food IS a theme park
The BIG GAME is almost here. We’re of course talking about Super Bowl Sunday!! There’s only one little problem, though: you’re in Walt Disney World. Now, normally, that would be all kinds of awesome. But when it’s Super Bowl Sunday, we’re betting that there will be lots of you looking to find a TV in time to catch the game.
Football field at Disney[‘s All-Star Sports Resort
It’s a pretty common occurrence. You’re in the middle of your Walt Disney World vacation, it’s the holiday season, and you’d love to enjoy a table service meal.
But there’s only one problem: you don’t have an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR).
Maybe your plans changed — or the weather did. Or it could just be that you planned to grab counter service, but now you’re rethinking that move. Whatever the situation, you might think that all hope is lost. There’s no way you’re getting into any Disney table service restaurant that you didn’t book 180 days out. Right?
You might be surprised to learn that I book a lot of tables just days before I head to Walt Disney World. And it’s not all that rare for me to change things up at the last minute — even during the busiest times of the year!
How do I do it? Flexibility helps a LOT. But if that’s not an option, what you need are some tried and true spots where you can probably score a table with very short notice, or even as a walk up.
Here are our suggestions for Where to Dine When You Don’t Have a Reservation in Walt Disney World. And if you love what you see here, be sure to check out the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining for tons of great tips!
One of my favorite resort dining spots is The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Bonus: it’s within walking distance (or a monorail ride) of Magic Kingdom!
The Wave offers a hearty start to your day. Enjoy an a la carte breakfast of some of the restaurant’s specialties, like Sweet Potato Pancakes.
Sweet Potato Pancakes with melted butter and maple syrup
And if you can’t make up your mind between sweet and savory, you can opt for the Buffet. [Read more…]
Are your halls decked? Are your presents wrapped? Are you bursting with anticipation as you’re getting ready to celebrate the HOLIDAYS?!?
Cinderella Castle all lit up!
Because it’s the Most Wonderful — and Delicious! — Time of the Year at Walt Disney World! And we’re taking a tour around the Parks, Disney Springs, and several Disney Resorts to find out What’s New for this most festive season! [Read more…]
These days, lots of Disney World guests make a beeline for the nearest Starbucks on property to get their morning caffeine fix.
Epcot’s Fountain View, Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery, Animal Kingdom’s Creature Comforts, and the Trolley Car Cafe at Hollywood Studios are understandably popular spots — especially in the early morning park hours.
But if you’re someone who stumbles to the coffeemaker first thing in the morning before you can form a complete sentence [sits at computer, points to self] and you happen to have a stay at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in your future, you might be interested to learn about Territory Coffee Company.
You may already be familiar with the Territory Lounge in Wilderness Lodge. It’s one of our absolute favorite Disney bars thanks to some really great noshes and cozy atmosphere.
Territory Lounge
But with a typical opening time of 4:30 pm, this beautiful space sat empty most of the day until last summer, when the Territory Coffee Company opened for what was originally a test run. [Read more…]
We are heading back to one of my favorite spots to grab a quick bite and drink — Territory Lounge.
I really, really recommend this place. It’s comfortable, has a fantastic staff, is just a boat ride away from Magic Kingdom, and usually has a pretty incredible menu.
While my “love” for neighboring Artist Point waxes and wanes, I’ve enjoyed the majority of my visits to Territory Lounge. And with the recent installation at Artist Point of a new chef, who also covers Territory Lounge, I figured it was as good a time as any to visit again.
The decor of the cavernous Wilderness Lodge lobby area echoes the same Craftsman style as the outside of the resort. But as you begin to explore different corners, you see that there’s more here than just Arts and Crafts. [Read more…]
I never miss an opportunity to relax at the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World.
Inside, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere of dark woods and low lantern lighting. Comfortable seating in armchairs and on couches is always in demand, and round tables make a great conversation area for families.
And now, we can stop by for breakfast at the new Coffee Shop at Territory Lounge from 7-11AM daily.
Stop by the Coffee Shop
The Coffee Shop is serving [Read more…]
We are headed back to Territory Lounge! FINALLY!
The lounge, located in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is pretty much the definition of awesome when it comes to Disney resort bars and lounges.
We’ve talked about the pub grub here in the past, and it’s no secret that every time I stay at WL I find myself down here at least a few times. So during a recent stay I was excited to dig in and share the latest updates with you.
So kick back for a relaxing visit. Let’s begin by taking a look around.
You’ll find the Territory Lounge tucked off to the left side, way past Whispering Canyon Cafe, as you enter the lobby of Wilderness Lodge. It’s fully separated from that animated restaurant, so don’t let its close proximity put you off. It’s fairly quiet in here.
