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EPCOT Festival of the Holidays

Tag: The Mara

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 30, 2014

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With Thanksgiving behind us, we’ll be diving into even more holiday goodies at Walt Disney World and Disneyland!!

Autumn Cheesecake

Autumn Cheesecake

Of course, we just have to look one more time at some of the Fall treats that added colorful and tasty options to the bakery cases. One of our favorite stops recently — The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. We sampled two Autumn desserts, Check out the Chocolate Pecan Tart and Pumpkin Cheesecake!

Visit the links below for more delicious tidbits!

Disney Food News

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 restaurant closures, 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 from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

After our Thanksgiving feasts, it’s time to look at some healthier options at Disney. First up, Cucumber Wraps aboard the Disney Fantasy courtesy of our Facebook Friend Narda.

Cucumber Wraps

Cucumber Wraps

Or how about some delicious fruit from ‘Ohana at the Polynesian Resort in Walt Disney World. Salwa, our Facebook Friend, sent in this photo. Yum!

Fruit at 'Ohana

Fruit at ‘Ohana

Have you enjoyed a favorite find? Send in your Disney food photos!

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Disney Food Blog Guidebooks

Disney Food Blog Guidebooks

And that’s why we’re announcing that, for this weekend, you can purchase the DFB Everything Bundle for 1/2 off the already deeply discounted price! Just enter code Everything50 at the check-out.

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Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 2, 2014

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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

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…

Disney Food News

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 restaurant closures, 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 from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!

Our Facebook Friend, Margaret, shared a French style cheesecake served at Sonya’s and Green Cabin Room at Disney’s Vero Beach resort.

French Style Vanilla Cheesecake

French Style Vanilla Cheesecake

Next up: Grilled Mahi from Wolfgang Puck Cafe, courtesy of Facebook Friend Akemi.

Grilled Mahi

Grilled Mahi

Do you have a Favorite Find? Please, share with us!

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As thousands of repeat customers already know, the Guide includes:

  • A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks.
  • A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience.
  • Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips!
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  • A comprehensive index of bars and lounges. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic.
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Samples Pages of the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

  • Over 450 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
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  • An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis [Read more…]

Snack Series: Candy Corn Cupcake at The Mara

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Boo to You

! It’s Halloween Week, and the Disney seasonal treats just keep coming!

Learn About:Mara
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Today, we’re showing you a fun Fall find from The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

I love me some candy corn, but when you combine candy corn and Cupcakes? Even better!

Candy Corn Cupcake

So, Disney World has some hidden gems that keep churning out awesome eats that you’d never expect. Places like Sleepy Hollow and Friar’s Nook in the Magic Kingdom, and Landscape of Flavors at Art of Animation Resort tend to be little hot-beds of creativity when it comes to snacks and must-eat treats. The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge also fits into this category, featuring some seriously great baked goods on a regular basis (like the Chocolate Raspberry Mickey Tart).

And so I give you the Candy Corn Cupcake — with Oreo Mickey Ears, even!!

Candy Corn Cupcake at The Mara in Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Candy Corn Cupcake at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Mounded high with thick Buttercream Frosting in Candy Corn’s traditional tri-color pattern, the cupcake is trimmed out with orange-tinted White Chocolate Curls for even more visual impact.

This is all piled on top of dark Chocolate Cake. But when you cut into the cupcake, you’ll find a little surprise hidden inside.

Candy Corn Cupcake -- Cross Section

Candy Corn Cupcake — Cross Section

Now, to be honest, I’m not completely sure what this is. There is definitely chopped up [Read more…]

What’s New in Walt Disney World: February 22nd, 2014

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This week, we shared with you lots of fun news — from a new refillable mug design at the Disney World Resorts to supersized slushies in Epcot’s France to the face that we get another WHOLE WEEK to enjoy the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year. But there’s a whole lot more going on in Disney World that we still need to tell you about!

We’re happy to welcome you on another trip around the World with us to see what’s new!

Epcot

We spied all sorts of happenings around World Showcase! Things are already changing up a bit at Spice Road Table, with a few small changes to the menu.

