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Confirmed! Spice Road Table Restaurant To Open in Epcot’s Morocco!

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Many of you will remember when in 2012 Disney Food Blog shared exclusive details about a new restaurant coming to Epcot’s Morocco pavilion in Walt Disney World! Yesterday, Disney confirmed that the restaurant will be opening in 2013!

The name has changed since we reported the story, but the details have not! Here’s a recap of what you can expect at the new waterfront restaurant — Spice Road Table — in Epcot later this year…

Morocco Pavilion Waterfront along World Showcase Lagoon Will Soon Be Home to a New Restaurant

Spice Road Table Restaurant

Please note that these are exclusive details from the operator of Disney World’s Morocco pavilion restaurants about the restaurant!

Breaking ground this year, the Spice Road Table Restaurant will join Restaurant Marrakesh and Tangierine Cafe to offer authentic Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in one of Epcot’s most exotic pavilions.

The new restaurant will combine 120 outdoor terrace seats with 60 indoor seats to offer guests a new option for dining in the World Showcase (and another amazing view of Epcot’s Illuminations fireworks show).

Looks Like Spice Road Table Guests Would Have a Great View of Illuminations

Spice Road Table Menu

The food and drink offerings were described to me as a “Food and Wine Festival all year round.” The menu will include [Read more…]

Review: Sleepy Hollow Refreshments at Magic Kingdom

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You know, I go to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments SO often when I’m in Disney World that I sometimes forget that it’s been a while since I actually “reviewed” it here on DFB! Let’s remedy that with some awesome pics of one of my favorite spots in the Magic Kingdom.

Learn About:Sleepy Hollow
Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Sleepy Hollow has always been one of the hidden gems in Disney World. It looks small and standard, but the menu packs a bunch of unique items that you can’t find anywhere else in Disney World. These include the now-cult-favorite waffle sandwiches in a couple of different varieties. Few folks visiting the park can resist stopping by for a sweet or savory waffle!

I’ve tried them a time or two, and I certainly have my favorites (mmmm…Nutella!). But today, I’m stopping by to see if they’re just as good as I remember! And I’ll probably need to snag a certain very favorite dessert while I’m here as well. 🙂

Atmosphere

If you veer left from Main Street toward Adventureland, and then hang a right on the foot bridge leading toward Cinderella Castle, you can’t miss Sleepy Hollow. Located at the entrance to the quaint Liberty Square area, this is a great spot to take a breather.

As you approach, you’ll see that Sleepy Hollow is a walk-up spot. The line wraps around the side — and there often is one, so be prepared.

Here’s some seriously fascinating trivia — the design of Sleepy Hollow’s facade is actually based on Washington Irving’s house in Tarry Town, New York. The detail of this place never ceases to amaze me. (Irving penned The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. But you knew that, of course.)

Sunnyside, Washington Irving's Home in Tarry Town, New York

The spot is centrally located in the park, which means you’re steps away from anything that you’d like to take in next. That makes it a good rendezvous spot as well.

There is quite a bit of picnic-style seating beyond the pick up window, and you have a fun side view of the castle show while you’re eating.

All of the seating is located outdoors, but there’s a shady area with an overhang if you prefer it. Not many folks know about this seating area, so you may be able to find a table even on busy days.

When we finally got through the line and were ready to order, I had to snap a pic of the MyMagic Reader that’s set up at the ordering window. This is where you scan your key card to pay these days! It’s part of the MyMagic+ system Disney will be rolling out over the next year.

My Magic Key Card and Band Scanner Set Up at Sleepy Hollow

So, what will it be today? So much awesome to choose from…

Eats

Sleepy Hollow is still primarily a snack or breakfast stop, but with the addition of the savory waffles, you can easily make a meal here. (Look at all those Disney Dining Plan snack credit options!)

Sleepy Hollow Menu -- Click to Enlarge

As we reported on the Disney Food News Pin Board, [Read more…]

Fun Find: Limited Edition Beer Steins in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion

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Time for another fun tour of the awesomeness that is Epcot’s World Showcase! I like shopping there almost as much as riding Soarin’! Today, we’re checking out more fun finds at one of my favorite stops on the trip around the World — the Germany Pavilion.

Limited Edition Beer Steins

As I headed back through the shops in Germany, I didn’t have to go very far before I found two different limited edition Disney and Epcot Beer Steins.

Front and Back of First Stein

Resplendent in the colors of the German flag, the first stein depicts Disney characters against the background of the Germany Pavilion itself!

The design includes Mickey, Donald, and Goofy all dressed in lederhosen and playing instruments. The image is straight out of Oktoberfest!

