Archives for August 2014

Review: La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion

Aaaahhh

, La Cava del Tequila… what’s a trip around World Showcase without walking inside your doors?

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Well, we’re back, and we’re here to celebrate a very special birthday…La Cava del Tequila just turned five years old! For a place that’s still relatively new (in Disney World terms, anyway), it sure has earned its place on the absolute MUST list ever since opening its doors in August 2009.

We’re celebrating this special occasion with a few of my favorite things (cue the song!) and branching out with a few sips I’d never tried before.

As the saying goes, it may be “5 o’clock somewhere,” but we’re just happy when it’s 12 o’clock at La Cava del Tequila!

La Cava del Tequila Sign

“We Open at Noon”

Is it noon yet 😉 ? Then let’s step in!

Atmosphere

Small and cozy (and often crowded due to its well-deserved reputation), there’s still plenty for the eye to take in. Obviously, the tequila gets the spotlight – both figuratively and literally!

La Cava Tequilas

When you first walk in, [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: August 31, 2014

By Kim Leave a Comment

Big news this week, all! The Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village (aka “The Poly”) is open, and guests can once again indulge in one of the “World’s” most iconic treats at this resort.

Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip in Souvenir Tiki Bowl at Pineapple Lanai

Get yer Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats here, but they’re no longer self-serve OR 24-hour. Bittersweet.

Also, Disney has confirmed that Starbucks will open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in February 2015!

Click below for all the details on this week’s Disney Food News!

Disney Food News

A brand new Disney World premium dessert party — Villains’ Sinister Soiree — is taking place this Fall at Magic Kingdom!
Check out some awesome sale merch at DisneyStore.com this weekend!
Take a look at some irresistible new treats at Jolly Holiday in Disneyland Park — including an adorable take on a Spoonful of Sugar!
Satisfy your Starbucks tooth in February 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Indulge in a Dole Whip or Dole Whip Float at the brand new Pineapple Lanai in Disney World.
Le Cellier in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion at Walt Disney World has made a major change to the popular filet mignon!
Starbucks coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Signature dining is available at Disney’s Yachtsman Steakhouse restaurant and now two new steak options are featured on the menu.

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, Citricos Wine Dinners at the Grand Floridian, 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!

Today, we are highlighting bacon, including this find from Facebook Friend Don. He says: “This bacon cupcake at The Smokehouse is awesome!”. Remember that this is only available during Disney’s Flower and Garden Festival in Epcot in the Spring!

Bacon Cupcake

Here’s a homemade version from Facebook Friend Sarah of the Loaded Baked Potato Soup from Disneyland. Yum!

Homemade Baked Potato Soup

What’s your Favorite Find? Send it in!

Get a Head Start on Planning With the DFB Disney Dining Guidebooks!

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 450 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.

It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBGuide.com to pick it up!!

This week, use code: 2014 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!

Here’s Just Some Of What You Get With [Read more…]

Disney Merch SALE: Time To Stock Up on Disney Goodies!

By Brooke 6 Comments

It might feel like 100 degrees where you are (it sure does here!) but let’s take a look at some awesome new finds that will make you the hit of your Fall entertaining schedule.

Can’t make it to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Bring the party home, then!

We’ve also found a couple of cute sale items to help you get a jump on your holiday shopping. And this weekend, you can take an additional 25% off Select Sales Merchandise with Promo Code Extra25. So be sure to check out all of the cool sale items on DisneyStore.com!

Let’s take a look!

Villains Light Up LED Candle

Light up frightfully dark nights with this (surprisingly classy) Villains Light Up LED Candle featuring a glittering display of some of your favorite Disney baddies. It’s sure to be the hit of your Halloween party or porch decorations this All Hallow’s Eve! And since there’s no flame, the only scary thing about this centerpiece will be the characters.

Villains Light Up LED Candle

Evil Queen as Old Hag “Just One Bite” Bowl

I can’t think of a better place to display that bounty of apples this Fall than this v. cool Evil Queen as Old Hag “Just One Bite” Bowl!

Evil Queen as Old Hag “Just One Bite” Bowl

Haunted Mansion Bottle Stopper

Keep all of your spirits (ha!) from spoiling with the Haunted Mansion Bottle Stopper. Perfect for wine or liquor bottles…or use your lively imagination! The vintage style is sure to spark conversation.

Haunted Mansion Bottle Stopper

Haunted Mansion Drink Coasters

ward off evil water rings and entertain at the same time! Your friends will all be jealous. Well, the Disney fan ones will be, anyway.