The Salted Cod Croquettes are still available as part of the Mogador Sampler; however, they’ve been replaced on the individual tapas menu by Mix Grill Skewers: “Beef and Chicken with Garlic and Fresh Herbs.”

Spice Road Table Menu

Spice Road Table Menu

Italy’s Tutto Gusto is featuring a few new “Gusto Specialties”: Meatballs Parmigiana, Meatball Sliders, Ravioli di Ricotta, and Tuscan Pork Ribs.

Tutto Gusto

Tutto Gusto

Tutto Gusto Menu

Tutto Gusto Menu

Over in Germany, you can now pick up some official Werther’s Drizzle to take home with you at Karamell-Küche!

Werther's Drizzle

Werther’s Drizzle

Now you can make your very own cookies look like this 🙂 :

Cookies at Karamel Kuche

Cookies at Karamel Kuche

And have you heard the news in France? [Read more…]

Food Challenge: The 2013 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl

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I suppose it’s no secret that we love our cupcakes here at Disney Food Blog!

And every year the holiday cupcake creations that crop up all over Disney World remind us exactly why we adore them so much. Last year we started a new tradition with our 2012 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl Challenge!

This year we found even more awesome holiday cupcakes, so we’ve decided to bring back the special Holiday Event from last year! Check out some of these unique and gorgeous holiday cupcakes around the Disney World resorts in 2013!

Welcome to the…

2013 DFB Holiday Cupcake Crawl!

Like last year, most of these cupcakes are available as snack credits on the Disney Dining Plan, so stock up those credits, and get ready to roll!

The Beach Club Resort: Cupcakes Required = 1

Starting just outside Epcot’s International Gateway, The Beach Club’s Marketplace is home to a wonderfully sparkling Gingerbread Cupcake that’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit!

Gingerbread Cupcake

The first thing to draw your attention is the large sugar crystals that serve as edible glitter among the red and green sprinkles of mini Christmas trees and candy canes. They sit atop a cream cheese frosting that is surprisingly dense. It’s almost like eating a sweetened cream cheese straight out of the container… and you will never hear me complain about that ;)!

The Beach Club's Gingerbread Cupcake

The cake base is more reminiscent of a mild spice cake than a stronger dark gingerbread flavor. I think it is a good balance to the sweetness of all the sugar on top (including the pretty sugar snowflake), but it’s a good thing to know if you’re expecting something different.

Inside the Gingerbread Cupcake

Not in the mood for gingerbread? You can grab this Vanilla Cupcake with red and green Minnie and Mickey Toppers for your crawl credit!

Vanilla Cupcake

BoardWalk Inn: Cupcakes Required = 1

We’re staying within the Epcot Resorts for our next stop. [Read more…]

Review: Peanut Butter and Candy Bar Brownies at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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Not so long ago, I took a trip to The Mara, the Quick Service location at Animal Kingdom Lodge to check out the Giraffe and Zebra Cupcakes. But when I posted my review, we also shared pics of a couple of delicious looking brownies that we’d seen at the bakery… .

Peanut Butter Brownies in bakery case

Candy Bar Brownies in the bakery case

I guess they grabbed the attention of a few DFB Readers as well :), because when I read over the comments on that article, several went something like this:

“Yep, the cupcakes look great. But, ummm… HELLO! What can you tell me about that Peanut Butter Brownie?!?” (And THIS is exactly why DFB Readers are So. Great. 🙂 )

So, with that… it’s back to The Mara we go!

Atmosphere

Located on the ground floor of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Mara is one of the more interesting quick service locations in Disney World.

The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Mara offers unique eats in a unique setting. From African Stew and a delicious variety of soups to something on the menu called an “African Chili Cheese Dog” (Note to self: find out what that’s all about), there is so much more here than your standard cheeseburger.

The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge

What I most appreciate about the atmosphere is that it has a more “grown-up” feel for a Quick Service location, with its nods to the majesty of nature. Yet it’s still completely comfortable and approachable, in large part due to the whimsical artwork on the walls.

Part of the wall mural at The Mara

Part of the wall mural at The Mara

For this visit, I took my goodies to the outdoor seating area.

