Restaurant Reviews Archives

Browsing Category

Restaurant Reviews

The Garden View Lounge: Details and Photos of the Reimagined Lounge Experience

Foodie Guide, Restaurant Reviews By Courtney Harris March 18, 2026 Tags: Afternoon Tea Experience, Alice in Wonderland Disney, Disney Afternoon Tea, Disney Dining Experience, Disney food, Disney foodie, Disney Luxury Dining, Disney Parks Blog, Disney Resort Dining, Disney Restaurants, Disney Snacks, Disney Tea Experience, Disney Travel Tips, Disney Vacation Planning, Disney World, Garden View Lounge, Grand Floridian Resort, Walt Disney World Dining No Comments

A tea-riffic sneak peek at the elegant experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Grab your best-teas and get read-tea for the debut of The Garden View Lounge – Tea Experience at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, opening to guests March 19, 2026. This reimagined offering blends the elegance of the Victorian era with the playful charm of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Alice in Wonderland, bringing the timeless story from the silver screen to the heart of the newly refurbished Grand Floridian, sure to leave you feeling enchanted.

I’m so excited to share this first look with you – let’s hop to it!

A Whimsical Welcome to the Reimagined Lounge

As you step into The Garden View Lounge, it feels like walking into a sunlit conservatory. My personal favorite part of the space is the floor-to-ceiling windows. No matter the time of day, natural light pours into the room, giving the entire space a warm, inviting glow.

As you look closer into the space, the furniture strikes a balance between modern comfort and classic Victorian, making the lounge feel fresh while honoring the beloved Grand Floridian style guests know and love.

Details That Bring the Space to Life

As with any Disney location, the magic is in the details. The floral patterns, plush fabrics, and gentle hues of green, blue, and gold create a serene atmosphere that feels connected to nature.

Organic shapes appear throughout the room, portraying the flowers and leaves you’d find in a flourishing garden, creating a lush escape for anyone who enters.

The brass-framed mirrors resemble flower petals, reflecting an outdoor garden, while the stained-glass windows featuring native Floridian birds add color, character, and warmth.

Looking down, the gorgeous carpet inspired by winding garden vines will have you stop in your tracks (it was one of the first things I noticed about the space!). Do you see anything special integrated into the design?

A Timeless Tradition Returns

This long-awaited Afternoon Tea Service returns with a delicious menu inspired by the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland, of course served with a unique presentation of loose leaf teas from Twinings. Adults are welcome to choose between a traditional tea service or a plant-based option, while younger guests can enjoy a special children’s tea. It’s a thoughtful approach that makes the experience feel welcoming for families, couples, and solo tea lovers alike.

A Holiday Dinner at The Cake Bake Shop® Restaurant by Gwendolyn Rogers

General, Restaurant Reviews By Donna Shenk December 18, 2025 No Comments

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers began as a small bakery in Indiana in 2014. It quickly gained a loyal following because of its beautiful and delicious oversized cakes, classic recipes, and elegant atmosphere.

The Cake Bake Shop at Disney World

The Cake Bake Shop opened it’s Walt Disney World location in 2024, bringing the same experience to Disney’s BoardWalk. It has quickly become a popular dining location for guests looking to celebrate special occasions with something a little more elevated than the typical theme park dessert stop.

Continue reading to learn more about the Cake Bake Shop at Walt Disney World and read our review of our holiday dinner, including photos of the beautiful decor, delicious food, and drinks.

How to get to The Cake Bake Shop in Walt Disney World

The Cake Bake Shop is located along Disney’s BoardWalk, between EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The BoardWalk area has a relaxed feel, especially in the evening, and the waterfront setting adds to the experience.

Guests can reach the BoardWalk in several ways:

Walk from EPCOT using the International Gateway entrance
Take the Disney Skyliner from Hollywood Studios, and the Skyliner resorts
Friendship Boats from nearby resorts, EPCOT, and Hollywood Studios
Walking paths from nearby resorts – you can even walk from Hollywood Studios, although it is a longer walk
Rideshare services like Lyft or Uber can drop you off at the BoardWalk Inn if you have a reservation to dine at the Cake Bake
If you are driving and have a reservation, you can park at Disney’s BoardWalk Inn.

First Impressions and Atmosphere

The interior of The Cake Bake Shop is one of its biggest highlights. The space features chandeliers, light-colored floors, gold details, and displays filled with large, beautifully decorated cakes. Everything feels carefully designed, and the restaurant has a calm and welcoming feel.

We visited The Cake Bake Cafe during the holidays, and the restaurant was decorated beautifully. If you visit during another season, you will notice the decor changes with the seasons. During our visit, we saw gorgeous flocked garlands and Christmas trees, twinkle lights, and ornaments everywhere we looked. It was truly magical.

Families are more than welcome to dine here, although it is a more elegant, quiet dining experience than other Walt Disney World Restaurants. It is more peaceful than many other Disney restaurants and works well for guests looking for a relaxed meal away from the parks.

The Bakery and Dining Room

The Cake Bake Shop offers both a bakery where you can order a piece of cake or other desserts to go and a full restaurant with several dining rooms. The bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. most days and serves a variety of treats from cake to Belgian waffles, ice cream, cookies, fudge, pastries, and more! They also serve a variety of hot and cold drinks. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an Afternoon Tea.

