food IS a theme park
Be sure to check out our list of restaurants in the Magic Kingdom.
There’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it, planning a trip to Walt Disney World is a little bit confusing right now.
Magic Kingdom
There are a LOT of changes, from what rides are open and how they’re operating to how many people are in the park.
Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re getting down to the serious business of Be Our Guest Restaurant!
Located in Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Be Our Guest took Disney fans by storm when it opened five years ago. The restaurant, part of the New Fantasyland expansion, morphs from a counter service spot during breakfast and lunch to a table service dining spot for dinner. [Read more…]
We did it! We made it through the first week of 2016! It’s always a rough transition back into the post-holiday routine but so far this year is looking fantastic! We’ve been live streaming a TON in the parks through our @DisneyFoodBlog Periscope account, so come on over and join us!
Dressed Up Waffle!
If you were running in any of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events this weekend, we salute you!
And not that we’re counting down or anything but there are about 53 days until the 2016 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. The fun starts March 2 and we can’t wait to visit the Outdoor Kitchens to check out the springtime eats this year!
We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in…
UPDATE: It may not be “Aloha” for Aloha Isle after all… It’s possible that Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace may be switching locations soon. We’ll keep you posted as this story progresses!
It may be that the days of lining up at Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle for a Dole Whip are coming to an end…
Recently, Aloha Isle’s Adventureland neighbor, Sunshine Tree Terrace, added Aloha’s signature snack to their menu. Adding to its own specialty treat — the Citrus Swirl — now Dole Whip can be purchased at Sunshine Tree Terrace as well. Options currently include the flavors of Pineapple, Vanilla, or a Swirl of both served in your choice of cone, cup, or in Float form.
So, why the change? It seems Aloha Isle may be closing to make way for a new restaurant in Adventureland, and Sunshine Tree Terrace will become the sole spot to find Dole Whip at Magic Kingdom.
Dole Whip at Sunshine Tree Terrace
So, what’s on tap for this possible new location? Rumor has it a Tiana-themed restaurant may be in the works.
Is Aloha Isle coming to an end?
Again, we want to stress that this is currently filed solidly under “rumor” status, but [Read more…]
We are heading to one of my favorite Walt Disney World restaurants today — Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom!
“This place is awesome, why?” you ask? Because it’s FOOD and LEARNING all in ONE! Shazam!!! Beat THAT, Be Our Guest!!! ;-D
OK, so I clearly have a soft spot in my heart for LTT, and it really is a bunch of comfort food with a hearty side of history blended in. Ready to take a peek? Time to board the learning train! Woo-woo!
Liberty Tree Tavern is situated in Liberty Square, just a stone’s throw from Cinderella Castle. While the main focus of Liberty Square and the restaurant itself is a celebration of Colonial American History, it’s also an important spot in Disney History; Liberty Tree opened with the park on October 1, 1971. See? Staying power.
Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom
Enter the lobby and check in at the podium just to the left of the door. The lobby itself is cozy and rustic, with wood paneling and wrought iron chandeliers. A huge fireplace — the kind used for cooking and big enough to stand in — is the focal point of the room. But soaring, two-story ceilings and all of those hard surfaces can make for a lot of noise. Be prepared!
Be sure to arrange an advance dining reservation if you’d like to eat here, as it’s usually a pretty busy place. And keep in mind that lunch and dinner have different menus and service styles. More about that in a bit!
Liberty Tree Tavern Lobby
Once your table is ready, you’ll be announced by a cast member — Town Crier style! Talk about an entrance. 😉 But get your head out of the clouds, already; we have learning to do! En route to your table, have a look around; there are some interesting details here and you don’t want to overlook them.
Within Liberty Tree Tavern, you’ll find six distinct rooms or seating areas, each named for a notable historical figure. See if your favorite Colonial American hero numbers among them; the list includes Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Paul Revere, Betsy Ross, and George Washington.
This spot with hats and coats hanging by the door has always been one of my favorite details. There’s John Paul Jones to the right!
Coats and Hat Hanging at the Ready!
Walls in all of the seating areas are covered with Colonial-Era paintings and portraits, and you’ll also find super detailed decorative touches, like this model ship.
Portrait and Model Ship
You’ll know Betsy Ross’s Room by the flag, of course!
