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Review: Mocha Brownie Cupcake at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Downtown Disney

It was just this past February when many Disney World guests celebrated the opening of Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in The Landing of Disney World’s Disney Springs area.

Learn About:Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC

Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

For those who had missed the presence of BabyCakes in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace since its previous location closed to accommodate construction in March 2014, the new storefront was a welcome re-addition.

While the name has changed, the focus on vegan (dairy-free, egg-free), soy-free, and gluten-free baked goods remains the same, making it a great destination for many Disney World guests on special diets.

Though I’m not on a special diet myself, I sometimes find myself stopping by Erin McKenna’s when I’m at Downtown Disney, anyway. I’ve found that I’ve come to enjoy several of the treats (I can’t walk by without at least entertaining the notion of picking up a slice of Lemon Teacake), and I can never resist any bakery case full o’ cupcakes.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC indoor sign

Cupcakes!

Just a reminder, though, that the updated location has been able to expand its selection, and offers [Read more…]

News! Erin McKenna’s Bakery Signage Up in Downtown Disney (BabyCakes is Back!)

By AJ 11 Comments

Okay, BabyCakes fans… this one’s for you!

With the ongoing construction at Downtown Disney (as it continues in its transition to become Disney Springs), there’s a lot of anticipation about the new dining spots on the way: from The Boathouse and Morimoto Asia to STK Orlando. If you’ve been following the Downtown Disney/Disney Springs food news, you may recall in November when we mentioned the possible return of BabyCakes NYC to Downtown Disney in the revitalized form of Erin McKenna’s Bakery Valentine.

We’re happy to bring you official signs of its return… with the SIGNS now hanging outside what will be the bakery!

And, according to Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC’s Facebook page, it will open this Sunday at 1PM! (Thanks to reader Heather for the heads up!)

Erin McKenna’s Bakery Storefront — Word is Out That the Bakery Will Open This Sunday!

Erin McKenna’s Bakery sign

Erin McKenna is the founder of BabyCakesNYC, known for its great selection of gluten-free, vegan treats including cupcakes and donuts in a wide variety of flavors.

Babycakes Sweets and Treats

Fans of BabyCakes will certainly remember [Read more…]

News! New Menu at “Allergy” Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (And You Can Still Get Babycakes!)

By AJ 21 Comments

With the recent closure of Babycakes NYC in Downtown Disney Orlando, readers have been all aflutter with one question: Where will I get my gluten-free treats now??

And it’s a serious question. For visitors to Walt Disney World who follow a special diet, many were super thrilled to have access to the specialty bakery’s treats. The gluten-free, vegan baked goods meant that guests with food allergies and intolerances could have their cake and eat it, too. And guests who choose to follow a special diet for other reasons could indulge guiltlessly.

Well, we recently stopped by the Gardens Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and we’re happy to confirm that Babycakes NYC will continue to supply the stand as well as several Disney resorts with baked goodies that meet these criteria!

A Cast Member Provides a Guest with Information at the Gardens Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

The Gardens Kiosk is located centrally on Discovery Island near Flame Tree Barbecue and the entrance to It’s Tough to Be a Bug. It serves to educate guests about the top eight most common food allergens, and cast members are stationed at the kiosk with resources to assist guests who need help with food choices.

But the spot also serves as a handy place to get grab and go snacks items that are free from the most common food allergens.

We noticed a few changes to the menu when we stopped by the other day. Most notably, you can now get Tofutti Ice Cream here! The dairy-free frozen treats will be a welcome addition for guests who are lactose intolerant or who suffer from milk allergies.

New Gardens Kiosk Menu — Click to Enlarge

But we also spied an expansion of the [Read more…]

Review: Disney World Resort Quick Service Pasta Options

By AJ 13 Comments

Thanks to DFB Author Wendy for a look at some great counter-service carb-loading options for your runDisney races this year!

Are YOU running the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler (or any of the other runDisney races this year)? If so, you might be interested in participating in a good old-fashioned carbo-load before your race!

Even if you’re not tackling those ten on October 5th… odds are good you’ll be putting in plenty of miles at the Parks at some point, no matter what.

It’s time to fuel up, people ;)!

Spaghetti time!

For those running one or more of the east coast races this season, there are plenty of places all over Disney World property where you can take part in the time-honored runners tradition of a pasta “carbo-load.”

Today we’re going to focus on some of your pasta options in the resort Quick Service restaurants.

Counter Service Pasta Options at Walt Disney World Resorts

Let’s start with this terrific trend: Create-Your-Own-Pasta stations are cropping up in a few of your favorite Quick Service restaurants!

Create Your Own Pasta

Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors already has a reputation for innovative and delicious dining, and you can read a full review of the Create-Your-Own-Pasta experience here.

