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Food menus are up on the official website for the soon-to-open Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant! Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant sign As we mentioned in our First Look at Enzo’s, the “and Restaurant” was added to the name after Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar was originally announced. That’s when we realized the space would be serving full meals in addition to Prohibition era-style cocktails and offerings from the largest selection of “antique” and specialty rums on property. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Coming Soon Once fully up and running, the location will begin serving lunch at 11:30 am daily. And today we’re taking a look at the full Lunch menu, starting with the appetizers, soups, and salads. Enzo’s Hideaway Lunch Menu Sandwiches like the Porchetta and Provola will be served for lunch, as will Pasta dishes. Enzo’s Hideaway Lunch Menu Unique to lunch will be the option for Combos. Enzo’s Lunch Combo #1 Enzo’s Lunch Combo #2 Imported meats and cheeses comprise the Salumi e Formaggi options for $15 per guest (for two or more), while the Antipasto Misto will cost $12 per guest. Enzo’s Hideaway Lunch Menu Featured Drinks outside of bar options during both lunch and dinner are a Housemade Lemonade, Iced Tea, and Sangria. Enzo’s Hideaway Featured Drinks For Dinner, Nonna’s Paccheri is the first entree to appear after the appetizers, soups, and salads. Enzo’s Hideaway Dinner Menu Further entrees in addition to the Pastas include Saltimbocca (Veal Scaloppine) and Bistecca Pizzaiola, a tomato-topped Grilled Sirloin Steak . Enzo’s Hideaway Dinner Menu The Dolce Vita options change in price for dinner, with the Salumi e Formaggi at $17 per guest, and the Antipasto Misto coming to $14 per guest. Enzo’s Hideaway Dinner Menu For Desserts, Gelato and Sorbet can be ordered by the scoop or as part of Coppe Gelati Sundaes. Enzo’s Hideaway Dessert Menu Enzo’s Hideaway Dessert Menu Or you can end your meal with an espresso beverage, which you could pair with a traditional Italian dessert like Cannoli or Tiramisu. Enzo’s Hideaway Dessert Menu Of course, the thing we’re most excited to peruse is the Bar menu for this modern-day speakeasy. We are also quite interested in seeing the menu for Enzo’s Sunday Supper once its released. But that should all be revealed very soon. The opening of Enzo’s is imminent, and we can’t wait to experience the Hideaway! What do you think of the Enzo’s Hideaway menu so far? Please let us know with a comment! 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: First Look! Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant in Disney World News: Reservations for The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney World Now on OpenTable Confirmed: Maria & Enzo’s — Plus Pizza Ponte and Enzo’s Hideaway — Coming to The Edison Complex in Disney Springs View the full article

The second-ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts kicks off Friday. Disney has expanded many aspects of last year’s event, from food options to those walk-in masterpieces sprinkled around the theme park. A chat with Dave Kesting, general manager of Epcot festivals, gave us hints about what... View the full article

Earlier this week, the hilarious Daniel Lawrence Whitney, also known as “Larry the Cable Guy,” joined his family to put the pedal to the metal at Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World! Larry the Cable Guy is no stranger to cars, after all he voiced Mater, the friendly tow truck in the Disney•Pixar “Cars” movies. Mater, you know “kinda like ’Tuh-mater,’ but without the ‘tuh.’” During his visit, Larry shared that Walt Disney World is the family’s favorite vacation destination and talked about his favorite attractions. Check out the video below for more and watch their hilarious journey around the speedway! Go on, click it, “Git-R-Done!” View the full article

“Avengers: Infinity War” will bring some of Marvel’s most beloved characters together in one story when it hits theaters in May. But real fans don’t have to wait. “Age of Heroes,” the latest production of the explosive stunt show Marvel Universe Live, brings Star-Lord together with Doctor Strange.... View the full article