Photo Credit: Walt Disney World

During our dinner, we ordered the Chicken Picatta and Gwendolyn’s Signature Chicken and Andouille Gumbo for our entrees. Both meals were delicious and were very large portions. We also ordered specialty drinks that were not only tasty but full of sparkles. That’s one thing you will notice about the Cake Bake Shop – sparkles – they are everywhere! Even our cake and cappuccino were sparkly.

For dessert, we tried the Carrot Cake and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough cake – both were as incredible as they sound! Other popular cake options include the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake, Earl’s Court Chocolate Cake, Raspberry Champagne Cake, and Salted Caramel Chocolate Cake. Each slice is large and nicely presented, making them easy to share.

Menu options change slightly throughout the day, with lighter choices available in the morning and heartier items offered later. Their breakfast menu looks promising, and the prices are a bit lower if you are looking for a less expensive option.

The cakes are rich and flavorful, and the ingredients taste fresh and high-quality. Chocolate desserts in particular stand out, offering bold flavor without being overly sweet. Portions are generous, and many guests find that one dessert can be easily shared.

Presentation is also part of the experience. Desserts arrive looking just as impressive as they do in the display cases.

The Cake Bake is NOT a Frugal Dining Experience

The Cake Bake Shop is priced higher than most Disney dining locations. Cake slices typically range from $20 to $25, and full meals or tea service can cost more. While this may feel expensive for a casual visit, many guests feel the pricing makes sense for special occasions due to the portion sizes, quality, and overall experience.

The service at The Cake Bake Shop was friendly and professional. Our server was helpful when explaining menu options and made great suggestions when we weren’t sure what to try. We didn’t feel rushed while dining there; it was nice to take our time and enjoy the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Restaurant Most

The Cake Bake Shop is a great fit for anniversaries, birthdays, honeymoons, and adult-focused trips. Families with children may still enjoy the menu and, of course, love the cake, but the quieter setting and higher prices might be a deterrent for some families.

Our Final Thoughts

The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers is a truly special dining experience at Walt Disney World. It is not the kind of place you stop for a quick snack (unless you stop into the bakery), but rather a spot to visit when want to enjoy a slower, more sophisticated meal. For guests looking to celebrate or spend an evening on the BoardWalk, it offers a memorable and well-rounded dining experience.

We look forward to visiting again in the spring to see the change in decor and try to get a breakfast reservation. If you’re having trouble finding a reservaiton be sure to create a MouseDining Alert to be notified when the perfect reservation opens up. You can occasionally find tables on OpenTable, which is not typical for a Resturants at Disney World.

Wailulu Bar and Grill at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Island Tower

Restaurant Reviews By Donna Shenk December 10, 2025 No Comments

On our recent trip to Walt Disney World, we finally made it over to the newest bar and grill at Disney’s Polynesian Resort Island Tower (DVC) property, Wailulu Bar and Grill. This new dining spot opened back in 2024 and has been receiving great reviews! This indoor/outdoor bar and grill offers an elevated, yet casual atmosphere, island-inspired flavors, and a menu that blends familiar comfort food with tropical touches.

Atmosphere and Menu at Wailulu Bar & Grill

You’ll find the bar and grill located at the Island Tower. There is an outdoor bar and dining area, and indoor dining as well. We ate outside at a table with a nice view of the water. While it is officially a bar and grill, we found it to be a beautiful dining location, nice enough for a celebration or date night. The area was decorated beautifully for the holidays with greenery and twinkling lights. The menu was small but had several delicious options to choose from. The menu features starters, sandwiches, bowls, salads, cocktails, and non-alcoholic specialties.

From our tables, we had a nice view of the Seven Seas Lagoon, and if it had been a little later in the evening, we would have had great views of Magic Kingdom’s fireworks. While you may get lucky and have a nice view from your table, requests for specific seating for the fireworks are not available. Since you can not guarantee a fireworks view, we do not recommend planning a trip specifically to watch the fireworks from your table.

Changes at Wailulu Bar and Grill

Recently, Wailulu has had some significant changes. Beginning in December, you will need an advanced dining reservation. If you are having trouble finding the reservation that you are looking for, you can use MouseDining to create an alert when a reservation becomes available. Click here to create your MouseDining alert.

Dining offerings have also changed at Wailulu recently. They no longer offer a breakfast table service; however, they do offer a grab-and-go option for breakfast. Lunch begins at 11 a.m., and Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. Walk-up tables may be available but are not guaranteed. You may also see the option to reserve a walk-up table in the My Disney Experience App.

What We Ordered at Wailulu Bar and Grill

Wayfinder Burger

The Wayfinder burger is said to be the best burger on the Disney property, and we have to agree! This burger is a double-patty smash burger served with American cheese, fresh toppings, and Volcano sauce. The patties had crisp edges, while the burger remained juicy and full of flavor. Guests can choose sweet potato fries or mac salad. We opted for the sweet potato fries, which were cooked perfectly and went really well with the volcano sauce (we requested an extra side to go with the fries!)

