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White Water Snacks in Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa was recently renovated (see our tour of the refreshed space here!), and we’ve already found some great treats in the quick service spot’s pastry case — including a sweet little Mickey Ears Cupcake for Get Your Ears On! And right now there’s a St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake that’s definitely got the luck of the Irish! St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake at White Water Snacks So many things going on here, and they’re all festive and fun! Even the cupcake wrapper has gotten in on the holiday action this time with lots of shamrocks. St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake at White Water Snacks Decorations include a green sugar hat (evidently taken off the head of tiny leprechaun), a golden sugar horseshoe, and a sugar shamrock. And what’s a Disneyland cupcake without Mickey ears? These are two milk chocolate discs. St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake at White Water Snacks The sugar doesn’t end there. This cupcake has at least three different types of sprinkles on it, which is clearly the treasure at the end of the rainbow. The cake is vanilla dyed green (of course) — simple in contrast to all. those. decorations. But the frosting isn’t your average buttercream… St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake at White Water Snacks It’s marshmallow fluff! Sticky, sweet, AWESOME marshmallow fluff. St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake at White Water Snacks Yeah, this is just about one of the sweetest cupcakes I’ve ever had, but I ate the whole thing, which means: it’s GOOD! If you’re bumping around the Grand Californian, step into White Water Snacks this weekend to give the St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake a try! Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter so you never miss a bit of Disney Parks news! What do you think? Too much sugar or just enough? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review: Breakfast at White Water Snacks at the Grand Californian in Disneyland Guess Where You Can Find Mickey Jell-o in Disneyland! White Water Snacks at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Now Open After Refurbishment! View the full article

Get ready to dance as #DisneyParksLIVE returns to Disneyland park on Tuesday, March 19, with a live stream of “Mickey’s Mix Magic!” As part of Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” is a high-energy projection show lighting up the night as we celebrate the one and only Mickey Mouse! This nightly extravaganza creates a family-fun dance party throughout Disneyland park, with state-of-the-art projections, colorful lighting, dazzling lasers and “DJ” Mickey spinning remixes of new and favorite Disney tunes. On select nights, “Mickey’s Mix Magic” goes sky high when the show is enhanced with the addition of fireworks. Tune in for our live stream of “Mickey’s Mix Magic” on March 19 beginning at 9:25 p.m. PT on the Disney Parks Blog and join the conversation on Twitter at @DisneyParks! View the full article

Happy Saturday! We’re back with another DFB Video this weekend, and we’re sharing 16 Disneyland secrets that even the locals don’t know! Let’s talk about the Happiest Place on Earth! Even if you think you know all there is to know about Disneyland, we think we still might have some surprises for you in our latest DFB YouTube Video! Where is Figment in Disneyland Resort? What popular snack food was created there? Where can you still find Build-A-Bear? We’re sharing all that and more in our latest DFB YouTube Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What is your favorite Disneyland secret? Related posts: DFB Video: Pixar Fest Must-Eats in Disneyland! DFB Video: 8 Disneyland Eats You’ll Never Miss Again! DFB Video: The Newest Disneyland Must-Eat Snacks! View the full article

Planning a Disney World Vacation is challenging to say the least. With all you have to think about, you don’t want to have to worry that your accommodations won’t be what you expect. The Essential Guide to Shades of Green will show you everything you need to know about Shades of Green! The first time […] The post The Essential Guide to Shades of Green appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

Greetings from Disney’s Old Key West Resort! This week we stopped by to check out the lunch options at The Gurgling Suitcase! The Gurgling Suitcase is a relaxing respite in Disney World, and they didn’t always serve food (though you could order from Olivia’s). But for a few years now they have their very own menu! The Gurgling Suitcase It’s already super hot in Florida so we were excited to swing by for a quick bite and cold drink! By the way, did you know the Gurgling Suitcase got its name from people trying to smuggle alcohol from Cuba into Key West in their luggage? Inspectors would shake the suitcases to see if the “gurgled” — hence the name The Gurgling Suitcase. Always so clever, Disney. Atmosphere The Gurgling Suitcase is a quaint hole-in-the-wall in between Olivia’s Cafe and Good’s Food to Go. The walls are adorned with fire station and police department patches that have been donated by DVC members! Gurgling Suitcase Interior You’ll also see donated license plates, and it’s such a fun, personal touch to the bar. One thing’s for sure, the DVC members at Old Key West sure love their resort! Gurgling Suitcase Donated Patches and License Plates There are a few seats inside the bar, but the majority of the seating is outside. If you’re headed to the outdoor seating (or the pool) the bartenders can package your food and drinks to-go, so it’s easy and there’s no glass to worry about! Gurgling Suitcase Outdoor Seating Personally, I love the picnic tables and umbrellas. Talk about a great, relaxing space for a nosh and a drink! Gurgling Suitcase Picnic Tables There isn’t a ton of seating directly near the Gurgling Suitcase. But don’t forget, you’re welcome to bring your goods to the pool — or anywhere else around the resort for that matter! Eats As you may expect, The Gurgling Suitcase offers bar food, but with a fun, beach-y twist. Gurgling Suitcase Menu And of course the drink menu features lots of tropical flavors, including lots of frozen delights! Gurgling Suitcase Drink Menu We decided to try the Conch Fritters, Pickle Chips, and Pork Nachos. And to drink we sampled the popular Turtle Krawl. Gurgling Suitcase Items The Turtle Krawl is made with Siesta Key White Rum, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum with Grenadine, Pineapple Orange, and Key Lime Juices. Gurgling Suitcase Turtle Krawl The Turtle Krawl was definitely on the sweeter side, but it was very refreshing on a hot day! You can certainly taste the rum, and the splash of Key Lime juice is a fun twist. The bartender also let us sample the Key West Freeze. She was making it for another guest and had some left in the blender, and asked if we wanted a sample. The answer is always “YES!” Gurgling Suitcase Key West Freeze The Key West Freeze is Vodka, Melon Liquor, Piña Colada Mix, Pineapple Juice and Strawberry Syrup. This was a wonderful surprise! Reading the description, it sounded sickly sweet but it was actually very light and refreshing. I highly recommend this if you’re in the market for a frozen cocktail. Now for the eats. First up, the Conch Fritters. Gurgling Suitcase Conch Fritters These are Olivia’s famous recipe and are served with Key Lime Mustard and a spicy Remoulade Sauce for dipping. Gurgling Suitcase Conch Fritter Close up These are lightly fried to perfection! They have a little bit of spice but beyond that there isn’t a very distinct flavor. However the dipping sauces are incredible. We loved the kick of the Remoulade, and the tartness of the mustard. If you order anything at Olivia’s or the Suitcase, make sure to order these! We also tried the Fried Pickle Chips. Gurgling Suitcase Pickle Chips These also come with the spicy Remoulade dipping sauce as well as some delicious house-made Ranch dressing. As far as Pickle Chips go, these are excellent. The pickle itself really shines through — it doesn’t just taste like a bunch of fried batter. I would absolutely order these again, with a side of that Key Lime Mustard. Last but not least, we tried the Barbecued Pulled Pork Nachos. Gurgling Suitcase Pork Nachos Along with the pulled pork, these housemade chips are topped with Pepper Jack and Mozzarella cheese, fresh Pico de Gallo and Jalapeños and Sour Cream. Gurgling Suitcase Nachos Close up As you can see, the toppings were plentiful! We also really liked the use of homemade chips instead of classic tortilla chips as well as the fresh jalapenos and pico. While this may not be the most unique flavor combination of all time, it really hit the spot. If you’re looking for a good (shareable!) nosh during a pool day, this will certainly fit the bill. Before I left, a manager popped by and let me know about a SECRET. MENU. DRINK. Now those are three words that definitely peak our interest. Gurgling Suitcase Bourbon Berry Lemonade The drink is called the Slappy Joe’s Bourbon Berry Lemonade and it is exclusively available at The Gurgling Suitcase. Some of you may remember the now-gone massage house at Old Key West, Slappy Joe’s, which is where this cocktail’s name comes from. The Slappy Joe’s Bourbon Berry Lemonade is Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Blackberry Brandy, Odwalla Lemonade, and a splash of grenadine. It was an awesome beverage! The Woodford comes through strong, so if you’re not a bourbon fan, this is probably not the cocktail for you. But it’s a great way to put a tropical twist on a bourbon drink, or enjoy something beach-y that’s not too sweet. But don’t forget, this is a Secret Menu Item so you’ll have to ask for it by name! Overall Overall, the Gurgling Suitcase remains a destination-worthy spot in Walt Disney World — and the delicious bar noshes only make it better! The drinks are refreshing and tropical and I will dream about that Key Lime Mustard until the next time I can get to Old Key West. Which will hopefully be soon because The Gurgling Suitcase is a real winner! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you a fan of The Gurgling Suitcase? What is your favorite thing to eat and drink there? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Several Disney World Pool Bars Have Expanded Menus — But For How Long? DFB’s Top 10 Disney Food News Stories of 2016 NEW!!: Shhh… All Star Movies Resort SECRET MENU in Walt Disney World!!! View the full article

