Archives for September 2014

Disney Details: Yak and Yeti Restaurant Lighting

One of the lesser-known, but still pretty awesome restaurants in Disney’s theme parks is Yak & Yeti, found in the Asia section of Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Learn About:Yak and Yeti Restaurant

Animal Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Our experiences there have always been good when it comes to the food, but one of my favorite parts of the dining spot is the decor.

It’s clear that Disney’s imagineers searched high and low for authentic props and “set dressing” for this restaurant, and I’ve always been captivated by the lighting particularly.

On a visit many years ago, I snapped shots of several of lamps, light fixtures, and even chandeliers that make this restaurant so eclectic. I just came across the pics and wanted to share them with you. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know which Disney restaurant decor you’re most fond of!

Yak and Yeti Restaurant

Yak and Yeti Restaurant Lighting Elements

This incredible chandelier hangs above the main staircase up to the second floor. Its tiered crystals practically drip down to the railing!

Atmosphere from lighting

A few old-fashioned and vintage options look like they were taken right out [Read more…]

Epcot Food & Wine Festival Food Pictures and Review: Brazil and Puerto Rico Marketplace Booths

By AJ 14 Comments

We are continuing our LIVE coverage from the first week of the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

We’ve been busy eating at the various Marketplaces and attending events to bring you lots of good information.

And today, we’re ready to offer you the first in-depth look at two booths that are crowd favorites — Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Let’s go!

The Brazil Marketplace Booth

The Brazil Marketplace returned last year after a brief hiatus, and wasted no time establishing itself as a favorite stop on festival guests’ trip around the World. And this year, it’s back again on a big ol’ plot of World Showcase land all its own (with a WATERFALL! and LIVE MUSIC!).

2014 Brazil Marketplace Booth

This is the old Belgium location (Belgium has been booted next door), so there’s a seating area set up covered with colorful flags.

Gorgeous Seating Area for Brazil

There’s a little waterfall (which the Cast Member made sure I knew about; they’re super proud of it). And if you’re lucky, you might catch some live Brazilian music while you’re there.

Brazil Marketplace Scenery

The food is pretty much all new, except for the pork belly. And the drinks include some good offerings.

2014 Brazil Menu

We were interested to see a new seafood dish debut at the Brazil Marketplace. The Moqueca de Pescado features responsibly farm-raised Regal Springs Tilapia. It’s flavored with a Coconut Lime Sauce and is served on a bed of steamed Rice.

You guys know I’m not a HUGE seafood eater, but some of the festival’s offerings this year have made a liar out of me…including this one. I really enjoyed it! The dish is light with good flavor. But I was shocked that after I took my first tentative bite of fish, I actually went back for more. Red-letter day for me, my friends. ;-D

Moqueca de Pescado Regal Springs Premium Tilapia with Coconut Lime Sauce and Steamed Rice

One of 2013’s most popular dishes, Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Cilantro, returns this year. While the 2013 version also featured Avocado in the mix, we aren’t really missing it. The Pork Belly stands on its own just fine!

Crispy Pork Belly with Black Beans, Tomato, and Cilantro

One of our early favorites this year is the [Read more…]

What’s New Around Walt Disney World: September 24, 2014

By Wendy 8 Comments

Food is always the star of the show for Disney Food Fans, but there’s no time of year when food steals the spotlight quite like this… with a little something called the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

But that’s not all the food news in these parts! We’ve spotted more fall treats and new Resort eats as we’ve been looking around Disney World to see What’s New…

EPCOT

So, right off the bat, we know this isn’t exactly what you would call a “surprise” 😉 , but since it’s Epcot’s time to shine, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the recent opening of this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival!

Welcome to the Food and Wine Festival!

Be sure to check out the Must-Eats among the dishes making their debut this year!

Bacon Hash at the Farm Fresh Booth

Coconut Candy at the Brazil Booth

Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing at the Hops & Barley booth

In other EPCOT food news (yep, there’s still more!), the ice cream experts at L’Artisan des Glaces are helping everyone get into the Fall spirit with their release of the Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Macaron Sandwich.

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream Macaron Sandwich

You can enjoy this pumpkin deliciousness in a [Read more…]

Tip from the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks: Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream and Waffle Snack Pairing

By AJ 1 Comment

Ready for strawberry-ness all over the place? It’s time to dive into a tip from the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks!

Restaurant dining is great in Disney World, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck when it comes to eating on the go, you should make use of some of our Snack Pairing Ideas.

Epcot’s China Pavilion

Need some help getting started? Let’s take a look at something pretty unique!

Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream and Waffles with Strawberry Jam

One of our favorite things to do when seeking out Snack Pairings is to combine flavors from different countries! But this works best if you can find flavors to match in neighboring pavilions, of course. 🙂

If you’re looking for something fruit-flavored but a little off the beaten path, head into the China Pavilion and try the Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream at the Joy of Tea kiosk (sometimes it’s found at Lotus Blossom Cafe as well).