Recently, I announced two new MagicBand colors coming to Walt Disney World Resort, and we are already seeing great excitement from guests who are wearing them around the theme parks. I wanted to share another sneak peek at new MagicBands that are set to release in January, and a few more that have launched over the past few days. With the introduction of MagicBand 2, Guests now have the opportunity to make their MagicBand truly customizable by swapping out the center icon and placing it in a different color MagicBand or even one of our popular MagicKeeper accessories. With the debut of the I Am Mickey MagicBand, we have taken care of the customization for you. This item pays homage to Mickey Mouse in a new and sleek way with a black MagicBand and yellow center icon. This first ever pre-customized MagicBand is currently available for $22.99 wherever MagicBands are sold. For the Aladdin and Jasmine admirers out there, our latest Limited Edition MagicBand for the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday depicts the couple on their moonlit carpet ride over Agrabah. This teal MagicBand is now available with an edition size of 2,400 and retails for $32.99. You may have noticed over the past year some of your favorite attractions now have their very own MagicBand such as The Pirates of the Caribbean and The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Beginning Jan. 15, thrill seekers and fans of Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be able to purchase a red MagicBand complete with icons and patches representative of this train ride through the Himalayan Mountains. This Limited Release MagicBand will retail for $27.99. Also, this month, in honor of the theatrical release of 101 Dalmatians in 1961, we’ll be releasing our first-ever MagicBand to feature Pongo, Perdita and a few of those famous paw prints. This white MagicBand will be available Jan. 22 online and in select retail locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort on Jan. 26 and retail for $22.99. Lastly, I am so excited to share with you that we have launched three new colors to our current MagicKeeper line: blue, pink and purple. These MagicKeepers allow even more customization as Guests can swap icon colors to create new, fun looks. As always, these MagicBands and MagicKeepers continue to allow guests to connect the vacation choices they make in My Disney Experience – from effortless theme-park entry, to Online Check-In, Disney PhotoPass association and more. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for the latest information and future announcements about new MagicBand releases. There are so many new, exciting things just around the corner and I can’t wait to share them with you! View the full article

In today’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what the father-and-son duo of Lewis and Wilbur Robinson from the 2007 film “Meet the Robinsons,” would do if they had the opportunity to visit Epcot. In the film “Meet the Robinsons,” Lewis is especially interested in inventing new technology, so there’s no doubt that for him, Epcot is the place to be. “Lewis and Wilbur love the idea of progress,” Ashley said. “It’s easy to imagine them having a great time on Spaceship Earth, learning about the progress of communication!” View the full article

Sketches From The Park: Disney Artist Will Gay Paints ‘Japan’s Gate’ at Epcot View the full article

Magic All Around - Sun & Fun Room Offer | Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Raglan Road Irish Pub has been a staple in Disney Springs since it opened in 2009, and from day one, Master Chef Kevin Dundon has been wowing guests with his eclectic Irish menu. So it’s definitely a sad day in Disney food news as we report that the Chef has left the building. Raglan Road in Disney Springs Raglan Road has announced that Chef Dundon, who served as the chef partner of the restaurant, has left his post due to “increasing commitments at home”. The announcement cites his family and his dedication to Dunbrody House (the luxury hotel he owns and operates with his wife in Ireland) as the reasons for this change. Master Chef Kevin Dundon We’ve always appreciated Chef Dundon’s friendly personality and innovative cookery. His tasty takes on Irish specialties have made Raglan Road one of our favorite places to perennially dine in Disney Springs. Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding — Sauced Executive Chef Heberto Segura remains in the kitchen at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant, so we expect food quality to stay top-notch! And of course we send best wishes to Chef Dundon in his future endeavors! Have you enjoyed Raglan Road? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below! 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: Raglan Road Irish Pub Wants to Send YOU to Ireland with Their Master Chef Contest! News! Raglan Road Master Chef Contest Winners Announced Raglan Road (In Ireland!): An Interview with Chef Kevin Dundon View the full article

Actor and Golden Globe-winner Sterling K. Brown recently visited Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, soaking in the holidays at the Hawaiian resort. The “This Is Us” star enjoyed a vacation in paradise with his wife Ryan Bathe and children Andrew and Amare. Sterling’s family loved exploring the resort’s seven-acre water oasis, including adventuring down Volcanic Vertical and Tubestone Curl water slides. They even ran into Stitch in the Waikolohe Valley! View the full article

As part of annual write-up, the New York Times named the must-see places to travel in 2018. There is Prague, celebrating 100 years of Czech independence. Enjoy the remote luxury of Iceland. Taste the culinary delights of Tasmania. And Disney Springs. The newspaper highlighted the expanded Disney... View the full article

