Archives for 2013

Spice Road Table Signage Up in Disney World’s Epcot!

Welp, we’re getting closer and closer to the newest restaurant in Epcot! The gorgeous Spice Road Table signage was spotted by DFB roving reporter Wendy this week!

Check out the colors and iron scroll work!

What’s Spice Road Table, you ask? You’ll remember that waaaaay back in 2012, DFB broke the exclusive news that a new restaurant would be opening in Epcot’s Morocco pavilion!

And, as we confirmed, Spice Road Table is opening soon!

Spice Road Table

The small plates restaurant-on-the-water will highlight regional flavors from the Mediterranean. Dishes will include harissa chicken, a Mediterranean omelet, mussels, jumbo shrimp, and more.

Fried calamari at Spice Road Table

There will also be a series of [Read more…]

Disney Recipe from the Vault: French Toast Loaf from Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery

By AJ 8 Comments

Sigh. We just hate it when our favorite foods fall off the menus of top spots around Walt Disney World. Sure, it’s awesome to see new things. But can’t we just keep them all???

I’ve been feeling a little nostalgic lately, and that, coupled with the chilly temps that everyone is experiencing…well, that has me dreaming of comfort food, big time. So today, I thought I’d share with you a recipe for one of my favorite Disney breakfast items of all time — French Toast Loaf from Main Street Bakery!

French Toast Loaf from the Main Street Bakery

I love this one so much, in fact, that I named it one of my Most Missed Extinct Disney Foods! (The Cheese came back…maybe this one will too!)

While it’s great that many coffee lovers can now get a great cup of Starbucks coffee on the way to it’s a small world, I do miss all the lovely treats that you used to get here. Time to get into the kitchen and make a few for myself, I’m thinking!

Main Street Bakery’s French Toast Loaf

Yield: 7 servings

Ingredients: [Read more…]

Review: Downtown Disney’s World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

By Wendy 15 Comments

At long last (and as you may know from a previous DFB post), the final food truck has arrived at Downtown Disney’s West Side in Walt Disney World!

World Showcase of Flavors joins Superstar Catering, Namaste Café, and Fantasy Fare to complete the Disney Food Trucks lineup.

World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck pre-opening

We’ve got a full review of that $18 lobster roll for ya, so scroll down to see that! In the meantime, let’s take a peek at this sleek truck!

Atmosphere

Each Food Truck reflects the theme of a different Disney World Park (thus far Superstar Catering for Hollywood Studios, Namaste Café for Animal Kingdom, and Fantasy Fare for Magic Kingdom). World Showcase of Flavors represents Epcot — more specifically, the beloved Epcot Food & Wine Festival that comes to Epcot every Fall.

Banner on the back of the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck

The adventure of travel and exploring other cultures for which World Showcase is known is captured in the design of the truck. I think the way it brings to mind an old-fashioned travel trunk covered with vintage-style “badges” collected along the way is pretty cool!

My favorite touch is the row of suitcases on top of the pickup window.

Pickup Window

By the way, my next pictures appear in a different setting – that’s because the trucks move :)! I snapped a few close-ups at its location by Cirque de Soleil pre-opening hours, but went back to eat when it was parked at the grassy area by Bongos Cuban Café.

Food Truck location by Bongos Cuban Cafe

Eats

The menu brings “The Best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival” to guests year-round.

The three entrees are Festival favorites

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Review: Red Velvet Peppermint Shake and Other Holiday Snacks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 9 Comments

Thanks in part to a little annual shindig known as The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, Hollywood Studios has a reputation for spreading holiday cheer in its own unique way… and that’s right down to the snacks!

This year there are a few newcomers to the mix as well as some old favorites. We were so excited to find these killer new snacks to share with you!

Red Velvet Peppermint Shake

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner

is playing host to a VERY hidden holiday gem… so well hidden, in fact, that you can’t even see it on a sign.

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner Menu

On the menu, you just see the simple mention of “Seasonal Shakes.” I took it upon myself to find out exactly what that means in regards to the Yuletide… and THIS is what I found: the Peppermint Shake!