Haunted Mansion Drink Coasters

Mickey Mouse Jack o Lantern by Jim Shore

And now, for one of the cutest [Read more…]

News! Pineapple Lanai Opens at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Dole Whip!!)

By Wendy 22 Comments

Well, when we visited the newly refurbished Captain Cook’s at the Polynesian Village Resort, we said we’d be back soon… and here we are, because the brand new Pineapple Lanai is now open!

Pineapple Lanai sign

So, why is Pineapple Lanai so important? It’s the new home to Dole Whip at the Polynesian! (For anyone unfamiliar with this beloved treat, check out a little Dole Whip info here. Then be sure to schedule some of your own personal snacking research on this pineapple soft serve — you’ll be glad you did!)

Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip in Tiki Bowl

We’d love to take you on a quick tour of this new space.

Atmosphere

You’ll find Pineapple Lanai on [Read more…]

Confirmed! Starbucks Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in February 2015

By AJ 23 Comments

Okay, coffee lovers… what we’ve suspected for a while now has officially been confirmed by Disney: Starbucks is coming to Hollywood Studios in February 2015!

Starbucks logo

But there are a few additional details along with the announcement: we’ve also got a name! The Trolley Car Café will have a “classic trolley car station” theme.

While Disney has only officially confirmed the location as being “along Hollywood Boulevard,” all signs point to the L.A. Prop Cinema Storage merchandise location, which closed for refurbishment a few months ago, and remains surrounded by refurbishment walls.

L.A. Cinema Prop Storage under refurbishment

The location will carry [Read more…]

Disneyland Duel: Battle of the Beignets!

By AJ 27 Comments

One of the quintessential Disneyland must-eats are the beignets! You can find ’em at a couple of locations around the Happiest Place on Earth, and there is definitely a difference of opinion on which version is best.

We’re going to take a look at the options, and we want YOU to tell us your favorite!

Mickey Beignets + Dipping Sauces at Cafe Orleans

Cafe Orleans

in Disneyland Park is probably my all-time favorite spot to enjoy Beignets. And there are lots of reasons for that.

Inside, you’re surrounded by rich colors, beautiful stained glass, and Disney history — the spot houses an espresso machine that was a favorite of Walt Disney himself! And the outside patio offers great people watching and a good vantage point to enjoy beautiful New Orleans Square.

Outdoor Patio at Cafe Orleans

But great location is just the tip of the iceberg. Because the real reason that these are some of the best Beignets ever? They’re Mickey-shaped!

Mickey Beignets with a View!

And, luckily, they come with Dipping Sauces! Because just about every food should be dipped, I think.

Here there’s not one, but two — Vanilla Creme Anglaise and Raspberry Coulis. My favorite is the raspberry — combined with the beignets, it’s like eating a jelly donut!

Mickey Beignets with Sauces

A look at the inside shows you just how remarkably light and airy the Beignets are.

Cafe Orleans Mickey Beignets — Cross Section

If you happen to visit Disneyland during the Fall or Winter holidays, you just might stumble upon some seasonal Beignet flavors as well. The [Read more…]

New Entrees Debut at Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

By Kim 13 Comments

Carnivores — we’ve got some news to sink your teeth into from Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in Walt Disney World.

Learn About:Yachtsman Steakhouse

Disney World Restaurants

Within the last few months, New Dry Age steaks debuted at Yachtsman Steakhouse and have already become quite popular at this signature restaurant.

First up: The Porterhouse for two is 32 ounces of steak! It boasts a 21 day dry age.

Served with Gruyere Potato Gratin and a Trio of Classic Steakhouse sides, this entree is sure to curb your hunger! Check out this picture sent in by a DFB Reader!

Porterhouse for Two!

Chef Daniel Sicilia at Yachtsman Steakhouse also introduced a [Read more…]

Tips From the DFB Guide: Our Top 3 Tips for Late Night Disney World Dining

By AJ 4 Comments

You’ve just arrived at Walt Disney World, and it’s late, and you’re starving. Or you’ve finished at the Park for the day, it’s late, and you’re starving. Or you’ve wrapped up a fun time at Fantasia Golf and — well, you get the gist.

Where do you go in Walt Disney World when you’re starving and want to score a late night bite?

Well, there are lots of places, actually! But today, I thought we’d take a closer look at three of our favorites featured in the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book!

Raglan Road Irish Pub

While there are several spots at Disney Springs where you can enjoy a late night bite to eat, Raglan Road is one of our favorites.

