food IS a theme park
One of the great, simple joys of visiting the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is grabbing a Mickey Pretzel in the shadow of Cinderella Castle. And not just because Mickey Pretzels come with a container of cheese (although that’s also idyllic). It’s just such a sweet moment.
Mickey Pretzel and Cinderella’s Castle
Ho, ho, ho, it’s here! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is here! And I went on the very first night so I could give you the scoop on all the holiday bites and sips!
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!
The Magic Kingdom was bedecked in her absolute finest, Cinderella Castle was positively glowing, and there was more than enough merriment to go around!
Holiday Decorations on Main Street, USA!
Let’s party!
Three words: Buttermilk Chess Pie.
And three more: The Polite Pig. That’s where you’ll find it!
The Polite Pig is a fast-casual dining location serving up “modern barbecue” in the Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs. It’s got a fantastic pedigree, being owned and operated by James Beard-nominated James and Julie Petrakis and James’ brother Brian — all of whom own restaurants in Winter Park and Orlando.
One of their restaurants — The Ravenous Pig — is The Polite Pig’s hungry older sister. And the reputation earned by that restaurant followed to the smaller Disney Springs location. And if you’re wondering where the politeness comes in, it’s everywhere.
The Polite Pig Insists
Even on the walls!
The Polite Pig decor story is an eclectic mix of polished subway tile, industrial lights and rails, and colorful wood. It’s definitely the kind of place where you feel like you can kick back and relax. [Read more…]
Gingerbread displays at Walt Disney World
have become such an exciting part of the holiday celebrations that guests can literally plan an entire day around seeing them all. (We even include some tips on how to do so in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays!)
2016 Grand Floridian Gingerbread Store
And it is not hard to see why! Gingerbread is done bigger and better at the Disney Resorts, with literally HUNDREDS of pounds of ingredients being shaped and engineered — you might even say “imagineered” — in unbelievable ways that you just have to see with your own eyes! [Read more…]
Churros! Cookies and Cream! Chocolate Sauce!
Now that we have your attention, we really think you need to know that Tortuga Tavern in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland is now serving Cookies ‘n Cream Churros!
Tortuga Tavern is a seasonally open spot, but even with a limited run — and, quite often, a limited menu — they can still churn out some surprises. Now that Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe has taken over the Mexican food offerings that used to be available at Tortuga Tavern before its brief turn as a BBQ spot, the Tavern now features selections like Turkey Legs and Hot Dogs, which you can also find at other locations in the park.
But the Cookies ‘n Cream Churros? These are all-new, and can only be found at Tortuga Tavern!
Tortuga Tavern Menu
That’s right! Tortuga Tavern has traded Cookies ‘n Cream Gelato for Cookies ‘n Cream Churros!
Your serving of warm, chocolatey, churro goodness is actually a plate of eight mini churros (similar in serving style to the Churros you’ll find at Pecos Bill’s). They come with a pre-packaged container of chocolate sauce, in case you need even more chocolate.
Cookies and Cream Churros
Which, of course, YOU TOTALLY DO.
The cream comes in the center of the churro bites, and it makes them a bit more dense in the center than your typical Churro. But the chocolate and cream flavor is terrific (straight up Oreo, really), and the outside texture still offers that slightly crunchy churro crisp.
Cookies and Cream Churro Close Up
We aren’t sure how long guests can expect to see these on the menu, since the one thing constant at Tortuga Tavern is change. But — just like the other parks — Magic Kingdom is getting ready for the Holiday crowds, so hopefully these will stick around for the duration of the season!
What’s your favorite iteration of the Churro? Tell us about it so we can crave them even more than usual!
Okay, so Halloween is over, and Christmas decor is going up all over Walt Disney World (most noticeably in Hollywood Studios, which you can catch over on our Instagram!). But before we get knee deep in snowmen and Santa hats, we’ve gotta try the brand new Candy Corn Margarita being poured over at the Hollywood Studios pop-up bars!
