Pinocchio’s Village Haus | the disney food blog

News: Figaro Fries Return as “Loaded Plaza Fries” at The Plaza Restaurant

We have REALLY exciting news today! If you have been been mourning the loss of Figaro Fries since their untimely demise at the Magic Kingdom’s Pinocchio’s Village Haus, it is now time to celebrate!

Figaro Fries from Pinocchio’s Village Haus

This fan-favorite extinct dish has been reincarnated as “Loaded Plaza Fries” at The Plaza Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom!

Get your “Figaro Fries Fix” at The Plaza now!

On a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom we checked out the updated menu at The Plaza and there they were! Loaded Plaza Fries – french fries topped with melted cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.

[Read more…]

News: Disney’s Early Morning Magic Event Now Available for Booking

By AJ 25 Comments

Good Morning, Sunshine! A new extra-ticket event has appeared on the Walt Disney World website. Early Morning Magic will give early risers a chance to enter the Magic Kingdom before regular park hours to experience three Fantasyland attractions along with breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus.

From 7:45 am – 10:00 am on select Tuesdays and Saturdays beginning April 26th (according to the dates currently available for booking on the website), guests will be part of the first people to enter the park and will have access to The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Peter Pan’s Flight. The event is currently bookable on DisneyWorld.com through June 2016. [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 15, 2016

By Wendy 16 Comments

Happy Spring! At least, it’s Spring in Disney World where temperatures are starting to rise once more with warm days leading into gorgeous nights!

Springtime Treats at Main Street Confectionery

No matter what the thermometer says in your neck of the woods, why not enjoy a bit of spring with us here at the DFB as we travel all over Disney World to find out What’s New!? [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 3, 2015

By Wendy 7 Comments

We’re taking a quick trip around all four Disney World Parks and then making stops at several Resorts, where a lot of food news seems to be taking place as of late!

But we’re starting our “World”-wide tour at Downtown Disney, and taking a peek at how things are shaping up as the transition towards “Disney Springs” continues on. And we may even take a sneak peek at something coming to our friends in Disneyland on the west coast.

Disney Springs mural

So, are you ready to see What’s New? Good! Because in the words of Peter Pan, “Here we GOOOOOOO…”

DOWNTOWN DISNEY

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Okay, so we’ve mentioned it a couple of times recently, but that’s because we’re happy that BabyCakes has a new home in Downtown Disney! Located at The Landing of what will be Disney Springs, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC has been up and running since 1 pm on Sunday, February 22nd.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery storefront

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

Erin McKenna

Samoa Donut

Featuring gluten-free and vegan baked goods, this is great news for guests on some dietary restrictions. Read our opening day review here!

Flour and Sugar

Speaking of baked goods, Flour and Sugar is a little kiosk that can be found on the newly opened Marketplace Causeway. It sells pre-packaged cookies inspired by various cities in the Sunshine State.

Flour and Sugar

We tried the Siesta Key Key Lime S’more, and we’ll have a review here for you soon!

Key Lime S’more

Disney Springs Construction

All in all, things really seem to be picking up speed in Downtown Disney with the Causeway completed, allowing an easy stroll from spots around T-Rex to the Rainforest Cafe side at the Marketplace.

The Marketplace Causeway

Light post on The Marketplace Causeway

Disney Springs sign

We’ll be sure to take a little tour along the path when we’re back with our Flour and Sugar review! The next thing we have our eyes on? Look for [Read more…]

Review: Blue Raspberry Slush at Pinocchio Village Haus in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

By Wendy 8 Comments

For all the attention that the extremely well-themed dining spots in New Fantasyland receive, Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom’s original Fantasyland is certainly not short of its own charms.

Learn About:
Pinocchio Village Haus

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

There are even a few special surprises to know about if you pop in here for lunch or a snack! We’ll tell you about those later!

But even if you don’t intend to partake in one of the flatbreads – this spot’s main entrée – it’s worth a stop to at least pop in and take a look at some of the artwork that covers the walls, especially for fans of classic Disney animation.

A similar Pinocchio restaurant is included in several of the Disney parks around the world, and all of them feature incredible themeing like this!

