Disney Food News Pin Board
DISNEY FOOD NEWS AND UPDATES
In order to make sure you hear everything we hear, I created this Disney Food News Pinboard to capture the bits and pieces of information we receive through the grapevine.
I’m so grateful for all of the tidbits of info that I hear from readers and friends — I rely on you guys to be eyes and ears for the DFB since I’m in Texas. If you hear a piece of Disney Food News, please pass it along to us via twitter, facebook, or email so that we can post it either on the Blog or on the Pinboard!
Feel free to send photos if you get a glance of a new menu, a new food item, another new addition to a Disney park or resort. And don’t forget to let me know how to credit you (name, web link, etc.).
The Latest Disney Food News
LATEST NEWS BLOG POSTS
HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE
Here are some news tidbits that we don’t have a full post about on the site, but that are important to know for your next Disney vacation!
Restaurant News
Pecos Bill New Menu Item: In the Magic Kingdom, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is now offering a Southwest Chicken Salad.
End Zone Food Court Refurbishment: From August 5 – December 20, 2013, the End Zone Food Court at the All-Star Sports Resort in Walt Disney World will be closed for refurbishment. Guests looking for made-to-order food may take a bus to the All-Star Music or All-Star Movies resorts. Two motor coaches will run during mealtimes. Guests will board buses from the porte-cochere outside the lobby and will be dropped off under the porte-cochere at the All-Star Movies or All-Star Music resorts. (Remember, these resorts are also within walking distance of each other.) During this closure, grab-and-go food items such as cold sandwiches and cereal will be available at the Game Point Arcade. Guests looking for arcade games may also travel to the other All-Star resorts. Thanks to All Ears for the info!
Woody’s All-American Roundup in Disneyland: This summer, Woody’s All-American Roundup brings more fun and food to Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch starting June 14, 2013. Source: Disney Parks Blog
Sweet and Sour Sauce at ‘Ohana: In addition to the peanut dipping sauce, sweet and sour sauce is back on the menu at ‘Ohana in the Polynesian Resort at Walt Disney World! Thanks to Disney Mom Leslie K. for the update!
Celebration Cakes at Epcot: Select Epcot restaurants now offer fancy celebration cakes, including fondant cakes, mini-cakes, and mini-figures in white chocolate. Source: Disney Travel Babble
Cinderella’s Royal Table Refurbishment: While Disney has not made an official announcement, we’re hearing that guests are being told that Cinderella’s Royal Table in the Magic Kingdom will undergo a short refurbishment in the fall. Guest calling for reservations have been advised that Cinderella’s Royal Table will be closed 9/10 – 13, reopening September 14, 2013.
ESPN Club Menu Update: The ESPN Club at the Boardwalk Resort has a new menu. All of the hot dogs have been removed, including the Italian Dog and the Chili Cheese Dog. Higher end fare has been added along with higher prices. The Chili Nachos are now a BBQ Pork. Thanks to Jeff Merry for the update!
Beaches & Cream Menu Changes: According to a waitress, menu changes took place approximately two weeks ago at the Beach Club’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. Check out the addition of a veggie falafel sandwich. Also, the price of the Kitchen Sink Sundae has increased. Thanks to Brent Hannon for the info!
New Menu Changes at Kona Cafe: The Polynesian Resort’s Kona Cafe has a new dinner menu. There is a new cheese plate as an appetizer. For entrees, a pan-seared chicken with a spring pea risotto and a scallop dish were debuted. Thanks to Reader Jacky Hernandez for the heads up!
And the breakfast menu has a new listing. Kona Café has added an Egg White Omelet with roasted red peppers and goat cheese for $10.99. Thanks to Deb Koma at All Ears!
Disneyland CHOC Walk: The 23rd Annual CHOC Walk in the Park is being presented by the Disneyland® Resort on Sunday, October 13, 2013.
This year’s CHOC Walk in the Park kicks off on Main Street U.S.A. with a stroll through Disneyland®, the Disney California Adventure Park® and cross the finish line in Downtown Disney® District. After the Walk, visit sponsors at the Walk Festival and enjoy breakfast at one of the many great restaurants in the Downtown Disney® District.
Walker and Team registration will be available June 2013. Stay connected by joining the CHOC Walk Facebook page. http://facebook.com/chocwalk. If your company would like information on becoming and official sponsor of the 2013 CHOC Walk in the Park, email prandall@choc.org.
New Menu at ABC Commissary: ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a new menu.
ABC Commissary Menu - click image for larger version.
ABC Commissary Menu - click image for larger version.
