There resides something within us as humans that we enjoy knowing or having something others do not. Theme parks play off this idea with concepts like lightning lanes, early theme park admission, and dessert parties. Our friends at Chick Fil-A gets the benefit of this because people crave the chicken sandwich even more when it is Sunday. Humans want what they cannot have and want to know secrets that others fail to know. Fans of the Disney theme parks love hearing some new rumors for example. Ironically, I am typing this review during the big D23 event in California. The hype just to know something new about the Disney corporation’s plans draw lots of attention.
On a lesser scale of this apparent human trait, the idea of a secret menu item at restaurants causes people to want to try it. Our friends over at Universal Orlando have mastered the secret of exclusive menu item for just their passholders during passholder appreciation days there. Even in Universal Orlando’s marketing they speak about how others will be jealous of you with exclusive/secret menu items since others did not know about it.
Walt Disney World restaurants also use this trick. They currently use it in a different way. In another review, I wrote about the secret menu appetizer at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. For that example, you do need to know to ask or hope someone tells you the code name “Gator Sticks.”
Yet, over in Magic Kingdom, one of the longest running “secret menu” items still can be found. At “Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen” or “Skipper’s Canteen for short, guests may order a secret menu appetizer. However, this qualifies as the worst kept secret in terms of Disney dining. I could bore you with all the supposed reasons this appetizer remains “off menu” but I would really like you to read more of this article. Thus, I will refrain.
In case you do not know, the Pao de Queijo at Skipper’s Canteen qualifies as this marginally secret menu item. Depending on which server you get when dining here, they may just tell you about it before asking for your drink order. Like I said, this appetizer fails to be very secret.
As the name indicates, these are Brazilian style cheese bread. This type of bread has grown in popularity at Orlando area theme parks in recent years, especially at food festivals. These come to your table as balls of cheesy bread. The cheese bread also gets served alongside some poblano cream cheese and chimichurri sauce. Though these are off-menu and infrequently not available, they cost $13. If you are a drinks and appetizer type person, this secret menu item might go well with you beverage. Also, considering slightly more upscale alcoholic beverages are rumored to come to this table service dining location, the right combination might be here for you.
So, how is the cheese bread here? In simple terms, they offer good flavor. This cheese bread will not change your life. Still, you will not feel you wasted your money on these either. My companion for a recent meal ordering these compared them to an asiago cheese bagel that I love. This cheese bread can be heavy but for $13 you get a good portion size.
The sauce and cheese with them add to the experience in a positive way. The sauce adds a bit of spice but nothing like the Dan Dan Noodles in terms of spice. The bread can be very doughy or chewy. Some might find it a bit too chewy though I feel it helps when mixed with sauce combination. When I had this last month, I found them slightly lower quality then previously. Yet, of course, diners often romanticize things they enjoyed previously.
Overall, this makes a solid appetizer at a reasonable theme park table service price. Even your picky eater will enjoy these. Based on the portion size, these appetizers can easily be shared. Finding decent food at Magic Kingdom can be difficult sometimes. As you might imagine, I used MouseDining for this reservation. In fact, I changed this reservation at least five times. If the full character dining adventures for over $60 with Beast or Cinderella do not meet your needs, making an advance dining reservation at Skipper Canteen could be your dining solution while at Magic Kingdom. As always, eat like you mean it!
Halloween is almost here, and you know what that means – tricks and, most importantly, treats! One of the best parts about the season is the goodies, and this year, resorts across Walt Disney World are bringing plenty of eats that will leave you hypnotized and begging for more! The Disney culinary minds have conjured up some delights in their cauldrons – kitchens – just for you that won’t disappoint.
And these items aren’t just a bunch of hocus pocus. With some returning favorites like the Bewitching Minnie Mousse Cupcake at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and plenty of new delights to try including the Madame Leota Dark Chocolate Cake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and My (Plant-Based) Boo cupcake coming to multiple resorts, you better bring you appetite with your candy bag.
It’s time we get to what you’ve been waiting for. We present to you the highly anticipated Foodie Guide to Halloween goodies from the resorts of Walt Disney World. Now let’s trick or treat!
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 Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)
Mickey Pumpkin Cheesecake: Pumpkin cheesecake and spiced chocolate cake with buttercream and chocolate décor (New)
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
Landscape of Flavors (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Spellbound Chicken Adobo Nachos: Blue corn tortilla chips with chicken adobo, toasted pumpkin seeds, roasted corn, black beans, and a zesty pumpkin cheese sauce finished with lime crema and a ghostly pepper salsa (New) (Gluten/Wheat Friendly)
My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)
The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Mara (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Pumpkin Mickey Tart: Pumpkin cheesecake mousse with chocolate ganache and chocolate décor (New)
Boma – Flavors of Africa, Victoria Falls Lounge, and Sanaa (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Doom-ela South African Margarita: Our Margarita featuring Patron Silver Tequila with a South African Excelsior Cabernet Sauvignon floater (New)
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Beach Club Marketplace (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Mummy Cookies ‘n Scream Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookies n’ cream mousse, chocolate cake, and whipped cream (New)
Poison Apple Trifle: Layers of caramel crunch, apple mousse, caramel mousse, and vanilla cake with buttercream and fondant décor (New)
Mickey Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie: Pumpkin spice sugar cookie with royal icing décor (New)
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Butter Pecan Pumpkin Shake: Butter pecan ice cream with pumpkin flavoring, caramel, and chocolate sauces with a vanilla cupcake decorated like a Mickey pumpkin and sprinkle décor (New) (non-alcoholic)
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Deli (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Boo Brownie: Mickey-shaped brownie topped with ganache and whipped cream ghosts (New)
Creepy Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with blood orange curd filling, vanilla mascarpone cream, chocolate cookies crumbs, and sugar pumpkins (New)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)
Topsy Turvy Chocolate & Cherries: Chocolate cake with a salted caramel mousse and a tart cherry filling (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Contempo Café (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Madame Leota Dark Chocolate Cake: Devil’s Food mini cake filled with dark chocolate ganache topped with chocolate glaze and marshmallow webs (New)
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Barcelona Lounge (Available through Nov. 30)
Caramel Pumpkin Pie Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Cold Brew Coffee with caramel and pumpkin pie flavors topped with cinnamon whipped cream (New) (non-alcoholic)
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Pumpkin Mickey Tart: Pumpkin cheesecake mousse with chocolate ganache and chocolate décor (New)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (Available through Oct. 31; Mobile order available)
Jack O ’Lantern Mickey Cake Pop: Jumbo pumpkin-spiced yellow cake pop enrobed in orange-colored white chocolate (New)
Black Flame Candle: Candy corn-colored vanilla sponge cake candle with caramel buttercream and white chocolate ganache (New)
Bewitching Minnie Mousse Cupcake: Cookies ‘n cream-filled chocolate cupcake enrobed in ganache
Mummy Mickey Blondie: Caramel blondie with caramel buttercream
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Capt. Cook’s and Kona Island (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available at Capt. Cook’s only)
