food IS a theme park
You already know that Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is the place to go for innovative and classic takes on Irish cuisine. And that you can listen to rocking tunes while chowing down on fish and chips. And that there’s an extensive drinks menu here, making it a terrific night out for the grown ups.
Raglan Road
We love snacks. From Dole Whips to French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese, we’ve eaten them all! Multiple times!
Dole Whip at Aloha Isle
Recently, we let you know that Cove Bar’s beloved Mickey’s Fun Wheel cocktail is now available at Alfresco Tasting Terrace (FYI — Neverland Tea and Black Pearl are available now, too!) — and now we’re helping ourselves to some tasty little appetizers at this relaxing and beautiful lounge in Disney California Adventure Park.
Lovely Signage at Alfresco Tasting Terrace
is a great wilderness food stop. Located on the path between Adventureland and Frontierland (and Pecos Bill’s neighbor) in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Golden Oak Outpost features a tiny and frequently-changing menu of mostly fried, delicious grub.
Golden Oak Outpost
We just learned that Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be opening on June 30 — but in the meantime, we’ve searched out What’s New NOW at Hollywood Studios (and nearby Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts!). Let’s gooooooo!
At pop-up bars around the park, guests can order two new seasonal drinks. Baby Blues is comprised of Tito’s Handmade Vodka (SHOUTOUT AUSTIN, TX!), Bacardi Superior Rum, Tanqueray Gin, Blue Curacao, Sweet-and-Sour, and Sprite! And you get a glow cube, of course.
Green Screen is Absolut Pears Vodka, Midori, Pineapple Juice, and Sprite (again with a glow cube!).
(Anyone else as disturbed as I am on the pricing of these?)
Pop Up Bars Seasonal Drinks
Sunshine Seasons is a beloved quick service lunch spot, and with cheerful decor and tons of menu options — including some healthier for you choices — it’s easy to see why.
Plus, it’s located in the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World at Walt Disney World — and every WDW fan knows that’s the spot to ride Soarin’ and Living with the Land. So, you know, you’ll be there anyway. Why not score some good eats?
And good eats they’ve got! We’ve long celebrated the dessert case here, where you can snag such sweet beauties as the Strawberry Shortcake and the Mickey Oreo Cheesecake (which is as adorable as it is yummy). And now the Rose Gold Minnie Ears Cupcake, of course!
The savory options here are awesome, too, with some of the food growing right in the Land’s greenhouses showing up on the menus. One of the things we appreciate most about Sunshine Seasons is that the menu offers a lot of non-standard quick service items. Spicy Fish Tacos and Mongolian Beef are crowd pleasers, and guests with various food preferences and needs will find plenty of options here, too.
Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons
It’s time to let the sun shine in!
Sunshine Seasons can’t be missed — literally. It’s the center of the Land Pavilion and features soarin’ ceilings, bright swaths of fabric, and massive floating globes (in the spirit of hot air balloons). You’ll look down onto the seating area as you make your way down to the lower level (where you find entrances to those rides we mentioned).
Sunshine Seasons from Above
If you’re looking for Garden Grill and its super fun character meal, that’s on the top level across from the pavilion’s entrance (you’ll look straight over the open area below).
But everything else you’re looking for is on the lower level. When you arrive on the lower level, you’ll enter Sunshine Seasons’ ordering area and be greeted by a large menu board. This will give you an overview of the various food stations — including Sandwiches, Asian Noodles, Soup & Salad, and The Grill (and let’s not forget The Bakery!).
Sunshine Seasons Menus — click for larger image
Each ordering area also features an illuminated menu board above the station. And you can see the prepared food and on-going food prep here as well. Trays are located beneath each station so you don’t have to juggle your cupcakes and your rotisserie chicken.
Sunshine Seasons Asian Cuisine Station
There are also grab-and-go stations and designated Kid Zones where the littles can grab their sides and drinks.
Bottled Drinks
Kids Meals Beverages and Sides
Across from the food stations is a long beverage area. You’ll select your beverage before heading to the check out.
Beverage Area
But, y’all, don’t miss the dessert cases. We insist. Some are grab-and-go and some are behind the glass. There are winners in both locations, so peruse and choose.
Grab and Go Desserts
Desserts!
If you’re looking for the Rose Gold Minnie Ears Cupcake, this is where you’ll find it. (We all want to look at her again, so…)
Rose Gold Ears Cupcake
When you’ve made your selections, head to the check-out, where you’ll find a few more grab-and-go options as well.
