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Courtney Harris

Foodie Guide to Mother’s Day at Disney Parks

Foodie Guide By April 23, 2021 No Comments

Mother’s Day is May 9, and what better way to express your love and appreciation than something delicious at Disney? Treat your mom during your visit to Disney with yummy cupcakes, desserts, brunches, and specialty sips created for Mother’s Day. But to be clear, we love and appreciate moms every day! Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day Cupcake and Mother’s Day Dessert from Disney's Animal Kingdom

Walt Disney World Resort

Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Chocolate cake with strawberry ganache filling and white chocolate frosting (available Apr. 30 through June 1)

Tiffins Restaurant, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Mother’s Day Dessert – Coconut and caramelized pineapple mousse, coconut sorbet, almond crumble, pineapple gel, and cherry sauce (available May 9)
Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Tart and Lemon Cream and Berry Charlotte from EPCOT

Coral Reef Restaurant, EPCOT

  • Raspberry and Chocolate Mousse Tart – Vanilla tart filled with raspberries and chocolate mousse topped with raspberry mousse and wrapped with chocolate rope (available May 9)

Le Cellier Steakhouse, EPCOT

  • Lemon Cream and Berry Charlotte – Lemon and vanilla bean cream with ladyfingers topped with fresh berries (available May 9)
Dipped Strawberry Bouquet and Mother’s Day Swirl from Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie, Disney Springs

  • Dipped Strawberry Bouquet – Strawberry dipped in Guayaquil dark chocolate (available May 7-10)

Marketplace Snacks, Disney Springs

  • A Mother’s Day Swirl – A swirl of DOLE Whip strawberry and chocolate soft-serve with chocolate-dipped strawberry garnish (available May 7-10)
Mother’s Day Sweet Blossom Cupcake and Mother’s Day Red Velvet Cupcake

Landscape of Flavors, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (mobile order available)

World Premiere Food Court, Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort (mobile order available)

Everything Pop Shopping and Dining, Disney’s Pop Century Resort (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Sweet Blossom Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with marshmallow crème filling topped with strawberry buttercream, white chocolate flower blossoms, and sprinkles (available May 6-9)

Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

  • Mother’s Day Red Velvet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake with cream cheese icing and cream cheese-buttercream icing garnished with sprinkles and a Mother’s Day chocolate plaque (available May 7-9)
Collage of Mother's Day treats from Walt Disney World Resort

Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Mimosa Miniature Gâteau – Champagne-infused sponge cake with orange-scented mousse topped with white chocolate slipper (available April 23-May 9)

Barefoot Pool Bar, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Tambu Lounge, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail – A refreshing blend of vodka and flavors of raspberry and lemon (available May 7-9)

Capt. Cooks, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Mother’s Day Butterfly Cupcake – Chocolate cupcake with raspberry mousse filling and buttercream icing (available May 7-9)

Pineapple Lanai, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

  • Key Lime Pie Sundae – Lime soft serve, graham cracker crust, blood orange mango jam, and topped with a macaron (available May 7-9)
Collage of Mother's Day sweets from Walt Disney World Resort

The Artist Palette, Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort (mobile order available)

Good’s to Go, Disney’s Old Key West Resort

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Vanilla cake with a peach compote, spiced vanilla buttercream peach mousse, and a white chocolate hat (available April 24-May 9)

Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (mobile order available)

  • Mother’s Day Cupcake – Tres leche cupcake with vanilla buttercream and a chocolate butterfly (available May 6-9)

The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

The Beach Club Marketplace, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort (mobile order available)

  • Sweeter Than Roses – Creamy raspberry mousse on chocolate hazelnut cake with ruby red raspberry center and chocolate fondant decorations (available May 2-9)
  • Mother’s Day Bouquet Cupcake – Red velvet cupcake filled with rich chocolate mousse and decorated with an array of buttercream flowers (available May 2-9)
Blueberry pancakes from Ale & Compass Restaurant

Join us for Mother’s Day brunch at these Walt Disney World Resort restaurants:

