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Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Snacks at Disney World: Every Treat Under $10 (2026)

Foodie Guide, General By June 5, 2026 Tags: , , , , No Comments

Looking for budget-friendly bites this season? Cool KIDS’ SUMMER snacks at Disney World are here now, and the lineup is full of playful treats. Even better, every featured sip, sweet, and savory snack below stays under $10. So whether you are dancing with Jessie and her Toy Story pals at Magic Kingdom or making a splash with Stitch at Typhoon Lagoon, these stops keep everyone happy.

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is running now across all four theme parks, the water parks, and Disney Springs. Here are the limited-time treats worth tracking down.

Favorite Stroller Fan

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Drinks at Disney World

First, the drinks. The lineup leans bright, fruity, and very photo-friendly. So if you are visiting Magic Kingdom, start in Tomorrowland.

  • Zurg Overload Shake at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies is a vanilla shake with cherry coating, marshmallow whipped cream, sprinkles, and a chocolate piece.
  • Space Ranger Float, also at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies, swirls DOLE Whip Lime and vanilla soft-serve with Sprite and green apple pearls.

Next, head to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. There, you will find two refreshing options that taste like summer in a cup.

  • Bluey’s Berry Lemonade at Eight Spoon Café and Pizzafari is a Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade packed with blueberry, blackberry, strawberry, and raspberry.
  • Wackadoo Fruit Freeze at Pizzafari is a frozen twist on Bluey’s fruit salad. It uses Simply Fruit Punch and comes garnished with fruit salad.

Heading to EPCOT instead? Then stop by GRAB-N-GOOF for the Goofy’s Gone Fishing drink. It is a blue raspberry lemonade loaded with strawberry fruit juice-filled pearls. Plus, you get your choice of fish or shark gummy candies.

Cool Kids Summer Drink Under $10 Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

New Sweet Snacks for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER

Next up, dessert. If your crew prefers something sweet, two new cakes deliver big on color and fun.

  • Fairy Bread Cake at Pizzafari is an Australian-inspired vanilla birthday cake. The kitchen dips it in white chocolate, coats it in rainbow sprinkles, and serves it with raspberry dipping sauce.
  • Gawrsh! Worms Everywhere Cake at GRAB-N-GOOF stacks chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, cookies and cream pieces, and gummy candy.

Cool Kids Summer Cake Under $10 Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Savory Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Snacks

Not everyone wants sugar all day. So Disney built in a couple of savory picks too.

  • Chicken Goof-ups pair Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Bites with fried cheese curds and Goofy Sauce.
  • Goof Troop Mac Snack serves up fried macaroni and cheese with marinara for dipping.

Better yet, both are easy to share. As a result, they stretch your snack budget across a hungry group.

Cool Kids Summer Snack Under $10 Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Familiar Favorites for Picky Eaters

Traveling with a selective eater? Then you are covered. Kitchens across Walt Disney World offer kid-friendly staples like chicken strips, pizza, macaroni and cheese, fries, and fruit. To map out the easiest stops, grab a Cool KIDS’ SUMMER map in the parks. It lists the go-to bites throughout your day.

Plan Your Cool KIDS’ SUMMER Snack Stops

The treats span Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. So a little planning goes a long way. First, group your snack stops by park. Then build a few of these picks into your touring plan. Because each item stays under $10, you can sample several without blowing your dining budget.

Cool Kids Summer Treat Cards Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Disney World?

Cool KIDS’ SUMMER is running now at Walt Disney World Resort. The seasonal celebration includes limited-time snacks, character experiences, and family entertainment across all four theme parks, the water parks, and Disney Springs. Find our complete guide to Cool Kids Summer here.

Where can you find Cool KIDS’ SUMMER snacks?

You can find Cool KIDS’ SUMMER snacks at several quick-service spots. These include Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies in Magic Kingdom, Eight Spoon Café and Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and GRAB-N-GOOF at EPCOT.

Are the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER snacks really under $10?

Yes. The featured Cool KIDS’ SUMMER sips, sweets, and savory bites all stay under $10. As a result, they offer an affordable way to enjoy limited-time treats during your Disney World visit.

Do you need a reservation for Cool KIDS’ SUMMER snacks?

No. Quick-service and walk-up locations sell these limited-time snacks, so you do not need a dining reservation to grab one. They are available while the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER season runs.

How long are the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER treats available?

The treats are limited-time offerings tied to the Cool KIDS’ SUMMER season. Because they can sell out or change, it is smart to check current availability when you arrive.

Never Miss a Hard-to-Get Disney Dining Reservation

Snacks are easy. The sit-down restaurants that fill up months in advance, however, are a different story. So let MouseDining do the watching for you. Set up a free reservation alert at MouseDining.com, and we will notify you the moment a table opens at your must-do Walt Disney World restaurant. That way, you can focus on the fun while we track the hard-to-get spots.

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Disney Passholder Dining Discounts Summer 2026: Up to 40% Off

Foodie Guide, News, Special Events By May 1, 2026 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Annual Passholders, this one is for you. Disney just made summer 2026 significantly more delicious. The V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days program is back, and this year it comes loaded with dining discounts of up to 40% at 12 table-service restaurants across all four parks and several resort hotels. That is not a typo; it’s actually up to 40% off AND at some of the best restaurants on property. This is the kind of deal that makes you want to rearrange your whole summer schedule around a Tuesday dinner at Tiffins.

Here is everything you need to know about Disney World Passholder dining discounts in 2026 , including every participating restaurant, exactly how much you save at each one, and how to make sure you actually get a seat before everyone else does.

What Is V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days?