Our first season of Marvel Day at Sea sailings was nothing short of epic! Seven special cruises from New York City immersed Disney cruisers in the Marvel Universe, featuring the largest collection of Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains ever assembled on a cruise ship. And the fun isn’t over yet! Today, Marvel Day at Sea returned to the Disney Magic, now departing from Miami. This action-packed event continues on eight Caribbean sailings through April, occurring on one day of these special cruises. In addition to the epic day at sea, these five-night Caribbean voyages visit Cozumel or Grand Cayman, plus the next best place to Asgard – our private island, Castaway Cay. Talk about the perfect winter escape! Keep following along as we share more photos and videos of this incredible family event, and take a look back at past posts to learn more about Marvel Day at Sea: First Look: Marvel Day at Sea on the Disney Magic First Look: Loki Makes His Debut Alongside Thor at Marvel Day at Sea A Journey into the Mystic Arts and An Epic Battle at Sea Top the List of Exciting Entertainment During Marvel Day at Sea Inside Look: First Official Appearance of Iron Man, Star-Lord, Gamora and Groot on a Disney Ship During Marvel Day at Sea Inside Look: Debut of Black Panther and Loki as Part of a Disney Vacation Experience During Marvel Day at Sea, Plus More Marvel Super Heroes View the full article

The beginning of a new year signals celebration and we’re off to a flying start at Walt Disney World Resort. We’re thrilled to report we’ve had one of the first 2018 purple martin sightings in the United States. Hundreds more will soon flock here, and as they continue to arrive, we look forward to learning more about these gorgeous migratory birds. Each year, purple martins travel to Walt Disney World Resort to raise their young before flying more than 6,000 miles to the Brazilian rainforest and back, providing us with a unique front-row seat to the magic of nature. To prepare for the birds’ arrival, Disney VoluntEARS gear up a month in advance by cleaning and prepping all 20 purple martin bird houses across Walt Disney World Resort. Each house has multiple rooms, so we now have 460 nest compartments ready and waiting for purple martins to check in. All this preparation is important because purple martins have specific needs for nesting. They prefer birdhouses almost exclusively, which enables us to attract them to areas close enough for us to observe them as they find mates, as they find mates, lay eggs and care for their chicks until they learn to fly. Over the past few years, we’ve learned a lot by studying the birds. For example, our conservation team collaborated on a study with Dr. Kevin Fraser of the University of Manitoba that used GPS technology to pinpoint where purple martins in Brazil go to settle at night. Based on past observations by Brazilian scientists, we knew that many purple martins come together at night in cities and towns in the Amazon basin, but we were surprised to learn they more often frequented small islands in the Amazon River and its tributaries. This new information is critically important because only about 17 percent of the roosts identified were in protected areas of Brazil. Here at Walt Disney World Resort, we have been just as curious about where our nesting birds spend the night. Using the same GPS technology, we found that our birds do not always sleep in their bird houses with their chicks. Instead, they spend some nights on freeway light fixtures. We believe these are popular spots because they attract nocturnal insects, which are easy early-morning meals. As soon as it starts to get bright outside, these birds race back to their nests to feed their young. And I mean they race! We found one of our birds flying back at 45 miles an hour. I can’t wait to see what we learn this year! Be sure to watch the Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page for updates throughout the purple martin nesting season. To learn more about migratory birds, visit DisneyAnimals.com. View the full article

The popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns for a limited time – March 2 through April 12 – bringing a celebration of the ingredients that make life in the Golden State so spectacular. The festival’s signature events are can’t-miss experiences that open your senses to delicious California cuisine in new ways – and reservations are available now! The festival will feature new experiences such as Celebrity Chef LIVE! at the Hyperion, as well as returning favorites like Disney Family of Wines Dinner, Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners. These events fill up quickly, so make your reservations now! Here’s a look at some of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival signature events you won’t want to miss: Taste of the Festival (March 1) Guy Fieri LIVE! at the Hyperion (March 9) Robert Irvine LIVE! at the Hyperion (March 30) Disney Family of Wines Dinner (March 29) David Arthur Winemaker Dinner at Carthay Circle Restaurant (April 5) Karl Strauss Brewmaster Dinner at Steakhouse 55 (March 8) Flora Springs Winemaker Dinner at Steakhouse 55 (March 15) In addition to these special experiences, look for these ongoing opportunities during the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: Demonstrations and events featuring renowned celebrity chefs (reservations required for select events and extra charge applies) Wine, beer and spirits educational seminars (reservations required and extra charge applies) Gourmet dinners with wine and beer pairings (reservations required and extra charge applies) Sweet Sundays Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is a celebration of food and wine, and also craft beer, live music and special time with friends and family! Join us for this limited-time guest favorite, March 2 through April 12! Additional fees required for the signature events and certain seminars. Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required and is not included with the cost of such events. Space is limited for all ticketed events; advance reservations are recommended. Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid photo ID required. Events and demonstrations are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. View the full article

Let's count the reasons visitors flock to Orlando, Florida. There are the endless theme parks, the sprawling convention center, and the proximity to world-class golf courses andthe Kennedy Space Center. In 2016, 68 million visitors spent $41.8 billion there on lodging, entertainment, and dining,... View the full article

The 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival will be ON from March 2 – April 12, 2018! Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival But the time to start getting ready is NOW… Special Event information is now available for the Festival, and the booking engine is loaded with opportunities to reserve your space NOW for Signature Events, Culinary Demonstrations, and Beverage Seminars. You can also check out experiences that don’t require reservations, such as Family-Friendly Seminars and the returning Jr. Chef experience for kids ages 3 to 11. Check out all the information for the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival here! One of the Signature Events for 2018 is The Taste of the Festival, which allows guests to try items at the Festival Marketplaces the night BEFORE the Festival kicks off while enjoying music performed at the Palisades Stage. (A VIP enhancement is also available). Sweet Sundays return to kick off the start of the day with dessert demonstrations by a Celebrity Chef (such as Keegan Gerhard, Emily Ellyn, and Duff Goldman) during a light breakfast complete with a sparkling wine toast. Keegan Gerhard will be a part of Sweet Sundays Guy Fieri and Robert Irvine will each be featured at Celebrity Chef LIVE! at the Hyperion. Of course, the Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars mentioned above will return along with Winemaker Dinners and Brewmaster Beer Dinners. And we can’t wait to see — and share with you! — the menus for the Festival Marketplaces celebrating California cuisine once they’re announced! It’s all starting on March 2, 2018 at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! Are you going to the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know with a comment! 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: News! Booking Now Available for Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Events and Demos News: Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Returning to Disneyland Resort in 2017! Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Event Booking Now Available! View the full article

'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Meet-Up | Walt Disney World View the full article

Disney Parks How-To Make A Bento Box Magical: Porg From Star Wars: The Last Jedi View the full article

Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire Hyper-Reality Experience Now at Disney Springs View the full article

Today is THE day! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 e-book is HERE, and we’re so excited! To celebrate the launch of the 2018 edition of our most popular guide, you can save 25% off the cover price with promo code WDW2018! What’s in the DFB Guide? The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2018 Edition is full of need-to-know details, tools, and features to make your trip go smoothly, including: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. An in-depth analysis of the Disney Dining Plan and whether it’s right for YOU. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges WITH reviews. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! With over 600 pages of full-color photos, tips on the best restaurants, an ENTIRE chapter on snacks — including the best snack credit values throughout the parks and resorts — and a full break-down of whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family, now’s the time to get started planning your next Disney World vacation! 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Pages Here’s Just Some Of What We’ve Updated In the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book: Fully updated prices and restaurant info for 2018 visitors Updated details about available discounts and deals at Disney World restaurants DFB’s own 2018 recommendations for everything from table service to counter service to snacks and more Over 600 pages of updated Disney Dining advice, details, and information Disney Dining Plan Analysis – Is it right for your family? Can you really save money? NEW Disney food and restaurant photos Updated reviews of all Disney World restaurants, kiosks, bars, and lounges including all new eateries An updated chapter focused on one of the most popular Disney dining topics: Snacks in the theme parks and resorts A comprehensive section of What’s NEW in Disney Food, including new restaurants, new menus, restaurant closures, and more Updated information about the My Magic+ Planning System that Disney rolled out in 2013, and how it may affect your 2018 Disney plans Changes coming to Disney World in 2018 and 2019! Mickey Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich with Peanut Butter Sauce is a must-have snack! Updated section on Charging Stations, including FuelRod kiosks What’s New and Upcoming at Disney Springs What’s New and Upcoming at Disney’s Hollywood Studios A list of the must-do restaurants for Disney World first-timers, fully updated for 2018 Updated suggestions for unique kids’ meals Updated Suggestions and Reviews in our Drinking Around the World Chapter, Index of Bars and Lounges, and Late Night Dining Options Section Updated recommendations for traveling with babies and toddlers Our picks for the snacks you MUST try in 2018, including an update of the best cupcakes in WDW Updated Dining Strategies to help you stick to your budget New Seasonal Events Additional Disney Dining Scavenger Hunts and Trivia, Updated Food Crawls, and Updated BINGO cards Updated Disney Dining FAQ section Additional Top 5 recommendations And MORE! As you can see, this is a labor of love and we put a ton of time and effort (and research) into ensuring that we are sharing with you the most relevant, up to date Disney Food Information that’s available. We do this so that you can plan your own Disney visit with confidence, and have the trip of a lifetime, every time. And right now you can save 25% off the cover price with promo code WDW2018! Get MORE for LESS! Save with the Everything Bundle! We have even bigger savings on our Everything Bundle today too!This bundle has, well, EVERYTHING in it – all seven of the DFB Guides including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival pre-order (plus a free, instant download of the 2017 edition), the DFB Guide to the 2018 Walt Disney World Holidays (and a free, instant download of the 2017 edition), all three Snack Guides, and Dining Adventures! And right now you can save 40% off the already super-discounted price of the Everything Bundle with promo code BUNDLE40! Read What Our Customers Say! But don’t take our word for it! Check out what some of our readers said about the guide on our DFBStore.com Testimonials page: Ready to see what all the fuss is about? We’d love to share our best tips with you! And remember, because the guide is an e-Book, it’s super easy to download it to all of your mobile devices and take it right into the parks with you! Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2018 Edition and receive 25% off with promo code WDW2018! With a 100%, 30-day, money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Note: If you pre-ordered the 2018 DFB Guide in the last 60 days check your email for the 2018 edition! You can email us at support@dfbguide.com if you didn’t receive your pre-ordered guide! And, if you’re a previous customer be sure to email us at support@dfbguide.com to receive a code to get $6 off your purchase of this guide! As always we thank you for your support of Disney Food Blog and the work we do here. We couldn’t do it without you! 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: WOO-HOO!: Pre-Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 E-book TODAY! Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014 Grand Launch Sale! DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2016 e-Book is HERE! View the full article

What better way to start the New Year than booking a Disney vacation for all in the familia! At Walt Disney World Resort you can create new memories together while staying in the middle of the magic! And with this offer, you and your family of four can enjoy a package that includes a 4-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort hotel and 4-day Magic Your Way base tickets for as low as $1,985. You can book this offer through April 7, 2018 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights April 15 through May 24, 2018. It is the perfect time to enjoy some fun in the sun at our theme parks, water parks, Disney Springs and mucho más! Click here for more details and to book today! *Sample package prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (ages 3 to 9). The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. All Guests in the same room must be on the same package. View the full article

Shopping at Disney Parks is an adventure with hundreds of shops and boutiques to explore. The largest of these shops, World of Disney, has serves as the “must see” destination for finding many beloved souvenirs from stylish apparel to home décor. Now, as part of continued enhancements to guests’ shopping experiences at Disney Parks, the World of Disney store locations in Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort will be reimagined beginning in mid-February 2018. When the interior redesign work is completed, guests will discover the products they love from Disney Parks in a dynamic and distinctly Disney retail environment. Work will be completed in phases throughout 2018, so Guests can continue shopping in the World of Disney stores during construction. Shops in Town Center at Disney Springs, such as Ever After Jewelry Co. or The Disney Corner (opening in mid-February), will carry select merchandise while World of Disney undergoes renovations. At Downtown Disney District in California, World of Disney will remain open during the renovation. Additionally, Guests can find great shopping in the recently opened Dream Boutique, as well as the Disney Home store opening February 2018 in the former D-Street location. Please keep watching DisneyParksBlog.com for updates as the transformation progresses throughout 2018. View the full article

