Fantasmic is back! Fantasmic is back!
Can you tell we’re excited?!
Fantasmic at Disneyland
Review: Fantasmic Dining Package at River Belle Terrace in Disneyland
Recommended Disney Dining Plan Quick Service Credit Values
We are back with the final installment in our popular series sharing our picks for the Top Value Restaurants when it comes to using your Disney Dining Plan in Walt Disney World.
Previously, we shared our recommendations for the Recommended Disney Dining Plan Two-Credit Restaurants as well as our choices for Recommended Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Restaurant Values.
Today, we’re sharing our recommendations for Quick Service Restaurants when you’re using the Disney Dining Plan.
Remember — the name of the game here is finding the restaurants that hit the right balance: they have 1) a high average entree price, but they’re also 2) spots that we here at DFB would recommend.
Why is this important? Because we want to help you maximize those Disney Dining Plan Quick Service Credits. Note that we have plenty of our own favorites that don’t make this list because the average price didn’t put them at the top.
Here are our picks for the restaurants that give you the best overall bang for your Disney Dining Plan buck when it comes to quick service credit spots.
Wolfgang Puck Express
has been around forever, it seems. But one thing doesn’t change — even after all of these years, it still represents amazing quality and value, whether you’re dining on the DDP or not.
Wolfgang Puck Express Roast Chicken — One of My All-Time Favorites
That’s because the food here is easily on par with many table service spots. And when you consider that the average price of an entree here is just over $13, it also makes a lot of sense to spend your DDP credits here. [Read more…]
Review: The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Campground
“Let’s raise the roof and have a HOOP-DEE-DOO! And let’s have a good time tonight — YES, SIR! — We’ll have a good time tonight!”
That’s right, friends… we’re back at the one, the only HOOP-DEE-DOO MUSICAL REVUE!
In fact, a trip to Fort Wilderness Campgrounds to see the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue — one of Disney World’s three dinner shows — has been a must-do experience for many Disney World guests over the Revue’s 41-year run, as evidenced by the fact that year after year many families make a point to mosey on over to Pioneer Hall to enjoy this quintessential Disney World tradition.
Let’s find out why!
Atmosphere and Show
In 2014, The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue celebrated its 40th Anniversary. While that’s quite a milestone in and of itself, Hoop-Dee-Doo also has the distinction of being one of the longest running dinner shows in the United States. And its home is Pioneer Hall at Fort Wilderness, the Disney World campgrounds.
Pioneer Hall
Just stepping into Pioneer Hall is a special experience. The rustic woods and high ceilings soar over the grand hall. Front and center is the vaudevillian-style stage, which sets the scene for the “Fine Singing! Fancy Dancing! and Fun for All!” you’re about to enjoy. [Read more…]
Guest Review: Dinner at Les Chefs de France in Epcot
Join us in welcoming guest author Eric Lane! Today, he’s sharing a review of Les Chefs de France in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Bon Appetit!
Based on its location and consistently solid food quality it’s no wonder that Les Chefs is one of the most popular establishments in Epcot.
Atmosphere
Sitting right on the promenade of World Showcase Lagoon, Chefs de France is a prominent restaurant. Built to replicate a French bistro, the large open interior is fronted by a long, glass sunroom. Those walking along the World Showcase Lagoon can see the diners all the way in the back, and those in the back can see all of those walking by.
Les Chefs de France Window Tables
Our reservation was at 8:50PM and a positively bubbly maître d’ seated us right in the middle of the sunroom window. Seats against the glass were for two, we were one row away from the window. Because the whole restaurant is an open room, you can see all the waiters, everyone getting up and down, and all the people walking outside.
Les Chefs de France Back Sunroom at Night
A large floodlight outside provided an amber warmth that calmed all the hustle and bustle.
Front of Les Chefs de France at Night
We ate as the restaurant closed and slowly cleared until it was just our table and about 5 others when we were finished at 9:45PM.
