food IS a theme park
Happy Spring! At least, it’s Spring in Disney World where temperatures are starting to rise once more with warm days leading into gorgeous nights!
Springtime Treats at Main Street Confectionery
No matter what the thermometer says in your neck of the woods, why not enjoy a bit of spring with us here at the DFB as we travel all over Disney World to find out What’s New!? [Read more…]
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…”
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!
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
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…]
For all the attention that the extremely well-themed dining spots in New Fantasyland receive, Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom’s original Fantasyland is certainly not short of its own charms.
There are even a few special surprises to know about if you pop in here for lunch or a snack! We’ll tell you about those later!
But even if you don’t intend to partake in one of the flatbreads – this spot’s main entrée – it’s worth a stop to at least pop in and take a look at some of the artwork that covers the walls, especially for fans of classic Disney animation.
A similar Pinocchio restaurant is included in several of the Disney parks around the world, and all of them feature incredible themeing like this!
Geppetto Mural
“Give a little whistle”
One small touch that I appreciate at Pinocchio’s is how characters from the film are often incorporated into a few of the offerings; in particular, it’s the slushes as of late.
Previously home to Pinocchio’s Punch and Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, the menu currently features Lemonade Slush, “a favorite of Pinocchio’s,” and Blue Raspberry Slush, “a favorite of the Blue Fairy.” (By the way, it’s not designated on the menu, but these slushes are good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.)
Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush
Being nothing if not a complete sucker for stuff like this, I placed my order for the Blue Fairy’s favorite, the Blue Raspberry Slush! And, WOW… is this thing ever BLUE! It is every bit as blue as Jiminy Cricket’s Slush was so very, VERY green.
Blue Raspberry Slush
You’ll find a frozen Blue Raspberry beverage over at The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland, as well as a few other spots all over the Parks (think Drinkwallah in Animal Kingdom, or Peevy’s Polar Pipeline in Hollywood Studios). However, their hue is closer to an icee-style slush that you may be familiar with, like this…
Blue Raspberry Frozen Beverage at The Lunching Pad
The Blue Fairy’s Slush is a decidedly bold and nearly cobalt blue, and it comes topped with whipped cream drizzled with raspberry syrup. It’s actually sort of pretty if you can get past the un-naturalness of the whole thing 😉 .
Blue Raspberry Slush
Whipped cream and raspberry drizzle
The flavor of the raspberry drizzle is a lighter flavor much like blue cotton candy. Once you get beyond the whipped cream, though, there is not one thing [Read more…]
Today we’re talking everything from Mac & Cheese to Mine Trains, and from slushes to steins. Please join us for another trip around the World to see What’s New!
made waves around New Year’s when the menu changed to feature some very unique styles of Macaroni and Cheese, while hot dogs remained available as a choice. Well, they’ve been brought together in the form of a Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Dog.
Friar’s Nook Menu
Why not, right? They had all the ingredients handy since they introduced all that Mac & Cheese goodness to the menu, and it’s always a lovely thing to find more Mac & Cheese Hot Dogs available at Disney World!
The Omnipresent Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog
But something a bit more unexpected has also arrived: Pot Roast Macaroni & Cheese has replaced the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (whaaaat…?!?).
Pot Roast Mac & Cheese at Friar’s Nook
Soooo, what’s it like? Stay tuned for our review!
Pinocchio Village Haus has reopened since its refurbishment. This Magic Kingdom Counter Service restaurant is known for its many rooms with beautiful artwork honoring the film Pinocchio, and it appears the refurbishment was just a general spruce-up with no major changes.
Pinocchio Village Haus
The entrée menu continues to feature flatbreads, and there are only small changes to report.
Pinocchio Village Haus Menu
Those changes are found on the back of the menu: Lemonade Slush and Blue Raspberry Slush have replaced Pinocchio Punch (though you can find the same beverage at Sunshine Tree Terrace: All-Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam).
Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush
No sign of that Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, either, but the Slushes here do tend to change with some frequency, so we’ll see if Pinocchio’s conscience makes a return one of these days…
Liberty Square Market often reveals some surprises in the small signs around the registers in addition to the more permanent offerings listed on the hanging menu. While this snack stand has had Slushes available for a long time, on my most recent visit they were also offered in the souvenir Horseman’s Stein.
Additional items available at Liberty Square Market
The stein itself has been available at Sleepy Hollow, but this was the first time I’d noticed it here. I adore anything to do with the old Ichabod Crane and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow film, so seeing this piece in other places makes me smile.
