What’s New Around Walt Disney World: August 18, 2016

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We know, we know… Back-to-School time is fast approaching (and in some spots, it’s already arrived!). But the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer aren’t quite over just yet, so we’ve still got some summer celebrating to do!

And, hey, the coming of Fall isn’t so bad, anyway. Not when we’ve got our very favorite autumnal event coming to the first stop on our tour in a matter of weeks. That’s why we’re kicking things off at Epcot to see What’s New!

Epcot

Food & Wine Festival Coming Soon!

The 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival will be here before we know it! Sure signs of its return are starting to appear around the park…

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Coming SOON!!

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Coming SOON!!

… as in, like, literal signs ;) . Even the Miniature Train display in the Germany Pavilion has received its annual decorations!

Train Display in Germany

Train Display in Germany

Train Display in Germany

Train Display in Germany

Have you checked out the full list of Booth Menus to start strategizing your noshing plans yet?! It’s never too soon… the Festival starts on September 14th! [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 13, 2016

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Are you ready for another trip around the World? We’ve got lots of new eats, treats, and Gaston-themed Feasts coming at you for this round of What’s New (along with a peek at a lot — and I mean A LOT — of stuff to come!).

We’re kicking off our latest jaunt at the most Magical of All Kingdoms…

Magic Kingdom

A recent visit to the Magic Kingdom revealed changes and additions — both big and small — to Counter Service spots all over the park.

Greetings from Magic Kingdom!

Greetings from Magic Kingdom!

But the one that might just take the cake (CUPcake, that is!) is the new Donald Duck Vanilla Cupcake at the Main Street Bakery! [Read more…]

Tip from the DFB Guide: Budgeting For Disney Snacks!

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So you’re planning your next trip to Walt Disney World. And we all know that the FastPasses are the most important detail to cross off your list, right?

dfb2015_guide_3d

Wrong. Because the real reason we go to Walt Disney World? The Snacks!

Okay — they’re both important. But I bet that we can agree — one of the biggest reasons we both love Disney is the amazing variety of food choices, and fun snack options E-BER-Y-WHERE.

But the sheer volume of choices can be overwhelming! After all, how do you choose? And once you choose, how do you budget in order to try everything on that must-have list you’ve been compiling?

I totally get it! And that’s why we’ve dedicated a large section to snacking — our favorite Disney recreation — in our best selling DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015!

Let’s talk through some of my Best Tips for Snack Budgeting. And if these tips are helpful to you, pick up your copy of the Guide today for $4 off using code “2015” right here!

Budgeting Money or Snack Credits

Whether you’re paying out of pocket for your snacks, or you’ll be using Disney Dining Plan Snack Credits, planning ahead is the key to ensure you enjoy the treats you’ve been been dreaming about.

Who Can Resist a Handmade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich in the Shadow of Cinderella Castle??

Who Can Resist a Handmade Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich in the Shadow of Cinderella Castle??

One of my favorite features of the DFB Guide Books are the worksheets that we provide you to plan every facet of your eating journey. And snacking is no exception!

Use the handy worksheets to jot down all of the snacks that you’re anxious to try. Our Snacks Chapter is a great resource for browsing all of the possibilities! With full lists and reviews of snacks throughout Walt Disney World, you have everything compiled in one easy place!

Brainstorm everything you’d like to sample, and include their locations. Then, figure out where the snacks fit into your master plan.

White Chocolate Rabbit and Queen of Hearts Strawberry Shortcake Cake Cups

Be Sure to Save Room for Cake Cups at Cheshire Cafe

If you’re paying for food out of pocket, the keep in mind that most Disney snacks run between $2 and $10, with many of them priced in the $3-5 range. If you’re working with Snack Credits, a general rule of thumb is that a single serving food under $5.19 is usually available for your Snack Credit.

Budgeting Stomach Space

So you’ve done the planning, and you know exactly which snacks you want to try on your next visit. You’ve worked out the budget, and the money and credits are there to cover it all.

Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel

A Jalapeno Cheese Pretzel is Worth Saving Room For

Now comes the next big question: [Read more…]

Review: Lunch at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

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Today we’re visiting a Fantasyland classic… Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant!

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

We were here not all that long ago, trying out the recent addition of Pesto Knots to the menu at this joint, which simultaneously features Bavarian architecture and Italian fare. And Pinocchio’s is always a great place to check out — especially in the hot summer months — for their character-inspired frozen Slushes (not to be confused with “Frozen” character slushes… just so we’re clear on that ;) ).

But it’s been a while since we’ve reviewed a full-on meal here… or three! So, that’s what we’re here to do. Welcome to Pinocchio Village Haus!

