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When we first visited The BOATHOUSE (caps official!) in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs back in early 2015, it wowed us with its quality seaside eats and charming decor. Learn About: The Boathouse Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants We enjoyed it so much in April of that year that we returned in November to see if The Boathouse was staying afloat in the ever-changing landscape of Disney Springs. And it really was! Truth be told, we still got a little sticker shock when we perused that mostly-seafood-and-steak menu, but with the food being as good as it was, we sort of got over it. So much so that in 2017, we headed back for dinner! Yeah, you could say we’re fans. But even when a restaurant proves itself to be consistently good (with the exception, maybe, of that crazily overpriced, not very good S’mores Baked Alaska!), it’s our duty to keep checking on things to, you know, make sure it’s still awesome. So put on your life jacket and hoist the sails because we’re hitting the high seas at The BOATHOUSE. The Boathouse Sign Atmosphere The Boathouse’s location in The Landing — pretty much central to the whole of Disney Springs — means The Boathouse has plenty of water views to go along with its coastal theme. And the exterior design is cheerful and inviting — perfectly suited to its surroundings. The Boathouse Inside, things get really interesting. A variety of dining rooms offer different dining experiences in terms of atmosphere. This room, with its low ceilings and wood-paneled walls, is super cozy. A Boathouse Dining Room And this room? Dominated by a Boat Booth? Seriously cool. And, yes, I’ve wanted to sit in that booth FOREVER and I finally GOT TO SIT THERE! Boat Booth Seating SUCCESS!! How did I manage it? Well, I made a reservation for when the restaurant first opened and basically begged for it. ;-D Boat Booth! This dining room is a little more sleek and elegant, perhaps best suited to the sophisticated Disney Springs diner (but, like, totally fun with those turquoise stools, right?!). Boathouse Dining Area Decor tends toward the nautical, of course, with model boats being a common feature. Classic Boat Replicas And if you happen across this dining room? Your decor is a stunning wall of wine! Wine Rack in Dining Room 4 Outside there’s the Dockside Bar, where revelers can imbibe in The Boathouse’s drink menu and select eats from a bar menu — not to mention enjoy the views! Teak Tables and Chairs with a View And one of the most fun aspects of dining at The Boathouse? You’re Amphicar-adjacent! That’s right! These totally cool Amphicars launch right next to the restaurant, and you’ll definitely want to gawk at them before or after your meal. Amphicar Launch Amphicar During your meal, you might even get to play with these nifty paper versions of the Amphicar. This is what the kids’ meals come in for your little one! Cardboard Amphicar So we know the atmosphere is still relaxed and seaside-y at The Boathouse, but what about the grub? Eats The first thing you’ll need to wrestle with is the sheer number of MENUS!!!! The Boathouse has a few menus (not to mention an entire raw bar!), with the biggest one being the Drink Menu! There’s no shortage of, well, anything on this menu! Boathouse Drink Menu We also received a menu with the Daily Fish Market Features. We love that freshness is key at The Boathouse — as it should be! Boathouse Menu In addition to the Daily Fish Market menu, you’ll find a menu celebrating Oysters from Maine to Washington to Canada! Oyster Menu And finally, there’s the Full Menu with raw bar offerings, salads, apps, entrees, and sides. Boathouse Full Menu I didn’t start with an adult beverage on this visit, but we did score one of these totally fun Lighthouse Souvenir Cups for my kiddo! (They’re pretty cheap plastic, so probably not the best value, but fun for the kiddos.) Souvenir Lighthouse Cup The meal begins with dinner rolls, shiny with butter and baked to golden brown. They’re nothing write home about, but if you’ve ever been to a classic coastal seafood joint, you know that a warm, yeasty roll is a staple. Boathouse Dinner Rolls I started the meal with the Maine Lobster Bisque which, at $8 for a cup and $12 for a bowl, is actually priced pretty consistently with lobster bisque we’ve tried in New England. The color on this one is gorgeous, and there’s a fair amount of lobster in there. The consistency of the bisque is spot-on, and it was a really satisfying bowl of soup. Maine Lobster Bisque If you’ve followed the saga of our previous visits to The Boathouse, you might’ve gathered that there was no way I could dine here and skip the Firecracker Shrimp. Sorry, not possible. This app is fantastic — spicy, flavorful, and ALMOST worth the $16 pricetag. Sriracha mayo and sweet chili sauce balance one another out, and the shrimp is succulent. Definitely one of my favorite iterations of firecracker shrimp anywhere! Look at that fried pepper! Firecracker Shrimp I was dining with my seafood-loving mom, so the Crispy Panko-Fried Fish of the Day was a must. These crunchy, crispy pieces of fish are served with a heaping side of The Boathouse’s awesome French fries. And I don’t care how old you are: this is terrific. Crispy Panko-Fried Fish of the Day FYI, we switched out the regular fries for truffle fries on this one, and they were phenomenal. The sauces were great accompaniments to the generous serving of fish, too. Crispy Panko-Fried Fish of the Day When at The Boathouse, fish in many forms is always a good idea, so I ordered the Skillet-Broiled Icelandic Cod on the fresh catch specials menu. This admittedly pricy dish ($35) was worth every penny! Ritz crumbs, garlic, butter, lemon… it’s