Disney4me

OK, who’s in the mood for a burger, fries and a shake? Learn About: D-Luxe Burger Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants You, too? Then join us at Disney’s newest burger joint, D-Luxe Burger! Newly opened in the Town Center of Disney Springs (and by “newly” we mean TODAY!!!), D-Luxe Burger is a Disney owned and operated location specializing in gourmet burgers made with signature blend patties, freshly cut fries (with TONS of sauces), and artisanal gelato shakes — including “adult” versions. So, yes — it’s that classic combo, indeed. But there’s definitely more than a twist or two involved… Are you hungry yet? D-Luxe Burger sign Excellent… then let’s step into D-Luxe Burger and check things out! Atmosphere So, where exactly IS D-Luxe Burger? D-Luxe Burger Well, since literally EVERYTHING is brand new in the Town Center of Disney Springs, it’s a bit difficult to provide a well-known landmark. Perhaps this handy new Disney Springs Guide Map will help you (Just click to enlarge. D-Luxe Burger is Number 54 in the orange grouping on the map). New Disney Springs Map New Disney Springs Map Ever since Disney described the setting as “eclectically comfortable Florida ranch-inspired,” I’ve been wondering exactly what that means . And now we know! D-Luxe Burger The interior is rustic and homey (and yep, “eclectically comfortable,” as promised!). It reminds me of comfort food restaurants I’ve enjoyed in Dallas and Nashville, and gives a modern farmhouse feel. Inside D-Luxe Burger Inside D-Luxe Burger Be sure to look up and check out the sweet ceiling tiles, high beams, and cool lighting fixtures. Ceiling and Lighting Fixtures Ceiling and Lighting Fixtures Lighting Fixtures And of course, it’s filled with more than a touch or two of Disney whimsy and good ol’ storytelling! “Glowing Oak Ranch Est. 1850″ D-Luxe Burger atmosphere D-Luxe Burger atmosphere D-Luxe Burger atmosphere D-Luxe Burger atmosphere D-Luxe Burger atmosphere Indoor seating offers a mix of both tables and booths. Indoor Seating Indoor Seating And for those who need a little modern-day mixed in with their old-fashioned ranch settings, the “bar” seating has outlets and USB plug-ins. Bar seating Outlets with USB Plug-ins Oh, and just in case you were wondering… Nearest Restrooms sign The indoor fireplace is so cozy I think I’ll look forward to sitting near it even during a Florida August. (How many Hidden Mickeys can YOU spy in the wood pile?) Fireplace That said, the covered outdoor seating offers some lovely views of the springs that are the focal point of the new Town Center. Outdoor Seating Outdoor Seating Waterfront View Alright, Cowpokes! We’ve had our look around. Now it’s time to order up… Register set-up Kitchen … and hunker down ‘fer a bite or two! D-Luxe Burger packaging D-Luxe Burger is considered a counter-service restaurant, and does take the Disney Dining Plan with one quick service credit. Eats It’s all burgers, fries and shakes at D-Luxe Burger! And if you’re craving the traditional take, it can be all yours with an order of the Classic Cheeseburger, Fresh-Cut Fries, and a good ol’ Vanilla, Chocolate, or Strawberry Shake. D-Luxe Burger menu But a closer look at the menu reveals that there’s much more to it. Let’s start with the burgers: aside from the Classic, gourmet variations include the El Diablo Burger, Barbecue Burger, and the Southern Classic Burger. (All burgers are signature blend ground beef patties including brisket, angus, chuck, and shortrib. The El Diablo also includes chorizo in the blend). Burger Menu For guests not into red meat, the Cluck Burger (a ground chicken patty) and the Veggie Burger are options as well. And here are the options for the Lil’ Cowpokes in your party. Kids’ Meals Fresh-Cut Fries are served with your choice of dipping sauces: Garlic Ranch, Horseradish, Chipotle Mayo, 3 Mustard and Honey, Buffalo Blue Cheese, and Curry Ketchup. (Yes — we got them all!) French Fry and Dipping Sauce Menu You may choose to wash your meal down with a beer, hard soda, hard cider, or wine. Drink Menu Or, of course, Fountain Sodas or Iced Tea. Fountain Sodas And finally, we have the Shakes. You gotta respect a menu where the choices of Artisanal Gelato Shakes outnumber the entrees and sides altogether ! The requisite Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry have a few unexpected neighbors