the disney food blog

food IS a theme park

Read the Latest Posts

Looking for something?

STAY CONNECTED

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

Category: Downtown Disney Orlando

Get Your Green On!! St. Patrick’s Day Events at Downtown Disney’s Raglan Road

By Leave a Comment

I had an AWESOME time when I headed to Raglan Road in Downtown Disney for St. Paddy’s Day a couple of years ago, and since then the celebration has only gotten bigger and better!!

THIS year, Raglan Road is making plans for their four-day (!!!!) festival from March 14 – 17, featuring music, dancing, awesome food, and Irish traditions.

Festival Details

Get your green on! Guests can participate in festivities March 14 and 15 from 6 p.m. until 1:15 a.m. and March 16 and 17 from noon until 1:15 a.m.

On Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Saturday, a cover charge of $5 will apply to each guest 18 and over; on Sunday, the cover charge is $10. Reservations can be booked on March 14 by 407-938-0300.

Top musicians and dancers will be performing on multiple stages creating a fun festival atmosphere, and there will be PLENTY of eats and suds to make your week even better! Let’s start with the good stuff…

Food and Beverages

With a selection of beers and authentic cuisine by Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, the “Mighty Festival” is not-to-be-missed!

Lunch Demonstration

In a mighty culinary experience, Master Chef Kevin Dundon and Michelin star Chef Derry Clarke will showcase a lunch demonstration on Wednesday, March 13th, at 1PM. Cost is $55 per person with wine pairings; $45 without wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity. Tables in Wonderland Members will receive a 20% off discount!

Lunch Demo!

I can’t wait to see how that Poached Pear is!!

Poached Pear with Creme Brulee Foam and Beetroot Macaroon

A Tale Of Two Chefs: Signature Dining Experience

And on Thursday, March 14th, at 6:30PM, Chefs Kevin Dundon and Derry Clarke will present a culinary extravaganza! Cost is $105 per person plus tax and gratuity. Tables in Wonderland Members will receive a 20% discount!

A Tale Of Two Chefs!

Check out the goodies — Rack of Spring Lamb and Braised Cottage Lamb Pie, Farm Fresh Vegetables with Twice-Cooked Roast Potato!

Rack of Spring Lamb and Braised Cottage Lamb Pie, Farm Fresh Vegetables with Twice-Cooked Roast Potato

Call 407-938-0800 to book culinary events. Check out www.raglanroad.com for upcoming details.

Music and Dance

Each day over 35 musicians and dancers will perform! Headliners include the most successful U2 tribute show in the world, Elevation!

Elevation Lead Singer on stage at Raglan Road

Plus The Willis Clan, Girsa, Three Dollar Band, Creel, Johnny Snags Norton, and Justin Murphy.

The line-up of Irish band performances will begin with a festival preview March 8-10 by The Willis Clan. Mark your calendars for these performances:

  • The seven full-time champion Raglan Road Dancers will perform daily.
  • Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, will lead Irish Dance Workshops Friday through Sunday.
  • Distinguished Dublin-born multi-instrumentalist Declan Masterson, recent touring musical director of Riverdance, will lead Irish Music Workshops.
  • Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music and structured set-dancing event on Saturday, including guest participation.
  • “The Electric Ceili,” will bring a host of Irish musicians and dancers on the Waterfront Stage on Sunday evening.
  • Performances by Raglan Road house band Creel, The Willis Clan, Girsa, Three Dollar Band, and Johnny & Justin.
  • World-famous U2 tribute band Elevation will be playing Saturday and Sunday.

Other Activities

Guests can also enjoy face painting, stilt walkers, competitions, giveaways and St. Patrick’s Day memorabilia.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Raglan Road!

It’s truly an incredible atmosphere and a fun experience for everyone, young and old!! Head out to RR for a rockin’ St. Paddy’s day!

Have you attended an event at Raglan Road? Let us know in the comments below!

Disney Springs Rumor! New Restaurants Planned for Disney World’s Downtown Disney

By 52 Comments

You’ve probably heard the rumors brewing, but this is the first time that we’ve heard details about changes that may be planned for Downtown Disney Orlando!! Please note that all of this is subject to change (and probably WILL!).

Disney World's Downtown Disney

What’s the Latest?

Along with a new name (Disney Springs), parking garage (thank goodness!), and the re-imagining of Planet Hollywood, new restaurants and shops are now being named in these rumors!

A new “district,” which is being called the Town Center, may part of the proposed plan. Pleasure Island could be known as The Landing, and the Marketplace may return to its roots — The Village Marketplace. Only the West Side area would retain its current label in this structure.

Part of the remodel could bring a two-story entertainment area similar to City Walk at Universal Studios.

Possible New Restaurants?

This photo from Save Pleasure Island showcases a few possible options.

Possible Restaurants for Downtown Disney Orlando!

We can’t wait for more details to emerge, but of course we’re pretty excited about the possible addition of a Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, which we LOVE in Disneyland.

We'd love to see Trader Sam's in Disney World

Here a few other options that are apparently on the block for Disney World’s “Disney Springs:”

  • Planet Hollywood would become The Observatory.
  • Disney Character Dining (TBD)
  • Disney Burger (TBD)
  • Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar
  • Wine Bar (TBD)
  • The Edison
  • Disney Bakery (TBD)
  • Food Truck
  • Powell’s Sweet Shoppe
  • Italian Restaurant (TBD)
  • Argo Tea

    • [Read more…]

Top 12 Salty Snacks in Walt Disney World — What’s Your Favorite?

By 51 Comments

We talk a lot around here about Disney’s sweet snacks — and with good reason: nothing says indulgence like a bit of Disney ice cream or a monster cupcake.

But everyone knows that sweet snacks are even better with a salty chaser! 😉

Salty indulgences abound at Disney World, too! And we think it’s time to give them their day in the spotlight!

So without further adieu, we’d like to take a brief look at some of our favorites in our salute to the Top 12 Salty Snacks in Walt Disney World!

Disney Popcorn

Alrighty, folks, we have to start with the obvious one: Popcorn.

How can you discuss Disney World salty snacks and not mention it? In fact, how can you go to a Disney park and not end up munching on this snack favorite?

We love popcorn in all its personalities — from the standard (refillable!) bucket you buy as soon as you walk into Magic Kingdom to caramel corn at Big Top Treats or Karamell-Küche. And when popcorn started popping up on Disney menus a while back, we were all for it!

NEW Disney Parks Popcorn Boxes!

But the best version remains that classic Disney popcorn box full of buttery (flavored) yellow kernels of fluffy goodness. Do yourself a favor and don’t leave without trying a box.

Chicken Waffle Sandwich

Over at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments, you’ll find a lovely little assortment of waffles to satisfy your salt craving.

What? You ask. Waffles = salt? When they’re in the form of waffle sandwiches — they sure can be!

Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich in Disney World

And my favorite when I’m satisfying a savory craving is the Spicy Chicken Sandwich. Sweet/spicy chicken with a touch of coleslaw offers a treat with complicated flavors, but a sure comfort food factor.

The perfect combo of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy, this sandwich will leave you full, happy, and ready to tackle the rest of those Disney miles! Just know that this thing can be uber messy, so bring lots of napkins!

Nachos

I dearly love a plate of nachos, don’t you? And when I’m in the mood for this Tex-Mex treat, I head to La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion at Epcot.

Nachos with Cheese, Beef, and Jalapenos at Cantina de San Angel

The salty trifecta of chips, plastic cheese, and seasoned ground beef is perfection! And if you’re looking to add to it — try washing them down with a margarita, of course!

Want some less-fussy nachos? We’re also fans of the versions at Big River Grill and ESPN Club on the Boadwalk. Where do you find your favorite nachos in Disney World?

Tomato Basil Soup

If you’re in the mood for a good bowl of soup (fitting during the relatively cold Orlando days this past weekend), then head to Pinocchio Village Haus for their [Read more…]

New Menu Options at Earl of Sandwich! (And Holiday Sandwich Year-Round!!)

By 16 Comments

Update: Disneyland Annual Passholders get a 20% discount (that’s twice the Passholder dining discount!) on Mondays and Tuesdays in March 2013 at Earl Of Sandwich in Downtown Disney Anaheim.

We’ve got some seriously rad news for all of you fellow Earl-lovers today!!!

Learn About:Earl of Sandwich
Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

In Disney World, Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris, Earl of Sandwich specializes in delicious counter-service eats. (Read an Earl of Sandwich Review in Disney World here and an Earl of Sandwich Review in Disneyland here to find out what all the fuss is about!)

And here’s the latest — new menu items are being added the first week of March, including hand-tossed salads, handcrafted wraps, and Artisan soups…and the HOLIDAY SANDWICH will now be offered year round!!

“Earl of Sandwich is known for the World’s Greatest Hot Sandwich. We now have great wraps, salads, and soups to match”, says Steve Heeley, President & CEO of Orlando based Earl of Sandwich.

Wrapped Earl of Sandwich...sandwich!

The Full Montague is a fan favorite at Earl of Sandwich

Yep — there’ll be a lot more to choose from the next time you head over to Earl!

New Earl of Sandwich Menu Options

Healthful options for on-the-go dining is just one reason that Earl of Sandwich is so popular! Let’s check out the new items!

  • 8 Great new “Greens” Hand–Tossed Salads, including Berry, Almond & Chicken Salad, BBQ Chicken, and Thai Salads.
  • 7 Great new “Hand Crafted” Wraps, including Buffalo Chicken (YES, PLEASE!!!!); Baja Chicken; and Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Wraps.
  • A new line of high quality Artisan Soups, including chicken noodle, black bean, chicken tortilla, butternut squash, and other great new flavors. Yes, the signature tomato soup will still be available!
  • New, lighter breakfast offerings, including oatmeal with fruit, nut, and brown sugar toppings. Also look for New York style bagels and cream cheese.
  • Two great sandwiches join the permanent line-up — the cult favorite Holiday Turkey Sandwich, and the [Read more…]

Disney Food Pics of the Week: Sandwiches!

By 5 Comments

Anytime I’m longing for a getaway to my favorite place to enjoy some fun and fabulous food, I love hopping onto the Disney Food Blog Photo Extravaganza on Flickr! It’s a great way to make plans for my very next trip. Thanks so much to all of you who submit photos to the group!

Today, I have a hankering for sandwiches. And you know that some of the best meals between two pieces of bread (or what have you) can be found at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Open-Faced Chicken Sandwich at Norway’s Akershus

Whoa! It is seriously time for me to get myself back to Akershus! This Open-Faced Chicken Sandwich and Garden Vegetable Soup combo look incredible! And check out the awesome Henna in the background!

Photographer: Nancy RK

Open-Faced Chicken Sandwich at Epcot's Akershus in the Norway Pavilion

Holiday Sandwich at Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich

is the place to go for sammiches in Disney World and Disneyland, and an all-time favorite menu item for many of us is the Holiday Sandwich. Thanksgiving Dinner [Read more…]

Best Disney World Restaurants for Fish Fry

By 11 Comments

With Lent on the horizon — and with a few questions from readers recently about where to get a great fish fry in Disney World — I knew that now would be the perfect time to check out the best places to find that golden battered goodness at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Let’s check out some of the best fried fish in Disney World…

Best Disney World Restaurants for a Fish Fry

United Kingdom Pavilion in Epcot

You can’t go wrong for fish and chips in the delicacy’s home pavilion in Epcot.

Fish and Chips from Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Whether you take a load off at the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room or grab some fried food to go from Yorkshire County Fish Shop, you’re in for a mild but authentic taste of one of England’s best exports.

While you’re there, enjoy a beer and a performance by The British Revolution or the Pub’s Hat Lady.

Cookes of Dublin and Raglan Road in Downtown Disney

If you find yourself in need of a fish fix while you’re “Downtown,” head over to the Pleasure Island District for two authentic and delicious options. The One & One at Cookes of Dublin is one of our favorites on property.

Cooked to order and served piping hot, the fish is flaky and tender.

Fish and Chips from Cooke’s of Dublin

But if you have the time for a slower meal, you may want to consider the famous beer battered fish and chips on the lunch menu at Raglan Road Irish Pub right next door.

Columbia Harbour House in Magic Kingdom

Here in Liberty Square, you can enjoy a counter service battered fish basket with broccoli, apples, or French fries at Columbia Harbour House counter service restaurant. The proportion of breading to fish is perfect, and the fish isn’t too oily.