Refreshment Point is a convenient spot to grab a drink in Disney California Adventure’s Grizzly Peak, and it’s back open after a period of refurbishment! And that means Coke Freestyle! Refreshment Point This whole area is well-themed, with architecture, signage, and decor setting the scene for a California national park! Refreshment Point is tucked into the foothills of Grizzly Peak and close to the merger of this land with Buena Vista Street. Refreshment Point Refreshment Point itself consists of a stand for the cashier and a small bank of Coke Freestyle machines. There’s a little bit of shade provided by some shade sails overhead. In addition to grabbing a soft drink ($3.99 for a regular, 4.19 for a large), you’ll find a few snack options. Refreshment Point The building is national park-chic, with corrugated siding and roof, plus wood trim. Refreshment Point There are three Coke Freestyle machines in this space, each offering 70 or so drink combinations. Go simple or go big — the choice is yours. Refreshment Point Even the Coke Freestyle machines have a retro feel that works with the overall design of this area of the park! Refreshment Point If you’re looking for some customizable refreshment while exploring Grizzly Peak, Refreshment Point has what you need! We keep you posted on all the Disney Parks news with the DFB Newsletter. Subscribe today, and you’ll never miss a drop! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Where’s your favorite nook in the Disney Parks? Let us know with a comment! Related posts: Halloween Time Eats: Orange Sugar Churro with Candy Corn Dip in Disneyland! Have You Seen The Purple Potion Drink and Cobbler at Disney California Adventure’s Lamplight Lounge? TRY IT! What’s In YOUR Quake Shake at Disneyland’s Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop? View the full article

Well, now… look at what the fine folks at Wine Bar George have dreamed up… ©winebargeorge It’s DOLE WHIP FROSCATO! Frozen Dole Whip meets moscato, and it can be yours “while supplies last.” So stop by Wine Bar George in Disney Springs to give it a try! I know we sure will… Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be trying a Dole Whip Froscato? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 News: Dole Whip Now Available at Disney Springs Marketplace Snacks News: Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Opening in Disney Springs in 2018 View the full article

Get excited, water park aficionados – Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon reopens for its 30th season on Sunday. And you know what else is happening that day? St. Patrick’s Day celebrations! To commemorate the milestone and the special day of “all things green”, we decided to have a little fun, and you’re invited to participate. Check out this video below to see what I mean: The Castaway Creek lazy river will be filled with 500 St. Patrick’s Day-themed rubber ducks, and 30 of them will have a special mark on the underside. The 30 lucky guests who find these rubber ducks will be able to redeem them for a free Mickey Mouse ice cream bar. How sweet does that sound?! And the fun doesn’t stop there. On Sunday only, guests can enjoy green beer and frozen green piña coladas that would pair perfectly with delicious food options such as beef short-rib, adobo chicken or vegetarian sausage bowls, island burgers or tropical salads with chicken. Typhoon Lagoon offers warm-weather fun for the entire family. Splash your way through the thrilling water coaster, Crush ‘n’ Gusher, take the near-vertical plunge down the Humunga Cowabunga body slides, cruise down Castaway Creek, or catch a wave in the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, that produces swells up to six feet high! Plus, families with small children will not want to miss Ketchakiddee Creek, a water play area specifically for little ones under four feet tall. As you can see, there’s a lot to experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon this season! Kick off your spring break plans with St. Patrick’s Day activities on Sunday, and visit both Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach throughout the summer for more water parks fun. View the full article

The wilderness called to us and we answered with a visit to the Wilderness Lodge. We found new menu items at Roaring Fork, Geyser Point, and not 1, not 2, but 3 NEW skillets in Whispering Canyon Cafe! Check out all of the updates here! Hello from Wilderness Lodge Our adventures in the wilderness started out at the resort’s quick-service Roaring Fork, where we found some new items on the menu. What’s New at Wilderness Lodge’s Roaring Fork Roaring Fork has updated their menu to include a new Warm Roast Beef Sandwich and a Bratwurst Sausage served on a pretzel roll along with sauerkraut and mustard. For the kiddos in your group, they can now enjoy Mac and Cheese here! Roaring Fork sign Roaring Fork Menu With new items comes some removals from the menu. You can no longer enjoy the Asian Sausage, Western Sausage, and the Pepperoni or Mozzarella Flatbread. We did check, since they still offer a flatbread, you can request a pepperoni or mozzarella flatbread if you don’t want the Sausage, Pepperoni, Caramelized Onions and Mozzarella Flatbread on the menu. Roaring Fork Menu What’s New at Wilderness Lodge’s Geyser Point Geyser Point Bar & Grill There are some additions to the “light fare” and “rustic fare” options at Geyser Point Bar and Grill. Dig into new Teriyaki Chicken Wings, Fish & Chips, or Grilled Angus Strip Sirloin. Geyser Point Menu Geyser Point Menu Be sure to take some time to enjoy the views Geyser Point offers, as well as some libations! Geyser Point Menu View from Geyser Point Bar and Grill Outdoor Seating Don’t forget, Geyser Point has a quick-service walk-up window with a different menu; you can order, receive a number, and have your food delivered to your table when it’s ready — or take it to enjoy poolside — whatever you want! Plus, most of the walk-up window items are now on the Geyser Point menu, so you can order from a server or at the walk-up window. However, the new Fish & Chips and Grilled Angus Strip Sirloin can only be ordered in Geyser Point— not at the walk-up window. Quick Service Walkup Window What’s New at Wilderness Lodge’s Whispering Canyon Cafe Whispering Canyon Cafe is known for two things: its shenanigans and its skillets! Well, after learning they had a new skillet menu we just had to stop by and give these a try! Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge The menu includes a new Smoked Beef and Vegetable Soup as a starter, and three (!) new All-You-Care-To-Enjoy Signature Skillets: The Pig, The Land and Sea, and Plant-Based. Read our review of all the new items here. Whispering Canyon Cafe Menu Items removed from the menu include: the Spring Roll, Western Chips, Pork Belly, Chicken Tortilla Soup, and Canyon Fry Bread starters. For entrees, the Ribs, Pork Loin, Meatloaf, and BLT Salad have been removed as well. We did check and you can still order the Ribs or Smoked Chicken as a special request. Whispering Canyon Cafe Menu Whew! That about covers all the delicious updates over at Wilderness Lodge. Stay on the lookout for new breakfast skillets coming to menu at Whispering Canyon soon! Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the weekly updates in the parks with our What’s New posts: Catch up on Epcot’s latest news here — which is jam-packed with construction updates and more! See all of Hollywood Studios’ news here — including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction progress! Read about all of the updates in the Animal Kingdom here — including Chocolate Donut Holes and a new Otter Grotto! Learn about all of the new items in the Magic Kingdom — construction updates, new brownies, new merchandise, and more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our video 12 Times Disney Imagineers Have COMPLETELY Blown Our Minds! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Where is your favorite place to eat when you visit Wilderness Lodge? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Spotted: Vegan Skillet at Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge Review: Breakfast at Wilderness Lodge’s Roaring Fork…And Some Seriously Amazing Chicken and Waffles News: Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill Opening Soon at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

