food IS a theme park
Don’t you just love EPCOT? We know we sure do!
Spaceship Earth at night
And we especially love to see all the NEW things at EPCOT since we last traveled around the world and into the future.
It is no secret that Disney World’s waffle game is STRONG.
Mickey Waffle
From the Pumpkin-Spiced Mickey Waffle Sundaes to the chocolate Mickey waffles, we haven’t met a Disney waffle that we don’t like! In honor of this year’s “Waffle Week,” Disney released a unique waffle recipe from the theme parks!
We love the Mickey Waffle Sundae from BoardWalk Bakery. Not only does it come in the absolutely cutest bowl (it’s a Mickey ear hat!!), but Boardwalk Bakery often features different ice cream flavors with it.
Mickey Waffle Sundae at the BoardWalk Bakery
These flavors tend to switch out weekly, which is SO fun!! And now, there’s a new flavor that we’re SUPER EXCITED about!
Looking for a fun way to add more magic to your cooking? Spice it up with these adorable Disney and Star Wars kitchen items from shopDisney!
Mickey Mouse Pot Holder and Oven Mitt Set, ©Disney
From potholders to a Millennium Falcon Waffle Maker (!!!!) shopDisney has TONS of NEW and exciting items that will make your time in the kitchen WAY more fun!!
Who loves breakfast? Me, toooo! And if there’s anything better than breakfast, it’s vacation breakfast. Even better? DISNEY VACATION breakfast. And that’s what we’re talking about today in our latest DFB Video!
Mickey Waffles! You MUST!
What’s your Disney breakfast favorite? Mickey Waffles and MORE Mickey Waffles? Tonga Toast? Nutella Waffle Sandwiches? How about a buffet of endless classics or all you care to enjoy skillets paired with antics or characters? [Read more…]
We’re starting the day with waffles, waffles, and MORE waffles at the Roaring Fork!
Oh, and did I mention they’re MICKEY WAFFLES?
Now, we’re no strangers to Roaring Fork, the Counter Service restaurant at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Typically, though, we’re taking a look at their bakery case, which is known for adding some terrific cupcakes to the Disney Cupcake realm. Through the years, those have included the Carrot Cake Cupcake, the Chocolate Caramel Cupcake, and the S’mores Cupcake. And the Magic Cookie Bar, while not a cupcake, is certainly no slouch of a dessert.
But Roaring Fork has another claim to fame, thanks to a selection of Mickey Waffles available throughout the morning. And though they aren’t technically desserts like their bakery case counterparts (Captain Obvious says “You’re welcome” for pointing that out ;-D), each of the three selections offer, in their own ways, a decadent start to your day at Disney World.
So get ready to step in with me and say “Good morning!” to the Roaring Fork!
The Roaring Fork naturally echoes the rustic Pacific Northwest vibe of its home, Wilderness Lodge.
Roaring Fork sign
The decor is so in keeping with the rest of the Lodge that the most surprising thing about Roaring Fork is not so much the ambience, but the size. Just a couple of ordering counters, refrigerators, and a place to refill your Rapid Fill Mugs make up the whole of the place. [Read more…]
We have a treat for you today — a sneak peek at some of the food that will be served at Disney’s soon-to-be newest restaurant, Trattoria al Forno!
Recently, we shared with you a first look at some of the menu items that are planned when the restaurant opens later this year at Disney’s BoardWalk (all subject to change, of course). But I was excited to find on my trip to Walt Disney World last week that the restaurant is already serving breakfast!
Well. Sort of.
As expected, the closing of Kouzzina left a breakfast vacuum (and a really, really devastating one at that). I was super bummed to see that the Mascarpone Waffles and other unique offerings might be nixed when Cat Cora’s Disney restaurant would be shuttered. Breakfast at Kouzzina regularly topped our list for best ways to start the day in the World.
So while I was intrigued to see that Trattoria al Forno’s breakfast menu was being served already — at its closest neighbor, Flying Fish Cafe, I was skeptical that it would even come close to Kouzzina’s breakfast. But I was eager to try it out and see what would be offered!
Now, I’m accustomed to meeting friends for dinner at Flying Fish, so it’s a little strange to arrive here for a 9:00 AM advance dining reservation!
Flying Fish Cafe in the Morning Hours
Let’s take a look at what I found — focusing on the food, rather than the atmosphere.
So here’s the good news for all of your who were super sad to hear that Kouzzina was closing. The Trattoria al Forno menu — for breakfast, at least — definitely has some of the same “feel” as the Kouzzina menu. While there are enough standard items to keep breakfast purists happy, you’ll definitely see the influence of the restaurant’s themeing in some of the dishes.
To make easy work of comparing the two, let’s take a look at both new and old.
Here is the menu that I received during my recent breakfast at Flying Fish.
Trattoria al Forno Breakfast Menu — Click to Enlarge
And here’s the menu from the last time I enjoyed breakfast at Kouzzina.
Breakfast Menu — Click to Enlarge
Press Pot Coffee will continue to be offered, something that Kouzzina fans often raved about.
While many of the exact items from Kouzzina don’t appear, there are definitely similarities. You’ll notice, for instance, that Trattoria will continue to serve Chicken Sausage as a side item. We’ve seen it on a few other breakfast menus though, at spots like The Wave (here’s a peek at their breakfast) at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Carnation Cafe (see a breakfast review here) in Disneyland Park.
