pinocchio village haus | the disney food blog

What’s NEW at Magic Kingdom: New Starbucks Mugs, Candy Corn Sundae, and MORE

It’s October in Magic Kingdom, and it’s a wonderful time to be here!

Magic Kingdom Train Station in the Fall

As the temps cool down (in the evenings, anyway) and the festive decorations go up, there’s even more to enjoy, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and the Fall Finale of Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire!

Fall Finale for Mickey’s Friendship Faire

What better way to say “I Was There” than with the…

New Starbucks “You Are Here” Mug

As it is with the other three Disney World parks, Magic Kingdom has its own newly redesigned Starbucks “You Are Here” Mug at the Main Street Bakery! (Yes. You’re Welcome. Now you have to buy all of the new ones, too.)

[Read more…]

DFB Video: Best to Worst — Magic Kingdom Restaurants RANKED!

By AJ and the DFB Team 17 Comments

Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re getting down to the serious business of RANKING Magic Kingdom restaurants!

With so many new and classic Magic Kingdom restaurants to choose from, it can be nearly impossible to know what’s what! That’s why we’re here to help! We’re reviewing all the greats (and the not so greats) in this video and ranking the Magic Kingdom restaurants best to worst.
[Read more…]

News: Mobile Order Comes to Epcot Starting with Electric Umbrella

By AJ 1 Comment

Mobile Order has arrived at Epcot!

Learn About:
Electric Umbrella

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Mobile Order is the still relatively new process that allows guests – via the My Disney Experience app – to pre-order and pre-pay for meals at select Counter Service locations around Disney World. This enables guests to bypass the ordering queue at their selected restaurant and go straight to pick up their food upon arrival! (You can learn about how the entire process works from start to finish here)

Animal Kingdom was the first park to utilize Mobile Order, and it is currently offered in four locations: Flame Tree Barbecue, Pizzafari, Restaurantosaurus, and Satu’li Canteen.

Next up was Magic Kingdom, where Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, Pinocchio Village Haus, and Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant now all offer Mobile Order.

One location so far in Disney Springs offers the service: D-Luxe Burger.

Mobile Order Pickup Sign at D-Luxe Burger

And as of today, Epcot is now represented, too, as Future World’s Electric Umbrella is the latest location added for Mobile Order. [Read more…]

News: Mobile Order On the Way to Five Magic Kingdom Counter Service Restaurants

By AJ and the DFB Team 11 Comments

If you’ve been following along on any of our trips to Pandora — The World of AVATAR, the newest land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, then you are already familiar with the new Satu’li Canteen.

Along with an entirely new array of eats for Animal Kingdom guests, something else made its debut at Satu’li Canteen: the Mobile Order process, available via the My Disney Experience app(you can visit our Mobile Order Page here). Mobile Order enables guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at specific Counter Service locations, allowing them to bypass the ordering lines in the restaurant and pick up their food directly from a designated counter.

Sign directing to Regular Lines and Mobile Order Pick Up

And now, Mobile Order is on its way to select Magic Kingdom restaurants! According to wdwmagic.com, five Magic Kingdom Counter Service locations will begin to utilize Mobile Order this summer. Look for Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, Pinocchio Village Haus, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe, and Columbia Harbour House to pop up on the list of locations you will be able to select soon. [Read more…]

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

By Wendy 14 Comments

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!!

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

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

By Wendy 8 Comments

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!

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!

By AJ 5 Comments

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?

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??

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.

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

By AJ 15 Comments

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

Learn About:
Pinocchio Village Haus

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

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

“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

By Kim Leave a Comment

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

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

Hawaiian Shaved Ice is on the menu at Kona Island in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort!
BabyCakes NYC will likely return to Downtown Disney as Erin McKenna’s Bakery Valentine!
Pesto Knots have replaced Bread Sticks on the menu at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie debuts at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland Park.
Disney Resort Cast Members at resorts around the World competed in pumpkin decorating contests.

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

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

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!

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

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

By Wendy 5 Comments

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!

Learn About:
Pinocchio Village Haus

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.

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

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.