Tamatoa: Chocolate chiffon cake with Hawaiian Chantilly filling and shiny sprinkles (New)
Pineapple Lanai (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Not-So-Scary Pumpkin Soft-serve: Pumpkin spice flavored soft-serve and coconut haupia with caramel drizzle, graham cracker crumbs, and a white chocolate Mickey-shaped pumpkin (New)
Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Everything POP Shopping and Dining (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)
The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
My (Plant-Based) Boo: Chocolate cupcake topped with a ghostly swirl of vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (New) (Plant-based) (Gluten/Wheat-Friendly)
Tombstone Sweet: Chocolate cake, caramel mousse, caramel milk chocolate mousse, coffee dark chocolate mousse, and a salted milk chocolate ganache (New)
Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Located at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter; available Oct. 1 through Nov. 27)
Pumpkin Spice Beignets: Mickey beignets dusted with powdered sugar and pumpkin spice
Backstretch Pool Bar (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Bewitched Cherry Cone: Cherry soft-serve and chocolate bat wings in a chocolate-dipped waffle cone (New)
The Artist’s Palette (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Mummy Mickey Blondie: Caramel blondie with caramel buttercream
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Geyser Point Bar & Grill (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Halloween Drink Flight: Flight with all four holiday drinks
Blood Orange: Tequila, blood orange, and simple syrup with lime juice
Black Magic Margarita: Tequila, blue Curaçao beverage syrup, green apple syrup, grenadine, and sour mix
Around the Pumpkin Patch: Tequila, pumpkin spice, lime juice, and sour mix
Poison Apple: Tequila, green apple syrup, lime juice, and sour mix
Roaring Fork (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Haunted Forest Apple Mousse: Green cake with cookies n’ cream mousse, and not-so-poisoned sour apple mousse with dark chocolate tree branches (New)
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
The Market at Ale & Compass (Available Oct. 1 through 31; Mobile order available)
Mummy Cookies ‘n Scream Trifle: Layers of chocolate cookies n’ cream mousse, chocolate cake, and whipped cream (New)
Poison Apple Trifle: Layers of caramel crunch, apple mousse, caramel mousse, and vanilla cake with buttercream and fondant décor (New)
Mickey Pumpkin Spice Sugar Cookie: Pumpkin spice sugar cookie with royal icing décor (New)
Available at Select Pool Bars and Lounges at Walt Disney World Resorts (Available Oct. 1 through 31)
Seawitch’s Brew: Lunazul Reposado Tequila, blackberry purée, and sour mix rimmed with black salt and topped with fresh blackberries (New)
Spiced Caramel Apple: Fireball Cinnamon Whisky, apple cider, cranberry, and salted caramel with a candy-shaped glow cube
Happy Halloween fellow foodies! I hope you’re ready for all these eats, treats, and maybe even some tricks coming to these resorts this season. Which are you most excited about?
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
During my August trip to Orlando area, I visited Raglan Road restaurant on my first night there. Trying to do useful food reviews, I focused on menu items that were new at Raglan Road. When I went, about eight new items were on the menu there. I ordered one of the new appetizers and one of the new entrees. For my entrée, I ordered a salad. Yes, I said a salad. With all the options of menu items, I selected a salad. Why would I do that?
First and foremost, this salad qualified as a newer item on the Raglan Road menu. Second, I had already ordered an appetizer before this entrée. Third and finally, I knew the next day involved two table service dining reservations along with trying about eight treats at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. In simple terms, a salad can make a good choice during your Walt Disney World dining experience. I realize people say vacation calories do not count. Still, a bit of nutrition sounds like a good idea at least once during a vacation.
However, this counts as no ordinary salad. If you were thinking I ordered a generic salad with no frills, think again. I ordered “That Salad With Chicken.” I wonder who got paid a salary to come up with that title for this salad. This salad costs $20.This salad provides diners with “grilled Bell & Evans chicken breast, arugula, roasted broccolini, pickled red cabbage, confit tomatoes, roasted butternut squash, red quinoa, and smoked almonds, A lovely honey mustard dressing comes with this salad.
` The presentation of the salad earns high marks. In addition, the salad matches well with the complimentary soda bread service provided at Raglan Road. For the record, the soda bread presents a wonderful flavor here to start your meal.
So how was this salad? As expected, the chicken here comes very well prepared but more about that balance of flavor later. The arugula and other greens match the dressing almost perfectly. I found myself wanting more arugula with a touch of the dressing when finished. Even though I ate almost morsel of this salad, the portion rates as large for a $20 salad at Disney Springs. That rating should perhaps be higher based on the solid overall flavor of this salad. The accompanying vegetables and quinoa were also prepared very well.
On the negative side, the broccolini, though prepared very well, tasted a little too salty by itself. I also found it harder to chew that expected. In fairness, I generally avoid broccolini in my everyday dining so I might have a bias in this case. Also, the smoked almonds, though nice, fell to bottom of salad quickly. When you order this, plan for that aspect.
The key to this salad falls on the chicken to bring it together. The chicken offers a reasonably seasoned flavor. Initially, I thought the chicken was be a bit dry. Yet, in seems apparent that the chicken balances the other components, especially the broccolini. Guests get a reasonable amount of chicken with this salad. As a result, the chicken holds it all together flavor-wise. Based on that apparent intent, this salad with chicken makes a good option for diners looking for some nutrition in their Disney dining regiment. Of course, do not be fooled. Just because this menu item calls itself a salad, there are plenty of yummy calories within it. I doubt you will feel you sacrificed too much getting this salad.
As of time of writing this, I have another dining reservation at Raglan Road coming up in less than a week. Yes, I booked that with the help of the MouseDining reservation alert system. If I were not going back to review some other new menu items at Raglan Road, I would not hesitate to order this again. Considering I am scheduled to review about thirty food items at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando in that same week, I probably could use a salad or two (or five). Yet, this salad meets the expected standard of a place like Raglan Road. Thanks for reading this review. As always, eat like you mean it!
Hello foodies – do we have some updates for you! At both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, eats and treats connoisseurs will be excited to learn all the latest tasty tidbits coming to both locations.
Let’s kick things off with what’s new at Walt Disney World Resort. Starting today, over at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Gasparilla Island Grill has some new bites for you to try.
There are a couple of new breakfast dishes to start off your day. For those looking for a lighter, healthier option, you’ll be delighted to find two selections–the plant-based Açai Bowl with a house-made açai sorbet, strawberries, bananas, blueberries, granola, and agave as well as the Egg White Breakfast Wrap with egg whites, spinach, roasted tomatoes, and feta served on a flour tortilla.
Moving on to lunch and dinner options, the Italian Sandwich features ham, salami, capicola, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, Italian dressing, and olive aioli served on a sub roll. You can also enjoy the Caprese Sandwich featuring red, yellow, and fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, arugula, lettuce, basil, sherry vinaigrette, basil aïoli, and balsamic reduction served on a roasted tomato focaccia– how delicious! There is also a Cuban Sandwich with mojo roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickle, and mustard served on Cuban bread and the Blackened Chicken Sandwich with blackened chicken, pepper jack, and coleslaw served on a brioche bun.
The Broccoli & Roasted Tomato Flatbread isn’t just your average flatbread. This delicious dish has roasted garlic, mozzarella, broccoli, fire-roasted tomatoes, and ricotta served on house-made dough. Not to mention, all the breads for these sandwiches and flatbread are made right in the Grand Floridian Bakery!