If you’re visiting Disneyland Park this weekend, you’re in luck! Red Rose Taverne is serving up a frozen treat that’s made for St. Patrick’s Day — and this treat’s about as fleeting as a rainbow. It’s the Enchant-Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake! Mint Chocolate Chip Shake — limited time only! If you thought to yourself, “Self, those look like Lucky Charms marshmallows on top of that milkshake,” then you are correct! They add a bit of color and texture to this shake — and we’re here for it! Mint Chocolate Chip Shake — limited time only! Thanks to our Insta-pal @tryeverythingdaily we know this colorful shake tastes like a thin mint cookie! Hello, YES! But it’s only available through this weekend, so you’ll have to have the luck of the Irish (or, you know, be in Fantasyland and walk into Red Rose Taverne) to get one. Mint Chocolate Chip Shake — limited time only! The best part of holidays at the Disney Parks — aside from the overall fun of it all — is these seasonal snacks, drinks, and treats! The Enchant-Mint Shake is a great example of how the simplest creation can make a big impact on your celebration! We wish you a HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!! Don’t miss out on a sip of Disney Parks news! Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter TODAY! And if you’re in the parks, give us a tag @DisneyFoodBlog on Instagram! We LOVE to see what you’re eating and drinking! Would you thank your lucky stars for this mint and chocolate shake? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Adorable Snowman Now OPEN in Disney California Adventure! YOU HAVE TO SEE!! Halloween Time Churro Bites Cereal Sundae at Disneyland’s Hungry Bear Restaurant! Halloween Time Eats: Black Rose Dessert at Disneyland’s Red Rose Taverne View the full article