any East-coaster’s seafood dream come true!!! Seriously, if we thought the breaded fish of the day was good, this was a revelation. They hit it out of the park with this one. Broiled Wild Caught Swordfish Steak Lest you worry that I’d gone fishin’, fret not: I also ordered the Gibsons “Sandwich King” Award Winning Burger, one of my favorite burgers anywhere in Walt Disney World! The meat was cooked just right, and the toppings — including crispy cherry peppers, jalapeno havarti cheese, and spiced mayo — are to die for! Gibson’s Sandwich King “Award Winning” Burger I just can’t resist. Look at this beast! The cheese coats the meat in the creamiest way possible, and there are levels of heat to this burger that make it absolutely a must for me. Gibson’s Sandwich King Burger The side of Mac and Cheese is also a must if you’re a mac connoisseur (and if you are, don’t forget to visit our Mac and Cheese Gallery!). This is a three-cheese blend that’s super flavorful and satisfying (and good for a meal if you’ve got a picky eater in your crew). Mac and Cheese I also opted for the Grilled Asparagus. At $12, this is a kind of an expensive side. But the quality and portion size are great, and with that Hollandaise sauce, it’s an indulgent vegetable dish. Plus there’s more than enough for two, so if you split it, the price might be easier to swallow. The asparagus on this visit was pretty thick and tough, so not the tender baby spears I was hoping for. Grilled Asparagus Desserts at The Boathouse have been tasty in the past (if we don’t include the S’mores Baked Alaska, which is an egregiously expensive dish at $40 for basically being rocky road ice cream with semi-toasted marshmallows and a Hershey bar), so we had to get in on that action again. I ordered the seasonal Strawberry Shortcake, and it was dreamy — everything you want Strawberry Shortcake to be. The crumbly biscuit was just like Grandma used to make — JUST sweet enough (and, yes, my grandma DID make Strawberry Shortcake after a day of picking)! And the fruit and cream were nostalgic in the best possible way. Spot on. Strawberry Shortcake The New York Style Blueberry Cake Cheesecake is another decent option — one that wins points for lots of cinnamon crumb topping. But there are much better desserts here, so don’t waste your precious calories, money, and stomach space on this one if another appeals. New York Style Blueberry Cake Cheesecake We’ve enjoyed the Key Lime Pie in a Mason Jar in the past, so I couldn’t wait to get this again. (Plus anything looks good in a mason jar, right?) It’s a nice, big serving of very tart key lime pie…just the way I like it. Key Lime Pie in a Mason Jar The tart key lime custard, subtly salted graham cracker crust, and vanilla chantilly cream are fantastic partners. And I love the addition of two plump raspberries. Fabulous. Key Lime Pie in a Mason Jar The Double Chocolate Bundt Cake was…kind of blah. This is your standard, run-of-the-mill lava cake that you can get just about anywhere these days. Not worth your cash. Double Chocolate Bundt Cake And finally, if you’ve got a kiddo in tow (or you wanna freak out a shark-averse friend), order the Blue Cupcake. This standard vanilla cupcake is tinted blue, as is the fluffy frosting. Several gummy sharks circle in the water, so there’s lots of fun to be had with this one! (NOTE: I told the server that my kid LOOOOOVES gummy sharks, so he very well could have plussed this one up for us with extra sharkage.) Blue Cupcake with Sharks Nosh or Not? Dock at The Boathouse if: You’re looking for consistently high-quality eats (and are willing to pay for it). You love food from sea and land that’s creative and inspired. You’re looking for a good date night spot that still has a casual vibe. Board another ship if: You’re not big on seafood, and the other options don’t appeal. You just can’t swallow those prices — no matter how delectable the grub might be. You don’t intend to spend much time in Disney Springs — and you’re cool with grabbing some quick service to stay efficient. Overall The BOATHOUSE remains an exceptional place to dine, for all of the most important reasons: atmosphere, great service, and quality eats. We’re so relieved to find that with the passing years, The Boathouse remains self-assured, serving a variety of thoughtful entrees, satisfying sides, and fun desserts. And while the prices are still high — we can’t pretend they don’t sting a little — what you get for the price is fabulous in every way. Also, something I loved hearing from both the server and the amazing Chef Bob Getchell on this visit: the BOATHOUSE’s goal is to give you what you want. So if you don’t see a particular item on the menu, or if there’s something that could make your visit better — just ask for it. They’re do everything they can to make it happen. Ya gotta love a restaurant that has that as its mantra. And, frankly, I’d expect nothing less from the incredible Exec Chef Getchell. He’s been an asset to every Disney restaurant I’ve seen him in, and his combination a of passion for food and an incredibly customer-centric mindset is one that will make him a destination chef for me wherever he is (much like Chefs TJ Sudiswa and Tim Keating, who are to other chefs that you should always seek out in Orlando). Check Out More Great Places to Eat in Disney Springs! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 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 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 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. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Lunch at The Boathouse in Disney Springs Review: Dinner at The Boathouse at Disney Springs Review: The Boathouse at Disney World’s Disney Springs View the full article