For dinner, there are two new additions to the menu featuring some classic Florida flavors that will leave your tastebuds amazed. The Mojo Chicken Bowl is a tasty option that includes mojo chicken, jasmine rice, sweet potato, cilantro-scallion aïoli, and black bean and tomato salad. For a plant-based option, the Mojo Seitan Bowl combines mojo seitan, jasmine rice, sweet potato, cilantro-scallion aïoli, and black bean and tomato salad. I don’t know about you, but these both sound great!
Lastly for resorts, at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, the Backstretch Pool Bar has some new offerings joining the menu beginning September 16. The New York-style Hot Dog features an all-beef hot dog covered in New York-style onions and is a tasty addition to try. If you love yourself some buffalo chicken and nachos, the Buffalo Chicken Nachos is the best of both worlds. These nachos combine shredded chicken in buffalo sauce with creamy blue cheese queso and celery served with Saratoga house chips –how yummy!
EPCOT also has some updates to get a taste of at Sunshine Seasons. This quick-service restaurant found in The Land Pavilion features fresh fare packed with flavor, and these new additions are no different. Kickstart your morning with one of the new breakfast options including the Ham, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich on a kaiser roll served with fresh fruit, tasty Overnight Oats, or a classic Greek Yogurt.
For lunchtime, there are three new sandwiches that you won’t want to miss. The Roast Beef features chilled roast beef, chimichurri aïoli, cheddar, arugula, and red onion on a flour-topped kaiser roll and served with potato chips. The Mediterranean Vegetable Sandwich includes roasted red pepper, red onion, tomato, arugula, hummus, and balsamic vinaigrette on herbed focaccia and served with potato chips. And it’s plant-based! Both of these sandwiches can be enjoyed all day long! Lastly, the Fish Tacos, available daily before 4 p.m., combines fire-roasted corn salsa, creamy jalapeño- Piri Piri sauce, and radish. These tacos are accompanied by plantain chips too!
Some new beverages are coming to Magic Kingdom Park as well for those above 21 at select table-service restaurants. Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen will now offer both the Jungle Bird Cocktail and the Golden Haze Margarita. The Jungle Bird Cocktail features Gosling Black Rum, Campari, cane syrup, and pineapple and lime juices while the Golden Haze Margarita contains Teremana Blanco Tequila, Grand Marnier, agave syrup, lime juice, and smoked chili bitters.
Over at Liberty Tree Tavern and The Diamond Horseshoe, you’ll find the Gold Rush–a new cocktail with Elijah Craig Bourbon, lemon juice, and honey garnished with crystalized ginger–and the Magical Beacon Cocktail–a special offering to celebrate the 50th Anniversary Celebration featuring Empress 1908 Gin, Bols Blue Curaçao, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, almond orgeat, lemon, hibiscus grenadine, and souvenir glow cube.
Now, let’s take a little trip over to the West Coast, where Disneyland Resort has some treats you simply must try. In Disneyland park, Troubadour Tavern has a returning item. The mouthwatering Bacon & Sour Cream Stuffed Baked Potato is back and ready for you to indulge in. With butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives, this classic is the perfect addition to your meal.
If you happen to find yourself at Disney California Adventure park, there are a few seasonal items you simply must get a taste of if you haven’t already. The Pacific Wharf Café has a delicious Pastrami Sandwich featuring ghost pepper cheese sauce and house-made sauerkraut on a toasted French roll–yum! The Pacific Wharf Cappuccino Cart has some fall flavor with the Pumpkin-spiced Horchata Cold Brew, a creamy blend of cold brew with pumpkin-spiced rice and cinnamon beverage.
Another can’t-miss bite can be found over at Paradise Garden Grill where you’ll find the Traditional Tamale Plate. This dish serves up green Chile chicken tamales with Spanish rice and pinto beans. Now that sounds like a good meal to me.
If your tastebuds love some spice, then you need to stop by the Studio Catering Truck. Here you’ll find the Ghost Pepper Potato Bites. These potato bites don’t just look good but taste good too with ghost pepper cheese sauce, smoky bacon, and pickled jalapeños. Yes, yes, and yes!
The theme parks aren’t the only places with some tasty tidbits. The hotels at Disneyland Resort also have some goodies you won’t want to miss. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is home to the Hearthstone Lounge with some new eats and sips on its revamped menu that will light up your palate. Recently added, the Achiote Shrimp & Grits has grilled shrimp on corn porridge grits, Oaxaca cheese, chile butter, roasted cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs while the Steak Frites feature a hickory molasses-glazed prime flat iron, garlic-Parmesan thin fries, blue lake beans, demi-glace, compound butter, and watercress salad.
For those interested in an adult beverage, Hearthstone Lounge has a new beverage program with multiple concoctions to sip on, one of which is the Rye Sour with Whistle Pig 10 yr Rye Whiskey, clover honey syrup, and grapefruit juice garnished with a grapefruit wheel.
Disneyland Hotel also has some items at both Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar that you won’t want to pass up. If you’re interested in a sweet offering, the Thick & Fluffy Japanese Pancakes at Tangaroa Terrace are for you. These pancakes are topped with a tropical fruit blend made up of starfruit and guava syrup and are served with bacon. Also at this foodie spot is the Tonkotsu Ramen with a rich pork-based broth, wavy noodles, pork belly slices, fresh green onions, shiitake mushrooms, fish cake, black garlic oil, soft-boiled flavored egg, and nori. You can’t go wrong with either option.
Finally, Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar is serving up a Zombie. This alcoholic beverage combines Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum, Hamilton 151 Rum, tropical juices, falernum, and cinnamon to make a flavorful cocktail.
At the Downtown Disney District, Sprinkles has some seasonal flavors coming throughout the month of September if you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up. La Gloria is a caramel cake with pecans, dulce de leche filling, and salted caramel frosting dusted with cinnamon sugar. The Pumpkin cupcake has flavors of ginger, clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. The Pumpkin Spice Latte is a pumpkin cake filled with marshmallow cream and topped with Cuban coffee frosting. Lastly, the Salted Chocolate Caramel features a caramel cake filled with ganache, topped with dark chocolate frosting, and finished with dulce de leche drizzle and fleur de sel.
Also, Salt & Straw has their Harvest Festival Series featuring tasty flavors inspired by the season. Check them out on your next venture over to Downtown Disney District!
Don’t forget to check out the My Disney Experience and Disneyland Resort mobile apps to help you plan ahead and secure some of these amazing items on mobile order.
Whether you find yourself at Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort in the coming months, your taste buds have plenty of options for a perfect foodie day!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
Since opening in 2016 in Disney Springs, Chef art Smith’s Homecomin’ draws large interest from diners. This restaurant currently ranks as the most searched for restaurant at Disney Springs via MouseDining. With over 20 table service dining options, that ranking says something about people’s desire to eat here. The delectable comfort food here provides a great experience. The service at Homecomin’, though often slow, brings excellent “Southern” hospitality.
For example, during a recent trip to Homecomin’, our server Anthony treated everyone wonderfully. The dining experience took well over an hour though. In fairness, we did order lots of food and beverages. My dining companions ordered a shine flight this afternoon which added to the fun and length of our dining experience. For the record, they enjoyed their flight of beverages. This afternoon, I stuck with my refillable sipper cup to support by diet soda addiction.