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Yee-haw!! Howdy from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! We decided to mosey on over to Whispering Canyon Cafe, because they changed their dinner menu earlier this week. Whispering Canyon Cafe Whispering Canyon Cafe has long been a favorite spot for comfort food, all-you-can-eat skillets, and rowdy antics from the servers, and we were excited to see what new eats they had to offer! Atmosphere Located off the gorgeous main lobby at the Wilderness Lodge, Whispering Canyon Cafe is a table service location full of delicious eats and lots of fun. Be prepared for the stick-pony races, silly antics from your servers (yep, they’re still in full swing), and an old fashioned good time! Whispering Canyon Cafe From the painted chair backs to the awesome light fixtures, the decor really sets the mood for Wild West fun. Whispering Canyon Cafe Light Fixture If you’ve been to Whispering Canyon Cafe, this may be no secret to you. But for those who haven’t visited, you will definitely want to ask for some ketchup (like, whether you need it or not). We don’t want to share exactly what happens next so it can be a surprise, but we will say that the result is a lot of fun and any little cowpokes in your group will get a real kick out of it. Eats We’re keeping the tour short, though, because as I mentioned, the reason for this particular visit was to try out the new dinner menu! The biggest addition is that they have THREE new all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets! The Traditional Skillet has been a staple at Whispering Canyon Cafe, and now they have expanded their skillet offerings with a few variations. Whispering Canyon Cafe Menu The flip side of that change is they have greatly reduced the number of a la carte entrees and appetizers. But they also shook up their specialty drinks selection! Whispering Canyon Cafe Drink Menu Everything besides the Magical Star Cocktail (which is a staple around Disney World lounges), is either a new addition or the recipe has been updated. We decided to try two brand new drinks — Bourbon Sweet Tea and the Mountaineer Margarita — and one revamped classic, the Moonshine Lemonade. Whispering Canyon Cafe Cocktails The Bourbon Sweet Tea is just two simple ingredients. You guessed it: Maker’s Mark Bourbon and sweet tea. Whispering Canyon Cafe Bourbon Sweet Tea This was a great drink — albeit pretty strong, so heads up! If you are a big bourbon fan, adding the sweet tea is a unique twist that fits nicely with the Whispering Canyon vibe. It’s a fun and simple cocktail that I’d certainly try again. Next up, the Moonshine Lemonade! The Moonshine Lemonade comes with your choice of flavored lemonade — strawberry, blackberry, or watermelon. We went with Strawberry. Whispering Canyon Cafe Moonshine Lemonade I was prepared for this to be super strong considering the moonshine, but it was actually very refreshing! The strawberry wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet and added a nice light, freshness to the alcohol. Overall, this is something we’d absolutely try again, and I look forward to sampling the other flavors at some point! (So, there’s a little “note to self…”) Last up, the Mountaineer Margarita. This is a classic margarita made with Don Julio Tequila, Cointreau, fresh Lime Juice and Agave Nectar, but it has a cowboy twist — Smoked Hickory Syrup! Whispering Canyon Cafe Mountaineer Margarita This drink was fantastic and ended up being the favorite of the night. It was a good margarita to begin with, but the smokey syrup really shines through and takes it to the next level. Highly recommend this one! Now for the eats! The first thing we tried was the new Smoked Beef and Vegetable Soup. Whispering Canyon Cafe Smoked Beef and Vegetable Soup This hearty soup was really more of a stew, full of smoked beef chunks, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Whispering Canyon Cafe Smoked Beef and Vegetable Soup This was certainly a good stick-to-your-ribs soup that you’d expect from Whispering Canyon. The beef was plentiful, and the potatoes were nice and soft. This relatively simple dish was comfort food at its finest, and paired with a salad this would make a great meal on its own! Next up, we HAD to try out these new skillets! From left to right, you’ll see The Land and Sea, The Pig, and The Plant-Based. Don’t forget that all of these skillets (and the Traditional) are all-you-care-to-enjoy so come hungry! Whispering Canyon Cafe Skillets When you order any of the skillets, the first thing to arrive is delicious fresh cornbread and honey butter! Whispering Canyon Cafe Corn Bread and Honey Butter You can literally see the honey oozing throughout the butter. (As our awesome server, Mike, said “Do with it as you must.”) Also available upon request is coleslaw. Whispering Canyon Cafe Coleslaw The coleslaw is crisp and fresh, and not too overdressed, which happens easily with slaw. There is also a vegan slaw available if you’d prefer. Unlike its mayo-based cousin, the Vegan Coleslaw has a vinegar-based dressing. Whispering Canyon Cafe Vegan Coleslaw It’s not too overwhelming or acidic, and I actually preferred it over the regular slaw even though I am not vegan. First up, we decided to try the Plant-Based Skillet. This dish made its debut on the menu as an “on request” item last fall, so it’s nice to see it graduated to a regular menu item! And it definitely made us curious… Whispering Canyon Cafe The Plant Based Skillet That’s right, this isn’t just vegetarian, it’s completely vegan friendly! The Plant Based Skillet comes with Maple-Chipotle BBQ Jackfruit, Spicy “Sausage”, Mustard Glazed Beefless Tips, Herb Brushed Trick’n Chick’n, Oven Roasted Carrots, Sauteed Green Beans, and Charred Peppers. Whispering Canyon Cafe Plant Based Skillet Proteins Out of all the proteins, the Chick’n was my favorite. The moho sauce was delicious — I would gladly put that on just about any meat (or “not meat”!) The beefless tips were also seasoned nicely and the sauce was delightful. The sausage is full of flavor as well, with strong hints of coriander and garlic. Lastly, the jackfruit! This is a common vegan substitution for pulled pork, and was an especially nice addition to the skillet because it gave it the western flavors you expect at Whispering Canyon. The team at Whispering Canyon even made sure the vegetables would be completely vegan-friendly by steaming them or roasting them in oils instead of butter. The green beans and carrots were good, if nothing special, but the peppers were amazing! Nice and charred with a little kick! Overall, this isn’t something that I would necessarily order again or recommend to someone that isn’t vegan. Meat substitutes certainly have an acquired taste and texture. That said, if you are vegan (or vegetarian), this is an awesome option for you! It’s one of the most unique vegan offerings we’ve seen around Walt Disney World… and at a restaurant where you’d least expect it, no less. Next up, the Land and Sea Skillet. This skillet comes with House-Smoked Salmon, Citrus Herb Chicken, Spicy Vegan Sausage, Charred Portabella Mushrooms, BBQ Cauliflower, Roasted Potatoes, Sauteed Green Beans, and Oven-Roasted Carrots. Whispering Canyon Cafe The Land and Sea Proteins The House-Smoked Salmon was the favorite from our table! It had a perfectly crisp skin, and a bright, fresh flavor. The Herb Chicken was also a big hit thanks to its perfectly roasted skin, as was the BBQ cauliflower for spicing up an otherwise ordinary vegetable. The sausage is the same offered on the Plant-based Skillet, and the Portabellas were perfectly cooked! If you are a mushroom fan, you are seriously going to love these buttery ‘shrooms. The green beans, carrots, and potatoes were all delicious and perfectly cooked as well. Nothing too exciting, but they certainly taste fresh and add a nice light addition to all of the meats. Overall, the Land and Sea is a great healthier option for those who want to enjoy the rowdy atmosphere at Whispering Canyon, but want something a little lighter. Whispering Canyon Cafe The Pig Skillet Last up: The Pig Skillet. This skillet comes with Braised Pork Belly, Maple-Chipotle BBQ Pork Ribs, Slow-smoked Pulled Pork, Mustard BBQ “Piggy Wings,” and Western-style Sausage and is accompanied by Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Buttered Corn, and Sauteed Green Beans. The Pig is the closest to the Traditional Skillet and the kind of eats you think of when you come to Whispering Canyon Cafe. Whispering Canyon Cafe The Pig Pulled Pork, Pork Belly, and Sausage The Ribs were our favorite, as the sauce is terrific and the meat literally falls off the bone. The Pork Belly was some of the best I’ve had at Disney, and getting it in the skillet is a great way for less-adventurous eaters to try it. The Pulled Pork has a nice smokey flavor, and we highly recommend getting a bite of it with the deliciously buttery mashed potatoes. The “piggy wings” were actually my least favorite on the plate, as they were a little under-sauced for my taste. The sausage, green beans, and corn were all good, but again, nothing too exciting. Overall, this was the favorite skillet of the night, and we absolutely asked for more ribs. Even though we were stuffed, we couldn’t resist trying their new desserts! Whispering Canyon Cafe Dessert Menu Our server let us know that once again, most desserts on the menu are new or have been updated. We decided to try the Whispering Canyon Pioneer Chocolate Cake, Granny Smith Apple Pie, and Seasonal Cobbler. Whispering Canyon Cafe Desserts First up, the Chocolate Cake. They recently went to a flour-less recipe instead of a traditional chocolate cake, and it comes served a la mode. Whispering Canyon Cafe Chocolate Cake This was more like a lava cake, and the warm, gooey cake is a perfect bite with the vanilla ice cream. This dessert is very rich, especially after the big meal you just had, so we recommend sharing! Whispering Canyon Cafe Chocolate Cake Bite Next up, the Granny-Smith Apple Pie! This is also served with vanilla ice cream. Whispering Canyon Cafe Apple Pie The pie is topped with slivered almonds, and comes in a crisp and crumbly crust. There are big chunks of fresh Granny-smith apples, which give the pie a tart flavor. It matches perfectly with the ice cream, and even though we were stuffed, we licked this plate clean! Last but not least, the Seasonal Cobbler which was Peach for us. Whispering Canyon Cafe Seasonal Cobbler Some of you may remember the seasonal cobbler being a very popular dessert at Artist Point, before it was transformed into Storybook Dining with Snow White. While we love the new character dining experience, we were sad to see this go — so we are SO happy it’s back at the Lodge! The crust is crumbly and sweet, but not too sugary. Most of the sweetness from the tart comes from the fresh peaches. This was absolutely my favorite dessert, and possibly my favorite thing I ate all night! Overall Overall, Whispering Canyon Cafe’s new offerings were pleasant surprises! It’s nice that they have expanded the menu to accommodate people who would prefer a lighter or vegan meal. We never thought we’d recommend Whispering Canyon as one of the top vegan meals on property, but here we are! All three drinks we tried were unique and fitting to the location, as were all of the desserts (especially the cobbler!!). Whispering Canyon Cafe still lands as a great dinner spot, especially with kids, thanks to the rowdy antics, and reliable comfort food. We will certainly be back… and, don’t forget that starting March 26th, some new Skillets will be joining the breakfast menu at Whispering Canyon Cafe, too! For a full tour of all the dining options at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, check out our video below! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think of Whispering Canyon Cafe? Will you stop by on your next vacation? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Spotted: Vegan Skillet at Whispering Canyon Cafe in Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge Don’t Forget to Order Ketchup at Whispering Canyon Cafe Breakfast in Disney World! Review and Food Photos: Whispering Canyon Cafe Dinner at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! 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The All-Star Music Resort Intermission Food Court is packed with celebrities lately! We found Captain Marvel, St. Patrick, and Rapunzel there…in cupcake form! Check out all of the updates from our visit here! Happy St. Patrick’s Day from All Star Music Resort! We’ll start out by wishing you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day with this Instagram-ready sweet treat! What’s New at All Star Music’s Intermission Food Court There’s no better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s day than with a Caramel and Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake! Be sure to read our review to see if this dessert is a pot of gold or not! Caramel and Bailey’s Irish Cream Cheesecake Captain Marvel has arrived in theaters to save the day. To celebrate her arrival there’s a new Captain Marvel Hero Passion Raspberry Tart at All Star Music. Read our review to see if this dessert goes “Higher! Further! Faster!” or not. Captain Marvel Tart Get Tangled up in this cupcake! We love how Rapunzel and her lanterns are represented in cupcake form. How about that braid?! Read our review of the Tangled Rapunzel cupcake here! Tangled Cupcake We also spotted the return of some favorites in the All Star Music bakery case. It’s good to see the Banana Split cupcake and Peanut Butter and Jelly cupcake again. Now we just need to decide which one to order! Banana Split Cupcake Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake There are some non-dessert updates here as well! The Cheesesteak Sandwich has been removed from the menu. All Star Music Sandwich Menu That’s all for this pretty sweet news roundup from All-Star Music! To stay up to date on EVERYTHING happening at Walt Disney World, be sure to follow our weekly What’s New posts: Catch up on Epcot’s latest news here — which is jam-packed with construction updates and more! See all of Hollywood Studios’ news here — including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction progress! Read about all of the updates in the Animal Kingdom here — including Chocolate Donut Holes and a new Otter Grotto! Learn about all of the new items in the Magic Kingdom — construction updates, new brownies, new merchandise, and more! Don’t miss a thing!! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox — click here to Subscribe! Check out our video 12 Times Disney Imagineers Have COMPLETELY Blown Our Minds! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Which All-Star Resort is your go-to resort? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Menu Updates at the Disney World All Star Resorts! New Menus and Updates at Disney World Value Resorts: September 6, 2018 Review! Cheshire Cat Cupcake Is the Cupcake of the Month at All Star Music’s Intermission Food Court View the full article

If you’re looking for decent Italian food in Walt Disney World, you don’t have to look too far. Learn About: Tutto Italia Ristorante Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants In every park (save Animal Kingdom) there are Italian restaurants — some better than others — and Disney Springs has several from which to choose (think: Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Terralina Crafted Italian, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar). Even the resorts get in on the action with one of our favorites — Il Mulino — located at the Swan Hotel. And then, of course, there’s the Italy Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase, where food is celebrated in several forms: pizza at Via Napoli, gelato at a cart outside, wine in the Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar, and classic Italian dishes at Tutto Italia. Tutto Italia opened in 2013 in the space formerly occupied by Alfredo’s. And even though the name had changed, a lot of Alfredo’s remained. The overall styling of the restaurant was retained — murals, crystal chandeliers, and dark wood create an elegant atmosphere — while the menu satisfies with traditional Italian dishes. It’s been a while since my last official review of Tutto Italia (see that review here!), so on a recent trip I decided it was time to return and see if this oft-forgotten spot is worth a more regular visit. Outside Tutto Italia Atmosphere Tutto Italia’s design aesthetic features some classic, elegant elements. They combine to create a welcoming space that certainly doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of Walt Disney World. Main Dining Room The crystal chandeliers cast warm light, highlighting the dark moldings on the ceiling. Murals depict Roman scenes with pillars, arches, and evergreens. Atmosphere at Tutto Italia Seating at Tutto Italia includes this beautifully upholstered banquette as well as padded chairs. Banquette Seating at Tutto Italia Seating toward the center of the main dining room also combines banquettes and chairs, and table settings are simple and functional. Table setting Adjacent to the main dining room is a bright, sunny space with several large windows letting in some natural light. This sun room is a lovely place to dine. Sun Room Seating Tutto Italia looks out over the courtyard of the Italy Pavilion, and on mild days, this outdoor patio seating is a treat. Shades and ceiling fans help to moderate the temperature, but when the shades are up, there’s plenty of people watching to enjoy. Outdoor Seating Patio seating is a more casual affair, with these slatted chairs and metal-footed tables. Outdoor table setting The overall feeling inside the restaurant may come off a bit stuffy for some, and those dining with children — while entirely welcome anywhere in the restaurant — may be more comfortable outside, where the vibe is more laid back. Eats One thing I’d prefer isn’t laid back: the food. Bring on the thoughtful plates of pasta, vegetables, proteins, and cheese! The lunch menu at Tutto Italia features fewer options than the dinner menu, omitting categories for Insalate and Panini, but it’s still got a good selection of dishes for a variety of tastes. Dinner Menu Whether you dine for lunch or dinner, you’ll receive bread and olives to start. The bread here used to be a nice, soft foccacia, but it’s seen a downgrade. The rolls were hard — literally hard — to eat. The sliced bread and breadsticks were fine but nothing special. Bread, Olives, and Olive Oil Green olives are large and fun for olive lovers. Not being a fan myself, I stick to the bread dipped in this high quality extra virgin olive oil. Olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil I ordered two appetizers. The first — Prosciutto di Parma — featured some traditional prosciutto that was salty and rich. Fine but nothing special. But the Schiacciata Toscana it’s served with is outstanding! Prosciutto di Parma Schiacciata Toscana is an Italian flatbread, and this version is stuffed with dried figs. Between the texture of the bread and the subtle sweetness of the fig, it was awesome. I would happily have eaten a basket of this. Fig Bread The Tortino de Zucchine is a baked zucchini appetizer that’s made with pomodoro sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The cheeses were surprisingly strong, but I loved that about it. (Diners who don’t love strong cheese might want to skip this one.) As a starter, it’s a great portion and offers some freshness with the vegetables. Vegetarians: this is a satisfying appetizer or meal. This was easily my favorite part of my entire meal (including dessert!). Tortino de Zucchine For one entree I went with Gamberi — essentially shrimp scampi. As pasta dishes go, this might be considered a lighter one due to the lemon-infused butter sauce. But, you know, pasta and butter sauce. This dish was fairly flavorful and fine. Inspired? No. Exactly what I expected? Yes. Gamberi Tortellini Panna e Prosciutto came highly recommended by my server, and it was easy to see why as soon as the dish was put in front of me. Creamy, cheesy sauce coated al dente tortellini that was filled with even more cheese. The sauce was flecked with bits of prosciutto and peas, and the whole dish was dusted with grated Parmesan. It was incredibly rich and indulgent, and although it also wasn’t particularly inspired, it was satisfying. Tortellini Panna e Prosciutto Dessert was a slice of Mocha Tiramisu with mascarpone, espresso-soaked Savoiardi biscuits, and cocoa dusted on top. This wasn’t exciting, but it was well constructed and tasted as classic as it comes. Tiramisu And that’s essentially Tutto Italia in a nutshell: well-constructed and as classic, but nothing special or innovative (except maybe that fig bread and zucchini appetizer). If you’re looking for innovative cuisine or creativity, this is not the place for you. Italian food done classically and relatively well? Si. Nosh or Not Say buongiorno to Tutto Italia if: You’re looking for an Italian restaurant at Epcot that isn’t Via Napoli. You need someplace relatively quiet to escape the crowds. You love all things Italian: architecture, design, and food. Row your gondola elsewhere if: You want really good Italian food at Walt Disney World (and don’t mind walking over to Il Mulino). Italian food really doesn’t appeal to you. You don’t have time for table service; Soarin’ awaits! Overall Tutto Italia is a perfectly passable Italian restaurant — good, even, by theme park standards. But with so many options in World Showcase, it’s hard to recommend regular visits to Tutto Italia. The food is good, not great, and it lacks a certain vitality that you can find elsewhere, even in elegant spaces like Le Cellier and more obviously energetic places like Via Napoli or Spice Road Table. Still, if you’re on a mission to try all of the Italian restaurants on property, you likely won’t be disappointed with the traditional experience you’ll find at Tutto Italia. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!  Have you visited Tutto Italia? What did you think? Share with us in the comments! Related posts: Review: Unique Eats at Epcot’s Spice Road Table in Walt Disney World! Guest Review: The NEW Tea Experience at Epcot’s Rose & Crown Dining Room! Review: Is Epcot’s Nine Dragons Worth a Visit? You May Be Surprised! View the full article

