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First Look! 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival MUST-EAT Treats!

We’ve been touring the 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival all day, indulging in the gorgeous views and good eats! See the full menus for this year’s booths here!

As many of you remember, the Flower and Garden Festival added multiple food booths to its offerings last year. They’re all back this year — including one extra addition — to tempt the tastebuds of Springtime visitors to Epcot this time around!

Don’t forget to grab your Flower and Garden Festival passport and keep track of all the eats!

We’ll have a full review of ALL the goodies for you tomorrow, but let’s take a peek at some of the must-try items this year!

Ahhh, Epcot in the Spring.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Waffle with Dole Whip at Pineapple Promenade

This awesome combo of sweet potato waffle and everyone’s favorite pineapple deliciousness is a must-try for Epcot guests. We were really surprised how much we enjoyed the cinnamon + pineapple combo!

Find it at the Pineapple Promenade booth at the front of the World Showcase!

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Waffle with Dole Whip

Piggylicious Cupcake at The Smokehouse

If you woke up this morning thinking you should really have bacon AND cupcakes for breakfast, well, we’ve got the ticket! Just head over to the Smokehouse booth!

This Piggylicious cupcake gives you a bacon cupcake topped with maple frosting AND pretzels! Where do the pretzels come from? Who cares? Yum. Our team says the cake has lots of salty, smoky bacon; and the cake base is less sweet than normal yellow cake.

The maple frosting is much better than we expected, and altogether, this treat really works! Pancakes and bacon in a cupcake? Shore!!

Piggylicious Cupcake — Bacon cupcake with maple frosting and pretzels

Kumquat Pie at Florida Fresh

New at the Florida Fresh booth this year, guests can partake in a Kumquat Pie!

We found the texture a [Read more…]

Tips from the DFB Guide: Top 5 Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Values for 2014

By AJ 13 Comments

Now that you’ve booked your 2014 Disney World vacation, it’s time to make your Advance Dining Reservations.

But which restaurants are worthy of your precious Disney Dining Plan credits?

What’s the DDP? The vacation package add-on called the Disney Dining Plan is a pre-purchased meal plan. Based on the plan you choose, you’ll receive a certain number of credits to be utilized during your Disney stay. (Remember your college meal plan? Yeah; it’s kinda like that!)

Many table-service meals in Disney World cost one credit per person, but are you getting the best value?

If you reeeeeeally want to get your money’s worth, stick to the one-credit restaurants, order the most expensive meal on the menu, and maximize your savings! Let’s get to the DFB guide’s top picks for best value at “one table-service credit” Walt Disney World restaurants.

Remember: this is primarily based on food cost, but we have taken atmosphere and food quality into consideration a bit as well. We don’t want you eating at a bad restaurant, after all. 😉

Tutto Italia

Offering regional specialties, Tutto Italia is located in Epcot’s Italy pavilion. With dinner entrees costing about $30, and a pricey dessert topping $13, your one meal here is a great use of a table service dining credit!

Braised Meatballs and Shortrib

Kouzzina

features Mediterranean cuisine showcased on a menu created by Celebrity Chef Cat Cora. A dinner at this BoardWalk restaurant can be costly. With a $35 grilled steak entree and $10 desserts (Baklava!!), Kouzzina is a smart choice for your dining credit use!

Baklava Dessert at Kouzzina

Teppan Edo

is a fun Hibachi restaurant in Epcot’s Japan pavilion. Order the $32 Filet Mignon and a dessert at $5-7 to make the most of your table service credit.

Steak and chicken at Teppan Edo

Les Chefs de France

Located in Epcot’s France pavilion, Les Chefs de France serves up delicious cuisine. Dinner entrees cost $20-35 with desserts about $9 each. Use your table service credit here for a memorable meal.

Creme Brulee at Chefs de France

Rainforest Cafe

While Rainforest Cafe gets mixed reviews, [Read more…]

News! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars

By AJ 17 Comments

Back by popular demand, The Swan and Dolphin Resort at Walt Disney World has announced that it will hold its Fifth Annual Food and Wine Classic this Fall!

Coinciding with the 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic offers even more great food and drink for Disney fans!

This event is always amazing and very well done. We can’t wait to go again this year!

2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Details

Mark your calendars for Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1, 2014. Seminars begin at 4:30 p.m. and the Causeway is open from 5:30-9:00 p.m.

Dining al fresco on the Causeway at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic!

This year’s event continues the tradition of fun and informative food and beverage seminars that focus on wine, cocktails, sake, beer, pasta-making, and more. The seminars are conducted by experts in each field and last for approximately 60-90 minutes.