Chow Mein Salad with Sautéed Shrimp

This salad features cabbage, carrots, hearts of palm, and shishito peppers with a sunflower butter dressing. The shrimps were huge; they were sautéed and served warm on top. It is a large serving but is also a lighter option that still feels satisfying.

DOLE Whip Sundae

We could not pass up on a special DOLE Whip dessert. The sundae is served with classic pineapple DOLE Whip, fresh fruits, hibiscus meringues, and a Mickey-shaped topper. It is a super cute dessert and large enough for sharing.

Final Thoughts

Wailulu Bar and Grill is a solid addition to the Polynesian resort dining lineup and definitely a dining option that you will want to try if you are looking for high-quality dining at an affordable price. The menu offers a good balance of comfort dishes and fresh options, and the location makes it an easy stop for guests staying nearby. You can get to Disney’s Polynesian Resort from Magic Kingdom by boat or monorail very easily, so it’s a great option if you need a break from the parks. If you plan to visit the new Island Tower, consider adding Wailulu to your dining list.

Don’t forget to create your MouseDining Alert so you can grab a reservation!

Perfect Pairing: Iconic Sips and Views at GEO-82

News, Restaurant Reviews By Courtney Harris June 28, 2025 Tags: Epcot, geo-82 No Comments

For nearly 43 years, a visit to Spaceship Earth has ushered us to the top of the 180-foot-tall geodesic sphere while thanking the ancient Phoenicians and dreaming up our futuristic lives in an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. Today, join Laura and Rain from the Disney Parks Blog team as we take you inside GEO-82, the new 21+ Spaceship Earth lounge that immerses us in the flavors, views, and legacy that shape present-day EPCOT.

Ascending Into the Future

As we arrived at GEO-82 (near the Spaceship Earth post-show exit), our bright park surroundings were transformed via a softly curving hallway of warm metallics and subdued lighting, setting the tone for an escape into the futuristic lounge.

Here, we took in the glittering staircase, reminiscent of the spiraling ascent riders take toward the starry top of Spaceship Earth. All-too eager for bites and sips, we opted for the nearby elevator and were soon stepping into the intimate lobby of GEO-82.

Intimate lobby Inside GEO-82 Spaceship Earth Lounge

The gold and bronze hues throughout the lobby and lounge offered an innovative, yet warm interpretation of a futuristic aesthetic. Amid comfortable leather seating, vintage-style prints of Spaceship Earth, EPCOT fireworks and the Monorail lined the walls.

*Get up close and personal with the legendary Spaceship Earth facade*

We can’t over-emphasize the stroll to your table — here you’ll pass a life-sized Spaceship Earth facade, imitating the 11,324 Alucobond tiles that make up the sphere’s iconic exterior. At your feet, twinkling lights shine, reminding us of the glimmering points that dotted the ground of a Future World past.

Looking out to World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase from the GEO-82 view — *Looking out to World Celebration Gardens and World Showcase from GEO-82*

Inside GEO-82

Entering the GEO-82 lounge, we were treated to a sweeping view of World Celebration Gardens, with World Showcase in the distance. In the lounge, mid-century modern-style furniture, soft music, and continued warm metallic tones flowed through the space.

Guests will be able to make GEO-82 reservations for special seatings to watch the nighttime spectacular, “Luminous The Symphony of Us.” As the show unfolds in harmony with the color-changing lights throughout World Celebration Gardens and on Spaceship Earth, the inside of GEO-82 will also change. The full musical score will play, and the lounge lighting will dim during the show to create a fully immersive experience.

A Walk Through the Garden and the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash with a sweet surprise at GEO-82 — *A Walk Through the Garden and the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash with a sweet surprise*

Elevated Cocktails and Zero-Proof Cocktails

Make sure you ask the team at GEO-82 about the different cocktails and zero-proof cocktails. One of our favorite parts was hearing about the complexity behind each beverage. Every element of these futuristic concoctions was well thought out.

From the in-house created Lime Cordial syrup for the High Brow Batanga to the geodesic sphere-stamped ice cubes in the Brown Butter Old-Fashioned, no detail was left behind.

They even had a fun GEO-82 Cocktail Key that showed you how each beverage was going to be prepared.

We kept flipping back and forth from the menu to the key to discover the exact glassware, ice and preparation required for our selected beverages. Shaken? Stirred? Large ice cube or sphere? We loved deciphering how our beverage would look before we even ordered.

*GEO-82 Cocktail Key provides additional details about the drink preparation*

Plus, for American whiskey lovers who want to try a few options during their visit, the team also selected four unique bourbons for an exclusive Disney Select Bourbon Flight:

Uncle Nearest Single Barrel
Woodford Reserve Private Barrel
Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel
Stagg Private Barrel

Peach Shrub Whisky Smash

Evan Rosenthal, Food and Beverage Concept Manager, was on-hand to recommend the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash to get a true taste of the collaborative spirit at GEO-82, “If there is a single drink that showcases the concept of this lounge, it is the peach shrub whisky smash.”

With Toki Suntory Whisky, Lustau Amontillado Sherry, peach and mint shrub, and bubbles, the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash was a refreshing option to enjoy on a hot summer day while relaxing with a friend.

