Wendy | the disney food blog

News! Menu Changes at ‘Ohana and Earl of Sandwich in Disney World

Adios chicken skewer!

Yup — the rumors are true. There’s another menu change at ‘Ohana at Disney World’s Polynesian Resort!

‘Ohana

Menu Changes at Disney World’s ‘Ohana

Among other dining changes at this resort, guests will now find fan-favorite ‘Ohana removing one of their most popular items from the all-you-can-eat dinner.

Grilled Chicken at ‘Ohana

While the majority of the menu remains the same, the Grilled Chicken Skewer has been removed from the options, while the Sweet and Sour Pork Loin, Szechuan Sirloin Steak, and Spicy Grilled Shrimp remain.

A children’s dessert has also been added to the menu here (more bread pudding for meeeeee!).

‘Ohana Dinner Feast Menu

While we’re on the topic, it appears there has been a menu change at another Disney dining favorite:

Earl of Sandwich Menu Updates

At Downtown Disney, all eyes are on the construction of what will become Disney Springs, and it seems Disney food fans have much to look forward to. Still, we love our old Downtown Disney favorites, and for many – or most — that certainly includes Earl of Sandwich, so we wanted to let you know of a few recent changes to the sandwich menu.

Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Orlando

First, the All-American and Cannonballs sandwiches [Read more…]

Review: Fish & Chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Disney World’s Epcot

By Wendy 40 Comments

Are there any Disney experiences that are such important vacation traditions for you that, had they not taken place, you’d almost feel as though you hadn’t really been to Disney?

Learn About:Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

Allow me to give you an example: “I haven’t really been to Magic Kingdom until I’ve been on the Haunted Mansion.” Or, of course, any of these great first day at Disney traditions!

Well, mine ways always: “I haven’t been to Epcot until I’ve had Fish & Chips from the United Kingdom Pavilion.”

Is anyone with me here?

Let’s head back to the Yorkshire County Fish Shop for its signature dish!

Atmosphere

The Yorkshire County Fish Shop blends in fairly seamlessly with the rest of the Pavilion. The shop itself stands independent of the seating areas, and can be identified by its forest green signage, which identifies (just about) everything on the menu: Fish & Chips!

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

It’s not at all unusual to find a line here at any time of day, but the midday lunch rush and the half hour before Illuminations are particularly busy.

Upon receiving your order, the next part of your adventure is finding a place to sit. There isn’t a ton of seating in the area, and the tables to the right (facing the Fish Shop) are rather large, not leaving a lot of options for smaller parties or more tables.

Tables to the right of the shop

If you can score a table, you’re rewarded with some of the best views World Showcase can offer. However, be warned — you may also be visited by some birds… they are not even remotely shy here.

Even with more ample seating, it would likely be a struggle to find a place, because it’s nearly always hoppin’. There is a bit of additional seating with smaller tables towards the back of Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room.

Walkway to the back

This group of tables is separated from the Rose & Crown seating by a small wall, and it offers a bonus of being right by the water.

Back of Rose & Crown and Yorkshire County Fish Shop

While these benches aren’t only for guests of the Fish Shop, they do offer enviable seating when you’re enjoying your fish & chips while waiting for Illuminations to begin.

View of World Showcase from the UK Pavilion

For my part, when I spent some (admittedly far too brief) time in London, I picked up fish & chips at a few stands that never had any sort of seating, and I just found a random place to sit wherever I could. So that’s exactly what I do at the UK Pavilion. I pass the gardens across the street and head towards the back.

Back of the UK Pavilion

Bench in UK Pavilion

We found a seat… now it’s time to tuck in!

Eats

Like I said, the signs on the Fish Shop tell you just about everything you need to know about the menu, specializing in only one entree…

Yorkshire County Fish Shop Menu

Fish & Chips!

Fish & Chips

Prior to grabbing your spot, you’ll want to stop by [Read more…]

Review: The New Café Glacé at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

By Wendy 13 Comments

The creative minds behind the dishes coming out of L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion are at it again!

Home to Ice Cream Martinis, Pressed Brioche Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches, L’Artisans has introduced another cold treat that’s perfect for the rising temps: the Café Glacé, an Iced Cappuccino with ice cream and whipped cream!

Cafe Glace Sign

With the exception of the Chocolate Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich (since there is no improving upon chocolate and chocolate 😉 ), some of the fun behind the treats at L’Artisans is that they are customizable with your choice of 16 flavors of house-made ice cream and sorbet.

List of 16 Flavors

The same is true of the Café Glacé: pretty much the only dilemma here is picking your flavor. Even after I had placed my order and paid, I still wasn’t sure which scoop of ice cream to choose.

Ice Creams and Sorbets

It was a tough call considering the options of White Chocolate Coconut and Hazelnut, but ultimately I went with the Caramel fleur del sel (salted caramel).

Cafe Glace

Caramel ice cream layered between coffee and whipped cream

While the base of this beverage makes it what it is, you can’t ignore the [Read more…]

Review: Epcot After Hours Wind Down Event at La Cava del Tequila

By Wendy 41 Comments

Welcome to Epcot, After Hours! The Epcot After Hours Wind Down event kicked off on Thursday, April 17, at 9:20 pm (immediately following “IllumiNations”).

Illuminations Torch

This 21-and-over event features small plates and drinks at the guest’s choice of four restaurants on select evenings: Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room, Spice Road Table, Tutto Gusto, and La Cava del Tequila.

When we announced this event a couple of weeks ago, we got a LOT of diverse points of view in the comments from our readers. Many were concerned that the price for the event ($35) was too high. Others were excited for the opportunity to stay in Epcot after hours, enjoying one of their favorite — often crowded — hot spots!

I attended the Wind Down at La Cava del Tequila in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. Let’s see how it went!

Mexico Pavilion After Hours

I’ll start with a rundown of my food and beverage experience specific to La Cava, and then we’ll talk about the event itself — what’s good and what could use some improvement. There’s a lot to share, so let’s dive in.

La Cava del Tequila

A group of about 10-12 guests gathered for the evening. Walking into an adults-only situation was a refreshing experience — granted, that’s something you typically have at La Cava, but there was a bit of a different feel.

Some of that had to do with the settings in front of us: a tequila flight, a small vodka shot (to “open” our senses, as we learned later), and a Mezcal tequila shot, along with a small bottle of water.

Tequila Flight

The lights were up a bit, too, for what we were about to experience. With the covers over our glasses, we all knew to wait to begin (which gave us a nice opportunity to meet the folks around us).

Covered Glass of Tequila Blanco

We soon found out that we were going to experience something truly unique: a tequila tasting led by Hilda Castillo. This is similar to what was done during the first Food and Wine Festival tequila tasting events, for those of you who have been.

Hilda combines knowledge, passion, and fun to help you feel comfortable and appreciate more of what you’re tasting.

Hilda, Tequila Ambassador

The walls of La Cava are a classroom of sorts, and Hilda showed us how the wall mural displays the tequila process.

La Cava Wall Mural

With her guidance, we experienced the characteristics of each tequila through color, aroma, and taste: an incredibly strong (I mean, WOW!) Blanco (White tequila), a Reposado (Rested tequila), and an Anejo (Aged tequila).

Because I am no Hilda (though I would like to be when I grow up!), I’ll offer these descriptions below that were provided at our settings.

Tequila Blanco description

Tequila Reposado description

Tequila Anejo description

With every visit to La Cava, I feel a little more comfortable with the world of tequila, because someone is always willing to share their knowledge with you. But I am [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World: April 19, 2014!

By Wendy 5 Comments

We’ve got updates this go ’round from several corners of Disney World, ranging from a few small menu changes to big construction projects. But we’re starting with something that is popping up all over no matter where in the World you are: Easter treats! Please join us for another trip to see What’s New!

Easter Treats

From bunny ears to Easter Eggs, we’ve just got to give you a few glances at the Easter snacks popping (or hopping!) up absolutely everywhere around Disney World.

Main Street Confectionery Bakery Case

These particular goodies were spotted in the Main Street Confectionery, but similarly-themed sweets can be found through the Easter holiday at locations such as Big Top Treats, Sweet Spells, Goofy’s Candy Co. and the Candy Cauldron.

Easter treats

And you’ll find this White Chocolate Raspberry bunny-ear cupcake at Quick Service locations all over Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

The Lemon Blueberry Cupcake at BoardWalk Bakery has received a spring holiday makeover, too!

Lemon Blueberry Cupcake

We can’t resist giving you one more look at one of the gorgeous chocolate eggs in the Annual Easter Egg Display at the Grand Floridian.

“Frozen” Egg

Back of “Frozen” Egg

These works of art will be on display through April 22nd, and they are worth a special trip to the Grand Floridian if you’re enjoying your Spring Break in Disney World. But if you can’t make it in person, you can check out the full display here.

Downtown Disney

Progress towards the future Disney Springs continues to move forward in Downtown Disney.

Downtown Disney Construction

Can you remember when the upcoming location for the West Side Starbucks was both a Wetzel’s Pretzels and a Haagen Dazs Ice Cream store?

West Side Starbucks Construction

Well, their new home is “In Progress,” too! The construction site for the new Wetzel’s Pretzels and Haagen Dazs location is [Read more…]

Review: White Chocolate Raspberry Easter Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Wendy 3 Comments

Guess who made it back to Hollywood Studios this year?

The Easter Bunny … though, not in the way that you may think! Check out the ears on the White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake

Of course, as Disney food fans, I suppose we’ve all grown rather accustomed to the fact that many of our favorite foods come with EARS.

A classic Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar!

Mickey Pretzel with Plastic Cheese

Mickey Waffles

So, while it was not altogether surprising, it was still fun to spot THESE ears popping up once again in the current specialty cupcake!

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes in Starring Rolls Bakery Case

The White Chocolate Raspberry cupcake – a return from previous years – can be found at several Hollywood Studios Quick Service locations, including Toy Story Pizza Planet, ABC Commissary, Studio Catering Co., and Starring Rolls Cafe. Just look for this sign:

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcake Sign at ABC Commissary

This cupcake is [Read more…]

Photo Tour: The 2014 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World

By Wendy 25 Comments

Upon entering Disney World’s Grand Floridian Resort, you’ll find something that may distract you from the sights of the lobby, as stunning as it is. From now through April 22, you can enjoy the Third Annual Easter Egg Display!

2014 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs

And it’s certainly something to see, because these aren’t just any Easter Eggs… these are 9-12 pound chocolate Easter Eggs created and crafted by Disney Chefs!

For those who may not be able to catch this display in person, we thought we’d bring it to you 🙂 .

History of the Display — click to enlarge

As the sign states, the Grand Floridian Easter Egg tradition has held for 18 years; however, the eggs could previously be seen only in the Resort’s restaurants. But now, for the third year in a row, they are on display in the lobby for everyone to enjoy. It’s definitely a treat to see what the Bakery Team comes up with!

Decorative Easter Egg

As you look at these creations, it’s fun to note that every egg is decorated with “edible products such as modeling chocolate, fondant, sugar floral, royal icing, colored cocoa butter and sculpted sugar art pieces.”
Yep — it’s all edible!

Butterfly Garden Egg

Chefs are given a blank “canvas,” along with the freedom to bring to life whatever vision they wish. So, you’ll see that the decorated eggs range from classic Easter themes…

Decorative Easter Egg

2014 Grand Floridian Easter Eggs Bouquet

Spring Bouquet Egg

… to the truly [Read more…]

What’s New Around Disney World and Disneyland: April 1, 2014!

By Wendy 13 Comments

We have a few updates from both coasts for this round of “What’s New!” And we promise that none of these are April Fool’s jokes. 😀

Starting on the east coast, a recent trip around Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Monorail Loop has revealed a few changes in eats and treats. We’re talking property refurbishments, menu updates, tea, and cupcakes, so hop on board the Monorail (“Your Highway in the Sky!”) and see What’s New!

We’re saving a seat for you…

Monorail Teal

Magic Kingdom

We’ll start our Monorail trip at Magic Kingdom. You may be aware that the Hub (the circular area directly in front of Cinderella Castle) has begun a major refurbishment. This project is slated to run in stages finishing sometime in 2015, with the purpose of accommodating more guests for fireworks and parade viewing, with the added benefit of relieving some of the post-show gridlock thanks to additional walkways.

Though much is covered by refurbishment walls, you can see in these photos where the water that flows towards and around Cinderella Castle has been drained for now to accommodate the construction.

Hub Refurbishment

Soooo… what does this have to do with food? The restaurants in the immediate area are still in operation. The beloved Main Street Popcorn Cart is, too; however, it’s now located on the bridge which connects the Hub to Adventureland.

Current location of Main Street Popcorn Cart

Still an easy spot to grab some popcorn before the new Festival of Fantasy Parade!

Festival of Fantasy Parade

Though the majority of the refurbishment to add expanded seating to Casey’s Corner is complete, we’re still noticing some small changes here and there.

The wall in the back room, which formerly housed a large-screen TV featuring vintage Disney sports-focused cartoons, was empty in the immediate weeks after the reopening. Now returning are the large pieces of artwork depicting turn-of-the-century images of America’s Favorite Pastime.

Casey’s Corner Artwork

Looking at the picture below, I’m sure you can’t help but notice [Read more…]

Review: Dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant in Disney World’s Epcot

By Wendy 43 Comments

We’re heading back to Epcot’s Future World for dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant!

Learn About:Garden Grill Restaurant

Epcot Restaurants
Disney World Restaurants

This is a DFB favorite, and it comes together as Chip ‘n Dale’s Harvest Feast. The dinner features an all-you-care-to-eat meal served Family Style.

If you’ve ever shied away from eating in Future World in favor of the more varied cuisine available in World Showcase, it may be time to give Disney World’s only rotating restaurant a chance.

Please join me, Chip ‘n Dale, Pluto, and the main Mouse himself (MICKEY!) at the Harvest Feast for some food and fun!