Fried Chicken and Fish at Columbia Harbour House

Fried Chicken and Fish at Columbia Harbour House (photo from Kelly Amey via the DFB Flickr Group) 

Citricos at Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

For a slightly more upscale take on the English classic, take a monorail ride to the Grand Floridian and pull up a chair at Citricos. There, you should order the melt-in-your-mouth pan-fried Florida black grouper, which gets [Read more…]

Review: Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney Orlando

By 12 Comments

Time to head back to one of my favorite counter service spots in Disney World — Wolfgang Puck Express!

Learn About:Wolfgang Puck Express
Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

WPE offers consistently delicious food in an atmosphere that may make you think you’ve wandered into a table service restaurant. And with locations in both the Marketplace and West Side ends of Downtown Disney, you’re never far from one of their excellent meals.

Normally, it’s the Marketplace location that we favor as it’s bigger and has much more seating. But today we decided to give the West Side location a try. (If you’d like to see the details of my last Wolfgang Puck Express Marketplace visit, click here.)

Located just next to Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Dining Room, this location offers great eats for everyone. From grab and go, to pizza and more, there are really some incredible options here.

Wolfgang Puck Express West Side Sign

Let’s head in and check it out!

Atmosphere

Wolfgang Puck Express West Side is impossible to miss, situated across from Splitsville and the AMC Theatre. You’ll find the entrance tucked just to the left of the restaurant’s main door.

Wolfgang Puck Express West Side

I enjoy visiting WPE during the day. While the restaurant takes on a chic, modern vibe at night, the sun streaming in during daylight hours makes for a bright, cheerful spot.

Indoor Seating

Of course, there is also outdoor seating and this busy area offers primo people-watching opportunities. The ceiling fans and overhang make it quite comfortable as long as you’re not visiting during the height of summer.

Outdoor Seating

The open kitchen allows you to watch as chefs prepare the goodies — especially pizzas, for which WPE is famous.

On Stage Kitchen and Pizza Oven

Time to Make the Pizzas

Here’s the star of Wolfgang Puck’s — the [Read more…]

News and Review: Introducing ‘Host the Roast’ at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant (Plus New Desserts!)

By 9 Comments

We recently gave you all the details about Raglan Road’s brand new Rollicking Raglan Sunday Brunch.

Learn About:Raglan Road Irish Pub
Disney Springs
Disney World Restaurants

And today, we’re back with more great news from our favorite Irish pub in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney!

Raglan Road debuted their awesome new “Host the Roast!” feast on February 3rd, and it’s available every Sunday going forward.

Created to honor the custom of Sunday Irish lunch, “Host the Roast!” is a full traditional meal, centered around premium signature roasts. And this is an option that’s priced for groups of six, which means this should definitely be on your list for your next family reunion in Disney World. (Note that if you’re not interested in Hosting the Roast while you’re there, you can always stop into Raglan Road on Sunday to enjoy the Sunday Brunch!)

Master Chef Kevin Dundon

Are you intrigued? I was! Guests can choose from several roasts, but you need to book at least 48 hours in advance!:

The Roast Rib of Beef, Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream and rosemary jus, Balsamic glazed carrots, Green beans, roasties and pomme au gratin plus family style dessert.   $55 per person

Beef Rib Roast -- Up Close

The Roast Pork loin, pork crackling, cider port jus, apple sauce & apple chutney, Balsamic glazed carrots, Green beans, roasties and pomme au gratin plus family style dessert.   $47 per person

The Roast Leg of New Zealand Lamb, stuffed with sage & onion, mint sauce and red wine jus, Balsamic glazed carrots, Green beans, roasties and pomme au gratin plus family style dessert.   $45 per person

The Roast lemon thyme Chicken, Bread sauce, red wine jus and a family style Chicken & Wild Mushroom Pie with Balsamic glazed carrots, Green beans, roasties and pomme au gratin plus family style dessert.   $35 per person

All roasts include a family-style dessert! Choices are:
Gran Marnier Fruit & Custard Trifle or Baked Strawberry & Apple Crumble (gluten free option available)

But enough talking — time to see some pics!

How to “Host The Roast!”

So here’s how it all works: you book your “roast” with Raglan Road (at least 48 hours in advance), then show up at the correct time on Sunday afternoon. And the fun begins!

The roast is carved table-side (very fun), so the carving cart is wheeled out to the head of your table.