ABC Commissary Menu - click image for larger version.
Disneyland Annual Passholders Eligible for Free Character Dining: Annual Passholders booking the current Disneyland vacation offer also receive a FREE Premium Character Dining Experience!
The character meal voucher is good for one meal (including tax and gratuity) at one of the following restaurants: Minnie and Friends at the Plaza Inn, Surf’s Up! with Mickey and Friends at the PCH Grill, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Critter Breakfast at Storytellers Cafe, Ariel’s Princess Celebration at Ariel’s Grotto, or Goofy’s Kitchen.
Maji Pool Bar Serving Hot Food: Guests at the Kidani Village Pool will now be able to order hot food items poolside at the Maji Pool Bar. Menu items include a hot dog, Cuban Sandwich, Turkey Panini, and for the kids — a Grilled Cheese Sandwich. Source: WDWMagic
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck Refurbishment: According to WDWMagic, The Anandapur Ice Cream Truck at the Animal Kingdom will be closed April 14 to May 23 for a refurbishment.
Orange Bird Souvenir Cup at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: We recently spotted the Orange Bird souvenir cup being offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s selling for $8.99 with frozen lemonade at Anaheim Produce.
Orange Bird Cup!
Enchanted Tiki Room Food Merchandise: Tickets for the Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room 50th Anniversary Merchandise Event, taking place June 28–29, are now on sale! This event will offer some fun, food-themed custom vinylmation, pins, and more!
Fountain View Cafe Now Closed: To make way for the new Starbucks location, Fountain View Cafe is now closed for refurbishment.
Fountain View is under renovation!
Victoria & Albert’s Honored: Zagat has named Disney World’s Victoria & Albert’s one of the top 15 iconic restaurants in the country!
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Spring Events:At Downtown Disney Anaheim, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen has announced an entertainment schedule for spring. Look for Dueling Pianos every Thursday beginning at 9pm; N’Awlins Brunch Fest every Sunday 10am – 3pm; $30 three-course dinners nightly; New Orleans Sno-Balls; and Live Music Nightly!
Spring Events at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen! Click for larger image!
Beverage Seminars Aboard the Disney Fantasy: New beverage seminars have been added to the offerings on Disney Cruise Line’s Fantasy. These include Amari Tasting ($20), Wine & Chocolate Tasting ($30), and a Rum Tasting ($15). Beverage seminars are usually offered on sea days and can be booked on Embarkation Day. Check your Personal Navigator for details on these fun, 45 minute gatherings! Source: Disney Cruise Line Blog
Wolfgang Puck Cafe Menu Update: Joe Barrett shares some news from the Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Downtown Disney Orlando! New items added include Fennel Sausage Pizza, Barbecue Chicken Sliders, and Crispy Chicken Salad. Plus dine between 11:30am and 4pm and you’ll get 50% any new menu item!
Disney World Receives Gluten Free Award: The 3rd Annual Gluten Free Award Winners were announced and Disney World received top honors for a gluten-free vacation destination!
Main Street Bakery Concept Art: The Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery is undergoing a renovation as it changes to a Starbucks location. Check out this concept art! Source: WDW News Today
Concept Art for Main Street Bakery!
Cinderella’s Royal Table Refurbishment: The Magic Kingdom restaurant, Cinderella’s Royal Table Restaurant, is gearing up for a short refurbishment from May 13 – 16, 2013. The restaurant will reopen on May 17th. Source: WDWMagic
New Hours at Splitsville: The new entertainment venue, Splitsville, in Downtown Disney Orlando will now be open Sunday through Wednesday from 10am to 1am. It will remain open until 2am from Thursday through Saturday. Source: WDWMagic
Tower of Terror Ten-Miler: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend from October 4-5th is now on sale. After the race, enjoy the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash! Special savings are available on theme park tickets and resort rooms. Details can be found here or call 407-WDW-RUN.
Ghirardelli Snack Credit: Disney Dining plan snack credits can be used at Ghirardelli’s Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop. Anything below $5 (before tax) is a snack credit and includes the Decadent Drinking Chocolate. Snack credits can be used at the Soda Fountain and the Chocolate Shop!
Thanks to Reader Heidi G. for the heads up!
Sleepy Hollow Refreshments: The Magic Kingdom’s quick service location, Sleepy Hollow, is undergoing an exterior renovation. During the construction work, Sleepy Hollow will remain open for business.
