk from the boat dock if you’re coming from Magic Kingdom). [Read more…]
A new viewing opportunity to enjoy Magic Kingdom’s Wishes nighttime fireworks spectacular is making its debut at the Grand Floridian’s Narcoossee’s.
Current view-and-dine parties for Wishes include the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland Terrace, and Ferrytale Wishes: A Fireworks Dessert Cruise. Narcoossee’s is joining the line up by hosting a new Wishes Dessert Party at the Grand Floridian back dock (so during party time, Advance Dining Reservations for Narcoossee’s standard dinner hours of 5:30 to 10:00 pm remain available).
Taking place every Friday — currently available through the month of March — the all-inclusive price of $62.43 per person will include a variety of signature desserts and a selection of wine and cocktails, along with beer, coffee, or tea. The party will begin 30 minutes prior to the evening’s showing of Wishes.
Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees
Interested guests may learn more and reserve this experience by dialing (407) 824-1400 (please note that booking via the Walt Disney World website is not available). [Read more…]
We get a lot of questions from readers here at DFB asking if the Disney Dining Plan is a good deal. One part of answering this question is doing the cut and dry calculations based upon a restaurant’s offerings. But the other part is determining if the restaurant is a good fit for your family. (For example, if Yachtsman Steakhouse offers a great bang for your buck when using the Dining Plan, but you’re a family of vegetarians, it probably isn’t the best choice! ;-D)
We were curious to determine which Disney Signature Restaurants offered the best deal or value pricewise — but also could be recommended by the experts here at DFB for atmosphere and food quality.
Here are our picks for the restaurants that offer the best value for your 2-credit Disney Dining Plan slots.
Have you made your New Year’s Eve plans yet???
New Year’s Eve Toast
Yeah, me neither. But believe it or not, it’s not too soon to start making plans… if you’re planning on ringing in 2016 at Walt Disney World, that is!
In addition to regular dining opportunities in the parks and resorts, special dining events will once again be offered for guests looking for some unique ways to celebrate, and the options appear to have expanded from last year’s offerings.
As you might anticipate, Epcot tops the list for most guests hoping to ring in the new year in one of the parks, thanks to extra special entertainment throughout the day as well as an extended version of the Illuminations Nighttime Spectacular, so the bulk of special New Year’s options take place throughout World Showcase.
However, a few of the Resort restaurants are planning celebrations of their own as well. Here’s the festive rundown (so far! It’s always possible that other events may yet be in store…)
Returning to Epcot this year is the New Year’s Eve at Epcot World ShowPlace dining event. Once again, the event will feature buffet dining set to classic Disney music, and will also feature vignettes for fun photo opps to remember the celebration. [Read more…]
A new dining opportunity is coming to Narcoossee’s, one of the signature restaurants at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort.
A hallmark of Narcoossee’s is the wonderful views it offers of Seven Seas Lagoon, which makes it known as an especially terrific option if you book your Advance Dining Reservation for dinner in coordination with a showtime of Wishes — the Magic Kingdom Fireworks spectacular.
Later this fall, Narcoossee’s will be making the most of its unique setting in the daytime with the new Waterfront Brunch, which will be offered on Sunday mornings beginning November 22, 2015 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The meal will begin with a specialty beverage of either champagne, a Mimosa, or a signature Bloody Mary, while a smoothie option will be available for guests under 21.
Next, a shared basket of pastries will include house-made chocolate and traditional croissants alongside muffins, Danish pastries, and pecan sticky buns, all served with Vermont cultured butter and seasonal jam.
©Disney
Guests will then choose from an appetizer selection including Onion Soup Gratinee, Shrimp and Grits, Seafood Charcuterie, an Artisanal Cheese Selection or a Romaine Salad. Entree choices will include Lobster Eggs Benedict, Brioche French Toast, Chicken and Waffles, Freshly Caught Seasonal Fish, and Steak and Eggs (among others). Brunch will end with a dessert trio. [Read more…]
It’s time for another fun addition to our Disney Food Galleries!
We just love to share photos of all of our favorite foods — and collect them into galleries for easy viewing! Whether your craving is for popcorn, ice cream, or a cupcake, there’s a gallery for you!
And today, we’re introducing a brand new gallery for all of you red meat lovers out there! Yep, we’ve gathered a whole buncha steaks from around Disney World to help you make your choices on your next visit.
Remember, some of these may drop off menus from time to time or have side dishes or preparation changed, but hopefully this will give you a good overview of what’s available! Here we go!
at Disney’s Yacht Club is one of my top picks when it comes to steak at Walt Disney World. After all, they decorate with meat — the first thing you pass en route to your seat is the Steak Trimming Room!
