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Guest Review: Chocolate Covered Coconut Cupcake at Disney’s Contempo Café

Welcome back Guest Author Wendy, with a review of the NEW Chocolate Covered Coconut Cupcake at the Contempo Café in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. Coconut fans — you’ll adore this one!

On a recent stop at the Contemporary Resort, I paid a visit to the Contempo Café bakery case in hopes of spotting a new Disney cupcake gem.

My search was rewarded with the Chocolate Covered Coconut Cupcake!

Chocolate Covered Coconut Cupcake in Bakery Case

I was waiting in line for my opportunity to grab one when a man lined up behind me with a Protective Cupcake Dome (cupcake to-go case ;-)). He shared these words of wisdom: “You may want to grab one of these boxes. I learned the hard way.”

Grab a protective cupcake dome!

I feel sad for that cupcake because it didn’t get to live out its flavor-filled destiny. I feel sad for us all that there is one less Chocolate Covered Coconut Cupcake in the world… because this thing is AWESOME!

Chocolate Covered Coconut Cupcake

It’s chocolate cake topped with chocolate buttercream frosting and a coconut center; there are [Read more…]

Review: Starbucks Brownie at Main Street Bakery in Disney’s Magic Kingdom

By AJ 25 Comments

As you know, the Main Street Bakery recently re-opened as the first Starbucks location in a Walt Disney World theme park.

Learn About:Main Street Bakery

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

Starbucks fans are sure to be lining up for their daily dose of brew. But we’ve had requests for more reviews of the actual baked goods that can now be found at the Bakery.

While some options have remained from the previous Bakery menu, most of the eats and treats now found here are of the official Starbucks variety.

On our recent visit, we picked up a brownie to see if it passed muster… . Read on to see!

Atmosphere

The Main Street Bakery has been expanded and updated for a new look and feel. However, the turn-of-the-century charm still remains in the decor elements.

Bakery Sign.

In the window!

Notice a few of the “hidden mermaids” in the new look! These are a fun Starbucks-ified play on hidden Mickeys!

Bakery decor and hidden mermaids

Cast members are busy handling the crowds at the [Read more…]

Disney World Tests Be Our Guest Restaurant FastPass+ and Pre-Order System

By AJ 38 Comments

UPDATE: Please note that as of February 25, 2015, FastPass+ is no longer available, as Be Our Guest Restaurant began to accept Advanced Dining Reservations for lunch. For further information, please click here.

Finally! A FastPass for Food!!!

For those who aren’t huge fans of waiting in 30-90 minute lines for a quick service lunch, there may be relief on the horizon — at least for Be Our Guest Restaurant patrons in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!

Line to get in to Be Our Guest Restaurant for Lunch

For the past several months, the restaurant has been testing out a new FastPass+ Pre-Order system so that guests are able to bypass the monstrous lines that form as early as 10AM for a quick-service lunch at New Fantasyland’s popular Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Be Our Guest Restaurant Ballroom Dining Room

This is part of the new MyMagic+ program that is being rolled out in Disney World this year.

To date, Disney has chosen testers randomly — usually from the Magical Express line at Orlando International Airport or while checking in to a Disney World resort hotel.

The system is currently not open to all guests — only to those randomly selected for the testing process. It does seem that you need to be staying at a Disney resort hotel to be chosen.

Be Our Guest Restaurant FastPass+ Process

So here’s how the whole thing works:

Be Our Guest Restaurant Pre-Order System
when a guest is selected to take part in the testing process, he or she is given a card with a registration website and reservation number. The guest logs into [Read more…]

Review: The Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland

By AJ 14 Comments

Ohmigosh!! The Friar’s Nook in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is actually open!!

OK, I know it’s open often during the busy tourist seasons, but it’s rarely open when I’m there; so it was exciting for me to actually be able to head over and get a snack! And, in fact, it’s a snack that’s more like a meal — Teriyaki Chicken Nuggets.

The Friar's Nook Sign

This spot, tucked into the main bank of buildings within Fantasyland (Old Fantasyland), is easy to overlook. And with all the delicious dining options — both counter service and table service — in the park, you might not even know it’s there.