Bananas Foster French Toast with Bacon and Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp and Heirloom Tomato from Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort

Ballast Point Brewing Company, Downtown Disney District

Lobster Ravioli with Shrimp and Heirloom Tomato – Lobster and ricotta-stuffed raviolis, shrimp, heirloom tomato, asparagus, tarragon-lemon cream sauce, and Parmesan. View full menu here (available May 8-10)

Naples Ristorante e Bar, Downtown Disney District

  • Mother’s Day Weekend Cocktails – Enjoy three specialty cocktails including the Rossini (prosecco and strawberry purée) and the Ruby (vodka, elderflower, and grapefruit). View full menu and make reservations here (available May 7-9)

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen, Downtown Disney District

  • Bananas Foster French Toast with Bacon – Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen’s famous banana Foster sauce over sweet French toast. View full menu and make reservations here (available May 9 until 3 p.m.)
  • Creole Caprese Salad – Vine tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, blue crab, sweet yellow pepper emulsion, lemon olive oil, and basil-arugula pesto. View full menu and make reservations here (available May 9)
Ice cream flavors from Salt & Straw and Mother's Day brunch item from Tortilla Jo’s at Disneyland Resort

Salt & Straw, Downtown Disney District

  • Eat Your Flowers Series 2021 –Vivid flowers, bright fruits, and potent aromatics that draw us outside no matter the forecast. Flavors include Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise, Wildflower Honey with Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies, Jasmine Milk Tea & Chocolate, and Mathilde’s Hibiscus & Coconut Sherbet (available April 23-May 27)

Tortilla Jo’s, Downtown Disney District

  • Mother’s Day Brunch – Special brunch menu featuring items like enchiladas, chilaquiles, churro French toast, and huevos rancheros. View full menu and make reservations here (available May 9)
Treats inspired by Mrs. Potato Head and a purse found at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Main Street Market, Main Street, U.S.A.

  • Chinese Almond and Orange Cake (available May 1-31)

Jessie’s Snack Roundup, Toy Story Land

  • Sweet Purple Potato and Coconut Cake (available May 1-31)

Crystal Lotus, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel

  • Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner Menus (available May 8-9)
  • Mother’s Day Specialty Drink – Complimentary specialty drink for all mothers visiting the restaurant (available May 8-9)

Dragon Wind, Disney Explorers Lodge

  • Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner Menus (available May 8-9)
  • Mother’s Day Specialty Drink – Complimentary specialty drink for all mothers visiting the restaurant (available May 8-9)
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Disney Parks Foodie News: Dining Guide to Disneyland Resort Reopening

Foodie Guide By April 16, 2021 No Comments

With the reopening of Disneyland Resort right around the corner, we pulled together a list of all the food and beverage locations that will be open for service on April 30. We want to be sure you know where to find your favorites and learn what’s new on the menus!

Are you craving the Disney classics? Find hand-dipped corn dogs at Little Red Wagon and Award Wieners. The Tropical Hideaway will serve up your DOLE Whip. And of course, CHURROS, CHURROS, CHURROS! Look for fluffernutter, s’mores, strawberry cheesecake, milk & cookies, and the original cinnamon sugar at various churro carts in both parks. We also kept popular items from A Touch of Disney – 1/2 Monte Cristo, Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese, and S’mores Shake at Smokejumpers Grill.

For added convenience and to promote contactless payment, don’t forget to download or update the Disneyland mobile app*, as this is the primary way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

Lamplight Lounge, Café Orleans, and other full-service locations will open with limited seating capacity for guests with confirmed theme park reservations and tickets for the same park on the same date. And exciting news – we are now offering mobile check-in and mobile wait-list at select full-service locations, available on the Disneyland mobile app!

  • Mobile Check-In for Dining Reservations: Maximize your time—and minimize your contact with others—by checking in for dining reservations at select table-service restaurants via the Disneyland mobile app.
  • Join a Mobile Dine Walk-Up List: Don’t have a dining reservation? You now have the opportunity to add your party to the mobile walk-up list at select table-service restaurants (subject to availability)

Visit the Dining: Know Before You Go for more information. Be sure to have the latest version of the app downloaded and installed on your mobile device.