Restaurant Marrakesh is located at the back of the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World. Learn About: San Angel Inn Restaurante Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants This table service spot is oft forgotten in part because of its location, in part because Morocco’s quick service spot Tangierine Cafe is so good, and in part because Restaurant Marrakesh just doesn’t have the reputation for wowing guests like many of the other World Showcase table service options have. I like to revisit restaurants whether they’ve got a decent rep or not, and Restaurant Marrakesh is one that we needed to check out again. But it’s one of the options for this year’s Flower & Garden Garden Rocks Dining Package (click here for more info on Garden Rocks and the dining package!), so I was excited to return (and get a coveted ticket to the show!). Restaurant Marrakesh is a dichotomy. On the one hand, the atmosphere features lovely design details in keeping with the overall styling of the pavilion itself, the building of which was overseen by the government of Morocco. On the other hand, the food at Restaurant Marrakesh is largely uninspired and lackluster. Restaurant Marrakesh Atmosphere The atmosphere at Restaurant Marrakesh celebrates some of the classic Moroccan design seen elsewhere in the pavilion (and in the, you know, country of Morocco).A sign outside the restaurant promises “the exotic world of richness and splendor that is Marrakesh.” Restaurant Marrakesh The menu is posted outside the restaurant if you’re ever looking for a walk-in reservation and want to browse the options before you commit. One good thing about Restaurant Marrakesh is that it’s often available for walk-ins as it’s just not that busy. (Maybe that’s not a good thing, depending on how you think about it.) Restaurant Marrakesh The dining room makes a bold first impression, with towering pillars and beautiful tile work, lights, and carved wood. Restaurant Marrakesh Dining Room There are two raised seating areas on either side of a sunken seating area. The raised dining spaces afford slightly better views of the restaurant as a whole, while the lower area puts you closer to the entertainment. (More on that in a moment!) Restaurant Marrakesh Dining Room Metal is used in a variety of ways, with brass railings, silver decorative items, and pewter light fixtures filling most of the space. Restaurant Marrakesh Dining Room The centerpiece of the dining room is an empty tiled space with raised ceilings, massive light fixtures, and a small stage. It’s here diners find a musician and belly dancer at various times throughout the meal. Restaurant Marrakesh Centerpiece: Music and Dance The belly dancer is especially fun for kids, as she often invites them to participate! This is accompanied by classic Moroccan music. Belly Dancer Belly Dancer If you’re interested in some of the craftwork at Restaurant Marrakesh, take time to look at the wood carvings and light fixtures. All are beautiful and show an impressive attention to detail and craft. Intricate wood carvings Moroccan-style lights Whether we can say the same for the menu… that’s a little unclear. Eats Restaurant Marrakesh offers an array of traditional Moroccan dishes. The menu cover design is dramatic. Restaurant Marrakesh Menu There are plenty of drinks, including Specialty Drinks, Coffees, Specialty Coffees, tea and water, and Beers. Drink Menu I ordered the Sahara Splash, a combination of Vodka, Cranberry Juice, Midori, and a Splash of Soda. It was… awful. Something in the combination reminded me of cough syrup, so if that’s your jam, you’ll enjoy this. I did not. Sahara Splash The Moroccan Mint Tea is a much safer (albeit not comparable) option. It’s poured traditionally from a lovely silver tea kettle from an impressive height. Pouring Mint Tea in Epcot’s Morocco This hot tea is warm and comforting — and not cough syrup-y, so yea! Moroccan Mint Tea The Garden Rocks Dining Package includes an appetizer, an entree, a dessert, and a drink (alcoholic included for 21+ diners). Restaurant Marrakesh Menu There is also, if not purchasing the Dining Package, a three-course Taste of Morocco that begins with Moroccan Salads, includes a Couscous dish, and finishes with Baklava. Restaurant Marrakesh Menu The meal begins with a piece of white bread that was actually pretty good. Bread and Butter Moroccan Merguez Sausage is an interesting lamb appetizer. The sausage is flavorful, carrying many spices; and the tomatoes are a simple combination of tomato, red onion, and cilantro. If you love lamb, this will be fine for you. Otherwise, it wasn’t very impressive. Moroccan Merguez Sausage appetizer The Chicken Bastilla is a baked pocket consisting of layers of flaky pastry that are packed with minced chicken, almonds, and seasoning. The whole thing is dusted with cinnamon sugar. Chicken Bastilla The powdered sugar/savory chicken combo definitely takes some getting used to, but the filling is decent and does have some good seasoning. My main problem with this dish was that it seemed a bit stale. It was hard to bite into and just tasted a bit…old. This COULD be a great dish if it were softer and fresher. Chicken Bastilla For entrees we went with the Grilled Beef Tenderloin Shish Kebab. This is probably one of the most diner-friendly dishes on the menu, which is to say it’s just some beef on a stick. The flavors are straight forward: salt, pepper, garlic, parsley. But it’s uninspired — which works if you’re dining with a picky eater who needs something they’ve seen before. Grilled Beef Tenderloin Shish Kebab The Braised Short Ribs Meshoui Style was the best dish of the day (definitely aided by those cheesy mashed potatoes!). Meshoui refers to the marinading and cooking process, which is traditionally super slow (marinate for a day, cook on low for as long as possible). The meat was very tender, whether the kitchen follows this cooking process or not, and the seasoning of ras el hanout, chermoula, and more was delicious. This is absolutely the dish to get if you’re at Marrakesh. Braised Beef Short Ribs Meshoui Style Desserts at Restaurant Marrakesh are a mix of familiar and unfamiliar. Baklava is a natural choice here and includes layers of flaky pastry and simple ingredients like almond, cinnamon, and honey. This dessert is called a Moroccan Symphony, which seems a little dramatic for this dish, but this is a fun way to get a taste of tradition. Baklava Beignets and Cream are pretty much always a good idea, and they’re EXCELLENT here! Whether they’re particularly authentic or not, I can’t say. But the dessert consists of four nicely deep fried dough balls filled with sweet cream and served with chocolate and caramel sauces. Beignets and Sweet Cream The cream was similar to a custard or a pudding, and it offered creaminess in both texture and flavor. I really enjoyed the cinnamon/sugar on the outside and the dessert seemed soft and fresh. These were satisfying. Beignets and Sweet Cream Garden Rocks Since I reserved the Restaurant Marrakesh Garden Rocks Dining Package, I was given my ticket at the end of my meal. The ticket is good for a specified showing — 6:45 for us. Garden Rocks Ticket I arrived around 6PM (45 minutes early) and was able to sit in the third row. The seats were great, but note that the popularity of the act will determine how early you’ll want to line up. Garden Rocks Ticket and View I attended one of the first shows of the Flower and Garden Festival. It’s time for Garden Rocks! Steve Augeri, former (post-Steve Perry) frontman for Journey! Plus some great musicians! Steve Augeri Kicks off Garden Rocks! Steve Augeri Kicks off Garden Rocks! Steve Augeri Kicks off Garden Rocks! Steve Augeri Kicks off Garden Rocks! The show was a blast, and I was happy with the proximity of the Garden Rocks seating. If there’s an act performing that you love and want to see up close, the Dining Package will give you a little leeway with how early you need to line up, and having a guaranteed seat is a nice perk. Nosh or Not? Belly up to Restaurant Marrakesh if: You are a student of Moroccan architecture and design and absolutely must see the inside of the restaurant. Something about the traditional tea service and belly dancing summons you. You’re okay with some basic Moroccan food that isn’t very exciting. Go elsewhere if: You want to try inspired table service cuisine in World Showcase. You’re satisfied with your taste of Moroccan cuisine from Tangierine Cafe (which we wholly recommend). Any of the other 15 Garden Rocks Dining Package restaurants sounds good to you. Overall Restaurant Marrakesh is not an Epcot must-do. While the details in the decor are beautiful and something worth appreciating up close, the food is a downer…at least it was on this visit. And that’s disappointing because we know the Morocco Pavilion was designed and built with care. The pavilion draws guests in to explore its winding paths and stores packed with beautiful collectibles. Unfortunately Restaurant Marrakesh fails to engage the diner with the vibrancy that the pavilion otherwise celebrates. We’d love to see a menu overhaul that is inspired by the energy of a country rich in culinary history and nuance. At $52, Restaurant Marrakesh is one of the least expensive Garden Rocks Dining Package restaurants. Its price is matched by Spice Road Table (also located in the Morocco Pavilion), and I recommend going to Spice Road Table if choosing between the two. See our most recent review of Spice Road Table here. Ready to Plan for Your 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Trip? Order the DFB Guide to the 2019 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival e-Book today! This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable Outdoor Kitchens Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2019 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code SPRING at check-out for a $2 off the cover price! Have you taken a meal at Restaurant Marrakesh? Share your dining experience in the comments below! Related posts: Review: Unique Eats at Epcot’s Spice Road Table in Walt Disney World! Review: Is Epcot’s Nine Dragons Worth a Visit? You May Be Surprised! Review: Rose & Crown at Walt Disney World’s Epcot View the full article

