food IS a theme park
Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort
is a truly larger-than-life hotel with a food court that’s big on color and unique dishes.
Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort
In the pantheon of character meals at Walt Disney World, there’s only one where you can dine with big, fluffy friends straight out of the Hundred Acre Wood — and in a classic Magic Kingdom location: Crystal Palace!
Truth be told, we’ve had a bit of a roller coaster relationship with Crystal Palace over the years. Some visits have been good (like this lunch four years ago and like breakfast here back when you could get into the nearly-empty park!), and one was particularly awful (dinner at the end of the night = icky buffet remnants…I didn’t even do a post about it).
But the opportunity to dine with Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger is pretty much a Disney World rite of passage and something that every Disney fan should do at least once. And dining in the Crystal Palace — a gorgeous building that’s been a mainstay since Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 — is a lovely experience.
But what about the food — arguably the most important aspect of any restaurant? It’s standard, but acceptable on most visits, with breakfast having, perhaps, the most interesting options with Pooh’s Breakfast Lasagna and Puffed French Toast being crowd favorites. And so I returned recently, for lunch this time, to see how things are going.
Welcome to Crystal Palace!
Disney food friends, this is an urgent message — an urgent PIZZA message for those visiting Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom between now and September 5! You must make your way to Pinocchio Village Haus for a truly awesome flatbread that a cast member tells me will only be available until next week!
Pinocchio Village Haus
The Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Flatbread is the flatbread of the month at Pinnochio Village Haus. It starts with a crispy flatbread crust and is topped with sour cream, macaroni and cheese, three cheese blend, chives, and crumbled bacon bits!
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Flatbread
This is a seriously delicious — and seriously filling — flatbread that combines some of my favorite things! The sour cream is an inspired choice of “sauce” that gives the whole thing a tangy, addictive quality (as if the three cheese blend and bacon weren’t irresistible enough!). But even if you’re not a huge Sour Cream fan, the whole thing blends together so well that it won’t stand out to you.
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Flatbread
The macaroni and cheese is made with soft elbow noodles that contrast with the crispy crust (baked to golden brown!) and the chewy bacon bits.
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Flatbread
The whole thing is basically a savory delight, complete with the bright green chives which provide a welcome, fresh respite from the intensely (ahhh-mazingly) salty, cheesy flatbread.
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Flatbread
This one is SO. GOOD.! I’m bummed that this seasonal flatbread will be gone on September 5 because it’s something I would totally get again and again if it was a permanent part of the menu. Here’s hoping it’s popular enough to become a recurring special addition!
Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining!
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What’s your dream flatbread combo? Tell us in the comments!
The Diamond Horseshoe in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland at Walt Disney World has had a bit of an identity crisis over the years.
Formerly a seasonal counter service spot, the restaurant is now a seasonal table service location. And while Diamond Horseshoe was once home only to an all-you-care-to-enjoy platter (which began as a temporary offering back in 2016), it was announced that beginning May 16, the menu would also include some a la carte options.
And that’s where Diamond Horseshoe stands today: it’s open seasonally and with limited hours (typically 1PM to 7PM), serving table service eats with both an a la carte and all-you-care-to-enjoy menu. And with the advent of the 2018 Disney Dining Plan’s alcohol-included policy, diners can now enjoy a glass of wine or beer with their meals as well.
But with the cycles of Diamond Horseshoe’s menu life seemingly always up in the air, this Magic Kingdom staple has maintained its Old West style and laid back atmosphere. And after my most recent visit, I might say that’s the best thing Diamond Horseshoe has going for it.
Diamond Horseshoe
Diamond Horseshoe is a rootin’, tootin’ kind of spot, holding fast to its frontier styling in Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. And we love it for that.
We’re baaaaaack with more What’s New! This time we’re at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where the Incredibles are popping up everywhere and at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort where tower construction is well on its way! So c’mon!
Artist’s Rendering of the New Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort © Disney
It’s hot in central Florida, and it isn’t cooling off any time soon. So you’ll want to keep your cool by sipping on a Strawberry Lemonade with an optional shot of Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum. We found this at the popcorn cart to the left of the Chinese Theater.
Popcorn Cart’s Strawberry Lemonade
When we first visited The BOATHOUSE (caps official!) in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs back in early 2015, it wowed us with its quality seaside eats and charming decor.
We enjoyed it so much in April of that year that we returned in November to see if The Boathouse was staying afloat in the ever-changing landscape of Disney Springs. And it really was!
Truth be told, we still got a little sticker shock when we perused that mostly-seafood-and-steak menu, but with the food being as good as it was, we sort of got over it. So much so that in 2017, we headed back for dinner!