Atmosphere

Have you ever wondered about the German-style architecture of this restaurant for a story that’s set in Italy?

Pinocchio's Village Haus

Pinocchio's Village Haus

Pinocchio’s Village Haus

Pinocchio’s creator, Gepetto, is decidedly Italian, but even the Pinocchio atop of the ordering section reminds me a little of a German oompah figurine.

Pinocchio

Pinocchio

To learn a little more about this unique style choice, check out this guest review for some insight!

Aside from the architecture, other hallmarks at Pinocchio’s are the gorgeous murals depicting characters and scenes from the film.

Geppetto Mural

Geppetto Mural

"Give a little whistle"

“Give a little whistle”

True, there are no roses with magically falling petals or indoor thunderstorms a la Be Our Guest Restaurant, but if you really take a look at the artwork (entire rooms and murals are dedicated to specific characters), I think [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 9, 2014

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With the on-going renovations at Disny’s Polynesian Village Resort, we’re having fun visiting the updated quick-service restaurants — Captain Cook’s was our first stop, and recently, Kona Island.

Hawaiian Shaved Ice, cherry and pina colada

Hawaiian Shaved Ice, cherry and pina colada

We sampled the NEW Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Yum!

Plus, click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News…

Disney Food News

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, including restaurant closures, Stitch-themed Waffles at ‘Ohana, Citricos Wine Dinner, and more!

We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.

DFB 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 especially love when our readers share their special celebrations with us; Happy Birthday!

Here’s a gorgeous Mickey Ears Birthday Cake from Facebook Friend, Erin:

Mickey Ears Cake

Mickey Ears Cake

Isn’t turning 1 awesome?! This Mickey cake shared via Facebook by Natalie is fabulous!

Mickey Cake

Mickey Cake

Do you have a Favorite Find? Please, share with us!

DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014: Grand Launch!

Tis the season to eat, drink, and go to Walt Disney World! And that means it’s time for the Grand Launch of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2014 e-Book!

miniguide_holidays0714

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book Is Here!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2014 e-Book features 310 pages of all the info you need to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 250 photos, and an informative FAQ section. It includes:

  • Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting!
  • A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants.
  • New chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations.
  • New chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season.
  • A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you.
  • Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays
  • Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season.
  • A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2014″ events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, The Celebrate the Magic Castle Show, and the Epcot Candlelight Processional.
  • Updated Scavenger Hunts
  • Disney Cruise Line Chapter
  • A Preview of the 2015 Holidays in Disney World
  • And more!

Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun!

You’re probably paying a lot of money for your Disney holiday vacation…and we’re here to make sure you get the biggest bang for your buck! And with the holiday season already here, the time is now!

Holiday Guide Sample Pages

Holiday Guide Sample Pages

Booking early for holiday events and dining is critical, and our exclusive [Read more…]

News and Review: Pesto Knots at Magic Kingdom’s Pinocchio Village Haus

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When you’re up for Italian fare in a Bavarian setting, there really is only one place to go… The Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland!

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

The main food news from Pinocchio’s as of late has mostly revolved around a rotation of slush beverages paying tribute to various characters from the Pinocchio film, such as the Jiminy Cricket Slush, and the current Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slushes (said to be “favorites” of Pinocchio and the Blue Fairy themselves… according to the Pinocchio Village Haus menu, that is ;) ).

Other than that, the menu itself hasn’t had much of an overhaul since it changed over from pizza to flatbreads over two years ago. While that remains the case, there were a couple of changes on my recent visit, including a new side item that I couldn’t resist.

Pinocchio's Village Haus

The changes are so subtle that they’re pretty easy to miss on the scrolling menu, so it’s a good thing Cast Members hand printed menus to guests in order to keep things moving at this always hoppin’ spot.

Pinocchio Village Haus printed menu

Pinocchio Village Haus printed menu

For starters, the Barbecue Chicken Flatbread is now a Barbecue Beef Flatbread. A Spicy Chicken Sandwich has been added in case someone in your group isn’t in the mood for flatbreads or a sub sandwich, but that didn’t replace anything from the menu. (AJ tried the chicken sandwich on her last visit and will have a review of that for you soon.)

I almost didn’t notice a small change to the side items: the Bread Sticks have been replaced with Pesto Knots. Since I love the Garlic Knots served at a local pizza place, I had to give the Pesto Knots a try.

When I received my order, the first thing I noticed wasn’t the appearance, actually… although the braided bread does look pretty stellar.

