Sunshine Tree Terrace | the disney food blog

New! Souvenir Tiki-Tankard at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

No matter what the weather is like in your corner of the world right now, imagine – for just a moment — that you’re enjoying a warm, sunny day in Central Florida. It’s so warm, in fact, that you need a little something to help you cool down.

Well, there’s no better stop for a frosty treat than Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland! (Though Dole Whip diehards may disagree, and head on over to Aloha Isle.)

Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace

If you pay a visit to the Orange Bird , you’ll find something new you can take home with you after polishing off your Citrus Swirl.

Hello, Orange Bird!

And here it is… check out this cute souvenir Tiki-Tankard! [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: February 8, 2014!

By Wendy 11 Comments

Our latest update is (almost) all about sweet treats that have found their way into the World! Read on to find out what new goodies we’ve spied recently…

New Ice Cream Flavor in Morocco

Recently we featured the Chef-Created Ice Cream found at the Juice Bar connected to Spice Road Table in Epcot’s gorgeous Morocco Pavilion.

Juice Bar Menu at Spice Road Table

The chefs are already at it again, introducing another new flavor: Orange Honey Walnut has hit the scene.

Morocco Juice Bar Chef Created ice Cream Epcot

Chef-Created Ice Cream in Morocco Juice Bar

New Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery at BoardWalk Inn

A great new seasonal cupcake appeared at BoardWalk Bakery: Dulce de Leche! This one differs from the Dulce de Leche cupcake that was featured in years past at Contempo Café: BoardWalk Bakery’s version features a whipped cream topping sprinkled with crushed pralines (though it’s similar in that there is caramel inside).

Dulce de Leche Cupcake

New Cupcake at Roaring Fork in Wilderness Lodge

And take a look at this bright red beauty over at Roaring Fork in Wilderness Lodge: the Strawberry Lemonade cupcake (priced at $4.19, and good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan). Perfect for February and all things Valentine!

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake

Valentine’s Day Cupcakes at Disney Parks Bakeries and Candy Shops

Speaking of Valentine’s cupcakes, a few have [Read more…]

Snack Series: Citrus Swirl at Magic Kingdom’s Sunshine Tree Terrace

By AJ 16 Comments

There’s tons of awesomeness in every corner of Walt Disney World, but the Magic Kingdom is where the Florida magic got its start! And we’re headed there today!

Learn About:Sunshine Tree Terrace

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

As much as I’m loving all the new spots in New Fantasyland, it’s still a joy to come back to old favorites like Sunshine Tree Terrace.

Nestled off the beaten path in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland, this spot is home to some great menu items, like the Lemonade with Wild Berry Foam and the Pina Colada Slush.

But its real claim to fame is the snack of legendary proportions that’s recently been restored to its former glory — the Citrus Swirl! And even though we’ve talked about it before…it’s about time to revisit this classic!

Atmosphere

For all the talk about Disney history, this is the real deal. Sunshine Tree Terrace has been a staple of Magic Kingdom since the very first day the park was opened.

Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom

Originally, the spot served as a showcase for one of Adventureland’s biggest sponsors, Florida Citrus Growers (FCG). This was a great spot to get a refreshing glass of orange juice and other treats featuring the flavors of Florida.

Florida Citrus Growers’ Orange Bird

Sunshine Tree Terrace was also the home of the Orange Bird. This little guy, created by Disney, became the mascot for FCG and was used in promotions, both inside and outside the park. And guests young and old were delighted to pose for pics with the Orange Bird at a character meet and greet!

Due to a very vocal Disney fan base, the Orange Bird, who had disappeared from this spot in the mid-80s, has now come home to roost once again!

Sunshine Tree Terrace Sign and Roofline

Once you finish jumping up and down about the [Read more…]

New Disney Snack Invention: Citrus Swirl Float!

By AJ 19 Comments

Welcome guest author and photographer Ben Hendel with a brand new adventure…

Just a few days ago, I made a discovery akin to finding the magnetic North Pole. More patriotic than the actual discovery of America. More revolutionary to the culinary world than bacon. I discovered the Citrus Swirl Float. Or, if you’d rather, call it the Ben Palmer.

Citrus Swirl Float

It’s named after me. Mostly. My last name isn’t Palmer, but I figure this is just as important as when Arnold mixed iced tea and lemonade in equal parts, so it’s a good name to borrow.