Exterior Renovation at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments
Habit Heroes Opens (Again) in Epcot: When Habit Heroes opened in Epcot’s InnoVentions in February 2012, it was criticized for insensitivity to overweight people. It has now re-opened with a newly designed message about healthy living. Source: Orlando Sentinel
Martha’s Vineyard Menu at Yacht and Beach Club Resort:While Hurricane Hanna’s was closed for refurbishment, guests could order quick-service food at Martha’s Vineyard at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort. No word on whether this has been discontinued now that Hurricane Hanna’s has re-opened.
Martha's Vineyard Menu - click image for larger version.
New Menu at Shutters in Caribbean Beach Resort: A former Disney Cruise Line chef, Mike Reitzler, has taken the helm at Shutters in the Caribbean Beach Resort. While favorites such as chorizo-black bean soup and the crispy chicken wings tossed in habanero-brown sugar glaze remain on the menu, most of the items are new.
Try the Mahi Bake (fish tacos with crispy mahi mahi, avocado, lettuce, mango salsa and cilantro-lime sour cream) as a starter. Other new Caribbean-flavored items include: a citrus-poached shrimp with hot fried plantains; fresh fish with yucca dumplings; char-crusted New York strip steak with mashed sweet potatoes; pasta with shrimp, chorizo, spinach and goat cheese (there’s also a vegetarian version); cocktails like the Caribbean Smuggler; Red Stripe beer; press pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain; and no-sugar-added angel food cake topped with silky coconut crème Anglaise and fresh fruit.
Mizner’s Lounge at the Grand Florida Re-Opens: Mizner’s Lounge has re-opened after serving as a temporary grab-and-go location while refurbishments were taking place. Open 4:30pm to 12am, lounge fare (appetizers and desserts) is available until 10pm. Appetizers include Escargot and an Artisanal Cheese Selection. For a sweet treat, there are several desserts including a lemon-scented cheesecake. Source: WDW News Today
New Minnie Baker’s Dozen Poster: According to the Disney Parks Blog, Disney Design Group has created lucky 13 posters for the new year. Patty Landing selected the lucky “Baker’s Dozen”. “I’ve been supporting the consumables department, so it was natural for me to design a sweets-themed poster,” said Patty. A new monthly pin and Vinylmation collection will also use the artwork from the poster collection.
Minnie Baker's Dozen Poster Artwork for 2013
Gasparilla Island Grill Now Open: After a lengthy refurbishment, Gasparilla Grill & Games at the Grand Floridian has re-opened as the Gasparilla Island Grill. We love the new decor! The arcade, Aracadia Games, has been moved to the room which once housed the kids’ club.
Starbucks Opening Date: Starbucks will open in the Magic Kingdom on May 18th, according to Stitch Kingdom.
Snack Combo Savings in the Magic Kingdom:For $6.25 or two Disney Dining Plan snack credits, treat yourself to a bottled beverage (SmartWater not included) and a scoop of popcorn in the Magic Kingdom. This is a money-saver only if you are paying out-of-pocket!
Popcorn and Bottled Beverage Combo
New Menus at Citricos: The Grand Floridian Restaurant – Citricos – has introduced new menus. Check out the new dinner menu. Thanks to Susan Weaver for the heads up!
Restaurant Updates at Disney’s Vero Beach: Disney’s Vero Beach Resort has made some changes to the resort dining options. Shutters is now open exclusively for dinner. The lunchtime menu at The Green Cabin Room has been expanded and a range of menu options are now available at the Bleachers Bar and Grill. Room service, however, is no longer available.
DVC Member Gatherings with Refreshments: The Sleeping Beauty Pavilion at the Disneyland Hotel will host a weekly Disney Vacation Club Member Gathering. DVC Members are welcome to the Royal Member Gathering each Monday at 8am to play games, enjoy light refreshments, meet a Disney Character, and receive a DVC gift. Friends and family are welcome to join in on the gathering with a member. A DVC Member ID Card is needed for admittance. In Hawai’i, Aulani DVC Members are welcome to gather on select Monday mornings at 8am for a chat with coffee.
New Epcot Snack Kiosk: A new snack kiosk has been erected in Epcot’s Future World in the Innovention Plaza near the Electric Umbrella restaurant, according to WDWMagic. Stay tuned for information on an opening date and menu details!
Refillable Mug Price Increase at Walt Disney World Resorts: Refillable mugs at the Walt Disney World resorts went up to $15.49 plus tax.
Current Refillable Mug Information (BoardWalk)
Menu Make-Over at Disneyland’s French Market Restaurant:
More than a dozen new dishes have debuted at the French Market Restaurant at Disneyland which is open for lunch and dinner. Instead of an all-day menu, they’ve also added a few more dishes for dinner! New dishes include N’awlin’s Salad, red beans and rice with Andouille sausage, and Cajun meatloaf. Dinner adds panko-crusted red snapper and Creole shrimp pasta, according to the Disney Parks Blog.