Strawberry Red Bean Ice Cream from Lotus Blossom Cafe

The dense, creamy dessert is [Read more…]

Dining NEAR Disneyland: Disney-Themed Donuts at Orange County’s Donut Bar

By Heather 5 Comments

Once in a while we find a place that’s “near” Disneyland and worth a mention. Orange County’s Donut Bar is one of those places. Why you ask?

Because donuts. Disney donuts.

Free. Disney. Donuts.

Disney Themed Donuts!

Orange County’s Donut Bar is located in Fountain Valley. Right off the 405 freeway between Euclid and Newhope, it’s only about a 15-20 minute drive to or from Disneyland.

This donut hot spot has been open since March, and they continue to sell out of their specialty donuts every single day.

Mickey and Minnie Donuts

They have some very unique and amazing flavors, but they do something especially unique and amazing on the weekends! Free donuts for kids. And guess what? More often than not, they’re Disney themed. Really a fun treat.

Perry the Platypus Donuts

I thought you’d enjoy seeing some of their fabulous creations here on the Disney Food Blog, especially since the closest thing to a donut the Disneyland Resort has is [Read more…]

News! Food-Themed Disney Dooney & Bourke Pattern to Make Its Debut During Epcot Food and Wine Festival

By AJ 12 Comments

Happy Friday from the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! We are LIVE in Walt Disney World, bringing you all the food, photos, and details from what promises to be the best Festival yet!

Just in time to celebrate opening day of the Festival, Disney and Dooney & Bourke have some pretty awesome news for foodie fashionistas. Today, we’re sharing with you pics of their brand new collection — and like everything else right now — it’s all about the food!

Dooney & Bourke Food and Wine Festival Pattern

The understated collection, featuring colorful depictions of Chef Mickey on a black background, celebrates the much loved Festival, which kicks off it’s 19th year today! Your favorite chef is busy whipping up something extra special in the kitchen!

The collection will be available for purchase beginning September 29 at the Festival Center within Epcot. Choose from four different styles, including the on-the-go Wristlet and the practical Crossbody. Or go bigger with the [Read more…]

Review: 50s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By AJ 22 Comments

It’s been a looong time since we reviewed 50s Prime Time Cafe, which is strange as it’s one of my favorite restaurants!

Learn About:50’s Prime Time Cafe

Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

If you have ever wanted to escape into a 1950s sitcom, then you must give this spot a try.

Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a fun hybrid of good comfort food with immersive entertainment. And you’re one of the stars (of course)!

I don’t get to dine here as much as I would like, but Wendy and I managed to squeeze in an advance dining reservation on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.

Come along while we take a tour, and stick around to see what’s for dinner!

Atmosphere

And we will get to dinner soon enough. We have lots to show you! But first, let’s take a look around.

The retro, Mid-20th Century vibe comes across as soon as you lay eyes on the sign. Check out the antennae!

50s Prime Time Sign

Head in to the podium and let the hostess know that you’re there, and prepare yourself to be embraced like kin. Because you’ve just acquired a whole bunch of new cousins. Why? Well, when you step into 50s Prime Time, everyone here is a family member! Mom’s in the kitchen, and you’re usually being served by one of your cousins, aunts, or uncles. Really cute concept.

When your table is called, listen for your last name: “Wolfe Kids! Time for dinner!” (And don’t dilly-dally; you WILL get a talking to if you take your sweet time to come to the table.)

Before that happens though, have a look around. There’s TONS to see. The waiting room is fashioned after Dad’s Domain. You can practically see the slippers and smell the pipe smoke. 🙂

Waiting Area…Dad’s Living Room

50s Prime Time also plays host to The Tune-In Lounge. This is a great bar. Beyond the vintage feel, I love that you can sit here and order from the 50s Prime Time Cafe menu! So if you can’t get an ADR, don’t despair; the digs here are pretty comfy and the bartenders are always great.

Order from the full menu at 50s Prime Time Cafe when you're at Tune In Lounge in Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Tune In Lounge

There’s additional seating allocated to The Tune-In Lounge as well if all the bar seats are full.

Another Living Room for Dad — and Additional Tune In Lounge Seating

But…the stuff! It’s everywhere. I know you have a relative somewhere who holds onto all manner of knick knacks — that person clearly decorated 50s Prime Time.

Be sure to look at it all — the vintage appliances, the tchotchkes. There’s such a sense of the familiar here, and I figure it’s because if you look long enough, you will find something you recognize from childhood if you’re as old as I am.

Atmosphere - Recognize Anything From Your Grandparents' House?

Just Like Your Grandparents’ House, Right?

See what I mean?

50s Prime Time Cafe Decor

Seating areas continue the throwback feel, and of course you’re sitting in the kitchen, not the dining room. There’s formica and vinyl everywhere!

One of the 50s Prime Time Cafe Dining Rooms

Even in the kitchen you’ll find [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 21, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia Leave a Comment

It’s underway! We’re reporting LIVE from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!! We have photos and updated pricing of ALL of the menu items.