It’s not every day that I am surprised by a Quick Service meal at Walt Disney World. Learn About: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Disney World Restaurants But Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter has done just that! French Quarter is the sister Resort to Port Orleans, Riverside, and while both are located along the picturesque Sassagoula River and share boats that carry guests to and from Disney Springs, the Resorts’ personalities are markedly different. Riverside has a down-home, relaxed, on-the-bayou feel, with the Riverside Mill Food Court capturing the industrial spirit of New Orleans. The French Quarter, on the other hand, features the ornate wrought iron and colorful architecture of the French Quarter in New Orleans, while dancing jesters and musical alligators dotting the landscape provide more than a hint of whimsy. The French Quarter’s primary dining option — alongside Scat Cat’s Club, where you can often catch live tunes along with your drink, and Mardi Grogs, the pool bar — is Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory. This quick service food court used to wow (and kinda creep out) guests with its massive Mardi Gras float decor suspended from the ceiling. It was colorful and busy with something new to discover on every visit. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory A 2016 renovation gave Sassagoula Floatworks a total overhaul, so let’s check out what the space looks like now once again before we grab a bite to eat. Atmosphere The colorful, oversized Mardi Gras props that used to hang from the ceiling from wall to wall still take some part in the Floatworks decor, only on a much more subdued level. Last year’s renovation delivered a more simplified and industrial design to the food court. Guests were torn about the change, with some lamenting the loss of such over-the-top theming, while others appreciated the streamlined and less markedly terrifying look. Either way, there is still color in concentrated amounts, and Mardi Gras details remain present (if much less conspicuous). Mardi Gras decor makes an appearance We visited the newly renovated spot on its reopening day, and since then, further enhancements have been added to the decor, with the introduction of some art installations and Mardi Gras beads, all hung from the open, ‘factory-like’ ceiling. Glass bottle art Glass ‘bead’ artwork Umbrellas It’s fun to see a touch of those “larger than life” accents return. The ordering area itself was likewise simplified (though it’s always been smaller than other Moderate Resort food courts). Black and white tile floors lead to arched food stations, each with an LED menu board. Food Court A Grab and Go island in the center of the court contains a variety of drinks and snacks, plus the Resort Refillable Mugs, of course. Grab and Go Island The renovation also brought the introduction of Coke Freestyle machines to Sassagoula Floatworks. Coke Freestyle Machines But while the food court saw a dramatic change, the menu at Sassagoula Floatworks stayed true to its N’awlins roots while enhancing some of its regular offerings. Eats The menus at Sassagoula have something for everyone from the Chicken Nugget Set to the Foodie… and all of the Beignet lovers in between! Menu Highlights Create-Your-Own Pasta resides alongside Cajun Bayou Pizza at the Pizza & Pasta Station. Pasta Menu A Power Salad keeps company with Gumbo and Po’ Boys. Salads and Sandwiches Po’Boys And Hand-dipped Ice Cream cozies up to the Beignet Sundae. Sweets And HERE is where Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory surprised me. Because, frankly, neither of the items I ordered really looked all that appealing when I received them. But, thankfully, I pressed on… For my entree I went with Jambalaya, a traditional Louisiana rice dish featuring chicken and andouille sausage. I love Jambalaya, and the version at Boatwright’s next door is one of my favorites. Upon presentation, it looked dry and bland. Jambalaya However, upon hitting the taste buds, it really delivered some terrific flavor! I love the Cajun seasoning of the rice, and the andouille sausage carried a hint of spice. Though it may not quite live up to the Jambalaya at Boatwright’s Dining Hall, for a Counter Service option? I say, heck, yeah! I couldn’t stop eating it! For dessert, I snagged a House-made Mickey Praline. When we enjoyed this previously, it had a nice, golden hue, and I was looking forward to it again. But this time, it appeared that the sugar had crystalized, which I expected would give the Praline an unpleasant gritty texture. Pecan Praline But that wasn’t the case! It wasn’t gritty at all. It was still crazy good, with that sweetness of the brown sugar balanced by the nutty pecans. Small, but rich and even a bit decadent. Plus… MICKEY! My personal favorite pal to join me down here in N’awlins . Nosh or Not? You’ll want to float on over to Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory if: You’re staying at Port Orleans — French Quarter or Riverside and want to grab a tasty quick service meal. You never skip Beignets on your Disney vacation, and want to try some additional Louisiana-inspired eats. You enjoy leisurely boat rides and find yourself on the Sassagoula River Cruise from Disney Springs. You might want to go another direction if: You don’t plan on spending time at the Port Orleans Resorts. Quick Service, even when it’s nicely amped up, isn’t your thing. You want to try the more diverse offerings at nearby Disney Springs instead. Overall On this trip, I ate at both Riverside Mill Food Court and Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory. And while Riverside’s meal looked a whole lot more impressive, I have to say that my meal at Sassagoula is one that I would actually make a point to eat again, even if I’m not in the area for any other reason. My sentimental side may miss a bit of the old design of the food court itself, but as far as the food goes? I’m still totally down with the renovation here one year later. We’re all still rollin’ in the good times at Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory! (Oh, and if you were wondering what was so scary about the previous incarnation of the food court…) Look familiar? 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. Have you been surprised by a Disney Resort Quick Service meal or treat? Tell us about it in the comments! 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: News: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Closing for Refurbishment on July 11 Review: Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Port Orleans Resort, French Quarter Review: The NEW Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Port Orleans Resort, French Quarter View the full article

