Foodie Guide to EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival 2023

Foodie Guide By February 23, 2023 No Comments

Springtime is in the air, and you know what that means – the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is just around the corner. From March 1 to July 5, 2023, EPCOT will be transformed with flavors, flowers, and fun!

This year, over 15 Outdoor Kitchens are abloom with the freshest flavors and ingredients that are sure to be bursting with flavor. With returning favorites like the Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake from The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board or the Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib at Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE and nearly 50 – yes, 50 – new dishes about to blossom for the first time like the Muffuletta Panini from Magnolia Terrace and the Citrus Baked Brie from The Citrus Blossom, you’ll definitely want to try everything. If you can buzz back multiple times, ‘bee’ sure to check out EPCOT Farmers Feast, which has a seasonal menu that changes as the festival progresses! No two visits are the same as you enjoy the nostalgia of your favorite dishes or discover new treats and eats.

Don’t forget to grab a festival passport to indulge in the returning Garden Graze food stroll featuring 11 tasty treats from various Outdoor Kitchens. Simply get a stamp on your passport after your purchase and once you collect five, you can receive your exclusive treat from the Pineapple Promenade.

limited-edition Citrus-infused Cupcake Orange Bird with Honey Disney Munchling

Calling all Orange Bird lovers! This year Disney Munchlings have joined the festival with the limited-edition Citrus-infused Cupcake Orange Bird with Honey Disney Munchling! This adorable plush will be coming soon to EPCOT during the festival and on shopDisney.

You’ve had you wait long enough. We’re happy to share with you the delicious Foodie Guide for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival!

EPCOT Farmers Feast (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

Early Bloom Menu (Available March 1 through April 8)

  • Chilled Potato and Leek Soup “Vichyssoise” with bacon lardons, potato croutons, chive oil, and crispy leeks (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Char-grilled Bison Ribeye with creamy leek fondue, red wine butter sauce, and whipped red wine goat cheese
  • Spice Cake with cream cheese icing and candied pecans and parsnip (New)
  • Hibiscus Lemonade Cocktail featuring Islamorada Brewery & Distillery Hibiscus Gin
Grilled Swordfish and Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake

Springtime Menu (Available April 9 through May 20)

  • Grilled Vegetable Bruschetta with marinated peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze on grilled ciabatta
  • Grilled Swordfish with crushed fingerling potatoes, pea and mint purée, grilled asparagus, and lemon beurre Blanc (New)
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-down Cake with crème fraîche whipped cream
Tomato and Red Onion Panzanella and Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée

Summer Solstice Menu (Available May 20 through July 5)

  • Tomato and Red Onion Panzanella with avocado, burrata cheese, and fresh basil
  • Barbecued Seared Pork Tenderloin with summer succotash, herb butter, and grapefruit vinaigrette (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Sweet Corn Crème Brûlée with corn biscotti (New)

Beverages (Available throughout entire festival):

  • Collective Arts Brewing Blueberry & Elderberry Sparkling Hard Tea (New)
  • Ghost Mary: Translucent Bloody Mary with Boyd & Blair Cucumber Vodka, tomato water, horseradish, celery salt, and a hint of pepper (New)
Avocado Toast, Shrimp and Grits, Lox Benedict and Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites

BRUNCHCOT (Near Test Track presented by Chevrolet)

Food Items:

  • Avocado Toast with marinated toybox tomatoes on toasted ciabatta (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Shrimp and Grits: Blackened shrimp and cheddar cheese grits with brown gravy and sweet corn salsa
  • Lox Benedict on Everything Focaccia with everything-spiced cream cheese, shallots, crispy capers, and hollandaise (New)
  • Fried Cinnamon Roll Bites with cream cheese frosting and candied bacon

Beverages:

  • Froot Loops Shake (Non-alcoholic)
  • Peach Bellini (New)
  • Joffrey’s Coffee Cold Brew Cocktail with milk, Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur, and vanilla vodka
Orange Sesame Tempure Shrimp,Citrus Baked Brie, Lemon Meringue Pie, Orange Bird Sipper Cup

The Citrus Blossom (The Odyssey)

Food Items:

  • Orange Sesame Tempura Shrimp with orange chile sauce (New)
  • Citrus Baked Brie with preserved lemon marmalade, limoncello-macerated blueberries, and spiced marcona almonds (New)
  • Lemon Meringue Pie: Lemon curd, lemon mousse, and toasted meringue (New)

Beverages:

  • Orange-Lemon Smoothie in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup (Non-alcoholic)
  • UFO Beer Co. Citrus Hazy Wheat Beer
  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Citrus Honey Cream Ale
  • Parish Brewing Co. Drive Thru: Orange Octane Imperial Sour
  • Bella Strada Spritz (New)
  • Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy
  • Beer Flight

Novelty:

  • Orange Bird Bundle featuring “The Orange Bird” Little Golden Book and souvenir Orange Bird Sipper Cup
Grilled Street Corn on the Cob, Blackened Fish Slider, Watermelon Salad, Florida Strawberry Shortcake

Florida Fresh (Near Disney Traders)

Food Items:

  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and spicy corn chips (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with savory garlic spread and plant-based cotija cheese (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Blackened Fish Slider with roasted tomatoes, watercress, and citrus remoulade on brioche (New)
  • Watermelon Salad with blueberries, pickled red onions, balsamic, and feta
  • Florida Strawberry Shortcake (New)

Beverages:

  • Cucumber Watermelon Slushy (Non-alcoholic)
  • Cucumber Watermelon Slushy with gin

Refreshment Outpost

Food Items:

  • Pineapple Skewer with Tajin seasoning (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Tangerine Soft-serve
  • Ice Cream Float: Tangerine soft-serve and cream soda

Beverages:

  • Lavender Martini: Boyd & Blair Potato Vodka with Lavender and Lemon
  • Lexington Brewing Tangerine Cream Ale
  • Blake’s Hard Cider Co. Grand Cherry Hard Cider (New)
  • Southern Tier Brewing Co. Juice Jolt IPA (New)
Toasted Pretzel Bread, Cheese Strudel

BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Germany)

Food Items:

  • Potato Pancakes with house-made apple sauce (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Potato Pancake with caramelized ham, onions, and herb sour cream (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with black forest ham and melted gruyère cheese
  • Warm Cheese Strudel with mixed berries

Beverages:

  • Bitburger Premium Pils
  • Stiegl Brewery Radler Raspberry
  • Flensburger Dunkel
  • Apfelschaumwein: Sparkling wine and apple liqueur
  • Beer Flight
Muffuletta Panini, Spicy Chicken Gumbo, Crawfish Pie, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding

Magnolia Terrace (The American Adventure)

Food Items:

  • Muffuletta Panini with ham, salami, mortadella, provolone, and Swiss with olive salad (New)
  • Spicy Chicken Gumbo with Andouille sausage and BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain & Wild Rice
  • Crawfish Pie (New)
  • Bananas Foster Bread Pudding (New)

Beverages:

  • Bayou Cocktail: Bayou Spiced Rum, coconut rum, fruit punch, and orange juice
  • Central 28 Beer Co. Pretty Things Ale (New)
  • Wicked Weed Brewing Day Light American Light Ale
  • Parish Brewing Co. Ghost in the Machine Double IPA
  • Beer Flight
Hummus Trio, Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake

Tangierine Café: Flavors of the Medina (Morocco)

Food Items:

  • Hummus Trio: Traditional hummus, red beet and black garlic hummus, and avocado-herb hummus with Moroccan bread and crispy papadam (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Orange Blossom-Saffron Cake (New)

Beverages:

  • Pomegranate Mimosa
  • Keel Farms Strawberry Elderflower Hard Cider
  • Bold Rock Tangerine Hard Cider
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Pomegranate Hard Cider
  • Cider Flight
Braised Oxtail, Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer

La Isla Fresca (Between Morocco and France)

Food Items:

  • Braised Oxtail with pigeon pea rice (New)
  • Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with BEN’S ORIGINAL Long Grain White Rice, mango salsa, and coconut-lime sauce
  • Coconut Tres Leches: Vanilla cake soaked in oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk with toasted coconut (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

  • Tropical Breeze: Minute Maid Lemonade, grapefruit, and simple syrup (Non-alcoholic)
  • Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Tropical Perception White Sangria
  • Tropical Breeze with Don Q Límon Rum
Seared Scallops, Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake

Northern Bloom (Canada)

Food Items:

  • Seared Scallops with French green beans, butter potatoes, brown butter vinaigrette, and Nueske’s Applewood-smoked Bacon (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly)
  • Beef Tenderloin Tips, mushroom bordelaise sauce, and whipped potatoes with garden vegetables
  • Chocolate Maple Whisky Cake (New)

Beverages:

  • Maple Popcorn Shake (Non-alcoholic)
  • Collective Arts Brewing Honey Lager
  • Glutenberg Blonde Ale, Montreal
  • 81Bay Brewing Co. Apricot with Maple Syrup
  • Maple Popcorn Shake with Tap 357 Maple Rye Whisky
  • Beer Flight

