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Tag: Counter-Service

Guest Review: Studio Catering Co. at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Editor’s Note: Studio Catering Co. closed in early April 2016 to make way for construction of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Join me in welcoming Bob Sikon with a guest review of a counter service eatery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios — Studio Catering Co.!

Learn About:Studio Catering Co.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney World Restaurants

I have to confess, if my wife and I eat a meal at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we typically stop in to visit the ABC Commissary. Oh, we’ve eaten meatloaf at 50’s Prime Time Cafe and cobb salads at The Hollywood Brown Derby, but our trips to the Studios usually include the commissary’s burgers.

If not that, we’ll enjoy a mere Quick Service snack of Butterfinger cupcakes from Starring Rolls Cafe or a couple of carrot cake cookies from Writer’s Stop.

This last trip, however, we tried something new – an early dinner at Studio Catering Co.

Welcome!

Atmosphere

Another confession – in all our past visits, we had never given Studio Catering Co. even a little bit of thought. Part of the reason is that it is sort of hidden without really being hidden. In other words, it is clearly there, but if you didn’t know it was there, the signage wouldn’t help you much.

Exterior Menu Board – click image for larger version.

Despite that, the thing that struck us from the moment we approached the restaurant was the amount of available space. There is PLENTY of seating. Look at the size [Read more…]

News and Review: Captain Cook’s Temporary Location at Disney’s Polynesian Resort

By 14 Comments

ALOHA

from Disney’s Polynesian Resort!

Learn About:Captain Cook’s
Polynesian Resort
Disney World Restaurants

Capt. Cook’s is the Polynesian’s Quick Service option — famous for Tonga Toast in the morning, and Pork Sandwiches and Nachos in the afternoon into the evening (more on their also-famous Dole Whips later in the post). You can typically find a few unique and stellar cupcakes here, too.

Well, its original location is currently closed for refurbishment from now until later this summer. We’re definitely looking forward to the new-and-improved digs, but in the meantime we thought we’d swing by to give you a quick look at the temporary location.

Captain Cook's Refurbishment Sign

Captain Cook’s Refurbishment Sign

If you head to the original location for Captain Cook’s, you’ll see signs directing you to the temporary location. From the original space, it’s just to the right of the set of stairs that bring you to Tambu Lounge.

Temporary Location

Temporary Location

The first thing to greet you is the main seating area.

Main seating in temporary location

Main seating in temporary location

Main seating in temporary location

Main seating in temporary location

Captain Cook’s signature tables made the move…

Tables

Tables

And additional seating can be found to the left of the main area.

Additional seating

Additional seating

Past the seating, you see the food area.

Main seating with food area behind

Main seating with food area behind

The kitchen space appears roomy.

Facing the kitchen

Facing the kitchen

Flow in the costumer area is a bit [Read more…]

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

By 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

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 Entryway

Casey's Corner

Casey’s Corner

Casey's Corner Menu

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

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

Mudville Banners

Scoreboard

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

Refurbished Indoor Seating Area

Refurbished Indoor Seating Area

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

Review: Create-Your-Own Burger Bar at the NEW All Star Sports End Zone Food Court

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Recently we visited the newly reopened End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort. Now we’re back to review one of the new features on the menu: the Create-Your-Own Burger Bar!

Atmosphere

After a lengthy refurbishment, the new space was revealed! Featuring earth tones and a clean, fresh design, the food court maintains its fun sports theme.

End Zone Food Court

End Zone Food Court

End Zone Food Court

End Zone Food Court

While the theme is found in more subtle details now than it was previously, the element of fun is still very much present in the basketball court walls and the Disney characters who’ve joined in the mix!

Basketball Court Walls

Basketball Court Walls

Disney pals in the booth panels

Disney Pals in the booth panels

Eats

Along with the new space came a revamped menu! You can still find standbys such as pizza, hot dogs, and the Best Chicken Breast Nuggets on Earth (*not the actual name, just my opinion 😉 ).

Today, though, we’re excited to share a review of one of the newest features in the food court: the Create-Your-Own Burger Bar!

Create Your Own Burger

Create Your Own Burger

First, guests have their choice of beef or chicken for their [Read more…]

First Look and Photo Tour! Disney World’s All Star Sports End Zone Food Court Reopens after Renovation

By 16 Comments

The End Zone Food Court at All Star Sports has just reopened after a lengthy refurbishment — four months, to be exact! We were thrilled to be on the scene for opening day, and are excited to have you join us for a FIRST LOOK!