V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days is Walt Disney World’s annual summer appreciation event for Annual Passholders. It runs from May 1 through July 31, 2026, and packs in a lineup of exclusive perks across the resort. This year’s run is the longest the event has seen yet, and the dining discounts are bigger than in past years.

The dining promotion is the headline offer. Passholders can save up to 40% at select table-service restaurants, available Monday through Thursday only during the event window. The discount covers food and nonalcoholic beverages at regular menu prices. Alcoholic beverages, tax, and gratuity are excluded.

Beirgarten Disney World passholder dining discount 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Key Dates and Details

  • Event dates: May 1 through July 31, 2026
  • Dining discount days: Monday through Thursday only
  • Discount tiers: 20% off at 2 restaurants, 40% off at 10 restaurants
  • Who it covers: The Passholder plus up to 3 guests
  • What’s covered: Regular-priced food and nonalcoholic beverages, dine-in only
  • What’s excluded: Alcohol, tax, gratuity, special event dining packages, EPCOT festival dining packages, Fantasmic! dining packages
  • What to bring: Valid Annual Pass ID in the My Disney Experience app plus a photo ID

The Friday through Sunday exclusion is of course, intentional. Because Disney restricts the discount to weekdays to drive traffic on slower days, we expect reservations will likely fill up. If you have any flexibility in your schedule, planning your biggest meals Monday through Thursday is absolutely the move this summer.

The 20% Discount Restaurants

Two restaurants are part of the 20% discount tier, both at Magic Kingdom, and both are brand new to the V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days dining program in 2026. Longtime fans of Be Our Guest will be very pleased to see it on this list for the first time.

Crystal Palace Disney World passholder dining discount 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Save 20% — Monday Through Thursday, May 1 Through July 31, 2026

Restaurant Location Meals Included
Be Our Guest Restaurant (new in 2026) Magic Kingdom Lunch only
The Crystal Palace (new in 2026) Magic Kingdom Lunch and dinner

Be Our Guest is lunch only with the discount, so plan accordingly. The Crystal Palace covers both lunch and dinner, making it a flexible option for any point in your park day. Both are fan favorites and both are new to this event, which makes them worth prioritizing this summer while the offer is fresh.

MouseDining Tip
Both Be Our Guest and The Crystal Palace fill up fast even at full price. Add a discount to the equation and those Monday through Thursday slots are going to go quickly. Head to MouseDining right now to set alerts for your preferred dates so you don’t miss out.

The 40% Discount Restaurants

Here is where things get really exciting. Ten restaurants across all four parks and multiple resort hotels are in the 40% tier, and several are new to the program this year. A 40% discount at a Disney signature restaurant is genuinely rare, and a few of these spots are among the best meals on property. You should already be making a list.

Save 40% — Monday Through Thursday, May 1 Through July 31, 2026

Restaurant Location Meals Included
Biergarten Restaurant (new in 2026) EPCOT Lunch only
Coral Reef Restaurant EPCOT Dinner only
Garden Grill Restaurant (new in 2026) EPCOT Lunch and dinner
Hollywood and Vine (new in 2026) Disney’s Hollywood Studios Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Tiffins Restaurant Disney’s Animal Kingdom Dinner only
Tusker House Restaurant Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lunch and dinner
Boatwright’s Dining Hall Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Dinner only
Cape May Cafe Disney’s Beach Club Resort Dinner only
Toledo — Tapas, Steak and Seafood Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Dinner only
Whispering Canyon Cafe Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Brunch and dinner

Tusker House Disney World passholder dining discount 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

A few highlights worth calling out. Tiffins at Animal Kingdom is one of the most acclaimed restaurants on property and a full-on signature dining experience, making 40% off dinner an exceptional deal. Toledo at Coronado Springs is a rooftop signature restaurant that deserves way more attention than it gets, and this discount is the perfect excuse to finally book it. Garden Grill and Hollywood and Vine are both character dining experiences, meaning you get the character meal at 40% off, which is a genuinely big deal for families. And Tusker House at lunch and dinner for 40% off is one of the better values on the entire list given how popular that restaurant already is.

Our Top Picks From the List

Best Value Restaurants This Summer

  • Tiffins Restaurant (40% off dinner)  One of the best meals at Walt Disney World at nearly half price. If you only use this discount once, use it here. Full stop.
  • Toledo – Tapas, Steak and Seafood (40% off dinner) A signature rooftop restaurant at Coronado Springs that is genuinely underrated. This discount makes it one of the best deals on the entire list. In fact, we love it so much, we almost didn’t want to list it. 😉
  • Tusker House Restaurant (40% off lunch and dinner)  Character dining with Donald Duck and friends in their safari finest at 40% off is a standout value for families.
  • Garden Grill Restaurant (40% off lunch and dinner) A rotating character dining experience in The Land pavilion at EPCOT, new to the 40% tier this year. Chip, Dale, Mickey, and Pluto in their harvest outfits at nearly half price? Yes, please.
  • Be Our Guest Restaurant (20% off lunch) One of the most requested and hardest-to-book restaurants at Magic Kingdom, now on a discount list for the very first time. Worth every effort to snag a Monday through Thursday lunch reservation.

How to Use the Discount

Using the discount is straightforward, but you need a couple of things ready before you sit down. At the time of seating, present your valid Annual Pass ID in the Tickets and Passes section of the My Disney Experience app along with a valid photo ID. Make sure your Annual Pass is linked to your MyDisney account before your trip so there are no surprises at the host stand.

The discount applies to your check for regular-priced food and nonalcoholic beverages. Let your server know you are using the Passholder discount when you are seated and the savings will be reflected on your bill before you pay.