We will plan to reopen dining bookings for select locations on April 22, with limited capacity. You will be able to book your dining reservation 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or with the Disneyland App, subject to availability.

Check out our Know Before You Go blog post to learn more about theme park reservations, tickets, and more.

Click on the below links for the first look at all the menus at reopening. See you real soon!

Jolly Holliday Cupcake, River Belle Skillet Brisket Mac & Cheese, Stage Door Cafe Nutella Funnelcake, Tropical Hideaway Pineapple Lemon Whip

Disneyland Park

Adorable Snowman Pixar Pier Parfait, Cocina Cucamunga Queso Birra Street Tacos, Studio Catering Co. Pork Nachos, Hollywood Churro Strawberry Cheesecake Chrurro

Disney California Adventure Park

Note: All menus currently available for A Touch of Disney will be offered through April 19.

Grand Californian Hotel Forrest Mushroom Pizza, Grand Californian Hotel Avocado Toast Burrata, Grand Californian Hotel Churro Sundae, Grand Californian Hotel Lemon Sumac Salmon Salad

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Note: Only Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be able to dine at these locations..

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Mom Tips: Traveling to Disney with Kids

General By April 13, 2021 No Comments

Dustin and I get asked all the time “how do you do Disney with Kids?” It’s simple – we don’t, we leave them with Grandpa and Grandma…ok, ok. When we do take the monkeys with us we do have a few tips to make “Traveling to Disney with kids” more enjoyable! 

 

Tip One 

Invest in a good travel backpack. The one we take happens to be a hiking one, but the purpose is similar. Look for something lightweight, lots of storage capacity, and a plus for us is dual mesh pockets on the sides for water bottle storage. 

Tip Two 

Speaking of water bottles, you’re going to need ‘em. Between the Florida heat and the amount of walking you’ll be doing, you’ll want a good water bottle. Lots to choose from a high-end Yeti that keeps everything cool and crisp to a filtered one that helps remove that (ahem)  unique to Florida flavored taste 😉 

Tip Three 

Snacks! Lots of them! Our kids seem to always be hungry –  like all.the.time. Mom and Dad would go broke if we bought Mickey bars and popcorn every time a mini-Checketts is hungry. So we bring each of our kids their own gallon size ziploc baggie filled with their favorite treats. Think – uncrustables, fruit pouches, string cheese, goldfish crackers, etc. I love that Disney is so family-friendly on this issue and allows outside food & drinks into the parks. 

Tip Four 

Rent a stroller! Not the crappy one from the parks. But a top of the line “City Mini” from our friends at Kingdom Strollers. I can’t tell you how much I love Kingdom Stroller! They have the best selection, excellent customer service, and are just an all-around great company to work with! Easy scheduling on their website or over the phone, then set up a time to meet at your hotel or MCO for pick up & return. 

Tip Five

This one is a no-brainer for us, but we practice what we preach and use MouseDining to get ALL of our Disney dining reservations. It only takes a moment to set a dining alert and saves so much time and all the hassle of checking back, over and over, hoping to find an opening.  Give it a try and you’ll become a believer!

MouseDining.com homepage

A Disney vacation is truly one of the most memorable things you can do with your family! I hope a few of these insider “Checketts Family” tips come in handy and help make for a magical stay! 

X0X0

-Emily 

 

 

Note: this post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page.

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Cooking Up the Magic – Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day with Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Cooking Up the Magic at Home By April 12, 2021 No Comments

Today is National Grilled Cheese Day … a fan-favorite day of the year! Last year, Disney chefs shared the insanely delicious Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich from Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land on Disney Parks Blog. This year, they are again celebrating and sharing another ooey, gooey sandwich recipe, this one from ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich!

