bacon | the disney food blog

Review: Turkey and Pimento Cheese BLTs in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

We’re back today for another visit to Disney’s Animal Kingdom! And this time, we’re stopping by The Smiling Crocodile!

In case you haven’t noticed , Animal Kingdom has been undergoing some major changes lately. Of course the biggest change is the addition of, you know, a whole new world.

But in addition to that, we’ve been seeing little changes for years. It began with subtle changes to the color schemes. The bright colors that had decorated Discovery Island since it opened were traded for richer, deeper, more neutral colors.

Longtime favorite counter service spots like Pizzafari and Flame Tree Barbecue both underwent periods of refresh. And of course, Creature Comforts was overhauled when it became a Starbucks.

But then, other spots have changed up as well. In addition to brand new counter service spots, like Harambe Market, AK decided it was time to update a few of the kiosks, too. So familiar spots, like The Gardens Kiosk, were revamped. In this case, well — welcome to The Smiling Crocodile!

We dropped by The Smiling Crocodile recently to see what was new — and we found plenty! Let’s take a look.

Open Faced BLTs at The Smiling Crocodile

For now, it seems that Open Faced BLTs are taking over at The Smiling Crocodile. We found three different versions: Turkey BLT, Salmon BLT, and Pimento Cheese BLT.

Menu — Click to Enlarge

We didn’t have any takers on the Salmon BLT the day we visited, so we stuck to the other two. Here’s an introductory photo so you can begin to get an idea of what you’re getting. [Read more…]

Review: Breakfast at the New Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora

By AJ and the DFB Team 9 Comments

Kaltxi from Satu’li Canteen!

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Satu'li Canteen

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

(That’s “Hello” in the Na’vi language!)

We’re back at the fast-casual restaurant in Animal Kingdom’s brand new land, Pandora — The World of AVATAR (despite the seriously crazy lines that still plague the land since its opening)!

Officially open at long last, guests are able to visit the moon of Pandora, as the story goes, thanks to ACE: Alpha Centauri Expeditions. Now that humans and the Na’vi coexist in peace, we are all welcome to explore the gorgeous landscape, and experience two new attractions with the Na’vi River Journey and Avatar Flight of Passage.

And the Satu’li Canteen is available to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all the interplanetary travelers on expeditions of their own! We’ve already explored the options on the Lunch and Dinner menu, and now we’re back for a bit (or a lot!) of Breakfast.

Satu’li Canteen outdoor menu

Satu’li Canteen

So, let’s see what Satu’li Canteen has to offer for the most important meal of the day!

Atmosphere

We took a full tour of Satu’li Canteen during our previous visit, and you can see it in motion through the video below. Or watch all of our Pandora videos on our Pandora Playlist! [Read more…]

Review: Smokey Bones (Bourbon-n-Bacon) Chocolate Shake at Trilo-Bites in Disney’s Animal Kingdom

By AJ 2 Comments

Y’all already know about the new grown-up drinks being served up in Pandora at the Pongu Pongu lounge, but that’s not the only place you can get something new and boozy in the Animal Kingdom! Nosiree!

If you happen to find yourself on the other side of the park in the land of cartoonish dinosaurs, stroll up to the window of Trilo-Bites and take a gander at their (changing-with-some-frequency) little menu.

Trilo-Bites Exterior

[Read more…]

Disney World “Just the New Stuff” Snack Crawl — Epcot Edition!

By AJ 4 Comments

What? You’ve recovered from the DFB Grilled Cheese Crawl, and you’re ready for another one? We are right there with ya!

So today, we’re heading to the Mecca of Diverse Disney food options, Epcot!

There are literally hundreds of delicious dishes and tempting snacks to be savored throughout the park. And that makes sense, since World Showcase immerses you into the cultures of eleven different countries.

In one day, you can enjoy pastries from France, sushi from Japan, a jumbo pretzel from Germany, schoolbread from Norway — and so much more!

But then, there’s Future World, too. Home to great little kiosks featuring flavored popcorns as well as one of our favorite counter service spots, Sunshine Seasons, there’s plenty to enjoy there as well.

We all have our favorites, but it’s also fun to check out the NEW stuff! And so today, that’s what we’re doing. Let’s head into Epcot and arrange the day around trying brand new (or in some cases, returning items) in our DFB “Just the New Stuff” Crawl, Epcot Edition!