What the Discount Does and Does Not Cover

  • Covered: Regular-priced food and nonalcoholic beverages, dine-in only
  • Covered guests: The Passholder plus up to 3 additional guests
  • Not covered: Alcoholic beverages, tax, or gratuity
  • Not covered: Special event dining packages, EPCOT festival dining packages, Fantasmic! dining packages
  • Not covered: Certain menu items at participating restaurants
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount, offer, or promotion

Book Your Reservations Now

This is not a walk-in situation. The restaurants on this list are popular at full price, and slapping a 40% discount on them makes the competition for Monday through Thursday reservations even fiercer. Several of these spots including Tiffins, Tusker House, Be Our Guest, and Garden Grill book up weeks in advance under normal circumstances, so you do not want to wait on this.

You can make your reservations through the My Disney Experience app or at DisneyWorld.com. Disney’s dining reservation window opens 60 days before your arrival date, which means if you are planning a visit now – June, your window is already open. For July travel, mark your calendar and be ready the moment your 60-day window arrives.

MouseDining Tip
Already missed a reservation or can’t get the date you want? Do not give up. Cancellations happen every single day. Set a MouseDining alert for any restaurant on this list and you will be notified the moment a table opens up. Head to MouseDining.com to set your alerts and start planning your summer dining lineup.

Garden Grill Disney World passholder dining discount 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Everything Else Included in V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days 2026

The dining discounts are the headline, but the fun does not stop there. V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days includes a whole lineup of other perks running through July 31, 2026, and a few of them are genuinely worth building your visit around.

Full V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days 2026 Perks

  • Dining discounts up to 40% at 12 restaurants, Monday through Thursday, May 1 through July 31
  • Passholder Lounge at EPCOT returning to Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco Pavilion, open daily 11 AM to 7 PM from May 1 through July 31. Complimentary snacks, water, Moroccan mint tea, a Passholder button, and an exclusive PhotoPass Animated Magic Shot are all included. Genuinely one of the best perks in the program on a hot Florida summer day.
  • Exclusive character meet-and-greet inside the Magic Eye Theater in World Celebration at EPCOT, available May 1 through July 31 from 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Free Toy Story collectible magnet featuring Woody and Buzz Lightyear, available at Creations Shop at EPCOT starting May 1, one per Passholder while supplies last
  • Exclusive Passholder popcorn bucket designed by Disney Gallery artist Ashley Taylor, available daily at five locations across the resort while supplies last — a new addition to the program in 2026
  • New Passholder merchandise collection debuting May 1 at Creations Shop at EPCOT, with additional locations beginning the week of May 10
  • Resort room savings up to 40% at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels for stays of four or more consecutive nights, most nights from May 1 through July 29, 2026
  • $30 discount per ticket on Disney After Hours events at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on select evenings
  • Discounted water park tickets at Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach during V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days

Typhoon Lagoon passholder discount 2026

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog

Final Thoughts

V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days 2026 is shaping up to be the strongest version of this event in years. The dining discounts alone make a weekday visit worth planning around, especially if Tiffins, Toledo, or a character meal at Tusker House or Garden Grill has been sitting on your bucket list. Add in the free lounge, the collectible magnet, the new popcorn bucket, and the resort room savings, and there is a lot of real value packed into these three months.

The key is getting your reservations locked in before the best spots disappear. Head to MouseDining.com to set alerts for every restaurant on your list so you are the first to know when a table opens up. If you are still pulling together your summer plans, reach out to your favorite authorized Disney travel agent to get your resort and dates secured before summer availability tightens up.

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Disney Deluxe Dining Plan Returns in 2027: Everything You Need to Know

General By April 27, 2026 Tags: , , , , No Comments

It’s finally happening. Disney just announced the Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan for 2027, and fans are absolutely losing their minds. A plan like this hasn’t existed since before the pandemic and it’s been a long wait. But it’s coming back better than ever. If you’ve been dreaming about dining at Disney’s finest restaurants without doing constant math, this is your moment. Let’s break it all down.

What Is the Disney Deluxe Dining Plan?

Here’s the simple version. You prepay for meals. Then you eat. Disney handles the math so you don’t have to stress at checkout. The Deluxe Dining Plan is the premium tier of Disney’s dining plan options. It’s always been the one serious foodies love most.

The plan is officially called the Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan. It gives you two table-service meals per night of your stay. That’s two sit-down, full-service restaurant experiences every single day. Think Be Our Guest, California Grill and Cinderella’s Royal Table. Yes, really.

Can’t snag the reservation you want? Set a MouseDining alert and get notified the moment a table opens up at your favorite Disney restaurant.

How Much Does It Cost?

Adult — Per Night
$163.01
Ages 10+
Child — Per Night
$46.85
Ages 3–9
Under Age 3
Free
Dine from adult’s meal

That might sound like a lot. But let’s put it in perspective. A single table-service meal at a Disney signature restaurant can run $80 to $120 per person. With two included per night, you’re looking at serious value. Especially if you’re planning to splurge at Disney’s best spots anyway.

Why Is This Such a Big Deal?

A plan like this hasn’t existed since before the pandemic. Disney paused all dining plans during COVID, and when they brought them back in 2024, they only restored a single basic option. Fans were frustrated. Many had built their entire trip strategy around the Deluxe Plan. It felt like a key piece of the Disney magic was just gone.

Now it’s back. And honestly? We’re emotional about it. This plan changes everything for serious Disney diners. You can now book signature restaurants night after night without guilt. You can finally try that Narcoossee’s reservation you’ve always skipped, or do Chef’s de France for lunch and then head to Topolino’s Terrace for dinner.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog Space 220

What’s Included in the Plan?

