food IS a theme park
It has never been easy to snag an Advance Dining Reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom ever since it opened in late 2012. But that has been especially true as of late, as reservations simply weren’t coming up for dinner availability at all for dates starting in late July. And now we know why…
Be Our Guest Restaurant
If you are looking for an eclectic meal in the heart of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins could be the right choice. Open just under two years, Tiffins is a Signature Dining experience — which means it requires two Disney Dining Plan table service credits (or quite an investment from your wallet).
But guests agree that dining in Tiffins is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. The restaurant is inspired by travel and the wonderful adventures that take place when one steps out of one’s comfort zone. You’ll see nods to travel quite literally everywhere — from wall to wall. You’ll also find love for animals and conservation in the artwork at Tiffins, in keeping with the Park’s theme.
The food at Tiffins is an interesting blend of flavors and ingredients from around the globe, and it’s generally enjoyed by guests who yearn for something adventurous in their dining. Tiffins, and her sister Nomad Lounge, adjust their menus with some regularity (particularly on the Small Plates menus), so if you plan on dining here, you’ll want to keep an eye on the menus.
Tiffins Sign, with tiffins on top
The Paint the Night Parade will make its return AND debut in Disneyland Resort on April 13th!
And how is that possible 🙂 ? While the Paint the Night Parade used to run in Disneyland Park, it will make its return in Disney California Adventure Park, marking its DCA debut. The return of the Paint the Night Parade coincides with the beginning of this summer’s Pixar Fest.
Incredibles Float Concept Art for Paint the Night ©Disney
Two packages pairing food with a reserved viewing area for the parade are now available for booking.
The Paint the Night Parade Dining Package may be booked at your choice of two restaurants.
Carthay Circle Restaurant in Disney California Adventure
At Carthay Circle Restaurant, the dinner package includes a 4-course dinner from a prix fixe menu and includes one voucher for guaranteed seating at a reserved parade viewing area next to the restaurant.
Pricing starts at $99 for adults, and $45 for children ages 3 to 9.
The 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival kicks off on March 2, 2018! And though we are still eagerly awaiting menus for the thirteen Food Booths that will celebrate California cuisine, we have received word confirming four of the upcoming Food Booths (including some of their menu items)!
I Heart Artichokes Booth
The I Heart Artichokes Booth will return for the 2018 Festival! [Read more…]
Sunshine Seasons is a beloved quick service lunch spot, and with cheerful decor and tons of menu options — including some healthier for you choices — it’s easy to see why.
Plus, it’s located in the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World at Walt Disney World — and every WDW fan knows that’s the spot to ride Soarin’ and Living with the Land. So, you know, you’ll be there anyway. Why not score some good eats?
And good eats they’ve got! We’ve long celebrated the dessert case here, where you can snag such sweet beauties as the Strawberry Shortcake and the Mickey Oreo Cheesecake (which is as adorable as it is yummy). And now the Rose Gold Minnie Ears Cupcake, of course!
The savory options here are awesome, too, with some of the food growing right in the Land’s greenhouses showing up on the menus. One of the things we appreciate most about Sunshine Seasons is that the menu offers a lot of non-standard quick service items. Spicy Fish Tacos and Mongolian Beef are crowd pleasers, and guests with various food preferences and needs will find plenty of options here, too.
Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons
It’s time to let the sun shine in!
Sunshine Seasons can’t be missed — literally. It’s the center of the Land Pavilion and features soarin’ ceilings, bright swaths of fabric, and massive floating globes (in the spirit of hot air balloons). You’ll look down onto the seating area as you make your way down to the lower level (where you find entrances to those rides we mentioned).
Sunshine Seasons from Above
If you’re looking for Garden Grill and its super fun character meal, that’s on the top level across from the pavilion’s entrance (you’ll look straight over the open area below).
But everything else you’re looking for is on the lower level. When you arrive on the lower level, you’ll enter Sunshine Seasons’ ordering area and be greeted by a large menu board. This will give you an overview of the various food stations — including Sandwiches, Asian Noodles, Soup & Salad, and The Grill (and let’s not forget The Bakery!).
Sunshine Seasons Menus — click for larger image
Each ordering area also features an illuminated menu board above the station. And you can see the prepared food and on-going food prep here as well. Trays are located beneath each station so you don’t have to juggle your cupcakes and your rotisserie chicken.
Sunshine Seasons Asian Cuisine Station
There are also grab-and-go stations and designated Kid Zones where the littles can grab their sides and drinks.
Bottled Drinks
Kids Meals Beverages and Sides
Across from the food stations is a long beverage area. You’ll select your beverage before heading to the check out.
Beverage Area
But, y’all, don’t miss the dessert cases. We insist. Some are grab-and-go and some are behind the glass. There are winners in both locations, so peruse and choose.
Grab and Go Desserts
Desserts!
If you’re looking for the Rose Gold Minnie Ears Cupcake, this is where you’ll find it. (We all want to look at her again, so…)
Rose Gold Ears Cupcake
When you’ve made your selections, head to the check-out, where you’ll find a few more grab-and-go options as well.