End Zone Food Court Atmosphere

The first sight to greet you is nicely familiar… the entryway sign remains the same, so as to make the transition from the hallway seamless.

End Zone Food Court Entrance

But in no time you start to notice that things have indeed changed, thanks in part to this sleek “Now Serving” marquee immediately to your left at the entrance.

“Now Serving” Board

Then things really kick into high gear! Gone are the primary colors and life-size cutouts of football and baseball players. In their place are earthy tones and clean lines.

The changes are most notable in the dining area.

End Zone Dining Area

End Zone Dining Area

End Zone Dining Area

But they extend throughout the Food Court [Read more…]

News! And Review: Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Refreshments New Menu!

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We’re heading to Harambe Village in Animal Kingdom’s Africa. Tamu Tamu Refreshments is our stop today, so we can check out the entirely new menu!

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Atmosphere

It’s easy to stroll past Tamu Tamu on your way to Kilimanjaro Safaris, because this unassuming little spot blends in so perfectly with its surroundings.

Tamu Tamu Refreshments

Ordering Counter

There are a few clues, however, as to what is available to passersby:

Good Eats!

Cold drinks!

And the best part of the atmosphere is arguably a hidden gem. A lot of people aren’t aware of the gorgeous and peaceful outdoor seating area tucked behind!

Entry into the Harambe Fort

Chunky wooden tables and chairs are complemented by rustic plaster walls and artwork. It’s truly unexpected!

Tamu Tamu Seating Area

Tamu Tamu Seating Area

But I’d mentioned a new menu, so let’s dive in!

Eats

I was truly surprised to see the all-new offerings, especially since the Pulled Beef Sandwich had been a hit. (I must admit to being sad over the loss of that gorgeous fresh fruit bowl on the menu, and will continue to look for it at Bradley Falls whenever it is open!)

Tamu Tamu Menu

The menu is now offering three primary entrees: Slow-cooked Chicken Curry, Vegetarian Curry, and Roasted Chicken Salad. [Read more…]

Review: Peanut Butter and Candy Bar Brownies at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

By 10 Comments

Not so long ago, I took a trip to The Mara, the Quick Service location at Animal Kingdom Lodge to check out the Giraffe and Zebra Cupcakes. But when I posted my review, we also shared pics of a couple of delicious looking brownies that we’d seen at the bakery… .

Peanut Butter Brownies in bakery case

Candy Bar Brownies in the bakery case

I guess they grabbed the attention of a few DFB Readers as well :), because when I read over the comments on that article, several went something like this:

“Yep, the cupcakes look great. But, ummm… HELLO! What can you tell me about that Peanut Butter Brownie?!?” (And THIS is exactly why DFB Readers are So. Great. 🙂 )

So, with that… it’s back to The Mara we go!

Atmosphere

Located on the ground floor of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Mara is one of the more interesting quick service locations in Disney World.

The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge

The Mara offers unique eats in a unique setting. From African Stew and a delicious variety of soups to something on the menu called an “African Chili Cheese Dog” (Note to self: find out what that’s all about), there is so much more here than your standard cheeseburger.

The Mara at Animal Kingdom Lodge

What I most appreciate about the atmosphere is that it has a more “grown-up” feel for a Quick Service location, with its nods to the majesty of nature. Yet it’s still completely comfortable and approachable, in large part due to the whimsical artwork on the walls.

Part of the wall mural at The Mara

Part of the wall mural at The Mara

For this visit, I took my goodies to the outdoor seating area.

Outdoor Seating at The Mara

Outdoor Seating at The Mara

It’s lovely and [Read more…]

4 Great Counter-Service Turkey Options in Walt Disney World

By 8 Comments

It’s the Holiday Season! Festive holiday decorations are making their appearance in the “World,” and plans for merry-making with family and friends will be set in place.

Don’t get me wrong – that’s great and all. But let’s face it… those of us who gather here at Disney Food Blog are really thinking about all the FESTIVE FOOD we’re going to enjoy! Specifically, we’re ready to talk TURKEY (and gravy, cranberries, and stuffing) at Disney World Counter-Service locations! These are some great choices if you’re touring the World during the holidays and don’t have time for a sit-down situation. Grab your holiday eats on the go!