Eats
Since we were at a French restaurant I decided to start with the French onion soup. The cheese was a little sharper than I thought it would be, which caught me off guard. Although unexpected it added a welcome bite to the flavor. The onion and beef flavors were much more subtle, but the cheese didn’t overpower them.
French Onion Soup
Another unusual touch was that I got the heel of the bread, which made it a little difficult to cut out a good hunk of bread with my spoon. Overall good, but not enough to stop me from sampling another appetizer next time I eat here.
The next dish was the ungainly titled “Filet de Saumon, pommes de terre ecrasess, au buerre et chboulette, sur coulis de tomate et poivron rouge.” That was the bold faced name of the dish, but instead of saying it while ordering or the direct English translation of “broiled salmon, smashed potatoes with butter and chives, served on a tomato and red pepper sauce” I was able to get away with just asking for the salmon filet. I appreciated that the sauce was not served on the salmon, but placed on the plate before the potatoes and salmon. It let me dip the salmon in the slightly spicy sauce and get just the right amount on the fish for my taste.
Salmon
The salmon itself was perfectly cooked and seasoned with a little black pepper and just enough other spices to bring out the flavor of the fish. The potatoes were simple and added nothing of note to the dish other than a starch. It was a good, straightforward main course. (Note; the accompaniments on this dish have changed on the menu since the review was written.)
My friend, who despite not being a foodie is my BDFF (best Disney friend forever), had the baked macaroni with cream and gruyere cheese. She enjoyed it but I absolutely loved it. Flavorful, simple, and among the best [Read more…]
Top 10 Disneyland Fast Food Joints
Most of the time when I visit Disney, I indulge in a mix of meals. I may book a table service advance dining reservation for one part of the day, and leave the rest to chance — looking to discover new things at the parks’ kiosks and counter service spots.
Today, I’m counting down my favorite places in Disneyland Resort to grab a quick meal!
Disneyland is second to none (yep — even compared to Disney World) at putting together truly outstanding counter service, quick service, and fast food meals. And the one consistent theme that you’ll find in Disneyland counter service spots — a lot of the time, the food and venues feel like table service quality (right down to real plates!)
Let’s get started!
Plaza Inn
is legendary for its beautiful atmosphere. Located where Main Street and Tomorrowland intersect, this charming spot has been open forever — and it’s been pleasing guests in search of a good meal all the while.
Even Walt was a fan!
Walt Disney enjoying a cup of coffee at Plaza Inn in 1966
A character meal table service location for breakfast, it morphs into a counter service buffet (sans characters) for lunch and dinnertime.
The Roast Beef and Pasta dishes here are both good choices. But ask most Disneyland food fans what the must-have dish here is, and you’ll get a resounding response: the Fried Chicken! The huge — and I mean HUGE — platter comes with three pieces of Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, a Vegetable, and a Biscuit. I shared this with a friend the last time I got it, and we still couldn’t finish!
Plaza Inn Fried Chicken
Incidentally, you should try and save room for dessert, too. (I know…I know.) When strawberries are in season, I’d definitely recommend the luscious Strawberry Shortcake!
Strawberry Shortcake
But the Carrot Cake is pretty awesome, too.
Flo’s V-8 Cafe
Dining at Flo’s V-8 Cafe within Cars Land at Disney California Adventure is an immersive experience. As with the rest of the spots in this newest Disneyland Resort section, you feel like you’ve wandered right into the animation!
But step inside the enormous restaurant, and you see all kinds of kitschy fun, inspired by the roadside diners that once peppered legendary Route 66.
Flo’s V-8 Cafe
The name of the game at Flo’s is the kind of comfort food that you’d expect to find in such spots, with spit-fired meats dominating the dinner menu. There’s also an inventive vegetarian option here — the Veggie Tater Bake!
But it’s Flo’s breakfast that we love love LOVE the most!
For a super sweet start to your day, you’ve gotta try the Brioche French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Bananas. (Dessert for breakfast? you ask? Well, yeah; pretty much! But…bananas!!!)