Check-out
You’ll pass utensils, napkins, and condiments on the way to the seating areas, each of which has sort of an amoebic shape and a low wall encircling it. These seating areas are best seen in their entirety from above. They’re packed with tables and chairs (with some booths along the wall). This is fairly extensive, and it’s typically not too difficult to find a table.
(Here’s a bit of trivia: the different sections are themed to different seasons, so check the table design to see which section you’re sitting in!)
Sunshine Seasons at The Land pavilion in Epcot
During busy meal times, Sunshine Seasons will be hoppin’. It’s a fun and cheerful place to eat — so let’s dig in!
On this visit I ordered a Reuben. This classic sandwich featured layers of Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, and Russian Dressing. The fillings are grilled between great Crusty Bread.
Reuben Sandwich
This was so good. Satisfying and exactly what a Reuben should be. The cheese was melted, the corned beef deliciously salty, and the bread perfectly crisp. This is definitely a solid option for a diner who’s after classic eats. But note that this is pre-made, so unless you’re willing to wait a LONG time, you won’t be able to get one customized to your tastes.
Reuben
Next up, I tried a guest favorite. The Slow-Roasted Pork was substantial. Covered in house-made BBQ sauce, it definitely made an impact on the plate.
Slow-Roasted Pork with BBQ Sauce
The pork itself was delicious; tons of flavor. But that sauce? Holy vinegar, Batman! It was so strong, this was hard to get down. I don’t know if this was a bad batch or of this is the standard level of vinegar in the BBQ sauce, but it was way too much for my taste. It was all I could smell for about an hour after being there!
Slow-Roasted Pork with BBQ Sauce
The sides for the Slow-Roasted Pork are sort of cafeteria-style: a big scoop of Mashed Potatoes (meh) and a piece of Corn on the Cob. But for a picky eater, these would be fine. But if you ARE a picky eater, or choosing a meal for such a person, get that BBQ sauce on the side.
Sides with Slow-Roasted Pork
So maybe we can’t say everything on the menu here is spectacular, but Sunshine Seasons is doing quick service just about as well as anywhere else in terms of selection and diversity of options. And we really appreciate that. Plus the desserts are not to be missed. I mean…
Flower Pot Cupcake
Sunshine Seasons is for you if:
Get your sunshine somewhere else if:
Sunshine Seasons is a terrific place to grab a quick meal or a sweet treat during your Epcot visit. It’s super convenient if you’re already in the area, and the options are diverse and tasty (for the most part!). Plus, it’s really fun, bright, and relaxed — just as your vacation should be!
Disney Springs
is chock full of new stuff this week — including new eats, new gear, and new construction updates! Let’s see what’s shakin’!
Disney Springs
We know planning your dining at Walt Disney World is increasingly difficult. With so many options and variables to consider, it’s really hard to get everything right.
And that’s where we come in! Disney Food Blog has assembled some of the most common mistakes made by guests when they plan their Disney World dining — and some tips and tools for how to avoid those mistakes.
So if you really want to eat this…
‘Ohana Bread Pudding
In a World where cupcakes and Dole Whip reign supreme, it might be a bit of a challenge to muster up excitement over trail mix. Thank goodness Disney knows just how to reel us in: cute packaging and a great recipe. And now at Westward Ho in Frontierland in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, guests can pick up a portable, functional, and simple package of Trail Mix.
Westward Ho Trail Mix
Something about the simplicity of this packaging coupled with the Davy Crockett Mickey label calls to us. And what’s inside also totally rocks. Guests can dig into Pretzels, Chocolate Gems (basically M&Ms), Mixed Nuts, Raisins, and House-made Marshmallows. There’s something for everyone, which makes this snack not only easy to tote around all day but also great to share with the whole family. And since there are some high energy components mixed in, it’s just the thing you need for that long Splash Mountain queue. 😉
Westward Ho Trail Mix
And can anything beat a house-made marshmallow? The answer is no. And these ones will melt in your mouth!
With more than 2oo color photos of our favorite Magic Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats (even mini-meals!) for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back! After all, we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo!
Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving!
To thank you for your support of the blog, we’re offering the Guide for 25% off its purchase price for a limited time!
What’s your favorite portable Disney Parks snack? Tell us about it in the comments!
You know how sometimes we tell you about a slightly out-of-the-way place and say it’s totally worth the effort to get there? This will not be one of those times. Hurricane Hanna’s Waterside Bar and Grille is located adjacent to (the stupendously awesome) Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts and offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and a small menu of snacks for hungry swimmers (and any hungry passersby).
Hurricane Hanna’s
The style of this outdoor bar is slightly nautical, with clean lines and neat hanging lanterns. There’s seating at the bar, which is covered and provides some shade.
Bar Seating
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