And if you love this crawl, be sure to check out our DFB Guide + Snacks Bundle, which you can enjoy for an unbelievable 30% off the already discounted price with code BUNDLE17 at DFBStore.com!

I hope you came hungry. Let’s go!

Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding, Sunshine Seasons

To kick our day off right, we should start with a good breakfast. Sure, you could grab a bowl of cereal at the resort or head to Starbucks for a muffin, but I say let’s check out Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion for their Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding.

Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding at Sunshine Seasons

Is it breakfast, or is it dessert? Who cares? Because this is vacation, and you NEED to have this rich, delicious dish to jump start your day. (Oh, and to answer the question, clearly, this is breakfast. I mean, who eats bacon with dessert? ) [Read more…]

Review: Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons

By AJ and the DFB Team 7 Comments

You know that feeling when you’ve rope-dropped Soarin’ Around the World… but in order to do that, you had to skip breakfast?

Learn About:
Sunshine Seasons

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Yeah, that feeling is hunger. And we’ve got just the thing to help you muster your strength for the rest of your day.

It’s a little thing we call Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding. Actually, that’s not just us. That’s what the friendly folks at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot call it, too .

You know Sunshine Seasons as the conveniently located food court with fresh and unusual-by-theme-park-standards grub. We like to keep a close eye on the menus and pastry cases here because it seems like new things are always popping up.

Sunshine Seasons sign

Before the Soarin’ refurb, it used to be home to a Croissant Berry Bread Pudding for breakfast. But that’s since been replaced by the Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding. [Read more…]

Disney Food Challenge: The Disney World French Fry Crawl!

By AJ 7 Comments

Y’all!!! It’s time for some FRONCH FROES!!!!!!

(For those of you new to DFB, that’s “french fries” in AJ-speak. ;-D)

We’ve got TONS of food crawls in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, and in our latest edition, we just had to develop a brand new one– the French Fry Crawl!

It’s just one of the many great features that make the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2nd Edition, our best book yet. With more than 650 pages of color photos, tips, reviews, and extra features, you HAVE TO HAVE IT for your next Disney trip! (I’m not biased or anything. For realz.)

But now, back to the subject at hand. Call ‘em Fries, Chips, Poutine, whatever — there’s pretty much nothing about fronch froes we don’t love. And Disney hasn’t failed us with their yummy spins on this classic side.

So head out with us as we complete this most delicious challenge. We’ll be all over the place for this one, so plan accordingly! The French Fry Crawl will likely take you an entire trip to complete. Unless, you know, you’re like us — and want to eat fries for every meal. Then it might only take you a day and a half.

Hungry? Good! Let’s go!

Stop #1: Smothered Fries, Beaches and Cream

Our first stop is Beaches and Cream. Find this little Soda Shop in the Disney Beach Club Resort.

Beaches and Cream is one of my favorite stops for about a million reasons. There’s a cool, beachy retro feel to the place, and it’s known for its killer sundaes. While my favorite is the No Way Jose, the most iconic treats here are the Kitchen Sinks.

But we’re stopping here today for a plate — or two — of their Loaded Fries! Currently, there are three versions: Sock Hop Fries, Chili-Cheese Fries, and Cheese and Bacon Fries.

Sock Hop Fries are covered in a savory Brown Gravy and topped with melty Shredded Cheddar. Think of them as Poutine’s American cousin.

Sock Hop Fries

But the Bacon and Cheese Fries. Omigosh. Cheese Sauce (!!!!), Bacon, Peppercorn Ranch, and Red Onions elevate this one to amazing. [Read more…]

Review: Croissant Donuts and Breakfast Hot Dog at Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom

By AJ and the DFB Team 13 Comments

Just when you thought Casey’s Corner couldn’t get any better (rotating Specialty Hot Dogs!), now our favorite Disney World hot dog spot is open for breakfast!

Learn About:
Casey’s Corner

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Recently, Walt Disney World announced that its beloved “Welcome Show” would move from its familiar location atop the train station to its new home on the stage in front of Cinderella’s Castle.