Delicious Disney fine dining events offer guests a meal themed to a legendary Disney story with specialty menus created just for the evening. As Disney states: “Through food, design and magical touches, Guests will experience the rich heritage and finest cuisine of Disney in a delightful new way” in this Chef Series. ©Disney The Delicious Disney dining events are held at Markham’s inside the private clubhouse at Golden Oak in Walt Disney World. And more dates and themes have been added to the 2019 Delicious Disney offerings, including “Showcasing the Sherman Brothers” and “A Culinary Tribute to the Epcot Festivals.” Upcoming events and dates include: March 25, 2019 A Fantasy Culinary Adventure of Dumbo – with Chef Michael Rodriguez of Yachtsman Steakhouse April 29 and 30, 2019 Showcasing the Sherman Brothers: Culinary Creations Based on their Movie and Theme Park Scores – with John Clark, Culinary Director of Disney Catered Events May 20 and 21, 2019 A Whole New World… of Flavor: A Tribute to Aladdin – with Walt Disney World Resort Chef Christian Rumpler June 24 and 25, 2019 Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King on a Culinary Journey to the African Savanna – with Chef de Cuisine Frank Brough of Disney’s Contemporary Resort July 29 and 30, 2019 A Culinary Tribute to the Epcot Festivals, Including a Selection of Inspired Festival Creations – with Epcot Culinary Director Albert Youngman Most events are $349 per guest, tax and gratuity included. Note that The Sherman Brothers-themed dinners on April 29 and 30 are $399 per person, including tax and gratuity. Interested guests may call (407) 939-5773 to check availability and find more information on the Walt Disney World website. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Related posts: News: 2017 Dates for “Delicious Disney, A Chef Series” Announced Oogie Boogie Popcorn Bucket, NEW Hitchhiking Ghost Tiki Mugs, and MORE Lines To Get In This Halloween Season at Disney Parks News: FOOD for the Flurry of FUN Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

It’s time to Get Your Green On at Raglan Road! The 2019 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival kicks off today and runs through the big day… Sunday, March 17th! Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival As always at Raglan Road, but especially on this mightiest of weekends, there’s more Irish music and entertainment, great food and drink, and festive craic (fun!) than you can shake a stick at! Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival There’s no better place to be for St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Disney World than Raglan Road in Disney Springs! Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival There is oodles of entertainment to be enjoyed both on the Raglan Road pub stage inside as well as right outside at the patio stage. Live music will take place from 3PM to 1:30AM on March 15 and from 11AM to 1:30AM on March 16 and 17. Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival schedule The Young Dubliners are the headliner act, but also included among the featured entertainers is the incredible Ben Gunnery, Maca, Tradgad, Reel Republic, and, of course, the Raglan Road Dancers, just to name a few! Ben Gunnery Maca at Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival See the full entertainment schedule for the 2019 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival on the Raglan Road website! Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Raglan Road And, of course, there’s plenty of grub to be had! Thanks to a Media Event we were invited to attend, we got to enjoy sample dishes of some of the regular menu fare and even get a taste of something that’s on the way… And let’s start by saying Sláinte! The Pride of the Peninsula mixes Dingle Irish Gin and Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic with lime, cucumber, and mint. Pride of the Peninsula This drink is remarkably light and refreshing, as well as being a strong pour without an overly strong taste of the alcohol. Pride of the Peninsula It’s a great St. Patrick’s Day cocktail. The Brehon Blonde is a very drinkable ale which would be great for a large range of people. Brehon Blonde The Hog In the Box is a go-to at Raglan Road for a reason. Slow-roasted pork shoulder is served with baby potatoes, a sage and sweet onion stuffing, caramelized onions and apple sauce, garnished with pork crackling. Hog in the Box It’s a solid dish that simply never disappoints. Previewed as an item coming to the Cookes of Dublin menu (the counter service spot right next door) were the Mini Chicken Sliders. Mini Chicken Slider Crispy breaded chicken sits atop bacon jam and pickled onions. Mini Chicken Slider Though you won’t find them this weekend during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival, keep an eye out for these tasty mini sandwiches at Cookes! The Heavenly Ham is a standout dish. Heavenly Ham It presents Irish Mist-glazed loin of bacon with cabbage, colcannon potatoes, parsley cream sauce and a unique raisin cider jus. Heavenly Ham The use of raisins really adds an unusual — and even lovely — flavor to the bacon. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Fish & Chips! We enjoyed a mini taste of one of our (and probably one of your) favorite dishes. Fish & Chips The Raglan Risotto is another memorable dish. Raglan Risotto It’s a butternut squash risotto with shitake mushrooms, parmesan, and peas topped with macro greens and parmesan crisps. Raglan Risotto The flavor is what is most enjoyable here. I must say that I found the squash a bit too raw so the texture was a little off. But the flavors were wonderful, and I would absolutely give it a go again in hopes that the texture issue was simply an off night. Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do features handmade potato gnocchi, seared Georges bank scallops, and crispy pork belly. It’s plated with tomatoes and kale in a delicious white wine butter sauce. Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do The gnocchi itself is very potato-heavy, so it’s really unique. And the scallop was cooked perfectly. Gnocchi Sea Gnocchi Do Even in this mini-size, the Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding is knock-your-socks-off delicious. Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding Finally, the Fluffy Lemon Clouds is a lemon curd tart topped with a fluffy meringue which serves to soften up the pucker from the flavorful lemon so it’s strong while not being too overpowering. Fluffy Lemon Clouds Remember, you don’t have to be attending this weekend’s Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival to enjoy these dishes! But, hey, if you’re in town, here’s some great stuff to know about the best St. Patrick’s party in Orlando… Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival The Festival is a family-friendly event (your young one might even enjoy a dance lesson onstage), guests can also get complimentary face paint from 3:00-9:00 PM on March 15 and 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM on March 16 and 17. Raglan Road’s brunch, lunch, dinner, and bar menus will all be available to diners. REMEMBER: On March 17, guests will all be seated first come, first served, and there is a $10 cover charge on that day for guests 18 and older. To make reservations for March 15 or 16, call (407) 938-0300. Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Raglan Road! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. We were invited by Raglan Road to experience the media event. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ Find out more about why we love Raglan Road in our DFB YouTube Video! Would you like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Raglan Road? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: The 2019 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival Kicks Off at Raglan Road on March 15th! New Eats! at Raglan Road in Disney Springs Gluten- and Dairy-Free Fish and Chips at Raglan Road and Cookes of Dublin in Disney Springs View the full article

