food IS a theme park
Season’s Eatings!
Grand Floridian Resort in Disney World
While taking a stroll through Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort this week, we spotted a returning Holiday cupcake at Gasparilla Island Grill!
Whether you’re a foodie, a chicken nugget connoisseur, a Disney pro, or a first timer, Walt Disney World offers some super under-the-radar dining experiences that can add value to your vacation.
Cake Decorating at Amorette’s
Some provide a little education, others put you in touch with the animal kingdom, and still others are just plain fun.
With all the great food options at Disney World’s BoardWalk, Big River Grille & Brewing Works hasn’t landed on our must-do list for that area.
It has a fantastic location on Crescent Lake within walking distance to four other area resorts, as well as Epcot AND Hollywood Studios. It also has an on-site microbrewery! Yet Big River Grille has remained a ho-hum spot for grabbing mediocre (in our experience) American-style pub grub.
Big River Grille & Brewing Works
Still, we are here for YOU, dear readers, and we are here to provide you fair reviews of every restaurant option available to you, even if it hasn’t won any gold stars from us over the years.
So we’re back on the BoardWalk at Big River Grille seeing if it’s had a clandestine renaissance.
From ride closures and construction to restaurant openings and new Resorts, Walt Disney World is embracing that old adage “the only constant is change.”
Mickey and Minnie showcasing the skyliner!
And today in our DFB Guide video we’re taking a deep dive into 10 things at Walt Disney World that will be different in a year — plus one that we hope will be different. [Read more…]
When it comes to restaurants on the Monorail Resort loop at Walt Disney World, a few probably spring immediately to mind: California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (well, maybe not that last one, but we’re on a mission to make it a must-do for everyone!).
But even though those headliners get the most attention from guests (and are regularly enjoyed here at DFB!), lesser-known restaurants on the loop often bring just as much quality and thought to their menus. The Wave… of American Flavors on the lobby level of the Contemporary can be a surprisingly good destination meal — especially for breakfast. There’s a SUPER SECRET DFB TIP included in our review that we think you’re going to want to know about… .
The Wave bills itself as crafting new American flavors that incorporate international tastes, too. The focus of the restaurant’s fluid menu is on seasonal and local ingredients, and while we don’t see the menu changing as often as, say, The Wave’s upstairs sister-friend California Grill, the menu here does have a level of freshness that you don’t find everywhere.
The Wave serves up three meals a day, with lunch and dinner being a la carte. (See our dinner review here!) Breakfast offers both buffet and a la carte options, making it a great place to grab an early meal with the fam. I met up with friends to check out the offerings and see if some old favorites and new additions are still worth a journey to The Wave.
The Wave… of American Flavors
The Wave is located in the lobby of the Contemporary, so if you arrive by Monorail, you’ll need to head downstairs to the ground level. [Read more…]
When menus were released by Disney World earlier this month for its Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge dining locations, there was one notable absence: alcoholic beverages. Love it or hate it, Walt Disney World restaurants typically serve adult beverages, and we expected to see some appear on the World’s Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo and Ronto Roasters menus.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
And now, with under a month left until the 14-acre land opens to the public, online menus have been updated for both eateries. Now two specialty alcoholic drinks have been added for both Docking Bay and Ronto Roasters.
is about as classic a Walt Disney World character buffet as they come.
Located on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort and in the shadows of arriving and departing Monorail trains, Chef Mickey’s is a character buffet featuring the Fab Five — Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald — in their finest chef attire.
The open, raucous space is dominated by sparse design and seemingly endless food choices, making it a great place for many families. No need to shush the kids when they devolve into squeals of delight with Minnie coming around the corner. No worries about finding something for everyone to eat. Just grab a plate, fill up, and get some character love.
But the food quality here hasn’t been great in the past, and while it’s certainly passable, for THAT price you expect something that’s good, at least, not something that’s mediocre. Still, Chef Mickey’s draws a crowd — you’ll definitely want to snag an Advance Dining Reservation if you want to eat here — and it’s all about that Fab Five meet and greet life.
Chef Mickey’s
I ventured to Chef Mickey’s with my family for brunch to see if the food is showing any signs of improvement (and to peep the Fab Five in their chef-y finest!).
Like its food, Chef Mickey’s isn’t winning any awards for its decor or atmosphere, unfortunately. [Read more…]
Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood is Gran Destino Tower’s rooftop restaurant.
This Spanish-inspired spot is loaded with style, views, and thoughtful bites and beverages. You can click HERE for a FULL PHOTO TOUR of this exquisite space, and now we’re back with a FULL REVIEW.
Toledo — Tapas, Steak, & Seafood
This was a LONG dining experience, so settle in for some fun!
Looks like he’s already a hit… because FORKY, the new character in Toy Story 4 (which hits theaters on June 21st) has already been honored with his very first Disney World cupcake!
Forky!
You’ll find the Forky Cupcake at Disney’s All Star Movies in the Resort’s World Premiere Food Court. [Read more…]
If you’re keepin’ it cool at Walt Disney World’s Typhoon Lagoon this summer, be advised: there’s a Guacamole Flight you’re going to want to try!
Typhoon Tilly’s Snack Shack
Typhoon Tilly’s Snack Shack — the little counter off the main Typhoon Tilly’s quick service area — offers up a trio of guacamole with a little something for everyone! [Read more…]
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