Yeah, you could say we’re fans. But even when a restaurant proves itself to be consistently good (with the exception, maybe, of that crazily overpriced, not very good S’mores Baked Alaska!), it’s our duty to keep checking on things to, you know, make sure it’s still awesome. So put on your life jacket and hoist the sails because we’re hitting the high seas at The BOATHOUSE.
The Boathouse Sign
We often hear from readers who want to know if DFB’s favorites of yore have still got IT.
You know what we mean: do they still have the mojo that keeps guests coming back year after year. For some restaurants at Walt Disney World, it’s killer food and a seasonal, ever-changing menu that draws in a crowd. For others, it’s an atmosphere that can’t be beat — like ‘Ohana‘s warm family feel or Sanaa‘s animal friends right outside the window.
For Beaches & Cream, it’s a sense of nostalgia paired with comforting eats that have been consistently good since the soda shop opened its doors almost thirty years ago. (Let’s just table that thirty years ago bit because there’s no way we’re that old…)
Beaches & Cream is tucked in between the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts on an outdoor walkway adjacent to Stormalong Bay — the fabulous pool shared by the resorts. That means Beaches and Cream is in the Epcot Resort Area (and just a stone’s throw from the International Gateway that serves as an entrance to Epcot’s World Showcase). This convenient location means that even guests not staying at the Resorts will make the short trip to this casual table service location for a bite to eat.
But you (and I!) wanted to know: does Beaches & Cream still have IT?
Beaches and Cream
So, Artist Point… we meet again.
Okay, I know… “Melodramatic much?” Maybe. But here’s the thing: this Signature Restaurant in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and I have met several times now. And years ago, I would commonly say that I never knew what to expect. Some visits were terrific, while others… well, just weren’t.
But over my past few visits, I have come to a more regular expectation: that I simply won’t be wowed by the experience.
And — believe it or not — that’s exactly why I keep going back. Because if you’ve been with me here on DFB for any length of time, you know that the only consistent thing about Disney restaurants is that they can be really inconsistent. So I always want to give places a chance to up their game.
Well, that and I just straight up love Wilderness Lodge. 🙂
So, how did this last visit treat me? Let’s step inside the Lodge…
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
… and find out!
When you set foot inside Artist Point (and, really, anywhere in Wilderness Lodge), you’re no longer meant to feel as though you’re in the Sunshine State.
Today, we’re sharing with you our latest visit to Garden Grill Restaurant for Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Harvest Feast Dinner!
Garden Grill is basically one of my favorite character meals. First, it’s a character meal with really great interaction. And while Chip ‘n’ Dale are the headliners, here, you also get to hang out with Farmer Mickey and Pluto!
But beyond the characters, we enjoy the unique ambiance that Garden Grill offers. If you’ve never visited the restaurant, wait ’til you see what it does! Yes — DOES!
We’ve also had some pretty fantastic meals here. Breakfast is virtually a tradition for my family.
But today, we’re visiting in the evening. We’ve enjoyed past dinners here. Let’s see if the trend continues.
Looking for Garden Grill Restaurant? Hang a right after Spaceship Earth and head toward The Land Pavilion in Future World West.
The Land Pavilion
Walkways line the perimeter walls inside the building and lead you down to the pavilion’s three levels, which hosts Living with the Land, Soarin’, and Sunshine Seasons (one of our favorite counter service spots) on the bottom. There’s also an elevator if you’d prefer it to walking.
The Land Ceiling
You’ll find the Garden Grill directly across from the entrance.
Garden Grill Sign
And here’s where we talk about what Garden Grill does: it rotates. In fact, it’s the only restaurant in Orlando — and only one of a handful in the world — that spins.
Now, just in case the thought of a rotating restaurant doesn’t sound all that appetizing, we promise you that Garden Grill spins at a snail’s pace. We aren’t talking spinning teacups here.
Garden Grill Wide View
Why does it spin? Well, there’s more than one way to check out the attractions within Living with the Land! As the restaurant rotates, guests are treated to scenes from the ride. This mural acts as sort of a gateway.
Garden Grill Mural
You’ll visit a farmhouse — or see it from above, anyway. I think this scene is particularly fun, because you get to look inside one of the windows from this vantage point!
Farmhouse Scene in Living with the Land
You’ll also see extremes in landscapes. As you view a rainforest scene, and watch it morph into a desert scene as you travel.
Rainforest
Transition from Rainforest to Desert
The Desert
Your vehicle for sightseeing is your table, of course.
Tables are arranged in a sort of stadium seating pattern on two levels around the restaurant. Top tier tables are your garden variety rectangular tables, like you see here.