At 5:30, the Causeway between the Swan and Dolphin comes alive as the staff of the Resort’s award-winning restaurants host tasting booths. In addition, there is live entertainment as you sample and stroll around the beautiful grounds!

Wine Seminar at the 2012 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars

You can see details on all of the 2013 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars here!And new for this year, the Classic is adding a Cheese seminar!

Seminars this year include:

Wine Blending;
Let’s Make Caipirinhas!;
It’s Better to “Wine” in Italian;
TQU: Tequila University;
Base to Bubbles (see our Base to Bubbles review here!);
Beer, Please!;
Modern Mixology (see our Modern Mixology review here!);
The Fine Art of Sushi and Sake;
The Cheese Course (NEW!); and
Pasta Making with Chef Cib!

Causeway Tasting Booths with Optional Beer Garden Upgrade!

The Causeway between the Swan and Dolphin Resorts will have tons of great offerings again this year. And we can’t wait to see the menus! We’ll be back soon with full details for you!

Want a little more than just the standard tasting experience? Upgrade to the [Read more…]

Review: Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic at Friar’s Nook

By AJ 7 Comments

It’s a good, good day — it’s a Mac and Cheese day!!!

Learn About:Friar's Nook

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

We’re heading back to the new menu at Friar’s Nook in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to pick up another of the debut mac and cheese goodies.

When Kim was there before, she and her fam shared the Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheese! YUM!!

Recently, Disney Food Blog columnist Erin Foster put another new dish to the test.

NEW Friar’s Nook Mac and Cheese

Atmosphere

In Fantasyland, Friar’s Nook is a small counter-service location offering an interesting selection of eats. Known for keeping odd hours, check your Times Guide to see if Friar’s Nook is open on the day of your visit.

There’s not a lot of seating here, and what’s there is all uncovered and open to the elements; so on a busy day (or a super hot or super cold day) you may want to take your food to the nearby Pinocchio Village Haus.

Seating at Friar’s Nook

Eats

With the addition of new mac and cheese options, the menu has been refreshed once again.

New Friar’s Nook Mac and Cheese Menu

Erin compared the Blue Cheese and Bacon Cheeseburger versions. Which one does she highly recommend? Let’s find [Read more…]

Disney Recipe from the Vault: Cinnamon Rolls from Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom

By Brooke 137 Comments

Alright guys, today we’re taking it back. Like, waaaay back! Who remembers Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom BEFORE it was a Starbucks location? Well, we do, and we think about it more than we’d like to admit.

And you know what one of the best things was about the old Main Street Bakery? The cinnamon rolls, otherwise known as the undisputed breakfast of champions! Seriously, just look at this.

Main Street Bakery Cinnamon Roll with Extra Icing!

And I know that the cinnamon rolls at Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland are supposed to be the same. Well. Okay. Whatever you say, Disney.

But whatever the reason, those old Main Street Bakery ones are still my favorite. And I do wish you could still get them — and all those scoops of extra icing! Yum! Well, no matter. Because we have the recipe! And knowledge is power.

Main Street Bakery cinnamon roll cross-section!

So I can make them anytime I’d like. And now, so can you. 🙂

SEE ALL OF OUR DISNEY RECIPES ON OUR DISNEY RECIPES PAGE HERE!

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:

Walt Disney World’s Main Street Bakery

Yield: 16-18 Rolls

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Rolls

1/2 cup warm water
2 packages yeast
2 tablespoons sugar [Read more…]

News! and Review: Las Ventanas Makes its Debut at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort

By Wendy 15 Comments

UPDATE: Please note that as of February 2015, Las Ventanas also serves dinner. Advanced Dining Reservations are also accepted.

Guess what! Disney World opened a new restaurant, and we’ve got all the details for you! 🙂

Nope; you won’t find it at the parks. You won’t even find it at Downtown Disney! Nope — it’s at Coronado Springs, a Mexican-themed moderate resort!

Coronado Springs has a few aces up its sleeve when it comes to dining. The Pepper Market has a great reputation for lots of delicious choices in its unique station-style food court, and no one can argue with the margarita flight available at Rix Lounge and Maya Grill. Today, we’re excited to present the Resort’s brand new restaurant: Las Ventanas!

Las Ventanas entry

Well…it’s not exactly new. Las Ventanas has always been the private dining room for Rix Lounge. I guess they just realized they needed more table service offerings for conventioneers!

Las Ventanas is open for breakfast and lunch. It’s tucked in a hallway next to Rix Lounge. Since it’s closer to the Convention Center, if you are staying at Coronado as a non-Convention guest, it could be easy to miss. Thankfully, there is a sign in front of the Pepper Market leading the way.