Carving Cart

Next, servers bring out an enormous cart laden with the roast and all the trimmings. At our gathering, we were fortunate to have two different roasts: the Beef Standing Rib Roast and the Bone-In Pork Roast.

Each roast is accompanied by many of the same items, but there are a few differences in side dishes and sauces (see the menu listing above for details). Horseradish Cream and Rosemary Jus perfectly accented the beef roast and its side dishes.

Beef Standing Rib Roast Host the Roast Platter

The Pork Roast comes with a [Read more…]

Tip from the DFB Guide: Three Great Ways to Save on Food at Disney World

By 38 Comments

Let’s face it — rising food costs are negatively impacting our budgets — and that’s especially true at Walt Disney World!

With years of Disney dining experiences between our “ears” ;-), we’ve learned some cost-saving measures that can truly help. And since we’re all about sharing (unless we’ve got our hands on our favorite school bread), we want to let you in on great ways to save on food during your next Disney vacation.

In our The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 e-Book, we have a whole chapter about budgeting and saving at Disney World. Pick up your copy here for an extra $4 off using code 2013 for a limited time!

The legwork’s already done! Reading our comprehensive DFB Guide will help you find great membership savings, coupons, and more ideas to help you save as much as you can on your trip.

3 Great Ways to Save on Dining at Disney World

Here are just a few of the great ways to save on food when visiting Walt Disney World that we included in the DFB Guide to help you stretch your vacation dollars.

1. Eat breakfast as your biggest meal.
Before heading to your first attraction, feast on a hearty breakfast. Breakfast can not only be exceptionally filling (and can be healthier than lunch or dinner), it’s the least expensive time of day to dine in Disney World! So fill up on breakfast and have a few snacks instead of big lunches and dinners as you go through the day.

Even character meals are less pricey at breakfast!

Eating a big breakfast will fill you up -- and cost less than dining big later in the day!

2. Ask about an “entree-only” price at counter service locations.
Counter Service menus usually include side items, and the prices reflect those extras. Don’t really feel like fries with your cheeseburger? Ask a Cast Member if there’s an entree-only price. You may be able to knock off the extra cost (and calories!) of those fries when you order an entree with no sides!

Go ahead and ask to hold the fries!

3. Dine off-site or at non-Disney owned locations.
It’s no secret that once you enter those purple gates of Walt Disney World that food costs soar. Dining at an off-site location will offer the greatest savings in your dining budget — even if you add the cost of taxi to get there.

Or you can seek out restaurants that are not owned by Disney but still conveniently located on Disney property. While not always a guaranteed slam dunk of savings, these can occasionally offer cheaper options. One great choice is Earl of Sandwich in Downtown Disney!

What Other Ways Can We Save?

These budget-busting tips are in addition to dozens of other money-saving strategies we list in The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2013 — like where to get free samples, how to quench your thirst for less, foods you can bring with you, where to get discounts and coupons, when to visit for the best savings, [Read more…]

Splitsville in Downtown Disney Now Takes Tables in Wonderland Discount

By Leave a Comment

Great news, sports fans! Splitsville, the brand new luxury bowling spot in Downtown Disney, Orlando, has announced that they’ll be taking the Tables in Wonderland discount card going forward!

For those who aren’t sure what Tables in Wonderland is, it’s a Disney World Dining discount card that can be purchased by Florida residents, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Annual/Seasonal Passholders of Walt Disney World.

The card offers a 20% discount on food and beverages (including alcohol) at most Disney World table-service restaurants, and even some counter-service locations (like food courts at resorts that don’t have a table-service location).

Check out Tables in Wonderland pricing, details, restaurants on the list, and more here!

Just of few of the eats at Splitsville

We’re excited that Splitsville is joining the list of restaurants where we’ll be able to get a discount when we’re in Disney World. My first visit to Splitsville was awesome, and I can’t [Read more…]

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER EBOOKS

Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.

View our ebooks now

POLICIES & CREDITS

Staff & Regular Contributors
Disclosure Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Partner With Disney Food Blog

Logo by J Kennedy

Disney Food Blog does not claim to represent the Walt Disney Company in any way and is not employed by or affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. For official Disney information, visit Disney directly.

Subscribe to our Feed via RSS
Subscribe to our Feed via email