Horseman’s Stein
Sing it with me! “He’s the new school master! What’s his name? Ichabod! Ichabo-od Craaaaaane!”
Horseman’s Stein
There’s one more spot where you can grab a Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae (affectionately known here on the DFB as the “Mickey Pants Sundae”). This sign was spotted at the check-in counter for the Plaza Restaurant.
Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae
While these aren’t limited to the Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Emporium is the first place we first got to see the new line Princess and Villain mugs. On a more recent visit, we spied the remainder of the collection! Here is the Cinderella mug…
Cinderella Mug
Cinderella Mug
… and while the general design differs, we thought you might like to see the new Maleficent and Evil Queen mugs, too!
Front AND Back of Maleficent mug
Evil Queen Mug
And among all these small changes, we sure can’t ignore the biggest change of all! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster was dedicated in New Fantasyland on May 2nd, with the official opening date for the public announced for May 28th.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Hollywood Studios is preparing for Star Wars Weekends 2014 beginning on May 16, and two all-new Star Wars Character Meals have already made their debut in advance of the celebration!
Breakfast is being served at Sci-Fi Dine-In with Darth Vader and some of his fellow Dark Siders at the Star Wars Galactic Dine In.
Star Wars Galactic Dine In sign
While over at Hollywood and Vine, Jedi Mickey and pals joined guests for dinner at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine! Check out our full review of this special event!
Jedi Mickey!!!!
Ewok Chip and Dale welcome you!
Even with all this going on, Hollywood Studios has still managed to remember [Read more…]
2014 is already proving to be a delectable year at Walt Disney World!
We’re SO excited to bring you a FULL review of Epcot’s NEW Spice Road Table tomorrow. Are you just as hyped as I am?!
But for now, check out some of the fruity treats and drinks that we sampled!
Renovated venues are also in the mix this Disney Food News week; of course, we headed to End Zone Food Court at All-Star Sports to sample the new burger bar. Yum!
On our (and your!!) travels around Disney World, new eats have been spotted at some of our favorite locations — including Friar’s Nook and Pinocchio’s Village Haus.
Join us by following the links below. We can’t wait to share all of the details with you!!
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!
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!
Deirdre enjoyed an Oreo Bon Bon cupcake from the BoardWalk Bakery. We love when Facebook friends share their treats with us!
Oreo Bon Bon Cupcake
Facebook friend Christian sent us the S’mores Bake from Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Disneyland — “Pouring s’more chocolate on the HUGE s’mores bake at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Disneyland. Baked fresh. The server recommends ordering this 30min in advanced during our meal.”
S’more chocolate!
Thanks for the Disney food pics; keep em’ coming!
Headed to Disney World soon? Pick up our 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for $4 off using code DINE! With this pre-order, you’ll get the 2013 Guide instantly — for free!
This comprehensive e-Book offers over 400 pages of expert information, color photographs, advice, reviews, and details about Dining in Disney World. And these awesome bonus items are included:
Pick up your copy today with code DINE for a $4 discount! As a downloadable PDF, the [Read more…]
We’ve been talking a lot about new restaurants and new menu items these past few weeks, but for many Disney food fans the long-lost favorites really stick in their memories.
I decided that we need to pay tribute to some of these famous dishes and want to find out: What are your most-missed extinct Disney dishes? I’ll start the ball rolling with a few of my own!
UPDATE –> This one is back!! Woo!!
This is, no doubt, my most missed dish in a Disney restaurant. While it’s meant to be shared, you know I ordered one all for myself when I visited 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Fried Boursin Cheese at 50\’s Prime Time Cafe
This is basically herb cheese spread that’s fried and served with fruit and bread crisps. Pretty standard, eh? But that warm, creamy cheese coupled with the sweet fresh fruit was the perfect starter!
There have been several appetizer changes at ‘Ohana in the past several years, but the most devastating has to be the switch from scalloped potatoes to noodles. (You can read the whole, sad story here…in fact, please do, because I’m uncharacteristically funny in that blog post and it will change your whole perception of me, I promise.)
RIP Scalloped Potatoes (photo courtesy Brett Young)
You know I love Lemon Curd, so to have an entire dessert based around the stuff at Jiko in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was quite a find. And when they added [Read more…]
We threw out an inquiry asking for favorite Disney soups and got back a crockful of great ideas! Soups are satisfying meals and hearty snacks and can really warm you up on a chilly park day. Disney’s been working overtime creating memorable ones!