One of my primary intentions for this trip revolved around ordering an appetizer that I had not eaten at Homecomin’ previously. I went to order it and noticed it was no longer on the menu. I asked our server Anthony about it. He quickly told me that they still had it. He said it was now on the “secret menu.” Apparently, this secret menu item hides better than the secret menu item at “Skipper’s Canteen” at Magic Kingdom.
These are Gator Bites
The secret code name for this appetizer currently is “Gator Sticks.” Now, those should not be confused with the “Gator Bites” served here. These “Gator Sticks” do not taste like gator. They are “Okra Fries.” Okra Fries used to be on the appetizer menu at Homecomin’. The old description of these read “hand-cut okra, lightly battered and crispy fried, and served with their delicious icebox dressing.” I did notice the price went up to $16 now.
Okra Fries fit the southern comfort food setting at Homecomin’ well. I respect that many of you cringed when I told you these were okra with a code name of “Gator Sticks.” However, I enjoy fried okra. Based on my family of origin, I have enjoyed excellent well-prepared fried okra. If you have eaten less than well-prepared okra, then you have every reason to cringe at this secret menu appetizer.
So how were these okra fries? First, the portion size even for $16 provides plenty of food for everyone. I found myself overwhelmed by the large number of okra fries given. I ate most of them but I could not even eat all of them. Second, these matched well with the icebox dressing. The icebox dressing here somehow tastes better than it should for a relatively simple dressing. Third, the okra fries presented a solid flavor and were well prepared.
On the negative side, based on preparation style, you might want to cut these okra fries into smaller bites. The texture of some of the okra fries might be challenging for some to eat. There will be no delicate dainty bites of these creations. Okra often can be chewy so some pieces might taste that way.
Overall, I found “Gator Sticks” enjoyable. Clearly, the portion size earns high marks. However, I think many people will be too overwhelmed with this style appetizer. With all the great food at Homecomin’, using valuable stomach space on this appetizer seems unwise. However, if you have a large group wanting to split a unique appetizer, this one makes a terrific choice.
Finally, if you have read some of my other dining reviews at Homecomin’, then you know this place makes a challenging advance dining reservation to get. For this most recent trip, I personally used MouseDining.com alerts to adjust this reservation at least ten times. I wish I was exaggerating. I changed days, time of day, and number of people several times. Though I got a bit concerned, every change was met by an alert from MouseDining eventually. Since Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ ranks as the most searched for advance dining reservation, I became a pleased customer.
One of the many popular restaurants at Walt Disney World resides at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Guests can enjoy breakfast or dinner at this table service location. As you might imagine, getting an advance dining reservation here can be tricky. For my most recent trip, I used MouseDining.com to acquire my original reservation. I also used it to change it several times to get the exact day and time I wanted. Eventually, I got a late breakfast time slot. I wanted a late slot since I knew I would be staying up before typing blogs after an evening at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
Could Ohana repair the damage to my system from little sleep and scary food from the Halloween party at Magic Kingdom? Would the food be so average that it would not wake me up after typing until 4am? Would I even make my 11:20am reservation?
Good news I woke up in plenty of time. We arrived at The Polynesian Village Resort with plenty of time to make a reservation. We did experience similar delays to being seated as we experienced at Topolino’s Terrace the day before. After we were seated, we quickly got a fruit plate and breakfast pineapple bread. As usual, fruit just tastes better in Florida compared to most of the USA. The pineapple bread tasted fine but nothing special.
One of the least positive parts of this breakfast relates to the coffee. The coffee tasted like standard boring hotel coffee. I did quickly point out to my dining companions that therefore you can buy upgraded coffee with this breakfast. Of course, this breakfast comes with POG juice. Also, this place supported my diet soda addiction by bringing me a Coke Zero.
Early in our meal, they brought us waffles. Since we were dining at Ohana, we got Stitch and Mickey waffles. These Stitch shaped items make only Stitch guests get to see at Ohana until September 27th when characters return to this breakfast.
Related to characters returning, the current price of breakfast here is $25/adult. I expect price to increase when characters return though.
Back to the food, the waffles provided normal quality. I preferred the Stitch waffles over Mickey waffles. Yet, you may find Mickey tastes better.
The skillets come with plenty to enjoy. I learned from another guest that you can order ham without pineapple. Yet, I wonder why you would do that. The ham with pineapple tasted great. However, many people feel the ham is not as good as before theme parks closed in 2020. I found the sausage tasted average for table service dining. The eggs were very well prepared. They were not as good as eggs for breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace. The potatoes were well seasoned. I found them a great compliment to the other elements of these skillets. Finally, the biscuits were just okay.
Was this breakfast worth our time and money? I think it was. For $25 to get unlimited refills of any of these breakfast food items here currently makes a decent value. Considering larger breakfast buffets over at Universal Orlando start at $27, this price looks okay for Ohana. I could easily visualize a parent saying to everyone in group: “eat up, guys…if you want more food before our 3:00 dining reservation, you are on your own.” Then they might say something like: “If you leave here hungry, it is your own fault.”
Though I currently feel this makes a great value at $25, we will wait to see what price is starting September 27th with Stitch and friends returning to harass dining guests. Can you find a better breakfast on the property? Yes, you can. Can you find it at this price? No, you probably cannot. In fairness, I have several guest reports about Ohana not as glowing as mine. Reports seem to vary significantly. You can decide if this works for your group though. Remember, there are many reasons this restaurant ranks high in terms of Walt Disney World reservations searched for. For many people, this breakfast measures up very well. As always, eat like you mean it!
Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month is nearly here, and there are plenty of culinary delights across Disney parks for you to try as you join in on the exciting festivities. From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort have tasty treats highlighting the flavors of the Hispanic and Latin American cultures. From limited-time offerings to menu items you can enjoy all year long, there are plenty of mouthwatering dishes to enjoy!
Cooking within Hispanic and Latin cultures is typically a whole family affair, with food featured center stage in many of the traditions that go back generations. Disney Parks has taken inspiration from these traditions this month and throughout the entire year with multiple eats and sips that light up your palete.
From the delicious Passionfruit Guava TresLeches at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort– Riverside and FrenchQuarter to the tasty dishes from the Plaza de La Familia festivities at Paradise Garden Grill at Disney California Adventure park, your tastebuds will be taken on a journey into the cuisine of this culture and leave you wanting more of these delicious dishes.
Let’s take a look at what you can indulge in this Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month in this edition of our Foodie Guide!
Walt Disney World Resort – Together We Are Magia
EPCOT
Connections Eatery (Availability ongoing)
Southwestern Burger: Gourmet beef blend, roasted corn-chipotle salsa, Oaxaca cheese crema, chamoy, and guacamole spread on a toasted bun
Choza de Margarita (Available Sept. 15 through Oct.15)
Cochinita Pibil: Citrus-marinated pulled pork served on corn tortillas with pickled red onions and a mango habanero relish served with a side of corn esquites
La Hacienda de San Angel (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Tamale: Cochinita pibil in corn masa topped with pipián sauce, queso cotija, and crema Mexicana
Rosa María Margarita with Centinela Blanco Tequila, violet cordial, black currant, orange liqueur, and lime juice
Mission: SPACE Pretzel Cart (Availability ongoing)
Slushy: Strawberry, mango, or strawberry-mango swirl (non-alcoholic)
Frozen Classic Strawberry Daiquiri: Thomas Tew Rum, strawberry, and lime
San Angel Inn Restaurante (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Rosa María Margarita with Centinela Blanco Tequila, violet cordial, black currant, orange liqueur, and lime juice
Sunshine Seasons
Chef Verónica’s Birria Tacos: Birria tacos with beef, Monterrey Jack, onions, cilantro, and lime served with consommé (New) (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Spicy Fish Taco: Fire-roasted corn salsa with a creamy jalapeño-Piri Piri sauce and relish served with plantain chips (Availability ongoing)
Rotisserie Chicken with yellow rice and black beans (Availability ongoing)
Brazil at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE (Available through Nov. 19)
Feijoada: Black beans with crispy pork belly, Brazil nut pesto, and Ben’s Original Long Grain White Rice
Pao de Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
Xingu Brazilian Black Lager
Frozen Caipirinha with Cachaça
The Fry Basket at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE (Available through Nov. 19)
Adobo Yuca Fries with garlic cilantro aïoli
Mexico at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE
(Available through Nov. 19)
Taco al Pastor: Seared pork belly pastor on a corn tortilla with chipotle black beans, pineapple, pickled onions, and chives
Tostada de Barbacoa: Barbacoa beef on a fried corn tortilla with chipotle black beans, salsa verde, Mexican crema, queso fresco, and chives
Capirotada de Chocolate: Abuelita chocolate bread pudding served with a chocolate crème anglaise
Blood Orange Charm Margarita: Centinela Blanco Tequila, blood orange aperitif, blackcurrant-infused vodka, and prosecco served on the rocks with pink peppercorns and sweet dried Chile salt rim
It Takes Two to Mango Margarita: Mezcal Ilegal Joven, mango purée, Nixta Corn Liqueur, rum, and ancho Chile lime juice served on the rocks with hibiscus-salt rim
Shimmering Sips at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE (Available through Nov. 19)
Guava Mousse on a sugar cookie with coconut-lime whipped cream
The Swanky Saucy Swine at the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE (Available through Nov. 19)
Grilled Pork Shoulder Lettuce Wrap with charred corn salsa, pickled red onion, and cilantro-lime crema
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
ABC Commissary (Availability ongoing)
Shrimp Tacos: Sautéed shrimp on flour tortillas topped with cabbage slaw, chipotle-mayonnaise, and mango salsa served with Mexican rice and black beans topped with queso fresco
Pork Tacos: Pork carnitas on flour tortillas topped with avocado salsa verde and pickled onions served with Mexican rice and black beans topped with queso fresco
Watermelon Margarita: Patrón Silver Tequila, watermelon, sweet-and-sour, and lime juice
Backlot Express
Cuban Sandwich: Classically-pressed roasted pulled pork, sliced ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard served with plantain chips (Availability ongoing)
Frozen Mojito (New) (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Baseline Taphouse (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Michelada: Mexican drink made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and chili peppers served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass (New)
Rosie’s All-American Café (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Tres Leches: Tres leches cake served with whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, strawberry candy rocks, and a white chocolate coin (New)
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Flame Tree Barbecue (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Tres Leches Cupcake: Plant-based version of the traditional Colombian tres leches cake with vanilla cake soaked in almond, coconut, and oat milk, plant-based cinnamon, swirls of whipped icing, passion fruit boba, and a white chocolate piece featuring Antonio, Chispi, and Pico from Disney’s “Encanto” (New) (Plant-based)
Caravan Road (Availability ongoing)
Piña Colada Shaved Ice (available with and without vodka)
Kusafiri Bakery (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Impossible Empanada: Flaky Latin dough filled with plant-based picadillo (ground beef) (New)
Nomad Lounge (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Birria Tacos: Braised beef, ancho and guajillo chiles, Oaxaca cheese, lime, and cilantro (New)
Churros with vanilla crema and coffee crème anglaise
Blood Orange Pisco Sour: Barsol Pisco, fresh blood orange juice, fresh lime juice, an egg white, and simple syrup (New)
Pizzafari (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Tres Leches Cupcake: Plant-based version of the traditional Colombian tres leches cake with vanilla cake soaked in almond, coconut, and oat milk, plant-based cinnamon, swirls of whipped icing, passion fruit boba, and a white chocolate piece featuring Antonio, Chispi, and Pico from Disney’s Encanto(New) (Plant-based)
Restaurantosaurus (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Cuban Sandwich: Roasted pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, and pickles served on a buttery Cuban-style bread with french fries (New)
Tres Leches Cupcake: Plant-based version of the traditional Colombian tres leches cake with vanilla cake soaked in almond, coconut, and oat milk, plant-based cinnamon, swirls of whipped icing, passion fruit boba, and a white chocolate piece featuring Antonio, Chispi, and Pico from Disney’s “Encanto” (New) (Plant-based)
The Smiling Crocodile (Availability ongoing)
Pulled Street Tacos: Two pulled pork tacos tossed in a house-made sauce with lime crema, cotija, cabbage, and pickled onion served with a side of chips and salsa
Chicken Street Tacos: Two roasted chicken tacos tossed in a house-made sauce with lime crema, cotija, cabbage, and pickled onion served with chips and salsa
Street Corn Tacos: Two tacos with black beans, roasted corn, poblano peppers, and red onion topped with pico de gallo, chili-lime mayonnaise, and cotija served with chips and salsa
Chips and Salsa
Tiffins Restaurant (Available Sept.15 through Oct. 15)
Chocolate Tres Leches: Chocolate cake soaked in classic tres leches, dulce de leche, coffee Chantilly, and white chocolate garnish (New)
Blood Orange Pisco Sour: Barsol Pisco, fresh blood orange juice, fresh lime juice, an egg white, and simple syrup (New)
Thirsty River Bar (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Sangria Roja: Flavors of fresh oranges and apples blended with E&J Brandy and red wine (New)
Zuri’s Sweets Shop (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Chamoy Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with Chamoy spices and sauce
Mickey Churro Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with confectioners coating, marshmallows, and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Cupcake: Churro-flavored cupcake and buttercream icing with chocolate ears and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Mallow: Marshmallow dipped in confectioners coating and cinnamon sugar
Magic Kingdom Park
Cinderella’s Royal Table (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Un Poco Loco Tostones: Green plantains, duck confit, roasted pepper purée, avocado mousse, charred corn, and cotija cheese foam (New)
Panna-Connie’s Congo Lime Delight: Lime ‘panna cotta’ served with mango-lime sorbet and fresh fruit (Plant-based)
Popcorn Cart Near Cinderella Castle
Mexican Spiced Hot COCO Brownie: Mexican spiced hot chocolate flavored brownie with Miguel chocolate piece (New) (Available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party only through Oct. 31)
Big Top Souvenirs (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Chamoy Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with Chamoy spices and sauce
Mickey Churro Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with confectioners coating, marshmallows, and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Cupcake: Churro-flavored cupcake and buttercream icing with chocolate ears and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Mallow: Marshmallow dipped in confectioners coating and cinnamon sugar
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Encanto Petite Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, mango mousse, raspberry mousse, and white chocolate crisp pearls (New)
Flancocho Dessert: Chef Yoly’s version of this dessert from Puerto Rico consisting of a caramel flan and rich chocolate cake garnished with Amorette’s Patisserie chocolate disk, dried strawberry, meringue, and macaron (New)
Cilantro Food Truck (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Arepa Encantada: South American gluten free white corn meal cakes, stuffed with mozzarella cheese and Cilantro’s crema dip
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Cuban Sandwich: Made with house-smoked pork, shaved country ham, HFK signature pickles, yellow mustard, and Swiss cheese pressed between slices of fresh Cuban bread
Tajin-Rimmed Paloma
Disney’s Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Chamoy Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with chamoy spices and sauce
Mickey Churro Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with confectioners coating, marshmallows, and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Cupcake: Churro-flavored cupcake and buttercream icing with chocolate ears and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Mallow: Marshmallow dipped in confectioners coating and cinnamon sugar
D-Luxe Burger (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Tripleta Burger: Deluxe patty, ham, pork belly, fried potato sticks, lettuce, tomato, and ketchup aïoli (New)
Hangar Bar (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Bitter Barkeep Pisco Sour: Barsol Quebranta Pisco, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice (New)
Splitsville Luxury Lanes (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Fiesta Roll: Seared tuna, cream cheese, and spicy volcano crab mix rolled in nori paper and sushi rice topped off with freshly sliced avocado, Masago, scallions, and micro cilantro drizzled with eel sauce and a house-made Fiesta sauce
Prickly Pear Paloma: Blanco tequila, prickly pear, lime juice, and grapefruit soda
Vivoli il Gelato (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Guava Cannoli: Sweet cream made with ricotta, sugar, and guava stuffed in a crispy pastry shell
Chamoyada: Mango sorbetto, beer, Tajín, and Chamoy
Resorts
Disney’s BoardWalk
BoardWalk Deli (Available Sept. 15 through Oct.15)
Guava and Cheese Quesito: Crunchy puff pastry wrapped around a sweet guava and cream cheese filling (New)
Screen Door General Store (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Mickey Churro Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with confectioners coating, marshmallows, and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Cupcake: Churro-flavored cupcake and buttercream icing with chocolate ears and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Mallow: Marshmallow dipped in confectioners coating and cinnamon sugar
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
Centertown Market (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Cardamom Flancocho: Cardamom red velvet cake with a caramel flan garnished with fresh fruit and floral (New)
Chef Ludy’s Arroz Mamposteao: Crispy pork carnitas served with Spanish-style rice and beans, pickled onions, and crispy plantain (New)
Spyglass Grill (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Cardamom Flancocho: Cardamom red velvet cake with a caramel flan
garnished with fresh fruit and floral (New)
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Bayview Gifts (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Mickey Churro Caramel Apple: Granny Smith caramel apple with confectioners coating, marshmallows, and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Cupcake: Churro-flavored cupcake and buttercream icing with chocolate ears and cinnamon sugar
Mickey Churro Mallow: Marshmallow dipped in confectioners coating and cinnamon sugar
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Barcelona Lounge (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Horchata: Traditional Latin-style beverage featuring rice milk, cinnamon, and agave (New) (non-alcoholic)
Rioja-braised Chorizo: Spanish-style sausage, rioja wine, and onions
Charred Octopus: Patatas and chimichurri
‘Aceitunas’ Marinated Olives: Citrus, garlic, and crushed red pepper (Plant-based)
Flight of Four Pintxos: Chilled mussels ‘escabèche,’ olive oil-poached tuna with lemon, ‘tortilla española’ Spanish potato omelet, and Valdeón blue cheese with fig and honey
Rioja-braised Chicken: Roasted tomato bomba rice, grapes, and crispy potatoes
Chuletón Bone-In Rib-Eye: Tomato, onions, and choice of two house sides
Chocolate-Avocado Mousse: Strawberry-basil sorbet and coconut crumble (Plant-based)
‘Café con Leche’: Dark chocolate and Chantilly
Sangría Tinto: Garnacha Old Vines, Torres Magdala Naranjas del Mediterráneo, and orange
Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Availability ongoing)
Pan Con Tomate: Toasted bread, crushed tomato, garlic, and olive oil
Warm Churros: Espelette sugar and chocolate sauce
Sangría Flight: Sample all four house-made sangrias (Tinto, Rosado, Blanco, and Espumoso)
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Gasparilla Island Grill (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Pastel de Horchata: Vanilla sponge cake infused with cinnamon-scented rice milk topped with mango mousse and toasted meringue (New)
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and Riverside Mill Food Court (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Passionfruit Guava Tres Leches: Classic tres leches with a passionfruit guava curd, fresh cream, and floral décor (New)
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West
Resort
The Artist’s Palette and Good’s Food to Go (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Bruno’s Vision Cupcake: Tres leches vanilla cupcake filled with dulce de leche with whipped cream and sugar ‘vision’ shards (New)
Backstretch Pool Bar (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Isa Jacaranda Cone: Blue vanilla soft-serve with a hurricane of fondant flowers and glitter on a green cake cone (New)
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
The Market at Ale & Compass and Beach Club Marketplace (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Encanto Mariposa Cupcake: Vanilla cupcake with guava mousse, butter cream and golden ‘mariposa’ fondant décor (New)
Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort Food Courts (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Chef Ludy’s Arroz Mamposteao: Crispy pork carnitas served with Spanish-style rice and beans, pickled onions, and crispy plantain (New)
Mirabel Cupcake: Cinnamon cupcake filled with custard and topped with coconut buttercream, toasted coconut, and Mirabel-inspired fondant garnishes
Various Lounges (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Oaxaca Old-Fashioned includes Casa Dragones Tequila and Hella Cocktail Co. Mexican Chocolate and orange bitters (New)
Various Pool Bars (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 15)
Spicy Paloma: Teremana Tequila and Hella Cocktail Co. Smoked Chili Bitters with grapefruit soda, lime, and a chili-lime rim (New)
Available at all Joffrey’s Coffee Locations at Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Blend: A dark blend sourced from the Cerrado region of Brazil, Santa Barbara in Honduras, and the Costa Rican Central Valley (non-alcoholic)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Rancho del Zócalo (Availability ongoing)
Fire-Grilled Half Chicken marinated with chili citrus
Red Chile Enchilada Platter: Three cheese enchiladas topped with red chile sauce served with Mexican rice and refried beans