Pepper Market

Las Ventanas sign with operating hours

Atmosphere

Two things struck me upon entering Las Ventanas. First, the size. It’s small and intimate, due to previously being a private dining room. You’ll nearly be able to see the entire restaurant within these pictures.

Las Ventanas seating

Las Ventanas

There were only 14 or 15 tables in the whole place and, even though the room is small, they were very well-spaced with plenty of room in between each.

Las Ventanas Table

Second, it’s beautiful. Decor is minimalistic. Rather than being filled to the brim with details, things are kept rather simple. This serves to enhance the atmosphere, as you can truly take in the touches that catch your eye.

Las Ventanas Hanging Lamps

Fresh flowers on the table

Wall decoration

One thing I can’t share with you in pictures [Read more…]

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 2, 2014

By Kim LaPaglia 1 Comment

One of the most beloved restaurants in Disney World, Casey’s Corner, has emerged from a controversial revamp! Read all about it — and let YOUR thoughts be known — here!

Casey’s Corner

There’s even more fun food news from Disney; click on the links below!

Disney Food News

The Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon Weekend returns in 2014 to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival.
Trilo-Bites in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom serves a new specialty: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich!
Disney World and Disneyland will offer Braille menus at select locations for guests with Visual Disabilities starting March 1, 2014.
There are two upcoming signature dining events at Downtown Disney’s Raglan Road at Walt Disney World. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road!
Casey’s Corner re-opens after refurbishment with an updated indoor seating area!
Eat to the Beat Concert schedule taking shape for Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival.

Of course, there’s more! 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, Refurbishment at Captain Cook’s in the Polynesian Resort, 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!

Let’s look at some eats from the BoardWalk Bakery! MrTomMorrow tweeted this green cupcake creation.

St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake

And how about breakfast? This sandwich with turkey sausage was enjoyed by DFB Reader Katie.

Breakfast Sandwich from BoardWalk Bakery

As always, we can’t get enough of your Disney food finds. We can’t wait to see what our readers share with us next!

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 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!!

For our Grand Launch Sale, 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 Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

Over 450 Pages of Disney Dining and Planning information, tips, reviews, and recommendations!
An in-depth Disney Dining Restaurant Reviews section, covering all Disney restaurants, food kiosks, bars, and lounges
An updated Disney Dining Plan section and price analysis for 2014
NEW Disney food and restaurant photos
An updated Disney Snacks chapter, including our list of dozens of must-try snacks AND our Top 11 Must-Have Snacks for 2014.
An updated section on birthday parties and specialty cakes in Disney World
A comprehensive, 10-page chapter of What’s New in Disney World in 2014, including new restaurants, menu updates, and more
Details about how the My Magic+ Planning System and FastPass+ will affect your vacation planning
Our picks for the 11 Great Snacks you must try this year
Scavenger Hunts, Trivia, and Top 5 List updates
Bingo Cards
Updates on all pertinent facts such as dining hours, prices, resources, phone numbers, and restaurant closures/openings
All new restaurant additions, closures, refurbishments, and added dining experiences
And much more!

But, of course we’re offering a discount for our Grand Launch week!! Again, to celebrate the launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for $4 off its standard rate for a limited time! Order your copy now at DFBGuide.com and use code: [Read more…]

News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule

By AJ 20 Comments

Great news, Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans!

We’ve got the latest on a few Eat to the Beat concert line-up listings ALREADY for 2014!

For those who don’t know, Epcot brings in several bands and musicians popular in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s each year to entertain Epcot Food and Wine Festival guests in the evenings. Concert-goers can start making festival plans to see their favorite group during the festival, which runs September 19-November 10, 2014.

Since this partial list is preliminary, you’ll want to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule!

Eat to the Beat concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three chances each night to see your favorites — 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM!

2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

Note that this schedule is subject to change

September 22-23: The Pointer Sisters [Read more…]

News! Casey’s Corner in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Reopens with Updated Indoor Seating Area

By AJ 36 Comments

We looooove telling you about news that can make your Disney trip even more comfortable and relaxing, and today we’re on a roll!

Learn About:Casey’s Corner

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

We’ve all been there… walking around Casey’s Corner with an armful of cardboard trays filled with hot dogs, French Fries, and a couple of enormous Cokes, searching indoors and out for a place to sit while hoping we don’t drop anything.

Welp, after a refurbishment that started in January, the Corner has reopened and is sporting some brand new digs! Yep — as far as we can tell, there are no more bleachers and no more movies…now we’ve got real, honest-to-goodness indoor seating (not just a few scattered tables) at Casey’s!

Casey’s Corner

Let’s take a quick look at the refurbished restaurant first. The entryway welcomes guests as always (just polished up a bit), and the menu remains unchanged (hooray!).