“Tastes like summertime in a glass! The peach and mint are a perfect combination.” – Laura

Evan went on to tell us how the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash was so essential to the harmony between the kitchen dishes and the cocktails served at the bar. “We had all these beautiful peaches and mint that we macerated overnight — the sugar brings out all those juices which we made the shrub from.”

The sherry and peach preserves were soon in the hands of Chef Robby Sayles, Chef de Cuisine – Concept Development at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the drink, Robby whipped up a very special sweet surprise to accompany each Peach Shrub Whisky Smash order.

Taking Zero-Proof Cocktails to the Next Level

The GEO-82 menu offers two zero-proof drinks with very different flavor profiles. To ramp up your park day energy, the Manhattan in the Morning delivers a coffee kick balanced with smooth tart cherry and walnut bitters. Meanwhile, A Walk Through the Garden is the perfect afternoon sip; a bright and refreshing glass of bubbly citrus with a decorative spray of fennel and lemon slice.

A Walk Through the Garden

The sun was high on our EPCOT afternoon, so we tried A Walk Through the Garden for a lush cool down. It has Seedlip Garden 108 Non-Alcoholic Spirit, basil, fennel, lemon, Hella Cocktail Co. Orange Bitters, The Bitter Truth Celery Bitters, and sparkling bubbles.

“This might just be my new go-to summer drink. Refreshing and not too sweet, it’s a spritzer with a lot of depth, offering a new exploration of flavors with each sip!” – Rain

GEO-82, like Spaceship Earth, presents the possibilities for the future. Along with the exclusive cocktails and zero-proof cocktails we tried today, the drink menu will feature wines unique to GEO-82 and highlight family-owned, smaller production wineries.

*Chef’s Selection of Artisanal Cheeses, Cured Meats, and Accompaniments*

A Chef’s Selection of Delectable Bites

For foodies like us, a visit to EPCOT usually means tapping into the freshest seasonal selections, whether you are tasting your way through one of the EPCOT festivals or sitting here at the GEO-82 bar.

True to form, the charcuterie board at GEO-82 will feature a chef’s selection of artisanal cheeses, cured meats and accompaniments.

On our visit, we enjoyed Calabrese Salami, Jamon Iberico, Wagyu Bresaola, Tete De Moine, Truffle Tremor Goat Cheese, Point Reyes Blue Cheese, Cranberry Loaf, Euro Bake Baguette, Pecan-Green Olive Brittle, Peach Chutney, B&B Pickles, and Honeycomb.

Now, the pickles. Let’s talk about them because they come from The Land and the recipe is inspired by Chef Robby Sayles’ grandmother. She must have pixie dust at home because her recipe was magical and the perfect addition to the board.

“It was my first time trying some of the cheese and meat selections on the board, so this was a fun way to explore a sampling of flavors to pinpoint a few new favorites to pair with our drinks. Another careful collaboration between the kitchen and bar, the peach preserves from the Peach Shrub Whisky Smash showed up again on our plate as a delightful chutney.” – Rain

“The truffle goat cheese was incredible! I still have dreams about that cheese and all the items that accompanied it. Can’t wait to order the board again! ” – Laura

Evan said of the collaboration between the beverage and chef teams at GEO-82, “The chef and culinary team know that they’re not just responsible for the food, and they don’t think of it that way … They make sure that the flavors are right each time. They’ve seen how the team at the bar uses the ingredients, and they are proud of it.”

*Laura and Rain enjoy sips and bites at the GEO-82 bar*

Make Your Reservation for GEO-82

To come visit GEO-82 you need to make a reservation. Check the reservation calendar to plan your visit. If you need help getting a date that is full use MouseDining.com to send you alerts when a table opens up.

Behind the Scenes of Disney’s First MICHELIN-Starred Restaurant

Restaurant Reviews By Courtney Harris July 30, 2024 No Comments

With impeccable service and an ever-changing menu, it’s clear how Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has earned global acclaim, including the first (and only) MICHELIN Star awarded to a restaurant owned and operated by a U.S. theme park destination.

So, what does it take to run a world-class restaurant? According to Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez, winner of the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Florida Service Award, the secret ingredient is teamwork. It takes a team of dozens — made up of stewards, servers, cooks, chefs, housekeepers, florists, purveyors and more — to pull off this intricate experience.

“Our heart is what sets us apart,” says Israel. “Every step is done with passion and purpose, and that’s what has led us to the success we have now. It takes preparation, skill and artistry. Each person and role matters, and the core of the restaurant is the people who are supporting us.”

Collage of Cast Members at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Before the doors even open, Israel meets with Joseph and Linda from the seating team to learn about every guest who will be joining them for dinner. They take time to memorize their names, special occasions and any other details they share in advance.

No detail is too small for Stewards Sebien and Diane, who meticulously tend to the tableware. Servers Craig and Matt prepare welcome cocktails and pull wine bottles from a carefully curated collection of more than 500 selections.

Beyond the kitchen doors, Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers and his culinary team plan and prepare multiple courses with global influence. The tasting menu evolves regularly to showcase seasonal flavors and elevated techniques.

