food IS a theme park
We’re in Epcot checking out what’s new this week! The restaurants are busy adding some seasonal treats as well as fall flavors! Construction is moving forward on a variety of attractions! Let’s take a closer look…
Welcome to Epcot
The beautiful Japan Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase is currently home to two Table Service restaurants: Tokyo Dining and Teppan Edo (which we visited again just recently).
Japan Pavilion Pagoda
But in the future, it will be home to three Table Service locations, as Disney has announced that a Signature Dining experience “inspired by the natural beauty of Japan” is on the way to the Pavilion!
Teppan Edo… it’s been a while, my friend!
Too long, I might say. I tend to not visit Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavilion as often as other spots around Epcot’s World Showcase — not because I haven’t enjoyed it in the past (because I have). This is due to the fact that as Epcot’s resident hibachi grill, the menu and experience doesn’t tend to change very much. So from a reviewer’s perspective, there isn’t a hugely revised menu or anything to keep readers posted on.
But from a Disney fan perspective (and Epcot fan. And Japan Pavilion fan. And FOOD fan!), I was rather keen on making a new Advance Dining Reservation here. And when @DininginDisney and her family happened to be going, I was excited to tag along!
So, let’s see how this recent visit went!
Guest Check In for Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining
Check-in for Teppan Edo is located just outside the steps leading up to the restaurant.
Why, hello there!! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re taking a food tour of Epcot’s beautiful Japan Pavilion!
Japan Pavilion Pagoda
Japan is the Pavilion where you can find everything from Pocky to SAKE in Epcot! But there’s so much more to take in… from sushi to Frozen Kirin beer and more, Japan is completely PACKED with fun and unique foods to try during your Epcot adventures. From two Table Service restaurants to outdoor vending spots and everything in between, you might be surprised to learn all there is to know about noshing in Epcot’s Japan. [Read more…]
We recently we dug our spoons once more into Kaki Gori, the Japanese Shaved Ice served at Kabuki Cafe. For years now, it’s been THE go-to treat as far as frozen options in the Japan Pavilion go, perfect for the cooling down in the current summer heat.
Japan Pavilion Pagoda
But did you know that Japan has got another — perhaps more authentic — frozen snack to keep your temperature down? It’s called Mochi. And though it’s been hanging around at the carts in the pavilion on-and-off for years, this additional cart we spotted recently seems to be mostly Mochi-centric. [Read more…]
What? You’ve recovered from the DFB Grilled Cheese Crawl, and you’re ready for another one? We are right there with ya!
So today, we’re heading to the Mecca of Diverse Disney food options, Epcot!
There are literally hundreds of delicious dishes and tempting snacks to be savored throughout the park. And that makes sense, since World Showcase immerses you into the cultures of eleven different countries.
In one day, you can enjoy pastries from France, sushi from Japan, a jumbo pretzel from Germany, schoolbread from Norway — and so much more!
But then, there’s Future World, too. Home to great little kiosks featuring flavored popcorns as well as one of our favorite counter service spots, Sunshine Seasons, there’s plenty to enjoy there as well.
We all have our favorites, but it’s also fun to check out the NEW stuff! And so today, that’s what we’re doing. Let’s head into Epcot and arrange the day around trying brand new (or in some cases, returning items) in our DFB “Just the New Stuff” Crawl, Epcot Edition!
And if you love this crawl, be sure to check out our DFB Guide + Snacks Bundle, which you can enjoy for an unbelievable 30% off the already discounted price with code BUNDLE17 at DFBStore.com!
I hope you came hungry. Let’s go!
To kick our day off right, we should start with a good breakfast. Sure, you could grab a bowl of cereal at the resort or head to Starbucks for a muffin, but I say let’s check out Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion for their Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding.
Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding at Sunshine Seasons
Is it breakfast, or is it dessert? Who cares? Because this is vacation, and you NEED to have this rich, delicious dish to jump start your day. (Oh, and to answer the question, clearly, this is breakfast. I mean, who eats bacon with dessert? 
) [Read more…]
We’re coming to you today from Kabuki Cafe!
This pretty but understated snack stand in Epcot’s beautiful Japan Pavilion is easy to pass by, unless you know about Kakigori — the Japanese Shaved Ice that is Kabuki Cafe’s star treat (it’s also a spot to grab a super quick Sushi snack for your Showcase stroll).
Fans of Kakigori know that the Shaved Ice typically comes in your choice of fruit flavors like Strawberry, Melon, Cherry, or Tangerine (or you can try ‘em all with the Rainbow option). You can get it with or without the Sweet Milk Topping, but that’s about the only twist available to this classic icy cold snack.