Seasonal Peppermint Shake

The name “Peppermint Shake” is actually a bit misleading. The peppermint comes solely from the crushed candy cane on top of the whipped cream. The base, however, is made of Red Velvet ice Cream.

Seasonal Peppermint Shake

That mild cocoa flavor that Red Velvet is known for is [Read more…]

News and Review! The Cronut Has Landed at Disney World!

By AJ 26 Comments

Ohmigosh. Disney’s finally hit on a food trend…while it’s STILL A TREND!!!

Learn About:Refreshment Port

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Yup; according to our fearless DFB reporter, James A., the cronut (well, actually called the “croissant doughnut” due to the actual word “cronut” being trademarked) can now be found in Epcot!

On the menu at the Refreshment Port (the understated powerhouse that has brought us the incredible spicy chicken and cheddar poppers in the past), your cronut can be had for $4.49 or a Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit.

And here it is!!

Croissant doughnut layers close up

What’s a Cronut?

It’s OK. I didn’t know either until just recently. But these hybrid croissant doughnuts have been taking the snack world by storm.

Introduced by chef Dominique Ansel for Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City, the cronut is a doughnut made from layer upon layer of croissant pastry. The whole thing is fried up, then filled with silky cream and frosted. Flavors can vary, so there’s always something new to bring to the recipe.

Earlier this year, they were so popular that there was actually a black market developing for the sweets!

Try Disney’s Version!

Anyway, the trend has made its way to Disney World, so if you’re headed down to Epcot anytime soon you get to try one (lucky ducks)!

It doesn’t look like this version has filling or frosting, but it still seems to be pretty great.

James says, “It was [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 15, 2013

By Kim Leave a Comment

In this week’s news, we shared the arrival of TWO more food trucks at Downtown Disney Orlando. With Fantasy Fare and World Showcase of Flavors now serving from their mobile eateries, we have even more bites to taste-test on our next trip(s) to Walt Disney World! Are you wondering if the hand-dipped corn dogs lived up to their hype? Find out here!

Fantasy Fare Food Truck

Craving more news? You’ll want to click on the links below to find out more about Advance Dining Reservations at Beaches and Cream, holiday treats, and more.

Disney Food News

The Fantasy Fare Food Truck has arrived in Downtown Disney.
A fourth food truck — World Showcase of Flavors — has rolled into Downtown Disney in Walt Disney World.
Check out the new curry-focused menu at Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Walt Disney World!
Sweet and Savory Waffles arrive Epcot’s Promenade Refreshments in Disney World.
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel is now offering specialty beverages for the holiday season!
Walt Disney World Dining is now taking Advance Dining Reservations for Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club Resort.
Take a look at New Year’s Eve Dining and Entertainment Options in Walt Disney World and Disneyland!

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!

Reader Sherron tweeted “having this and grateful I have you to guide me. Thank you!” Yum; peppermint cupcakes at BoardWalk Bakery are delicious…and sparkly!!

Peppermint Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery

Reader Jessica sent us this treat: a toffee brownie Mickey ear hat from Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure. We lurve these!

Mickey Ear Hat

Thanks for sharing your treats with us!

The “DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2013″!

Tis the season for the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2013 e-Book!

And since we want you to save some cash right NOW, we have a steep discount for DFB readers (as always!). Get the brand new guide today for $3 off the regular purchase price for a limited time! How? Use code JINGLE at the check-out!

The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2013 e-Book features 270 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.
A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you.
Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season.
A section dedicated to all “New for 2013” events, dining options, and activities.
A Preview of the 2014 Holidays in Disney World
And more!

For more detailed information and sample pages from The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2013, head over to the DFB Store!

And if you want an even BETTER deal, snap up our DFB Holiday Bundle! This includes the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays AND our original DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2013!

Mickey Mouse Gift Basket

With a 100% 30-day, money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! 🙂 Find more great DFB Disney Dining Guidebooks at DFBStore.com!

On to the Round-Up!

Mickey Fix

helps us cross off special names on our Holiday Gift List with a unique idea — the Mickey Mouse Gift Basket!