Pesto Knots

Pesto Knots

No, the very first thing to greet my senses was [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World: October 28, 2014

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Happy Fall! Autumnal treats have been appearing all over Disney World for a while now, but with Halloween just days away, we thought we’d give you one last glimpse of the season’s snacks.

But that’s not the only food news ’round these parts… not by a long shot. Take a trip with us around all four Disney World parks to check out What’s New!

Hollywood Studios

October is probably my favorite time for the candy apples that hit the scene, like these at Sweet Spells.

Halloween Candy Apples

Halloween Candy Apples

"Poisoned" Candy Apple

“Poisoned” Candy Apple

Minnie Witch Candy Apple

Minnie Witch Candy Apple

Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner currently features a Caramel Apple Shake as its tribute to fall. The featured shakes here change frequently, so be sure to pop by to see what’s available on your visit!

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner

Caramel Apple Shake

Caramel Apple Shake

Joffrey’s Coffee Carts all over Disney World have changed their seasonal offerings to include a Pumpkin Pie Latte and a Pumpkin Pie Frozen Cappuccino.

Joffrey's Coffee Kiosk at Pixar Place

Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosk at Pixar Place

Seasonal Coffee beverages

Seasonal Coffee beverages

Speaking of those Joffrey’s Carts… remember the Big ‘Ol Donut? We spotted a few topped with massive amounts of cookie crumble for a change [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 18, 2014

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We’ve got lots of news to catch up on! Here we go…

Epcot Food and Wine Festival information is starting to trickle in, including a new marketplace booth, celebrity chefs, and new special events.

A Walt Disney World Free Dining offer opened to the general public for select 2014 vacation dates. And Jedi Masters and young padawans are enjoying the new Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine Character Meal at Hollywood and Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Star Wars Dessert Plate

Star Wars Dessert Plate

Click on the links below for details and more food news from Disney!

Disney Food News

Of course, there’s more! 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, including restaurant closures, Cinco de Mayo Tastings at La Cava, and more!

DFB 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!

Le Cellier in Epcot continues to impress diners! This pic was shared by DFB Reader Diandra: Filet Mignon, of course! Notice the NEW pea risotto!

Filet Mignon at Le Cellier

Filet Mignon at Le Cellier

And DFB Facebook Friend Rebecca cooks up her own version at home. Looks delish!

Homemade Version of Le Cellier's Filet Mignon

Homemade Version of Le Cellier’s Filet Mignon

To get you started in your home kitchens, check out the recipe for White Truffle Butter Sauce!

Thanks for sharing your mouth-watering finds with us!

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book Deal

We’ve got more snacks! The 2014 Edition of The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is now available!

It’s time to snag your copy! The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book is one of the many fun and informative Disney Dining e-Books offered by Disney Food Blog! Now we’ve updated our best-selling DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book for 2014 with even more great information, photos, and…yep!…snacks!

We’ve made this guide instantly downloadable. It’s a PDF guide with photos, information, and advice on well over 150 delicious snacks (over 50 more than in our previous edition!) that you can savor in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. This guide is guaranteed to help you find the best snacks and treats for your family while visiting the Magic Kingdom, or your money back — we all know that treats at the Magic Kingdom are just as nostalgic as our first flight on Dumbo! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! :-)

The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book includes:

  • Full-color photos of over 150 of our favorite snacks
  • Current prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit status
  • Snack locations
  • “Hidden treats” and add-ons that aren’t published on menus or that aren’t widely known
  • Disney Food Blog reviews of all snacks
  • Tips and tricks from experienced snack eaters
  • Special Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)

Know what you’re getting BEFORE using a precious snack credit or spending limited vacation dollars. Whether you want sweet, salty, crunchy, healthy, or something in between, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks e-Book tells you where to find a snack to match your craving!

To thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $2 off its already discounted purchase price for a limited time! Order your copy now for only $8.95 (regularly $10.95). The price will go up this week, so grab your copy now! To secure the discount, use code MAGIC14 at the check-out.

For more detailed information and screen shots from the e-Book, head over to DFBGuide.com! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! :-)

Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!

Great three awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only…

Bundle for greater savings!

Bundle for greater savings!

Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers:

  1. The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014, PLUS
  2. The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,
  3. The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, AND
  4. The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks

All three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $35.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00.

Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 500 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 40% off here.

Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here!

Thanks for your support of the DFB!

R2D2 Measuring Cup Set

R2D2 Measuring Cup Set

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix showcases an R2D2 Measuring Cup Set. Let R2D2 back you up in your kitchen; he’s a useful utility droid!

PassPorter Moms Podcast features Disney food news! Brought to you by AJ!

