The Boathouse

First Look! Amphicar Tours at The Boathouse in Disney World’s Disney Springs (and Reservations Now Available!)

Downtown Disney’s newest eatery, The Boathouse, is set to begin soft openings this Monday, April 13th!

The Boathouse as seen from the water view

The Boathouse Back Porch

We’d love to give you a sneak peek — thanks to our great friend, MealTrip — at some of the fun from a recent invite-only dress rehearsal for the spot, featuring the highly anticipated Amphicars that will be a part of the entertainment at this unique establishment.

The Boathouse outdoor seating

Check this out!! It took me a couple of minutes to realize I was actually looking at a CAR in the WATER!!!!

Amphicar in practice

The Captains appeared to be having a blast giving them a go. How much fun are these?!?

Amphicar

Yep. Seriously. A car.

Pulling in the Ampicar

Once available, Amphicar Tours are rumored to cost $100 for a 20 minute ride around the lake, taking in the sights of what will someday be Disney Springs.

Amphicar closeup

As far as dining during the soft open period, The Boathouse will accept walk-ups only beginning April 13th and — as typical for soft openings — reserves the right to [Read more…]

First Look! Menus and Food Photos for The Boathouse Restaurant Opening Soon at Disney World

By AJ 64 Comments

Just the other day we shared word that one of our favorite Disney performers will be sharing his music at The Boathouse — the next restaurant presumed to be arriving on the Disney dining scene at Disney World’s Disney Springs.

Concept art for The Boathouse — Outside View

The Boathouse

While all signs are pointing to a possible April 13th opening, we can’t yet confirm the opening date. What we can do today, though is give you a glimpse at The Boathouse menu — AND show you some food photos of the menu items! Now, remember, all information here is subject to change. But let’s have a look at a few screenshots from the My Disney Experience app, along with a few pictures from theboathouseorlando.com (huge thanks to DFB reader Jenny M. for giving us the heads up on these pics!). You’ll want to make yourself comfy, because the list is pretty extensive!

As anticipated, this signature restaurant will focus on steaks, chops and seafood. In fact, let’s start with a look at the Steak, Chops & Provisions menu (for this first screenshot, I’ve left the map image so you can see where The Boathouse will be located — right next to Fulton’s). Among the many selections you’ll notice Filet Mignon and New York Strip (both with Bone-in options), a Porterhouse for Two, and a Tomahawk Long Bone Rib Chop for Two.

Steak Chops menu

Tomahawk ©theboathouseorlando.com

The “Green Grass and High Tides” selections offer Surf and Turf made for sharing. The Beach & Sea Lobster Bake serves two, while The Boathouse Surf & Turf Table serves four.

Green Grass and High Tides Menu

Lobster Bake ©theboathouseorlando.com

The Fish or Cut Bait menu offers dishes such as Wild Baja Shrimp de Jonghe and Hoison Glazed Florida Wahoo.

Fish or Cut Bait menu

Salmon ©theboathouseorlando.com

But then, you may prefer to start with some appetizers from [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: April 5, 2015

By Brooke 2 Comments

Happy Easter!

Whether you’re celebrating the beautiful Spring holiday with a luxurious meal, or you’re hunting up eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny, I hope that you’re having a relaxing Sunday.

Cinderella’s Coach Egg

After a couple of weeks jam-packed with exciting Disney news, this week was a little more relaxed on the information front, as guests enjoyed the Spring Break Season in the Parks. Lines have been long, and we’ve seen all kinds of pop up food spots to feed hungry vacationers.

The Polynesian Village Resort has continued to take center stage at Walt Disney World this week, as the classic hotel celebrated its official grand re-opening. And of course, lines continue to be long at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto during its first preview days.

Let’s kick off this holiday Sunday by re-capping the Disney Food News from this week.

Disney Food News

Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort is now in soft openings! Enjoy this First Look at all the drinks, food, and fun in store!
Aunt Polly’s on Tom Sawyer Island in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is OPEN for a limited time to feed hungry Spring Break crowds! Check out the menu at this historically beloved spot!
The 2015 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs are on display until April 10, 2015. Take a look at our photo tour of this year’s display.
Tickets are now on sale for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic!
We anticipate that The Boathouse will be opening in Downtown Disney this month, and rumor has it that one of our favorite Disney performers may be joining the entertainment line-up — Yeeha Bob!

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 Special Holiday Events, Menu Changes, Restaurant Closure Updates, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB Reader Finds

If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Today, we’re featuring treats that YOU make at home!

Julia Scillieri Blake has created this beautiful Frozen-inspired cake for one lucky birthday girl!

“Frozen” Birthday Cake by Reader Julia Scillieri Blake!

Kay Ray has made my mouth water with her homemade rendition of the famous Hollywood Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake! (Make your own with this handy recipe.)

A Homemade Version of the Famed Brown Derby Grapefruit Cake — Perfect for Spring!

Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us!

Deal of the Week: The FULLY UPDATED DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book, 2015-16 Edition

Magic Kingdom Snacks are some of our favorite treats in all the World! And in fact, many of them can just about amount to a meal. And those are just a couple of the reasons we are so excited to announce that the 2015-16 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available!

To celebrate the 2015-16 launch of this important book, we have a great discount for you! Our readers can get the new guide for $3 off the purchase price for a limited time — just use code MK15 at the check-out!

It’s time to snag your copy! Here are the details.

The Disney Food Blog Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book

is one of the many fun and informative Disney Dining e-Books offered by Disney Food Blog!

Now we’ve updated our best-selling DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book for 2015-16 with even more great information, photos, and…yep!…snacks (about 30 more than the 2014 edition)!

Don’t Miss Out on the Best Snacks in the Magic Kingdom!

This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats (even mini-meals!) for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom — or we’ll refund the purchase price. We all know that treats at Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo!