Music from Disney California Adventure’s Carthay Circle Restaurant Released: The Circle Sessions: The Music of Carthay Circle will be released with jazz versions of great Disney songs, selected from the soundtrack of the Carthay Circle Restaurant and Lounge at Disney California Adventure park!
Colette Champagne Cocktail Recipe from Disney Cruise Line’s Remy: The popular Colette champagne cocktail’s recipe has been revealed by the Disney Cruise Line. This signature beverage from the Remy restaurant aboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream can now be made at home!
New Name for Downtown Disney’s Fresh A-Peel: Fresh A-Peel (located inside Pollo Campero) at Downtown Disney Orlando has changed its name to Bodie’s All-American. The menu will continue to offer nutritious, American fare such as burgers, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Menu items include sugar-free, gluten-free, low sodium, and organic options.
New Le Cellier Dessert:A new dessert is on the menu at Le Cellier in Epcot. Thanks to reader Wendy Hofmann for the picture of the Chocolate Pecan Pie “on-the-rocks”!
Pecan Pie at Le Cellier
New Menu Item at Sci-Fi: Look for the Salmon BLT with chive aioli at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Reader Wendy Hofmann tells us that the dish was “delicious” and “the chive aioli had a nice oniony/peppery bite.”
Cobb Salad Options Expanded at The Hollywood Brown Derby: The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is now offering two Cobb Salad options. Enjoy a Cobb Salad as an appetizer for $8 or opt for the $15 entree.
La Hacienda No Longer Accepting Tables in Wonderland: As of September 2012, La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico pavilion is no longer accepting the Tables in Wonderland discount card. San Angel Inn in the Mexico pavilion does still accept the card and offers the 20% discount on food and beverages to Tables in Wonderland members.
Animal Kingdom’s New Specialty Beverages: According to WDWMagic, there’s some new beverages at the Animal Kingdom. Dino-Diner – Frozen Bacardi Raspberry Rum Lemonade; Flame Tree Barbecue – Mandarin Orange Lemonade; Harambe Popcorn – Jungle Juice; Petri-Fries – Frozen Blueberry-Mango Rum Lemonade; Pizzafari – EPPA Organic Sangria; Restaurantosaurus – Lychee Coconut Rum Lemonade, Wild Berry Mango Rum Lemonade, and Lychee Lemonade; and Safari Pretzel is offering Frozen Mango Rum Lemonade.
New Dining Locations at Aulani: According to DisneyParks Blog, two new quick-service locations are coming to Aulani. One counter-service location (near a new water play area) will serve a continental breakfast, plus a lunch and dinner menu with a selection of sandwiches, salads and snacks. The outdoor patio will provide a beautiful ocean view. The second quick-service restaurant will be located beach-side, offering grab-and-go snacks. Work begins September 2012 with an expected completion date of mid-2013.
The resort’s expansion will provide a larger lawn location for events, weddings and the nighttime Starlit Hui show. And a protective awning will be installed over the patio of Makahiki restaurant, home of “Aunty’s Breakfast Celebration,” featuring breakfast with Disney characters!
New Menu at Tutto Gusto: According to Eating (and Drinking) Around the World, Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar in Epcot’s Italy pavilion has made some changes to its menu. These include the addition of wine flights, a change-up of Panini offerings, new pasta specialties, and more!
Updated Tutto Gusto Menu - Click image for larger version
New Menu Items at Uva Bar, Disneyland’s Downtown Disney: As we reported earlier, the Uva Bar and Cafe re-opened in June at Downtown Disney Anaheim. Featured menu items include Market Fish and a Lamb Burger. There’s an extensive list of micro-brews too, according to Disney Parks Blog.
Expanded Menu at River Roost Lounge: The popular River Roost Lounge (home to Yeeha Bob) at the Port Orleans Riverside resort has expanded its menu. Take a look!
River Roost Lounge Menu - click image for larger version
Thanks to reader Paul L for sending us the menu!
Aulani’s Makahiki Lunch: The Makahiki restaurant at Disney’s Aulani resort is now serving lunch, according to the DisneyParks Blog. Choose your own pizza toppings (pepperoni, Portuguese sausage, pineapple), salad blend (veggies, blue cheese goat cheese, feta cheese, grilled tofu, chicken, shrimp, fish), or sandwich combo. Sandwiches include a fish of the day, turkey, ham, and roast beef. Or try a signature entrée – Hawaiian pizza; Asian salad; and the Chef’s Special Bento.