Disneychefs have taken the grilled cheese to the next level and created a cheesy, melty sandwich with just a hint of heat from the buffalo sauce. This sandwich has the perfect combo of buffalo chicken, Monterey Jack, provolone, cheddar, and cream cheese between grilled sourdough. If you want the full ABC Commissary experience, serve this sandwich with steak fries or an arugula-farro salad, and have a side of extra buffalo sauce at the ready. Or go old-school with a steaming bowl of tomato soup for dipping. Happy National Grilled Cheese Day!

Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich

BUFFALO CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH from ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Serves 4

BUFFALO CHICKEN FILLING

  • 1 cup whipped cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce, plus more, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded chicken

BUFFALO CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

  • 8 large slices sourdough bread
  • 8 slices non-smoked provolone cheese
  • Buffalo chicken filling
  • 8 tablespoons mayonnaise

FOR BUFFALO CHICKEN FILLING:

  1. Combine cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, and cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until combined. Add hot sauce and beat until incorporated.
  2. Add chicken and beat for 30 seconds. Add additional buffalo hot sauce, if desired.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

FOR BUFFALO CHICKEN GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
  2. Place 4 slices of sourdough bread on a large cutting board and top each with one slices of provolone cheese. Evenly divide buffalo chicken filling among the 4 sandwiches. Top with remaining slices of provolone and bread.
  3. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on both sides of each sandwich.
  4. Cook on preheated skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, until desired doneness.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe.

Stay connected for more delicious Disney recipes, and Happy cooking!

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MouseDining.com – What is it? Why use it? Where to find it. Who should use it. When to use it.

Videos By April 9, 2021 No Comments

Get notified immediately when dining reservations open up at Walt Disney World restaurants. Register a FREE MouseDining account at https://mousedining.com. MouseDining.com is a web application that monitors Disney’s website for dining reservation availability and notifies its users when dining reservations open up for their desired restaurant, date, meal, time, and party size.

WHAT – MouseDining is a Disney dining alert service that notifies you when last-minute or hard-to-find dining reservations become available.

WHY – Many Disney restaurants fill their dining reservations 60 days in advance. Trying to book on Disney’s website once all dining reservations are filled is tedious and time-consuming. This is actually how MouseDining was conceptualized and eventually created. MouseDining’s exclusive dining availability calendar view gives a quick snapshot of availability to book immediately or prompts you to create an account so you can be notified when MouseDining sees availability.

WHERE – MouseDining is a web application accessed through any browser with Internet-connectivity and by navigating to https://mousedining.com.

WHO – MouseDining can benefit individuals, couples, groups, travel agents, travel planners, etc. – anyone who is seeking dining reservations at Disney parks and resorts. This includes both Disneyland, California as well as Walt Disney World, Florida.

WHEN – MouseDining can (and should) be used for all 60 days that you’re able to make dining reservations. Doing so will increase your chances of getting your desired dining reservations. Last-minute dining reservations can often be found even if there’s just days (or hours) before your trip.

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Avengers Campus at Disneyland Resort Set to Open June 4

News By April 8, 2021 No Comments

Super Heroes Assemble! We’re pleased to share that Avengers Campus – an entirely new land dedicated to discovering, recruiting and training the next generation of Super Heroes – will open June 4, 2021 at the Disneyland Resort!

At this fully immersive land inside Disney California Adventure park, you will be invited to team up with the Avengers and their allies and live out your Super Hero dreams. Avengers Campus is comprised of several heroic locations, each hosted by a different Avenger to share their unique powers, technology and knowledge with recruits. We’re excited to unveil a first look inside Avengers Campus!

Sling webs with Spider-Man and unite with the Guardians of the Galaxy

The first key area is the Worldwide Engineering Brigade – also known as WEB. It brings together bright innovators like Peter Parker who have been assembled by Tony Stark to invent new technologies and equip everyday people to become Super Heroes like the Avengers. WEB will house the new WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure, the first Disney ride-through attraction to feature the iconic friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

We previously shared that Tom Holland will reprise his role as Spider-Man in the new family-friendly attraction, which invites you to put your web-slinging skills to the test and experience what it’s like to have powers alongside Spider-Man – a feat accomplished with innovative technology adapted specifically for this attraction, perfect for up-and-coming recruits of all ages.

