Walt Disney World | the disney food blog

Review: Mochi Ice Cream and Hello Kitty Mochi in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion

We recently we dug our spoons once more into Kaki Gori, the Japanese Shaved Ice served at Kabuki Cafe. For years now, it’s been THE go-to treat as far as frozen options in the Japan Pavilion go, perfect for the cooling down in the current summer heat.

Japan Pavilion Pagoda

But did you know that Japan has got another — perhaps more authentic — frozen snack to keep your temperature down? It’s called Mochi. And though it’s been hanging around at the carts in the pavilion on-and-off for years, this additional cart we spotted recently seems to be mostly Mochi-centric. [Read more…]

New DFB Video Review: Rapunzel and Ariel Bon Voyage Breakfast in Disney World

By Brooke 4 Comments

We know that y’all are pretty serious when it comes to Character Dining at Walt Disney World. So in today’s DFB Video, we’re taking a closer look at Walt Disney World’s newest character dining experience — the Bon Voyage Breakfast at Trattoria al Forno.

Rapunzel

Trattoria al Forno has served breakfast since it opened on the BoardWalk in 2014. But earlier this year, the restaurant became home to Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Ariel, and Prince Eric as they send guests off on a grand adventure of their own.

The table service, prix fixe meal allows guests to choose from several menu options. And oh, by the way — you can also choose to dine on the patio, character free, if you’d prefer. [Read more…]

Save With The 180-Day Sale!

By AJ Leave a Comment

You Guys! CHRISTMAS!!

Christmas? Wha?? “But AJ, it’s June and it’s so hot/humid/sunny/rainy/sooooo nooooottt Christmas!”

Well…true.

BUT — it’s also only 187 days until Christmas.

That means that if you’re planning a December Disney trip, then it’s time to don your Santa hat and get into the holiday spirit, my friends!

Still wondering why? Ha! Lemme explain.

You can book restaurants at Disney World 180 days in advance. And the most popular restaurants book up to capacity on that first day! SO, restaurants at Disney World start booking for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day NEXT WEEK!!! We don’t want you to miss out. So it’s time to start planning. [Read more…]

News: Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs Now in Magic Kingdom at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments

By AJ 3 Comments

We’re gonna go waaaay back today… all the way to 2013 .

Learn About:
Sleepy Hollow

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

That’s the year that Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs arrived — at long last — in Disney World, thanks to the Fantasy Fare Disney Food Truck.

Of course, Disneylanders have a long history with Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs. The Little Red Wagon and Stage Door Cafe in Disneyland Park and Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure long ago elevated the standard theme park/carnival/state fair corn dog to a work of art. An extra-thick layer of corn batter surrounds the hot dog, while the hand-dipped treatment lends a heartier, tastier, more satisfying crunch to the deep-fried golden batter.

Even with that description, it’s still hard to imagine how much this process improves upon your basic corn dog without trying one for yourself.

Disneyland Hand-Dipped Corn Dog from the Little Red Wagon

And now, there is one more spot in Disney World where you can do exactly that. Better yet, it’s in a PARK this time! Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Magic Kingdom is now serving Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs!! [Read more…]

New DFB Video: Be Our Guest Restaurant — Is It Worth It?

By Brooke 10 Comments

Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re getting down to the serious business of Be Our Guest Restaurant!

Located in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest took Disney fans by storm when it opened five years ago. The restaurant, part of the New Fantasyland expansion, morphs from a counter service spot during breakfast and lunch to a table service dining spot for dinner. [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Tips: When Should I Visit the Festival?

By AJ 16 Comments

Are you as excited about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival as we are? It will be here before you know it!

Summer may have just begun, but in just a couple of months — weeks, really — we’ll be kicking off the festival with strolls along World Showcase Promenade, sipping and noshing on lots of new dishes and returning favorites.

And even though we’re still awaiting major details, like booking dates and a full list of events, there’s plenty that we can get started on in the way of planning.

Cheers to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

But there’s one factor you must determine before you can get to any of your other plans: what’s the time best time to visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? We answer below — including some things you may not have thought about. [Read more…]

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Recipe: The Chew’s Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Tomato Sauce

By AJ 2 Comments

At the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Crew from The Chew once again offered a custom menu for the event. And we expect to see them again this year at the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

The Chew Collective Booth

The event runs a record 75 days this year, and for the first time ever, will begin in August! Mark your calendars for August 31-November 13!

While we can’t wait to see all of the new dishes that will debut at this year’s Marketplace Booths, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite dishes from last year, like The Chew’s Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce.

Ricotta and Zucchini Ravioli with Rustic Tomato Sauce

The fresh flavors of this vegetarian dish wowed us, and we love that we can recreate it at home with this handy recipe!

[Read more…]

Review: Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe Disney Springs

By AJ 7 Comments

Ready for an emotional roller coaster? Because we have some good news and some bad news regarding Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe and Dining Room.

Learn About:
Wolfgang Puck Cafe and The Dining Room

Downtown Disney
Disney World Restaurants

I always think it’s best to get the bad news out of the way first, don’t you? So, here goes…

The bad news is that Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe will be closing up shop on August 1st.

And now, for the good news! Wolfgang Puck is not leaving Disney Springs entirely! In case you missed the news, he’ll be opening a brand new, modern restaurant in the Town Center of Disney Springs. Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill will open in 2018, and it will still feature some of the world famous chef’s most popular dishes. PLUS, the West Side location will be revamped into Jaleo, a Spanish tapas-style restaurant by Celebrity Chef Jose Andres, which will open in 2018. So two restaurants for the price of one!

So even after that announcement, I kept my recent Advance Dining Reservation at the Grand Cafe, since there will still be plenty more where this came from. AND I wanted to point out which items I most hope to see on the menu at the new digs!

First, though, let’s check out the old haunt before saying good-bye to the West Side space.

Atmosphere

Wolfgang Puck Grand Cafe and The Dining Room are in the same general building, but there’s a cafe and a sushi bar downstairs, and a formal dining room upstairs. Plus, we can’t forget the Counter Service option with The Wolfgang Puck Express. (And don’t you worry, Express fans… the Marketplace Express location isn’t going anywhere!)

The decor is… umm, how do I say this?

Wolfgang Puck Cafe Seating

TOTALLY SAVED BY THE BELL. I thought it the first time I walked in so many years ago, and it hasn’t changed an ounce. But, hey, it’s consistent — from colorful light fixtures to Formica tabletops. [Read more…]

Review: New Giant Sundaes Debut at Taste Track in Epcot

By AJ and the DFB Team 11 Comments

What do you need after taking a speedy spin on everyone’s favorite design-your-own-vehicle attraction, Test Track? A snack, y’all! (FYI: Most questions can be answered with “a snack.”) And we’re thrilled to tell you that the Test Track-adjacent Taste Track beverage and snack kiosk is open — again — for business!

Taste Track Kiosk

[Read more…]

Review: Kaki Gori Treats at the Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase

By AJ 6 Comments

Let’s be real: the temperatures in central Florida can be downright stultifying. But thankfully, Disney has provided many, many, many options for ice cold refreshment. And if you’re in the World Showcase at Epcot, tons of these awesome options are just a short walk away.

One of our favorites is located in the Japan Pavilion. Die-hards know it well — it’s Kaki Gori, and it’s a winner! Kabuki Cafe itself is super cool, featuring architectural details in keeping with its pavilion. You’ll find clay tile shingles on the roof, and paper lanterns hanging from the eaves.