Sides include slaw, garlic fries, a green salad, or potato salad. Plus, you’ll love the fresh fruit, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cake, and mochi ice cream dessert selections. The cost ranges from $11.50 for a salad to $15 for the bento box.
Champagne Brunch at DCL’s Remy: For cruises that include a sea day, the Disney Dream joined the Disney Fantasy in offering a champagne brunch at Remy as of the 6/24 sailing. It’s a 5-course meal, each paired with a different champagne. Source: Reader Jeff Alves. Menu includes:
Pata Negra
Cremant d’Alsace Blanc de Blancs, Pinot Blanc
Gnocchi Chili
Taittinger Prestige Rose NV
Lobster Cauliflower
Saumur Veuve Amiot
Sea Bass, Egg, Thai
Pommery Rose NV
Veal Potato
Taittinger La Francaise NV
Chocolate
Moet & Chandon Ice NV
More Accolades for Victoria & Albert’s: Join us in applauding Chef Scott Hunnel, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Perez and their team for earning their 13th AAA Five-Diamond Award for Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. According to the DisneyParks Blog, 28,000 restaurants were reviewed, and only 53 have earned five diamonds – and a mere 21 have had that distinction for 13 or more consecutive years. Impressive!
Hoop Dee Doo Revue Show Times Change, Effective October 1: Starting October 1, 2012, Hoop Dee Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness will be shown at 4 p.m., 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Disney Dining Plan guests can redeem two table-service meals for either Category 2 or Category 3 seats for the 4 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. shows or Categories 1, 2, and 3 seats for the 8:30 p.m. show.
New Chef at Mama Melrose’s: According to the DisneyParks Blog, Chef Beatriz Candelario has moved from the Cape May Cafe to Mama Melrose’s bringing her love for garlic to some of the new dishes. The seafood cioppino, Gnocchi, and tiramisù semifreddo were created by Candelario’s team.
Aulani’s Makahiki Adds A la Carte Menu: The buffet restaurant Makahiki at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii has added a la carte menu items, according to DisneyParks Blog.
New Quick-Service Restaurant at Disney’s Aulani: Mama’s Snack Stop, a quick-service food location will open in June. On the menu: mouthwatering hot dogs, chicken tenders and more. Options include a choice of bread, sauce, and type of sausage, including all-beef hot dog, Hawaiian Winner, or Portuguese sausage. Guests can also select a buffalo ranch chicken tender dog, chicken tenders, fries, Maui Chips, a macadamia pineapple cupcake and fruit. Source: DisneyParksBlog
Flying Fish Tasting Plates: Flying Fish Cafe has introduced tasting plates to its menu! This means you can get smaller-sized portions of some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes! Try the Caesar Salad and Crab Cake appetizer plate and the potato-wrapped red snapper and strip steak entree plate! — Thanks to DFB Reader Kendra for the tip!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants: According to our friend and colleague Cheryl Perlmutter, “Just went to DHS and they changed the rolls in the park to Udi brand rolls, which are not egg free.” This pertains to the bread rolls served at the restaurants and could affect some special diets.
Walt Disney World Restaurant Closures
MAGIC KINGDOM
Main Street Bakery: Closed for refurbishment in order to make way for Starbucks – January 6th through May 17, 2013. Opening as a Starbucks location in Spring/Summer 2013 — we’re hearing May 18th.
Cinderella’s Royal Table: Cinderella’s Royal Table Restaurant will undergo a short refurbishment from May 13 – 16, 2013. The restaurant will reopen on May 17th.
Cinderella’s Royal Table will undergo a short refurbishment from September 10 – 13, 2013. Reopening September 14.
EPCOT
Fountain View Cafe: Closed. Opening Summer/Fall 2013 as a Starbucks location.
ALL-STAR SPORTS
End Zone Food Court Refurbishment: From August 5 – December 20, 2013, the End Zone Food Court at the All-Star Sports Resort in Walt Disney World will be closed for refurbishment. See more info above!
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Anandapur Ice Cream Truck: This location will be closed April 14 to May 23, 2013 for a refurbishment.
CONTEMPORARY
California Grill: California Grill is closed for a lengthy refurbishment from February 1, 2013 to late summer 2013. We were recently told that California Grill should be taking reservations within the next four weeks!
Disneyland Restaurant Closures
DISNEYLAND
Market House: Market House is closed for renovation as it transforms into a Starbucks location.
See ALL the latest news posts on our Disney Food News Category.