The second anchor attraction looms high above the land, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, a fan-favorite that opened in 2017. This rockin’ adventure blasts you straight into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story, alongside characters from the blockbuster films and comics. As you help Rocket bust his fellow Guardians of the Galaxy out of the Collector’s Fortress, you will experience raucous mayhem, music inspired by the soundtracks from the movies, thrilling free-fall drop sequences and six different story lines!

Power up with tiny treats and massive meals

When it is time to take a break from the heroics, several new dining spots at Avengers Campus will offer dishes that are rich in both flavor and storytelling. Pym Test Kitchen is a food innovation science lab where the food and drinks tell a story. Just as Ant-Man and The Wasp use “Pym Particles” to grow and shrink just about anything, Pym Technologies applies this science to the creation of shareable bites, inventive entrees and sweet treats. You will be able to savor such items as the Impossible™ plant-based large and micro meatballs with pasta, or the “Pym-ini,” a panini served by the slice or as a long, multi-portion sandwich.

Adjacent to the Pym Test Kitchen, an oversized beer can overhead signals that grown-up beverage tastings are available at Pym Tasting Lab. You can order a craft beer, ranging from a blood orange hefeweizen to an amber lager, or try one of the Pym Research Staff’s Pym Particle-infused cocktail experiments. Both locations will offer mobile ordering via the Disneyland App.*

Visit one of The Avengers favorite food joints, Shawarma Palace. Enjoy a shawarma wrap at this food cart, which is decked out with memorabilia for Avenger fans. Lastly, Taneleer Tivan did not limit his collection to lovable misfits; he is also curating a weird and wonderful menu of intergalactic eats at the Terran Treats food cart near Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Team up with the Avengers and their allies like never before 

Throughout Avengers Campus, Super Heroes will come to life in more exciting ways than ever. You may have heroic encounters with Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Black Panther, the Dora Milaje, Black Widow, Ant-Man and The Wasp, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Thor and even villains like Loki, some of whom are making their first appearances at the park.

You may even have the chance to witness Spider-Man swinging into action high above Avengers Campus with gravity-defying, acrobatic feats never seen before in a Disney theme park.

At a nearby ancient sanctum, Doctor Strange will train recruits in the mystic arts by bringing this ancient sanctum to life with powerful spells. At night, the area glows even more vividly with majestic colors and lights, pulsating with mystic energy.

Suit up with the latest Super Hero gear

The WEB Suppliers store will offer the latest inventions, including interactive Spider-Bots much like the ones you will see in the new attraction, WEB SLINGERS: A Spider-Man Adventure. Each Spider-Bot has a remote control, and all eight articulated legs move forward and backward. You may customize your Spider-Bot with tactical upgrades to harness the powers and style of favorite Super Heroes, including Black Panther, Iron Man and Black Widow, as well as Ant-Man and The Wasp.

Other must-have items at WEB Suppliers include a specially-designed backpack to carry Spider-Bots when they are not in action, Spider-Man light goggles, a take-home spider web kit and Funko Pop! vinyl figurines of Spider-Man and Iron Man.

The Campus Supply Pod is the place to power up with official Avengers Campus gear, including performance fleece hoodies and tees, headwear, drinkware and other Super Hero supplies.

We are counting down the days till we can team up with the Avengers and their allies, sling webs with Spider-Man, taste-test inventive food and drinks and become part of a bigger universe alongside some of our favorite Super Heroes

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Cooking Up the Magic – Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese Recipe from A Touch of Disney at Disney California Adventure Park

Cooking Up the Magic at Home By April 3, 2021 No Comments

Who doesn’t love cheesy, creamy mac ’n cheese?  Disney chefs fancied up this classic comfort dish by topping with smoked barbecue brisket, pickled red onions, and crispy fried shallots – YUM! We just had to get the Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese recipe to share on – it is a crowd-pleaser for sure!