All Ears takes a photo tour of Disneyland. Check out the holiday treats!

Yesterland shares vintage photos of Burger Invasion and Corn Dog Castle in Disney California Adventure.

Mouse on the Mind stops by the new Joffrey’s coffee kiosk in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney Holiday Gift Guide 2013: Great Gift Ideas!

By AJ 4 Comments

As we head into the weekend before the weekend before Christmas (AAAAAAH!!!), I’m busy finishing up my shopping! How is it possible that we only have 11 more days??

If you’re looking for just the right gift for someone special on your list, we’re here to help! Check out another fun installment of the Disney Holiday Gift Guide for 2013. Today, we’re talking Great Gift Ideas!

Mickey Mouse Icon Metal Bowl

I absolutely love this chic Mickey Mouse Icon Metal Bowl as a statement piece. It’s perfect as a fruit bowl in your kitchen — you’ll smile every time you’re reminded of your last Disney trip in this classy way!

Mickey Mouse Icon Metal Bowl

Alice in Wonderland Teapot Wind Chimes

Isn’t there something delightful about the tinkling of wind chimes? Remind yourself of whimsy and teatime with this adorable set of Alice in Wonderland Teapot Wind Chimes. Inspired by the quirky animated classic, you’ll feel as though you just tumbled down the rabbit hole yourself whenever the breeze stirs them.

Alice in Wonderland Teapot Wind Chimes

Alice in Wonderland Tea Cup and Saucer

So. Cool!!!!!

If you have an Alice in Wonderland fan — or even a tea lover — on your list, check out this completely fantastic [Read more…]

Things To Do in Walt Disney World and Disneyland On New Year’s Eve

By Kim 11 Comments

We’re gearing up for New Year’s Eve; and those of us lucky enough to ring in the New Year at our favorite Disney parks and resorts should be aware of the evening’s festivities.

Many of the exclusive options may already be booked solid, so we’ll also offer some unique alternate ideas.

Walt Disney World

Holiday events

are underway in Walt Disney World.

Epcot

Stroll around World Showcase where you’ll find a variety of DJs. The lineup includes DJ Scooter (Top 40) at the Future World Fountain Stage, DJ Mark Sanchez (European Techno/Pop) on the Italy Stage, DJ Carlos Carrion (Latin Dance/Top 40) in the America Gardens Theatre, and DJ David Griffiths (British Revolution Style) on the United Kingdom Stage, and more. Enjoy two showings of IllumiNations with a holiday finale at 6:30PM and New Year’s countdown at 11:40PM.

Monsieur Paul: Opening at Noon, Monsieur Paul will serve a three-course menu for $75 (plus tax and gratuity) until 6:30PM. At 9PM and 9:30PM, there’s a special four-course menu to ring in the New Year for $195 (plus tax and gratuity). See menus here.

View of IllumiNations from Monsieur Paul

La Hacienda de San Angel: On the waterfront in Mexico this location will host a New Year’s Eve dinner.

Biergarten: This festive stop in Germany has announced special lunch and dinner options.

Le Cellier Steakhouse: This popular restaurant in Canada will hold three festive seatings.

World Showplace: This unique venue will offer a buffet dinner (4:30-10:30PM) and dancing.

Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom will feature Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season at 9PM with a special presentation of Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at 11:50PM.

Tomorrrowland Terrace: This spot with excellent views of Cinderella’s Castle is offering a special ticketed dinner and fireworks party.

Wishes from the Dessert Party Vantage Point

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Enjoy an evening of dancing, music, and fireworks while touring this festive Disney theme park. Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests can rock in the New Year with Mulch, Sweat and Shears, the resident landscaping rock and roll band. Enjoy sets of classic rock and roll, special effects, a DJ spinning dance tracks, and fireworks. The party starts a 6PM.

Hollywood & Vine: Holiday buffet lunch and dinner meals.

Party with the Little Einsteins

Downtown Disney

Enjoy a festive atmosphere at Downtown Disney. Look for a DJ at the Cirque du Soleil Stage, Keith Park’s Living Statues, and special New Year’s Eve celebrations at House of Blues, Bongo’s Cuban Café, Paradiso 37, and Raglan Road.

