the disney food blog Rotating Header Image

Snack Series: Banana Pudding in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

May 9th, 2013
by AJ.
8 comments

Every once in a while I come across a truly unique item at a Disney counter-service location. Today, so many of the desserts and snacks are homogenous across Disney World and Disneyland, that it’s always great to find a one-of-a-kind!

Today, we’re headed to Yak and Yeti Counter Service — also known as Anandapur Local Food Cafes — in Disney’s Animal Kingdom to check out the Banana Pudding!

Yak and Yeti Counter Service Menu

Banana Pudding

OK, I totally understand your concern. Pudding can be boring. I’d skipped over this dessert many, many times before actually ordering it, too. But in this case…it’s pretty awesome!

Banana Pudding at Disney's Animal Kingdom

This dessert is not only unique to this counter service spot — it’s also delicious! Truly rich and creamy, the pudding is thick — not soupy at all.

PLUS…here’s the best part — it’s full of real bananas and built on a crust of crushed Continue reading →

Posted in: Animal Kingdom, disney parks, Snacks.
Tagged: · · · · · ·

Reminder: September 2013 Walt Disney World Free Dining Offer Now Available for ALL GUESTS!

May 9th, 2013
by AJ.
19 comments

It’s official!! A Disney World Free Dining offer is now available for check-in dates 9/2 – 9/25 in September 2013! This means that guests taking advantage of the offer will get a free Disney Dining Plan with their Magic Your Way package.

Must Arrive Between 9/2-9/25

The offer is currently available only for guests ARRIVING September 2 to September 25, 2013. Our understanding is that a minimum stay of 3 nights is required. The package may not be booked for longer than 14 nights.

This means that even if you arrive late in the offer window, you will still be able to apply free dining to your entire stay. For example, if you arrive on September 25th, you can still have free dining for your whole trip, up to 14 days.

We currently don’t have any knowledge as to whether the free dining offer will be extended in either direction.

Must Stay at a Disney-Owned Resort on Property

Guests must stay at a Disney-Owned Resort. If you stay at a Value Resort, you’ll receive the Quick Service Dining plan for FREE. (Note that you can upgrade to the standard or deluxe dining plans by paying the difference in cost per night.)

Stay at a Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort, and you will receive Continue reading →

Posted in: disney dining tips, disney parks, disney resorts, News.
Tagged: · · · · ·

What’s Your Disney “First Day Tradition?”

May 8th, 2013
by AJ.
106 comments

It’s time to talk Disney trip traditions!!! Over the years, my “first day at Disney” traditions have changed and evolved. But there’s nothing like looking forward to that thing you love to do first when you get to Disney World or Disneyland.

So my question for you today is this: Do you have a favorite ”Welcome to Disney” tradition that you always look forward to? Let us know in the comments below — I might just have to change mine once I get inspired by a few of yours!

In the interest of fairness, I’ll share one of mine, too… :-)

Take a Deep Breath and Enjoy the View

One of my favorite “first night traditions” in Disney World is shaking off the stress of travel with a deep breath and a relaxing view. The best place to do this in my opinion? Disney’s Polynesian Resort!

I usually choose one of two options once I get there: Either lounge in a comfy, wicker chair at the Tambu Lounge, or head to ‘Ohana for a sunset dinner! (And sometimes I do both!)

Tambu Sign

“The Poly” offers lots of choices for Continue reading →

Posted in: Cult Favorites, disney resorts, Polynesian Resort, Snacks, Table-Service.
Tagged: · · · · · · ·

News! Disneyland’s Refreshment Corner Adds a New Chicago-Style Hot Dog

May 8th, 2013
by AJ.
15 comments

When you’re in Disneyland and in serious need of a hot dog, we have just the place for you — the Coca-Cola Refreshment Corner!

Refreshment Corner -- Outside View

This spot will remind East Coasters of Casey’s Corner with its decor and location. With a nod to early twentieth century vintage, this spot anchors Main Street U.S.A. with lots of charm as well as good eats.

And today, we’re bringing you news and pictures of a brand new menu item here. Let’s take a look!

Refreshment Corner

Refreshment Corner occupies a corner of Main Street U.S.A., just before you get to Jolly Holiday Bakery and Cafe. It’s compact to be sure, and seating is all outdoors, but there’s plenty of fun decor to check out!