This plate of comfort is currently offered at Smokejumpers Grill during A Touch of Disney and will remain on the menu at the reopening of Disneyland Resort on April 30. Be sure to plan ahead and mobile order through the official Disneyland mobile app for added convenience and to promote contactless payment. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

For guests with tickets to A Touch of Disney, be sure to check out our Foodie Guide for a list of all the new items and favorite classic dishes from around the resort at this limited-capacity ticketed experience.

Brisket Mac 'N Cheese from A Touch of Disney

Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Serves 6

PICKLED RED ONIONS

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup canola oil, for frying

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET

  • 1 pound smoked beef brisket (see Cook’s Note below)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

MAC ‘N CHEESE

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • Coarse salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • Black pepper, to taste

TOPPING

  • 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

FOR PICKLED RED ONIONS:

  1. Place thinly sliced red onions in mixing bowl. Combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully pour over onions. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FOR FRIED SHALLOTS:

  1. Heat oil in frying pan until it reaches 350°F.
  2. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in small bowl.
  3. Dip shallots in cornstarch mixture and shake off excess coating.
  4. Fry in hot oil for 1 minute, until crispy.
  5. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

FOR SMOKED BRISKET:

  1. Shred or chop smoked beef brisket. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add brisket and cook for 3 minutes, until hot.
  3. Keep warm until ready to serve.

FOR MAC ‘N CHEESE:

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth and light brown in color.
  3. Slowly add milk, whisking to break up any lumps that form. Whisk until milk begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Stir in macaroni. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Keep warm until ready to serve.

TO SERVE:

Scoop mac ‘n cheese onto each plate. Add smoked brisket. Top with drizzle of barbecue sauce, pickled red onions, and fried shallots.

COOK’S NOTE: You can smoke your own brisket at home following directions for your particular smoker or simply pick up sliced smoked brisket from your favorite barbecue restaurant.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe. 

Happy cooking!

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The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Begins July 15!

Special Events By April 1, 2021 No Comments

Start whetting your appetites, because the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival begins July 15 at Walt Disney World Resort!

This year’s event will kick off with Global Marketplaces, including the return of many favorites – Canada, Greece, Germany, Hops and Barley, Appleseed Orchard and others. Even more marketplaces will join the international smorgasbord as the festival continues on into the fall before wrapping on Nov. 20.

Remy holding a wooden spoon

There will be lots of ways for families to enjoy this year’s event (beyond just eating lots of great food, of course):

  • Sample all sorts of delicious cheeses served in fun ways as part of Emile’s Fromage Montage – if you collect a stamp from five different Global Marketplaces, you’ll earn a prize!
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak will send you on a savory scavenger hunt in search of Remy statuettes hidden all over the park.
  • Take a tasty souvenir home from the new merchandise collections, including a festival collection featuring a spirit jersey, baseball cap and so much more.
  • Listen to musical favorites performed by Voices of Liberty, Mariachi Cobre and the Jammin’ Chefs.

This is just an appetizer for the 2021 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival. We’ll have a full plate of details to share soon, so keep checking back with us here for more juicy morsels.

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Disney Parks Best Bites: April 2021

News By March 31, 2021 No Comments

We have a buffet of food and beverage news in this April 2021 edition of Disney Parks Best Bites. We are listing Earth Month treats along with a returning brunch offering, dill pickle corn dogs, cereal-sly delicious offerings, and more. Check out all these Best Bites!

Walt Disney World Resort

While Disney theme parks celebrate all living things every day, during the upcoming celebration for Earth Month, our chefs and mixologists have created limited-time treats and sips inspired by wildlife and nature. And those cupcakes? Edible adorableness!