Thanks to our DFB readers and Facebook Friends for sharing their soup suggestions via the Disney Food Blog Facebook page!
Gorgonzola Onion Soup with Pear and Bacon Garnish at Grand Floridian Cafe
The hands down favorite soup mentioned was the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup at Epcot’s Le Cellier. Honorable mentions go to the soup selection at Boma and the French Onion Soup at Les Chefs de France.
Let’s take a look at the winners, then drool over the runners-up and a few of my own new favorites!
Made with Moosehead beer and bacon, the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup is one of the reasons you should secure a coveted reservation at Le Cellier!
Sooth your soup craving and try the Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe at home.
Cheddar Cheese Soup at Le Cellier Steakhouse
Kathy B. exclaims “It is the BOMB!!!”
Margaret C. even has a cost-saving tip. She suggests [Read more…]
The amazing Sarah Holodick is back with more mouth-watering food reviews!! Sarah stopped by the Friar’s Nook and Pinocchio’s Village Haus on a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Stay tuned next week for another review from Sarah of a spot not too far from these two… . Take it away, Sarah!Friar’s Nook: Freshly Made Potato Chips
When I heard about Friar’s Nook serving freshly made potato chips, I knew I had to give them a try. I was very happy to find out that they are available with toppings as well. There are two varieties available: chili and cheese; or cheese, bacon, and ranch. They had me at bacon, so here are the chips in all their cheesy, bacony, ranchy glory!
Chips with toppings
These chips were delicious! The potatoes are cut a bit on the thick side and fried to crunchy, golden brown perfection. They are lightly salted then smothered with plastic cheese, tasty ranch, and crispy bacon.
Needless to say these chips didn’t last very long! They were a perfect snack — non-greasy, and surprisingly light. I think it will be difficult to take a trip to the Magic Kingdom without placing an order for these!
Editor’s Note: Some say these are the replacement for Figaro Fries…yay or nay?
The Pinocchio Village Haus: Mediterranean Salad
After seeing Bill Iadonisi’s review last month here on DFB, I couldn’t stop thinking about that Mediterranean Salad. I was in Magic Kingdom and wanted a quick, light lunch, so I headed over to the Haus to [Read more…]
Let’s welcome back guest reviewer Bill Iadonisi with another insightful and delicious Disney World restaurant review! Bill travels to the Magic Kingdom’s The Pinocchio Village Haus this week, so let’s tag along. Take it away, Bill!
Hello again Food Blog readers! We are back on track reviewing Disney’s amazing array of Counter-service restaurants. This week we mosey over to the Magic Kingdom again, Fantasyland to be exact, and explore another of my favorite watering holes, The Pinocchio Village Haus.
This eatery, like everything else in Disney, is richly themed and has a very interesting back story. So before I begin to explore the cuisine, I would like to acquaint all with this interesting story:
Atmosphere and Story
As all fans know, Pinocchio is the tale of a puppet that comes to life and becomes a real boy when he proves himself truthful, brave and able to tell right from wrong. This story is set in Italy. In fact the name “Pinocchio” in Italian means “Pine Eyes.”
Pinocchio's Village Haus
But the Pinocchio Village Haus has more of a German motif than Italian; even the word “Haus” is German. Why? You can blame Disney chief Illustrator Gustaf Tenggren, who after being hired by Disney in 1936 was given the task of imparting an “Old World” look to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
This influence rolled over into the film Pinocchio, where Old World German architecture won out over [Read more…]
Chocolate Candy Canes at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney food news! Here we gooooo:
**There’re only three days left to vote in our DFB Choice Awards for your favorite Disney restaurants and foods! By voting, you’re helping other Disney Food Blog readers to plan the best possible dining locations for their trips!**
Also, don’t forget to check out our Disney Food Blog Guide to the Holidays in Disney! Lots of fun info and updates…and more on the way!
Now — on to the Round-Up!!
Walt Disney World for Grown-Ups shares a list of some great beer stops in Disney World!
Stitch Kingdom shares news of a Disney patent for interactive cakes! Not sure what that means — take a look!
Outside the Berm uncovers a mysterious photo that might shed some light on the beginnings of Holidayland…
Parkeology hones in on an early “interactive element” at a Disney World counter-service restaurant.
Main St Gazette has photos of those brand new hot dogs at Lunching Pad in Disney World!! Which one do you want to try?
Everything WDW reviews Disney World’s Babycakes NYC.
Disney Parks Blog has an incredible series of photos from restaurants in the nearly finished Disney Dream Cruise Ship! Plus — a bonus video!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