Outdoor Seating at The Mara

Outdoor Seating at The Mara

It’s lovely and [Read more…]

Review: Chocolate Butterfinger and Orange Marmalade Cupcakes at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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DFB author Wendy tempts us with treats from The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Walt Disney World!

Learn About:Mara
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Steps away from the Uzima pool at the Animal Kingdom Lodge and head over to The Mara!

This awesome counter-service spot is a hidden gem, and well worth your time to head over to AKL and explore. We’re always impressed with the offerings here — many of which have an African flavor — and they’ve surprised us again with some unique desserts in the bakery case!

Let’s head over and see what we can find… .

The Mara

Located on the bottom level of Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Mara has a nature-ific theme — including “trees” that grow up onto the ceiling!

The Mara

The Mara has earned its reputation for some truly unique quick service options: African Stew, a rotating array of soups, and the Falafel Pita, to name a few.

Menu

Previously, though, The Mara Bakery has flown under the radar as a spot for unique desserts.

Though you can certainly find some awesome items in The Mara’s chilled grab-and-go section (HELLO, Zebra Domes!), the bakery case itself often seemed to feature items that are standard across Disney Resorts, especially in comparison to spots like the Contemporary Resort’s Contempo Café or the Polynesian’s Captain Cook’s, where one can often make a new dessert discovery.

Mara Bakery

Bakery Case at The Mara

So it was with some excitement that I went in to sample the Zebra and Giraffe Cupcakes, unique to The Mara!

Cupcakes on the menu

Cupcakes

I must say, while my visit was intended for the cupcakes, it was a little difficult to stick to the plan when my gaze fell upon the Peanut Butter Brownie, and the Chocolate Candy Corn Cupcake complete with Oreo Mickey Ears (this one, of course, being unique to the Halloween season)!

Peanut Butter Brownie

Candy Corn Cupcake with Oreo Mickey Ears

Oh, and by the way, Candy Bar Brownie… one day, you WILL be mine.

Candy Bar Brownie

Even among these happy distractions, however, I was able to regain focus rather quickly, thanks to the awesome presentation of the Zebra and Giraffe Cupcakes. These would stand out in any bakery case!

Giraffe Cupcakes in Case

Zebra cupcakes in case

I love how the animal themeing of these cupcakes help them fit right into their surroundings!

Safari theme at The Mara

Alright, let’s dig in!

Zebra Cupcake

Right off the bat, it should be noted that The Mara’s Zebra Cupcake is NOT the same Zebra Cupcake that you may have enjoyed previously at Animal Kingdom. (And to those of you who became understandably excited when you read the name of this cupcake, I offer my apologies!).

Zebra Cupcake from Animal Kingdom park

Considered on its own, however, this Zebra Cupcake is exactly [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 2, 2013

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Hubba hubba! There are some serious new treats in Epcot right now, kids!

Ice Cream Martini in Epcot's France

Yep — the long-awaited L’Artisan des Glaces opened this week in the France Pavilion, and it’s surpassed all expectations. With 16 decadent flavors of ice cream and sorbet along with the option of topping them with three liqueurs, it’s a great stop for both grown-ups and kids!

Check out our first look, with photos and information about the new Epcot France ice cream shop; and enjoy some spectacular treats for the eyes with our review of the “ice cream martini!”

Disney Food News

Enjoy this week’s tidbits!

Of course, there’s more! 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 South African Winemakers Tour at Jiko, Heinz Natural Ketchup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Steakhouse 55 Wine and Dine Experience for Disneyland’s Annual Passholders, Sorcerer Mickey Candy Apples at Disneyland candy locations, Be Our Guest Restaurant earns an award, Chef Chris Windus leaving Todd English’s bluezoo, and sushi update at Kona Island Sushi Bar in Disney’s Polynesian Resort.

DFB Reader Finds

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

The Backlot Express seems to be dispensing some extra magic to guests lately. If you hear Cast Members chanting “magic tray”, they’ll be delivering a free dessert to the lucky guest! DFB reader Jennifer tweeted “ate at the Backlot Express & got the “Magic Tray” & won a free dessert! Lemon Meringue cupcake.” We still don’t know what the “magic tray” is, but we want one!

Lemon Meringue Cupcake!