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Sea Turtle Cupcake – Graham cracker cupcake, key lime pie filling, and guava gelée with vanilla buttercream topped with a fruit snack sea turtle (available through April 29)

Restaurantosaurus Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Crave the Wave Cocktail – Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and lemon wheel (available through April 29)

Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Honey Bee Cupcake – Orange cake, honey Bavarian filling, and honey frosting with white chocolate honeycomb (available through April 29)

Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Kiwi Margarita – Kiwi flavoring beverage syrup with lime, sour, and tequila (available through April 29)

Isle of Java, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

  • Cotton Top Lagoon – Frozen blend of blue raspberry and lemonade topped with a wave of cotton candy (available through April 29)
  • Red Crowned Crane – Frozen Coke and frozen Cherry Coke topped with strawberry cotton candy with or without rum (available through April 29)
  • The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

 (mobile order available)

  • The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)
  • Flamingo Cupcake – Strawberry cake filled with strawberry compote, guava frosting, and strawberry crisp pearls topped with a sugar flamingo (available through April 29)

Thirsty River Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
  • Yeti Sunset – Whiskey, strawberry, and lychee lemonade (available through April 29)

Dawa Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

  • Lion’s Fury – Jungle Juice and black cherryliqueur–infused bourbon whiskey with a cinnamon whiskey floater and a fiery glow cube (available through April 29)

Nomad Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
  • Mother Earth – Gin and infused tea garnished with mint and lemon peel (available through April 29)

Dino-Bites Snacks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)

Gasparilla Island Grill, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

 (mobile order available)

  • Earth Day Bee Hive Cake – Buttermilk-honey chiffon cake with crunchy almond mousse covered in toasted meringue (available April 6-22)

This refreshing float at Fife & Drum Tavern at EPCOT, inspired by the Disney and Pixar’s film “Soul,” streaming on Disney+, hits the perfect note of tart and sweet.

  • Half Note Float – Layered Fanta Strawberry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry slushy with vanilla ice cream and half note white chocolate garnish

The popular Olivia’s Café weekend brunch at Disney’s Old Key West Resort is back! Offered every Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Guests can enjoy all the classic brunch entrées and specialty cocktails as well as Olivia’s signature Chicken and Waffles, Banana Bread French Toast, and Crab Cake-Eggs Benedict. Yum! View the brunch menu and make reservations here.

Disneyland Resort

Blue Bayou Restaurant in Disneyland park will soon offer new beverage options that elevate the culinary experience. This Guest-favorite spot will open after the theme parks reopen, and we’ll share that date as soon as we can. The enhanced offerings fit right in with the story and spirit of the Blue Bayou and reflect what many of our Guests have requested.

The new additions will complement the menu and theme of the restaurant, with beverages such as wine, beer, and a specialty Hurricane Cocktail – a New Orleans staple! Or, Guests may want to try the new celebration sparkling wine package. Soon, they’ll be able to pair them with the restaurant’s delicious menu items, like the popular Surf and Turf. Also, keep an eye out for new, seasonal takes on our Mint Julep non-alcoholic beverage. Stay tuned for more on Blue Bayou.

A hot dog stuffed in a pickle with a panko crust? Seriously? Count us in!

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs Cart, Downtown Disney District

  • Pickle Corn Dog – Panko-crusted dill pickle corn dog served with a side of peanut butter

Ballast Point at Downtown Disney District is celebrating Earth Day with a special limited-time linguini dish served with their delicious house-made kale and walnut pesto.

  • Linguini and Kale Pesto Salad – Linguini, house-made kale and walnut pesto, sun dried tomato, arugula, and pecorino with lemon zest (available April 22-25)

For a limited-time, the Le Frenchy Sandwich is back on the menu at Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney District and Disney Springs. 

  • Le Frenchy Sandwich – Smoked ham, brie, and mustard sauce on Earl of Sandwich signature artisan bread

The Cereal-sly Delicious Series 2021 at Salt & Straw brings back childhood memories of lazing on the sofa watching cartoon marathons on Saturday and spooning up giant bowls of cereal. Oh, those simpler times!