on the menu like S’mores, Cake, and Salted Caramel. Shakes and Floats menu Twists custom-made for grownups include a Vanilla Porter Shake, Godiva Chocolate and Strawberry Malt, and Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake. And Floats also factor into the menu, with Orange, Root Beer and Cherry Coke varieties (along with alcoholic versions of the Root Beer and Orange). There’s just one dessert option (ok, NOT counting all those shakes, that is!), but when it’s Red Velvet Burger Macarons, do you really need more ? Dessert Menu Sooo… what did we get? D-Luxe Burger Packaging I’m glad you asked! We started with the Southern Classic Burger. Southern Classic Burger in packaging Like the other beef options, this one starts with the signature blend beef patty: a mix of brisket, angus, chuck, and short rib. Southern Classic Burger It’s topped with Fried-Green Tomatoes, Pimento Cheese, Lettuce, and Bacon. Southern Classic Burger Toppings In a word, it’s HUGE. In a few more words ;), the burger itself was cooked perfectly to a pink center. It was SUPER juicy and tender, with the highlight of the toppings being those fried-green tomatoes, wonderfully prepared to a golden brown. But that’s not the only one we tried… presenting, El Diablo!! El Diablo Burger This one is made with that same signature blend beef patty, but with the addition of spicy Chorizo sausage. Toppings include Fried Banana Peppers, Pepper Jack Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Chipotle Mayo. El Diablo Toppings As you may have surmised by that list, this one is ABSOLUTELY for the Heat Seekers! It carries a great, spicy heat that we just loved. Of course, what’s a burger without FRENCH FRIES? Fresh-Cut Fries These fresh, thick, skin-on fries taste as good as they look… except they’re made even better with the six choices of Dipping Sauce! Going clockwise from the top left, we’ve got Chipotle Mayo, Curry Ketchup, Buffalo Blue Cheese, 3 Mustard and Honey, Garlic Ranch and Horseradish. French Fries with Dipping Sauces Honestly, there’s not a dud in the bunch — this is all about personal preference. So if you have trouble deciding, you may want to ask for more than one (there was no extra charge to try all six!). For further accompaniment , we couldn’t resist the Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake. This was due to both the Cast Member recommendation as well as the BACON GARNISH! Smoked Bourbon Gelato Shake Bacon Garnish Coming in at 14 bucks, this is for sure a vacation splurge. But you may find the smooth, chocolately, sweet-and-salty blend with a NICE kick from the bourbon to be well worth it! We also grabbed a S’mores Shake. I loved the whipped cream in addition to the mini marshmallows on top! S’mores Shake You really can taste the difference with the choice of gelato over ice cream. It is unbelievably thick and creamy. S’mores Shake And finally, for that ONE dessert option we mentioned… the Red Velvet Burger Macaron. Red Velvet Burger Macaron This one is pretty underwhelming. The “looks like a burger but it’s really NOT! HA HA HA HA!” trend peaked about five years ago, so I was kind of shocked when this came out of the bag. Red Velvet Burger Macaron The taste was fine, but D-Luxe Burger has such a comfort food, southern-feel, simple-but-awesome flavor thing going on, they could have easily done an awesome house-made cobbler or something similar for their dessert option. I’m not sure I’d spend $5 on this again. Red Velvet Burger Macaron As a reminder — D-Luxe Burger does accept the Disney Dining Plan for Counter Service meals. But here’s the thing: there are SEVEN new eateries opening up in Disney Springs today alone. So sadly, we had to wrap up our first visit to D-Luxe Burger. But it won’t be the last… Overall I think it’s safe to say that D-Luxe Burger has started things off with a BANG in regards to eats here in the BRAND NEW Town Center of Disney Springs! The bulk of the area formerly known as Downtown Disney has long relied on outside vendors for its dining options. And while we look forward to welcoming more of those, I think we’ve been especially looking forward to seeing what the Disney owned and operated spots such as D-Luxe Burger would bring to the Disney Springs table. While we expected great theming — and the setting here at D-Luxe Burger certainly doesn’t disappoint — we’re happy to report that D-Luxe Burger delivers an A-Game when it comes to food as well…except that dessert option, but you can always indulge in a gelato shake instead. So we happily welcome you, D-Luxe Burger! And we also welcome the entire new Town Center of Disney Springs!! We’ll see you all back here real soon… Are you hoping to try D-Luxe Burger soon? Please let us know with a comment! Pin our review for later! 