Chef at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

“We’re inspired by ingredients from all over the world,” says Chef Matthew. “That’s chiefly what drives me now: What are the ingredients I find the most compelling and enjoyable, and how can I feature them in a way that’s exciting for our guests to experience?”

Like a well-oiled machine, everyone works together to ensure quality and precision in each bite, from the purveyors who source the finest proteins and produce to the chefs who find creative ways to present the ingredients and honor where they came from.

As an assistant sous chef, Mateo Hernandez plays an integral role in setting his team up for success. He comes in early to ensure the products we receive are of the highest quality and works with the reservation team on menu customizations. He is known for his resourcefulness, attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

“I’m here to grow and to surround myself with people who are better than me,” says Mateo. “Effective communication is crucial. We don’t leave any loose ends.”

Meal at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Putting the crowning touches on an unforgettable meal is Pastry Chef Ally Rogers. Along with her talented team, Chef Ally thoughtfully creates a selection of exquisite desserts that complement the seasonal menu.

Each artful dish and expert beverage pairing is enough to make this a must-experience dining destination for any culinary fan, but it’s the cast members who make it truly magical.

“Hopefully, when guests come experience Victoria & Albert’s — from the food to the harp to the china — they can feel the love we have for it,” says Chef Matthew. “This may be the only time they try a turbot, and Mateo made sure it was beautiful. Israel poured the perfect glass of wine with it. As a collective, we made sure all the components of the dish were done well.”

In addition to their MICHELIN Star, the team is the only in Florida (and one of only 26 others in the country) to have earned both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards, among other distinctions.

“Nothing would be possible without our team,” says Israel.

Seasonal Menu Debuts at The Hollywood Brown Derby

Restaurant Reviews By Courtney Harris May 19, 2023 No Comments

The Golden Age of Hollywood has gotten some additions because The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios recently launched its seasonal menu. The culinary team has masterfully put together dishes featuring the freshest of ingredients for the summer and created a menu that will leave you and your taste buds wanting more.

This fan-favorite location nestled within Hollywood Boulevard is quite the popular spot and for good reason. The contemporary American cuisine speaks for itself, and this summer menu is no different. With several delicious additions from the kitchen, you’ll want to come back again and again to try them all.

Whether you’ve been here before or want to try this restaurant for the first time, The Hollywood Brown Derby has something for everyone to enjoy.

We think it’s time we break down these tasty new and returning bites and see what’s cooking over at The Hollywood Brown Derby this summer!

Collage of food at The Hollywood Brown Derby

The appetizers have several eats that are packed with flavor. Starting off, we’ve got some seafood options resurfacing for you. The Crab Louie features crispy olive bread, citrus blend, fried capers, and Louie sauce. For those shrimp fans out there, the Shrimp Cocktail is topped with shaved fennel cucumbers and a traditional cocktail sauce.

If you’re a cheese lover like me, then there are two items that will spark your interest. The Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad combines shaved onions, Thai basil, gremolata, and a delicious citrus vinaigrette into a can’t-miss dish, while the Charcuterie Board features the Chef’s selection of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments.

For the more adventurous eaters, the Escargot is accompanied by roasted garlic béchamel and crispy prosciutto and the Roasted Bone Marrow is composed of braised beef, pickled mustard seeds, and a fig bread crostini. How delicious do these all sound? And we haven’t even gotten to the main course yet!

The entrée menu is packed with flavorful delights with a variety of options for everyone to enjoy. Let’s start with some new ones for the land lovers out there. The classic Filet Mignon is paired with glazed carrots, potato pave, horseradish cream, and a tasty peppercorn sauce to finish it off. The Lamb Shank is accompanied with summer vegetables, harissa vinaigrette, and nasturtium chermoula.

Free-Range Chicken and Dumplings at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Do you love chicken? What about dumplings? How about them together? If that sounds good. then the new Free-Range Chicken and Dumplings is the dish for you. It brings together these two classics with a lemon-ricotta Gnudi, shishito cream, and a gooseberry jus. If you like pork, the recently added Grilled Pork is right up your alley with a mouthwatering lavender-sage polenta and local corn salsa, complete with a huckleberry barbecue sauce. Now that’s a dish!

The seafood aficionados have a couple options to choose from as well – the new Sustainable Fish and the Seafood Cioppino. The Sustainable Fish with white bean ragout, derby summer vegetables, and roasted tomato emulsion is a lovely addition to the menu while the Seafood Cioppino brings together favorites from the sea with shrimp, sea scallops, seasonal fish, mussels, a toasted baguette, and aromatic tomato broth – yum!

Shepherd’s Pie at The Hollywood Brown Derby

Last, but certainly not least for the new items, we have The Hollywood Brown Derby’s latest rendition of a classic comfort food dish – Shepherd’s Pie. This option combines roasted garlic mashed potatoes, mushrooms, peas, corn, and carrot Romesco into a plate that will warm your soul and ignite your taste buds. Did I mention this one is plant-based?