  • Pots of Gold & Rainbows – Whole-grain cereal in cream for that bottom-of-the-bowl sweetened milk before stirring in mountains of rainbow ‘mallows
  • OffLimits’ Dash Cold Brew Cocoa Crisps – Coffee and dessert all at once with this cold brew ice cream swirled with malty fudge and coffee and cocoa spheres enveloped in salty chocolate bark
  • Peanut Butter Captain Munch – Dairy-free, starchy oat ice cream with peanut butter-coated cereal clusters and peanut butter swirl
  • Snap ‘N Crackle Marshmallow Treats – Brown butter treats pressed and toasted with marshmallow into a lacy Florentine in a rich, malty graham ice cream
  • Cornflake Cookies w/ Marionberry Jam – Swirls of housemade marionberry jam with malty cereal-flecked ice cream and crumbled brown butter sugar cookies

These Disney Parks reusable bamboo utensils are a must-have for waste-free snacking and will be available at select locations in the spring – while supplies last. This cutlery set comes with a handy travel pouch and clip – so utensils are always at the ready!

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Earth Month Celebrations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Special Events By March 23, 2021 No Comments

As we head into Earth Month, it’s a great time to reflect on our personal relationship with our beautiful planet and how we can all care for the world we share. Whether it’s reducing your own ecological footprint, planting a tree, creating a butterfly garden or learning more about wildlife and conservation, all of these efforts unite us as we do our part to protect nature’s treasures. And while Disney theme parks celebrate all living things every day, during the annual Earth Day Celebration there’s an added opportunity for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Guests to connect with the magic of nature through engaging activities designed to educate and inspire the whole family.

From April 18 to 24, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will host limited-time experiences including unique Disney character appearances, fun learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverage, a new Wilderness Explorer activity and more. Here’s a look at what’s in store to spark Guests’ curiosity about wildlife and inspire their own conservation efforts:

  • The Animation Experience at Conservation Station shows how Disney Artists bring favorite characters to life by using animals for inspiration. For the Earth Day Celebration and the month of April, Guests can learn to draw characters – including Dumbo, Terk, Squirt, Shere Khan, Simba and Scar – whose real-life counterparts represent amazing stories of conservation work around the globe.
  • Guests can catch a glimpse of some special characters who will join other favorite Disney pals on Discovery River Character Cruises.

   

  • Guests can nosh around the park sampling Earth Day eats, including a selection of limited-time specialty cupcakes: the Creature Comfort’s Honey Bee Cupcake, the strawberry-flavored Flamingo Cupcake at Flame Tree Barbecue, or the Sea Turtle Graham Cracker Cupcake (plus the Crave the Wave cocktail!) at Restaurantosaurus Lounge. These treats are only available for a limited time.
  • Guests can set out on a series of self-guided, nature-themed challenges and earn a special Wilderness Explorer limited-time Earth Day Nature badge.
  • Guests can hunt for an Earth Day 2021 limited-edition Te Fiti Moana trading pin. They can also support the Disney Conservation Fund by purchasing a cuddly plush inspired by species that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home; or check out Island Mercantile’s eco-friendly water bottles, tumblers and reusable bags that promote sustainability.

  • Any time Guests visit the park, they can marvel at unique animals and meet the newest arrivals. Most recently, the park welcomed the birth of Ranger, and Guests can get a glimpse of the rambunctious five-month-old white rhino calf and his crash on their journey aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris. While on safari, Guests can also keep an eye out for two young Masai giraffe who were born a few months ago, and playful Nigerian dwarf goats that hang out at the warden’s outpost.

  • Disney PhotoPass Service captures magical memories with special in-park Earth Day backgrounds and Magic Shots, including an all-new photo opportunity. In addition, Earth Day screen savers and Zoom backgrounds can be downloaded from the My Disney Experience PhotoPass gallery.
  • Beginning April 2, Guests can watch as artisans transform 40 tons of sand into a detailed sculpture celebrating National Geographic’s “Secrets of the Whales,” an original series streaming on Disney+ on Earth Day. The intricate sculpted masterpiece will be located on the Discovery Island Stage until April 30.

For more information on how Disney cares for animals and helps protect species in the wild, visit DisneyAnimals.com, Guest can check out “Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom” on Disney+, streaming now, Disney Park Wild Sights, a short form video mini-series exclusive to the My Disney Experience app, or follow along on Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Instagram (@DrMarkAtDisney) and Facebook (@DisneyASE) pages.

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