food IS a theme park
I never miss an opportunity to relax at the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Walt Disney World.
Inside, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere of dark woods and low lantern lighting. Comfortable seating in armchairs and on couches is always in demand, and round tables make a great conversation area for families.
And now, we can stop by for breakfast at the new Coffee Shop at Territory Lounge from 7-11AM daily.
Stop by the Coffee Shop
The Coffee Shop is serving [Read more…]
We are headed back to Territory Lounge! FINALLY!
The lounge, located in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort, is pretty much the definition of awesome when it comes to Disney resort bars and lounges.
We’ve talked about the pub grub here in the past, and it’s no secret that every time I stay at WL I find myself down here at least a few times. So during a recent stay I was excited to dig in and share the latest updates with you.
So kick back for a relaxing visit. Let’s begin by taking a look around.
You’ll find the Territory Lounge tucked off to the left side, way past Whispering Canyon Cafe, as you enter the lobby of Wilderness Lodge. It’s fully separated from that animated restaurant, so don’t let its close proximity put you off. It’s fairly quiet in here.
Bar Area and Round Table Seating
There’s sort of a nostalgic hunter’s lodge feel about the Lounge, matching the feel of the whole resort. Wood paneling, paintings of wildlife, and antiqued walls give that sense that you’re in a bit of a man cave.
Rich Colors and Comfortable Seating Make the Space Inviting
Americana Decor and a Cozy Loveseat Make for an Inviting Space
Intimate tables for two along the wall offer that “didn’t-get-here-early-enough-to-get-the-easy-chairs” seating. 😉
Intimate Seating Along the Paneled Wall
I love the shadowboxes that hang just above these tables. They’re full of interesting expedition objects, and the faint glow provides nice light.
Cool Shadowboxes Use Old Expedition Tools as Decor
But, of course, I always seek out the comfy seating in a Disney lounge, and Territory doesn’t disappoint. Curling up in these easy chairs with a nightcap seems like the perfect way to end a Disney Day.
Comfy Chairs and the Framed Flatscreen
Be sure to check out these guys, too! The carved bears [Read more…]
You’re planning your first trip to Walt Disney World. Or your 50th. Or your 100th. And you reeeeeeeally want to know what NEW dishes you MUST try? Weeeeeeelllllllllll, we’ve got a few suggestions for you!
We’ve got about nine of our favorite you-HAVE-to-EAT-this dishes and snacks featured in our brand new DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2015 e-Book, which you can pick up today for $4 off using code 2015 right here!
But I wanted to take a second to share just a few of those must-eat treats here with you as well.
Yep — here at DFB, we always like to kick off each new year with some of our favorite treats spotted during the last few months. But when I sat down to brainstorm this post…well, at first it seemed like 2014 didn’t offer a whole lot of new stuff.
That said, when I started scrolling back through everything we ate this past year, I realized there was a lot to be said for 2014 and its culinary prowess.
There is one really big difference between this year and previous years, however. Most of our crave-worthy dishes are savory this time around! I know! WUT?!??!?!?!?!? Don’t worry, though — I’ve got a few sweeties thrown in.
Here’s the New Food I Want to Stuff My Face with at Disney Parks in 2015!
We thought that Mac and Cheese, that king of comfort foods, was enough. But little did we know what we had been missing, until Disney started putting additional delicious food on top of its cheesy goodness.
We first saw the dawn of Gourmet Mac and Cheese — we’re just gonna call it that if that’s all right with you — a while back. Friar’s Nook introduced the concept, and we were smitten with their Bacon Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese and Blue Cheese Mac right away.
BUT THEN — this happened.
Courtesy of DFB Reader Christina, we have a mini-review from the Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
This is one of our favorite spots to relax when we’re in the World, and it’s not just because it’s an out-of-the-way retreat! The menu is ALWAYS awesome!
The Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
You’ll remember our discovery of the awesome fondue, charcuterie, house-made chips and dips, and DONUTS, right?? Well, the donuts aren’t there anymore, but you can still get lots of our other favorites!
Bar Area and Round Table Seating at Territory Lounge
Let’s take a look at the current menu…
Territory Lounge Menu
Christina notes a seasonal change with the Mushroom Soup substituted for Clam Chowder. Here’s a previous menu (October 2013) for comparison:
Territory Lounge Menu October 2013
Christina had the new fondue… made with [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: The English Bulldog is not currently available.
One of my favorite food pastimes when I’m in Walt Disney World is grabbing a table at one of the resort’s fantastic pubs, bars, or lounges, and sitting down with friends for a nice long talk. There’s always so much to catch up on!