Flavors shift in the Mediterranean spectrum from Greek to Italian. Pequillo Peppers give way to Roasted Red Peppers, and Feta and other Cheeses disappear in favor of Pecorino Romano and Fresh Mozzarella.
We did notice that the Waffles seemed to make the trip over with a “tiramisu” type flavor — the addition of a coffee accent to the mascarpone. Yay!
I was pretty sad to see the demise of one of my Kouzzina favorites, the Warm Honey Pecan Cinnamon Roll.
So Far, No Warm Honey Pecan Cinnamon Roll at Trattoria al Forno
I’m still holding out hope that something similar will show up when Trattoria al Forno opens its doors! It was awesome.
In chatting with the staff, we do know of a few other items that will appear on the menu later that weren’t available when we visited. These include Caramel Apple Pancakes with Streusel-Like Topping, and a Fontina Fondue-Type dish with Prosciutto, Eggs, Vine Tomatoes, and several different types of Cheese.
Now that we’ve talked about the menu at length, it’s high time I showed you what I actually enjoyed!
I decided to go with [Read more…]
We talk a lot about the unique Waffle Sandwiches over at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments.
The Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich, the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich, and the Ham with Prosciutto and Swiss Waffle Sandwich typically steal the spotlight.
But if Waffle Sandwiches aren’t quite your thing, you’re not out of options at this waffle hot-spot. If you peek under the Nutella and Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich on the menu, you’ll notice a couple of more traditional choices: the Waffle with Powdered Sugar or Cinnamon, and the Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream. (Thankfully, all these waffles have never replaced the fried doughy goodness that is Funnel Cake — they all continue to exist happily together on the menu!)
Sleepy Hollow Menu
I chose the Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream.
Waffle with Strawberries and Whipped Cream
As I watched my waffle being prepared, I noticed [Read more…]
We’re back with another crave-inducing installment of Disney Food Pics of the Week!
We all love waffles at Disney, right? I mean, there’s nothing better than digging into a Mickey Waffle for breakfast. 🙂
Mickey Waffle!
But did you know, there’s a TON of really interesting other waffles at Disney!
Today, we’re bringing you more of your pics, courtesy of our Flickr page, Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza! From snacks to sandwiches to Food and Wine Festival desserts, let’s take a look at your fantastic food finds!
Say it with me: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! Yep — we’re talking about Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival!
Last year, the Belgium Marketplace Booth capitalized on the popularity of their dessert waffles by offering a savory version! But the sweets, like the Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote, are always a good choice!
Photographer: WDW Dorks
Belgian Waffle with Berry Compote from the Belgium Marketplace Booth at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival
Welcome guest author Michelle R.! She’s sharing her thoughts on everyday food that’s just better in Walt Disney World.
Anyone who has ever flown long distances is familiar with jet lag. The time zone adjustment can take a few days or even weeks for mind and body to work out. I’ve discovered a little known vacation malady known as food lag. It’s similar to jet lag but normally occurs upon arrival home after a vacation. Days or weeks can go by before normal home food is appealing again.
While on vacation, meals are enjoyed in nice restaurants under relaxed or exciting circumstances. Throw Disney in the mix and you can get some serious food lag following your trip. The most ordinary foods taste much better when prepared and served at Disney parks and hotels.
I’ve listed 10 and all of them were so delicious, I couldn’t eat them for weeks after coming home.
While waiting for a parade to start, we grabbed a hot dog at Casey’s Corner on Main Street USA and split it. It was the best half hot dog I’ve ever eaten. The cheese, deep orange and flavorful, was in the middle of the meat and the bun soft and fresh. It was hot without burning and frankly, the most delicious hot dog I’ve ever had before or since.
Hot Dog and Fries from Casey’s!
If you’ve ever had to fight relatives at Thanksgiving for the turkey leg, go ahead and give it up now. Head to Disney and grab a turkey leg. Serving over 1.6 million drumsticks a year, there is plenty to go around and are they ever delicious!
Turkey Leg at Disney
With a plethora of Waffle Houses and IHOPS in every town across America, you’d think eating waffles at Disney wouldn’t be a big deal.
Is it the extra thickness or the fact they’re shaped like Mickey heads? Is it the generous supply of butter and real maple syrup? I’m not sure, but waffles at Disney absolutely spoiled me for home waffles for several months following our last trip.
Mickey Waffle with Butter!
Mashed potatoes are good just about anywhere, especially Grandma’s house. But again, Disney mashed potatoes are extraordinary.
Whether you’re at Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma, Disney chefs seem to bring a little extra fluff and flavor to this ordinary food.
Mashed Potatoes at Liberty Tree Tavern
All kids and many adults like fish sticks; but they love fried fish at Disney. Epcot’s Rose & Crown Pub serves the very best although folks say that Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom is every bit as good.
Again, wherever you are in Disney, the fish and chips are going to be good.
Fish and Chips from Epcot’s Yorkshire County Fish Shop
in Disney’s Hollywood Studios serves a wonderful brick oven baked pizza in a homey atmosphere. Followed by Fantasmic’s display of fireworks, water and music, you’ll be convinced no pizza could ever top the one you had just before the show.
Carne d’Italia Flatbread
Disney sells a prepackaged lemon ice that can be bought at almost any convenience store in the country, yet for some mysterious reason, this same lemon ice that quenches thirst and refreshes is 10 times more delicious within the confines of Disney.
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
So far I’ve covered six ordinary foods and one refreshing treat, but I’ve saved room for desserts. Dessert at Disney is [Read more…]
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