Here’s what we know so far based on the announcement. Each credit covers a full table-service meal. That typically includes an entree, a non-alcoholic beverage, and a dessert. Appetizers may or may not be included depending on the specific restaurant. Planning ahead is everything with this dining plan.

What You Get Per Night of Your Stay

  • Two table-service meal credits
  • One quick-service meal credit
  • One snack or nonalcoholic drink
  • One Resort-Refillable Drink Mug per package

Good to Know

  • Credits can be used at hundreds of Walt Disney World restaurants
  • Signature restaurants and dinner shows typically cost two credits each
  • Credits roll over day to day and expire at midnight on checkout day, so make sure you grab those last-minute snacks before you head home!
  • The plan is tied to your resort reservation

Which Restaurants Can You Use It At?

That’s the really exciting part. The Deluxe Plan works at table-service restaurants across all four parks. It also works at Disney Springs and select resort restaurants. Here are some fan-favorite spots you’ll want to target.

Magic Kingdom

  • Be Our Guest Restaurant
  • Cinderella’s Royal Table*
  • The Crystal Palace

EPCOT

  • Space 220 Restaurant*
  • Teppan Edo
  • Tutto Italia Ristorante
  • Le Cellier Steakhouse*

Hollywood Studios

  • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
  • The Hollywood Brown Derby
  • Oga’s Cantina

Animal Kingdom

  • Tiffins Restaurant*
  • Tusker House Restaurant
  • Yak & Yeti Restaurant

*Signature and select character dining locations require two credits per person. Some restaurants may be added or removed — always double-check when you book.

Disney Resort Restaurants

Some of the best meals at Walt Disney World happen outside the parks entirely. The plan works at resort signature restaurants too, including California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, Topolino’s Terrace at Disney’s Riviera Resort, and Ale & Compass at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort.

Photo credit: Disney Parks Blog Topolino’s Terrace

How to Get the Most Out of This Plan

Two table-service meals a day sounds dreamy. But you have to plan smart. Here’s how to make every credit count.

Book your restaurants the moment your window opens. Disney’s dining reservation window is 60 days before your arrival date. The best spots fill up incredibly fast. Set an alarm. Seriously. And if you don’t get what you want, set a MouseDining notification.

MouseDining Tip
If you miss your window, don’t panic. Set a MouseDining notification and get alerted the second a cancellation opens up.

Use two-credit restaurants wisely. Signature restaurants cost two credits. That eats up both your daily table-service credits in one dinner. That’s fine if it’s a bucket-list meal, but mix in some one-credit spots to stretch your options across the trip.

Don’t skip character dining. Places like Tusker House or Topolino’s Terrace breakfast count as table-service. You get the character experience included in your plan. That’s a huge value for families. Remember, some Character Dining locations like Cinderella’s Royal Table will use two table credits.

Stay organized from day one. The My Disney Experience App keeps everything together for you. Reference your MDE and set your MouseDining alerts.

Bring a Disney autograph book to your character dining meals. The photo ops at those restaurants are genuinely magical. You’ll thank yourself later.

Is the Deluxe Dining Plan Worth It?

It depends on how you travel. If you’re a quick-service family who grabs burgers on the go, probably not. But if you love lingering over a meal? If Disney restaurants are a highlight of your trip? Then absolutely yes.

And before you even factor in the quick-service meal, snack, and refillable mug that are also included each night, the math already works in your favor at most signature restaurants. Two sit-down meals a day means slower mornings, longer evenings, and more memories made at the table. That’s the whole point. Disney dining isn’t just food. It’s the experience. The atmosphere. The magic of eating inside a castle or on top of a resort with a fireworks view.

Is It Worth It? The Math

  • Plan cost: $163.01 per adult, per night
  • Two table-service meals: break-even is less than $75 per meal, well within range at most Disney table-service restaurants
  • Average signature restaurant: $80–$120 per person
  • Also included: 1 quick-service meal per night (value ~$15–$20 per person)
  • Also included: 1 snack or nonalcoholic drink per night (value ~$5–$8 per person)
  • Verdict: Once you factor in the quick-service meal, snack, and refillable mug, the true break-even on your table-service meals is even lower — making this an easy win for anyone planning to eat well at Disney

When Can You Book?

Now! You can already add your Deluxe Dining Plan to your 2027 Walt Disney World Resort vacation with your favorite travel agent, so ask them about it. Dining reservations become available 60 days prior to your arrival date. Early reservations give you the best shot at top restaurants, but we’re here for you if you can’t grab the reservations you hoped for.

Final Thoughts

The Deluxe Table-Service Dining Plan is back. After years of waiting, it’s actually happening. Two table-service meals per night. A roster of incredible restaurants. And a price point that genuinely makes sense if you’re a serious Disney diner.

This is the plan a lot of us have been waiting years to book again. Don’t sleep on it. Start dreaming about your 2027 restaurant lineup right now. We’re already making our list.

Want help planning every single meal? Visit MouseDining.com for restaurant reviews, dining tips, and reservation strategies. We’ve got everything you need to eat like a Disney pro.

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May the 4th Foodie Guide 2026

Foodie Guide By April 26, 2026 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Do you hear that? I think I’m getting a transmission… a tasty transmission. And if you’re a foodie, you know those are the best kind. With May the 4th just around the corner, there’s some delicious dishes landing at Disney Parks to get you and your taste buds in the spirit.

From new delicious concoctions to repeat visitors landing at Walt Disney World Resort, including the launch of Pink Milk at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s plenty of bites to fill your cargo. And be on the lookout for new novelties coming soon to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, like the Jabba’s Sail Barge Bucket, as you embark on your adventures. Plus, brand-new eats from a galaxy far, far away…. coming to Disneyland Paris.

I think it’s time to begin our foodie mission. May the taste be with you!

Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Milk Stand

(Available starting May 1)

  • Pink Milk: Plant-based rice milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics (Non-alcoholic)(New)
  • Pink Milk Cooler: Plant-based rice milk blend with sweet and fruity characteristics and Bacardi Superior Rum (New)
  • Kerkoiden Blue Cake: Spiced vanilla shortbread cookie with ginger cream cheese icing (New)

Oga’s Cantina Menu

(Available starting May 4)

  • Batuu Bites: Blue corn, barbecue, and curry spice chips with lotus root, green bean chips, and herb dip
  • The Roaring Loth-Cat: Minute Maid Apple Juice, lemon, and cinnamon with Seagram’s Ginger Ale (Non-alcoholic) (New) (Available starting May 4)
  • Three Suns Over Batuu: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with hot honey, DOLE Pineapple Juice, mango, guava, and ginger (Non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Kamino Cooler Served in DJ R-3x Souvenir Mug: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Bols Blue Curaçao Liqueur, passion fruit syrup, DOLE Pineapple Juice, and lime juice (New)
Keshian Spiced Chips: Lotus root chips tossed in cinnamon sugar

Ronto Roasters Menu

(Available starting May 1; mobile order available)

  • Keshian Spiced Chips: Lotus root chips tossed in cinnamon sugar
Ettel Nuts: Assortment of sweet, spicy, and queso fundido nuts with chocolate candy rocks​ (New)

Beverage Carts in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Menu

(Available starting May 1)

  • Ettel Nuts: Assortment of sweet, spicy, and queso fundido nuts with chocolate candy rocks​ (New)

Backlot Express Menu

(Available May 1 through 31; mobile order available)

  • Your Chosen Path Cupcake: Cookies and cream cupcake, marshmallow buttercream, white chocolate X-Wing, and milk chocolate rocks. Inside the cupcake, a secret lightsaber color will reveal itself! (New)
  • Wookiee Cookie: Two oatmeal cookies with vanilla cream filling garnished with a milk chocolate sash on top
Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce

Available Throughout the Park

(Available May 1 through 31)

  • Lightsaber Churro served with chocolate sauce

Updated! Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Menu

(Available starting May 1; mobile order available)

Enjoy updates to the sides of some of your favorite galactic dishes.

  • Endorian Fried Chicken Tip-Yip: Crispy chicken served with house-made macaroni and roasted vegetables garnished with cauliflower leaf kimchi
  • Shaak Pot Roast with Kublag Mash: Birria pot roast with turmeric-garlic mash and roasted carrots
  • Sweet Puffer Pig Ribs with Portion Bread: Pork ribs brushed with tangy BBQ sauce and served with mac & cheese and sponge cake​
  • Endorian Chicken Tip-Yip Salad: Guava BBQ chicken with avocado-jalapeño dressing, arugula, radish, romaine lettuce, cucumber, red onion, haricot vert, pineapple, and rice noodles
Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick

Available at Multiple Locations Throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios

(Available May 4 through 31; limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last)

  • Chosen One Cooler: A crisp, refreshing blend of Granny Smith apple with white cranberry and lime juices served with a green Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Non-alcoholic) (Also available with Absolut Citron Vodka) (New); Available at the following locations:
    • ABC Commissary
    • Backlot Express
    • Rosie’s All-American Café
    • Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
    • Snack Cart near Hollywood Boulevard
Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
  • Sith Lord Libation: A flavorful combination of blood orange with white cranberry and lime juices served with a Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Non-alcoholic) (Also available with Absolut Citron Vodka); Available at the following locations:
    • ABC Commissary
    • Backlot Express
    • Rosie’s All-American Café
    • Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
    • Snack Cart near Hollywood Boulevard

Disney Springs

Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse: Milk chocolate mousse, lemon curd, tangerine, and brown butter cake (New)

Amorette’s Patisserie Menu

(Available starting May 4; mobile order available)

  • Bright Suns Chocolate Mousse: Milk chocolate mousse, lemon curd, tangerine, and brown butter cake (New)

The Ganachery Menu

(Available starting May 4)

  • Across the Stars Ganache Bars: Ganache Bars inspired by Star Wars planets, featuring the flavors of corn and nuts for Kashyyyk, dragon fruit for Tatooine, spicy cherry for Mustafar, and mint-lime for Hoth (New)
  • Millennium Falcon Chocolate Pop: Solid milk chocolate pop with crispy pearls

Star Wars Novelties

(Available starting May 4; limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last)

Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket (New)
  • Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket (New)
    • Ice Cold Hydraulics
    • Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
    • Popcorn Cart near Center Stage
    • Mobile Order via Disney’s Hollywood Studios Souvenir Release Store
Bantha Sipper (New)
  • Bantha Sipper (New)
    • Milk Stand
    • ABC Commissary
    • Backlot Express
    • Fairfax Fare
    • Hollywood Hills Amphitheater Refreshments near Fantasmic!
    • Outdoor Food Carts near the Main Entrance
DJ R-3X Mug (New)
  • DJ R-3X Mug (New)
    • Oga’s Cantina
Jabba's Sail Barge Bucket (New)
  • Jabba’s Sail Barge Bucket (New)
    • Mobile Order via Disney’s Hollywood Studios Souvenir Release Store (Available May 4 and 5)
    • Kat Saka’s Kettle (Available starting May 6)
Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
  • Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
    • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo; served with the Moof Juice or Takondana Quencher
    • Oga’s Cantina; served with Jabba Juice or Outer Rim
Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
  • Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick
    • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo; served with the Moof Juice or Takondana Quencher
    • Oga’s Cantina; served with Jabba Juice or Outer Rim

Disneyland Resort

To learn about the exciting Star Wars novelties available at Disneyland Resort, check out our guide. Here’s a peek at a selection of new novelties you can find at Disneyland park soon!