Add-ins for Create Your Own Pasta at Landscape of Flavors

Spaghetti Carbonara with Broccoli

The Riverside Mill at Port Orleans Riverside also offers this fun option!

Riverside Mill

Create Your Own Pasta Options at Riverside Mill

Unique to the Grand Floridian’s recently refreshed Gasparilla Island Grill is a [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 7, 2013

By AJ Leave a Comment

I hope you had an awesome Independence Day Week if you’re in the USA!

Mickey Mouse July 4th Cupcake!

We had a great time covering all of the Limited Time Magic treats in the Disney World parks for the 4th of July!

These are available through today, July 7th, but hopefully that strawberry and blueberry shortcake sundae will stick around… 🙂

And there’s lots more Disney Food News where that came from! Let’s check it out…

Disney Food News

Catch up on the latest food news from Disney!

Great news for holiday visitors! The Disney World Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will go on sale on July 9th! Get more details here…
Dole Whip is catering to more special dietary needs by offering a vegan, dairy free product. It’s also gluten free!
The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is now home to the new All-American sundae!
Epcot’s Kabuki Cafe is now serving new sushi items.
Disneyland’s Candy Palace has a new sweet treat: Candy Sticks!

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 a possible closing date for Cap’n Jack’s at Downtown Disney Orlando.

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!

Monsters University treats have all over Disney parks, and have been inspiring DFB readers at home! Take a look at these homemade Mike cookies sent in by DFB Reader Angela!

Homemade cookies!

And DFB Reader Joe sent us these fun cake pops in the making!

Cake Pops!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Holiday Sale

Hurry! Our holiday discount ends today! Pick up our 2013 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for $4 off using code STARS!

This comprehensive e-Book offers over 400 pages of expert information, color photographs, advice, reviews, and details about Dining in Disney World. And these awesome bonus items are included:

Downloadable worksheets for planning your trip.
Seven sample one-day dining itineraries to help you with brainstorming.
A comprehensive index of bars and lounges.
An index of some of our favorite Top 5 lists.
Four food-themed scavenger hunts — one for each Disney World theme park!
Disney Dining Trivia to play while waiting in line, or waiting for a table.

Pick up your copy today with code STARS for a $4 discount! As a downloadable PDF, the book can be read on your computer, smartphone, and tablet easily!

Want Even More Savings?

If you’re headed to Disney World this year or in early 2014, our BEST DEAL can be found when you bundle for savings!

Right now, get over 40% off of four of our most popular Disney Dining Guides with the DFB Guide + Snacks Bundle.

Including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining AND all three of our DFB Snacks Guides. Get more information about the DFB Guide + Snacks Bundle here!

On to the Round-Up!

Eat, Sleep, Run Disney

dines at Carthay Circle in Disney California Adventure.

Mickey Fix delights with this Darth Vader candy and ice cube mold! Perfect for summer parties; we love the Vader S’mores idea!

Pop Century Site highlights Tie-Dye Cheesecake and Pop Waffles!

Walt Disney World for Grown Ups stops by Liberty Square Marketin the Magic Kingdom.

Running at Disney enjoys a feast at Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Disney Hipsters enjoys a vegetarian lunch at Whispering Canyon Cafe.

Main Street Gazette samples goodies at the Territory Lounge at Wilderness Lodge.

Disney Parks Blog heads to Disneyland to make s’mores!

Reader Question: Is Dole Whip Vegan and Gluten Free?

By AJ 31 Comments

For guests visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland with a special diet, the popular Dole Whip treat is now just about the perfect snack! Dole Whip’s fruit flavors are now vegan! And Dole Whip has always been gluten free.

Dole Whip fruit flavors are now vegan!

At least, they are according to the official Dole Whip Mix website — Unified Enterprises Corporation. You can now enjoy any fruit flavor of Dole Whip on your vegan and/or gluten free diet!

Taken From Website of Unified Enterprises Corp

At Disney, you’ll find pineapple Dole Whips! There’s also an option for a Dole Whip Float, which adds pineapple juice to the mix. (The vanilla flavor that has been offered at some locations is not considered vegan at this time.)

Disneyland Dole Whip Float

Dole Whip Nutritional Information

Vegan (no dairy)
Less than [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Brownies

By AJ 3 Comments

I always find instant inspiration when I take a look at the reader photos in our Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr. We’ve featured our picks for Best Disney Brownies on the blog before, but it’s always fun to see what you guys love the most!

Dad’s Brownie Sundae

Dad’s Brownie Sundae

at 50’s Primetime Cafe is an over-the-top treat. Love the caramel popcorn garnish!