Refreshment Port (Near Canada)

Food Items:

  • Shrimp Scampi Poutine with cheese curds, lemon-garlic cheese fondue, spinach, and artichokes (New)
  • Soft-serve Waffle Cone: Peanut butter, jelly, or swirl

Beverages:

  • Mighty Swell Purple Magic Spiked Seltzer (New)
  • Villa Maria Earth Garden Sauvignon Blanc (New)
  • Frozen Mojito with Boyd & Blair Rum (New)
Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib, Chocolate Cake

Trowel & Trellis Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Boneless IMPOSSIBLE Korean Short Rib with cilantro-lime rice, Danmuji slaw, and kimchee mayonnaise (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • IMPOSSIBLE Lumpia with Thai sweet chili sauce (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)
  • Chocolate Cake with black currant ganache, mixed berry compote, and chocolate ice cream (New) (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Beverages:

  • Twinings Iced Green Tea with Cranberry and Lime (Non-alcoholic)
  • Parish Brewing Co. Bloom Hazy IPA
  • J. Lohr Wildflower Valdiguié
  • Twinings Iced Green Tea with cranberry and lime with Hangar 1 Makrut Vodka served in a mason jar
Chicken and Waffles, Pollinator Flatbread

The Honey Bee-stro Hosted by National Honey Board (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Chicken and Waffles: Crispy honey-brined chicken and honey sweet cornbread waffle with whipped honey butter and spicy honey (New)
  • Pollinator Flatbread with honey-whipped mascarpone, honey caramelized onions, blueberry gastrique, prosciutto, honey-whipped goat cheese, arugula, honey vinaigrette, and bee pollen (New)
  • Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with honey whipped cream, whipped honey, crystalized honey, honeycomb, dehydrated honey, and fennel pollen meringue kisses

Beverages:

  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with streusel (Non-alcoholic)
  • B. Nektar New Wave Lemonade Mead
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine
  • Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with blueberry vodka and streusel
Spicy Hot Dog, DOLE Whip, Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade, DOLE Whip with Fanta

Pineapple Promenade (Near Port of Entry)

Food Items:

  • Spicy Hot Dog with pineapple chutney and plantain chips
  • DOLE Whip (Plant-based)

Beverages:

  • Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (Non-alcoholic)
  • DOLE Whip with Fanta (Non-alcoholic)
  • 3 Daughters Brewing Tropical Hefe
  • BrewDog Hazy Jane IPA
  • Urban Artifact Teak Tropical American Fruit Tart
  • Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale
  • Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine
  • DOLE Whip topped with Sōmrus Mango Cream Liqueur
  • Pineapple Beer Flight

The Land Cart hosted by AdventHealth

Food Items:

  • Fruit and Cheese Plate: Grapes, strawberries, cheddar, and Mini Babybel Snack Cheese
  • Vegetable Plate: Broccoli, carrot sticks, and tomatoes with dip (Plant-based)
  • Pretzels with Hummus Dip (Plant-based)
  • Cookies ‘n “Cream” Chocolate Mousse Cup (Plant-based) (Garden Graze)

Sunshine Seasons

Beverage:

  • Strawberry-mango Slushy (Non-alcoholic)

Connections Café & Eatery

Food Item:

  • Orange Bird Liege Waffle (New)

Beverage:

  • Flower Drop Cocktail: St. Germaine Elderflower Liqueur, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, and Minute Maid Premium Lemonade (New) 

Jardin de Fiestas (Mexico)

Food Items:

  • Quesadilla de Flor de Calabaza: House-made masa tortillas with squash blossoms, bacon, onion, zucchini, and cheese (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) 
  • Taco Vampiro: Barbacoa Beef in a Corn Tortilla with crispy grilled monterey jack cheese, salsa ranchera, and esquites (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) 

Beverages:

  • Mala Hierba Margarita: Centinela Tequila Reposado, elderflower-chamomile tea, Abasolo Corn Whiskey, and UNA Flower-infused Vodka with a chile salt rim (New)
  • Cristal Margarita: 100% Agave Tequila Blanco, Ilegal Mezcal Joven, clarified lemon juice, and orange liqueur in a souvenir cup (New)
  • Craft Mexican Lager
Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer, Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Lotus House (China)

Food Items:

  • Spicy Mala Chicken Skewer with creamy peanut sauce
  • House-made Cheesy Crab Wontons
  • Pan-fried Vegetable Dumplings

Beverages:

  • Classic Bubble Milk Tea (Non-alcoholic)
  • Cherry Blossom Pilsner Draft Beer
  • Kung Fu Master: Tito’s Vodka, Triple Sec, mango, orange juice, and soda water
  • Tang Dynasty: Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila Gold, light rum, strawberry, piña colada mix, soda water, and white boba pearls
  • Tropical Moon: Smirnoff Vodka, Triple Sec, passion fruit, soda water and white boba pearls (New)
Tortelloni Primavera, Budino alle Nocciole

Primavera Kitchen (Italy)

Food Items:

  • Caesar con Gamberett: Baby gem lettuce, shrimp, Caesar dressing, and crispy bread crumble (New)
  • Tortelloni Primavera: Spinach tortelloni, sweet butter, pancetta, corn, peas, and fava beans (New)
  • Budino alle Nocciole: Chocolate-hazelnut pudding with cookie crumble (New)

Beverages:

  • Peroni Pilsner
  • Prosecco
  • Moscato
  • Italian Sangria red or white
  • Italian Margarita with limoncello and tequila
Frushi, Creamy Shrimp Udon

Hanami (Japan)

Food Items:

  • Frushi: Strawberry, pineapple, and lychee wrapped in sweet rice and pink soy wrap served with whipped cream, drizzled raspberry sauce, and toasted coconut
  • Hanami Sushi: Assorted Nigiri sushi with lemon-cured salmon, soy-marinated tuna, and cured mackerel (New) 
  • Creamy Shrimp Udon: Udon soup with shrimp and spring vegetables (New) 

Beverages:

  • Sakura Cherry Blossom Pilsner (New) 
  • Hakushika Hana Kohaku Plum Sake: Junmai Ginjo blended with Japanese plum (New) 
  • Nigori Dragon Fruit Sake Cocktail (New) 
Croissant au Fromage, Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Tarte Chocolat Mogador, Beignet Caramélisé

Fleur de Lys (France)

Food Items:

  • Croissant au Fromage de Chèvre, Herbes et Ail Rôtie: Croissant with goat cheese, herbs, and roasted garlic
  • Daube de Boeuf à la Provençal, Compote de Tomate au Romarin Gnocchi à la Niçoise: Provençal-style braised beef, rosemary tomato, and niçoise gnocchi (New)
  • Tarte Chocolat Mogador: Chocolate tart with Valrhona single origin chocolate brownie, walnuts, and raspberry coulis served warm (New)
  • Beignet Caramélisé, Fourré Crème Vanille, Glacé au Caramel Fleur de Sel: Caramelized beignet filled with vanilla cream and glazed with caramel fleur de sel

Beverages:

  • Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 Draft Beer
  • VeRy Raspberry: Rosé wine with natural raspberry flavor
  • Kir àla Poire: French sparkling wine with Monin desert pear (New)
  • La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Grey Goose L’Orange Vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, and white and red cranberry juices

Funnel Cake

  • Banana Split Funnel Cake: Funnel Cake topped with Banana-Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Diced Strawberries, and a Maraschino Cherry drizzled with Chocolate Syrup (New)

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company

World Discovery (Near Mission: SPACE) – Exotic Lemon Tea: A refreshing mix of Frozen Lemon and Iced Tea featuring Exotic Berry notes (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)

Near Canada – MelonadeA tangy blend of Frozen Lemon with a burst of watermelon (Spirited option available featuring Grey Goose Vodka) (New)

World Showcase (Near Disney Traders) – Orange Cream Cold Brew: A smooth blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of orange and vanilla topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and coconut shavings (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)

The American Adventure – Key Lime Cold Brew: A zesty blend of French Roast Cold Brew with flavors of Key lime and white chocolate topped with a splash of cream, whipped cream, and graham cracker crumbs (Spirited option available featuring Kahlúa Rum and Coffee Liqueur) (New)

There you have it, all the delicious eats and sips coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival this year. To keep up with the latest foodie news, take a peek at our Disney Eats Topics Page and Disney Eats on Instagram.

We look forward to seeing all your tasty adventures throughout the festival and all the other experiences you can have at Disney Parks when you use #DisneyEats!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

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Narcoossee’s to Make Its Grand Return on April 1

News By February 20, 2023 No Comments

Hello there fellow foodies. We’ve got some exciting news to share fresh off the shore of Seven Seas Lagoon. On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will once again welcome guests for culinary delights in its newly reimagined space. This signature dining restaurant with its spectacular panoramic views, is a staple of the resort, with its waterside location, and over the past several months has seen an enhanced interior revamp as well as a refreshed menu crafted by Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer in a perfect balance of updated classics and new epicurean delights.