Unfortunately, the name hasn’t caught on yet, so when I went to order this delectable treat from the Sunshine Tree Terrace, I had to order a Sprite float with Citrus Swirl. Though the journey was different than just saying “I’d like a Ben Palmer, please” the destination was the same: perfection.

Sunshine Tree Terrace Sign

The Beauty of the Citrus Swirl

Now, some of you may know the beauty of the Citrus Swirl already. Some of you [Read more…]

Ten Best Frozen Drinks in Disney World

By AJ 39 Comments

It’s getting hot out there, guys!

And sometimes, when it feels like it’s 100 degrees and you’re sweltering in line, you need more than a cold drink. You need a frozen drink!

Fortunately, there are lots of palate-pleasing options found in all corners of Disney World. And we’ve got great options whether you’d like to go alocholic or non-alcoholic! Refreshment is just a menu choice away…

Today, we’re taking a closer look at our very favorites!

Frozen Lemonade

Sweet-tart and chilly, Frozen Lemonade calls to mind seaside treats from our favorite resort towns. And there’s nothing like it for reviving you on a super hot, sticky Florida day.

The secret is in the balance. A too-sweet treat can leave you feeling not so great while you’re standing in the bright sun. That little kick of sour rounds out the flavors and makes the beverage a true refresher.

Raspberry Lemonade Slush at Magic Kingdom

If you’re a lover of frozen lemonade, I have great news for you: there are tons of different varieties to try around the parks and resorts! You could make your own personal frozen lemonade crawl. (Hey! That’s a great idea…)

One of our favorites is the Raspberry Lemonade Slush that you find at Magic Kingdom’s Cheshire Cafe, located on the outskirts of Fantasyland. You can find a similar drink across the castle hub at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Adventureland. And if you’re looking for frozen lemonade in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can find an awesome, slurpee-type version at Herbie’s Drive-In.

If you prefer your frozen lemonade with a little kick, one of our favorite adult versions is available at Animal Kingdom’s Dino Diner Snacks. The Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade has been inspiring random cravings for me ever since I tried it. 🙂

Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade at Animal Kingdom’s Dino Diner

Check out other locations to score frozen lemonade slushes when you’re parched in the parks.

Dole Whip Float

Part beverage, part Dole Whip soft serve, this is one of Disney’s classic must-eat treats! The Dole Whip Float combines sweet-tart soft serve pineapple goodness with pineapple juice to provide one of the most refreshing icy drinks in the Kingdom.

Breakfast of Champions!

You CAN get this with vanilla or orange dole whip as well — either choice will cut the tartness a bit. But I prefer pineapple-on-pineapple, myself! Find this great treat at Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland.

Ice Cream Martinis

Looking for a new entry on your Drinking Around the World card? THE newest frozen drink concoction in Disney World can be found — where else? — World Showcase!

Head to Epcot’s newest eatery, L’Artisan des Glaces in the France Pavilion for the beautiful and crave-inspiring Ice Cream Martini.

Ice Cream Martini from L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

The drink-sundae fusion is made by combining [Read more…]

Snack Series: Pina Colada Slush at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Magic Kingdom

By AJ 12 Comments

We all know the classics. Dole Whips. Mickey Bars. Citrus Swirls.

Learn About:Sunshine Tree Terrace

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

But what about the other treats around Disney World that are eclipsed by these big hitters? There are hundreds of great snacks to try, and it’s my goal to tell you about all of them! 😉

A looooong time ago, I was at Sunshine Tree Terrace and noticed a new menu item — the Pina Colada Slush! I’d been a fan of Orange Juice slush already, but Pina Colada? Hmm…

It was a must-try!

Sunshine Tree Terrace Sign

Yep — if you gravitate just a little south of the menu’s headliner, you’ll start to see a couple of other interesting options.

You’ve seen what we thought of the Lemonade with Wild Berry Foam, and you’ll soon find out our thoughts on the Key Lime Pie (spoiler — YUM!). You’ve even heard what we think of the Raspberry Lemonade Slush!

Sunshine Tree Terrace Menu Board -- Click to Enlarge

But, now? It’s time to sample that tropical Piña Colada Slush!