Geppetto Mural

“Give a little whistle”

One small touch that I appreciate at Pinocchio’s is how characters from the film are often incorporated into a few of the offerings; in particular, it’s the slushes as of late.

Previously home to Pinocchio’s Punch and Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, the menu currently features Lemonade Slush, “a favorite of Pinocchio’s,” and Blue Raspberry Slush, “a favorite of the Blue Fairy.” (By the way, it’s not designated on the menu, but these slushes are good for a snack credit on the Disney Dining Plan.)

Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush

Being nothing if not a complete sucker for stuff like this, I placed my order for the Blue Fairy’s favorite, the Blue Raspberry Slush! And, WOW… is this thing ever BLUE! It is every bit as blue as Jiminy Cricket’s Slush was so very, VERY green.

Blue Raspberry Slush

You’ll find a frozen Blue Raspberry beverage over at The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland, as well as a few other spots all over the Parks (think Drinkwallah in Animal Kingdom, or Peevy’s Polar Pipeline in Hollywood Studios). However, their hue is closer to an icee-style slush that you may be familiar with, like this…

Blue Raspberry Frozen Beverage at The Lunching Pad

The Blue Fairy’s Slush is a decidedly bold and nearly cobalt blue, and it comes topped with whipped cream drizzled with raspberry syrup. It’s actually sort of pretty if you can get past the un-naturalness of the whole thing .

Blue Raspberry Slush

Whipped cream and raspberry drizzle

The flavor of the raspberry drizzle is a lighter flavor much like blue cotton candy. Once you get beyond the whipped cream, though, there is not one thing [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 6, 2014

By Wendy 18 Comments

Today we’re talking everything from Mac & Cheese to Mine Trains, and from slushes to steins. Please join us for another trip around the World to see What’s New!

Magic Kingdom

Friar’s Nook made waves around New Year’s when the menu changed to feature some very unique styles of Macaroni and Cheese, while hot dogs remained available as a choice. Well, they’ve been brought together in the form of a Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Dog.

Friar’s Nook Menu

Why not, right? They had all the ingredients handy since they introduced all that Mac & Cheese goodness to the menu, and it’s always a lovely thing to find more Mac & Cheese Hot Dogs available at Disney World!

The Omnipresent Macaroni and Cheese Hot Dog

But something a bit more unexpected has also arrived: Pot Roast Macaroni & Cheese has replaced the Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic (whaaaat…?!?).

Pot Roast Mac & Cheese at Friar’s Nook

Soooo, what’s it like? Stay tuned for our review!

Pinocchio Village Haus has reopened since its refurbishment. This Magic Kingdom Counter Service restaurant is known for its many rooms with beautiful artwork honoring the film Pinocchio, and it appears the refurbishment was just a general spruce-up with no major changes.

Pinocchio Village Haus

The entrée menu continues to feature flatbreads, and there are only small changes to report.

Pinocchio Village Haus Menu

Those changes are found on the back of the menu: Lemonade Slush and Blue Raspberry Slush have replaced Pinocchio Punch (though you can find the same beverage at Sunshine Tree Terrace: All-Natural Lemonade with Wildberry Foam).

Lemonade and Blue Raspberry Slush

No sign of that Jiminy Cricket’s Slush, either, but the Slushes here do tend to change with some frequency, so we’ll see if Pinocchio’s conscience makes a return one of these days…

Liberty Square Market often reveals some surprises in the small signs around the registers in addition to the more permanent offerings listed on the hanging menu. While this snack stand has had Slushes available for a long time, on my most recent visit they were also offered in the souvenir Horseman’s Stein.

Additional items available at Liberty Square Market

The stein itself has been available at Sleepy Hollow, but this was the first time I’d noticed it here. I adore anything to do with the old Ichabod Crane and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow film, so seeing this piece in other places makes me smile.

Horseman’s Stein

Sing it with me! “He’s the new school master! What’s his name? Ichabod! Ichabo-od Craaaaaane!”

