food IS a theme park
When you’re traveling through time in Tomorrowland in Disneyland, you’re sure to work up an appetite — and thanks to Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port, you’ll always be able to snag a fortifying snack or meal. (There’s a fun little backstory to the Pizza Port here!)
Redd Rocket’s Pizza Port sign
Seating at Pizza Port is indoors or…
Do you remember, by chance, how much we loved the Iced Coffee Float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies?
If not, then lemme tell ya. We loved it a LOT. But since there’s a new sipping spot/coffee joint in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland with Joffrey’s Revive Coffee Kiosk, the offerings at Auntie Gravity’s (also located in Tomorrowland) have changed up a bit.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I think Joffrey’s Revive is a terrific addition to Magic Kingdom. But I have to admit I was bummed to find that one of the subsequent changes was the removal of Iced Coffee Floats from Auntie Gravity’s.
So, with that, it’s time to find a different sipper from Auntie (who still serves up soft-serve ice cream, too, by the way).
Ice Cream and Smoothies sign
Fortunately, she still has a few tricks up her sleeve, as Auntie Gravity’s is one of the few spots where you can find Smoothies, available in Raspberry or Strawberry. [Read more…]
GOOD MORNING from Magic Kingdom!
Of course, it’s pretty much always a good morning when you’re in Disney World. But if you’re in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, the mornings are even brighter thanks to the arrival of the brand new Joffrey’s Revive Coffee Kiosk!
Tucked next to the Tomorrowland Stage where you can sometimes find the Mr. and Mrs. busting a move at the #INCREDIBLESSuperDanceParty, the newest Joffrey’s Kiosk is the first in the Magic Kingdom. (Until now, the closest kiosks to Magic Kingdom have been at the Ticket and Transportation Center and the Contemporary Resort.)
There are two things you can count on with a visit to a Joffrey’s kiosk in Disney World: one, fun theming to perfectly match its surroundings. And two: a good cup of coffee (or tea, if you prefer).
Joffrey’s Revive sign
We’re here to check out both. So, Blast Off with us to Tomorrowland to hang out and caffeine up at the new Joffrey’s Revive! [Read more…]
Who’s up for a little retro-futuristic dining at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe?
Cosmic Ray’s remains your best Magic Kingdom bet for Counter Service staples like Bacon Cheeseburgers and Chicken Breast Nuggets (especially since the Mexican fare menu revamp at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe that took place last fall). It’s your basic go-to when you’re looking for a menu that’s bound to have something that will appeal to just about everyone in your traveling party.
Even so, that doesn’t mean Cosmic Ray’s can’t change things up from time to time, as evidenced by a few new menu items we spotted recently and thought we’d check out with our review today.
And even if they didn’t alter their menu as extensively as the nearby Tomorrowland Terrace recently did, we’ll take pretty much any excuse to pay a visit to our old pal, Sonny Eclipse!
Sonny Eclipse entertains at Cosmic Ray’s
Now that we’ve said “Hello” to Sonny, let’s check out what else is happening at the Starlight Cafe… [Read more…]
So, you’re up in space (I know — “What else is new,” right?) and suddenly you have a hankerin’ for a slice of pizza. Before space pilot Redd Rockett came along, your mission would have been… well, impossible.
But not anymore, thanks to Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland!
Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port sign
You see, the backstory for Pizza Port revolves around the difficulty experienced by astronauts of finding a “decent pizza” in space (#SpaceProblems — you know how it goes). That is, until Redd Rockett decided to solve that problem once and for all by setting up a pizza port in the sector. Its success was so great that Redd opened up a second location right here on Earth, in Tomorrowland, located near Space Mountain. [Read more…]
Fire up the flux capacitor and hop in the Delorean because we’re going back in time. I know, that’s Universal Studios talk, but Doc Brown is the only guy I know that can make this happen…
1957 Guide to Disneyland
It’s 1957 at Disneyland. The park has only been open for two years, but Walt’s got lots of places for us to eat! Let’s take a little tour of our options starting with good ‘ol Main Street USA.
The Carnation Ice Cream Parlor (currently known as Gibson Girl) was the perfect spot for a cool treat. Further down the road you could stop at the Carnation Plaza Gardens for some quick service food. Does anyone remember the frozen malts they sold with the wooden spoons? I DO!
There was also the Refreshment Corner sponsored by Coca Cola, The Maxwell Coffee House Shop, The Puffin Bake Shop, and the Red Wagon Inn, which is said to have been Walt’s favorite park eatery and later became the Plaza Inn.
Another option was a cafeteria style restaurant called the Pavilion. Check out the photos below, I’m absolutely loving the popcorn cart and its cute little cowpoke customers!
Main Street USA
Take a right off of Main Street USA and you’ll stumble into Tomorrowland. Here, you can hit the Space Bar, an automat type restaurant as well as the Yacht Club (self service) and the Dairy Bar, which was an exhibit sponsored by the American Dairy Association.