And while you’re at Backlot Express, we suggest this delicious Angus Onion Straw Cheeseburger sent in by DFB Reader Mandi!

Cheeseburger at Backlot Express!

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On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

features a classic Mickey Mouse waffle iron! Perfect for Summer Saturday breakfasts!

Classic Mickey Mouse Waffle Iron!

All About Ami explores popcorn stands at Tokyo Disneyland! (Keep scrolling down when you click over…it’s a LONG post, but you’ll get to the popcorn stands eventually!)

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups enjoys adult slushes in Epcot’s France pavilion.

Yesterland features the original billboards at Paradise Pier in Disney’s California Adventure. Includes Coca-Cola and McDonald’s advertisements!

Theme Park Insider dines at Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom.

disZine features an updated version of the cooking series That’s Fresh on the Disney Channel.

Main Street Gazette features the Grand Floridian Cafe.

Snack Series: The Chocolate Raspberry Mickey Tart at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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OK, I’ve got a special treat for you today!!!

Learn About:Mara
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

I first saw this little guy at The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge on a trip to the World in February, and I couldn’t wait to try it!

This counter service spot is a great place to grab really interesting and healthier-for-you quick options, like the Chicken Pita or African Stew.

But they offer some pretty amazing sweet treats as well! The legendary Zebra Domes are well documented, but I’m pretty sure this one will catch some serious fans as well. I thought it was my beloved Mickey Ganache Tart, but I was in for a surprise…

The Chocolate Raspberry Mickey Tart

I was seriously over the moon about the Mickey Ganache Tart the first time I had it while visiting Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland. It quickly became one of my all time favorite Disney sweet treats!

So I was super excited when I started seeing similar tarts pop up in Disney World bakery cases as well — including here at The Mara.

Cute Mickey Tarts at The Mara!

This seemed to be a slight variation on the original. To begin, there was no adorable little white chocolate Mickey face, but that wasn’t a deal breaker. And the star-shaped sprinkles provided a whimsical touch.

Chocolate Raspberry Mickey Tart

The most striking difference at first glance, however, is the crust. While Jolly Holiday’s version is [Read more…]

Review: The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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The Mara

is absolutely a “go-to” spot for me at Walt Disney World. It’s a great place to get away from it all and just take a breather in the middle of one of my favorite Disney resorts.

Learn About:Mara
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

Located at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jambo House, The Mara counter-service restaurant offers exotic eats inspired by the diverse flavors of the African continent, while also providing more traditional American fare for the less adventurous eaters in your crew.

And don’t even get me started on all of the special Disney food cult favorites that we’ll make a trip here just to snag!

But I just realized that for all of my visits to Mara, I didn’t actually have my own review of the spot up on the blog! Time to remedy that right away.

Atmosphere

Located on the ground floor, The Mara is just a stone’s throw away from Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Uzima Springs Pool. It’s accessible through an outside entrance near the doors to Jambo House’s other restaurants, Boma and Jiko.

Outside Menu and Information Stand

The Mara is named for the Masai Mara National Reserve in North Tanzania, a game conservation area established in 1948.

The reserve serves as home to dozens of native animals and over 470 species of birds, making it an excellent place to observe the big game with which Africa is associated.

The Mara Story

The indoor seating area takes its themeing from the wetlands and grasslands of the Reserve, with colorful murals painted on the back walls, and a canopy of trees overhead. With the predominant background color of blue, the setting is soothing with plenty of natural light flooding in, which gives you the impression of a cool space.

Indoor Seating

There is also ample outdoor seating at tables that are shaded by umbrellas and plenty of foliage and trees.

Outdoor Seating

On your way over to the ordering area, you’ll find last minute pool gear and an assortment of bagged candy available for purchase. This is a great option near the pool since the gift shop, Zawadi Marketplace, is relatively far away if you forget your pool noodle or need some extra sunscreen!

Gifts and Gear

On the day we visited, we found the restaurant to be fairly uncrowded and quiet as we headed to the food area to make our selections. This is often the case with the Mara for me, but perhaps I’m just visiting during “off-hours.”

Eats

You’ll find The Mara open from 7 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. daily, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Mara Menu and Info -- Click to Enlarge

The menu features many [Read more…]

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