But in addition to the atmosphere and some nice cocktails, I also love Disney watering holes for some truly amazing eats! We are a snacking people here at DFB, so it’s no wonder the delicious pub grub you can find on property is one of our favorite ways to enjoy time with friends.
On this edition of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate in Disney!”, let’s check out some of our favorite Pub Grub!
Once you finish reading — share YOUR favorites in the comments! I love hearing about new things I’ve gotta try!
When it comes to snacking, there are few foods in the world that I’d rather have than cheese! And one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is in the form of things being dipped in its melty self!
That’s right — we’re talking Fondue! And some of the best I have ever tasted is on the menu at Territory Lounge in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
This rustic, cozy lounge is themed with the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest in mind. And the menu features hearty fare with flavors of the region as well.
But this cheese fondue is my absolute favorite option here! I can never resist getting it. It arrives in its own little cast-iron pot, complete with a flame to keep the cheese nice and warm.
Our Favorite Cheese Fondue at Territory Lounge
The fondue is served with a variety of Fruits and Breads to dip, and every single thing we dipped in it was amazing!
Pretzel Bread and Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue at Territory Lounge in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Healthy apple…protein-y cheese…SO good for you! ;-D
Apple in Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue
It’s definitely the perfect snack for sharing with friends as you unwind with [Read more…]
Editor’s Note: The Drunken’ Donuts have been removed from the menu.
All right, all; it’s time for some serious DONUTAGE!!
Just last week I once more headed over Bay Lake and through the woods to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The Territory Lounge beckoned with a sweet menu item that I couldn’t resist trying.
The Territory Lounge at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
I know. So tough. But someone has to bring you all the latest, right? 😉
This laid-back spot is one of my favorite places in all of the World to relax while enjoying some truly spectacular pub grub. Rarely crowded and always staffed with the most excellent cast members (Yay, LouAnn!), I still think that Territory Lounge is one of the best kept secrets at Disney World.
Territory Loung Bar Table Seating
But when Kathie F. tipped me off recently that she and her husband had enjoyed a new-to-me dessert offering here, that guaranteed I would be visiting the bar sooner rather than later.
Territory Lounge Menu -- Click to Enlarge
The menu had changed a little since our last review. Gone were the Tuna Tataki and the Asian Steamed Buns. The Chicken Wings were back, replacing their predecessor, Chicken Lollipops. (The lollipops were basically just wings, though, so I’m not sure what’s up with the weird name.)
Onion Soup has joined the team as well, and the Wild Mushroom Flatbread has returned by popular demand. And because they’re awesome — the Northwest Charcuterie and Sharp Cheddar Beer Fondue are still alive and kicking!
But the most interesting change on the menu is the addition of two desserts. One is a favorite of ours from the Artist Point kitchens: the Artist Point Berry Cobbler. And the other one was what I was after on this evening: DONUTS. And not just any donuts… [Read more…]
When it comes to Disney World, bars and lounges aren’t just adults-only destinations — and they don’t just serve drinks.
In fact, here’s a Best Kept Secret in Disney dining planning — Disney bars and lounges can be great places to get a meal with the whole family. These hidden gems are often less crowded than standard restaurants, too!
In The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book, we have an entire section reviewing every single bar and lounge in Walt Disney World. It’s well worth a read to find out great spots to get a full meal or a snack — even with no Advance Dining Reservation!
Now let’s take a peek at a few of our favorites…
English Bulldog with Chips at Rose and Crown Pub in Epcot's UK Pavilion
A Disney World trip can be hectic (meeting characters, dashing to attractions, and racing off to dining reservations!), so finding a place inside the parks to escape the hoopla is key to a relaxing vacation!
With signature cocktails, cheese plates, fondue, burgers, donuts, pasta, and more, you’ll find some truly inspired menus at Disney World’s bars and lounges. Sometimes you’ll even be able to order from the full menu of a nearby restaurant.
In Epcot, we can highly recommend stopping in to Tutto Gusto in Italy, Rose and Crown Pub in the UK, or La Cava del Tequila in Mexico.
Fireplace Area Seating at Tutto Gusto
At Tutto Gusto, order from an awesome menu of meats and cheeses, paninis, pastas, and more. A relaxing atmosphere and full tables allow for an easy meal for the whole family.
Cheeses, Meats, and Shrimp Cavatappi at Tutto Gusto Lounge in Epcot's Italy
Rose and Crown Pub, attached to Rose and Crown Restaurant, features a fun menu that — gasp! — the kids might even like! We can highly recommend the Scotch Eggs and the British Bulldog sausage (see our review of the British Bulldog here — and the photo at the top of this article)!