Flag in Betsy Ross Room
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin’s portrait hangs in the room commemorating his life and work.
Benjamin Franklin Room
You’ll also find his famous kite! I love this. You’re SO going to impress your friends by knowing about all of these details. You can see your kids’ “what I learned on my vacation” report writing itself, can’t you?
Kite in Ben Franklin Room
Here’s more from the John Paul Jones room.
John Paul Jones Room — Inside
When it comes to seating and surroundings, you may find yourself feeling like [Read more…]
Please welcome back DFB Guest Author Joey Beyer with a review of lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern in the Magic Kingdom. Home to fried cheese, delicious burgers, and memorable desserts!
On my latest visit to Walt Disney World, I had the opportunity to return to the Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch. I first visited here back in March, after reading the DFB’s Best Burger’s post, and saw that Liberty Tree was on the list.
The restaurant is very unassuming, and is located in Liberty Square in the Magic Kingdom. It fits in perfectly with the theme of the land. The Liberty Tree itself has a fascinating story, which I encourage any interested parties to seek out!
The restaurant is organized into multiple different rooms, each of which is themed to a different American historical figure (e.g. Thomas Jefferson, Betsy Ross, George Washington, Ben Franklin, etc).
George Washington Room
Benjamin Franklin Room
All of the rooms are cozy, and are filled with random pictures, books, and anything else that is prudent to the person being represented, and consistent with the overall colonial theme.
Liberty Tree Tavern Tables
Kite in Ben Franklin Room
We chose to begin our meal with the Tavern Fried Cheese, which is code for mozzarella sticks. I mention this because there are some restaurants that I have been to that actually serve a large piece of cheese that is fried, and also call it fried cheese. That is what I was expecting the first time I ordered this appetizer.
That being said, the fried cheese is delicious. So delicious, in fact, that I completely forgot to snap a picture before it was expeditiously gobbled up by my dining partners and me.
Tavern Fried Cheese was once the larger portion size that is pictured
The order includes five mozzarella sticks, total (Editor’s Note: the photo above is from before the serving was cut down and they still offered the fried cheese curds as well. The cheese sticks are still the same.). The breading on them is thin and crisp, and they are filled with an abundant amount of delicious cheese.
In my opinion they are a little pricey, but there is no arguing the fact that the fried cheese is delicious.
When we finished the cheese, it was time for entrees! First up was the Colony Salad, which is a grilled chicken salad with dried cranberries, apples, pecans, and applewood smoked cheddar cheese. The salad is served with honey shallot vinaigrette.
Colony Salad
This salad has a lot going on, but it really blends well together. I love the different textures, especially the crunch of the pecans and crispiness of the apples. The grilled chicken is [Read more…]
As of August 24, 2011, two quick service restaurants in the Magic Kingdom have added new items to their menus. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland and Columbia Harbour House in Liberty Square are debuting the following eats:
Over at Columbia Harbor House, you’ll now find Baked Salmon with Couscous, Lobster Roll, Broccoli Peppercorn Salad, and Steamed Fresh Broccoli.
Lobster Roll -- Pic courtesy Betsy Bates
New Menu! Click for larger image.
Thanks to Scarlett Ashley for the menu pic and to Betsy Bates for the lobster roll pic!
Cosmic Ray’s is now serving a [Read more…]
I’m so excited to talk about this experience. While Tony’s Town Square Restaurant‘s Italian fare is far from 5-star cuisine, the memories you can make there — if you’re savvy and just a little bit lucky — are second to none.
Atmosphere
The restaurant is located in the Exposition Hall right next to Disney World’s Train Station. You’ll remember from Disney’s Lady and the Tramp the restaurant upon which Tony’s is styled — in the alley behind it was where Lady and the Tramp shared their famous spaghetti dinner! And you’ll find several Lady and the Tramp references throughout the restaurant. (Check out this post from SamLand’s Disney Adventures for one very special tie-in!)
Lady and the Tramp Appear on Windows...
...And in Statues
They Even Appear on TV in the Lobby
The restaurant includes a plush lobby and three main dining areas: an indoor room with booths and tables, a “sunroom” that floods with light during the day, and [Read more…]
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