Horseman’s Stein

There’s one more spot where you can grab a Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae (affectionately known here on the DFB as the “Mickey Pants Sundae”). This sign was spotted at the check-in counter for the Plaza Restaurant.

Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae

While these aren’t limited to the Magic Kingdom, the Main Street Emporium is the first place we first got to see the new line Princess and Villain mugs. On a more recent visit, we spied the remainder of the collection! Here is the Cinderella mug…

Cinderella Mug

… and while the general design differs, we thought you might like to see the new Maleficent and Evil Queen mugs, too!

Front AND Back of Maleficent mug

Evil Queen Mug

And among all these small changes, we sure can’t ignore the biggest change of all! The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Roller Coaster was dedicated in New Fantasyland on May 2nd, with the official opening date for the public announced for May 28th.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is preparing for Star Wars Weekends 2014 beginning on May 16, and two all-new Star Wars Character Meals have already made their debut in advance of the celebration!

Breakfast is being served at Sci-Fi Dine-In with Darth Vader and some of his fellow Dark Siders at the Star Wars Galactic Dine In.

Star Wars Galactic Dine In sign

While over at Hollywood and Vine, Jedi Mickey and pals joined guests for dinner at Jedi Mickey’s Star Wars Dine! Check out our full review of this special event!

Jedi Mickey!!!!

Ewok Chip and Dale welcome you!

Even with all this going on, Hollywood Studios has still managed to remember [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 12, 2014

By Kim Leave a Comment

2014 is already proving to be a delectable year at Walt Disney World!

We’re SO excited to bring you a FULL review of Epcot’s NEW Spice Road Table tomorrow. Are you just as hyped as I am?!

But for now, check out some of the fruity treats and drinks that we sampled!

Renovated venues are also in the mix this Disney Food News week; of course, we headed to End Zone Food Court at All-Star Sports to sample the new burger bar. Yum!

On our (and your!!) travels around Disney World, new eats have been spotted at some of our favorite locations — including Friar’s Nook and Pinocchio’s Village Haus.

Join us by following the links below. We can’t wait to share all of the details with you!!

Disney Food News

Spice Road Table in Epcot’s Morocco opened yesterday. We stopped by on Friday for a first look and a review of some treats, including Chef-crafted Ice Cream! Stay tuned for our first in-depth look and review — headed your way tomorrow!
With the re-opening of the End Zone Food Court at All-Star Sports Resort, we recently checked out the Create Your Own Burger Bar!
Speaking of burgers, there’s a brand new Bacon Cheeseburger Mac ‘n Cheese entree at Friar’s Nook in the Magic Kingdom. It’s hearty and delicious!
Thankfully our favorite Animal Kingdom hang-out — Dawa Bar — has been relocated (and not closed!) to a new location. Check it out!
Pinocchio’s Village Haus in the Magic Kingdom has a new treat — Jiminy Cricket’s Slush.

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!

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!

Deirdre enjoyed an Oreo Bon Bon cupcake from the BoardWalk Bakery. We love when Facebook friends share their treats with us!

Oreo Bon Bon Cupcake

Facebook friend Christian sent us the S’mores Bake from Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Disneyland — “Pouring s’more chocolate on the HUGE s’mores bake at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue in Disneyland. Baked fresh. The server recommends ordering this 30min in advanced during our meal.”

S’more chocolate!

Thanks for the Disney food pics; keep em’ coming!

Pre-Order The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 and get the 2013 Guide FREE!

Headed to Disney World soon? Pick up our 2014 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book for $4 off using code DINE! With this pre-order, you’ll get the 2013 Guide instantly — for free!

This comprehensive e-Book offers over 400 pages of expert information, color photographs, advice, reviews, and details about Dining in Disney World. And these awesome bonus items are included:

Downloadable worksheets for planning your trip.
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A comprehensive index of bars and lounges.
An index of some of our favorite Top 5 lists.
Food-themed scavenger hunts — one for each Disney World theme park!
Disney Dining Trivia to play while waiting in line, or waiting for a table.

Pick up your copy today with code DINE for a $4 discount! As a downloadable PDF, the [Read more…]

What is Your Most-Missed Extinct Disney Food?