Disney-goers riding the Monorail to Epcot recently captured video of the train traveling with one side of the door open. A Disney spokeswoman said the Monorail train on the red line was immediately removed from service after the incident happened midday Saturday. Disney values safety and regrets... View the full article

It’s the start of a new year, and as I shared in last week’s post, I’m diving full force into healthier habits in 2018. It’s both a blessing and a curse that my office is located at Disney Springs…let’s just say I’ve tried most of the offerings here, and more than a few of them fall into the “splurge” category! Luckily for you, I’ve discovered plenty of menu items that are both delicious and nutritious. Read on for a few of my favorites: Taqueria Salad (Frontera Cocina): With petite baby gem lettuces, carrots, radishes, avocado, cotija cheese and tortilla strips, this salad dressed with avocado-lime vinaigrette has become my go-to when I’m craving greens. I usually add shrimp (always cooked just right), but it’s delicious with grilled chicken, too! Spicy Tuna Roll (Morimoto Asia): Fresh tuna, spicy mayo and scallions work together to make every bite pure perfection. If you want to up the “good for you” factor, you can request brown rice in place of white at no extra cost. Tuna’s not your thing? Spicy salmon, spicy yellowtail, eel & avocado, California or vegetable rolls are also on the menu. Fresh Fish of the Day (Paddlefish): Confession, well into my early 20s, I thought I “didn’t like” seafood. Turns out, I just hadn’t tried the right dishes! Today, fresh fish is one of my make-at-home staples, but if I’m being honest, I’d much rather let the culinary team and Paddlefish serve up their latest catch of the day. I’ve dined there several times, and there’s magic happening in their kitchen. Filet Medallion (STK): Did you know that filet mignon is one of the healthiest cuts of beef? Well, it is, and I couldn’t be happier about it. The 6-ounce portion at STK Orlando is just the right size for steak lovers who still want to show off their skinny jeans. To really stick to your resolutions, skip the mashed potatoes (pictured) and add an order of asparagus or a side of cucumbers & heirloom tomatoes instead. Red Vine Pizza (Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza): Pizza doesn’t usually show up on the “healthy” list, but hear me out … with classic dough, red sauce, grated parmesan, ovalini mozzarella, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes and an olive oil drizzle, the Red Vine Pizza from Blaze is a solid choice. Not that I’m saying you should, but you could have an entire pizza for 660 calories. Split it with a friend, and you’ll agree that it’s a smart choice, indeed! While I’m certainly not a nutritional expert, the five favorites above always leave me feeling satisfied, but not stuffed. If you’re trying to improve your overall health and well-being, too, be sure to make choices that feel right to you! I can promise you this … if you look hard enough, there are lots of options that can help keep you on track. Do you have a favorite mindful menu item from Disney Springs? If so, share it in the comments below – I’m always on the lookout for new finds! View the full article