Artisan Boule of Sourdough from Narcoossee’s

The new space incorporates the concept of “land and sea” and that’s exactly what the culinary teams drew inspiration from when developing the new menu. Upon sitting down for your meal, you’ll be greeted with a recipe created by Chef Kristine specially for this location – an Artisan Boule of Sourdough made with a perfectly toasty crust and baked daily in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery.

As you enter your first course, you’ll continue to be met with masterfully crafted dishes. For years, the Bisque has been a mainstay on the menu, so flavor connoisseurs will be thrilled to see it return, but now with an enhanced tableside presentation. The culinary team has also created two new starters. First up, the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni accompanied by luscious brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultana raisins.

Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board from Narcoossee’s

Next, the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board is a fresh take on a classic featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. This plate is a true collaboration, with each component representing the style of a different chef on the Narcoossee’s team.

Blackened Redfish from Narcoossee’s

Moving on to the main course of your dining experience, the team has sourced sustainable seafood from both local waters and around the globe, including Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish. This meal is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. What makes this fish a standout is the secret blend of blackened spice which has been passed down from chef to chef of the location, with each culinary mastermind finding their own unique way to feature it on the menu.

Roasted Vegetable Paella and Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop from Narcoossee’s

Plant-based diners will be delighted with the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Those looking for land-based fare will savor the new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.

Of course, chef has kept Narcoossee’s guest favorites like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail on the menu for new and returning guests to indulge in.

Almond-crusted Cheesecake, Berry Pavlova, Pineapple Bavarois, and drinks from Narcoossee’s

The dessert course also features a favorite that has garnered near legendary status over the years amongst diners of Narcoossee’s – Chef Kristine’s incredible Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream.

When developing the new additions to the dessert menu, the pastry team was inspired by bright flavors that really complement the overall experience. The Berry Pavlova, for instance, is artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. The Pineapple Bavarois is truly a work of art with a roasted-pineapple center and house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. These dishes make for a perfect and sweet finish to a memorable evening.

This waterfront hideaway is the ideal spot to wind down with a fabulous cocktail or zero-proof beverage. The wine list has been refreshed to reflect a diverse portfolio of varietals, with Proprietor Matt Cristi and the sommeliers on his team available to help you create the perfect pairing for each dish. Our team of mixologists have also thoughtfully curated a new cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. A must-try is the signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.

The reopening of Narcoossee’s comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at the Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. Reservations will open for this grand return on March 1, and we look forward to welcoming you back starting April 1 to this enhanced experience destined to become a new favorite!

Be sure to check out our Disney Eats Topics Page and Disney Eats on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest Narcoossee’s news and all the other foodie announcements coming to Disney Parks.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

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Disney Cast Honor Black History Month Creating Soulful Dishes

News, Special Events By February 9, 2023 No Comments

This February with Celebrate Soulfully, we are commemorating Black History Month with experiences that honor Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more.

Meet Kima and Twon, two Disney Springs culinary cast members who are sharing a piece of their heritage with dishes they have created for this celebration.

Cast Member at Poutine stand

Growing up in Colorado Springs, Kima always looked forward to her family gatherings on Sundays, when Grandma took over the kitchen with the spices of her Jamaican and Puerto Rican roots. Kima’s favorite was the jerk chicken and that’s what inspired her to create the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Frites at The Daily Poutine. Made of sweet ‘n’ hot jerk marinated chicken, pineapple salsa, scotch bonnet aioli and fries, the dish is a nod to her grandma – a tribute to the person that shaped her love for food.

“I started cooking when I was about 5 years old,” remembers Kima. “The first thing I learned how to cook was mac and cheese and collard greens and I’ve been cooking ever since.”

Poutine close up

Food has always been an important part of her life and her culture, and that’s what drove her to pursue a career in the culinary arts.

Being an only child, Kima appreciates her Disney family, who have contributed to her growth over the past 14 years of her Disney career and celebrate her accomplishments. And this is only the beginning for Kima, who has many more goals to conquer here at Disney!

Cast Member at BB Wolf's

As the oldest of 12 siblings growing up in Orlando, Florida, Twon spent a lot of time in the kitchen. With so many siblings, his parents worked, sending Twon to the kitchen at the young age of 10 to cook for his family. One of those family dishes of his youth inspired the Chicken Jambalaya Dog he created for B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

“As I got older, I added my own flair to it, and I found out that it’s a generational thing. My grandmother made it for my mom, then my mom made it for us, and now I’m so excited that guests at Disney Springs get to try a piece of my heritage.” His version of the dish is a combination of smoked sausage, roasted corn and lemon caper aioli served on a Tuscan roll.

Cast Member chef cooking

One of the things Twon enjoys the most about cooking is watching people’s reactions when taking that first bite of a dish he has prepared. And serving his food to guests who visit Disney Springs from around the world, has given him the perfect stage to hone his craft.

“To be honest, Disney refined me in the culinary field. I’ve learned how to be organized, make sure that my flavors are on properly and how to build new flavors. I’ve grown so much with this company, and I feel my skills are at a place I never thought they would be.”

Join us in celebrating cast members like Kima and Twon during Celebrate Soulfully and all year long. If you haven’t tried the Jamaican Jerk Chicken Frites at The Daily Poutine or the Chicken Jambalaya Dog at B.B. Wolf’s, make sure to stop by Disney Springs soon – you won’t regret it!

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Deliciosa comida and More for All to Enjoy at EPCOT International Festival of the Arts

Special Events By February 7, 2023 No Comments

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T is a lot of people’s favorite things to do with mi familia. It is colorful, interactive and has delicious food inspired by Latin flavors.

Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina

Can we tell you how excited we are that the Vibrante & Vívido: Encanto Cocina Food Studio is back? With lively, rich and colorful dishes full of flavors, this is the place to experience different cuisines inspired by South America and the Disney animated film “Encanto.”

Chorizo and potato empanada and Coconut and Passion Fruit Smoothie

Located between Morocco & France, this Food Studio features a chorizo and potato empanada with turmeric and annatto aïoli; a spicy ajiaco soup with guajillo and árbol chili-spiced chicken, potato, avocado, corn and crème fraîche (gluten/wheat-friendly). For dessert, there’s a passion fruit mousse with dragon fruit jam. Yum! In addition, you can find beverages like a coconut and passion fruit smoothie (non-alcoholic), a frozen piña colada and a passion fruit daiquiri.

Carne asada with chipotle-marinated beef sirloin

Another favorite Food Studio is El Artista Hambriento near the Mexico pavilion. It’s a fiesta of flavors and features one of my favorite desserts: coconut flan! You can also enjoy dishes like carne asada with chipotle-marinated beef sirloin, sweet potato purée and crispy-fried onion; huarache de champiñones made with guajillo chile and corn masa huarache with pinto beans, oyster mushrooms, nopales, queso fresco and pea tendrils; and of course, my favorite, the flan de coco with guava sauce and whipped cream.

To drink, you have great options like Cielito Lindo artisanal Mexican craft beer; the Bombon Margarita “Marshmallow” with Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, marshmallow cordial, lime juice, agave nectar and a hint of coffee and elderflower served with a toasted marshmallow; and Las Californias, made with Tromba Blanco tequila, strawberry-lime purée and Las Californias Citrus Mexican Gin.

Besides the culinary arts, the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts also showcases the performing arts. On select dates, you can catch performances by Mexican-American Broadway star Mandy González (“Aida”) and L. Steven Taylor (“The Lion King”) as part of the amazing DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series. In addition, Peruvian harpist Victor Espinola performs at the festival. Check the My Disney Experience app for daily show times.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is included with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. And remember, there’s still time to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary  celebration now through Mar. 31, 2023.  Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news as we continue to share more of what the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts has to offer.

This year’s festival runs now through Feb. 20. For more information, visit ArtfulEPCOT.com.

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Foodie Guide to Lovely Valentine’s Day Delights 2023

Foodie Guide By February 2, 2023 No Comments

Love is in the air – and treats will soon be in your stomachs – because Valentine’s Day is nearly here. The Disney chefs and mixologists are concocting love potions of their own this year with delicious flavors that will awaken your heart and taste buds.

Both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort are about to take you to cloud nine with the sweet and savory sips and eats being served up as Feb. 14 draws near. Embrace the season of love with delights like the wildly adorable Zebra Mousse Cake at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, the can’t-miss Beauty and the Beast Cake at Disney Springs, and, of course, the beautifully delicious Sweetheart Sundae at Disney California Adventure park.

It’s finally time to fall in love with flavor. Grab your loved ones, friends, or simply treat yourself with the Valentine’s Day goodies in this Disney Eats Foodie Guide!