Piña Colada Slush

DFB writer and reporter (and Pina Colada lover), Brooke F., took one for the team and sampled the slush on her last visit. Here are her thoughts (and you can trust her, because she’s a total food guru)…

To be honest, this was completely [Read more…]

Snack Series: Orange Bird Souvenir Cup at Sunshine Tree Terrace

By Kim LaPaglia 15 Comments

Thanks to our Disney Food for Families columnist, Erin Foster, we’ve got a happy little treat to share today!

Along with the awesome Citrus Swirl snack, the classic Orange Bird is roosting once more at Sunshine Tree Terrace!

Orange Bird Souvenir Cup

For more info about the Orange Bird and his re-debut in Disney World, check out this great video from the folks at Disney!!

The souvenir cup sells for $7 and can be filled with any soda. (Kind of a steep price for such a little bird cup, but can you put a price on history? ;-D)

Menu - click image for larger version

As always, the Citrus Swirl is deliciously refreshing! Have you [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 20, 2012

By AJ 2 Comments

R2D2 churros and chocolate at Star Wars Weekends

We’re loving the reports from Star Wars Weekends in Disney World this week, and we can’t wait to share even more from our delicious visit to Disneyland last week!

Let us know what Disney Food updates are tempting you! 🙂

Disney Food News

Here’s the latest happening in the Disney Food World this week!

Star Wars Weekends have started in Disney World! Check out some of the great Star Wars Themed Treats available!
Specialty Dinner Announcements: Downtown Disney Orlando’s Raglan Road has announced a Mid-Summer Feast. And in Downtown Disney Anaheim, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen will feature a Beer Dinner.
Chocolate Caramel Grapes now available at Karamell-Küche in Epcot’s Germany.

We’ve got more food news (including the re-opening of Disneyland’s Carnation Cafe) on our Disney Food News Pin Board, where Disney Food News is updated on a regular basis!

Grand Opening of the DFB Store!

Our DFB Store is now open! Featuring our critically-acclaimed line of Disney Dining e-Books, these in-depth guides expand upon the Disney Food topics that YOU were craving for!

The DFB Store offers:

Individual guidebooks
Packaged bundles at discounted prices
Book Overviews
Sample Pages
and More!

Stop by DFBStore.com now and take a look around!

On To The Round-Up

WildernessLodgeSite.com

suggests planning a date night at the Wilderness Lodge with dinner at the Artist Point!

Daveland shares a rare 1960 photo of the Silver Banjo Restaurant in Disneyland.

Bites on Today discovers beer for Dad at Walt Disney World.

AllEars.net‘s Jack Spence welcomes the return of the Orange Bird at Sunshine Tree Terrace.

Main Street Gazette taste-tests the Chicken Caesar Sandwich at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Disney Diner creates the Main Street Bakery’s Cinnamon Rolls. Yum!

The Actor’s Diet flies to the east coast and indulges at the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

DisneyParks Blog shares the atmosphere music for the new Carthay Circle restaurant at Disney California Adventure!

What’s Your Favorite Disney Pie?

By AJ 24 Comments

Nobody ever talks enough about pie, right? Raise your hand if you’re with me. So recently, we asked for your favorite pies at Disney World and Disneyland, and we received some awesome recommendations!

DFB readers and Facebook Friends shared their suggestions for this yummy dessert via the Disney Food Blog Facebook page. Now let’s get into those pies!

Yummo Pecan Pie at Boatwright's in Disney World -- review coming soon!

The kinds of pie with the greatest shout-outs from our facebook fans were Key Lime, Mango, and Blueberry. Let’s grab a slice…

Key Lime Pie

Our readers suggest stopping by Sunshine Seasons or Olivia’s Cafe at the Old Key West resort for their Key Lime desserts.

At Olivia’s, the Key Lime Tart is very popular due to the thick graham cracker crust (that goes all the way up the sides of the dessert!), sweet and tart key lime filling, and a sweet and light meringue topping. Facebook fan Crystal N. highly recommends this tart (and so do I!!!)!

Key Lime Tart

Key Lime Tart on the Inside

Allan T., Chris D., and Susan H. are among our readers praising the Key Lime Pie at [Read more…]

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New! Souvenir Tiki-Tankard at Sunshine Tree Terrace in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom