food IS a theme park
We’re partying with the villains at Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash! This event has unique characters, trick-or-treat trails, a parade, shows, and — of course — some spooky snacks.
Halloween is here!
Over the last few days we’ve tried out a LOT of Halloween-themed snacks in Disneyland, but there are a few that you can ONLY find at Oogie Boogie Bash. Come with us to get one of these exclusive snacks now! [Read more…]
We partied with Disney villains at the Oogie Boogie Bash in Disneyland yesterday!
Oogie Boogie!
The event has fun entertainment, plenty of villainous characters, and — of course — Halloween treats galore. One counter-service spot is serving up THREE different kinds of loaded fries, and we’re here to try them all. Let’s take a closer look at the new Loaded Buffalo Chicken Fries!
Is there anything better than eating poolside?
Saratoga Springs Resort
Honestly, we’d answer no…not much is better than a poolside lunch! And one of the big perks of staying at a Disney Deluxe Villa Resort, like Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, is the chance to sit back and relax and enjoy a few slower meals during the hustle and bustle of your Disney vacay. With several pools and dining options at many of them, it’s easy to have your poolside cocktail and eat lunch too.
That is precisely what we did at Saratoga Springs one day — specifically at the Paddock Grill. Would this leisurely lunch stack up to our laid-back mealtime fantasy? Keep reading to find out!
in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is one more reason we look forward to the first of every month with their rotating feature, the Hot Diggity Dog of the Month. Plus, it isn’t every day you get to dine with a live pianist and a view of Cinderella Castle!
Casey’s Corner Pianist
This month’s feature is a Buffalo Chicken topped dog or loaded fries — the big question, is this a Home Run or a Foul Play? Let’s find out!
Great news, everyone! Our favorite spring roll cart in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom just got a new version for you to try!
Adventureland Spring Roll Cart
We’ve loved the cheeseburger spring rolls for years, and the new bacon mac and cheese version is decent as well. But…
Back in July, we told you about Animal Kingdom’s newest place to chill out: Restaurantosaurus Lounge. At the time, it was described as undergoing a three month trial period and had limited hours from 5PM to closing. But we loved the concept, particularly as indoor air conditioned places to rest our adventuring feet are always welcome in Walt Disney World’s largest park.
Restaurantosaurus Lounge
That said, as much as we love the concept, sticking a “lounge” in a corner of a counter service restaurant does not make for a relaxing retreat. We’ll give you our full thoughts at the end of this article, but first — some details… .
Animal Kingdom is alive with activity lately, and the hits just keep on coming!
Last year we were celebrating the grand opening of Tiffins and Nomad Lounge (hello, deliciousness amidst some of the most pristine decor we’ve ever seen!), and still 2017 is shaping up to be even more incredible.
We’ve got Pandora — The World of AVATAR, people! In just about three months! And with this new area of the park comes two new restaurants: Pongu Pongu and Satu’li Canteen.
And Rivers of Light! With dining packages! And seats (well, a helpful video about scoring seats)!
But we’re always on the lookout for new dishes at our old favorites, so on a recent visit, we stopped at Trilo-Bites.
Trilo-Bites at Animal Kingdom
You know Trilo-Bites as a seasonal (e.g. hardly ever open) counter service stop in Dinoland, land of the giant cartoon dinos and carnival-style games. Trilo-Bites’ previous menu goodie was the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich, which was truly awesome. This time, we discovered another Buffalo chicken incarnation: Buffalo Chicken Chips.
Welcome back to Saratoga Springs Resort!
Saratoga Springs is a Disney Vacation Club Resort, with easy access to Downtown Disney by boat, bus, or foot path. Tucked into the main building that houses reception, a merchandise shop, and the Turf Club Bar & Grill (the resort’s Table Service restaurant and lounge), you’ll also find the Counter Service option for Saratoga Springs: The Artist’s Palette.
Having really enjoyed dinner at The Turf Club Bar and Grill a few months ago, I was looking forward to spending a little more time checking out The Artist’s Palette.
And since the hunt is currently on for the Triple Crown with “American Pharaoh” leading the way after winning the Kentucky Derby, what better time to visit this equestrian-themed resort once more?
Building housing Artist’s Palette and merchandise shop
The Artist’s Palette Sign
While Saratoga Springs Resort itself is themed after upstate New York — a place known for spas and horse-racing (hence, the Turf Club), The Artist’s Palette is modeled to resemble a city artist’s loft.
The Artist’s Palette Indoor Seating
The Artist’s Palette Indoor Seating
Wood and brick walls, along with a lofted ceiling and lots of windows, provide a peaceful, simple setting that allows the bold and colorful lighting fixtures to really pop. I don’t know if this was the intention, or maybe it was just having painting on my mind due to the theme, but all the primary colors remind me of paint colors on a white palette just before mixing.
Signature Lighting Fixtures
Lighting Fixture
Naturally, large pieces of artwork complete the scene.
Artwork and Lighting
Artwork
During your visit, be sure to check out the work of any little budding artists staying at Saratoga Springs ;).
Artists of the Day
Work of an Artist of the Day
Outside, you can find a few tables — not to mention rocking chairs — as well.
Outdoor Seating
These overlook the main pool area, and face the beginning of the waterfall at High Rock Springs. Overall, it manages to feel calm and serene, even while being the busiest area of the resort.
View from outdoor seating
High Rock Springs
And, since we’re outside, I’ll show you something that has absolutely nothing to do with food ;). This one’s for my [Read more…]
We’re off to the races!
And by “races,” I mean sitting and enjoying dinner ;). Today we’re heading to The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. The theme of this Disney Vacation Club resort reflects upstate New York and celebrates its history of horse racing.
Naturally, this theme extends to its solo Table Service Restaurant – The Turf Club (a common name for dining establishments offering great club views of the races at many horse racing destinations across the country).
Oh, and if you’re curious about where you can find THIS chocolate dessert at Disney World, you’ll want to stay tuned!
Sign leading you to the Turf Club
Heading towards the Turf Club Bar and Grill
And so with that, I say… “Riders up!” Let’s dig in!
Upon arriving for our Advance Dining Reservation at 5:00 pm (the earliest seating at this dinner-only spot), I noticed that just behind the check-in stand was a beautiful wooden piece resembling an old-fashioned horse stable.
“Horse stable”
Okay, that’s not entirely true… I didn’t pick up on the fact that it was supposed to be a stable until exiting the restaurant, which is why this picture was taken from the back :). Once I realized it, I thought it was pretty clever. All that to say… themeing here is quite subtle. Dark woods and deep greens are predominant, and the overall effect is appealing.
Indoor Seating at the Turf Club
Of course, you will find a few nods to the equestrian theme throughout the restaurant.
Framed horse racing gear
Carpet decoration
Covered, outdoor seating is available, offering views of the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course.
Outdoor seating
Outdoor seating
And our host checked with us if we would like to be seated outdoors, but since they day was still very warm, we chose indoor seating.
Indoor Seating
Table for two
Overall, think less whimsical, and more [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich has been replaced by a Buffalo Chicken Waffle Slider. More details on the new offering here.
You know we lurve our waffles here on DFB, and today we’ve got ANOTHER awesome new waffle item to share with you!
Now, Waffle Sandwiches aren’t new to Disney World. At Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, the featured waffle sandwiches are the Sweet and Spicy Chicken, the Ham, Prosciutto, and Swiss Cheese, and Nutella and Fresh Fruit. Even Epcot got in the game for a while over the holidays with a Sweet Potato Casserole Waffle and a Savory Seasonal Waffle (think Thanksgiving in a waffle!).
But today? Today we’ve got an extra EXTRA special waffle sammy. We’re heading to Trilo-Bites today for a sometimes-it’s-there-sometimes-it’s-not Waffle Sandwich!
Trilo-Bites
Trilo-Bites in Dinoland previously held the distinction of being THE spot to pick up a Turkey Leg in Animal Kingdom. The menu has shifted, however, to offer sweeter fare: a Warm Waffle with Fresh Strawberries and Cream and a Baked Apple Blossom with Ice Cream (or without) are the menu highlights.
Waffle with Strawberries and Baked Apple Blossom
You can also find Milk Shakes, Floats, and a Waffle Bowl Sundae here, too.
(By the way, for those of you wondering, “Well, where do I get my Turkey Leg in Animal Kingdom now?”, you can head over to Flame Tree Barbeque. You’ll see the Turkey Leg listed under the entrees with a side of slaw, but it can also be purchased by itself for $9.79.)
Anyway, on a recent visit to Animal Kingdom, I noticed something special was briefly back on the menu. It’s a little hard to catch since it’s only offered on “peak crowd level” days, so it was great to spot it: the Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich! Seriously? You ask? YES! I reply!
Trilo-Bites Menu with Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich
See, that’s the bonus to visiting the Parks when they’re crowded: MORE FOOD! Shazam!
There was no picture on the menu, so I was happily surprised when I was presented with this (Ooooooh! Aaaaaah!):
Pulled Buffalo Chicken Waffle Sandwich
The pulled buffalo chicken tops the waffle, of course, but it also [Read more…]
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