But that’s why WE’RE here! To tell you about all of this great stuff! Let’s head on over…

Atmosphere

You’ll find The Friar’s Nook nestled between The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the former location of Snow White’s Scary Adventures. (This area is currently being re-imagined to house Princess Fairytale Hall, a princess meet and greet experience.)

This quick service snack stop actually has a primo location! Although it’s part of the original Fantasyland, it’s situated right across from the gateway that ushers you into New Fantasyland.

Outside The Friar's Nook in Fantasyland

The ordering area is old school Disney. Lines separated by lanes lead up to cashier bays, where you can make your selections and order.

Ordering Area

Time to see what’s still around on the menu, and what’s changed up [Read more…]

Matterhorn Macaroon Available at Disneyland’s Edelweiss Snacks for Limited Time Magic

By AJ 6 Comments

While this sweet, unique treat is usually available all year round at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland, it’s debuting this week at Edelweiss Snacks for Limited Time Magic!

Matterhorn Macaroon

The Matterhorn Macaroon first made its appearance at Blue Ribbon Bakery way back when, and has delighted coconut-loving Disney guests ever since!

Matterhorn Macaroon

Basically a HUGE, moist coconut macaroon, this treat is topped with melted white chocolate and sugary “snow” to represent the iconic Disneyland Matterhorn attraction. Read our Matterhorn Macaroon review here!

From July 8-14th, guests will be able to find the [Read more…]

News! More 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menu Items and FOOD PHOTOS!

By AJ 24 Comments

SO exciting! We’ve got several more 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival menu items to share with you today!

Be sure to check out the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menu page for all of the menu items we’ve gathered so far!

MORE Select 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menu Items Announced

Yep — 15 more menu items have been announced for this year’s festival! This is in addition to the several items we showcased last week!

Let’s check them out…

Epcot Food and Wine Festival Scotland Booth

The Scotland Booth is BRAND NEW at the festival this year, and it will feature a Salmon dish in addition to

Scottish Banoffee Tart
This creamy tart is made from banana, toffee, and Glenfiddich Whisky Cream!

Banoffee Tart at the Scotland Booth

Vegetarian Haggis with Neeps and Tatties
7-10-13 UPDATE! The Scotch Egg has been removed from the Scotland menu and replaced with…VEGETARIAN HAGGIS with Neeps and Tatties (Griddled Vegetable Cake with Rutabaga and Mashed Potatoes)!! We don’t currently have a photo of this, but we’ll get one as soon as we can! 🙂

Loch Lomond Cocktail
This sharp drink is made with Scotch, Drambuie, and dry Vermouth. It will join other beverages at the Scotland Booth this year.

Loch Lomond at the Scotland Booth

Interestingly, there are some Scots who are [Read more…]

Reader Question: Is Dole Whip Vegan and Gluten Free?

By AJ 31 Comments

For guests visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland with a special diet, the popular Dole Whip treat is now just about the perfect snack! Dole Whip’s fruit flavors are now vegan! And Dole Whip has always been gluten free.

Dole Whip fruit flavors are now vegan!

At least, they are according to the official Dole Whip Mix website — Unified Enterprises Corporation. You can now enjoy any fruit flavor of Dole Whip on your vegan and/or gluten free diet!

Taken From Website of Unified Enterprises Corp

At Disney, you’ll find pineapple Dole Whips! There’s also an option for a Dole Whip Float, which adds pineapple juice to the mix. (The vanilla flavor that has been offered at some locations is not considered vegan at this time.)

Disneyland Dole Whip Float

Dole Whip Nutritional Information

Vegan (no dairy)
Less than [Read more…]

The Disney Food Blog “All-American Disney World Food Crawl”

By AJ 12 Comments

Happy Fourth of July

from Disney Food Blog!

Beaches and Cream Burger

In celebration of America’s independence, I sure wish I was eating my way around Disney World today! If you happen to be there for the holiday — or you just wish you were — we’re doing our patriotic best to inspire you with red, white, and blue eats.