Chefs here pride themselves not only on the very best cuts of meat, but appetizers, side dishes, and desserts inspired by market fresh ingredients. Yachtsman combines the very best of seasonal flavors with the traditional steak experience.
My absolute favorite pick at Yachtsman is the 16-ounce Boneless Ribeye. It is always a melt-in-your-mouth choice.
Ribeye with Herb Fries at Yachtsman Steakhouse
But we are also big fans of the 12-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak, served here with a rich potato gratin stack.
12-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak
at Walt Disney World’s Swan and Dolphin is the kind of place that you think of when you envision an upscale steakhouse. As your eyes adjust to the dim lighting and you check out the menu — printed on a football! — you’ll settle into the refined elegance of your surroundings.
When I have the chance to dine here, I almost always go for my favorite, the 22-ounce Cowboy Ribeye (are you sensing a theme?). The Bone-in Steak has been excellent on every visit. The flavor is unbelievable!
22-ounce Cowboy Ribeye
Looking for a lighter approach to soothe your carnivore cravings? We’ve also enjoyed the Steak Mary Anne. Delicate by steakhouse standards, the 5-ounce medallions are served with a simple demi glace in this case. It’s the perfect plate for the guest who prefers all the flavor of prime, aged beef in a smaller serving.
Steak Mary Anne
If you’re a landlubber like me, then finding a great steak at a restaurant known for fabulous seafood is a dream come true. But it’s not impossible if you’re dining at Flying Fish Cafe.
When I visit, I always order the Char-Crusted Black Angus New York Strip. The creamy Sauce Foyot is such a great accent — and they’re never chintzy with it!
Char-Crusted Black Angus New York Strip
Can’t decide between surf and turf? You don’t have to! Try the two house specialities side by side with the Entree Duo, which features the Char-Crusted Angus New York Strip Steak and the restaurant’s most famous fish dish, the Potato-wrapped Red Snapper.
Entree Duo of Red Snapper and Strip Steak
offers some of the most interesting food at Walt Disney World.
And while I enjoy the fusion of African, Indian, and Meditteranean flavors when it comes to appetizers and desserts, I rarely deviate from my favorite entree: the Oak-Grilled Filet.
Oak-Grilled Filet with Mac and Cheese
And even when their delicious Mac and Cheese isn’t featured as the dish’s side, you can usually score it as a special request (and I totally recommend that you do). 🙂
In the mood for steak with no Advance Dining Reservation? Then head to Epcot’s Liberty Inn. Their New York Strip Steak, served with Red Wine Butter, Roasted Potatoes, and Steamed Broccoli, is surprisingly good.
New York Strip Steak Meal
Even though most of my favorite steaks at Disney World are featured at signature restaurants, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good option at moderately priced restaurants, too, like Sci-Fi Dine-In.
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised by [Read more…]
Many Disney guests agree that the most important Disney Dining Tips lists include one specific piece of advice:
Making Advance Dining Reservations is an absolute must when it comes to planning.
While many seasoned Disney travelers are aware of this, there are lots of folks who visit the parks and are stunned to find no tables available at their top restaurant choices. Don’t worry, it happens to all of us at one time or another…and we’ve got solutions for you!
Today, we’ve updated our list of the most popular Disney restaurants and terrific alternatives if you can’t score a table at your coveted spot!
Let’s take a look at the most elusive restaurants to book these days…
Scoring an Advanced Dining Reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant for their table service dinner can be a daunting task.
Be Our Guest Restaurant Ballroom Dining Room
From the time that they first announced the restaurant’s soft opening until now, we have heard from many readers who haven’t been able to secure a spot at Magic Kingdom’s other castle restaurant (the first being Cinderella’s Royal Table, of course!). Here are a couple of reasons why:
Newness: The biggest reason for this remains the relative novelty of the place. Be Our Guest and all of New Fantasyland are still a hot ticket in Walt Disney World since the expanded land’s grand opening in December 2012.
Incredible, Immersive Themeing: The impeccable themeing means that stepping into Beast’s Castle is truly like climbing through a portal into Beauty and the Beast (the original or the live-action version!). You almost expect to look down and find your plate come to life!
The Grey Stuff — It’s Delicious!
Novelty: The French-inspired cuisine that’s served at Be Our Guest is unlike anything else available in all of Magic Kingdom. In addition, Be Our Guest was the first place in formerly-dry Magic Kingdom to order beer and wine, and that added to the location’s novelty.
So, what to do if you can’t get a reservation at Be Our Guest? [Read more…]
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