Walt Disney World Resort 
Walt Disney World Resorts 
Available at Various Resorts (Available through Feb. 28; mobile order available) 
  • My (Plant-based) Sweetheart Chocolate cupcake with a love-ly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based Item) (Wheat/ Gluten Friendly); Available at the following:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Be My Valentine Sweet Treat Bag: Sugar cookies with house-made vanilla and raspberry marshmallows (New) 
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 
Boma – Flavors of Africa (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Zebra Domes: The classic Amarula mousse and white chocolate dessert with the addition of a pink stripe
Jiko – The Cooking Place (Available Feb. 13 and 14 only) 
  • Wild About Mousse: Madagascan milk chocolate mousse, pistachio sponge, marinated citrus, and candied almonds (New) 
The Mara (Available Feb. 10 through 14; mobile order available) 
  • Zebra Mousse Cake: Amarula mousse cake inspired by the flavors of the iconic Zebra Domes (New) 
Sanaa (Available Feb. 13 and 14 only)
  • Bananas For Mousse: Banana cake, peanut butter mousse, banana jam, banana cream, candied almonds, and caramel (New) 
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Chocolate cupcake with hazelnut filling, chocolate hazelnut buttercream, white chocolate heart décor, and sprinkles (New) 
Disney’s Beach Club Resort 
Beach Club Marketplace (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Sweets For My Sweet: Layers of cream cheese mousse, strawberry filling, vanilla cake, and a crispy strawberry vanilla base with glaçage and white chocolate décor (New) 
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available through Feb. 28) 
  • Strawberry Minnie Milkshake: Strawberry milkshake with strawberry purée, red sprinkles, and a Minnie Mouse vanilla cupcake (New) 
Disney’s BoardWalk 
BoardWalk Deli (Available through Feb. 14) 
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie: Strawberry cheesecake with chocolate cream and pink crisp pearls on a fudgy brownie (New)
Flying Fish (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Cocoa Breach: Vanilla custard, chocolate bavarois, and feuilletine crunch with a heart-shaped overlay
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
Centertown Market (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Dessert Bites: Mini brownies, white chocolate-dipped strawberry, and raspberry ganache-filled tart with buttercream (New) 
Disney’s Contemporary Resort 
California Grill (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Valrhona Ganache Torte: Whipped vanilla panna cotta, chocolate soil, strawberry gel, raspberry ganache macaron, and a chocolate-covered strawberry (New) 
Contempo Café (Available Feb. 10 through 14; mobile order available) 
  • Chocolate-covered Strawberry Cake: Chocolate cake filled with strawberry jam topped with strawberry buttercream and ganache
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort 
Barcelona Lounge (Available through Feb. 14) 
  • Passion Éclair: Choux pastry filled with a tart passion fruit ganache and topped with swirls of strawberry ganache, crisp white chocolate pearls, and chocolate hearts (New) 
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Guava Cheesecake: Guava and lime cheesecake on a coconut lime crust with strawberry variations and sugared puff pastry hearts (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 
Gasparilla Island Grill (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Almond Cheesecake Heart: Heart-shaped almond cheesecake with chocolate sponge cake enrobed in dark chocolate (New) 
Disney’s Old Key West Resort and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 
Good’s Food to Go and The Artist’s Palette (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Love Letter Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake, strawberry pastry cream, chocolate mousse, and buttercream
Disney’s Riviera Resort 
Le Petit Café (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Valentine’s Day Chocolate Box with a raspberry macaron, hazelnut praline truffles, and Riviera brownie
Topolino’s Terrace (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Cupid’s Plated Dessert: Amaretto mousse, fruits rouge reduction, dark chocolate crumble, and raspberry sorbet (New) 
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 
Kona Island (Available Feb. 9 through 14) 
  • Stitch and Angel Date Night: The ‘perfect pair’ of vanilla cupcakes – one with chocolate and peanut butter mousse filling and the other with peanut butter mousse and jelly filling (New) 
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside 
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Dessert Bites: Mini brownies, white chocolate-dipped strawberry, and raspberry ganache-filled tart with buttercream (New) 
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge 
Roaring Fork (Available Feb. 10 through 14; mobile order available) 
  • Love Bug Marshmallow: Strawberry marshmallow with a ganache center on a graham cracker cookie (New) 
  • Honey Bee Mousse: White chocolate Earl Grey mousse with honey-lemon gelée center on almond cake (New) (Wheat/Gluten Friendly)
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Market at Ale & Compass (Available through Feb. 14; mobile order available) 
  • Sweets For My Sweet: Layers of cream cheese mousse, strawberry filling, vanilla cake, and a crispy strawberry vanilla base with glaçage and white chocolate décor (New) 
Disney Springs 
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Valentine’s Entremet: Champagne strawberry mousse, strawberry pate de fruit, vanilla chiffon, and dark chocolate crunch (New)
  • Beauty and the Beast Cake: Almond chiffon, cherry jam, cream cheese filling, red wine dark chocolate mousse, white chocolate pretzels, and red wine simple syrup (New) 
  • Raspberry Éclair: Raspberry panna cotta, raspberry jam, lemon curd, and raspberry crispies (New) 
  • Amorette’s Heart: Cherry mousse, chocolate biscuit, hibiscus lemonade mousse, and pistachio crunch (New) 
  • Strawberry Cheesecake: New York cheesecake, strawberry crunch, fresh strawberries, and meringue kisses (New) 
  • Little Love Strawberries: Strawberries dipped in ruby chocolate, white chocolate, and strawberry chocolate (New) 
The Ganachery
  • Sparkling Strawberry Square (Available through Feb. 14) 
  • Valentine Marshmallow Pop (Available through Feb. 14)
  • Sweetheart Minnie Mouse Pinata (Available through Feb. 28)
  • Strawberry S’more (New) (Available through Feb. 14)
Sprinkles (Available through Feb. 19) 
  • Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cupcake + Layer Cake: Chocolate chip-studded Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with luscious raspberry frosting
  • Heartthrob Red Velvet: Red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting finished with our exclusive blend from Fancy Sprinkles
  • I Love You Box: Four red velvet, four vanilla, and four raspberry chocolate chip cupcakes
  • XOXO Box: Three dark chocolate, three red velvet, three vanilla, and three raspberry chocolate chip cupcakes
Swirls on the Water (Available through Feb. 28) 
  • Rosa Regale DOLE Whip Float: Rosa Regale Sparkling Red Wine, DOLE Whip strawberry, and a chocolate covered strawberry
  • Valentine’s Day Red Velvet Cone: Chocolate soft-served swirled with DOLE Whip strawberry served in a red velvet cone and topped with a chocolate-covered shortbread cookie (New) 
Vivoli Il Gelato (Available through Feb. 28) 
  • The Love Potion: Float with vanilla gelato, Fanta Strawberry, and whipped cream
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 
Tiffins Restaurant (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Chocolate Raspberry Martini and Flourless Cake Duo: Chocolate and raspberry martini served with a flourless chocolate cake, white chocolate cremeux, and raspberry pearls (New) (Gluten/ Wheat Friendly) 
EPCOT 
Connections Café (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Chocolate Liege Waffle (New) 
Le Cellier (Available Feb. 14 only)
  • Chateaubriand for Two: 16-oz Chateaubriand with crab mac & cheese, grilled
    jumbo asparagus, béarnaise sauce and au poivre sauce
  • Valentine’s Day Dessert: Valrhona dark chocolate mousse, strawberry cake, strawberry gelato, and raspberry meringue
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 
The Hollywood Brown Derby (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Red Velvet White Chocolate Mousse: Red velvet white chocolate mousse atop a chocolate cookie
The Trolley Car Café (Available Feb. 10 through 14)
  • Red Velvet Whoopie Pie: Red velvet cake filled with cream cheese buttercream topped with strawberry buttercream
Disneyland Resort 
Disneyland Park 
Red Rose Taverne (Available through Feb. 28; mobile order available) 
  • Love Stuff: Red shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, cookies and cream mousse, and heart sprinkles
Stage Door Café (Available through Feb. 28; mobile order available)
  • Chocolate-Strawberry Funnel Cake: Funnel cake with chocolate drizzle, brownie crumbles, diced strawberries, and whipped topping (New) 
Outdoor Carts in Frontierland (Available through Feb. 28)
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Pretzel: Strawberry & Graham Cracker-dusted Cream Cheese Pretzel
  • Strawberry Dipping Sauce
  • Strawberry Cookies & Crème Churro: Strawberry and Butter Cookie-dusted Churro with Vanilla Buttercream Drizzle and Strawberry Cookie Topping
Disney California Adventure Park 
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available Feb. 10 through 14; mobile order available) 
  • Sweetheart Sundae: Chocolate and strawberry ice cream topped with strawberry sauce, whipped cream, a chocolate-dipped strawberry, and valentine sprinkles served in a chocolate waffle cup (New)
  • Valentine’s Sprinkles (New) 
Lamplight Lounge and Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • A Toast to Love Flight: Three miniature cocktails featuring a spicy cocktail, a bitter cocktail, and a sweet cocktail
  • The Flame: Bacardi Raspberry Rum, peach schnapps, mango purée, raspberry purée, lime juice, Sprite, and firewater bitters with a chile-lime rim
  • The Ex: Absolut Citron Vodka, spicy bitters, blackberries, lemonade, agave nectar, and lemon juice
  • The Love That Lasts a Lifetime: Bacardi Raspberry Rum, St. George, orgeat, raspberry purée, pineapple juice and Sprite
Trolley Treats (Available through Feb. 16)
  • Oswald Apple: Green Granny Smith apple dipped in chocolate and enrobed in
    dark chocolate with two long cereal treat ears dipped in dark chocolate and
    embellished with white and red chocolate.
Downtown Disney District 
Ballast Point Brewing Co. (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Tres Leches Rose Water Cake: Rose-milk-soaked shortcake topped with candied rose petal (New) 
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (Available Feb. 10 through 14) 
  • Red Velvet Cake Shake: A red velvet cake batter shake with vanilla frosted rim with red and white sprinkles topped with a slice of red velvet cake, whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a cherry
California Churro (Available through Feb. 19) 
  • Chocolate-covered Strawberry Churro: Churro rolled in strawberry sugar, drizzled with chocolate
Catal Restaurant 
  • Valentine’s Day Pre-Fix Menu: Lobster Bisque followed by choice of Jumbo Scallops or Pork Belly Cassoulet as your main entrée and finished off with a sweet choice of Chocolate Mousse Cake or Cheesecake for dessert (New) (Available Feb. 14 only)
  • Scarlett Kiss: Raspberry rum, lemon juice, simple, lemonade, soda water, fresh berries, and a splash of raspberry purée (New) (Available through Feb. 28)
Kayla’s Cake (Available through Feb. 14) 
  • Valentine’s Day Gift Box: Six pre-selected macaron flavors of rose champagne, raspberry chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, red velvet, sea salt caramel, and Belgian dark chocolate
Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available Feb. 11 through 14) 
  • Two Enchanted Centuria Martini: Tequila blanco, chilled espresso, Irish cream, and vanilla syrup topped with an edible flower and served with a special Valentine’s tiramisu dessert to share (New) 
Tortilla Jo’s (Available Feb. 11 through 14)
  • Two Amor-ita Margaritas: Tequila, raspberry liqueur, organic margarita mix, and muddled raspberries served with a raspberry cheesecake to share (New) 
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen 
  • Reef & Beef: Grilled jumbo shrimp and braised short ribs with creamy grits, green tomato chow-chow, and chili garlic butter sauce (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Chocolate Strawberry Martini: Strawberry vodka and chocolate liqueur (Available Feb. 6 through 19)
Sprinkles (Available through Feb. 19) 
  • Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cupcake + Layer Cake: Chocolate chip-studded Belgian dark chocolate cake topped with luscious raspberry frosting
  • Heartthrob Red Velvet: Red velvet cake topped with cream cheese frosting finished with our exclusive blend from Fancy Sprinkles
  • I Love You Box: Four red velvet, four vanilla, and four raspberry chocolate chip cupcakes
  • XOXO Box: Three dark chocolate, three red velvet, three vanilla, and three raspberry chocolate chip cupcakes
Uva Bar & Cafe (Available through Feb. 28) 
  • Scarlett Kiss: Raspberry rum, lemon juice, simple, lemonade, soda water, fresh berries, and a splash of raspberry purée (New)
Wetzel’s Pretzels (Available through Feb. 28) 
  • Choco Churro Bitz and Frozen Horchata Bundle: Cin-A-Bitz drizzled with dulce de leche and Ghirardelli chocolate sauce paired with frozen horchata topped with cinnamon (New) 
Hotels of Disneyland Resort
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
GCH Craftsman Bar (Available through Feb. 26) 
  • California Crush Cocktail: Crown Royal Regal Apple Whiskey, strawberry purée, lemon, and agave served with a mint sprig and strawberry heart garnish
  • Tuxedo Strawberry Cocktail: Bacardi Raspberry Rum, dark crème de cacao, strawberry purée, and half & half served “up” in a chocolate-coated martini glass with strawberry garnish
  • Love’s Lantern Cocktail: Skyy Citrus Vodka, Chambord, and lime garnished with edible flowers and a glow cube
Craftsman Grill (Available through Feb. 21; mobile order available) 
  • Valentine’s Day Donuts
  • Valentine’s Day Cupcake
GCH Holiday Cart (Available through Feb. 26)
  • Heart-shaped Linzer Cookie
  • Mickey-shaped Valentine Cookie
  • Valentine Macarons
  • Assorted Cookie Box
  • Chocolate-dipped Strawberries
  • Valentine Crisped Rice Treat: Dark and white chocolate-dipped crisped rice treat
  • Waffle Shot available with choice of milk, low-fat milk, chocolate milk or strawberry
Hearthstone Lounge (Available Feb. 10 through 20) 
  • Sparkling Fire: Ketel One Vodka, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Champagne, lemon juice, and raspberry gum syrup garnished with a raspberry and a dried rose petal (New) 
Disneyland Hotel 
Coffee House (Available Feb. 10 through 20; mobile order available) 
  • Sablé Heart Cookie with Raspberry Filling
  • Red Velvet Cupcake
  • Iced Raspberry Mocha
  • Raspberry Mocha
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Available Feb. 10 through 20) 
  • Sablé Heart Cookie with Raspberry Filling
  • Red Velvet Cupcake
Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite (SOLD OUT)