Check-out
You’ll pass utensils, napkins, and condiments on the way to the seating areas, each of which has sort of an amoebic shape and a low wall encircling it. These seating areas are best seen in their entirety from above. They’re packed with tables and chairs (with some booths along the wall). This is fairly extensive, and it’s typically not too difficult to find a table.
(Here’s a bit of trivia: the different sections are themed to different seasons, so check the table design to see which section you’re sitting in!)
Sunshine Seasons at The Land pavilion in Epcot
During busy meal times, Sunshine Seasons will be hoppin’. It’s a fun and cheerful place to eat — so let’s dig in!
On this visit I ordered a Reuben. This classic sandwich featured layers of Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, and Russian Dressing. The fillings are grilled between great Crusty Bread.
Reuben Sandwich
This was so good. Satisfying and exactly what a Reuben should be. The cheese was melted, the corned beef deliciously salty, and the bread perfectly crisp. This is definitely a solid option for a diner who’s after classic eats. But note that this is pre-made, so unless you’re willing to wait a LONG time, you won’t be able to get one customized to your tastes.
Reuben
Next up, I tried a guest favorite. The Slow-Roasted Pork was substantial. Covered in house-made BBQ sauce, it definitely made an impact on the plate.
Slow-Roasted Pork with BBQ Sauce
The pork itself was delicious; tons of flavor. But that sauce? Holy vinegar, Batman! It was so strong, this was hard to get down. I don’t know if this was a bad batch or of this is the standard level of vinegar in the BBQ sauce, but it was way too much for my taste. It was all I could smell for about an hour after being there!
Slow-Roasted Pork with BBQ Sauce
The sides for the Slow-Roasted Pork are sort of cafeteria-style: a big scoop of Mashed Potatoes (meh) and a piece of Corn on the Cob. But for a picky eater, these would be fine. But if you ARE a picky eater, or choosing a meal for such a person, get that BBQ sauce on the side.
Sides with Slow-Roasted Pork
So maybe we can’t say everything on the menu here is spectacular, but Sunshine Seasons is doing quick service just about as well as anywhere else in terms of selection and diversity of options. And we really appreciate that. Plus the desserts are not to be missed. I mean…
Flower Pot Cupcake
Sunshine Seasons is for you if:
Get your sunshine somewhere else if:
Sunshine Seasons is a terrific place to grab a quick meal or a sweet treat during your Epcot visit. It’s super convenient if you’re already in the area, and the options are diverse and tasty (for the most part!). Plus, it’s really fun, bright, and relaxed — just as your vacation should be!
Food friends, it’s time to take a look at one of Tokyo DisneySeas’s most popular (and Instagram-able) snacks: the Chandu Tail!
Steamy Chandu Tail Packaging!
Since Pandora — The World of AVATAR opened last year in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’ve been watching the treats at the land’s beverage and snack stand, Pongu Pongu.
Pongu Pongu’s signature snack, Pongu Lumpia, is a pineapple and cream cheese-filled spring roll. It’s been a love/hate snack since some people don’t like the texture — but I think it’s great! But something that does tend to be a big favorite among many is the Night Blossom. This frozen beverage layers apple with desert pear and limeade and is topped with passion fruit popping pearls.
They keep trying to convince me that the Pandoran Sunrise at Satu’li Canteen is Pandora’s signature drink. But, trust me. It’s totally the Night Blossom.
Night Blossom
It’s bright and beautiful, both in color and flavor, and we’ve recommended it from the first as one of the best non-alcoholic drink options not only in Animal Kingdom, but in the whole of Disney World.
Wait… did I say “non-alcoholic”? Yes I did… because it is. But NOW, you can also order up a RUM BLOSSOM, which adds Bacardi Superior Rum to the drink!
Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or Any-Excuse-To-Have-Some-Chocolate Day, there will be treats galore for you if you’re spending this week in Walt Disney World or Disneyland!
In Magic Kingdom, stop by Main Street Bakery to find the Mickey Cinnamon Roll with a special heart decoration.
Mickey Valentine Cinnamon Roll ©Disney
The Milkshake of the Month at The Plaza Restaurant is a Strawberry and Chocolate Milkshake topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, a strawberry and chocolate shavings. (P.S. It’s BOTTOMLESS!!)
And if your idea of romance is inspired by Pecos Bill and Slue-Foot Sue, then mosey over yonder into Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and order up some hand-dipped white and dark chocolate strawberries.
If you follow the happenings at Shanghai Disney Resort, then you may know that Toy Story Land will open there on April 26th. But Shanghai Disney guests are already enjoying the Land’s Counter Service option in advance of the opening. Welcome to the Toy Box Cafe!
Toy Box Cafe ©Disney
The window-service stations are housed by what used to be the original packaging for Buzz Lightyear and Mrs. Potato Head! (Lotso’s packaging provides a counter as well.)
February 13th is “Fat Tuesday,” and you can celebrate it at your choice of events happening in two of the newest restaurants in Disney Springs.
Enzo’s Hideaway and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante
You can celebrate Carnevale at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante from 5:00 to 10:00 PM which will feature a complimentary amuse-bouche with special drinks and live music. Reservations may be made via OpenTable.
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