Close Up of Mickey on First Stein

Check out Donald’s cheeks! I didn’t know ducks HAD cheeks.

Close Up of Donald on First Stein

The second stein features [Read more…]

Review: Sanaa at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

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On a recent whirlwind trip to Disney World, I planned to get together with friends for lunch. I had a hankering for the totally incredible Butter Chicken at Sanaa, so I couldn’t wait to head over there for lunch!

Learn About:Sanaa
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Disney World Restaurants

This wonderful restaurant, located at Animal Kingdom Lodge‘s Kidani Village, still flies under the radar. However, in the past, it has been the location of some of my very favorite meals.

And, let me tell you dear DFB readers, it is going to be VERY difficult to edit this review considering how much I want a big ol’ plate of that Butter Chicken right now. I had half a twix bar in preparation, but I don’t think it’s going to do the trick.

That said…we’re off to the races!

Atmosphere

You’ll find Sanaa at Kidani Village, the portion of Animal Kingdom Lodge that’s a Disney Vacation Club property.

Outside of Sanaa

The same care and attention to detail that went into the decor of Animal Kingdom Lodge is at play here as well. The soaring lobby greets you with colorful African decor and a thatched roof! I love it!

Kidani Village Lobby

Once you get to the restaurant downstairs, you’ll see why they chose the name. The word “sanaa” is Swahili for art, and is the perfect description of this beautiful spot that marries handcrafted artisan touches with food that’s prepared with care and tradition.

Sanaa is open for lunch and dinner. We suggest lunch or an early dinner for first timers — more about that in a minute.

Sanaa Hours

The entrance features some beautiful, handcrafted African artwork. The beads that line the podium are gorgeous.

Entrance

Look closely at the mats on the wall and you’ll likely spy a Hidden Mickey! We have two more hidden mickeys for you in this post — can you find [Read more…]

Easter Egg Hunting in Disney California Adventure

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Happy Easter Everyone! On this treat filled day, we wanted to share a fun event that happened recently in Disney California Adventure.  As part of the Limited Time Magic campaign, Disney has been introducing special activities for guests including a handful of Annual Passholder events.

My boys and I headed over on a Friday after school for an Easter Egg Hunt around the park.  The event was very well organized. Egg Hunt Maps were available for purchase inside Elias & Co. on Buena Vista St.

Disney California Adventure Easter Egg Hunt Map

For just $4.95, you got a map and a sheet of stickers to place on the map as you found each egg.  Upon finishing or not finishing the hunt (because everyone’s a winner!) you turn your map in for a fun prize.

The maps had 10 “clues” on them; each corresponding to an area in the park where an egg was hidden.  The goal was to travel to each spot, search for the egg, and then place the corresponding sticker on top of the clue.

We were already near Carthay Circle, so we went hunting for that one first.  Since we weren’t sure about the size or look of the eggs, we really were a bit lost.  However with one hint from a fabulous cast member, we were able to get the hang of it real quick.  All we had to do was look up to spot a big Mickey Egg perched right on top of Carthay Circle Restaurant’s balcony.

Mickey Egg

After finding Mickey, our next clue was “Award Wieners.” This is where we found [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 31, 2013

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So much awesomeness happened this week, but the best part of it ALL was THIS!!!

Madam Leota's Cracked Crystal Ball

Our DFB columnist, Heather, was able to have dinner in the Haunted Mansion, and she documented it all for us! Take some time to check out this truly epic post and be sure to give Heather some props for putting the article together. I’m not sure if I would have had the presence of mind to video that dessert…

Disney Food News!

Here’s what’s been happening this week!

And there’s more where that came from! 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!

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!

We love this pic sent in by RayRach320 of our favorite Elephant Cupcake in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! She wants to know if it’s OK to eat it for breakfast (and the answer is YES!).

Animal Kingdom White Chocolate Elephant Cupcake

Thanks to DFB Guest Author Corey Patterson for sending over this awesome pic of the Grand Floridian Easter Eggs — Storybook Circus edition!!

Grand Floridian Edible Easter Eggs!

DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks 2013 — Coming Soon!

DFB Mini Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks 2013 Citrus Swirl Page

Stay tuned this week for the launch of our DFB Mini-Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks 2013 Edition!!

I won’t say too much about it now, but I will let you know that there are dozens more snacks, more photos, updated prices and snack credit info, and more!!

We’ll have details — and discount codes!! — for you later this week, but for now — here’s a sneak peek at our Citrus Swirl page in the Guide!

On to the Round-Up!

WESH.com

shares some favorite Disney parks on-the-go breakfasts!