Star Wars Novelties

(Limit two per person, per transaction; available while supplies last)

Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket
  • Salvaged Protocol Droid Bucket (New)(Available starting April 28; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
    • Popcorn near Star Trader
    • Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order)
    • Alien Pizza Planet
    • Kat Saka’s Kettle
    • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverage Carts
    • Also available during the sold-out, separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
Bantha Sipper
  • Bantha Sipper (New)(Available starting April 28; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
    • Milk Stand
    • Galactic Grill
    • Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order)
    • Alien Pizza Planet
    • Tomorrowland Fruit Cart
    • Also available during sold-out, separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
Light Side Swizzle Stick
  • Rechargeable Luke Skywalker Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Available starting April 28; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
    • Galactic Grill
    • Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order)
    • Ronto Roasters
    • Milk Stand
    • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
    • Harbour Galley (Available at this location during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite only)
    • Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree (Available at this location during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite only)
    • Stage Door Café (Available at this location during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite only)
Dark Side Swizzle Stick
  • Rechargeable Darth Vader Lightsaber Swizzle Stick (Available starting April 28)
    • Galactic Grill
    • Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order)
    • Ronto Roasters
    • Milk Stand
    • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
    • Harbour Galley (Available at this location during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite only)
    • Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree (Available at this location during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite only)
    • Stage Door Café (Available at this location during Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite only)
DJ R3X Mug
  • DJ R-3X Mug (New)(Available starting April 28)
    • Oga’s Cantina
Jabba's Barge Bucket
  • Jabba’s Sail Barge Bucket (New)(Available starting May 4; limit two per person, per transaction; no discounts apply)
    • Popcorn near Star Trader
    • Galactic Grill’s Seasonal Novelty Release (through Mobile Order)(May 4, 5, and 6)
    • Alien Pizza Planet
    • Kat Saka’s Kettle
    • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverage Carts
    • Also available during the sold-out, separately ticketed Disneyland After Dark: Star WarsNite
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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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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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Review: Chipotle Chicken Flautas Frontera Cocina Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By January 11, 2023 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Have you ever had a craving for some cheese-filled, sour cream-covered Tex-Mex food? What about some chips and salsa? Some queso sounds good with a side of rice and beans, too. If you have lived in areas with a prominence of Tex-Mex style food, you can relate a little. However, when I crave Tex-Mex-style cuisine, I never think I am enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine. Authentic Mexican food shares some traits with Tex-Mex, but it looks and often tastes very different. Rick Bayless, the celebrity chef, knows this difference very well. His Disney Springs restaurant, Frontera Cocina, offers authentic Mexican cuisine. During a recent visit, I ordered the “Chipotle Chicken Flautas” from there.

Frontera cocina

Rick Bayless could be declared famous in the culinary world for many reasons. His primary connection with the theme park world would be his restaurant, Frontera Cocina, in Disney Springs. This restaurant offers flavors from all over the regions of Mexico. A dining experience at Frontera Cocina Mexicana allows guests to explore all types of Mexican food. Guests will also experience that the cuisine here will look different from the Tex-Mex described earlier. Guests should expect more upscale Mexican dining. While I appreciate the world of Tex-Mex Dining, a meal here will be at a different level and price point.

Frontera cocina

On one trip to Disney Springs, I looked for a table service option for a light meal. After examining my options this weeknight, I decided to visit Frontera Cocina. Being a solo diner, I found a seat at the bar. I perused the appetizer menu for a light meal. I ordered the Chipotle Chicken Flautas for $15. These consist of crispy chipotle chicken tortilla flautas, Chihuahua cheese, red beans, and roasted tomatillo-avocado salsa. They are then garnished with crema, Cotija cheese, and fresh herbs. A serving of salsa verde accompanies these flautas also.

Frontera cocina

Like most items here, the presentation earns high marks. When this plate arrives, you know you are not at some average Tex-Mex place but an authentic Mexican restaurant. These flautas come with plenty of extra toppings. One should expect something other than a basic flauta when ordering here. Due to the toppings, these flautas might be challenging to eat without silverware.

The salsa verde tastes excellent. Yet, guests who expected a red Tex-Mex style salsa might not enjoy this. You receive three flautas with your order. These flautas will be corn tortilla based. Some guests dislike corn tortillas in terms of texture and taste so prepare for that. I found the corn tortilla flavor to be enjoyable. The flautas contain a well-constructed flavor-bursting filling. Mixing the cheese, sauce, tortilla, and other components displays solid Mexican table service quality. The right amount of crunch and creaminess balances these out nicely. One should not have complaints about the multiple excellent flavors with these flautas. The topping, tortillas, and filling create a wonderfuil dining adventure.

Frontera cocina

The critical issue with Frontera Cocina rarely involves the quality of food. The price point raises questions about the value of the meals here. For example, I received three flautas. Do those offer enough value for $15 plus tax and tip? When you factor in that these might not be easily sharable, one wonders about the worth of purchasing these. Frontera Cocina struggles with this price point negative image since they charge $5 for chips and salsa. Most people associate this type of cuisine with complimentary chips and salsa, so for first-time guests, this creates confusion. However, everyone around me ordered chips and salsa on the night I went. In a previous review, I purchased chips and salsa.