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book includes: [Read more…]

Rumor: Yeeha Bob to Perform at The Boathouse in Disney Springs

By AJ 7 Comments

UPDATE: Please note, at this time Bob Jackson is not schedule to perform at The Boathouse. If anything changes, we’ll update this post accordingly.

You know, for…like…forever, as Disney food fans we’ve all had our eyes on a couple of major food stories: breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant and the opening of Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto have received all the attention lately (well, that, and the rumored news of a possible Jungle Cruise Restaurant coming to the Magic Kingdom).

So, you may be thinking, “Well, that’s it. I guess all the big Disney food news is over for now.”

Not so fast, my friends!! Because now we’re turning our attention to the next presumed restaurant opening in Disney World: The Boathouse, which is anticipated to open sometime in April in Downtown Disney/soon-to-be-Disney-Springs. While we don’t have an exact opening date just yet, we do have some news about one of our favorite Disney performers that may be joining the entertainment line-up.

Concept art for The Boathouse — Outside View

The Boathouse under construction

You see, in addition to food, The Boathouse is also expected to offer [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 3, 2015

By Wendy 7 Comments

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…”

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

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!

Flour and Sugar

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

Disney Springs Construction

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…]

The Year in Review: Top 10 Disney Food News Items of 2014!

By AJ 9 Comments

We are standing on the cusp of a brand New Year, and we can’t wait to see what 2015 holds in store for us — and Disney!

But we can’t wave goodbye to the old year without looking back on some of the biggest food news that happened throughout Disney Parks.

Most of this year’s big news happened at Walt Disney World, but we have a few memorable moments to share with you from Disneyland as well as other Disney Parks around the globe.

Today, we bring you a look back at 2014’s Biggest Disney Food News Stories! We have a LOT to cover — let’s get started!

First up, a little something I like to call…

The Beginning of Finally Doing Something with Pleasure Island

It’s the story we feel like we’ve been watching for years — what’s happening at Downtown Disney Orlando’s now defunct Pleasure Island??

Well, 2014 finally saw some solid progress, and the Disney Springs story seems to be coming to life.

An Artist’s Rendering of Disney Springs

Lots of changes have made a trip to Downtown Disney a challenge in the last couple of years. But as the year draws to a close, the parking garages are open, and we are seeing some of the plans take shape!

2014 kicked off with a surprise restaurant opening of sorts — the House of Blues added a new counter service offering, The Smokehouse. We say surprise because we told you about the restaurant for the first time just days before the walls came down and the doors opened for business!

The Smokehouse at The House of Blues

The Smokehouse is strictly a walk-up window venue. But the covered outdoor seating is pleasant, and you can often take in live music as you enjoy barbecue favorites, like their Beef Brisket Sandwich, St. Louis Ribs, or Smoked Turkey Legs.

Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich with House-made Cole Slaw from The Smokehouse

But it wasn’t all good news for Downtown Disney this year. Guests at T-Rex Cafe last Spring were in for some decidedly unpleasant dinner excitement, as one of the restaurant’s humongous fish tanks sprang a leak during dinner service!

However, no one was injured and all of the fish were reportedly rescued. We’re glad that all turned out happily in the situation, but we’ll never look at those huge fish tanks quite the same way again!

Also in the Spring, we said hello to a spot that’s quickly become one of our most favorite spots to shop in all of Walt Disney World — the Marketplace Co-op!

Disney Centerpiece

We have found some totally awesome stuff in the store’s Disney Centerpiece Section, including dishes, glasses, and other tableware that celebrate all of our Disney cult favorites. Whether you’re a Dole Whip fan or love memorabilia celebrating Tomorrowland, chances are you’ll find something that you’ve just gotta have!

Orange Bird Section

Starbucks also continued to [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: December 11, 2014

By Wendy 7 Comments

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Disney World!! The season is rolling right along with festive treats and special events. And, as always, there’s plenty of other food news to go around: menu changes, new eats (did somebody say “Barbecued Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese?!”), completed refurbishments, ongoing Downtown Disney construction, and more. So join us on another trip around the World to see What’s New…

EPCOT

Holidays Around the World

is in full swing at Epcot! This annual festival shares holiday traditions from around the globe through story, music, and — our favorite! — FOOD!

Happy Holidays from EPCOT!

Epcot Christmas tree ornaments

Holiday Storyteller in Japan

France decoration

Remember, this is the only time of year to grab such treats as Happy Face Fried Cakes at the Joy of Tea in China, Gingerbread Ice Cream at L’artisan des Glaces in France, and Panettone sweet bread at Italy’s Gelato Stand.

Happy Face Fried Cakes

Gingerbread Ice Cream

Panettone Sweet Bread display

But there’s plenty of non-holiday food news as well… Starting in Morocco, Spice Road Table has not only started taking Advance Dining Reservations — they’re also now accepting the Disney Dining Plan.

To offer guests the ability to maximize their one Table Service plan credit, this tapas-based restaurant is now also serving full-sized entrees, including Coriander Crusted Rack of Lamb, Roasted Chicken, and a Mediterranean Vegetable Platter, among others.

Spice Road Table

Spice Road Table menu

Staying in Morocco, Tangierine Cafe debuted new entrees as well: a Meatball Platter and Saffron Rotisserie Chicken.

Tangierine Cafe menu

Tangierine Cafe entree display

At the United Kingdom’s Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, the [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 2, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

Recently, we sampled the Trattoria al Forno breakfast menu — it’s being served at Flying Fish Cafe ahead of the restaurant’s opening in December.

Trattoria al Forno Waffles

With two new restaurants headed to Disney Springs at Downtown Disney, we can’t wait to share all of the details as they emerge. See what we know so far about The Boathouse and Morimoto!!

Plus, click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News…