For those repeat diners, don’t you worry, because some fan-favorites are still here to stay for both lunch and dinner. The Famous Cobb Saladis a classic, and for good reason. This famous dish is made up of spit-roasted turkey, bacon, egg, tomatoes, blue cheese, avocado, and a classic dressing. If you want to enhance this dish even more, you can add chicken or shrimp.

The sweet tooths out there will be pleased to know that the sweet staple, the Grapefruit Cake, isn’t going anywhere. This Brown Derby original combines a moist vanilla sponge cake, grapefruit syrup, and cream cheese icing into a dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

We don’t know about you, but our mouth is watering just thinking about all these new items. We can’t wait to drop on into The Hollywood Brown Derby this summer to try our fair share of these eats.

New Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya Opening at EPCOT This Summer

Restaurant Reviews By Courtney Harris May 9, 2023 No Comments

Foodies know that one of the best places to explore a variety of global cuisines is at EPCOT, which will soon be home to a new location at the Japan pavilion – Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. This table-service restaurant will offer a festive dining experience in a sharable Izakaya-style for you to create memories and good times through flavors.

Here, you’ll be able to experience the essence of Japan’s seasonal festivals, where each month brings a new celebration to your table. From hanging tanzaku to celebrate Tanabata in July to savoring moon-viewing dumplings in September, a cultural representative from Japan will guide you through each unique festival experience, one bite at a time. The atmosphere also embraces the festivals of Japan, with the atmosphere featuring beautiful, hand painted artwork and lanterns highlighting some of the natural wonders that Japan offers as well. Each and every visit is designed to create unforgettable memories that capture the spirit of Japan’s vibrant seasonal festivities.

In addition to a full menu filled with mouthwatering Japanese delights like sushi and teppan items, there will be an open sushi bar and grill. Located on the second floor of the Japan pavilion, Shiki-Sai offers stunning views of EPCOT, the World Showcase Lagoon, and, of course, fireworks!

Sushi lovers will marvel at the first-hand look at sushi being made right before their eyes by the chefs when sitting at the sushi bar. This unique spot provides a can’t-miss dining experience along with a magnificent trellis inspired by the roof of the Phoenix Hall in Kyoto that will mesmerize your eyes while the food captivates your taste buds.

Speaking of taste buds, let’s take a look at some of the dishes that will be served up at Shiki-Sai.

Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya at EPCOT - food

If you fancy yourself a sushi aficionado or you’re looking to expand your palate to a new bite, this menu has no shortage of delicious bites for you to try. Some highlights from the sushi bar include the Kobore Sushi, Tokyo Negi Roll, Funamori, and The Monster Roll.

Kobore Sushi translates to “overflowing sushi” and this item is “overflowing” with flavors. It features negi toro and nakaochi tuna elegantly paired with salmon roe and green onion. The Tokyo Negi Roll combines green onion tempura rolled with tuna tataki and topped with jalapeno aïoli, shredded carrot, and sliced jalapeno for a delightful roll that you simply need to try.

The Funamori features sashimi and sushi arranged on a boat-shaped platter. This iteration of Funamori is even served with the festive pomp and the boat procession of the famous Tenjin Matsuri!

You’ll also be able to sample dishes from the delicious world of Japanese Izakaya, a type of casual pub-style restaurant. One of the main highlights of Izakaya culture is the emphasis on sharing plates of food while enjoying drinks and conversation with friends. The menu at an Izakaya typically features a wide range of small dishes, and here is no different. From savory Karaage Chicken to succulent Salmon Misoyaki, even a refreshing Tomato Salad with Avocado, Izakaya cuisine is all about offering a variety of delicious small plates that can be indulged in a social and relaxed atmosphere.

Not only can you get dishes from the sushi bar, but the grill will also be serving up delicious options commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Among the grilled items to enjoy, Okonomiyaki is a highlight. This Japanese savory pancake is made with a batter of flour, eggs, and water, and then filled with shredded cabbage and bacon, and topped with tangy okonomiyaki sauce, mayonnaise, aonori, bonito flakes, and pickled ginger.

Welcome to EPCOT, Shiki-Sai: Sushi Izakaya. I hope you’re as excited as I am for this new location to open its doors this summer!

As you can see, the tasty adventures to be had are truly endless at Disney Parks.

MouseDining Community Review: California Grill

General, Restaurant Reviews By Alison Haselden April 5, 2023 No Comments

Ever wondered if Disney’s California Grill is actually worth the hype? Real life MouseDining user, Ashley recently used MouseDining to score a prime time dining reservation to enjoy the special 50th Anniversary 3-course tasting menu and fireworks show with a friend. And lucky for you, she gave us a play-by-play of her experience!

Here’s what Ashley of Pixie & Magic had to say about her experience dining at Disney’s California Grill restaurant:

“Now my experience at California Grill was absolutely amazing! For this being my first time it definitely gave me a good impression! The service from the Cast Members were exceptional! Our waiter, Walter, was so much fun and helped us picked some yummy dishes! Right now they have a 3-Course Meal to celebrate the 50th Celebration! From the drinks to the main course and ending with dessert everything was to perfection! And it didn’t hurt that you saw Space Mountain (my fave) and Cinderella’s Castle as your view.”