Until now… thanks to the addition of Sake Mists to the menu!
Kabuki Cafe
Unlike the regular Kakigori, these drinks — as you’ve likely deduced from the name — are for adults only. They pair the Shaved Ice with alcohol, and Blood Orange, Chocolate Cherry, and Coffee are your flavor choices. [Read more…]
If you’ve been keeping up on all the latest food news in Walt Disney World with us here at the DFB, then you know that the latter half of May brought all kinds of additions to the Disney dining scene!
Disney Springs
And the arrival of the summer season also brings expanded food options to feed the increasing crowds at the parks and beyond, so our tour will include all sorts of updates, changes, and additions – both big and small – as we check out What’s New around Walt Disney World! [Read more…]
Konnichiwa! And welcome back to another visit to Katsura Grill!
The counter service spot, located in Epcot’s Japan Pavilion, sits higher than the rest of the elevation in the area. Nestled into a garden behind the temple, this spot offers lovely, serene surroundings.
And in the past, we’ve really enjoyed the food here as well — especially lighter, healthier options, like Steamed Veggies and Miso.
I decided to visit Katsura spur-of-the-moment for lunch recently to see if I could still recommend this out-of-the-way counter service location. Come with me as we check out what I found.
If you haven’t fully explored the Japan Pavilion, then make sure to carve out a little extra time to do it on your very next trip to Epcot. There’s lots to take in.
As you make your way through the Pavilion to the back, Katsura Grill sits to the left. You’ll do a little climbing to get up to it, however.
Katsura Grill
The building itself demonstrates a simple Japanese aesthetic. Whereas the temple in front of it is a showstopper, Katsura is plain and functional, with dark wood accents and a thatched roof. [Read more…]
Sure, we may have said “So long” to the Flower and Garden Festival for this year, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to look forward to at Walt Disney World! Springs moves to summer as Disney World gears up for the busy vacation season, otherwise known as the “Coolest Summer Ever”!
©Disney
And since it’s a very special time of year for Star Wars fans in particular, why don’t we start our ‘round the World tour at Hollywood Studios to see What’s New!
Star Wars Weekends
kicked off on May 15th!
Star Wars Weekends 2015
The excitement! The pageantry! The CUPCAKES! The Jabba the Hutt Cupcake has joined the Darth Vader and Yoda Cupcakes this year.
Jabba the Hutt Cupcake
Jabba the Hutt Cupcake
It can be found at counter service locations such as Starring Rolls, Backlot Express, The Trolley Car Cafe, and Tusken Fridge Raiders — the premiere Star Wars snack stop, located inside Darth’s Mall.
Tusken Fridge Raiders
Tusken Fridge Raiders
But cupcakes aren’t all that’s in store…
Star Wars snacks for Star Wars Weekends
Like last year, several temporary pop-up bars can be found all over the park for the weekend events.
Star Wars Weekends Pop-up Bar
However, they feature all-new drinks this year. Each bar serves two out of of four drinks: The Mustafar and The Tatooine, or The Endor and The Alderaan.
Star Wars Weekends Specialty Drinks
Star Wars Weekends Specialty Drinks
We’ll be taking a closer look at those beverages soon, but once again this year, it’s ALL about the souvenir glow cubes: drinks come with either a Millennium Falcon glow cube or your very own mini Death Star.
Millennium Falcon Glow Cube
The Jedi Mickey Character Dinner at Hollywood and Vine and Star Wars Galactic Dine-In Breakfast returned to Hollywood Studios earlier this month (on May the Fourth Be With You, naturally). But brand new to Star Wars Weekends this year is the Rebel Hangar — A Star Wars Lounge Experience, which has effectively converted half of Backlot Express into an abandoned spaceport in the Sullest system.
Entrance to Rebel Hangar
Chips and Sith at Rebel Hangar
Blue Milk!
You can read all about this special month-long dining event featuring small plates and specialty cocktails in our full review of the Rebel Hangar!
Believe it or not, though, it’s not all Star Wars at Hollywood Studios… we’ve got some regular ol’ menu changes at some favorite Table Service restaurants to report as well. Sci-Fi Dine-In has added the Sci-Fi Popcorn Treat to the appetizer selection. It’s popcorn soup (for watching those old movies, of course!) with buffalo popcorn chicken and celery sticks, drizzled with blue cheese dressing.
Sci-Fi Dine-In
New entrees include Grilled Marinated Salmon, while the Veggie Burger got a [Read more…]
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