Trio of Street Tacos: Beef, chicken, and cauliflower served in corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce garnished with onions and cilantro and served with Mexican rice and refried beans
Burrito Sonora Beef or Chicken with refried beans, rice, and cheese wrapped in flour tortilla topped with a traditional guajillo sauce and served with Mexican rice
Cauliflower Tacos with cabbage slaw and tomatillo sauce served with Mexican rice and refried beans
Tostada Salad Beef or Chicken: Presented in a crispy tortilla shell with Mexican rice, refried beans, chopped lettuce, cilantro-lime vinaigrette, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo topped with cheese
Mexican Chicken Caesar Salad: Grilled chicken, lettuce, house-made Caesar dressing, pepitas, and cotija cheese
Frontierland Pretzel and Churro Carts, Ship to Shore Marketplace, and Rancho Del Zócalo Restaurante
Coco’s Dante Straw Clip (New)
Disney California Adventure Park
Plaza de la Familia at Paradise Garden Grill (Available through Nov. 2)
Street-style Tacos: Trio of sirloin beef tacos with pickled vegetables, Spanish rice, and pinto beans (New)
Traditional Tamale Plate: Green chile chicken tamales with Spanish rice, and pinto beans (New)
Carnitas Burrito: Pork carnitas, Spanish rice, pinto beans, and salsa verde served with house-made tortilla chips (New)
Chorizo Quesadilla: Poblano, onions, and mozzarella topped with cilantro crema and served with salsa roja and escabeche (New) (Plant-based)
Elote: Roasted corn on the cob topped with crema, cotija, chili powder, and chicharrones crumble (New)
Coco Cake: Layers of vanilla cake filled with cinnamon mousse and iced with cream cheese frosting (New)
Watermelon Candy Cocktail: Tequila, watermelon schnapps, and pineapple juice with a chamoy and chile-lime seasoned rim (New)
Coco Sipper (New)
Coco’s Dante Straw Clip (New)
Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta (Available through Nov. 10)
Carnitas Pizza: Pork carnitas, chorizo refried beans, and mozzarella with citrus cabbage slaw and salsa verde (New)
Horchata Cheesecake with sugar skull décor (New)
Cocina Cucamonga (Availability ongoing)
Quesa Birria Tacos: Braised beef and cheese tacos with tomatillo salsa and consommé
Carne Asada Tacos: Citrus-marinated grilled steak tacos with crushed avocados and fuego salsa
Pollo Asado Tacos: Achiote-marinated grilled chicken tacos with crushed avocados and fuego salsa
Al Pastor Tacos: Pineapple-achiote-marinated pork with crushed avocados and jalapeño-garlic salsa
Tacos Dorados de Papa: Crispy potato tacos topped with cabbage slaw, dairy-free crema, and tomatillo salsa
Goofy’s Churro Cart (Available through Nov. 6)
Horchata Churro drizzled with horchata dipping sauce
Outdoor Seasonal Cart (Available through Oct. 31)
Mole Wings: Tender wings tossed in a sweet and spicy ancho and guajillo mole sauce (New)
Green and Purple Cotton Candy
Cotton Candy-flavored Candy Corn
Downtown Disney District
Ballast Point Brewing Co. (Available beginning Sept. 15 while supplies last)
Chicken Mole Fries: Marinated thigh meat smothered with house-made mole and topped with Mexican crema, avocado salsa, and micro greens (New)
Elote Ribs: Deep fried corn riblet tossed in Kerigold butter with a spicy cilantro lime aïoli, and queso fresco garnished with micro greens (New)
Chile Relleno Burrito: Braised pork stuffed peppers with cheese deep fried in egg batter, Spanish rice, and refried pinto beans (New)
Impossible Chocolate Cake with Flan: Chocolate cake with a flan custard baked top and caramel sauce (New)
Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 16)
Mexican Street Corn Dog: Spicy hot link sausage dipped in corn meal batter, fried and topped with garlic mayo, corn kernels, cotija cheese, and cilantro, garnished with a lime wedge, and served with a bag of chips (New)
Catal Restaurant (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 16)
Pork Belly Al Pastor Paella: Green sofrito bomba rice, Bilboa chorizo, charred green onions, salsa verde, pickled onions, and cilantro salad (New)
Aqua de Valencia: Cava Brut, New Amsterdam Vodka, New Amsterdam Gin, and orange juice topped with an orange wheel (New)
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 16)
The Piña Mezcal Mule: Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, pineapple juice, and ginger beer (New)
Tortilla Jo’s (Available Sept. 15 through Oct. 16)
Tacos Ahogados: Three rolled crispy chicken tacos served with mole, verde sheared lettuce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco (New)
Carne Asada Tampiqueña: Seared rib eye served with crispy potatoes a la Mexicana, sautéed poblano peppers, tomato, onions, and cilantro with pico de gallo, guacamole, refried beans, and chile toreado (New)
Now it’s your turn to taste your way through Hispanic cuisines this month. I hope you enjoy all these culinary delights honoring Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort!
(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)
With over twenty table service dining options at Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, you will not get bored in terms of dining. If you desire a certain type of cuisine, you should be able to find it at Disney Springs. One of the top five most searched for Disney Springs reservations, using MouseDining.com, is the House of Blues. Over the last five months, people have been searching for reservations far more than previously. I have visited the House of Blues in other cities. When my travel companion suggested dining here, I made an advance dining reservation for a weekday evening.
When we arrived for our evening meal, the check-in process rated as very awkward. The restaurant staff struggled to find my reservation. However, once that was resolved, we were seated on time for our dining reservation. I appreciated being seated on time after several long waits for other dining reservations during my August trip.
The servers showed incredible care and courtesy. Many of them lacked experience there but they worked hard. My companion saw some coloring pages. The coloring pages enable you to color a picture of the Blues Brothers. Since I would be visiting Universal Orlando the following day, it seemed odd to be see tribute to the Blues Brothers when the Blues Brothers show happens at Universal Orlando. Yes, I understand the ownership structure of House of Blues. Yet, it still seemed off in this setting. Back to the coloring pages, my companion only got orange and blue crayons but did a fabulous job making Jake and Elwood look good with those two colors.
The servers did seem to push the alcoholic beverages a bit too much. Apparently, on this night, ordering a soft drink counts as a mistake. I state that since I never got a refill of my beverage during my meal. If you are familiar with my dining reviews, you know I have a diet soda addiction, so this stressed me a bit. Still, I did get a beverage to go after completing my meal.
On this evening, I selected to order the “Smoked Brisket Sandwich.” This sandwich comes with a brioche bun, Memphis BBQ sauce, and house-made slaw. This sandwich also came with fries as a side. The sandwich cost $17. In terms of initial appearance, this sandwich looked adequate.
So how was the sandwich? In a few words, it lacked quality of similar sandwiches at Orlando theme park restaurants. Before discussing that, the portion size of the brisket exceeded normal expectations. If looking for a sandwich being over-filled, this one qualifies.
Promotional Photo from House of Blues
However, the rest of the sandwich failed to measure up. The taste of the brisket rates as average. It depended on the BBQ sauce for flavor. If you enjoy a sweet style BBQ sauce, you will like that aspect, however. The bun quality seemed average at best. The slaw with this sandwich tasted okay but did not fit on sandwich if you desire that. Also, the fires were simply average. I expected a larger bun but with the smaller bun it makes the portion size of brisket look bigger.
The brisket sandwich here looks smaller than a comparable one at Hard Rock Café over at Universal Orlando. As you may have detected, I expected far more from this sandwich from the House of Blues. I had heard great things about these sandwiches so maybe you will have a better experience. Still, I found this sandwich lacking. As always, eat like you mean it!
Want to hear from a real MouseDining user like you? Meet Liz!