Ashley ordered the Rainbow Roll (Tuna, Salmon, Hamachi, Avocado, Mango, Pickled Watermelon Radish) for her California Grill appetizer:

For her main course, she ordered the Cast Iron-grilled Pork Tenderloin (Goat Cheese Polenta, Forest Mushrooms, Lacquered Pork Belly, Root Spinach, Corn, Zinfandel Glaze):

For dessert, she enjoyed the California Grill’s Meyer Lemon Chiffon Cake (Chevre Whip, Meringue, Blueberry Foam, Blueberry Gel):

Here’s a quick rundown of the California Grill restaurant highlights:

This restaurant is located in Walt Disney World at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
On the 15th floor of the hotel, guests enjoy a view of the Seven Seas Lagoon and Magic Kingdom park while they dine. This dining experience is known as one of the best for catching the Magic Kingdom fireworks display.
Only dinner reservations are available at California Grill.
The dress code for the California Grill restaurant is described by Disney as, “Sophisticated and upscale aesthetic. Clothing should be clean, neat and in good condition. Please no swimwear.”
The 3-Course Tasting Menu at California Grill is $89 for adults and $39 for children.

Ashley said that using MouseDining has transformed her Disney planning experience into a more peaceful one.

She said, “I was finally able to mark California Grill off of my Disney Dining Bucket List all thanks to my beautiful friends over at MouseDining. They are an online service that set alerts for when when certain dining, tours, special events are available for the time & date that you want! Especially for the rare places we want to try; once it’s available MouseDining will send you that alert immediately and you’ll be able to book. No need to pound the app (which I used to do in the past a lot). Now this has me covered & I can book in peace.”

Want to plan your very own California Grill dinner date night? Try MouseDining today.

Paddlefish Blackened Catfish Sandwich with a Surprise

General, Restaurant Reviews By Jon Self January 31, 2023 Tags: blackened catfish sandwich, catfish, cheesecake, crab topped fries, Disney dining, Disney Springs, lunch, paddlefish, seafood, walt disney world No Comments

Poor Paddlefish, you get overlooked so often. How can this happen? Your restaurant looks like a huge boat. This restaurant located in The Landing at Disney Springs often plays second fiddle to The Boathouse when it comes to seafood at Disney Springs. As Walt Disney World’s own website says, “Turn lunch or dinner into a unique occasion! Board an iconic steamboat anchored on Lake Buena Vista to feast on sensational seafood and savory steaks.” Despite that description, Paddlefish restaurant ranks slightly below average in terms of Disney Springs restaurants searched for. Yes, the competition will always be tough with 21 table-service dining options in Disney Springs currently. Still, this place offers some good options for your dining dollars. For example, during my October 2022 trip, I ordered the “Blackened Catfish Sandwich” at Paddlefish.

The catfish sandwich entree costs $18. This sandwich can only be bought during lunch hours here though. The standard lunch hours are from noon to 4 pm each day, The sandwich comes with a large portion of fries. The components of this sandwich qualify as simple. On a brioche bun, you receive lettuce, tomato, onion, and some remoulade sauce on top of the catfish.

As someone who grew up in Arkansas, I have enjoyed many catfish meals in my life. The catfish for this sandwich came well prepared. This type of fish blackens nicely. I found the seasoning to be solid. Yet, I would have preferred more seasoning of the catfish itself. The catfish offered a flaky texture without too much batter. The flavor overall of the catfish matches what one would expect at a table service restaurant.

The bun offered some additional positive flavor. However, this sandwich struggled to hold together. In addition, I failed to really taste the remoulade sauce included with this sandwich. After having the “Crab Topped Fries” as an appetizer, this condiment functioned in an understated way compared to the sauce with the appetizer. Maybe it is just me, but I expected remoulade sauce to announce its presence with authority.

As mentioned, the side of the fries provides plenty. The fries brought the right amount of crispiness. I found they lacked enough seasoning though. They also lowered in quality noticeably as you got near the bottom of the container.

Overall, I found this sandwich a reasonable lunch entrée at Disney Springs. I would order this again. Yet, I enjoy catfish. If you are not a catfish fan, then this might not appeal to you. However, if looking for a lighter style lunch, you should consider this sandwich.

However, my meal came with a special surprise. With some expected chicanery by my dining companion on the day, Tom from Vacationeers Podcast, our server, Sandra, brought me one of their New York-style cheesecakes. Tom qualifies as a large fan of cheesecake so we both enjoyed this dessert. This simple, but well-made, cheesecake comes with some whipped cream and fruit. The fruit tastes great. Of course, fruit just tastes better in Florida compared to many other places. We found this cheesecake to be a good dessert. The Paddlefish menu says it costs $10 coming with farm-fresh strawberry compote. Well, we got strawberries but also two lonely blackberries also. If dining here, this dessert deserves consideration for the completion of your meal.

I have another cautionary tale about Walt Disney World’s technology and website. The Disney website lists this dessert as $9. I confirmed with the staff that the cheesecake has cost $10 for some time. As always, when possible, search the official restaurant website when planning a visit to Disney Springs for accurate information on menu items and prices.

If looking to visit here, I suggest making a reservation here. Of course, MouseDining’s service helps with that. Whatever you decide, enjoy your vacation. As always eat like you mean it!