If you’re attending one of the sold-out Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite events at Disneyland park, there are special flavors bringing the love too! Both you and your stomach will fall in love with treats like the Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe or the tasty Croque Monsieur Sandwich at Red Rose Taverne. As you make your way throughout the evening, stop by Hungry Bear Restaurant to try the Tres Leches Mini Funnel Cakes. For a sweet end to your evening, treat yourself to the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae available at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor.

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort 
Hong Kong Disneyland 
Outdoor Food Carts (Available Feb 13, 15, 17, and 18) 
  • Mickey & Minnie Lovers Dessert Lollipop (New)
Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel 
Walt’s Cafe (Available Feb. 14 only) 
  • Valentine’s Day Dinner Set with five courses and pairing with wine or mocktail
Disneyland Paris 
Disney Newport Bay Club 
Captain’s Quarters 
  • Chocolate Cake: Chocolate mousse, mashed raspberry, and red fruits coulis
  • Rum Crush: Rum, ginger beer, lime, and cherry nectar
  • Flowers & Fizz: Saint Germain Liquor, cranberry nectar, lime, and blueberry
Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disneyland
Camp Woodchuck Kitchen, Huey, Dewey and Louie’s Good Time Cafe, and Refreshment Corner (Available through Apr. 9) 
  • Sparkling Drink: Strawberry and elderflower syrups combined with a soda and filled with strawberry pulp
Ice Cream Cones (Available through Apr. 9) 
  • Special Sundae: Strawberry and yogurt soft-serve with cream cheese whip cream
  • Hot Chocolate & Orange: Milk chocolate drink with a hint of orange
Pan Galactic Pizza Port 
  • Fondant Chocolat with a berry cause and cream
Pecos Bill Cafe (Available through Apr. 9) 
  • Hot Chocolate & Orange: Milk chocolate drink with a hint of orange
Tokyo DisneySea 
Hudson River Harvest and Sebastian’s Calypso Kitchen (Available through Apr. 9) 
  • Sparkling Drink: Strawberry and elderflower syrups combined with a soda and filled with strawberry pulp
Refrescos and Sultan’s Oasis (Available through Apr. 9)
  •  Hot Chocolate & Orange: Milk chocolate drink with a hint of orange
Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disneyland 
Royal Banquet Hall 
  • Valentine’s Day Set Menu features exclusive tableside service and character meet-and-greet (Available Feb. 11 through 19)
  • Festival Chocolate Fountain Weekend Afternoon Tea for Two featuring a picturesque chocolate fountain alongside macarons and more accompanied with a perfect cup of tea or coffee (Available through Feb. 10) 
Barbossa Bounty 
  • Feast for Two: Set sail on a sea of romance with a feast for two featuring roasted fish and pork rib seasoned with sweet-and-sour sauce, accompanied by delicious butter corn and crispy shrimp crackers (Available through Feb. 19)
Mickey & Pals Market Café 
  • Feast for Two featuring roasted spring chicken paired with juicy Tomahawk pork chop (Available through Feb. 19)
  • Spring Festival Afternoon Tea for Two: Adorable pastries and desserts along with delicious Duffy-themed beverages (Available through Feb. 19)
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel 
Aurora (Available Feb. 11 through 19)
  • Valentine’s Day Set Dinner for Two is for guests looking for a taste of romance (Available Feb. 11 through 19)

There’s no limit to the Disney moments you can have, and when it comes to our Foodie Guides, there is no limit to the tasty treats you will find across our parks. If you’re looking for more delicious news at Disney Parks, check out the Disney Eats Topics Page. Make sure to use #DisneyEats and follow us on Instagram to share your own culinary favorites.

Hope you have a very happy Valentine’s Day and indulge in all the treats you like!

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Paddlefish Blackened Catfish Sandwich with a Surprise

General, Restaurant Reviews By January 31, 2023 Tags: , , , , , , , , , 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.

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.

paddlefish

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.

Paddlefish

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!

 

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Foodie Guide to Celebrate Soulfully Treats and Eats

Foodie Guide By January 24, 2023 No Comments

Throughout the year, Disney Parks honors Black heritage and culture with Celebrate Soulfully, where our cast members bring their cultures to life in our parks through authentic food, music, and experiences.