Eating (and Drinking) Around the World highlights this summer’s Taste of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park.

AllEars enjoys A Perfect Petals Brunch at Epcot. Vera Bradley fans will want to check out the new Disney-themed bags!

The Atomic Grog discusses Trader Sam’s coming to Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort.

The Buffalo News focuses on the restaurants in Epcot’s France pavilion. Includes interview with Chef Jerome Bocuse!

Review: NEW Jiminy Cricket’s Slush at Magic Kingdom’s Pinocchio Village Haus

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We have another cool find to show you today from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

Disney World Restaurants

We just reported on some killer Bacon Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese from right across the way at Friar’s Nook.

Well, today, we’re heading to the other side of the Carousel to sample a brand new slush at Pinocchio Village Haus. Big thanks to our friend Joey Beyer for letting us know about this one!

Jiminy Cricket’s Slush

Yesterday, we braved the plummeting Florida temperatures and headed to Old Fantasyland (Classic Fantasyland?) to try a new addition to the Disney Slush Family — Jiminy Cricket’s Slush! (Don’t worry about the cold…we hear it will be perfect slush-enjoying weather again by the weekend!)

But back to the beverage at hand. It appears on the menu placards at each ordering station. And this is the perfect place for this particular slush. After all, Jiminy Cricket is Pinnochio’s trusty sidekick. :-)

Menu Board at Ordering Kiosk at Pinocchio Village Haus

Menu Board at Ordering Kiosk at Pinocchio Village Haus

The description sounded…well…interesting. The Mango-Blue Raspberry Slush is served with a topping of Whipped Cream and “Fruit Syrup.” Not sure what the “fruit” is, but we were intrigued.

And slush + whipped cream reminded me of the Orange Slush at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe over in Tomorrowland.

Jiminy Cricket's Slush -- Menu Description. Click to Enlarge

Jiminy Cricket’s Slush — Click to Enlarge

I apologize for the weird lighting and flash-iness going on in these pics — it gets dark fast in January! But we just had to try this one for you guys.

As you can see, the vibrant, dark green slush is topped with [Read more…]

Top 12 Salty Snacks in Walt Disney World — What’s Your Favorite?

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We talk a lot around here about Disney’s sweet snacks, and with good reason: nothing says indulgence like a bit of Disney ice cream or a monster cupcake.

But everyone knows that sweet snacks are even better with a salty chaser! ;-)

Salty indulgences abound at Disney World, too! And we think it’s time to give them their day in the spotlight!

So without further adieu, we’d like to take a brief look at some of our favorites in our salute to the Top 12 Salty Snacks in Walt Disney World!

Disney Popcorn

Alrighty, folks, we have to start with the obvious one: Popcorn.

How can you discuss Disney World salty snacks and not mention it? In fact, how can you go to a Disney park and not end up munching on this snack favorite?

We love popcorn in all its personalities — from the standard bucket you buy as soon as you walk into Magic Kingdom, to caramel corn at Big Top Treats or Karamell-Küche. And when popcorn started popping up on Disney menus a while back, we were all for it!

NEW Disney Parks Popcorn Boxes!

But the best version remains that classic Disney popcorn box full of buttery (flavored) yellow kernels of fluffy goodness. Do yourself a favor and don’t leave without trying a box.

Chicken Waffle Sandwich

Over at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, you’ll find a lovely little assortment of waffles to satisfy your salt craving.

What? You ask. Waffles = salt? When they’re in the form of waffle sandwiches — they sure can be!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich in Disney World

And my favorite when I’m satisfying a savory craving is the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Sweet/spicy chicken with a touch of coleslaw offers a treat with complicated flavors, but a sure comfort food factor.

The perfect combo of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy, this sandwich will leave you full, happy, and ready to tackle the rest of those Disney miles! Just know that this thing can be uber messy, so bring lots of napkins!

Nachos

I dearly love a plate of nachos, don’t you? And when I’m in the mood for this Tex-Mex treat, I head to La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

Nachos with Cheese, Beef, and Jalapenos at Cantina de San Angel

The salty trifecta of chips, plastic cheese, and seasoned ground beef is perfection! And if you’re looking to add to it — try washing them down with a margarita, of course!

Want some less-fussy nachos? Head over to Casey’s Corner for an awesome version with just nacho cheese — or with chili and cheese! We’re also fans of the versions at Big River Grill and ESPN Club on the Boadwalk. Where do you find your favorite nachos in Disney World?

Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re in the mood for a good bowl of soup (fitting during the relatively cold Orlando days this past weekend), then head to Pinocchio Village Haus for their [Read more…]