food IS a theme park
HUGE news was announced today about a new smoking policy in the Disney Parks beginning very soon.
Smoking Policies are changing at Disney World…
According to the Disney Parks Blog:
Finally! We’ve been eagerly awaiting more information about the upcoming NBA Experience in Disney Springs for months, and we’ve now got an opening date!
NBA Experience
This brand new restaurant (replacing Disney Quest on the West Side of Disney Springs) will open its doors on August 12, 2019! But we’ve also got more details…
White Water Snacks in Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
was recently renovated (see our tour of the refreshed space here!), and we’ve already found some great treats in the quick service spot’s pastry case — including a sweet little Mickey Ears Cupcake for Get Your Ears On! And right now there’s a St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake that’s definitely got the luck of the Irish!
St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake at White Water Snacks
So many things going on here, and they’re all festive and fun! [Read more…]
If you’re looking for decent Italian food in Walt Disney World, you don’t have to look too far.
In every park (save Animal Kingdom) there are Italian restaurants — some better than others — and Disney Springs has several from which to choose (think: Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Terralina Crafted Italian, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar). Even the resorts get in on the action with one of our favorites — Il Mulino — located at the Swan Hotel.
And then, of course, there’s the Italy Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, where food is celebrated in several forms: pizza at Via Napoli, gelato at a cart outside, wine in the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, and classic Italian dishes at Tutto Italia.
Tutto Italia opened in 2013 in the space formerly occupied by Alfredo’s. And even though the name had changed, a lot of Alfredo’s remained. The overall styling of the restaurant was retained — murals, crystal chandeliers, and dark wood create an elegant atmosphere — while the menu satisfies with traditional Italian dishes.
It’s been a while since my last official review of Tutto Italia (see that review here!), so on a recent trip I decided it was time to return and see if this oft-forgotten spot is worth a more regular visit.
Outside Tutto Italia
Tutto Italia’s design aesthetic features some classic, elegant elements. [Read more…]
is located at the back of the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World.
This table service spot is oft forgotten in part because of its location, in part because Morocco’s quick service spot Tangierine Cafe is so good, and in part because Restaurant Marrakesh just doesn’t have the reputation for wowing guests like many of the other World Showcase table service options have.
I like to revisit restaurants whether they’ve got a decent rep or not, and Restaurant Marrakesh is one that we needed to check out again. But it’s one of the options for this year’s Flower & Garden Garden Rocks Dining Package (click here for more info on Garden Rocks and the dining package!), so I was excited to return (and get a coveted ticket to the show!).
Restaurant Marrakesh is a dichotomy. On the one hand, the atmosphere features lovely design details in keeping with the overall styling of the pavilion itself, the building of which was overseen by the government of Morocco. On the other hand, the food at Restaurant Marrakesh is largely uninspired and lackluster.
Restaurant Marrakesh
The atmosphere at Restaurant Marrakesh celebrates some of the classic Moroccan design seen elsewhere in the pavilion (and in the, you know, country of Morocco). [Read more…]
Kona Cafe at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort
has always been a guest favorite spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But with a big menu change, is it still as crave-worthy?
Located in the Great Ceremonial House that serves as the centerpiece of the resort, the restaurant is airy and open…but still relatively boring when it comes to decor and theme. But since the Polynesian is on the Monorail, Kona Cafe is relatively easy to access even if you’re not staying at the resort. And, of course, the food has been fairly consistent over the years: good with moments of greatness.
Now the recent menu change has guests wondering whether Kona Cafe should stay on their must-get Advance Dining Reservation list or whether they should head elsewhere. We reviewed lunch shortly after the menu change, and overall, we were impressed by the offerings! In particular, we thought the sushi was a terrific value, and we enjoyed the Hawaiian-Style Reuben sandwich. Even dessert had some pleasant surprises with Key Lime and Tiramisu cups bringing good flavor.
Kona Cafe
But I wanted to get back to dine from the Dinner Offerings portion of the menu, which is where you’ll find Steak and Seafood that isn’t available for lunch. [Read more…]
Walt Disney World offers lots of options for truly unique dining, and at 50s Prime Time Café, diners are in for a one-of-a-kind meal with ‘family’.
50 Prime Time Café
That’s because Prime Time Cafe is built around the classic 1950s home, with family recipes coming from the kitchen and kitschy decor everywhere.
Speaking of the classic 1950s home — something to note about this restaurant is that the waitstaff are encouraged to interact with the guests as though they’re family. This means that you can be sent to the corner or be told to sing I’m a Little Teapot in front of the whole restaurant if you put your elbows on the table or don’t finish your vegetables. It’s always fun to see Uncle Bruce singing I’m a Little Teapot, don’t get me wrong — but if that kind of interaction isn’t on the menu for YOU, you can always ask your server to tone down the antics with your table.
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival
officially kicked off today, and if the words “food and wine festival” immediately make you picture massive lines and crowds of people standing between you and your shrimp boil tacos, have we got a tip for you!
2019 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine
kicked off today, and to say it’s been delicious is an understatement. And now, amongst all the food and wine, we’ve discovered BEER MARSHMALLOWS. Yes — you read that correctly. House-Made Beer Marshmallows!
House-Made Beer Marshmallows
And these aren’t just some delicious house-made marshmallows kickin’ it solo. Oh, no! They’re coated in milk chocolate and topped with a pretzel! Salty, sweet, and beer-y! But wait! That’s not all… [Read more…]
We are LIVE in Disney California Adventure right now
for the soft opening of DCA Food and Wine, but that doesn’t mean we’re passing on this new snack combo we discovered at a snack cart in DCA! Today was the first day for Orange Vanilla Coke and Honey-Mustard Chicken Wings!
Orange Vanilla Coke and Honey-Mustard Chicken Wings
We’ve seen ads for Orange Vanilla Coke recently, and it was the first day this beverage arrived in DCA, so you know I had to try it. [Read more…]
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