Table and Seating
On the lower level, semi-circular booths face out, giving you the best view of the scenes you pass.
Garden Grill booth
Larger Booth — Family Side
And did you notice? Mickey makes an appearance before your meal ever starts! 😀
Mickey Table Setting 🙂
And that brings me to Reason Number Two that you might want to visit Garden Grill: the characters. Let’s check ’em out.
One of my top reasons for visiting Garden Grill is the character interaction. In fact, it’s one of my Top Two Favorite Character Meals in Walt Disney World! Of course, I love when I can see Mickey during a character meet and greet. And here, he’s dressed in his farmer finest.
Mickey Mouse
Mickey is joined by his faithful pup sidekick, Pluto.
Pluto
But this is, after all, Chip ‘n’ Dale’s gig. So you’re sure to see the playful pair as you enjoy your dinner.
Chip
Sad Dale
And that’s one of the coolest things about Garden Grill — it’s not just the stellar character interaction, but the amount of interaction you get. The restaurant is fairly small in size, so that means you normally have the chance to visit with characters more than once during your meal.
So we’ve talked about the fact that Garden Grill rotates, thus making it something kinda special. And, of course, any day that you can share your meal with Chip ‘n’ Dale and Friends is gonna be a good one.
But how about the food? Well, the good news is — that’s pretty great, too.
Garden Grill serves its meals family style, meaning that shareable platters are brought to the table, and you can ask for more of anything you like. That also means that everyone dining has the choice of a non-alcoholic beverage as part of the prix fixe price of his or her meal. But if you’d like, you can also order from a list of special drinks, including cocktails, mocktails, beer, and wine.
Special Drinks Menu — Click to Enlarge
Wine Menu — Click to Enlarge
You don’t really choose what you’re getting at Garden Grill (unless you have special dietary needs; talk to your server in that case). The offerings are pretty much standard. You’ll start with warm Dinner Rolls, served with a side of Whipped Butter.
Rolls with Whipped Butter
Next comes the Harvest-Inspired Farmer’s Salad. During our visit, the salad included greens, hard boiled egg, radishes, and grape tomatoes. It’s lightly dressed with a creamy dressing.
Harvest-Inspired Farmer’s Salad
The main course is the combination platter with sliced Homestyle Pot Roast, sliced Turkey Breast, and Italian Sausage served with sautéed Peppers and Onions. Sides on the platter include Mashed Potatoes and Bacon and Leek Stuffing.
The Italian Sausage is new, having replaced the previously served Sustainable Fish of the Day.
Platter of Meats, Mashed Potatoes, Dressing, and Gravy
But that’s not all. You get additional veggie sides, like Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes, plus Macaroni and Cheese.
Platter of Sides — Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, and Sweet Potato Fries
For dessert, it’s a shareable Short Cake topped with Fruit Compote and Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream.
Short Cake
Some folks may call this a cobbler. Whatever name you give it, the rich cake and super saucy berry topping is a winner with everyone at the table.
You’ll enjoy Garden Grill if:
You may want to skip Garden Grill if:
After lots of visits, I still love Garden Grill Restaurant.
I think I’ve laid out a pretty convincing argument. When you visit Garden Grill, you’re getting a three-way combo of unique environment, great characters, and excellent (and plentiful) food. And when it comes to characters and kids, I personally lean toward a character meal where the food comes to you, because it’s so much easier to juggle kids, characters, and food when you don’t have to worry about visiting a buffet.
But even beyond the convenience of Garden Grill, the characters, and the novelty of the place, I think this place just offers really great food. It may be kind of standard fare, but it’s thoughtfully prepared. And when you’re paying Disney prices, it’s great when you can enjoy a character meal as much for the food as for everything else.
If you haven’t tried it before, book an advance dining reservation for Garden Grill Restaurant. I think you’ll be pleased.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Is Garden Grill Restaurant one of your favorites? Let us know in comments!
Happy Monday! We’re back this week with another DFB Video, and today we’re digging into one of my favorite dishes: Macaroni and Cheese!
Mac and Cheese at The Boathouse
Wait… did I say “one”? Scratch that. Because not only are we checking out several of our favorite versions of Disney Mac and Cheese… we’ll also tell you how you can get a list of EACH and EVERY Mac and Cheese in Disney World! Basically, if I see Mac and Cheese on any Disney World menu, I order it so I can let you know where you can find your ideal dish. Does Mac and Cheese topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, AND onion rings appeal to you? How about shrimp-topped mac and cheese? Or are you more of a purist? No matter what, you’re bound to find at least one version (and probably more) that you’ll need to try on your next Disney World trip!
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