Casey’s Entryway

Casey’s Corner

Casey’s Corner Menu

And, of course, all of those nods to vintage baseball that make Casey’s what it is remain.

Casey’s Baseball Memorabilia

The big surprise comes when you enter the indoor seating area.

This spot used to house a few tables, but the “Casey at the Bat” bleachers and a movie screen spinning old school Disney sports cartoons were the focal points of the area. The banners and scoreboards are still there…

Mudville Banners

Scoreboard

However, the bleachers have been removed to make way for more tables, and the movie screen has been removed.

Refurbished Indoor Seating

Refurbished Indoor Seating Area

Casey’s is a beloved spot for many reasons [Read more…]

Guest Review: Crystal Palace Breakfast in the Magic Kingdom

By AJ 25 Comments

Welcome back guest author Catie Hiltz! Hundred Acre Wood fans will love this review of the Crystal Palace Restaurant in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Read on…

Learn About:The Crystal Palace

Magic Kingdom
Disney World Restaurants

I have been going to Crystal Palace ever since I was a little kid – they have been serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with “character” for years from their prime location near Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

My husband and I were lucky enough to get to visit Walt Disney World last year at Christmas time – and we couldn’t miss out on the chance to dine at this character buffet featuring Winnie The Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Piglet.

We had a 9:40am Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) for breakfast at the Crystal Palace, and we arrived a bit early so we could leisurely stroll down Main Street before heading over to the restaurant (and we took time to pose for a photo or two of course!).

Ready for a delicious Crystal Palace Breakfast

Atmosphere

The week of Christmas is a busy time at the Disney Parks but I was pleased to see that the level of service I had come to expect from Disney was still upheld. We were led inside promptly at 9:40am and our waitress appeared right after to take our drink order (soft drinks, coffee, teas, and juice are available here) and explain the buffet to us.

Entrance to Restaurant

The atmosphere of the restaurant was pretty upbeat overall; it was loud and crowded and full of kids running around, but it was a high-spirited kind of chaos, where everyone seemed happy – which I am convinced had to do with the amazing food options!

Winnie The Pooh and Friends Greet You As You Enter

Eats

The menu is pretty standard as far as Disney breakfast buffets go; it’s advertised as “traditional fare with American flair” – which means there will be plenty of options to choose from, and that everyone will find something they love!

The Menu!

The kids’ area featured puffed french toast and Mickey waffles.

Pooh’s Corner

There’s a selection of Assorted Pastries.

Assorted Pastries

At the Fresh Fruit Station, you’ll have plenty of choices, including Honey Yogurt and Strawberry Yogurt.

Mixed Fruit, Watermelon, Strawberries, and more

OK, this probably was my favorite part of the buffet. I LOVED the [Read more…]

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STAY CONNECTED

First Look! 2014 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival MUST-EAT Treats!

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Waffle with Dole Whip at Pineapple Promenade

Piggylicious Cupcake at The Smokehouse

Kumquat Pie at Florida Fresh

Tips from the DFB Guide: Top 5 Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Values for 2014

Tutto Italia

Kouzzina

Teppan Edo

Les Chefs de France

Rainforest Cafe

News! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars

2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Details

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars

Causeway Tasting Booths with Optional Beer Garden Upgrade!

Review: Blue Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Balsamic at Friar’s Nook

Atmosphere

Eats

Disney Recipe from the Vault: Cinnamon Rolls from Main Street Bakery in Magic Kingdom

SEE ALL OF OUR DISNEY RECIPES ON OUR DISNEY RECIPES PAGE HERE!

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:

Ingredients:

News! and Review: Las Ventanas Makes its Debut at Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort

Atmosphere

Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 2, 2014

Disney Food News

DFB Reader Finds

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

News! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule

2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

News! Casey’s Corner in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Reopens with Updated Indoor Seating Area

Guest Review: Crystal Palace Breakfast in the Magic Kingdom

Atmosphere

Eats

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS

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STAY CONNECTED

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Waffle with Dole Whip at Pineapple Promenade

Piggylicious Cupcake at The Smokehouse

Kumquat Pie at Florida Fresh

Tutto Italia

Kouzzina

Teppan Edo

Les Chefs de France

Rainforest Cafe

2014 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Details

Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminars

Causeway Tasting Booths with Optional Beer Garden Upgrade!

Atmosphere

Eats

SEE ALL OF OUR DISNEY RECIPES ON OUR DISNEY RECIPES PAGE HERE!

Cinnamon Rolls Recipe:

Ingredients:

Atmosphere

Disney Food News

DFB Reader Finds

The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 e-Book Grand Launch

Here Are Just Some Of What You Get With Our 2014 Guide:

2014 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up!

Atmosphere

Eats

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS