food IS a theme park
You know it! You love it! You have to have it! It’s Dole Whip (affectionately called Pineapple Soft Serve a lot of the time), and it’s been a staple of Walt Disney World for years. Of course you know where you can find it in Adventureland at Aloha Isle (Disney World) and the Tiki Juice Bar (Disneyland) in the shadows of the Tiki Room (you can even bring your sweet treat inside to eat during the show!).
Dole Whip at Aloha Isle
has become a destination all its own within Epcot’s Germany Pavilion.
And with good reason! Even among the Pavilion’s diverse offerings within Biergarten (a Table Service buffet complete with festive entertainment), Sommerfest (the Counter Service spot with NUDEL GRATINNNNN), and Bier Carts and Hovels, Karamell-Küche focuses on one thing, and one thing only:
CARAMEL!
From seriously addictive Caramel Corn to Caramel Bacon Squares to the ah-mazing Caramel Pecan Bar (you gotta try it!), it’s hard to take in all the different iterations of caramel treats tucked within the Caramel Kitchen’s bakery case.
And speaking of different iterations… I noticed a change to one of my favorite golden treats on my last visit when I spotted a sign for the Caramel Butter Bar. It was front and center ahead of what looked suspiciously like the old Caramel Covered Shortbread — also previously known as the Chewy Caramel Bar.
Caramel Butter Bar
I wasn’t super concerned at first because this particular snack has been known by a few different names over the years, but basically remained a dependable combo of thick caramel poured atop and in between layers of buttery shortbread.
I figured I was good to go because the “new” Caramel Butter Bar looks… virtually identical to its predecessor. See? [Read more…]
One of the great, simple joys of visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is grabbing a Mickey Pretzel in the shadow of Cinderella Castle. And not just because Mickey Pretzels come with a container of cheese (although that’s also idyllic). It’s just such a sweet moment.
Mickey Pretzel and Cinderella’s Castle
Churros! Cookies and Cream! Chocolate Sauce!
Now that we have your attention, we really think you need to know that Tortuga Tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is now serving Cookies ‘n Cream Churros!
Tortuga Tavern is a seasonally open spot, but even with a limited run — and, quite often, a limited menu — they can still churn out some surprises. Now that Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe has taken over the Mexican food offerings that used to be available at Tortuga Tavern before its brief turn as a BBQ spot, the Tavern now features selections like Turkey Legs and Hot Dogs, which you can also find at other locations in the park.
But the Cookies ‘n Cream Churros? These are all-new, and can only be found at Tortuga Tavern!
Tortuga Tavern Menu
That’s right! Tortuga Tavern has traded Cookies ‘n Cream Gelato for Cookies ‘n Cream Churros!
Your serving of warm, chocolatey, churro goodness is actually a plate of eight mini churros (similar in serving style to the Churros you’ll find at Pecos Bill’s). They come with a pre-packaged container of chocolate sauce, in case you need even more chocolate.
Cookies and Cream Churros
Which, of course, YOU TOTALLY DO.
The cream comes in the center of the churro bites, and it makes them a bit more dense in the center than your typical Churro. But the chocolate and cream flavor is terrific (straight up Oreo, really), and the outside texture still offers that slightly crunchy churro crisp.
Cookies and Cream Churro Close Up
We aren’t sure how long guests can expect to see these on the menu, since the one thing constant at Tortuga Tavern is change. But — just like the other parks — Magic Kingdom is getting ready for the Holiday crowds, so hopefully these will stick around for the duration of the season!
What’s your favorite iteration of the Churro? Tell us about it so we can crave them even more than usual!
Today, I bring you a Tale of Two Cupcakes.
One wonderful, the other… not so much (as in REALLY not so much). You can find them both at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot.
Sunshine Seasons is a much-beloved quick service spot where guests rave about the variety of options, the use of ingredients from the neighboring Living With The Land, and the desserts. You already know how we feel about the Strawberry Shortcake here. And the seasonal Apple Crisp. And the Mickey Oreo Cheesecake.
The list truly goes on and on — mostly because Sunshine Seasons’ Cast Members go out of their way to create unique treats that represent the seasons and celebrations of Epcot. And we’re always game to try their newest creations.
But, well, allow me to tell the Tale of Two Cupcakes. I’ll begin with the bad news first because I believe it’s always better just to get it over with. The Ursula Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons is… gross.
Ursula Cupcake
The “black mirror” lacquered glaze on the outside is Ursula-approved, I’m sure. The fondant scroll for Ariel’s contract is a cute touch (although we can see Ariel has printed her name, not so much signed it). On top is Ursula’s shell necklace — also the tool used to capture Ariel’s lovely singing voice — and more tentacle-y fondant touches. [Read more…]
There’s a lot to explore — and a lot to love — at Animal Kingdom.
First, of course, is an entire new land, Pandora, and its new quick service restaurant Satu’li Canteen. And there’s Pongu Pongu, where you can snag fun and colorful drinks to sip on while you wait seventeen hours to ride Flight of Passage.
But before Pandora welcomed the masses to a whole new world this past May, the new kids on the block were Tiffins, the park’s first Signature Restaurant known for its creative dishes and incredible theming, and its next door neighbor, Nomad Lounge.
Nomad Lounge quickly became a guest — and DFB! — favorite, from our very first visit due to the peaceful, travel-inspired atmosphere and creative drinks. But Nomad Lounge also serves up small bites alongside beverages like the Leaping Lizard and Hightower Rocks. And the food offerings simply didn’t wow us the way the beverages did in the early days.
But when we heard of a recent addition to the menu — namely, House-Smoked Kobe-Style Brisket Poutine — we knew without a doubt that it was time to grab another bite at Nomad Lounge!
Nomad Lounge is as much a destination for exploration as it is a destination for refreshments. For starters, the decor is designed to evoke stories of travel and includes fantastic banners that celebrate journeys taken by the WDW Animal Kingdom Imagineers themselves.
Travel Banners
Once you look down, you’ll discover some suuuuuper comfy seating located both inside and outside the lounge. [Read more…]
There’s a new pineapple snack in town, and you’re going to want to sit down for this. It’s Pineapple. Upside Down. Cake. With. DOLE WHIP!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Dole Whip!!
Scones often leave me a little… underwhelmed. If they aren’t done well, they can be dry and bread-y and not very sweet. With so many other awesome treats to try (like cupcakes!), I just struggle to muster much enthusiasm for biscuit’s sometimes-dried-out cousin.
But I might have to eat my words — AND a scone! — because I’ve found one to be pretty darn excited about! It’s the Mickey Birthday Cake Scone!!
Mickey Birthday Cake Scone at Goofy’s Candy Co.
So, Happy Birthday — or UN-Birthday — to you and me!
It’s perfectly Mickey shaped, with totally munchable ears. A drizzle of hardened glaze adds some sweetness, and the colorful sprinkles are festive. [Read more…]
Depending on where you are in the country, school has been back in session for at least a week. Pumpkin Spiced beverages are up for grabs everywhere, and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is ON.
Halloween Decorations in Magic Kingdom
Which means it’s time to say…. Happy Fall, Y’all! And when it comes to autumn in Disney World, there’s so much to see and do… and EAT!
Y’all! Free Pastry Alert! Free Pastry Alert! (Note to self: make “Free Pastry Alert” a thing.)
If you’re a fan of Amorette’s Patisserie (or been jonesing to give it a try!), this is a fun way to get not only a great souvenir but also a spectacular pastry! We’re not sure how long this will be in effect, but at present, you can get a free Amorette’s pastry(!) with the purchase of a caricature!
Caricature Stand at Amorette’s Patisserie
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