 

The dining experience at Frontera Cocina always succeeds in being a good event. However, I cannot assess if dining here is good value for you. Yet, if you are looking for authentic Mexican food, you will have a tough time beating this place. The question involves whether you desire authentic Mexican cuisine or if “Americanized” Mexican food will suffice. If you are looking for the flavors of the regions of Mexico, these flautas will provide that. Just be prepared to pay more than you do in your local town for Mexican cuisine. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Review: Fried Chicken & Doughnuts Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By January 8, 2023 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

On Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ website, you can learn important information about the Disney Springs restaurant. On that website, they declared that “THE COMFORT FOOD IS CALLING YOUR NAME. OR MAYBE IT’S THE MOONSHINE.”  If it is comfort food, then the chicken here calls to many people. Since this is Walt Disney World, we know “the magic is calling.” I suspect some version of Disney magic happens with the Homecomin’ kitchen. Clearly, Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ generates some delicious chicken. If you desire comfort food, they also offer their own play on chicken and waffles. Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ offers “Fried Chicken & Doughnuts.”

Photo courtesy of Main Street Magic podcast

Yes, you read that correctly. The concept of fried chicken & doughnuts can be found in many places. Yet, one of the best versions resides at Homecomin’. Of course, people claim the comfort food style at Homecomin’ calls their name. Once again, that could just be the moonshine talking. The “Fried Chicken & Doughnuts” entrée here consists of two pieces of Chef Art Smith’s famous fried chicken served with house-made sugar doughnuts and a choice of side item. This item comes with a price tag of $32.

The server suggested side usually is mashed potatoes. I recommend mac and cheese, but you have numerous choices here. This entrée comes with syrup mixed with your chicken and Everglazed doughnuts. I have also seen it come out with some sawmill gravy, especially when having mashed potatoes as a side. Depending on when you order this, you may get one large doughnut or two small doughnuts.

Fried Chicken & Doughnuts

Okay, before discussing the pros and cons of this entrée, I need to mention an essential detail for your planning. Always be careful since Disney’s online menu for this place tends to lag far behind the actual in-person menu. For example, I know one appetizer no longer appears on the menu at the beginning of August. Yet, I can still find it on Disney’s online menu as of mid-December. I suggest always going to the official Homecomin’ website for menu information, especially pricing. That one tends to be very accurate.

So how does this version of comfort food taste? As you might expect here, the meat brings high-quality preparation and flavor. The breading offers excellent flavor based on the preparation method. In addition, the skin remains light and crispy. For fried chicken, this variety creates a limited greasy feeling. Sure, there is some greasy feeling but less than you would expect. The breading is light and crispy. The doughnuts bring the desired Everglazed flavor. They arrive soft and warm. Some guests like to combine a bit of chicken, some doughnut, and syrup in every complete for a whole experience. Whichever way you choose to enjoy this entrée, expect plenty of flavors.

Fried Chicken & Doughnuts

On a less positive note, the price point might lead one to doubt if this is worth it. In fairness, I generally choose other entrées here over this one based on price point. Still, the high quality and uniqueness of this entrée might be worth the price point. In addition, everything comes out very warm. I struggle to decide which part t, fearing it might cool down too much. Maybe that explains why people suggest eating all components of this savory and sweet entrée together.

I have three other reminders for when you visit Homecomin’.  First, the service here is very polite and thoughtful but can be slow even by southern USA levels. Second, this place offers a military discount, even on alcohol. Third, reservations can be tough to get here. Please be ready at 5:45 am Florida time 60 days in advance and/or use an advance dining reservation service like MouseDining..

Fried Chicken & Doughnuts

Sure, the moonshine could be calling you. Yet, comfort food like Fried Chicken & Doughnuts attracts many people also. Whatever calls you here, enjoy your time at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. As always, eat like you mean it!

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Rock and Roll Brunch at City Works Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By January 2, 2023 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

With the demise of the ESPN club in the Boardwalk area of Walt Disney World Resort, guests ponder where they can find a place to watch the game when on property. Though many options exist, the best one currently resides in Disney Springs. The City Works Eatery & Pour House restaurant offers plenty of screens to view whatever game you desire. This sports bar-style table service dining option often goes unnoticed based on its location on the West Side of Disney Springs. During my most recent trip to Orlando, I decided to review some weekend brunches. The Rock and Roll Brunch at City Works earned a visit.

Due to my primary profession, that opportunity eludes me often. With an unexpected change in my work schedule, I found myself available for a weekend in the Orlando area. City Works, like many Disney springs restaurants, offers a weekend brunch menu. Thus, I decided to scope this out and explore the environment of this sports bar.

 

 

City Works offers indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor seating provides a pleasant dining setting. However, these seats will not be able to view the large screens within the restaurant. When I visited this location the following week when my trip received an extension due to Tropical Storm Nicole, I scheduled another visit here seated indoors. Yet, for this brunch dining review, my dining companion, Seth Kubersky of The Unofficial Guides, elected to dine outdoors for brunch. The pleasant outdoor setting increased the quality of the dining experience.

Rock and Roll Brunch

Chimi Hendrix
Photo By Jon Self

The City Works brunch menu is available from 10 am to 3 pm on weekends. A wide variety of options appear on this Rock and Roll Brunch menu. The menu reflects a “Rock N’ Roll” theme with items such as the “Jon Bun Jovi” cinnamon roll and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” French toast. We asked our server, Jenna, for recommendations. She recommended the “Chimi Hendrix”, the French toast, breakfast tacos, and “Mother’s Little Helper”, a “hangover bowl.  Being a sucker for any merging of breakfast items and Tex-Mex style food, I went with the Chimi Hendrix.