Holiday Turkey Sandwich – Earl of Sandwich

Perhaps you’re already familiar with the Holiday Turkey Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney: turkey, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry all on Earl’s artisan bread.

Holiday Turkey Sandwich

Maybe you are among those who love it so much you have all but written a Shakespearean sonnet in its honor. And if you count yourself among the diehards, we certainly wouldn’t judge you if you danced a jig or threw a small party when it was announced that the Holiday Turkey Sandwich would be served at Earl’s year-round. It’s music to our ears!

Turkey Sandwich – Everything Pop Food Court

But Earl’s isn’t the only place where you can enjoy holiday flavors any time of year…

Let’s head over to Pop Century’s Food Court, Everything Pop!

Everything Pop!

On the menu, you’ll find a listing for a “Turkey Sandwich.” But c’mon… this is Everything Pop we’re talking about, and we know their propensity for unusual eats! So it should come as no surprise that this is more than a simple turkey sandwich. Just check out the ingredient list!

Everything Pop Turkey Sandwich on the Menu

That’s right: oven-roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, watercress, and cranberry mayo in between two slices of Texas Toast.

Everything Pop Turkey Sandwich

Before we get into the details, here’s a quiz for you! At Thanksgiving dinner are you more likely to: [Read more…]

News! and Review: Downtown Disney’s Namaste Cafe Food Truck

By 11 Comments

Namaste Cafe

has arrived on the Disney Food Truck scene in Disney World’s Downtown Disney!

Namaste Cafe Food Truck in Downtown Disney

It joins the first food truck, Superstar Catering (check out our review here!), in what will ultimately become a group of four trucks total in coming weeks.

Namaste Cafe and Superstar Catering Food Trucks

I know AJ’s been looking forward to this one because we were told it would have Butter Chicken — her favorite! Let’s take a look!

Atmosphere

Namaste Cafe features “Tasty Explorations from Disney’s Animal Kingdom,”

but before I placed my order, I just had to take some time to admire the artwork on this eye-catching truck.

I love how it so beautifully echoes the imagineering you see in Animal Kingdom, particularly in the Asia area. Just take a look…

Artwork on the Namaste Cafe Food Truck

Tiger on the Namaste Cafe Food Truck

Murals on Namaste Cafe Food Truck

Even the tiger habitat from the Maharajah Jungle Trek is represented beside the pickup window (or at least it looks that way to me!).

Namaste Cafe tiger mural at pickup window

But now that we’ve seen the facade, let’s check out what’s inside!

Eats

Namaste Cafe dishes include Slow-cooked Beef Short Ribs, Tandoori Shrimp, and Butter Chicken (woo!). [Read more…]

Review: Disney World Resort Quick Service Pasta Options

By 13 Comments

Thanks to DFB Author Wendy for a look at some great counter-service carb-loading options for your runDisney races this year!

Are YOU running the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler (or any of the other runDisney races this year)? If so, you might be interested in participating in a good old-fashioned carbo-load before your race!

Even if you’re not tackling those ten on October 5th… odds are good you’ll be putting in plenty of miles at the Parks at some point, no matter what.

It’s time to fuel up, people ;)!

Spaghetti time!

For those running one or more of the east coast races this season, there are plenty of places all over Disney World property where you can take part in the time-honored runners tradition of a pasta “carbo-load.”

Today we’re going to focus on some of your pasta options in the resort Quick Service restaurants.

Counter Service Pasta Options at Walt Disney World Resorts

Let’s start with this terrific trend: Create-Your-Own-Pasta stations are cropping up in a few of your favorite Quick Service restaurants!

Create Your Own Pasta

Art of Animation’s Landscape of Flavors already has a reputation for innovative and delicious dining, and you can read a full review of the Create-Your-Own-Pasta experience here.

Add-ins for Create Your Own Pasta at Landscape of Flavors

Spaghetti Carbonara with Broccoli

The Riverside Mill at Port Orleans Riverside also offers this fun option!

Riverside Mill

Create Your Own Pasta Options at Riverside Mill

Unique to the Grand Floridian’s recently refreshed Gasparilla Island Grill is a [Read more…]

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