Without further ado, let’s head out on an All-American Food Crawl!

Angus Chuck Cheeseburger at Liberty Tree Tavern

While the Beaches and Cream burger above is a great place to start, we’re going to head to the Magic Kingdom and somewhere a bit more historical!

Start your journey with lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern. This restaurant, located in Liberty Tree Square, pays tribute to Colonial America. Dine in rooms dedicated to notables of American history, like Betsy Ross, Benjamin Franklin, George & Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, or Paul Revere.

Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom

While dinner is a delicious feast served family-style, lunch is an a la carte offering. And my favorite meal is the Angus Chuck Cheeseburger topped with bacon and cheddar cheese.

Liberty Tree Tavern Burger

A juicy, thick burger is served perfectly with steak-cut fries. It may sound common, but it’s one of my favorite burgers in all of Disney World!

Hot Dogs at Casey’s Corner

When the next hunger pangs roll around, head to Casey’s Corner on Main Street U.S.A. for another favorite Fourth of July grill food: Hot Dogs!

I love a good plain hot dog from Casey’s! And there are always great condiments and toppings to dress it up, like plastic cheese!

You MUST have a Hot Dog and Fries from Casey's!

But the Corn Dog Nuggets are pretty [Read more…]

New Disney Snack Invention: Citrus Swirl Float!

By AJ 19 Comments

Welcome guest author and photographer Ben Hendel with a brand new adventure…

Just a few days ago, I made a discovery akin to finding the magnetic North Pole. More patriotic than the actual discovery of America. More revolutionary to the culinary world than bacon. I discovered the Citrus Swirl Float. Or, if you’d rather, call it the Ben Palmer.

Citrus Swirl Float

It’s named after me. Mostly. My last name isn’t Palmer, but I figure this is just as important as when Arnold mixed iced tea and lemonade in equal parts, so it’s a good name to borrow.

Unfortunately, the name hasn’t caught on yet, so when I went to order this delectable treat from the Sunshine Tree Terrace, I had to order a Sprite float with Citrus Swirl. Though the journey was different than just saying “I’d like a Ben Palmer, please” the destination was the same: perfection.

Sunshine Tree Terrace Sign

The Beauty of the Citrus Swirl

Now, some of you may know the beauty of the Citrus Swirl already. Some of you [Read more…]

Review: New! All-American Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

By AJ 16 Comments

It’s National Ice Cream Month, everyone!!!

Learn About:Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

And one of our favorite stops for ice cream at Walt Disney World is the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom.

And today, we’ve got another brand new addition to share with you! Especially those of you who love all of those Disney peanut butter treats.

Introducing: the All-American Sundae! This new sundae at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor came to our attention thanks to DFB reader Miranda, and we couldn’t wait to dive in!

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Sign.

Vanilla and Chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, peanut butter drizzle, whipped cream, and a cherry? Yes please! And you can get it for a Disney Dining Plan snack credit!

Note that this isn’t just a limited time treat — this is on the menu for the foreseeable future, so you should have no problem picking one up on your next Disney World visit!

All-American Sundae menu.

Let’s take a look…

All-American Sundae

The All-American Sundae comes by default with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, but feel free to request any of the flavors available.

We went with the “advertised” version. (Though I have seen peanut butter cup ice cream at the Plaza in the Flavor of the Month slot before, and that would be yum.)

All-American Sundae.

As a peanut butter lover, the hot PB topping was perfect. There was plenty of it on the sundae (though layers would be nice)…and that’s the most important part.

Peanut Butter!

The hot Florida sun and hot fudge helped to slightly melt the ice cream by the time I found a table. 🙂 The flavors were great together, of course.

And while this new sundae might not exactly rival the No Way Jose at Beaches and Cream, the setting and ability to eat it in the shadow of Cinderella Castle might just give it an edge in the race.

For more awesome Disney ice cream treats, check out our Disney World ice cream gallery!

What’s your favorite ice cream treat at the Plaza Ice Cream Parlor? Let us know in the comments below!

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