By AJ 150 Comments

We’ve been talking a lot about new restaurants and new menu items these past few weeks, but for many Disney food fans the long-lost favorites really stick in their memories.

I decided that we need to pay tribute to some of these famous dishes and want to find out: What are your most-missed extinct Disney dishes? I’ll start the ball rolling with a few of my own!

Fried Boursin Cheese at 50’s Prime Time Cafe

UPDATE –> This one is back!! Woo!! This is, no doubt, my most missed dish in a Disney restaurant. While it’s meant to be shared, you know I ordered one all for myself when I visited 50’s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Fried Boursin Cheese at 50\’s Prime Time Cafe

This is basically herb cheese spread that’s fried and served with fruit and bread crisps. Pretty standard, eh? But that warm, creamy cheese coupled with the sweet fresh fruit was the perfect starter!

Maui Scalloped Potatoes at ‘Ohana

There have been several appetizer changes at ‘Ohana in the past several years, but the most devastating has to be the switch from scalloped potatoes to noodles. (You can read the whole, sad story here…in fact, please do, because I’m uncharacteristically funny in that blog post and it will change your whole perception of me, I promise.)

RIP Scalloped Potatoes (photo courtesy Brett Young)

Meyer Lemon Curd Dessert at Jiko

You know I love Lemon Curd, so to have an entire dessert based around the stuff at Jiko in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge was quite a find. And when they added [Read more…]

Best Disney Soups

By AJ 42 Comments

We threw out an inquiry asking for favorite Disney soups and got back a crockful of great ideas! Soups are satisfying meals and hearty snacks and can really warm you up on a chilly park day. Disney’s been working overtime creating memorable ones!

Thanks to our DFB readers and Facebook Friends for sharing their soup suggestions via the Disney Food Blog Facebook page!

Gorgonzola Onion Soup with Pear and Bacon Garnish at Grand Floridian Cafe

The hands down favorite soup mentioned was the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup at Epcot’s Le Cellier. Honorable mentions go to the soup selection at Boma and the French Onion Soup at Les Chefs de France.

Let’s take a look at the winners, then drool over the runners-up and a few of my own new favorites!

Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup

Made with Moosehead beer and bacon, the Canadian Cheddar Cheese soup is one of the reasons you should secure a coveted reservation at Le Cellier!

Sooth your soup craving and try the Cheddar Cheese Soup recipe at home.

Cheddar Cheese Soup at Le Cellier Steakhouse

Kathy B. exclaims “It is the BOMB!!!”

Margaret C. even has a cost-saving tip. She suggests [Read more…]

Guest Review: Quick Bites at Friar’s Nook and Pinocchio Village Haus

By AJ 19 Comments

The amazing Sarah Holodick is back with more mouth-watering food reviews!! Sarah stopped by the Friar’s Nook and Pinocchio’s Village Haus on a recent trip to the Magic Kingdom in Disney World. Stay tuned next week for another review from Sarah of a spot not too far from these two… . Take it away, Sarah!

Friar’s Nook: Freshly Made Potato Chips
When I heard about Friar’s Nook serving freshly made potato chips, I knew I had to give them a try. I was very happy to find out that they are available with toppings as well. There are two varieties available: chili and cheese; or cheese, bacon, and ranch. They had me at bacon, so here are the chips in all their cheesy, bacony, ranchy glory!

Chips with toppings

These chips were delicious! The potatoes are cut a bit on the thick side and fried to crunchy, golden brown perfection. They are lightly salted then smothered with plastic cheese, tasty ranch, and crispy bacon.

Needless to say these chips didn’t last very long! They were a perfect snack — non-greasy, and surprisingly light. I think it will be difficult to take a trip to the Magic Kingdom without placing an order for these!

Editor’s Note: Some say these are the replacement for Figaro Fries…yay or nay?

The Pinocchio Village Haus: Mediterranean Salad
After seeing Bill Iadonisi’s review last month here on DFB, I couldn’t stop thinking about that Mediterranean Salad. I was in Magic Kingdom and wanted a quick, light lunch, so I headed over to the Haus to [Read more…]