Rainforest Cafe Disney Springs Dining Review: Trying to Find a Good Sandwich

General, Restaurant Reviews By Jon Self January 20, 2023 Tags: animatronics, Blue Mountain Chicken Sandwich, Disney dining, Disney Springs, Landry's Select Club, Rainforest Cafe, reservations, walt disney world, zesty sauce No Comments

One of the most straightforward patterns in the theme park dining reviews involves mocking the chain-type restaurants on theme park property. You can rant about why anyone would eat at that place when you can find those restaurants in other locations away from the theme park resort. After you do that, then you rant again about the low quality of food offered at many of these highly themed chain restaurants. For example, those valid criticisms apply when writing a review about Rainforest Cafe. Since the main reason to visit Rainforest Cafe revolves around kids loving animatronics, the food often takes second place (and sometimes third place). What should you order here if you want something decent instead of overpriced (even for Disney Springs) food? Visitors have tried to solve this mystery for so long. Yet, I decided to give it a try also.

Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs consistently falls in the top five most searched-for advanced dining reservations in Disney Springs. Despite the weaknesses of this place, reservations can be tough to acquire. I used MouseDining, of course. I received an alert about two weeks before my latest trip to Orlando. Some reservation drama with Rainforest Cafe involves this being a Landry’s restaurant. The Landry’s restaurant group holds back reservations for their club members and holds walk-up spots for them. If you really need a reservation here, you should consider joining Landry’s Select Club.

However, the food quality rarely earns high marks if you obtain a reservation. People become frustrated before eating when you add in the awkward check-in process, even with a reservation. For example, with my 11:00 reservation, I waited in a queue from 10:50 am until 11:13 am just to move to another line to wait five more minutes to be seated. This pattern is typical here. We even have circumstantial evidence during my visit that they knew to expect a food blogger, which still happened.

Eventually, I reached my table. I wanted to try out one of their sandwiches for this dining review. The sandwich choices led me to the “Blue Mountain Chicken Sandwich.” Before I could order that, my server started aggressively pushing the alcoholic beverages before noon. I know a few weeks of theme park research during the daytime hours and typing all night can be challenging, but maybe he thought I needed a drink. Once we moved passed that awkwardness, I ordered the sandwich. This sandwich cost $21.99. This sandwich consists of lemon grilled chicken, bacon, Swiss cheese, roasted red peppers, lettuce, and Rainforest Cafe’s Zesty Safari Sauce. Like most entrees, this comes with fries.

You are not alone if you find that price point a bit high for a table service sandwich. This place often gives guests sticker shock. The price point indicates that most guests expect a higher quality of food. Yet, Rainforest Café tends to produce food at Applebee’s or Chili’s level for far more money. For the record, I enjoy chain bar & grill places but would not expect to pay $21 for a sandwich and fries there.

While I waited for my lunch, I gazed at the animatronics nearby. The fact that a simulated tropical storm happens within this restaurant every so often is noticed by me. The real tropical storm, of a different sort, Nicole approached Florida on the day I had this lunch.

When my lunch arrived, the presentation lacked any natural flair. I tried one of the fries first. They tasted better than average Walt Disney World fries to their credit, so I found a positive there. The first few bites of the sandwich offered a better-than-expected flavor. The chicken itself faces being overwhelmed a bit, however. As I continued to eat this sandwich, I discovered that the flavor mainly came from the pepper jack cheese and peppers. When I tasted the chicken, I found it lacked an upbeat flavor. This may be why my server brought some yellow mustard.

Since adding mustard seemed odd with the zesty sauce already on the sandwich, I had to see if mustard helped. I cut off a sandwich section and then placed mustard on it. I found the mustard to be a neutral factor. Still, I spilled some mustard on my favorite generic Marvel shirt when visiting theme parks in the Orlando area. Since I sometimes do not know which major theme park resort, I will be visiting when packing my clothes, I prioritize Marvel clothing since it is appropriate at both major Orlando area theme park resorts. It says something about my weaknesses, but I despise seeing Disney shirts at Universal and Universal shirts at Disney. Yes, that counts as a “me” issue but back to the sandwich.

In evaluating the rest of the sandwich while sitting with mustard on my shirt, the bread worked well as a palate for this sandwich. The quality of bacon ranks as average to below average. When I consumed the second half of my sandwich, I found it lacked as much cheese and peppers as the other half, so the quality dropped dramatically.

My initial reaction to this sandwich would be to declare it a decent lunch option. Yes, even in Disney Springs, the price point exceeds a reasonable level by at least a few dollars. However, this could work for you if you want a chicken sandwich with flavor but not an overwhelming amount of spice. Yet, be prepared for inconsistent levels of flavors with this sandwich. However, when you can order the new Britton’s Chicken Salad Sandwich at Chef Art Smith’s Homecoming for less money, this sandwich should be a low priority for most guests.

One last thing, the interior of Rainforest Cafe will be dark to allow special effects to be maximized. When you leave, be prepared for the bright Florida sun. For the record, I forgot about this. Please learn from my mistakes. As always, eat like you mean it!

1 2 3 … 8