Garden Grill Sign

The Atmosphere

The atmosphere? Well, that depends… You see, the Garden Grill rotates over the various scenes of the Living with the Land attraction, so what you see depends on where in the rotation you are in the moment.

It takes about one hour to make the full rotation, so it’s slow enough that you don’t really notice the feel of it while you are dining — at least, I didn’t. I was too busy enjoying the views! Take a look…

Living with the Land as seen from Garden Grill — The Farmhouse

Living with the Land as seen from Garden Grill — The Farmhouse Dog!

Living with the Land as seen from Garden Grill — Rainforest

Transition from Rainforest to Desert

Garden Grill Mural

We enjoyed all of this from our table on the lower level of this two-level restaurant. It’s definitely a score if you are seated on the lower level, which is fashioned with booths as opposed to the chairs and tables on the upper level.

Garden Grill booth

The booths provide more of a “front row seat” experience for the attraction, so it’s worth asking at check-in to see if you can get one. I wasn’t expecting a booth since it was just my husband and me, but several of the booths are divided with drop-leaf tables, allowing for a larger family on one side, and a pair on the other. The drop-leaf, of course, can be raised to accommodate a larger group, if needed.

Larger Booth — Family Side

Larger Booth — Side for a pair

Of course, the special touches are in full effect here — check out this table setting! Remind you of a certain character?

Mickey Table Setting 🙂

Speaking of… The one thing with the ability to distract you from the attraction views is… well, it’s actually FOUR things: the Characters!

Here’s Chip striking a pose in front of the Prairie Desert.

Chip strikes a pose

Pluto stopped by to say “Hello!”

Pluto!

Dale plotted how he might sneak some of our food…

Dale Plotting…

… but I informed him it was people food, and not well-suited for chipmunks. (That makes for a sad chipmunk!)

Sad Dale

Okay, this next shot is not a shining example of terrific photography 😉 . But I hope it conveys that moment of excitement when you first spot THE EARS over a nearby booth (c’mon, you can admit it!), and realize who will be at your table shortly…

EARS!

Farmer Mickey Mouse — in OVERALLS, no less!!!

Farmer Mickey

At the start of the meal, I was a bit [Read more…]

Snack Series: The Mickey Marshmallow Wand

By Wendy 13 Comments

There are several stops around both Disney World and Disneyland with bakery cases that are full-to-overflowing with eye-catching goodies. In Disney World, these spots include Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery, Prairie Outpost and Supply, and Big Top Treats; Hollywood Studios’ Sweet Spells; and Downtown Disney’s Goofy’s Candy Company and the Candy Cauldron.

In Disneyland, they include Marceline’s Confectionery, Pooh Corner, Trolley Treats, and the Candy Palace.

Bakery Case

A snack often found in these cases is the Marshmallow Wand. And we mention them on DFB fairly often because they change with the seasons.

Decorated Marshmallow Wands

Their decorative colors, sprinkles, and designs are one of the first things to signify some sort of celebration. We’ve seen them dressed up for the Winter Holidays…

Marshmallow Snowmen Wands

… and Halloween!

Ghost Marshmallows

Halloween Sprinkled Marshmallows

They’ve been decorated with conversation hearts for Valentine’s Day.

And they take part in the Wearing O’ the Green on St. Patrick’s Day!

Green Snacks for St. Patrick’s Day

Recently, they even received a blue makeover to honor the Blu-Ray and DVD release of the Disney movie, “Frozen.”

Blue “Frozen” Marshmallow Wands

(Though, we’re sorry, Marshmallow Wands, but this little guy sorta stole your thunder…)

Olaf Candy Apples

All that said, you know something? We’ve never [Read more…]

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News! Menu Changes at ‘Ohana and Earl of Sandwich in Disney World

Menu Changes at Disney World’s ‘Ohana

Earl of Sandwich Menu Updates

Review: Fish & Chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Disney World’s Epcot

Atmosphere

Eats

Review: The New Café Glacé at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion

Review: Epcot After Hours Wind Down Event at La Cava del Tequila

La Cava del Tequila

What’s New Around Disney World: April 19, 2014!

Easter Treats

Downtown Disney

Review: White Chocolate Raspberry Easter Cupcake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Photo Tour: The 2014 Grand Floridian Resort Easter Egg Display in Walt Disney World

What’s New Around Disney World and Disneyland: April 1, 2014!

Magic Kingdom

Review: Dinner at Garden Grill Restaurant in Disney World’s Epcot

The Atmosphere

Snack Series: The Mickey Marshmallow Wand

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POLICIES & CREDITS

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Author: Wendy

Menu Changes at Disney World’s ‘Ohana

Earl of Sandwich Menu Updates

Atmosphere

Eats

La Cava del Tequila

Easter Treats

Downtown Disney

Magic Kingdom

The Atmosphere

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

POLICIES & CREDITS