Candy Corn Margarita Sign
This seasonal drink is crafted from Patron Silver Tequila, Stoli Vanil Vodka, Fanta Orange, and a splash of Lemonade. And it comes with a glow cube! [Read more…]
You all know that my love of Sprinkles knows no bounds.
What may surprise you, though, is that this has just as much to do with the non-cupcake items as much as the famous Sprinkles Cupcakes. From Frosting Shots to Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches (have you SEEN my brownie, cookie, and Cap’n Crunch cereal ice cream creation?!?), there’s a LOT to dig once you step inside Sprinkles. But you’ve gotta bypass the Cupcake ATM for that… or just make a plan to stop by again later ;-D.
So today, I thought I’d share a little bit of both with you from my most recent trip to Sprinkles. So, we’ll check out some classic Sprinkles cupcakes (in a bit of a new way) AND a killer cookie. (Remember that you’ll find Sprinkles on both coasts — in Disney World’s Disney Springs, and in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney. Most menu items are found in both locations.)
Sprinkles
Seriously, you can always find something to satisfy your sweet tooth. And with lots of still-new stuff at Disney Springs, you’ll want to be over there anyway. (Plus, the holidays in Disney Springs are sure to be a massive hit in 2017, with ten new additions to Christmas Tree Trail and Santa in his Chalet!!)
Let’s cover the cupcakes first. Because when you’re standing before the glorious case of perfectly coiffed cupcakes at Sprinkles and not sure you can pick just one, the Cupcake Minis are a fabulous option. At $2 each, you can mix and match and get three for just over the price of one full-size cupcake. That’s what I did. Because more cupcakes is always better.
Today, I bring you a Tale of Two Cupcakes.
One wonderful, the other… not so much (as in REALLY not so much). You can find them both at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot.
Sunshine Seasons is a much-beloved quick service spot where guests rave about the variety of options, the use of ingredients from the neighboring Living With The Land, and the desserts. You already know how we feel about the Strawberry Shortcake here. And the seasonal Apple Crisp. And the Mickey Oreo Cheesecake.
The list truly goes on and on — mostly because Sunshine Seasons’ Cast Members go out of their way to create unique treats that represent the seasons and celebrations of Epcot. And we’re always game to try their newest creations.
But, well, allow me to tell the Tale of Two Cupcakes. I’ll begin with the bad news first because I believe it’s always better just to get it over with. The Ursula Cupcake at Sunshine Seasons is… gross.
Ursula Cupcake
The “black mirror” lacquered glaze on the outside is Ursula-approved, I’m sure. The fondant scroll for Ariel’s contract is a cute touch (although we can see Ariel has printed her name, not so much signed it). On top is Ursula’s shell necklace — also the tool used to capture Ariel’s lovely singing voice — and more tentacle-y fondant touches. [Read more…]
If you’re celebrating Halloween at Walt Disney World and you’re also a grown up who likes to try new things, Paddlefish in Disney Springs has exactly what you’re after. It’s called the Dark and Smoky, and it’s creeptacular.
Dark and Smoky Set Up
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait. What? That’s not dark OR smoky!” Stay with me. Because this drink is a trick before it’s a treat. The concoction of Mezcal and Pumpkin Spice Syrup is innocent enough. But beside it lays a sliver of darkness. [Read more…]
Port Orleans Resort, Riverside!
And Ol’ Man Island, with its fabulous, amoeba-shaped pool!
Muddy Rivers View
Nestled right by Ol’ Man Island is the home-y and rustic Muddy Rivers Pool Bar, and it’s everything you want out of a pool bar in the Bayou. (Haven’t thought about what you’d want out of a pool bar in the bayou? Let us help you visualize it.) There’s wood everywhere you look, including exposed rafters. At the base of the bar are weathered vertical wood panels in a variety of colors, creating the feeling that this bar has been pieced together over time. [Read more…]
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