Bar Area and Round Table Seating
There’s sort of a nostalgic hunter’s lodge feel about the Lounge, matching the feel of the whole resort. Wood paneling, paintings of wildlife, and antiqued walls give that sense that you’re in a bit of a man cave.
Rich Colors and Comfortable Seating Make the Space Inviting
Americana Decor and a Cozy Loveseat Make for an Inviting Space
Intimate tables for two along the wall offer that “didn’t-get-here-early-enough-to-get-the-easy-chairs” seating. 😉
Intimate Seating Along the Paneled Wall
I love the shadowboxes that hang just above these tables. They’re full of interesting expedition objects, and the faint glow provides nice light.
Cool Shadowboxes Use Old Expedition Tools as Decor
But, of course, I always seek out the comfy seating in a Disney lounge, and Territory doesn’t disappoint. Curling up in these easy chairs with a nightcap seems like the perfect way to end a Disney Day.
Comfy Chairs and the Framed Flatscreen
Be sure to check out these guys, too! The carved bears [Read more…]
You’re planning your first trip to Walt Disney World. Or your 50th. Or your 100th. And you reeeeeeeally want to know what NEW dishes you MUST try? Weeeeeeelllllllllll, we’ve got a few suggestions for you!
We’ve got about nine of our favorite you-HAVE-to-EAT-this dishes and snacks featured in our brand new DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015 e-Book, which you can pick up today for $4 off using code 2015 right here!
But I wanted to take a second to share just a few of those must-eat treats here with you as well.
Yep — here at DFB, we always like to kick off each new year with some of our favorite treats spotted during the last few months. But when I sat down to brainstorm this post…well, at first it seemed like 2014 didn’t offer a whole lot of new stuff.
That said, when I started scrolling back through everything we ate this past year, I realized there was a lot to be said for 2014 and its culinary prowess.
There is one really big difference between this year and previous years, however. Most of our crave-worthy dishes are savory this time around! I know! WUT?!??!?!?!?!? Don’t worry, though — I’ve got a few sweeties thrown in.
Here’s the New Food I Want to Stuff My Face with at Disney Parks in 2015!
We thought that Mac and Cheese, that king of comfort foods, was enough. But little did we know what we had been missing, until Disney started putting additional delicious food on top of its cheesy goodness.
We first saw the dawn of Gourmet Mac and Cheese — we’re just gonna call it that if that’s all right with you — a while back. Friar’s Nook introduced the concept, and we were smitten with their Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese and Blue Cheese Mac right away.
BUT THEN — this happened.
Courtesy of DFB Reader Christina, we have a mini-review from the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
This is one of our favorite spots to relax when we’re in the World, and it’s not just because it’s an out-of-the-way retreat! The menu is ALWAYS awesome!
The Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
You’ll remember our discovery of the awesome fondue, charcuterie, house-made chips and dips, and DONUTS, right?? Well, the donuts aren’t there anymore, but you can still get lots of our other favorites!
Bar Area and Round Table Seating at Territory Lounge
Let’s take a look at the current menu…
Territory Lounge Menu
Christina notes a seasonal change with the Mushroom Soup substituted for Clam Chowder. Here’s a previous menu (October 2013) for comparison:
Territory Lounge Menu October 2013
Christina had the new fondue… made with [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: The English Bulldog is not currently available.
One of my favorite food pastimes when I’m in Walt Disney World is grabbing a table at one of the resort’s fantastic pubs, bars, or lounges, and sitting down with friends for a nice long talk. There’s always so much to catch up on!
But in addition to the atmosphere and some nice cocktails, I also love Disney watering holes for some truly amazing eats! We are a snacking people here at DFB, so it’s no wonder the delicious pub grub you can find on property is one of our favorite ways to enjoy time with friends.
On this edition of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”, let’s check out some of our favorite Pub Grub!
Once you finish reading — share YOUR favorites in the comments! I love hearing about new things I’ve gotta try!
When it comes to snacking, there are few foods in the world that I’d rather have than cheese! And one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is in the form of things being dipped in its melty self!
That’s right — we’re talking Fondue! And some of the best I have ever tasted is on the menu at Territory Lounge in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
This rustic, cozy lounge is themed with the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest in mind. And the menu features hearty fare with flavors of the region as well.
But this cheese fondue is my absolute favorite option here! I can never resist getting it. It arrives in its own little cast-iron pot, complete with a flame to keep the cheese nice and warm.
Our Favorite Cheese Fondue at Territory Lounge
The fondue is served with a variety of Fruits and Breads to dip, and every single thing we dipped in it was amazing!
Pretzel Bread and Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue at Territory Lounge in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Healthy apple…protein-y cheese…SO good for you! ;-D
Apple in Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue
It’s definitely the perfect snack for sharing with friends as you unwind with [Read more…]
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