Tiffany-Style Shades with Coca-Cola Branding

This spot is best known for Continue reading →

Posted in: Counter-Service, disney parks, Disneyland, News, Snacks.
Tagged: · · · · · ·

Top 5 Disney Dessert Recipes!

May 7th, 2013
by AJ.
9 comments

I know you’ve got a big event planned soon and you’re looking for the perfect recipe to try out…right?

OK, even if you’re not, I think today’s post might inspire you to start planning a dinner party! Let’s check out my top 5 favorite Disney dessert recipes! Which ones have you sampled in the parks?

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding at ‘Ohana

Alrighty — it’s time to start out with a BANG! There are few things that I love to eat in all of Disney World more than the Bread Pudding at ‘Ohana.

This Polynesia-meets-churrascaria restaurant can be somewhat unpredictable in terms of quality. But one thing is always certain: the dessert is PERFECT. Seriously…every single time!

The bread pudding is served warm with a heaping scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, and the most incredible sauce ever. I could easily eat a bowl full of it.

Bananas Foster Bread Pudding at 'Ohana

It was a happy day when I discovered the ‘Ohana bread pudding recipe, and with it, the power to make this one at home!

Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake at Liberty Tree Tavern

Say what you will about Liberty Tree Tavern, the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake is a must-order!

While Liberty Tree Tavern dinner is served family style and consists of roasted meats and traditional sides, lunch features an a la carte menu…and it’s awesome. There are many dishes on the menu that I look forward to having when I visit, but I never leave without ordering dessert, and it’s always Ooey-Gooey Toffee Cake!

Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom

Less a cake and more like a rich, shallow, muffin-shaped chocolate chip cookie, I fell in love with this treat the first time I tasted it! And I could have kicked myself for having passed on it before then. The flavor combo of Continue reading →

Posted in: Counter-Service, Cult Favorites, disney parks, disney resorts, disney's hollywood studios, Epcot, magic kingdom, Polynesian Resort, Pop Century Resort, Recipe, Snacks, Table-Service.
Tagged: · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Review: Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

May 7th, 2013
by AJ.
10 comments

C’mon kids!! Everyone into the Studios for another look at Hey Howdy Hey Takeway in Pixar Place!!

This is one of my favorite little kiosks in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Lots of folks just wander on by, but there are so many cool themeing elements here to gawk at!!

Banner Over Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway Kiosk

Atmosphere

Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway is a wagon-shaped kiosk located across from the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania.

Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway Wagon

Theming for the spot comes from the Toy Story franchise — specifically, Toy Story 2, which explores Woody’s history as a TV personality.

You’ll remember that in that film, Woody learns that “he” starred on a TV show, along with Jessie, Bullseye, and the Prospector. And of course, there were many products created to promote the kids show. (Sound familiar??)

What self-respecting Woody fan wouldn’t start the day without a heapin’ helpin’ of Cowboy Crunchies?

Cowboy Crunchies Giant Box

And, much like you’d find in the Continue reading →

Posted in: Counter-Service, disney parks, disney's hollywood studios, Snacks.
Tagged: · · · · · · · ·

Guest Review: Breakfast at Olivia’s Cafe in Disney’s Old Key West Resort

May 6th, 2013
by AJ.
10 comments

Welcome back Julie B. with a review of an insider-favorite restaurant tucked away in the Old Key West Resort — Olivia’s Cafe!

Learn About:
Olivia’s Cafe
Disney World Restaurants

Tucked away in the Downtown Disney Resort area sits Old Key West, a Disney Vacation Club resort. A hidden treasure and tropical oasis lies within — Olivia’s Café.

Atmosphere

From the moment we drove through the gate, I could feel myself relax into the Key West atmosphere. Even the security guard letting us into the resort said “Oh Olivia’s, the best kept secret in Disney World!”

Everything about Old Key West just makes you want to take a deep breath and imagine you’re along the coast with a cool ocean breeze.

Olivia's Cafe Entrance.

When you enter the restaurant, you’ll see walls adorned with tackle and boating items, but also covered with family photos of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members.

Olivia's Dining Room.

This really sets up the restaurant with the vibe of a local, “towny” place that’s perfect for families. Even though we weren’t regulars, I still felt so welcomed and at home at Olivia’s.

Family Album at Olivia's Cafe.

Decor at Olivia's.