The menu features a mix of comforting, traditional Irish pub food with some fusion flavors, like curry. We have lots of favorites here, but one of the best dishes on the menu is the Fish and Chips! And no worries if you follow a gluten-free approach to eating — their Gluten-Free Fish and Chips are just as fantastic as the traditional version (some even like them better).

Fish and Chips at Raglan Road

But the menu is only half the draw here. You’ll also find live music and traditional Irish dancing nightly.

Although it can be tough to get a walk-up table during the earlier evening hours, it’s a little easier to grab a spot later at night. The full menu is available until 11PM; order from the bar menu from 11PM until “late”.

Gasparilla Island Grill

Regardless of the hour, night or day, you can find something to eat at Gasparilla Island Grill.

Located at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, it’s a monorail stop away from both Magic Kingdom and the Ticket and Transportation Center. You’ll find a menu packed with thin crust pizza in various sizes and with your choice of toppings. The menu here also includes some yummy desserts like Coconut Pot de Creme!

Coconut Pot de Creme

Enjoy the full dinner menu until [Read more…]

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Preview: Belgium and Brazil

By AJ 9 Comments

We are back with another look at some of the Marketplace Booths that will be featured at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Today, we are visiting two more of our favorite spots — one Old World, and one New!

Both the Belgium Booth and the Brazil Booth epitomize one of this year’s biggest themes. We can’t wait to Taste Our Way Around the World with lots of returning favorites, and some new flavors as well.

Let’s take a look at what these two Marketplaces will be offering guests in 2014, starting September 19th.

Belgium Marketplace Booth

The Belgium Marketplace Booth offers Food and Wine Festival guests the best of both worlds. We love the interesting food options here. But it’s also a primo stop on your Brews Around the World Tour as well!

Belgium Marketplace Booth

The Belgium Booth first debuted at the festival in 2010, and has become a mainstay since then. After all, who can resist indulging in a sweet or savory Belgian Waffle?

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Belgium Booth Menu

Potato and Leek Waffle with Beer-Braised Beef
Belgium Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream
Belgium Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
Hoegaarden
Stella Artois
Leffe Blonde
Stella Artois Cidre
Chilled Coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Beer flight (featuring 4 4-ounce servings): Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde and Stella Artois Cidre

There are many returning favorites here this year, but we’re happy to say that we see some fun additions as well.

The Potato and Leek Waffle was one of our Best of the Fest Favorites in 2013, so I’m thrilled that it’s returning! This year, the flavors are amped up a bit as the Beef topping the savory waffle is braised in Beer!

Potato and Leek Waffle with Braised Beef

After such a hearty dish, we definitely recommend that you give one of the dessert waffles a try. You can’t go wrong with Belgian Waffle topped with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream.

Belgian Waffle with Warm Chocolate Ganache and Whipped Cream

But if you’d rather have a fruit topping, no worries. Try the Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream instead.

Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream

If you prefer a dessert that you can drink, you’ll be happy to know that the [Read more…]

Review: Cheesy Bread Cones at Fantasmic! in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 52 Comments

UPDATE: According to WDW cast members, these cones were removed from the menu at Hollywood Studios. In the meantime, get your bread cones year-round — including the Mac and Cheese Bread Cone — at Disney California Adventure’s Cozy Cone Motel in Disneyland!

Macaroni and Cheese Bread Cone

Have you ever found yourself in this scenario: sitting in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, waiting for Fantasmic! – the nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — to begin?

Amphitheater seating waiting for Fantasmic!

If you are planning to see Fantasmic! (the official show title has an exclamation point in the name, which moving forward I’ll omit for your ease of reading :), you should know that it’s best to arrive well before show time, especially if you are attending the first show of the evening.

So, what should you do in the meantime? Aside form join in The Wave, of course… which you can — and should — do.

Here comes The Wave!!

But when you’re not Wave-ing, you might as well eat! Fortunately, there are oodles of opportunities around the amphitheater to do just that.

Prior to moving directly into the amphitheater, there are a couple of stands serving up snacks such as Mickey ice cream bars, roasted nuts, frozen lemonade cups, churros, Mickey pretzels, and the like.

Snack kiosks outside of amphitheater

Cast Members also wander the outside and inside of the amphitheater right up until show time, carrying items like popcorn and cotton candy, which somehow adds to the festive vibe.

Popcorn

Cotton Candy

Once you head into the amphitheater, there are two large concession stands in the back, both by the name of Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshment. They have the [Read more…]