During the month of February, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort join together to honor and experience Black culture through cuisines, one bite and sip at a time – with many offerings inspired and created by our diverse Disney cast members. Both coasts bring these delicious flavors and traditions to the plate and glass for people of all ages and backgrounds to join in on the soulful celebration. No detail is too small when it comes to our Celebrate Soulfully cuisine!

At Disneyland Resort, enjoy new can’t-miss chef inspirations such as the Shrimp & Grits from Café Orleans and thePeach Cobbler Donut from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe. Over on the East Coast, Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back popular dishes from last February’s Cooking With Soul feature and highlighting new food and beverage  creations infused with Walt Disney World cast stories and heritage carried by Black-owned distillers. This February, try dishes returning with a twist such as the Peach Cobbler Whiskey Cake at Tiffins Restaurant or brand-new Soulful Sunday Dinners at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. While visiting, keep an eye out for other soulful offerings across property to continue celebrating soulfully throughout the year.

The time has come to get to all the items that will feed your soul this February. I present to you the Foodie Guide!

Shrimp and Grits, Peach Cobbler Donut
Disneyland Resort 
Disneyland Park 
Cafe Orleans (Available Feb. 1 through 28) 
  • Shrimp & Grits: Andouille-fava relish, cheesy grits, and shrimp sauce (New) 
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe (Available Feb. 1 through 28; mobile order available)
  • Peach Cobbler Donut: Vanilla-dipped donut filled with peach compote, topped with a cinnamon sugar puff (New) 
Southern BBQ Platter
River Belle Terrace (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Southern BBQ Platter: Brisket, fried chicken, burnt ends pork belly, mashed potatoes, baked beans, slaw, and a house-baked biscuit (New) 
Fried Chicken Bowl and Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Troubadour Tavern 
  • Fried Chicken Bowl: Spicy honey-glazed fried chicken served with four-cheese mac ‘n cheese, smoked turkey collard greens, and sweet potato cornbread (Available Feb.18 and Feb. 25 only; mobile order available) (New) 
  • Red Velvet Bundt Cake with chocolate mousse, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate chips (Available Feb.18 and Feb. 25 only; mobile order available) (New) 
Simba Popcorn Bucket
Fantasyland Popcorn Cart and Troubadour Tavern 
  • Simba Popcorn Bucket (mobile order available)
Baked Andouille Mac & Cheese and Spiced Fizz
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort 
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 
Hearthstone Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Baked Andouille Mac & Cheese: Pasta with white cheese sauce, chopped herbs and Andouille sausage (New) 
  • Apricot Manhattan: Uncle Nearest 1884 Whiskey, Giffards Abricot du Roussillon, and Amaro Nonino garnished with maraschino cherries (New) 
  • Spiced Fizz: Hanson of Sonoma Habanero Vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and raspberry syrup garnished with raspberries and a Lime wedge (New)
Downtown Disney District
College Boy Cheesesteaks (Available Feb. 9 – Mar. 5)
  • Black-owned food truck College Boy Cheesesteaks will serve up Philly Cheesesteaks from local Philadelphians
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
  • Peach Pie Old Fashioned: Whiskey, peach liquor, bitters, and brown sugar garnished with a peach slice
Wings ’N Waffles (Available Feb. 9 – Mar. 5)
  • Black-owned food truck Wings ‘n Waffles will serve up delicious sandwiches, plates, and more
Gumbo and South African Hot Dog
Walt Disney World Resort
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 
ABC Commissary (Available Feb. 1 through 28) 
  • Gumbo: Chicken, Andouille sausage, okra, and seasonings simmered in chicken stock served over rice (New)
Dockside Diner (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • South African Hot Dog: South African boerie topped with sweet and spicy chakalaka relish on a brioche bun served with house-made chips (New) 
Tiana's Mardi Gras Milkshake and Poulet Mariner Au Four
Hollywood Scoops (Available Feb. 1 through Mar. 31) 
  • Tiana’s Mardi Gras Milkshake: Cinnamon vanilla milkshake topped with a Mardi Gras king cake doughnut (New)
Hollywood & Vine 
  • Poulet Mariner Au Four (Baked Marinated Chicken): Baked chicken marinated in assorted spices served with red and green peppers and onions. This dish was created by our cast members at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to celebrate Haitian Flag Day and is now featured on the Hollywood & Vine buffet for guests to enjoy!
Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart
Woody’s Lunch Box (Available Feb. 1 through 28) 
  • Sweet Potato Lunch Box Tart with cinnamon-brown sugar icing, toasted marshmallows, and pecans (New) 
50’s Prime Time Cafe 
  • Shrimp & Grits: Creole-seasoned shrimp with peppers and onions served over cheese grits
Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich and The Ginger Whiskey
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park 
Flame Tree BBQ (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Creole Smoked Sausage Sandwich: Smoked Andouille sausage on a roll with piccadilly relish and stewed black-eyed peas (New) 
  • Soul Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster filling, vanilla marshmallow buttercream, Joe Gardner white chocolate medallion, edible paper music notes, and multi color crispy pearls
Nomad Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (New) 
Soul Cupcake
Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Soul Cupcake: Vanilla cake with bananas foster filling, vanilla marshmallow buttercream, Joe Gardner white chocolate medallion, edible paper music notes, and multi color crispy pearls
Spiced Shrimp & Grits and Peach Cobbler Whiskey Cake

Tiffins Restaurant

  • Spiced Shrimp & Grits: Spicy shrimp & corn grits with bacon jam and crispy radish
  • Peach Cobbler Whiskey Cake: Peach cobbler cake, honey vanilla bean ice cream, and brown butter whiskey caramel (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • The Ginger Whiskey: A cocktail featuring Uncle Nearest 1856 Whiskey with notes of ginger and brown sugar (New) (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
Braised Collard Greens with smoked bacon and Harira Soup
Tusker House 
  • Braised Collard Greens with smoked bacon (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage
  • Harira Soup
Dawa Bar, Restarauntosaurus Lounge, and Thirsty River Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Mint Julep: Pineapple mint julep
Tiana Banana Pudding
EPCOT 
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
  • Tiana Banana Pudding
Coral Reef Restaurant 
  • Shrimp & Grits: Sautéed shrimp, cheddar grits, local corn succotash, andouille sausage, and Creole spice emulsion
Fife & Drum
  • Half Note Float: Layered Fanta Wild Cherry, Minute Maid Lemonade, and Fanta Blue Raspberry Slushy with vanilla ice cream and Half Note White Chocolate
Magic Kingdom Park 
Cinderella’s Royal Table 
  • Select wines from McBride Sisters Wine Company (a Black-owned and female-led wine company), including:
    • McBride Sisters Sparkling Brut Rosé, Hawke’s Bay
    • McBride Sisters Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough
    • McBride Sisters Chardonnay, Central Coast
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen
  • Kungaloosh! African-inspired chocolate cake with caramelized bananas and cashew-caramel ice cream topped with coffee dust
  • Golden Haze Margarita: Crafted with Teremana Blanco Tequila, a brand owned by Dwayne Johnson, this cocktail also features Grand Marnier Liqueur, smoked chili bitters, lime, and agave.
Disney Springs 
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Soul Petit Cake: Chocolate chiffon cake, dark chocolate mousse, raspberry pate de fruit, raspberry mousse, and white chocolate crispy pearls
B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Chicken Jambalaya Dog: Chicken jambalaya dog with smoked sausage, roasted corn, lemon caper aïoli, and Tuscan roll (New) 
Royal Sunset
Dockside Margaritas and Outdoor Bars (available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Royal Sunset: Empress 1908 Gin, grapefruit juice, cane sugar, and cherries
House of Blues (available Feb. 1 through Mar. 1)
  • Celebrate Soulfully Specials: Featuring two beers (pilsner and IPA) from Green Bench Brewing, Florida’s only Black-owned brewery and chardonnay from Brown Estates, Napa Valley’s first Black-owned estate winery
Chicken on the Egg and Fried Sweet Potato Pie
Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Chicken on the Egg: Buttermilk fried chicken, deviled eggs, and hot honey sauce
  • Fried Sweet Potato Pie: Sweet potato-filled pastry, spiced cinnamon sugar, maple bourbon sauce, and roasted pecan crumble
Poutine (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Jamaican Jerk Chicken Poutine with sweet ‘n’ hot jerk marinated chicken, pineapple salsa, scotch bonnet aïoli, and fries (New) 
The Ganachery (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Soulful Pralines: Pecan pralines enrobed in our custom dark chocolate “jazzed” up with some chocolate musical instruments and decor featuring Joe from Disney and Pixar’s animated film Soul
Local Green Orlando Food Truck
  • Delicious vegan, vegetarian, and pescatarian menu items made with love and soul including the Monsta Shrimp Burger, Rappers Delight Salmon Philly, and more
  • For a limited time during the month of February, visit the Local Green Orlando Food Truck near the entrance to Orange Garage
The Polite Pig (available Jan. 31 through Feb. 28)
  • The Soulfully Chef Special: Fried pork belly, beef empanadas, and pikliz
Vivoli Il Gelato (available Jan. 16 through Feb. 28)
  • Candied Yam Cannoli: A crispy Italian shell filled with a sweet cream of ricotta cheese and candied yams topped with pecans
  • Carver’s Peanut Butter Explosion: Peanut butter milkshake with a chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and a chocolate peanut butter cake on top