Epcot Food and Wine Festival

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

Disney Festival News

DFB’s picks for the MUST EAT dishes at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and MORE must eat dishes (as well as all food photos and pricing)!
The Craft Beer Kiosk at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival has relocated. This year, get your craft beers inside the air-conditioned Odyssey Center.
Review our Top Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!
Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disneyland Resort has an updated 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, Menu Update at Boatwright’s, More Candy at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties, 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!

Ice Cream is one of our favorite treats in Disney World. A unique version of this fun treat is the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich at Epcot’s L’Artisan des Glaces. Thanks to Facebook Friend Amanda for sharing this interesting view!

Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich

And we love helping our readers find their favorite treats. Alyssa tweeted this picture of the homemade ice cream cookie sandwich in Magic Kingdom! YAY!!!

Found: Ice Cream Sandwich!

What’s your Favorite Find? Send it in!

The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book Has a Special Opening Weekend Discount!

Pick up your copy of the DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival e-Book for $4 off today using code OPENINGDAY!

The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book features all the info you need to know before you attend the Food and Wine Festival this year, from what’s NEW this year to touring strategies — and a new section with top tips on how to use MyMagic+ at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with over 220 pages of detailed information about the Festival as well as photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. On a budget? Find out how to make those dollars (or Disney Dining Plan snack credits) stretch all around World Showcase. And we have a fully updated FAQ section that answers questions you didn’t even know you had!

Bonus Items

The DFB Guide to the 2014 Epcot Food & Wine Festival includes customized bonus items that go above and beyond any other Food & Wine Festival coverage currently available. These include:

A full, daily schedule of events for every day of the festival
A printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist that you can use to plan, and easily bring with you to the festival
Themed World Showcase booth crawls (there’s even one for the kids!)
Food and Wine Festival customized Touring Strategies for One Day visits, Budget-Conscious visits, visits with kids, and more
A chapter dedicated to all [Read more…]

2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Prices and Photos of ALL Food Menu Items Now Available (And More of Our Favorites!)

By AJ 14 Comments

We’re having a blast reporting to you LIVE from the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

Welcome to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival!

It’s super hot, sweaty, humid, rainy, (insert crappy weather term here) at the Fest so far this year, but that would never stop us from #EatingAllTheFood at every one of the Marketplace Booths at this year’s festival.

New Food and Wine Festival Passports

Today, I just wanted to remind you and yours (who I know are planning a Festival visit or eight this year) that we’ve got photos of EVERY food menu item (and most of the bevvies as well…except for the $32 Dom flute…I’m totally not buying that) and ALL menus/pricing at the Festival.

Pics and prices are all up on our booth pages, which you can find here!

2014 Farm Fresh Marketplace Booth Menu – Click for larger image

Now, we shared with you on Friday our must-eat favorites from the Festival so far, but mentioned that we had about 17 new menu items that we really loved this year and had to narrow down for the post.

New Brazil Marketplace

At the request of several readers, here are a few more of our “you. must. eat. this.” choices at the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival…

Pao de Queijo — Brazil
This cheese bread is simple and delicious. Imagine a savory bun…filled with sharp cheese…an you’re there. If you get a good batch, it should be soft, moist, and veeeeeery cheesy!

Brazilian Cheese Bread

Cheese Bread Cross Section

Mango Green Tea with Popping Bubbles — China
What we loved about this was that the “bubbles” weren’t chewy tapioca — they were little bursts of strong mango flavor/juice!

Mango green tea with popping bubbles

Crème brûlée caramel fleur de sel — France
A new twist on an old classic, the [Read more…]

News: Menu Update at Flo’s V8 Cafe at Disney California Adventure

By Kim LaPaglia 3 Comments

While visiting Cars Land at Disney California Adventure, fuel up at Flo’s V8 Cafe. It’s one of our favorite spots for atmosphere dining in Disneyland Resort.

Popular dishes in the past have included the Veggie Tater Bake, Rotisserie Chicken, and Homemade Pies.

Veggie Tater Bake

Now, new dishes have joined the race for first place!

Replacing the pork loin, Flo’s has introduced barbecued pork ribs, with house-made Coca-Cola barbecue sauce served with creamy mashed potatoes (or a side of mac and cheese) and a side of crisp slaw.

Barbecued Pork Ribs

Also in the running — a shaved roast beef and cheddar sandwich on a garlic-chive bun topped with sweet, caramelized onions, and kicky horseradish aioli with a side of slaw.

Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwich

Or perhaps you’d like to try the turkey dip on a potato grinder roll. It’s served with provolone cheese and turkey au jus for dipping, plus a side of pasta salad.

Turkey Dip

The Citrus Turkey Salad is now made with [Read more…]

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Archives for September 2014

Disney Details: Yak and Yeti Restaurant Lighting

Yak and Yeti Restaurant Lighting Elements