Tomorrowland
After Tomorrowland, we’ll head over to Fantasyland. Here you can eat at the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship (YES PLEASE!) or get some fresh grape juice from the Welch’s Stand.
In 1957, Frontierland was the place to really get your grub on; it had the most dining options of all the lands in the park. The Chicken Plantation Restaurant served up a fried chicken dinner for just $1.70. Meals could be enjoyed on the patio of a plantation style home along the Rivers of America. The Plantation House closed in 1962 to make room for New Orleans Square.
Not in the mood for fried chicken? Head over to the Golden Horseshoe for dinner and a show. Or visit the birth place of the [Read more…]
It’s a hot afternoon in the Magic Kingdom. Ice cream is calling your name, but you’re also in need of a little caffeine jolt. Well, I’ve got just the treat for you… today we’re checking out the Iced Coffee Float at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies!
Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies
Not familiar with Auntie? It’s OK — lots of people just walk right by on their way from Fantasyland to Tomorrowland.
You can find this spot in Tomorrowland across from the Tomorrowland Speedway. The menu features – as the outdoor sign indicates – smoothies and ice cream. You can read our review of both a smoothie AND an ice cream sundae here!
Ice Cream and Smoothies sign
It’s also an easy place to grab a piece fruit or a muffin before your race to Space Mountain in the morning.
The Iced Coffee Float has been on my “To Try” list for a while, but I must confess to rarely stopping at Auntie’s, typically in favor of visiting Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Rays’s or grabbing a Gourmet Cake Cup at Cheshire Café. But one day I was particularly in need of a caffeine boost, so I strolled in to Galactic Goodies to place my order.
Outside Auntie Gravity’s
You’ve got two choices to make upon ordering your Iced Coffee Float. First, the Iced Coffee: French Vanilla, Mocha, or Latte (the Latte, while still being “lightly sweetened,” is the least sweet of the bunch). Second, the ice cream: Vanilla, Chocolate, or Twist soft serve.
I walked out to the casual seating area…
Outdoor Seating
Cool Umbrella
…with my Chocolate and Vanilla Twist Mocha Ice Cream Float!
Iced Coffee Float
This treat is just a [Read more…]
Today, we head to Tomorrowland for a visit to an “out-of-this-world” dining spot — Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe!
Situated on the corner between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland, this spot actually boasts views of Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Main Street USA, and the Castle Hub!
With plenty of standard American fast food offerings, you’ll find lots of options to please pickier eaters here. And while at first glance the atmosphere isn’t all that interesting, it holds a few surprises.
Let’s head in and see what Cosmic Ray’s has to offer these days!
Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
Cosmic Ray’s takes up a huge chunk of real estate right on the edge of Tomorrowland. The vibe is retro-future, much like the rest of the land. If you are a big fan of The Jetsons, Lost in Space, and the People Mover, this is the place for you!
Inside, you’ll find ample indoor and outdoor seating on a couple of different levels. And here’s a surprise — if you’re a newbie to Cosmic Ray’s: there’s a floor show!
Cosmic Rays -- Sonny View Seating
Throughout the day, animatronic alien lounge singer Sonny Eclipse comes to life and entertains you with his signature disco-blues style that is both futuristic and retro at once. Listen closely to the songs to get a few laughs.
Sonny Eclipse entertains at Cosmic Ray's
The area where Sonny performs does tend to be a little loud, so if you aren’t a fan of talking over music while you eat, there is also inside seating on the upper level that’s a bit set apart from the noise.
Inside Seating -- Away from Sonny's Floorshow
The restaurant also boasts lots of [Read more…]
Disney continues to move technology forward in it’s dining systems and restaurants. Just recently, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in the Magic Kingdom installed LCD screens to feature menu items.
We’ve seen screens like this at some food courts and counter-service restaurants for a while, but making the change in some of the theme park restaurants is new for Disney.
Don’t forget to look at Bay 1, 2, and 3 for all of your dining options, including [Read more…]
Well, it was a pretzel kind of day on Friday in the Magic Kingdom and Epcot!
I sampled the famed Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel — now found at Fife and Drum — for the very first time, found out some details about the Sweet Cream Cheese pretzel in the Magic Kingdom, and learned more about the new (to WDW) Mickey-shaped pretzels!
Fife and Drum
That’s right! We though they could only be found in one place in the parks (Animal Kingdom for the Jalapeno pretzel; Magic Kingdom for the Sweet Cream Cheese pretzel), but they can both be found in Epcot these days!
Epcot’s Fife and Drum, right outside of the American Adventure building, is the unassuming home for these very popular and sought after snacks! This spot is next to the near the Liberty Inn, so find a seat at the [Read more…]
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