Staten the Facts offers a fun round-up of some great Disney desserts.

The Passporter Moms Podcast shares tips on touring the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival — with updates on the eats from yours truly!

In College Adventures of a Conservation Education Presenter, a Disney cast member and DFB reader features some awesome Disney dinnerware found in Australia!

All Ears gives a kids perspective of the new TRYit menu items at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival.

Disney Parks Blog features the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor in Disneyland.

Main Street Gazette shares the Bread Service at Sanaa!

Tables in Wonderland April Event: Flower Power Happy Hour

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It’s time for a new Tables in Wonderland event!! This one is gonna be totally groovy, man. 😉

This year’s Flower Power Happy Hour will take place at the American Adventure Parlor at Epcot® on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 6:00pm. Cost is $50.00 per person, plus tax; and gratuity is included.

click image for larger version

You know that our favorite part of this year’s Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is the FOOD (see our FULL review of every single food item at the festival here!). But another great aspect of the festival are the nightly Flower Power concerts featuring your favorite songs from the 60s and 70s.

On this Tables in Wonderland evening, guests can join fellow members for a cocktail hour and then reserved seating for the concert of Village People – best known for that wedding reception and summer camp favorite, “Y.M.C.A.” You’ll also get reserved viewing for IllumiNations.

Flower Power Happy Hour Event Timeline

6:00pm – Happy Hour at American Adventure Parlor. Hors D’Oeuvres, Beer, Wine, and Specialty Beverages

7:15pm – Move to America Gardens Theatre

8:00pm – Reserved seats for Village People show at [Read more…]

Dining in Disneyland Review: Lavender Vanilla Bean Easter Cupcake

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Strolling through Disney California Adventure, I decided to take a peek inside Trolley Treats to see if they had anything new I needed to try. Sure enough, as I walked past the refrigerated goodie counter, I noticed a Specialty Easter cupcake.

We told you about the Easter Cupcake in Disney World a bit earlier, but this one is a little different!

Easter Specialty Cupcake

I had my two year old niece with me, so of course I purchased one up quick and took it outside for us to share.

At first glance while ordering I saw “white” cake beneath the wrapper, so I assumed that this was just a vanilla cupcake adorably decorated for Easter. Wrong. Always ask for a flavor when you see the words “Specialty Cupcake.” 2 year olds do not like Lavender Vanilla Bean cupcakes… I mean they like the look of them, but the taste not so much.

Lavender Vanilla Easter Cupcake

Absolutely gorgeous with intricate details, I had a very hard time figuring out how to share this cupcake with a two year old.

Imagine the torture of sitting there while Auntie has to take 15 photographs before digging in.

So after my little photo shoot, I took off the wrapper and noticed all these little “specks” in the cake. Immediately I thought “what in the world is this situation?”

The “official” description (which I got later) was [Read more…]

DFB Podcast Episode 14: Best Disney Hotels for Dining!

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Hey all!! Episode 14 of the DFB Podcast is now available for your listening pleasure!!

Yep — we know that secretly you all choose your hotel based on what restaurants you can get to within walking distance (doesn’t everyone?!?).

So we wanted to make your decision making process as easy as possible and just share our favorite Disney hotels for dining. It takes the guesswork out of it for you, ya know? 😉

SO — listen in to hear some of our favorite Disney hotels in Disney World AND Disneyland…based on restaurants alone. (Of course, this is the most important criteria for a hotel. It goes 1.) Good restaurants, 2.) Beds and stuff.)

And we also throw in some awesome listener questions (and our basically-decent-if-a-little-bit-too-long answers) and some Disney TRIVIA — which gives you the chance to win one of our DFB Guides to Disney World Dining! Woo!!!!!

Alrighty…time to take a listen! And don’t forget to rate us on iTunes!

Review: Beech Pool Bar and Grill at Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort in Walt Disney World

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We’re just getting into Springtime in Orlando, and now is the perfect time to sit by the pool with a cocktail (or mocktail!).

So for your Friday Zen-ness today, I’ve got the perfect destination…

Aaaaahh...that's better, isn't it?

Beech Pool Bar at the Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort is one of the most relaxing spots I’ve visited within the gates of Walt Disney World.

A massive lazy river and pool complex is the perfect addition to a sunny Orlando afternoon…and the frozen hot chocolate doesn’t hurt either. But more on that later…

Beech Pool Bar

Let’s dive in!

Atmosphere

Beech is more than your standard pool bar. There are plenty of tables and chairs for eating a full meal, but if relaxation is on the docket, consider curling up with a cocktail by one of the [Read more…]

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