DisneyQuest: Want to really impress the kids? Choose an evening of fun, games, music, and dancing at DisneyQuest featuring Wreck-It Ralph! With 5 floors of electronic games (innovative and classic), you’ll be able to play as you ring in the New Year from 8PM-1AM. You’ll have access to all of the DisneyQuest attractions and games, Disney character meet ‘n greets, a New Year’s Eve countdown, food, and refreshments for $55 in advance or $65 per person at the door. Call 407-934-7639 for tickets or visit the Box Office.

Splitsville: Bowl and dine at this fun entertainment complex. Watch for New Year’s specials.

Bongos: Check out this restaurant for New Year’s Eve specials.

Portobello: Holiday prix fixe menus available at lunch and dinner.

Raglan Road: Rings in the Irish New Year at 7PM, followed by a midnight celebration with complimentary champagne toast. Music starts at 6PM.

Dancing Podium and Live Music Stage at Raglan Road

Cirque du Soleil: Attend the 6 or 9PM shows.

House of Blues: Michael Ray and Jill’s Cashbox will take the stage on New Year’s Eve starting at 9:30PM. Cost is $27.

Resorts

Hang out at one of the amazing Disney resorts or [Read more…]

Spotted: Food Finds in Epcot’s France Pavilion

By AJ 2 Comments

You might think “seen one Disney gift shop, you’ve seen ’em all.” And, honestly, that’s often true. But when it comes to shops in the World Showcase pavilions of Epcot, you really never know what you’re going to find!

I love that the little shops which are situated throughout the pavilions have continued to offer items from the countries they represent. But seeing that I (and you, since you’re reading this) have a fascination with food, it’s the food finds that I prize above all!

Wooden Spoon Display in Epcot's France

Remember a while back when we started amassing yummy finds in the UK and Canada Pavilions for a tasty international picnic? Well, today, we’re crossing the Channel into the France Pavilion to showcase some new food items that I’d never found before!

Fun Food Finds From France!

Since France is the country of, well, food…among other things…I was especially excited to stumble across a bunch of new food treasures when I was there recently.

Perfect for taking souvenirs home (especially for the Francophile in your life), the shops are a great stop for feeling like you’re in France without having to mess with customs and hunting up your passport.

French Pantry Items

The first display I found was of some fun items to French up your pantry a bit. Chocolate Fondue, anyone? (Seriously…is this making it home with you? Because I’m reasonably sure it would never make it to my suitcase. We’re talking picking up a plastic spoon in the food court on the way back to my hotel room.)

Chocolate Fondue

But there is also a nice selection of kitchen essentials here as well, including a variety or Mustards, Salts, and Herbs de Provence.

French Pantry Items -- Mustards, Butcher Salt, Herbs de Provence

The beautiful containers also make lovely decorations, I think. Some of these little pots are totally reusable in your kitchen.

Tarragon Dijon Mustard, Herbs de Provence in a Crock, Fleur de Sel

French Chocolates and Candy

Next up — more dessert! A box of chocolates is a great way to mark a visit to France. Who says you have to [Read more…]

Menu! World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck in Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By Kim 11 Comments

We’ve been reporting on the new food trucks at Downtown Disney steadily as they’ve been appearing, and now the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck has joined Fantasy Fare, Namaste Café, and Superstar Catering, bringing the current line-up of Downtown Disney Food Trucks to four.

Featuring “The Best of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival,” the green truck with vintage travel decor will be offering some of our Epcot Food and Wine Festival favorites!

Vintage Travel Posters

The Epcot Food & Wine Festival marketplace booths represented are Hops & Barley, Poland, and Florida Local. Let’s take a closer look at the menus…

Hops and Barley

From Hops & Barley, you’ll find the Lobster Roll with House-made Chips. The price of $18.25 seems kind of steep, right?! Not sure I’d be willing to shell out that amount, though you DO get a larger size serving than you do at the festival.