Walt Disney World Resorts 

Available at Various Resorts (Available Feb. 1 through 28)

  • Southern Fried Chicken Bowl: Fried chicken thighs, candied sweet potatoes, rice, smoked collards, mac and cheese, and a corn muffin (New) Available at the following:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Everything POP at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Banana Pudding Cheesecake
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 
World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Banana Pudding Cheesecake: Banana cheesecake with vanilla pudding, vanilla wafer crust, and a brûléed banana (New)
Sanaa Spiced Shrimp
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge 
Sanaa (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Sanaa Spiced Shrimp: Benne seed-spiced shrimp, creamy pap, stewed okra, boerewors, and charred corn kachumbari (New) 
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Four cheese baked macaroni and cheese (New) 
Whiskey Tart
Barcelona Lounge (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Whiskey Tart: Orange-cardamom infused cake, dark chocolate mousse, and diplomat cream infused with Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey with a candied orange garnish (New)
Comeback Chocolate Cake
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Comeback Chocolate Cake: Slice of German-style chocolate cake with a salty pecan-coconut topping (New)
Berry Beignet
Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge (Available beginning Feb. 1)
  • Berry Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet with fresh mixed berry compote, house-made Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey caramel sauce, mint, and powdered sugar (New) 
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside 
Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Comeback Chocolate Cake: Slice of German-style chocolate cake with a salty pecan-coconut topping (New)
Golden Cocktail
Various Signature Restaurants and Lounges Across Resorts Including:
Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera, Cítricos, Jiko-The Cooking Place, and Yachtsman Steakhouse (Available Feb. 1 through Mar. 30) 
  • Golden Cocktail: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey, pineapple juice, almond, agave, and aromatic bitters (New) 
Soulful Sunday Dinner and Traditional Pound Cake
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa 
The Artist’s Palette (Available Feb. 1 through 28)
  • Soulful Sunday Dinner: A traditional soul food dinner of barbeque chicken with collard greens, black eye peas, and house-made cornbread (available Sundays in Feb.) (New) 
  • Traditional Pound Cake: A slice of classic vanilla pound cake (New) 
Tiana Praline Cupcake
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts 
The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace (Available Feb. 1 through Mar. 30)
  • Tiana Praline Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake filled with pecan praline filling, vanilla buttercream, and chocolate décor (New) 
Pineapple Mule
Various Pool Bars and Table Service Locations Across Resorts Including Geyser Point, Banana Cabana, Scat Cat’s Club – Lounge, Boatwright’s Dining Hall, Olivia’s Café, Turf Club Bar & Lounge, Outer Rim, Hurricane Hanna’s, Boma – Flavors of Africa, Oasis Pool Bar, and many more! (Available Feb 1. through Mar. 30)
  • Pineapple Mule: Uncle Nearest 1884 Small Batch Premium Whiskey, Hella Cocktail Co. ginger bitters, pineapple juice, ginger beer, and mint

We’re very excited for all the ways to celebrate soulfully this February. Tell us which of these items are your favorite

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

General, Restaurant Reviews By January 20, 2023 Tags: , , , , , , , , 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

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.

Rainforest Cafe

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.

Rainforest Cafe

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.

Rainforest Cafe

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.

Rainforest Cafe

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!

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New Additions Coming to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, Sprouting March 1

News, Special Events By January 19, 2023 No Comments

There is nothing lovelier than springtime at Walt Disney World! The days get longer, the weather warms up, and colorful flowers bloom across the landscape. And one of the best places to experience spring for yourself is at the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival. Beginning March 1 and continuing through July 5, this stunning festival features alluring gardens, whimsical topiaries, lively entertainment, beautiful merchandise and delightfully fresh cuisine.

Today, we have exciting news to share. For the first time, topiaries of Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela and Luisa from Disney’s “Encanto” will make a grand appearance at the festival. Located near the EPCOT main entrance, these new topiaries are sure to be a must-do photo moment to mark your visit. (But remember: We don’t talk about Bruno.)

And that’s not all. A new Princess Tiana topiary will grace The American Adventure. Plus, we also have returning favorites such as Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs; Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and Tick Tock Croc; Figment; Anna and Elsa; and more.

The popular Garden Rocks Concert Series is back, featuring favorite tunes at the America Gardens Theatre. More details about the musical lineup will be released soon on the Disney Parks Blog.

Treat from the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

Get your taste buds ready; you’re in for a treat! More than 15 Outdoor Kitchens will offer specialty menus of scrumptious cuisine and beverages. One of my favorites is The Citrus Blossom which will move to a new location at Odyssey. With fresh new menu items, you’ll want to sample all the mouth-watering delights.

Of course, you can commemorate your visit with official ‘70’s inspired Orange Bird merchandise, including apparel, headwear, drinkware and much more.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration will have people abuzz again. This springtime scavenger hunt is fun for all ages. Follow Spike the Bee on his pollination trail, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at EPCOT. Once you find him in each garden on your map, add the corresponding sticker of the plant he is visiting.

EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

On the bridge to World Showcase, you can enjoy the sights and scents of spring with Blossoms of Fragrance presented by Scentsy. Surrounded by vibrant butterfly topiaries, guests will be invited to follow their noses to six scent stations—to form lasting memories with the help of unforgettable aromas.

To experience the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, you must have both valid admission and a park reservation for EPCOT on the same date. Keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more details!

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Foodie Guide to Disney 100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort

Foodie Guide By January 17, 2023 No Comments

This year marks 100 years of The Walt Disney Company – yes, you heard that right – 100 years! To celebrate this momentous occasion, Disneyland Resort is serving up delicious dishes, sips, and novelties for you to bask in the fun!

All across Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park you can take part in the historic milestone by eating your way through some tasty treats, like the beautifully delicious Platinum Trifle and the can’t miss Old-Fashioned Cream Soda. And the delights don’t stop there – both Downtown Disney District and the Disneyland Resort hotels are joining in on the festivities!

Did we mention there are plenty of novelties to take a piece of Disney 100 home with you long beyond your trip? Trust us, once you see these items, you’ll want one (or all of them).

We now present to you the Foodie Guide 100 years in the making. Enjoy!