The connection between theme-park food and Disney merchandise is reaching a higher level. We are well past the days of T-shirts that laud turkey legs. Disney has a new line that’s called D-Lish in stores. It features a handful of heavy hitters -- Dole Whip, Mickey bars, churros -- presented in... View the full article

Earlier today, it was announced that Jaleo by Chef José Andrés — along with its Counter Service component, Pepe — will open in Disney Springs this coming Sunday, March 17th. Jaleo In its opening phase, the West Side restaurant will be serving dinner. Pepe will be open for both lunch and dinner, and lunch service will begin inside the main restaurant later this month. Now that we’ve talked logistics, let’s talk FOOD! The menu will showcase the traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine that Chef Andrés is known for at his four other U.S. Jaleo locations. (The Disney Springs location will be his first in Florida, as well as the largest Jaleo.) An extensive selection of tapas, paellas, sangrias, and Spanish wines and sherries and more will all be featured on the menu. Jaleo sign in Disney Springs Embutidos (cured ibérico ham, pork chorizo, and spreadable cured sausage) and quesos (cheese from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk) will include the Queso Massimo, an Asturian raw cow’s milk cheese which is made exclusively for Chef José Andrés and Jaleo. It’s cured for four months with the pulp from Asturian apples. Paellas cooked over a wood-fired paella pit will be available by the plate or pan, with select specialty paellas to be available each night and full pans prepared to order for groups of eight or more. ©Disney Ensaladas y Mas will include Gazpacho estilo Algeciras (classic chilled Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers), Ensalada de coles de bruselas con albaricoques, manzanas y jamón serrano (warm Brussels sprouts salad with apricots, apple, and serrano ham), and Ensalada de remolacha con citricos, a salad of red beets, citrus, Valdeón cheese, and pistachios with sherry dressing. Plates for sharing will feature traditional chicken fritters (Croquetas de pollo) and Aceitunas modernas y clásicas – ‘Ferran Adrià’ liquid olives and gordal olives stuffed with piquillo pepper and anchovy — and a Spanish omelette for the table. ©Disney Seafood options will include sautéed baby squid from southern Spain with white beans (Puntillitas salteadas con alubias), seared scallops with pine nut sauce, raisins, and PX reduction (Vieiras con salsa de piñones), and Gambas a la Zahara – head-on shrimp which will be prepared tableside. ©Disney Reservations will soon be available via OpenTable.com, the Disney World website, and Jaleo.com. Additionally, interested guests may call (407) WDW-DINE or (321) 348-3211 to make reservations soon. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What would you like to order at Jaleo? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Take a Sneak Peek at the Menu Coming to Jaleo in Disney Springs! New Concept Art and Details for Jaleo by José Andrés — Opening Soon in Disney Springs! Sign Is Up at Jaleo by Chef José Andrés in Disney Springs — Opening Winter 2019 View the full article

There has been much anticipation around the opening of Jaleo by Chef José Andrés, which celebrates traditional Spanish cuisine in a festive atmosphere. I am happy to announce the wait is over – Jaleo at Disney Springs West Side is slated to open for dinner on March 17, 2019. This will be the fifth Jaleo location in the U.S., the first in Florida and the largest location to date. With a menu showcasing the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, Jaleo popularized tapas dining in the U.S. starting with its first Washington D.C. location which opened in 1993. Jaleo at Disney Springs will feature an extensive menu of tapas, the traditional small plates of Spain, as well as savory paellas, sangrias, and a selection of Spanish wines and sherries. The celebration of these flavors in an inviting, vibrant atmosphere is a hallmark of all Jaleo restaurants. Jaleo offers an excellent selection of embutidos (cured ibérico ham, pork chorizo, and spreadable cured sausage) and quesos (cheese from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk). The Queso Massimo, an Asturian raw cow’s milk cheese made exclusively for Chef José Andrés and Jaleo, is cured for four months with the pulp from Asturian apples. A variety of authentic paellas cooked over a wood-fired paella pit are a highlight and are available by the plate or pan. Select specialty paellas are available each night with entire pans prepared to order for eight or more guests and presented tableside. Ensaladas y Mas options include Gazpacho estilo Algeciras, the classic chilled Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers; Ensalada de coles de bruselas con albaricoques, manzanas y jamón serrano, a delicious dish of warm Brussels sprouts salad with apricots, apple, and serrano ham; and Ensalada de remolacha con citricos which is a salad of red beets, citrus, Valdeón cheese, and pistachios with sherry dressing. Perfect for sharing will be traditional chicken fritters (Croquetas de pollo) and Aceitunas modernas y clásicas – ‘Ferran Adrià’ liquid olives and gordal olives stuffed with piquillo pepper and anchovy. A traditional Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions (Tortilla de patatas clásica) is also offered for the table. This incredibly impressive and varied menu also includes seafood dishes such as sautéed baby squid from southern Spain with white beans (Puntillitas salteadas con alubias); seared scallops with pine nut sauce, raisins, and PX reduction (Vieiras con salsa de piñones); and Gambas a la Zahara – buttery, garlicky head-on shrimp prepared tableside for guests. On the restaurant’s front corner adjacent to the Jaleo entrance will be Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick and mortar location of the chef’s popular Spanish food truck. Pepe will be open for lunch and dinner beginning March 17. Check out Sarah Domenech’s blog post for more information. Jaleo at Disney Springs will be open for dinner starting March 17 with lunch service beginning later in the month. Make reservations for Jaleo at Disney Springs here or call (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). View the full article

Cast members and the project teams responsible for bringing the new TRON attraction to life at Magic Kingdom Park celebrated a major milestone this week — signing their names on one of the first steel support columns for the new attraction. Magic Kingdom Park’s TRON attraction, which is currently being constructed in Tomorrowland, is based on the guest-favorite attraction TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction will allow riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. The TRON attraction is set to open at Magic Kingdom Park in time for Walt Disney’s World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. View the full article

A favorite Irish proverb of mine is “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.” Grab this wallpaper and celebrate the spirit of the Irish and St. Patricks Day with two of the best friends ever, Pooh and Piglet. Download this wallpaper for your desktop or mobile device. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

HOORAY!! Its official! ThinkFoodGroup has announced the opening date for Jaleo by Chef José Andrés in Disney Springs. Jaleo Jaleo will begin serving dinner on March 17th. (Lunch service will begin later in the month.) To make a reservation at Jaleo, you may call (321) 348-3211. OpenTable reservations will be accepted for Jaleo on opening day. Jaleo Pepe — the counter service component of Jaleo — will be open for lunch and dinner on March 17th as well, with no reservations needed. We’re looking forward to welcoming Jaleo to the Disney Springs dining scene! How about you? Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: Pre-order of The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining PLUS a free, instant download of the 2108 edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE19 at check out to get the discount. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Are you looking forward to dining at Jaleo? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Take a Sneak Peek at the Menu Coming to Jaleo in Disney Springs! When Will Jaleo By Chef José Andrés Open in Disney Springs? What’s the Latest on Jaleo’s Opening Date in Disney Springs? View the full article