The Chimi Hendrix costs $19. This chimichanga also comes with a side of cheesy potato casserole. That casserole makes a nice addition to the entrée. However, the flavor of it serves more as a cheesy palate cleanser when enjoying the chimichanga. The “Chimi Hendrix” features scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, green onion, pico de gallo, smoked cheddar, and chipotle salsa Roja. This fried flour tortilla looks and tastes as you would expect. The appearance matched my expectations for this style of entrée. The chipotle sauce provides some kick and real flavor though. Some guests will find this sauce a bit too spicy. The rest of the components simply serve their role in this chimichanga.

Rock and Roll Brunch

Photo by Jon Self

This chimichanga falls in the category of a good brunch meal. Yet, this entrée should also face the criticism of some Americanized Mexican food where it’s just a bunch of stuff thrown on top to mask ingredients. As a fan of Tex-Mex food, I enjoyed this. However, this chimichanga consists of several powerful ingredients carrying the show. Yet besides the chipotle salsa roja, nothing qualified as a high-quality component. This does, however, make a solid breakfast burrito if not looking for Rick Bayless Frontera Cocina-level cuisine.

Rock and Roll Brunch

Seth ordered the “The Clash Smash.” This avocado toast presented several strengths. The eggs came well prepared, and the avocado tasted fresh creating a delicate taste balance. The pickled red onions make sure you know they are there also. Yet, those same onions with their acidity perk up the corn and radishes. Though this could have been better, the major flaw, on this day, relates to the toast. The challah bread offers a reasonable flavor. Yet, this morning, the bread was cold even though toasted. This preparation error hindered the overall quality of this entrée during the Rock and Roll Brunch. “The Clash Smash” costs $17.

Rock and Roll Brunch

Overall, my evaluation of our brunch leads to a very non-specific conclusion. This brunch makes a good option. Yet, nothing that we experienced classifies as a great meal. Still, this is a brunch at a table service sports bar after all. I would gladly visit again. Still, Disney Springs offers so many quality brunches. I suspect I will prioritize the other ones before coming back here again for the Rock and roll Brunch. Well, that is unless I crave a “Jon Bun Jovi.” As always, eat like you mean it!

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New Britton’s Chicken Salad Sandwich from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Disney Springs

Restaurant Reviews By December 28, 2022 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ often pays homage to his ancestor, Britton Smith. Britton Smith might be known more for his moonshine recipes, but apparently, he also had some solid food recipes. In a recent addition to the menu, we found one of those recipes being used. Britton’s Chicken Salad Sandwich would be the name of that new menu item. During a December visit, I ordered this unique sandwich. This sandwich started being served along with several other new menu items at Homecomin’.

Britton's chicken salad

Britton’s Chicken Salad Sandwich costs $19. The menu description informs guests that the recipe includes pulled chicken, celery, grapes, Duke’s Mayo, and savory spices. This chicken salad mix also comes with lettuce and tomato on artisan bread.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

 

This sandwich comes standard with BBQ chips. Those chips tasted solid, as usual. I prefer more sauce drizzled on them, however.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

The presentation of this sandwich reflects what you would expect from Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. As you might have expected, the portion size of this sandwich exceeds standard sandwiches.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

Yet, in unexpected fashion, my sandwich came with some circumstances that should be considered. I sat at the bar and ordered this sandwich to avoid my name coming up in the Walt Disney World reservation service. Yet, I failed to consider how often I walk into this place to have my refillable sipper cup filled with diet soda. That gave me away.

A guest sitting near me stated, “Your sandwich came out fast! You must know what to order.” They ordered well before me, and their appetizer arrived after my sandwich. When the talented server knew I preferred Coke Zero Sugar over Diet Coke, I realized I had been made and probably got my meal moved up in the kitchen queue. If you do not know, Diet Coke is behind the bar, so easy to provide. The bar does not have Coke Zero Sugar, so the server must go to another station for that.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

However, I do not think the staff knowing me as a theme park food blogger influenced the quality of my sandwich. Yet, it never hurts a restaurant to avoid having a food blogger wait too long.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

 

So how was the sandwich? As mentioned, the portion of chicken salad overflowed from the bread. You will need a fork for this one at some point in your meal. A new food challenge would be eating this sandwich without any chicken salad falling out. The bread must be sturdier to support a large amount of chicken salad between the two slices. Still, I enjoyed the flavor of the bread. The bread compliments the chicken salad nicely.

britton's chicken salad sandwich

However, I expected a more robust flavor in the chicken salad mixture. In fact, with Duke’s Mayo listed in the menu description, I expected far more “twang” with this sandwich. In this case, I did not find that.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

Despite that, I found the chicken salad provided a great texture. In addition, the flavor of the chicken salad was consistent and pleasant. Britton’s chicken salad offers a positive experience for your taste buds.

britton's chicken salad sandwich

My initial reaction to this sandwich did not match my expectations. Therefore, I often only read menu descriptions after a review. Yet, I had already written about the list of new menu items, so I expected “twang.” This chicken salad recipe focuses on the chicken more than depending on the mayonnaise.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

 

The tomatoes tasted very fresh. The lettuce was good quality and helped balance the sandwich.

On the negative side, this sandwich will make a mess as you eat, so be careful with the chicken salad falling out. Also, they gave me two pickle spears. They may know I write food reviews but did not appreciate my preference for no pickles. Yet, as a food reviewer, I tasted them. They were good-quality pickle spears, for the record.

Britton's chicken salad sandwich

This is what fell out of one half of my sandwich

 

Overall, this sandwich matches the high expectations for one at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’. The portion size surpasses other comparable sandwiches. Even without the expected excessive mayonnaise, the chicken quality brings excellent flavor. The bread could hold up better, but this sandwich would be worth your time if you are not looking for fried chicken here. If you are looking for more than the Thigh High Chicken Biscuit appetizer, this sandwich might be large enough to be shared. As always, eat like you mean it!

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