Lemon Tea Cake at Alien Pizza Planet Disneyland Park
Disneyland Park
Alien Pizza Planet 
  • Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New) 
Blue Bayou Restaurant 
  • Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Disney100 Blue Bayou Champagne Glass: Available per glass or in a set (Limit two per person, per transaction) (New) (Coming soon) 
Minnie Mouse Apple and Minnie Cake Pop at Candy Palace, Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner in Disneyland
Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Minnie Apple (New)
  • Minnie Cake Pop (New)
Galactic Grill (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New) 
  • Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New) 
Potato and Cheddar Cheeseburger along with Lemon Chiffon Pie at Hungry Bear Restaurant at Disneyland Pakr
Hungry Bear Restaurant 
  • Potato & Cheddar Cheeseburger: 1/3 lb angus chuck patty, green chile, and bacon cheddar sauce with spicy crispy potato planks on a brioche bun (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New) 
Platinum Trifle at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe at Disneyland Park
Jolly Holiday Bakery Café 
  • Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27) 
  • Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New) 
  • Mr. Banks Shortbread Tart: Caramel and chocolate ganache in a shortbread tart, purple-colored white chocolate mousse, sea salt, edible silver stars, and silver crunch pearls (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27) 
New Violet Pretzel and Sparkling Grape at Refreshment Corner at Disneyland Park
Refreshment Corner (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Violet Pretzel: Cream cheese-filled pretzel drizzled with salted vanilla cream and lavender sugar (New) 
  • Sparkling Grape: Sprite with grape syrup topped with a candy strip (New) 
Disney 100 Churro at Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro at Disneyland Park
Town Square Churro and Tomorrowland Churro (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Disney100 Churro rolled in cherry sugar drizzled with white icing and topped with purple and silver pearls (New)
Disney 100 Thermo Tumbler at Disneyland Park
Available at Various Locations Throughout Disneyland Park
  • Disney100 Thermo Tumbler (New) Available at the following: 
    • Bengal Barbecue
    • Edelweiss Snacks
    • French Market Restaurant
    • Galactic Grill
    • Harbour Galley
    • Hungry Bear Restaurant
    • “it’s a small world” Lemonade Cart
    • Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe
    • Plaza Inn
    • Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Refreshment Corner
    • Stage Door Café
    • The Golden Horseshoe
  • Disney100 Travel Tumbler with Lanyard (New) Available at the following: 
    • Bengal Barbecue
    • French Market Restaurant
    • Fruit Cart in Fantasyland
    • Galactic Grill
    • Harbour Galley
    • Hungry Bear Restaurant
    • “it’s a small world” and Tomorrowland Lemonade Carts
    • Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
    • Mint Julep Bar
    • Outdoor Food Carts
    • Plaza Inn
    • Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Refreshment Corner
    • Royal Street Veranda
    • Ship to Shore
    • Stage Door Café
    • The Golden Horseshoe
    • Troubadour Tavern
  • Disney100 Mickey Mouse Sipper (New) Available at the following beginning Jan. 27:
    • Bengal Barbecue
    • French Market Restaurant
    • Galactic Grill
    • Harbour Galley
    • Hungry Bear Restaurant
    • Jolly Holiday Bakery Café
    • Plaza Inn
    • Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Refreshment Corner
    • Stage Door Café
    • The Golden Horseshoe
Disney 100 Poison Apple Mug at Disneyland Park
  • Disney100 Poison Apple Mug (New) Available at the following beginning Jan. 27: 
    • Casey Jr. Churro Cart
  • Disney100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket (New) Available at the following: 
    • Popcorn Carts near Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” Fantasyland, Frontierland, New Orleans Square, Tomorrowland, and Town Square
Disney 100 Star Glow Cube at Disneyland Park
  • Disney100 Star Glow Cube (New) (Coming Soon) Available at the following: 
    • Bengal Barbecue
    • Harbour Galley
    • Hungry Bear Restaurant
    • Galactic Grill
    • Mint Julep Bar
    • Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Refreshment Corner
  • Disney100 Mickey Mouse Straw Clip (New) (Coming Soon) Available at the following: 
    • Bengal Barbecue
    • Harbour Galley
    • Hungry Bear Restaurant
    • “it’s a small world” Pretzel Cart
    • Galactic Grill
    • Mint Julep Bar
    • Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante
    • Red Rose Taverne
    • Refreshment Corner
  • Disney100 Cinderella Premium Bucket (New) (Coming Soon) Available at the following:
    • Fantasyland Theater
    • Popcorn Carts near Sleeping Beauty Castle, “it’s a small world,” and Town Square
French Onion Dip Pizza at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta at Disney California Adventure Park
Disney California Adventure Park
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta
  • French Onion Dip Pizza: Mozzarella, Gruyère, caramelized onion, and sliced roast beef served with a side of beef au jus (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New) 
Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff and Trolley Treats (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Minnie Apple (New)
  • Minnie Cake Pop (New)
SNICKERS Sundae at Clarabelle's Hand Scooped Ice Cream
Clarabelle’s Hand-Scooped Ice Cream (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • SNICKERS Sundae: Butter-pecan ice cream topped with chocolate shell, caramel sauce, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, and SNICKERS bar pieces served in a waffle cup (New) 
Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)
Flo’s V-8 Café
  • Lemon Chiffon Pie: Classic lemon chiffon pie with graham cracker crust topped with vanilla chantilly cream (New) 
Platinum Blue and Old-Fashioned Cream Soda at Hollywood Lounge in Disney California Adventure
Hollywood Lounge 
  • Platinum Blue: Rum, blue curaçao, DOLE pineapple and sour mix (New) (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New) 
Disney 100 Cocktail at Lamplight Lounge in Disney California Adventure
Lamplight Lounge – Boardwalk Dining and Lamplight Lounge (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Disney100 Cocktail: Empress Gin, pea flower, honey, lavender, and lemon juice garnished with an edible flower (New) 
Magic Key Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Celebration Cake: Pecan brownie, chocolate truffle mousse, red berries, and milk chocolate mousse glazed with chocolate ganache and topped with a star (New) 
Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart 
  • Lemon Tea Cake: Lemon curd, lemon zest glaze, and a fresh slice of lemon (New)
Platinum Trifle at Pacific Wharf Cafe at Disney California Adventure
Pacific Wharf Café (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Platinum Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookie crumbles, cheesecake, cherry compote, chocolate cookie mousse, and crème fraîche chantilly with crunch pearls and a chocolate piece (New)
Steamboat Willie Shake at Schmoozies in Disney California Adventure
Schmoozies (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Steamboat Willie Shake: Cookies & cream shake with whipped topping and chocolate creme-filled cookie ears (New) 
Prickly Paloma cocktail at Sonoma Terrace at Disney California Adventure
Sonoma Terrace (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Prickly Paloma: Tequila, prickly pear and grapefruit ginger beer (New) 
Studio Catering Co.
  • Old-Fashioned Cream Soda: Sprite, cherry, and blue cotton candy gourmet syrup served frozen and topped with whipped cream and purple pixie dust (Glow cube available) (New)
Grizzly Peak Churro, Hollywood Churro, and Goofy’s Churro (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Disney100 Churro rolled in cherry sugar drizzled with white icing and topped with purple and silver pearls (New)
Available at Various Locations Throughout Disney California Adventure Park
  • Disney100 Thermo Tumbler (New) Available at the following: 
    • Corn Dog Castle
    • Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart
    • Paradise Garden Grill
    • Pixar Pier Chiller Cart
    • Studio Catering Co.
Disney 100 Travel Tumbler with Lanyard at Disney California Adventure
  • Disney100 Travel Tumbler with Lanyard (New) Available at the following: 
    • Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park
    • Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
    • Lucky Fortune Cookery
    • Outdoor Food Carts
    • Pacific Wharf Café
    • Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart
    • Paradise Garden Grill
    • Pixar Pier Lemonade Cart
    • Schmoozies
    • Smokejumpers Grill
Disney 100 Mickey Mouse Sipper available at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure
  • Disney100 Mickey Mouse Sipper (New) Available at the following:
    • Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
    • Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park
    • Corn Dog Castle
    • Fairfax Market
    • Outdoor Food Carts
    • Pacific Wharf Café
    • Paradise Garden Grill
    • Smokejumpers Grill
  • Disney100 Platinum Mickey Mouse Balloon Bucket (New) Available at the following: 
    • Popcorn Carts in Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, and Pixar Pier
  • Disney100 Poison Apple Mug (New) Available at the following: 
    • Mortimer’s Market
Disney 100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket featuring Walt and a variety of Disney characters at Disneyland
  • Disney100 Magic Key Refillable Popcorn Bucket (New) Available at the following: 
    • Popcorn Carts on Buena Vista Street, Grizzly Peak, and Pixar Pier
  • Disney100 Star Glow Cube (New) (Coming Soon) Available at the following: 
    • Award Wieners
    • Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
    • Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
    • Corn Dog Castle
    • Hollywood Lounge
    • Pacific Wharf Café
    • Smokejumpers Grill
    • Sonoma Terrace
Disney 100 Mickey Mouse straw clip available at Disneyland Resort
  • Disney100 Mickey Mouse Straw Clip (New) (Coming Soon) Available at the following: 
    • Award Wieners
    • Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta
    • Chiller at Paradise Gardens Park
    • Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill
    • Corn Dog Castle
    • Paradise Garden Grill
    • Hollywood Churro Cart
    • Smokejumpers Grill
Walt's Chili Bread Bowl and Disney 100 rice krispie treat at Disney's Grand California Hotel and Spa
Hotels of the Disneyland Resort
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa 
GCH Craftsman Grill
  • Walt’s Chili Bread Bowl
GCH Holiday Cart 
  • Disney100 Rice Krispie Treat (New) 
Disneyland Hotel 
Coffee House
  • Disney100 Mickey Mouse Sipper (New) 
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar (Coming Soon) 
  • Trader Sam’s Disney100 Swizzle Stick (New) (Limit ten 10 per person, per transaction) 
Available at Various Disneyland Resort Hotels 
  • Disney100 Travel Tumbler with Lanyard (New) Available at the following: 
    • Coffee House at Disneyland Hotel
    • GCH Craftsman Grill at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar & Cafe Lavender Honor and Naples Ristorante Enchanted Centuria Martini available in Downtown Disney District
Downtown Disney District
Catal Restaurant and Uva Bar & Cafe (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Lavender Honor: Gin, plum liqueur, yuzu, and cava (New) 
Naples Ristorante e Bar (Available beginning Jan. 27) 
  • Enchanted Centuria Martini: Blanco tequila, chilled espresso, Irish cream, and vanilla syrup topped with an edible flower (New)
Marceline’s Confectionary (Available beginning Jan. 27)
  • Minnie Apple (New)
  • Minnie Cake Pop (New)
3 Leches Cake and Burgundy Celebration cocktail at Tortilla Jo's in Downtown Disney District
Tortilla Jo’s (Available beginning Jan. 27) 
  • 3 Leches Cake: Fresh berries, tres leches sauce, and snow-white chocolate confetti (New) 
  • Burgundy Celebration: Tequila blanco, organic margarita mix, and cabernet wine (New) 
  • The Last Pedal: Tequila blanco, rose syrup, fresh lime, sparkling water, smoke top, and garnished with an edible flower (New)

The Disney 100 Celebration is just kicking off, but there’s more to come later this year to other Disney locations across the globe. Keep your eyes peeled on our Disney Eats topics page and Disney Eats Instagram page to stay in-the-know on all the eats and sips coming to Disney Parks.

Happy Disney 100 Celebration! Here’s to 100 more years of magic (and food).

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

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