Brioche French Toast with Salted Caramel Sauce and Bananas
Or, try the option that serves up a delicious Mexican food-inspired twist — the Chicken Tamale Breakfast with Scrambled Eggs and Salsa Verde.
Chicken Tamale Breakfast with Scrambled Eggs and Salsa Verde
And be sure to stop back by later in the day for dessert — Flo’s Signature Apple-Cheddar Pie-O-Rama is spectacular!
Pie at Flo’s
Rancho del Zocalo
The beautifully themed Rancho del Zocalo, located in Disneyland Park’s Frontierland, is a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!
Gorgeous murals and lighting fixtures dominate the walls inside, while a beautiful patio covered with gauzy awnings wins our vote for best place to sit here.
Outdoor seating at Rancho del Zocalo
Following the pattern of many Disneyland counter service spots, Rancho del Zocalo is counter service with the feel of a cafeteria. Guests order their main entree, and then visit stations to pick up extra courses, like salads and desserts.
The Mexican influenced menu is small, but the ingredients and preparation are always high quality, and a cut above what we think of as fast food. One of my favorite options here is the Soft Tacos Monterrey with Fajita Chicken. (You can also get them with beef.)
Soft Tacos Monterrey with Fajita Chicken
The addition of Peppers as well as Sour Cream and Guacamole on the side makes this a winner for me. I look forward to having it whenever I have a chance to visit Rancho del Zocalo!
Hungry Bear Restaurant
If you like eating in a treehouse, then I have just the Disneyland spot for you! Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland’s Critter Country recently underwent some renovations and [Read more…]
The Disney Food Blog Bingo Challenge!
Guest Author Katie Roth took on the Disney Food Blog Bingo Challenge. Are you game? Let’s play!
A few weeks before my recent trip to Disney World, the Disney Parks Blog posted an article on a fun new way to experience the Disney parks: Bingo!
When I read this article, I immediately wanted there to be a Disney food version which prompted me to contact AJ at the Disney Food Blog.
Magic Kingdom DFB Bingo Card.
She developed a card for each park and I was lucky enough to be the beta tester! 🙂 For this trip, we attempted the Magic Kingdom and Epcot food bingo cards.
Magic Kingdom Disney Food Bingo Card
The first card that we attempted to complete was for the Magic Kingdom. I absolutely LURVE Magic Kingdom food, so I knew this card would be a cinch to complete.
Our first treat was a Root Beer Dole Whip Float at Aloha Isle. It was in the high 80s with a packed park, so this cold and refreshing treat was welcomed.
While I love anything Dole Whip, and even though we got vanilla Dole Whip, I thought that the root beer actually didn’t taste the best with it …perhaps because it wasn’t the creamy, real vanilla ice cream that I’m used to? Maybe it was an off-day? Either way, I’ll probably need to get another one just to be sure. 😉
Root Beer Dole Whip Float.
Float!
As optimistic as I was that we would finish the Magic Kingdom bingo card, I am saddened and embarrassed to admit that we did not. 🙁
We got as far as the float and a popcorn and then threw our hands up in defeat – the Memorial Day crowds and our Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) just proved too much for us on top of attempting two bingo cards. We were, however, much more successful with the Epcot card.
Epcot Disney Food Blog Bingo Card
We were particularly excited about the Epcot food bingo card because [Read more…]
Review: Camp Snacks at Camp Minnie Mickey in Animal Kingdom
Editor’s Note: Camp Snacks has closed permanently.
We’re gonna head back over to the Animal Kingdom today, because I found a couple of desserts in Camp Minnie Mickey that I couldn’t wait to share with you!
After many years, Chip and Dale have vacated this snack bar, and now it’s serving up hot dogs, drinks, chips, and a few sweet treats.
Front of Camp Snacks
These are walk-up windows; you won’t find any indoor seating here. But hey! We’re at Camp Minnie Mickey, right? And so we’ve got to rough it just a bit.
