food IS a theme park
Let’s face it… Mickey isn’t the only one who loves MINNIE MOUSE around here!
©Disney
That’s why Sunday, January 22nd is set aside for us all to #RocktheDots in honor of Minnie on a VERY fitting occasion: National Polka Dot Day! [Read more…]
It’s high time for more 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival fun!
Once again, we’re going beyond the Marketplace Booths for a Special Event that is new to the Festival this year: Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops. Similar to the Festival’s Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars, this new offering takes place daily in the Festival Center. However, the Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! sessions offer an interactive element unique to this Special Event where participants can take tips directly from leaders in the culinary industry.
The choice of topics is extensive, ranging from forming sushi rolls to pasta making and vodka tasting to pumpkin decorating (and beyond — check out the full list of options here). We attended The Art of Pastry Making with Erin McKenna.
You might be familiar with Erin McKenna as the founder of Babycakes or the owner of Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Disney Springs (or even her shops in New York and Los Angeles). If so, then you know that her focus is on creating tasty vegan and gluten-free goods. Since baking gluten-free items is not something I have previously attempted, I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn something new!
So join me in the Chef’s Showcase at the Festival Center to check out this new Special Event!
Food and Wine Festival Center
Long tables are set up in front of the stage so there’s plenty of room for lots of would-be pastry-makers! [Read more…]
It’s high temps and good times in Walt Disney World this summer season! We’re spotting plenty of frosty summer sips to help you beat the heat, along with all sorts of new restaurants to stop in and take an air-conditioned breather.
And if we’re talking about new restaurants, there’s only one place to start this round of What’s New, and that’s…
I know — it’s as though the openings are never-ending at Disney Springs! The Grand Opening Summer Celebration is ON for this dining, shopping, and entertainment district!
Disney Springs
Can you believe it? What once seemed like a never-ending transformation of what was once Downtown Disney to Disney Springs is now complete (though we still have a few more spots to welcome in the coming months!). [Read more…]
Join us in welcoming guest author Jennifer Harris with an informative review of allergy friendly dining at Walt Disney World. Are you on a special diet? Read on!
Oh Disney, how I love your allergen-friendly ways. Dining at Disney is half the fun for those with food intolerance/allergy while visiting its theme parks. From the very first meal, it is apparent their talented team of chefs has got your back and then some. With table and quick service, buffet, and fine dining options, the attention paid to preparing allergen-free cuisine is exemplary. The sky is the limit at Disney because serving their guests is top priority.
Preparation tables are sanitized, gloves are changed, and one chef handles the order from start to finish to ensure there is no cross contact. Disney can currently prepare meals for those allergic/intolerant to: wheat, gluten, peanuts and tree nuts, soy, eggs, corn, dairy and lactose, shellfish, and fish.
Gluten Free Mickey Waffles
2016 is nearly upon us
, and so we find ourselves looking back at all that 2015 had to offer. It’s been an exciting time, full of huge announcements about new venues and attractions and lots of progress on previously announced projects. Before we bid goodbye to one year and welcome a new one, let’s review where we’ve been and see a glimpse of what’s to come!
There was a HUGE disturbance in the Force — the Disney Force, that is — this summer when Disney announced that Star Wars Land would be coming to both Disneyland AND Walt Disney World. The crowds went wild! [Read more…]
It was just this past February when many Disney World guests celebrated the opening of Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in The Landing of Disney World’s Disney Springs area.
For those who had missed the presence of BabyCakes in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace since its previous location closed to accommodate construction in March 2014, the new storefront was a welcome re-addition.
While the name has changed, the focus on vegan (dairy-free, egg-free), soy-free, and gluten-free baked goods remains the same, making it a great destination for many Disney World guests on special diets.
Though I’m not on a special diet myself, I sometimes find myself stopping by Erin McKenna’s when I’m at Downtown Disney, anyway. I’ve found that I’ve come to enjoy several of the treats (I can’t walk by without at least entertaining the notion of picking up a slice of Lemon Teacake), and I can never resist any bakery case full o’ cupcakes.
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC indoor sign
Cupcakes!
Just a reminder, though, that the updated location has been able to expand its selection, and offers [Read more…]
Just last week we showed you the signs outside the new Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC in Downtown Disney…
Erin McKenna’s NYC Bakery sign
And NOW we are happy to report that as of yesterday, it’s open for business!
First things first: Why all the excitement over this bakery? Well, aside from being the latest addition on the scene as Downtown Disney transitions to Disney Springs, it’s also the new home to BabyCakes NYC gluten-free and vegan baked goods in Disney World!
Erin McKenna’s Bakery storefront
Erin McKenna is the founder of BabyCakes NYC. Almost one year ago, the BabyCakes location in Downtown Disney’s Marketplace closed (along with Pollo Campero and Bodie’s All-American) to accommodate construction in the area. The new Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC fills the void felt by many guests on restricted diets, either due to allergies, digestive intolerances or lifestyle choice when BabyCakes closed, so we’re here to offer it a hearty “Welcome Back!”
Now, I just mentioned the Marketplace, so let’s not go too much further before we discuss the location of Erin McKenna’s. It finds its home in what is now called The Landing (formerly part of the Pleasure Island area). Depending on your most recent visit to Downtown Disney, things may look a LOT different! You’ll find Erin McKenna’s tucked right in among some brand new retails shops including Sanuk, Sound Lion, and Chapel Hats, facing what will be The Boathouse restaurant.
Erin Mckenna’s NYC Bakery at The Landing
Seeing this area with its exposed brick and aesthetically pleasing outdoor strolling area, you really do start to get a feel for how much [Read more…]
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