Today, we’re celebrating the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story with a special episode of our ongoing series of Disney-inspired bento box tutorials. Disney Parks Blog reader and fan Mike Kravanis is joining us from Disney’s Hollywood Studios to create bento magic – the legendary Wookiee, Chewbacca! To create a Chewbacca bento box, rice is cooked in black tea and then shaped around cucumber, crab, cream cheese and avocado filling. Roasted seaweed sheets are sliced to create Chewbacca’s facial features with a black olive for his nose and white cheese for eyes. Watch the video to see how Mike adds Chewbacca’s bandoliers to the bento box – and then give it a try! View the full article

If you’re planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort for Pixar Fest, I hope you stay through the evening to experience the stunning “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” at Disneyland park. During this all-new fireworks and multimedia spectacular, you’ll be immersed in an emotion-filled story of friendship with your favorite Pixar pals as they meet for the first time, set out on adventures, overcome adversity, and in the end, forge everlasting bonds – together. Bringing the heartwarming stories of Pixar to life was an exciting challenge for our Disney Parks Live Entertainment team. How did they do it? They combine the wonderful world of Pixar stories with pyrotechnics, lighting, projections, music and special effects to elevate the experience for viewers. Take a look at one of the first dress rehearsals to see firsthand how this unique multimedia show was brought to life! “Together Forever” also tells its story in unique ways at different locations across the park. At Sleeping Beauty Castle, WALL•E and EVE dance through a star field and, as they fly off the castle, they transform into translucent fireworks. On Main Street, U.S.A., you’ll find yourself surrounded by speeding “Cars” at a race track, and in the middle of an immersive fiesta in the Land of the Dead from “Coco.” The exhilarating battle between “The Incredibles” and the Omnidroid plays out at the Rivers of America with lasers and fountains, and the façade of “it’s a small world” celebrates the bonds we share with beloved Pixar pals as they appear within a series of memory balls from “Inside Out.” Celebrate Pixar Fest and experience “Together Forever” from now through September 3 at the Disneyland Resort! View the full article

Give Kids the World fundraisers will give folks a behind-the-scenes look at Florida companies who help create theme-park attractions. The tours are $50 apiece and also include a Q&A with leadership of the companies and lunch. All ticket sales will help Give Kids The World Village in Kissimmee provide... View the full article

World of Magic - Incredible Summer Offer | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Staying at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge means you’ll enjoy many of the comforts of home, including a full kitchen in the 1- and 2-bedroom Villas, the breathtaking Grand Villas, and the unique waterfront Cascade Cabins. Food blogger Melissa Bailey recently shared several of her family’s favorite comfort food dishes that are perfect for vacations at this magnificent resort. You can even have groceries delivered right to your Disney Vacation Club accommodations, making it even easier to enjoy a home-cooked meal while on vacation. Melissa provides some culinary inspiration in this video. Watch as she makes a scrumptious arroz con pollo! Here’s the recipe, which you can recreate at home. Or, if you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, this is the perfect dish to make part of your annual tradition while staying in your own Villa! Ingredients 8 chicken drumsticks 1⁄4 cup olive oil
 1 cup yellow onion, small dice 1 cup red bell pepper, cubed
 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground oregano 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped 2 cups uncooked long grain rice 2 cups water 1 teaspoon achiote powder 
1⁄2 cup Spanish olives (Manzanilla), chopped 1 tablespoon capers Directions 
 Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Brown the chicken in a large pot (medium high heat) with 2 tablespoons of oil. 
 Remove the chicken and set aside. 
 Bring heat down to medium and add remaining olive oil. 
 Cook onions and peppers until translucent. Season by adding salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, and garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
 Add tomatoes, vinegar and cilantro and stir to combine all the ingredients. Stir in rice and keep stirring until the rice is covered and soaks all the juices (approximately 2-3 
minutes). Pour in water and continue to stir, adding achiote powder, olives and capers. After all ingredients are well combined, adjust with salt to taste. Once flavors are to your liking cover the pot and bring heat to low. Cook for 30-40 additional minutes. View the full article

One of the craziest attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is Primeval Whirl. If you haven’t experienced it before, it’s a zany roller coaster that spins while you ride … as if the roller coaster part wasn’t crazy enough! Primeval Whirl is the perfect example of the fun, wackiness of Dinoland. From its varied backstory to the eclectic signage, it has a wealth of details that tell the story of its inhabitants and the creatures that once roamed the area. Jeff Maurer, designer turned paleontologist, created a photo album wallpaper featuring this unique area. Next time you’re there, see if you can find the portrait of Chester and Hester – the couple who owned the Dinoland gas station and amusement park! Just click on the image below to find the size that’s best for you. Please be sure to check out our terms of use before downloading. View the full article

At the Santa Margarita Ranch, the Pacific Coast Railroad offers rides on passenger cars that were originally used at Disneyland on the theme park's railroad attraction. View the full article

Comcast Corp. is serious about disrupting Walt Disney Co.’s plan to acquire much of Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox. On Wednesday, after weeks of speculation, the Philadelphia cable giant confirmed that it is in the advanced stages of preparing an all-cash offer intended to trump Disney’s $52.4-billion... View the full article

ABC is expanding its top-rated morning show “Good Morning America” with a third hour to replace the daytime talk show “The Chew.” The additional hour, which will be on tape, is set to launch in September, the network announced Wednesday. It’s the first time ABC has committed to a brand extension... View the full article

Chewbacca Flies by Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue View the full article

Opening Season Just Announced for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge View the full article

iNSIDE Disney Parks - Disney’s Animal Kingdom Episode View the full article

As we’ve previously mentioned, when Pixar Pier opens this summer in Disney California Adventure park, guests will find four whimsical neighborhoods inspired by beloved Pixar stories. Here’s a bit more detail on what to expect! Incredibles Park – Inspired by “The Incredibles,” Incredibles Park will be an inviting plaza featuring mid-century modern design aesthetics. Guests will enter through an archway where the iconic Incredibles logo will be seen overhead. Once inside, the new Incredicoaster will take you on a thrilling race alongside the Parr family. A combination of character figures, lighting, music and special effects will bring all the action to life! Upon exiting the attraction, the Jack-Jack Cookie Num Nums stand will tempt guests with freshly-baked treats. Toy Story Boardwalk – Adjacent to Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk will be themed to “Toy Story.” Guests will be shrunk down to the size of a toy on the fan-favorite Toy Story Midway Mania! Jessie the yodeling cowgirl will invite you for a rootin’ tootin’ spin on Jessie’s Critter Carousel (opening in 2019). At Poultry Palace, big appetites and small fries alike can enjoy a fun meal inspired by Pixar’s short, “Toy Story Toon: Small Fry.” There will even be a fun-sized Zurg—perfect for photo ops! You can also stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this classic treat. ¡Delicioso! Pixar Promenade – This charming seaside promenade inspired by classic turn-of-the-century California boardwalks will celebrate the heartwarming stories and beloved characters from all of Pixar’s films. The focal point of Pixar Promenade will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round. This reimagining of a guest favorite will still include the iconic face of Mickey Mouse on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. But now, each of the 24 gondolas will feature different pairs of Pixar pals! Pixar Promenade will also feature the Games of the Boardwalk, offering guests a chance to test their skills and win a prize. The four colorful game booths will include Heimlich’s Candy Corn Toss, Wall-E Space Race, La Luna Star Catcher and Bullseye Stallion Stampede. Also featured along the promenade will be a classic band-shell stage, ideal for musical entertainment acts and encounters with your favorite Pixar characters. Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff will feature delightful confections, including saltwater taffy and rainbow cotton candy. For some savory bites, head over to Angry Dogs, where the dogs heat up as Anger from “Inside Out” burns with rage! Inside Out Headquarters – Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful area inspired by “Inside Out” will be known as Inside Out Headquarters. This playground for the emotions will feature a whimsical family-friendly attraction, scheduled to open at a later date. View the full article

As Star Wars fans around the world prepare themselves for the release of Solo: A Star Wars Story, we are joining in on the action. At Disney Cruise Line, we are proud to feature movie premieres at sea on the same day that they premiere on land. This means that you can see Solo: A Star Wars Story on May 25 aboard all of our ships and stay caught up on all of the excitement! For those who are looking to take their Jedi training to the next level, we have an exciting event that will give you the chance to prove yourself against the dark side. Returning in 2019, Star Wars Day at Sea aboard Disney Cruise Line is an adventure-filled day where all of your favorite characters and stories from Star Wars take over your cruise. From January through March 2019, select Disney Fantasy sailings from Port Canaveral will feature a full day transporting guests to a galaxy far, far away. From an epic deck celebration, “Summon the Force,” to themed activities and entertainment with all of your favorite Jedi, droids and Wookiees, Star Wars Day at Sea is a Star Wars fan’s dream come true! Kids will especially love harnessing the power of the Force at Disney’s Oceaneer Club in Star Wars: Command Post on the Disney Fantasy and in Star Wars: Millennium Falcon on the Disney Dream. With all of these exciting ways to celebrate Star Wars onboard Disney Cruise Line, you will become so skilled in the ways of the Force that even Yoda will be impressed! View the full article

Well, well, well… look who’s on hand to give us a little Sneak Peek of Pixar Pier, opening on June 23, 2018 in Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort! Edna Mode Edna Mode from The Incredibles — who, by the way, guests will soon be able to meet in both Disneyland Resort (starting June 15th) and Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (beginning Memorial Day Weekend) — started off a day of Pixar-riffic adventure, offering glimpses into all the fun — and FOOD — that is to come on Pixar Pier! I was so excited to attend a Media Preview for Pixar Pier yesterday, and I can finally share this sneak peek — and even some sneak tastes — with you! Pixar Pier Marquee Concept Art ©Disney We got to hear directly from people behind the scenes of Pixar Pier. The panel of presenters included Creative, Art, Show, and Culinary Directors, as well an Executive Producer of Walt Disney Imagineering and the General Manager of Disney California Adventure Park West. And the excitement over this new Land was palpable! Actually, though, “sneak peek” may be a bit of a misnomer… because there is a TON of new info to share! So let’s dive right in! Pixar Pier Neighborhoods and Attractions Four neighborhoods will make up this new Land. The Incredibles, Toy Story, and Inside Out will each have their own themed neighborhood, and several Pixar stories will be represented in the fourth neighborhood. There is a goal of making each neighborhood feel like its own “individual land.” For instance, between Incredibles Park and the Toy Story neighborhood there will be a water wall so the music from one won’t be heard in the other. Pixar Pier Incredicoaster Incredicoaster Speaking of The Incredibles neighborhood (which will be known as Incredibles Park)… The Incredicoaster was created in partnership with the production team from The Incredibles 2. The premise is that The Incredibles are being honored in their hometown, Municiberg, with the coaster. As it turns out, Jack Jack and Edna Mode are not tall enough to ride the coaster (parents, you may know the feeling…), so they have to wait in the VIP lounge. Edna Mode So, Jack Jack escapes (natch)! And it’s time to chase Jack Jack (and tempt him with COOKIES!) to get him back. Look for effects and story to include two minutes of original animation, a countdown from Dash at the start of the coaster (with a water effect!), and 50 pounds of glitter (!!!) to make the fire scene! Tracey Noce, Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering, shared that hand-painted murals will also complete the coaster. Of course, since cookies are such a huge part of the coaster’s storyline, Disney will actually pump the scent of cookies into the coaster and tempt YOU with the Jack-Jack’s Num Nums cookie kiosk (which we told you about a while back here!) on your way out! More on that later in this article… . Pixar Pal-A-Round Mickey’s Fun Wheel is being transformed into the Pixar Pal-A-Round. Pixar Pier in transition While Mickey’s mug will still be featured on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel, you’ll see the Pixar Ball as the central image from the Pier side. The gondolas themselves will feature various pairs of Pixar pals (like Mike and Sulley!) with new character art — 12 pairs in all! Roger Gould, Creative Director for Theme Parks – Pixar Animation Studios shared that, like Pixar Fest (happening right now), attractions like the Pixar Pal-A-Round are not just celebrating the Pixar movies, but the emotional connection guests have with the characters and their friendships. More Pixar Pier Fun You can enjoy the Pixar Philharmonic right now during Pixar Fest, but they will receive a bandshell to serve as their regular location on Pixar Pier. Pixar Philharmonic Games of the Boardwalk will be transformed into spots with Pixar themes and characters including Wall-E. (And look for a candy corn toss with Heimlich). This area will also feature characters from popular Pixar shorts like La Luna. A new centerpiece for the Land will be the Pixar Ball! And Jeffrey Shaver-Moskowitz (Executive Producer, Walt Disney Imagineering) shared that there will be more seating, shade, and comfort for guests so they may linger and enjoy the area even more — a genuine change in architecture to the Land. Pixar Pier EATS Now… what are we gonna EAT at Pixar Pier?!? Lamplight Lounge Oh, wow… do we have some serious scoop for you on Lamplight Lounge! As the spot replacing my beloved Cove Bar, I (and many of you, I’m sure) was especially curious about this location. We showed you some Lamplight Lounge concept art a while back, and mentioned that the Lobster Nachos will return to Lamplight Lounge. But now there’s SO MUCH MORE TO SHARE!!! Lamplight Lounge Preview Garry Maggetti (General Manager, Disney California Adventure Park West) had not only some specs to share, but also some of the inspiration behind the lounge. Offering 261 seats downstairs and 200 seats upstairs (and yes, reservations will be accepted), the spot will have a “California casual gastro pub” feel presenting a place to unwind and relax on the waterfront as part of the entry area for Pixar Pier. Lamplight Lounge concept art Pixar Partners Roger Gould and Tasha Sounart (Creative Director and Associate Creative Director for Theme Parks — Pixar Animation Studios, respectively) shared how Lamplight Lounge will celebrate not only “the stories of the studio, but also the artists at the studio” in a stylish spot for the whole family to enjoy. Lamplight Lounge As the story goes, the lounge is an old warehouse space that’s been renovated, and the Pixar regulars at the establishment have left lots of cool memorabilia including sketches in the lounge. Part of the fun in creating the Lounge was digging through the Pixar archives to find artwork, research trip photos, and even gather toys of the Pixar characters — all of which will play a part in setting the scene. “Layers of history” will be on display so guests can return multiple times and always find something new, with “lots of little secrets to find.” (LOVE!) Lamplight Lounge Preview Fun fact! Harley Jessup is a production designer who worked on Coco, Ratatouille, and Monsters, Inc. who also worked on the design for Lamplight Lounge! Much like he wanted to strive for an authentic feel for Coco, he wanted the same thing for Lamplight Lounge — that it would feel like a spot “Pixarians” would frequent. Now, we have known for some time that the Lobster Nachos from Cove Bar will be