food IS a theme park
Your pals at the DFB are back with What’s New, and this week we’re back at Animal Kingdom and the All-Star Resorts! We’ve got menu changes (Satu’li!!), new merchandise, and a couple new activities to share. Let’s gooooooo!
Animal Kingdom
You already know that Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is the place to go for innovative and classic takes on Irish cuisine. And that you can listen to rocking tunes while chowing down on fish and chips. And that there’s an extensive drinks menu here, making it a terrific night out for the grown ups.
Raglan Road
Recently, we let you know that Cove Bar’s beloved Mickey’s Fun Wheel cocktail is now available at Alfresco Tasting Terrace (FYI — Neverland Tea and Black Pearl are available now, too!) — and now we’re helping ourselves to some tasty little appetizers at this relaxing and beautiful lounge in Disney California Adventure Park.
Lovely Signage at Alfresco Tasting Terrace
If you are looking for an eclectic meal in the heart of Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom, Tiffins could be the right choice. Open just under two years, Tiffins is a Signature Dining experience — which means it requires two Disney Dining Plan table service credits (or quite an investment from your wallet).
But guests agree that dining in Tiffins is as much about the atmosphere as it is the food. The restaurant is inspired by travel and the wonderful adventures that take place when one steps out of one’s comfort zone. You’ll see nods to travel quite literally everywhere — from wall to wall. You’ll also find love for animals and conservation in the artwork at Tiffins, in keeping with the Park’s theme.
The food at Tiffins is an interesting blend of flavors and ingredients from around the globe, and it’s generally enjoyed by guests who yearn for something adventurous in their dining. Tiffins, and her sister Nomad Lounge, adjust their menus with some regularity (particularly on the Small Plates menus), so if you plan on dining here, you’ll want to keep an eye on the menus.
Tiffins Sign, with tiffins on top
We all know that Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival is one of the prettiest times to visit Walt Disney World’s second-oldest park. But with the addition of food booths (called Outdoor Kitchens at this festival!), the Festival got delicious, too!
The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
We just learned that Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be opening on June 30 — but in the meantime, we’ve searched out What’s New NOW at Hollywood Studios (and nearby Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts!). Let’s gooooooo!
At pop-up bars around the park, guests can order two new seasonal drinks. Baby Blues is comprised of Tito’s Handmade Vodka (SHOUTOUT AUSTIN, TX!), Bacardi Superior Rum, Tanqueray Gin, Blue Curacao, Sweet-and-Sour, and Sprite! And you get a glow cube, of course.
Green Screen is Absolut Pears Vodka, Midori, Pineapple Juice, and Sprite (again with a glow cube!).
(Anyone else as disturbed as I am on the pricing of these?)
Pop Up Bars Seasonal Drinks
Polynesian Village Resort
is a relaxing tropical getaway — with some great dining and drinking to boot! And since it’s on the Resort Monorail Loop, it’s easy to stop in any time of the day or night on your way to or from Magic Kingdom.
Polynesian Village Resort
Last June when Walt Disney World announced updates to the 2018 Disney Dining Plan, many guests were thrilled to discover that beginning this year, all three plans include Specialty and Alcoholic Drinks! This means that diners can order delicious milkshakes, fruity smoothies, and tasty adult beverages without having to pay out of pocket.
Southern Sangria and Not Everyone’s Margarita
We’re still newly into 2018! And tradition dictates that we ring in the New Year with some bubbly. While that’s never a bad choice when the clock strike midnight, I’ve got some ideas for ways you can celebrate with a drink in Walt Disney World no matter what time of year your visit falls in 2018!
These are some of the sips we most enjoyed over the past year… and can’t wait to enjoy again in 2018!
Did you think Amorette’s Patisserie showcased nothing more than artful cakes and pastries? Then think again. Because this Disney Springs sweet spot is home to the vino that went VIRAL in 2017: Wine Slushies!
Swirled Wine Slushie — Strawberry Shiraz and Mango Moscato
Choose from two fruity flavors: Strawberry Shiraz and Mango Moscato (an Apple Cider Riesling even appeared on the menu for the 2017 holiday season).
Pool bars don’t get a lot of love in the Disney food world, probably because they aren’t really what you’d call “destination dining.”
Obviously, they’re more of a convenience for when you’re… well, by the pool at your Resort! You’re not going to go out of your way to visit one, but you sure are glad that they’re around the pool when you are. Because there’s hungry… and then there’s I’ve-been-swimming-all-day hungry.
But that’s kind of a shame, because some pool bars have some pretty decent food (and great drinks)! The Oasis Bar & Grill Pool Bar at the Polynesian Village Resort really stepped up the game, for example, with items like great Kahlua Pork Sliders. And the Uzima Springs Pool Bar at Animal Kingdom Lodge serves flatbreads (including a unique Braai Chicken Flatbread) that’ll satisfy any sudden carb craving. And then Geyser Point at Wilderness Lodge took “pool bar” to the next level.
Cabana Bar and Beach Club at Disney World’s Dolphin Hotel (it’s convenient to the Swan, too) is one such under-celebrated pool bar. Cabana even made an appearance at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic in October with their Double Fried Chicken! But my WOW here at Cabana was the aioli — there are tons of them and they are amazing. If you’re like me and love your dipping sauces, read on.
Cabana Bar and Beach Club
Cabana Bar and Beach Club (not to be confused with Banana Cabana at Caribbean Beach Resort or Cabanas on board the Disney Cruise Line ships) boasts a surprisingly huge menu (several pages long!). You’ll want to start with the Cocktails, which are cleverly named… and generously poured. 😉 [Read more…]
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