She recently used MouseDining to secure her Disney date night reservation at The Skipper Canteen, and made a vlog about her experience, from setting her MouseDining alert, to picking the perfect outfit for her date, to the actual meal.
Liz said, “Robby and I have been wanting to go to Skipper Canteen for YEARS! Thanks to MouseDining, we were finally able to make that happen. Come along with us as we outfit plan, do a little last-minute DIY, and have a romantic date night in the most magical place on earth! Check out my YouTube video to see my full experience.”
In her YouTube video, Liz shares, “If you’ve ever tried to book dining reservations at Disney, you know it isn’t the most…intuitive or easy way to do things. The way that the dining reservations are organized, sometimes the reservation that you want is like hiding away. It’s so nice that you don’t have to keep checking the site manually.”
“So MouseDining just does it all for you! In my experience of using the service for two or three reservations so far, I’ve been able to get all the reservations I wanted which is incredible! The process of booking it was absolutely fantastic. Thus far I’ve had great success with MouseDining.”
We love seeing how much joy is part of our clients’ experience of a Disney dining adventure. Liz celebrated the fun night out by creating her very own DIY Skipper Canteen Hat with Mickey Ears to fit the theme of the restaurant (check out her video above to see how she did it!).
Here’s a quick rundown of the Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen restaurant highlights:
Skipper Canteen has three quirky dining areas: the crew’s colonial-era Mess Hall; the Jungle Room, former parlor of Dr. Albert Falls himself; and the S.E.A. Room – a once-secret meeting place for the Society of Explorers and Adventures.
This restaurant is located in Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom in Adventureland
Both lunch and dinner reservations are available at Skipper Canteen, with times reflecting park hours daily
The menu varies, borrowing flavors from African, Asian, and Latin cuisine, offering both meat and veggie-forward options
Most menu options at The Skipper Canteen range between $15 – $34.99
Liz and Robby enjoyed a wonderful meal at Skipper Canteen and ended their Disney date night with a romantic waltz before heading home. Liz says she already has signed up for a few more reservation alerts from MouseDining to make sure she scores the perfect spots for when her friends come for a joint Disney trip next month!
During my most recent trip to Orlando, I got an advance dining reservation for one of the most difficult places to get a reservation on Walt Disney World property, Topolino’s Terrace. Yes, I got this reservation about thirty days before using MouseDining.com alerts. So, do not lose hope if your desired dining options are not available 60 days in advance. Before discussing our wonderful breakfast experience, I should use the proper name for this restaurant. The full name is Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. As I have written before, this place gets lots of hype but is well worth it!
For my plan, I wanted a late breakfast before we attended Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party later that day. I surprised my spouse by telling her that we were going to the party that morning via a semi-creative method. I desired a late breakfast to give her time to plan and relax before a long night in Magic Kingdom.
Since that was just a breakfast with my spouse and I, I had concerns about the character breakfast aspect. Characters interacting with past middle-aged males can lead to awkwardness. Yet, I knew my spouse wanted to do that. However, I will cover more about that in a moment.
Now, Topolino’s Terrace resides on the top floor of Disney’s Riviera Resort in the EPCOT resort area. Walt Disney World says you can take in sweeping rooftop views here. They tell the truth about that. The view from here rates as excellent. Based on our schedule, I did not have time to truly enjoy that view though. Even the view from the small area once you get off the elevator offers some great views.
To get to Topolino’s Terrace, you will need to enter the Riviera Resort. From the lobby area, follow signs to the east elevators down the hall from lobby. You should see signs indicating that. Once it is time for your reservation, you will take the elevator to the top floor where the restaurant resides. I suggest using the “My Disney Experience” app to do mobile check-in. Our reservation was for 12:05pm. Since breakfast hours end at 12:15pm, I believe this is the last seating for breakfast for the day. I checked in on time. We eventually moved to the waiting area. Our table was called at 12:33. During this trip, being seated later than your reservation became commonplace.
We were seated. Soon after, our excellent server Michael came to greet us. He brought us the Topolino’s version of POG juice.
As usual, we quickly got the breakfast pastries brought to our table. They tasted remarkable. In fact, I asked for more later in our meal. Soon after our pastries arrived, Minnie Mouse came to greet us. My spouse wore her Minnie Mouse shirt and ears to breakfast. She got some photos to earn “street cred” with younger family members that adore Minnie. These character interactions like all during this breakfast seemed effortless for all. They lead to some excellent conversation (well, conversation by us toward characters not speaking of course).
If you are an adult adverse to character interaction, this setting alleviates much of that awkwardness. I fail to enjoy characters as a grey-haired male, but these characters added to our breakfast enjoyment. Considering you get to meet Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy, if casual character interaction merits you attention, this breakfast does that very well. Also, the character in their themed outfits adds to this experience. By the way, do not ask Mickey or Donald why they have not put a ring on Minnie and Daisy respectively. They might just walk away from you.
Now, breakfast here costs $42 for adults. That may seem high to you. However, for a character breakfast at Walt Disney World, that price rates as reasonable. In addition, once you understand how the system works at Topolino’s then the value starts to rise. Each adult guest gets to choose one main entrée. On this occasion, I chose the Butchers Steak entree. My spouse ordered “Two Eggs Any Style.” The other entrées offered are:
Frittata Gruyère
Avocado Toast
Fruit Plate
Wild Mushroom Scramble (Plant-Based)
Sour Cream Waffle
Side portion seen in photo
Smoked Salmon
Bread Pudding.
The key to ordering here revolves around ordering everything you want all at once. You only get one main entrée. Yet, you can have as many sides as you want and/or smaller versions of the other entrée also. As Michael pointed out, they just ask that you order this all at once. In theory, you could order one main entrée which already comes with some sides. Then, you could get as many of the other entrées in smaller form at same time. I thought of it as buffet you just order all at once. In future reviews, I will break down the pros and cons of each breakfast entrée. I suggest no matter what entrée you select, that you ask for a sour cream waffle.
If you dine here getting a pastry or two and then just one entrée, this place will be nice but lacks value. However, if you order an entrée and two smaller entrees as sides, this place offers a solid value. Michael even asked me directly about an annual pass discount. Over the last few months, we have seen less and less checking by Cast Members for dining discounts.
The service here reaches top notch level. For example, my spouse noticed some kids had themed waffles on a stick with their meal. Michael brought some to her. The best part of this breakfast meal, besides maybe the characters, involves the wide variety of menu items and flavors you can enjoy. In fact, I have yet to find anything lacking in solid flavor and quality here.
On the negative side, the process to get a reservation here adds stress. Of course, MouseDining.com can help with some of that. The check-in process could be better also. For breakfast at least, if you desire a quiet setting, this would not be the best place with all the character interaction. Though I really enjoyed my meal without characters, the food by itself falls below being worth $42. Also, like many table service meals, picky eaters will be overpaying. Of course, if you desire truly signature dining, the dinner menu fulfills that. The evening cuisine tastes so much better. Still, the breakfast quality offered here exceeds most places.
Once again, I really enjoyed this breakfast. In fact, it made Ohana breakfast the next day look weak by comparison. Spoiler…we had a great experience at Ohana also. Would I do this again? I can answer positively to that. Be on the lookout for more specific reviews of the breakfast entrees here at MouseDining.com As always, eat like you mean it!