Casey’s Corner, with its perfect Main Street location and iconic design, is one of a few Main Street, USA, locations that will be opening for the breakfast crowd. We love Casey’s classic decor so much, we might stop for breakfast just to spend more time checking it out!

Casey’s Corner

While the relocation of the Welcome Show was a downer for those who have grown to love watching it at the train station, the introduction of new breakfast options is pretty exciting!

[Read more…]

Review: Chip N’ Dale’s Harvest Feast Breakfast at Garden Grill Restaurant in Epcot

By AJ 13 Comments

We are headed into The Land Pavilion in Walt Disney World’s Epcot today for one of our favorite character meals at Garden Grill Restaurant!

Learn About:
Garden Grill Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This spot may feel a little dated in a way…but we prefer to think of it as retro. Disney’s (Orlando’s!!) only rotating restaurant is still tops for the coolness factor of the, you know, rotation. I can remember going to this restaurant when I was a little kid — it was fancy-pants back then (with sculpted Mickey butter!), but the nostalgia factor is high here for Epcot babies. Add in some pretty delicious food, and you’re doing even better. AND then — characters! Even Mickey! So it’s probably sort of easy to see why we like it.

Recently, our Dining in Disneyland expert and friend of DFB Heather Sievers travelled to Walt Disney World for a visit. Among their many culinary adventures, her family opted to visit Garden Grill Restaurant for breakfast one morning.

Let’s tag along and see how it went!

Atmosphere

Garden Grill Restaurant is located within The Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World West.

The Land Pavilion

This building is a serious multitasker. You’ll find three different attractions housed here: Soarin, Living with the Land, and The Circle of Life. All have different entrances, which are accessible as you travel down ramps circling either side of the round building’s perimeter. [Read more…]

Review: Mac-and-Cheese Hot Dog Returns to Casey’s Corner for a Limited Time

By AJ and the DFB Team 10 Comments

Casey’s Corner: home of baseball memorabilia, intermittent ragtime jazz performances, and, of course, our go-to Disney hot dogs.

Learn About:
San Angel Inn Restaurante

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

It’s a familiar stop for most visitors to the Magic Kingdom. For some, it is a must-stop, the craving for salty dog and cushiony bun too strong to resist (and who needs to resist while on vacation?).

We first told you about Casey’s new plans for a rotating menu of featured dogs a few weeks ago. Now, we’re back with a review of this month’s specialty: the Mac and Cheese Hot Dog.

This specialty doggy can be found in numerous places around Disney World from time to time. We’ll never forget when we first spotted it, toting Truffle Oil, way back in 2012 in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Since then, we’ve also found it at Animal Kingdom’s Restaurantosaurus and Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom; and a Mac and Cheese Burger was spotted at Epcot’s Electric Umbrella.

Mac and Cheese Hot Dog

And we have to say that in so many ways, this particular one is a recipe for addiction: Casey’s famous hot dog smothered in mac and cheese and sprinkled with a healthy dose of bacon? That’s gotta be the epitome, right?

[Read more…]

Review: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at Magic Kingdom

By AJ 17 Comments

We are heading to one of Walt Disney World’s busiest park counter service locations to see what’s new for lunch — Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe.

Learn About:
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Located on the edge of Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland near where it transitions to Fantasyland (it’s just to the right of the castle), Cosmic Ray’s is an excellent bet for finding something to please everyone, especially if your party includes members who are less adventurous in their tastes.

But if you do like more interesting fare, don’t be afraid of this intergalactic hotspot! In addition to tried and true favorites like Chicken Nuggets and Bacon Cheeseburgers, you’ll usually find some outta this world (see what I did there?) options as well.

Besides, Cosmic Ray’s is home to one of Disney’s legendary toppings bars. And you KNOW how much I love a good toppings bar.

Wanna see what I’m talking about? Let’s head in.

Atmosphere

Much like the rest of Tomorrowland, Cosmic Ray’s is at once retro and futuristic — although the retro vibe is more 1980s than anything. Purple, teal, and silver will send you searching for your Swatch Watch.

Cosmic Ray’s Sign

We’ll get to the ordering set up in just a sec, but first, let’s check out the seating. There’s a reason I want you to see this area first — one of the galaxy’s most famous acts takes center stage while you enjoy your meal. [Read more…]