Scotch Eggs at Rose and Crown
If you’re there on a weekday, seek out Carl the Bartender and ask him to show you his amazing magic trick!
Carl the Bartender and the tipping pint
At La Cava del Tequila, sample a few Mexican appetizers like chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole along with your margaritas!
Chips and queso at Cava del Tequila
Another favorite place to unwind in the parks and get a great meal is at Tune-In Lounge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Here, you can get great shakes for the kids, fun signature drinks for [Read more…]
Welcome guest author Paul Kuconis with at a look at the Territory Lounge at the Wilderness Lodge. You know we love “Lounge Food!”
For some time now I have read reviews on the various (and awesome) culinary offerings in and around Walt Disney World. I finally decided to present my thoughts on a great appetizer at Territory Lounge. I hope you all enjoy my ‘review’.
Territory Lounge Overhead Sign Post
We are frequent travelers to Walt Disney World and stay only at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. On our first evening we always visit the resort’s bar area — the Territory Lounge.
The Lounge is very much in keeping with the theme set by the Wilderness Lodge. Wilderness Lodge, to us, is a laid back setting/venue, complete with (predominantly) Aaron Copland music playing in the lobby. Even with Whispering Canyon in the lobby I still consider it calming and relaxing! This is carried through to Territory Lounge.
Territory Lounge Sign
The Lounge is not as large as most Disney venues, which adds to its coziness and ambiance. The interior is dark with western theme prints hanging on the walls. And the decor includes a lot of wood, just like the hotel lobby.
Territory Lounge Bar Shot
Although not shown here, there are 2 televisions; both usually set to sports stations. The times we have been there it has not been super busy (unless of course it is raining out and the Trout Pass Pool Bar is not a dry option!). In some cases folks are having a [Read more…]
It is a great time to be a Walt Disney World Fan, and an even greater time to be a Disney Food Fan! There has been a truly dizzying array of really unique, inventive food to come down the pike over the last year, and we can’t wait to hear what YOU think about it.
Since we are all about the eats in these parts, I thought I’d give you my two cents on the 5 Things You’ve Gotta Try at Walt Disney World in 2013 — Food Edition! Let’s do it!
If you haven’t had the chance to stop by Tutto Gusto, the new wine bar that opened in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion last summer, I heartily recommend you get there, asap!
Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar
This alluring, intimate spot has enjoyed lots of business since opening — I often find it full to the max when I visit! (Luckily, I snapped this pic on an early day!)
Gusto Fireplace Area
Following on the heels of the success enjoyed by its Mexican cousin, La Cava del Tequila, Tutto Gusto adds even more eats. Not only can you find an extraordinary assortment of Italian wines and beers, but there is also a wonderful menu of small bites to choose from.
Even non-wine drinkers can find plenty to love about this spot, which feels like it was just transported to Florida from Italy. Italian Cheese and Sausages? Sign me up!
Tutto Gusto Cheese Board
Stop in for a glass, some cheese, or even heavier pasta or panini options. The full menu from Tutto Italia next door is available here, too!
Or grab a fabulous dessert and a glass of Moscato. You won’t be disappointed.
When I need a break from the [Read more…]
We’re sending our courageous (and hopefully hungry) readers on another crawl.
Not surprisingly, this one is all about cheese! 😉 (You asked for it…and we thought it was an AWESOME idea!!) The best part? You’ll visit mostly counter-service and/or grab ‘n go locations on this cheese crawl, so no Advance Dining Reservations required! (Of course, if you want table-service cheese options, check out our Disney World Cheese Plates here!)
Some of you have attempted the 2011 Disney cupcake crawl and the 2012 Disney cupcake crawl and now it’s time to tackle another DFB favorite…
Gear up for tasting cheese selections on menus all over Walt Disney World. Your challenge is to sample these sweet and savory items, hopefully in a single Disney World vacation.
Follow the crawl step by step, or opt to select the items that you find most appetizing. You’ve reached the Cheese finish line when you’ve visited at least seven locations and sampled at least seven different cheese items.
Remember that Disney World menus have a way of changing, so if you need to substitute out new options for the ones below, we won’t deduct any points! Depending on your level of tolerance, you may want to split this crawl up over a couple of days. Either way, we won’t judge!
Tutto Gusto Cheese
Some of these items can be purchased for a Disney Dining Plan snack credit, so save up those snacks!
Depart your hotel for a morning in Epcot’s Future World. At 11am, make your way to World Showcase! Your first stop is the Rose & Crown pub in Canada.
Rose & Crown Pub
Rose & Crown pub in United Kingdom is an awesome spot to hang with friends over drinks and apps. Be sure to say hi to Carl for us!
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