Photographer: WinnieAtePooh

Dad's Brownie Sundae at 50's Primetime Cafe

Paw Print Brownie

This fun shot of the adorable Paw Print Brownie at Animal Kingdom’s Kusafiri Bakery makes me want to hop a plane and head there right now!

Photographer: TheAviator1992

Paw Print Brownie at Kusafiri Bakery

Brownie Cupcake with Mint Frosting

Looking for a [Read more…]

Guest Review: New Quick-Service Eats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 26 Comments

Thanks to one of our readers, we have a mini-review of the new food happenings at Disney’s Animal Kingdom — including a vegetarian cart in Asia, and fresh-cut fruit bowls at Harambe. And just wait until you see the gorgeous fruit salad at Tamu Tamu Refreshments…

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has introduced several yummy new treats this Summer! We’ve told you about the brand new Sundowner Celebration already, and here are a few other new additions for those trekking through this gorgeous theme park in Walt Disney World!

Bradley Falls Kiosk

As we announced on our Disney Food News Pin Board this week, Bradley Falls Egg Roll stand has changed its menu.

It now offers Summer Rolls (a different recipe than was there before), an Asian Noodle Salad, a Lychee Salad, and Fresh Edamame!

The Asian noodles are sweet, sour, and spicy with fresh broccoli, snow peas, carrots, and red pepper with a hint of sesame oil. The dish is garnished with black sesame seeds and green onion!

Asian Noodle Salad

And Bradley Falls has a yummy-looking fruit salad, complete with pineapple, mango, grapes, blueberries, kiwi, and lychee! Pretty amazing looking, eh?

Fruit Bowl

The edmame were cooked perfectly and served [Read more…]

2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Debuts A Vegan Marketplace

By AJ 21 Comments

Great news for those visiting the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival with a special diet!

As part of the World Showcase Marketplaces serving tapas-sized portions of International foods, the Festival is introducing a completely vegan kiosk this year! We’re hoping that means that special diets will be catered to more than ever before at this year’s event.

Vegan Marketplace at Epcot Food and Wine Festival

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year will introduce the first ever vegan-only “TERRA” marketplace, which will include dishes like this Trickâ€™n Chickâ€™n Curry with Basmati Rice Curry with Basmati Rice.

Trickâ€™n Chickâ€™n Curry with Basmati Rice at the 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival

Stay tuned for more details about this exciting development. Here’s hoping nothing changes!

As always, Disney Food Blog is YOUR SOURCE for the most detailed information about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Check out our 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page for [Read more…]

Review: Waldorf Orlando Bull and Bear Lounge New Menu

By AJ 7 Comments

It’s no secret that I LURVE the Bull and Bear Steakhouse at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando. This place is phenomenal, and with a location in the middle of Walt Disney World property, it’s well worth trying if you haven’t been there yet.

Entryway

Now, perhaps you don’t have time for a full, multi-course meal, but you’d still like to pamper yourself and your taste buds? I now have the perfect solution thanks to the Bull and Bear’s new lounge menu!!

Bull and Bear Bar and Lounge area

Have you ever wanted to pretend you’re Marilyn Monroe or Clark Gable, out for an evening in a luxurious Hollywood lounge? That’s exactly how you’ll feel surrounded by plush seats (pillows!!), sparkling white tablecloths, dark wood, and a fabulous staff of servers. The best part? You’re in a lounge, which means you get all of the Bull and Bear flavor with a lower check total!

Eats

The new menu debuted at the Bull and Bear a couple of months ago, and we got the chance to go in and sample some of the new dishes!

Menu - click image for larger version

Don’t be fooled; the prices reflect the quality of the food, but trust me — it’s well worth it! We started out by sampling the new-and-improved bar snacks in the lounge.

Wanting to appeal to different tastes and all of your taste buds, Chef David Sears decided on a trio of accompaniments you wouldn’t expect!

Bar Snacks

Next up on our tasting menu: the Shrimp and Grits with Tasso Ham and Tomatillo Chutney. Now, how cool is this presentation? Chef Sears wanted to include a smoked flavor, but didn’t want it to be too strong. His solution? Add a touch of smokiness by serving the plate under a dome of flavor!

Shrimp and Grits Presentation

How do they do it? Trade secret… 😉

Shrimp and Grits Presentation

The shrimp and grits did have a mildly smokey flavor, and the touch of tasso ham gave it the [Read more…]

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Review: Mocha Brownie Cupcake at Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Downtown Disney

News! Erin McKenna’s Bakery Signage Up in Downtown Disney (BabyCakes is Back!)

News! New Menu at “Allergy” Kiosk in Disney’s Animal Kingdom (And You Can Still Get Babycakes!)

Review: Disney World Resort Quick Service Pasta Options

Counter Service Pasta Options at Walt Disney World Resorts