served at Lamplight Lounge. Lobster Nachos But Culinary Director of Food & Beverage at Disneyland Resort, John State, showed us SO much more! He added on that the cuisine at Lamplight Lounge will indeed be “California casual gastro pub, playfully presented,” so we are to expect familiar foods presented in an unfamiliar way. Carne Asada Rolls The presented selections — which he referred to as a “snapshot” of the menu, which will change throughout the year — were created with the diverse audience of Southern California, who are “open to all sorts of flavors, textures, and ingredients,” in mind. Shareable items and full-on entrees will be served in different ways. Potato Skins “Pix & Bits” make up the shareables, and will include a fun take on on Potato Skins, with crispy Yukon Gold potatoes served with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aioli, and Manchego cheese. Potato Skins The Carne Asada Rolls are a non-traditional sushi dish, featuring Grilled New York Strip Steak rolled sushi-style with roasted Fresno chili salsa, escabeche, and crema. Carne Asada Rolls Culinary Director State shared that “sushi” simply refers to the seasoned rice, wrapped in seaweed. That’s why this playful take features the unexpected strip steak. Carne Asada Rolls The “Budding Artists” menu is focused on the kiddos (ages 9 and under). And the PB&J Roll is… well, exactly what it sounds like! PB&J Roll The presentation of the creamy peanut butter and whole wheat rolled topped with strawberry jelly was created so kids can feel like they’re eating like mom and dad, sushi style! PB&J Roll It will be served with a “flowerpot” of veggies with hummus and fresh fruit. PB&J Roll Plate The full menu served downstairs will also feature “Bigger Bites” (modified versions of these dishes will be served upstairs). These include a “straightforward” Chicken Sandwich covered with a spicy chili glaze, vinegar slaw, and pineapple butter on a toasted Amish bun. Chicken Sandwich Altogether, the flavor profile is sweet, spicy, and vinegar-y for a burst of tastes. Chicken Sandwich Another Bigger Bite will be the warm Spinach Salad. Spinach Salad It’s comprised of curly spinach with warm wild mushrooms, a soft poached egg (made to be broken and smeared throughout the salad), charred onion vinaigrette, shiitake “bacon” and blue cheese toast on the side. Spinach Salad We also learned that one signature dessert will be Mini Donuts with dipping sauces, and will be “the dessert that you’re going to want to get over and over.” Of course, Specialty Beverages will play a large part of the menu as well, featuring handmade cocktails as well as mocktails. Over Budget Cocktail The Senior Production Manager for Food and Beverage expressed that the cocktails served will be unique to Lamplight Lounge, with names inspired by the film industry and Pixar Studios. For instance, Over Budget is a classic Moscow Mule with the addition of passion fruit. And The Last Word will be a refreshing mix of Aperitif Wine, Peche Liqueur, Amontillado Sherry, lemon juice, agave nectar, and soda water. The Last Word The Last Word Beer drinkers will have plenty to look forward to with twelve beers on tap served downstairs, and six on tap upstairs, along with bottled selections. And one beer will be a proprietary brew entirely unique to Lamplight Lounge, created by Bottled Logic Brewery in Anaheim. And now for the really fun part… we got our first taste of Lamplight Lounge, by trying two of the dishes! Potato Skins I thought the Potato Skins (which Culinary Director State referred to as Potato Pillows and recommended that we swirl in both the butter-caper yogurt and smoked paprika aioli before taking a bite) were incredible. (No Pixar pun intended ). Potato Skins The Carne Asada Rolls were a fun take on sushi. While I’m not a fan of seaweed (like…at all), I can still see the appeal of these for sushi fans and steak fans alike. Carne Asada Rolls Carne Asada Rolls I can’t wait to taste more when Lamplight Lounge opens with the rest of Pixar Pier on June 23rd! Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionery Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionery (inspired by the candy tears of Inside Out’s Bing Bong, according to Associate Creative Director Tasha Sounart) will be located across from the Pixar Pal-A-Round. And it will be THE SPOT for candy treats and classic confections like caramel apples, cake pops, and more! OH, and yes…there WILL be Candy Tears from what we’ve heard! Concept Art for Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff Confectionery But it will have MORE snacks unique to the location as well… like Rainbow Unicorn Cotton Candy! You may think that’s simply multi-colored cotton candy, but it will have a twist… as in, an actual twist. Tucked inside as the “stick” for the cotton candy will be a tall, swirly lollipop! It will also feature a Slushy that’s a “mix of emotions”…custom made with the “emotions” you want! What came to mind for me was something similar to the World of Color Goofy’s Glacier situation — a “secret menu” item that you can create in Disney World and Disneyland currently. World of Color Glacier FYI — the Slushy area will be themed to Jangles the Clown. Pixar Pier Food Kiosks Food kiosks themed around Pixar stories and characters will provide plenty of snacks around the Pier. Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats has already been deemed an “insane hit.” Pixar Parfait at Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats Read all about Adorable Snowman here! Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Nums But we also received more info on a spot that has remained a bit of a mystery until now. Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num Nums (like we said, you’ll actually smell cookies when you step off the Incredicoaster) is going to serve warm, brown butter chocolate chip cookies… made REALLY BIG for sharing! (The cookie was actually compared to a pie since it will be so big and thick.) Concept Art pieces for Jack-Jack’s Cookie Num Nums But you can’t really enjoy a cookie like that without milk, right? And fortunately, flavored milks will also be on the menu! Angry Dogs Angry Dogs will feature none other than Anger from Inside Out. As Tasha Sounart (Associate Creative Director for Theme Parks — Pixar Animation Studio) shared, this hot dog stand will offer different flavors with varying degrees of spiciness. Angry Dogs within the Concept Art Board And the angrier he gets, the hotter the flavors are! Condiments will include choices like spicy srirachas. Senor Buzz Churros The Boardwalk, of course, is where you’ll find Buzz Lightyear represented (in Spanish mode, of course) at Senor Buzz Churros! Senor Buzz Churros Concept Art Poultry Palace We learned one more detail about Poultry Palace (from the Toy Story 2 film short). Poultry Palace ©Disney This giant fun meal box will feature a “fun size” Zurg for photo ops! Now, how’s THAT for a “Sneak Peek”?!? I know I’m not the only one completely PUMPED for Pixar Pier! How about you? Find out all there is to know about Pixar Pier on our Pixar Pier Page! Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter so you don’t miss any of the fun coming to Pixar Pier — and MORE! Click HERE to subscribe! Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram! Are you excited to welcome Pixar Pier to Disney California Adventure in June? Please let us know with a comment! 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. Yesterday, we were invited by Disneyland to attend a very exclusive media preview of Pixar Pier. 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 Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Sneak Peek at Lamplight Lounge Coming to Pixar Pier! Breaking! NEW Dining Spots Coming to Disneyland’s Pixar Pier; PLUS Pixar Fest Food Sneak Peek… FIRST LOOK: The NEW Jack Jacks Cookie Num Nums on Pixar Pier in Disneyland Resort! View the full article

There’s a hot new spot coming to Disney California Adventure park! Located at the entrance of Pixar Pier, Lamplight Lounge will be a stylish, fun place to hang out with the whole family. The lounge will be serving up playfully presented California casual gastro-pub cuisine and unique signature cocktails. Our culinary team has been hard at work cooking up a spectacular menu, and today I’m giving you a sneak peek at some of the delicious items you’ll taste when Pixar Pier opens on June 23. Starting with “Shorts” to Share – also known as appetizers – the Potato Skins will make for the perfect crunchy snack to start off your meal. Made with crispy Yukon gold potatoes, these skins come with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aïoli, and Manchego cheese. If creative sushi is more your style, then the Carne Asada Roll will be right up your alley, with New York grilled strip steak, roasted Fresno chili salsa, escabeche, and crema. For the Bigger Bites menu, a vegetarian entrée will take the “lamplight” – the Spinach Salad! This salad consists of curly spinach with warm wild mushrooms, a soft poached egg, charred onion vinaigrette, shiitake “bacon,” and blue cheese toast. Another featured entrée will be the Chicken Sandwich. This savory, spicy sandwich comes with crispy chicken with spicy chili glaze, vinegar slaw, and pineapple butter and served on an Amish bun alongside malted fries. On the kids menu, “Budding Artists” will love the PB&J Roll! A fun twist on a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this creamy peanut butter and whole wheat “roll” comes drizzled with strawberry jelly. It’s also served with fresh fruit and a flower pot of hummus and veggies. Lamplight Lounge and Pixar Pier are set to officially open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park. This expansive reimagining will transform the shores of Paradise Bay with your favorite Pixar stories. Other exciting food and beverage locations coming to Pixar Pier include Poultry Palace, Señor Buzz Churros, Angry Dogs, and the recently-opened Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details! View the full article

Cooking in Disney Vacation Club Villas: Chorizo Breakfast Casserole View the full article

Orlando, Florida, doesn't have a lock on theme park news this summer. Sure, Toy Story Land at Disney World and a new "Fast & Furious" attraction at Universal Orlando will be getting attention. But there are lots of other exciting openings around the country. Fans of Wonder Woman can ride the first... View the full article

If you're contemplating a trip to a Disney park, you may be stressing out about the planning. How far in advance should you book? How does the FastPass work? Are restaurant reservations really necessary? A good resource for getting advice is the Disney Parks Moms Panel. The 40 panelists provide... View the full article

Walt Disney Company has said it plans to open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Anaheim first with Orlando’s version following behind it. But on Tuesday night, the company released a more detailed timeline for the anticipated new lands. Disneyland’s Star Wars land will open in summer 2019, and then in... View the full article

I am happy to share that the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor” was recently recognized with a very important award – the Media Trailblazer Award – during A Place Called Home’s 14th Annual GirlPower Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles. Located in South Los Angeles, A Place Called Home (APCH) provides a safe, nurturing environment for at-risk youth, ages 8 to mid-20s. The nonprofit organization’s GirlPower Awards celebrate strong, courageous women who are positive role models in their professional and social accomplishments and who inspire young girls to develop their potential and direct their lives onto a positive path. This is the first time that an animated series and the team behind it has been selected to accept this award! During an emotional ceremony, Craig Gerber (creator and executive producer of “Elena of Avalor”) along with Aimee Carrero (voice of Princess Elena), were on hand to receive the award. Princess Elena even made a surprise appearance to meet with the GirlPower girls and the luncheon attendees. Last March, some of the girls from the GirlPower program visited the “Elena of Avalor” production office and were given a tour and behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making an animated TV series. They spoke with Craig Gerber and co-executive producer/story editor, Silvia Olivas, and met some of the artists, writers and editors who work on the series. To complete the magical and empowering visit, the girls received ‘Elena’ ear hats. You can find these beautiful Elena ear hats at all four theme parks and Disney Springs! For more Elena-inspired items, check out ShopDisneyParks.com. You can also meet Princess Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom Park! Felicitaciones “Elena of Avalor” team! Let’s keep celebrating inspiring and courageous women everywhere! View the full article

Recently the mighty Chewbacca landed at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at the Walt Disney World Resort in search of a solo rider with the knowledge and skills to join him as co-pilot on an special surprise adventure aboard a Starspeeder 1000. In “Solo: A Star Wars Story“, Chewie has fallen on hard times during the age of the expanding Empire. When fate has Han and Chewbacca cross paths, Chewbacca embarks on a long, loyal and trusting friendship that he could have never expected. While this was a special adventure for Chewbacca, Guests can meet him daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Rebel Base in Star Wars Launch Bay and be sure to catch “Solo: A Star Wars Story” when it opens in U.S. theaters on May 25, 2018. View the full article

They work for The Mouse, but since they spend countless hours crafting, they are dubbed the Blanketeers. It started out small. A few Disney World employees decided to use their talents for charity in 2007, following an initiative started by their Walt Disney Co. colleagues at Disneyland. They knit... View the full article

The upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend will feature theme-park debuts, special events and last calls at Central Florida attractions. • On Friday, Walt Disney World’s Incredible Summer promotion expands to include Donald Duck’s takeover of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Incredible... View the full article