food IS a theme park
The 9th annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic takes place Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, 2018.
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
This popular two-night event coincides with the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival and includes The Causeway, Seminars, and three special food locations — and today we have details on the new themed area joining the lineup this year! [Read more…]
Recently, a not-so-mysterious doorbell made an appearance in the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. And now? A similar — yet different — doorbell has been spotted behind The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Studios Doorbell Next to Elevator
This one is at the elevator that likely leads up to the old Catwalk Bar above Brown Derby!
Why do I say “not-so-mysterious”? Because in 2017 Disney confirmed that four Club 33 lounges would be opening in Disney World. Club 33 is known — and even legendary — for being an exclusive, members-only club with its first, and most iconic, location in Disneyland. Designed by none other than Walt Disney himself, the restaurant was made to entertain friends and VIPs. These days, entrance is gained by a hefty initial membership fee in addition to annual dues.
Whether you’ve been able to pass through the Club 33 doors in Disneyland or not, you may have noticed its famous doorbell by which members announce their arrival to Club 33.
And it appears that each location in Disney World will receive similar doorbell treatment… though with an added feature.
There have been some changes in Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion as of late. Just recently, the Pavilion’s attraction, The American Adventure, debuted an updated film finale and anthem.
America Pavilion in Epcot
But there’s been a less noticeable change in the Pavilion, too — however small doesn’t mean insignificant. To the right facing the Pavilion’s theater entrance is a new addition.
We have some exciting news about upcoming Fall events at Walt Disney World!
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has announced the dates, menus, and seminars for the 9th Annual Food and Wine Classic. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, 2018!
The Food and Wine Classic also coincides with the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. And once again, the Food and Wine Classic will include both Seminars and The Causeway.
Want to know what else you can expect at the 2018 Food and Wine Classic? Here’s a run down!
The central attraction of the Classic is the more than 40 tasting stations featuring dishes from the resort’s 17 restaurants and lounges as well as more than 30 wineries on the Causeway. Check out the Menus page for an idea of what you can expect!
Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic
This year several new menu items are joining returning favorites including Dynamite Rock Shrimp, Late Season Zellwood Corn, Wasabi Foam, Matsutake & Japanese Eggplant, Crispy Lotus Root from bluezoo, and Shake & Bake Style Southern Fried Chicken, Black-Eyed Pea Puree, White Cheddar Fondue, Bacon Infused Roast Garlic Gravy from Picabu.
In addition to the Causeway Tasting Booths, the Food and Wine Classic offers three special food areas this year, Carnival Corner, Chinatown, and NEW for 2018, The Pig & Poke. [Read more…]
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
I had the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan on a recent visit, so I was hitting up all the 2-credits I could find!! And today, we’re heading back to that bastion of Old Hollywood Glamor, The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Have you ever dined here? The Hollywood Brown Derby is notable for a few reasons. First, it’s the only signature dining experience that you can enjoy within Disney’s Hollywood Studios (although that’s likely to change with the opening of Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land coming to the park in 2019).
And fans of the restaurant’s signature dishes, like the original Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad, are always quick to advocate for this spot.
My experiences here have been hit or miss, but I’ve enjoyed the addition of The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge in recent years.
But since it had been a while since I’d been to the Derby, I decided to make it a priority on my most recent Disney World visit to make an advance dining reservation to see the latest. Here we go!
The Hollywood Brown Derby is located on Hollywood Boulevard, and anchors one end of the street that channels the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
The Hollywood Brown Derby Sign
The original Brown Derby was actually a chain of restaurants, but the one that you see here is a replica of the location at 1628 North Vine Street. This location was closest to the studios, and became a bit of a Hollywood icon itself. [Read more…]
We hadn’t been back to STK Orlando for another meal since it opened last summer, and it was time to check this brand new Disney Springs restaurant out again.
Located in The Landing area of Disney Springs, this restaurant that strives to be sexy has more of a vibe suited for a big city or Vegas, rather than the sleepy, Old Florida town of Disney Springs. Still, it was one of the most anticipated new restaurants that sprang up in the area.
On our first visit, we were fairly impressed with much of the food. But even as new restaurants continue to open in Disney Springs, we’re finding that some are rising to the top…and some…well…aren’t.
Which camp do we think STK is in? Come with us as we share our impressions of the upscale steakhouse.
We arrived late for our advance dining reservation, owing to an earlier commitment that ran long. Since I was more than 15 minutes late, I was told that we would have to wait to be worked back into the schedule. Because I had a dining companion to chat with, it wasn’t a total bummer. But since the upstairs was completely closed for a private event, thus making downstairs more crowded than it needed to be, it was a little unfortunate. The old advice holds: try not to be late for your ADR.
STK Outside View and Outdoor Seating
While we were waiting, the DJ was spinning, as he normally is. The music was a combo of more recent songs with a smattering of everything else, from disco to 80s and beyond. It was a bit loud, but not so loud that we couldn’t talk. [Read more…]
Hey Guys! Today we are so excited to bring you one of our biggests DFB Videos to date. We are sharing with you ALL the details about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party!
Lemon and Strawberry Chocolate Tart
Are you looking for general details about the party? Or scenes during the event? What about the lo-down on ALL of the amazing snacks and treats? We have it all for you here! [Read more…]
We have something extra special for you today — a little peek into my Alaskan Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder!
The Disney Wonder in Port at Skagway
My family and I booked a multigenerational family trip to Alaska on the Disney Wonder last summer (one of my dad’s bucket list items). And I couldn’t resist the chance to share some of what I found.
A Disney Cruise is an amazing experience. The service, ports, and accommodations are simply unparalleled IMO. PLUS — there’s a hefty dose of Disney magic, which always makes an adventure just a little brighter.
If you haven’t had the chance to go, then I hope you do sometime soon! Find out more about them by ordering the free Disney Cruise Line video. I get one whenever they have them available.
But there’s more to cruising than just bein’ on the boat. And when we were in port in Skagway, Alaska, I took a few hours to tour the tiny city in search of goodies! And I found PLENTY!
Yummy treats in Skagway!
I hope you’re hungry. If you’re not, you probably will be very soon! [Read more…]
Nearly a year ago, Flying Fish reopened after a lengthy refurbishment closure. Disney Food Blog visited on the very first day that it reopened (here’s that review for reference).
While we gave full marks to the beautiful interior and excellent service, and we found some bright spots to celebrate on the revamped menu, we were frankly underwhelmed. The restaurant had abandoned long time cult favorites like their Potato Wrapped Snapper and the Char-crusted Certified Black Angus New York Strip Steak, purportedly in the name of those hot, buzzy themes of sustainability and seasonality. Fine.
But while everything was indeed fine, it was no longer special. It was no longer my favorite spot to get a last minute signature restaurant advance dining reservation and KNOW that it was going to be fabulous.
Well, we’re a year in now. And I was anxious to see what, if anything, had changed. Had they returned those amazing signature dishes to the menu? Was the menu completely different from a year ago, owing to the use of seasonal ingredients and sustainable seafood choices? Were they celebrating local?
Flying Fish Entrance
Only one way to find out. Time to head in. [Read more…]
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