Seating Area
This is a good spot to grab a bite while you’re waiting for your turn at the Festival of the Lion King!
Menu -- Click to Enlarge
You won’t find a ton of topping options for your hot dogs, though. Pretty much you’ll have your pick of mustard or ketchup with some packaged relish.
Condiments for Hot Dogs
But I wasn’t here for the dogs on this day. It was sweet treats that drew me to the little cabin!
Strawberry Shortcake
We are big fans of Strawberry Shortcake around here, so this was a must try!
Made with real, live pound cake; thick, sweet strawberry topping; and a generous crown of whipped cream, this looked pretty good!
Strawberry Shortcake
And it [Read more…]
Guest Review: Sunshine Seasons in Epcot
Please welcome guest author Sarah Gurung as she explores Sunshine Seasons in Epcot’s Future World.
When touring the Disney parks, my family tends to gravitate to the same dining locations. But over the years, I’ve come to crave foods that are a little more unusual than the hamburgers and chicken fingers we have always enjoyed.
At Epcot, Sunshine Seasons offers fresh and unique dishes that appeal to a wide range of palates. For this reason, I all but insisted that we stop for lunch at Sunshine Seasons food court during our visit last month.
Atmosphere
Sunshine Seasons is a quick service dining location in The Land pavilion beneath a massive glass roof where sunshine streams through (and, as we found, thunderstorms roar through!).
Here you also find the Living With the Land, and Soarin’ attractions as well as Garden Grill restaurant. Many of the foods grown in the gardens featured in Living With the Land end up in Sunshine Seasons and Garden Grill dishes!
Sunshine Seasons
Sunshine Seasons is organized like a typical food court with different food stations specializing in a variety of foods, a beverage bar, and grab-and-go options.
The food stations include The Grill, Soup & Salad, Asian Noodles, Sandwiches, The Bakery, and Breakfast.
Menu Board
Beverage Area
Each food station features creative flavor combinations [Read more…]
Disney Strawberry Shortcake Desserts
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE! Anyone who’s been to Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness knows how historic this dessert is at Walt Disney World!
And, luckily, there are several versions to sample around the parks and resorts! Let’s take a peek at a few that we enjoy…
Strawberry Shortcake at Sunshine Seasons
Nestled on the lower level of the Land pavilion in Epcot, Sunshine Seasons is known for market-fresh eats.
One of the best desserts at Epcot (and also a great value) is the strawberry shortcake. Fresh strawberries, smooth whipped cream and gorgeous vanilla shortcake are layered together for a fresh and decadent treat.
Strawberry Shortcake at Sunshine Seasons
Strawberry Shortcake Sundae at Storybook Treats
UPDATE: Please note that as of June 2015, the Strawberry Shortcake Sundae is no longer being served at Storybook Treats.
In the Magic Kingdom, Storybook Treats (formerly Mrs. Potts’) dishes up refreshing snacks, including the strawberry shortcake sundae, topped with vanilla soft-serve and [Read more…]
Review: Beaches and Cream Soda Shop Desserts
On our most recent trip to the magic, it was time to revisit one of our favoritest spots, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop!
Atmosphere
Located at Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Beaches and Cream Soda Shop has long been a favorite of Disney World guests, featuring lots of decorative touches that whisk guests right back to beach vacations of their childhoods.
With vintage “beach balls” scattered throughout, giant ice cream cones lighting your way, a jivin’ jukebox playing tunes you remember from the 50’s and 60’s, and a nostalgic and simple menu, you’ll feel like a kid again…and YOUR kids will love it just as much.
Seating
Seating is either in big pink booths or at small, white wrought iron tables. If you’re in a rush or just looking for a bit more fun, ask for a stool at the counter where you can watch the chefs and servers work their magic on classic burgers and massive ice cream sundaes.
Booth Table
Choose a favorite song from the vintage [Read more…]
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