We dined on a flawless weather day, so we opted for a table on the patio. Our table had a perfect view of the flag pole, water, and lobby walkway area.

Patio at Olivia's.

View from the patio.

With a warm breeze and abundant sunshine, I can’t imagine Continue reading →

Posted in: disney dining tips, disney resorts, Old Key West Resort, Table-Service.
Tagged: · · · · · · · ·

News! 2013 Disney World Free Dining Offer

May 6th, 2013
by AJ.
107 comments

Great news! Free Dining will be offered for check-in dates 9/2 – 9/25 in September 2013!

Travel Dates

Free Dining is being offered to guests ARRIVING September 2 to September 25, 2013. A minimum stay of 3 nights is required and may not be booked for longer than 14 nights.

Disney Resorts

If you stay at a Value Resort, you’ll receive the Quick Service Dining plan for FREE. (Note that you can upgrade to the standard or deluxe dining plans by paying the difference in cost per night.)

If you reserve a Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort, you will receive Continue reading →

Posted in: disney dining tips, News.
Tagged: · · · · · · ·

Review: Hollywood and Vine Lunch at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

May 5th, 2013
by AJ.
21 comments

It’s time to head back over to Hollywood and Vine! No, not the famous Tinseltown intersection. We’re talking about a cool character dining experience at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

A while back, I reviewed the character breakfast at Hollywood and Vine, and was pleasantly surprised to find pretty good food with some interesting flavor options.

This go around, we decided to sleep in a bit and stop by for lunch. I was interested to see if the trend of good food quality and fun character interaction would continue.

Settle in — this is gonna be a long one! :-)

Atmosphere

Hollywood and Vine is located near Echo Lake; hang a left off of Hollywood Boulevard from the park’s entrance, and you’re there!

Hollywood and Vine Sign

When we arrived for our advanced dining reservation, there was already a crowd at the podium to check in!

Entrance to Hollywood and Vine

A placard near the check-in area gives a few details about the Play ‘n Dine experience, in case you’re attempting to score a “walk-up” table.

Information Outside for Play 'n Dine

Once inside, you see which Disney Junior characters you might meet, courtesy of this triptych, which looks like a giant picture book.

This is a good time to explain Continue reading →

Posted in: Buffet, Character Dining, disney parks, disney's hollywood studios, Table-Service.
Tagged: ·

News! Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Special Menu Items

May 5th, 2013
by Kim.
No comments yet

Don’t forget to swing by Epcot this week to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the Mexico pavilion. Special menu items will be offered throughout the pavilion’s restaurants from May 5-11, 2013!

Epcot's Mexico Pavilion

La Hacienda de San Angel and San Angel Inn

Menu items offered for Cinco de Mayo at La Hacienda de San Angel and San Angel Inn are noted below.

Appetizers
Cream of Chile Poblano — Chile Poblano, cilantro, onion, garlic, and Mexican cream. Garnished with tortilla strips, poblano peppers, and cream.

Chalupas de Chicharron — Corn dough topped with roasted chipotle sauce, shredded chicken, pork rind in green tomatillo sauce, fresh cheese, sour cream, and avocado.

San Angel Inn Dining Room

Entrees
Chile en Nogada — Egg battered stuffed poblano pepper with pork, almonds, raisins, apple, pineapple, cinnamon, roasted tomato, and garlic. Topped with a walnut cream sauce.

Enchiladas de Mole Poblano — Corn tortillas filled with marinated chicken. Topped with Mole Poblano sauce, sesame seeds, and Mexican cream.

Pollo Rostizado en Salsa de Mercado — Slow roasted French-chicken breast. Topped with a roasted green tomato, pine nuts, garlic, onion, and saffron sauce.

Carved Wood Tables at Hacienda de San Angel

Dessert
Camotes en Leche Condensada — Sweet potato dessert topped condensed milk. Garnished with almond brittle.

Drinks
Horchata Margarita — Horchata, a traditional Mexican beverage, is water infused with ground up rice and flavored with lime, cinnamon, and sugar. Try this unique Horchata Margarita and let us know what you think!

La Cava del Tequila

Stop by La Cava del Tequila Continue reading →

Posted in: Counter-Service, disney parks, Drinking Around the World, Epcot, News, Special Stuff, Table-Service.
Tagged: · · · · · · ·

← Earlier Posts
Newer Posts →