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: D-Luxe Burger to Open May 2016 in Disney Springs News: YeSake, Morimoto Asia Street Food, and D-Luxe Burger Open May 15th in Disney Springs First Look and Review! Sprinkles Cupcakes in Disney Springs Town Center View the full article

This week, we shared a sneak peek at some of the innovative technology you’ll experience during ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ when the show makes its debut on May 27 at Disney California Adventure Park. As Erin shared, the team at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment sought out new and exciting ways to tell Anna and Elsa’s story. The theatrical production incorporates state-of-the-art projections and motion capture technology to create several “Wow!” moments for the audience. Check out Erin’s original story for more details. And Disney Parks Blog readers were the first to see the new newscast – “Inside Disney Parks.” Each newscast will be driven by the latest news and top stories at Disney Parks as well as video not shared on any of our other platforms. We’ll be traveling the globe every month, to all of our world-class Disney destinations, for an official insider’s look at what’s happening now and in the future – with a touch of nostalgia. There is more information and show notes for “Inside Disney Parks” in this week’s story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on. #DisneyKids: Carnival-Style Family Fun at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – As Disney’s Animal Kingdom introduces new nighttime experiences, some favorite daytime attractions will now also be open once the sun goes down. Over in DinoLand U.S.A., little ones will delight in seeing the midway at Fossil Fun Games lit up for the evening! Johnny Depp Surprises Disneyland Resort Guests as the Mad Hatter – Some Disneyland Resort guests got more than they expected from an interactive billboard recently when Johnny Depp, dressed as his iconic character the Mad Hatter, was livestreamed directly to the resort to surprise guests. Aloha All Day at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa: Aloha ‘Auinala! – The fun continues all day at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – and so does the memory-making! As you may recall, throughout my series, “Aloha All Day,” I’ve been sharing the Hawaiian greeting for various times of the day. Go Inside Shanghai Disney Resort with Disney twenty three – The countdown is on, and D23, Disney’s official fan club, is giving guests an exclusive look inside Shanghai Disney Resort in the new issue of Disney twenty-three with unbelievable photography and in-depth features we know fans will love. 9 Questions with the New Chef at Monsieur Paul in Epcot France Pavilion – Tucked upstairs in the France pavilion is an exquisite little gem – an elegant-yet-relaxed dining room with classic French décor and vintage photos on the walls, French waiters in crisp white shirts and long bistro aprons, a menu of sublime French dishes and wines that rivals the finest restaurants. Prince Harry’s Invictus Games Kicked Off with a Heroes Parade at Walt Disney World Resort – The competition is underway, but before it began, athletes from the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 were treated to a hero’s welcome during a magical parade at Magic Kingdom Park. View the full article

What an inspiring week we’ve had at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosting the 2016 Invictus Games. Nearly 500 competitors from 14 countries came to Walt Disney World Resort for competition, a welcome parade in Magic Kingdom, and star-studded opening and closing ceremonies. This Week in Disney Parks photos, you’ll see participants who spectators might not have: service dogs for the competitors. Mickey Mouse and Pluto were able to spend some time with them and their partners at the Shades of Green hotel before the final day of competition. See more photos from 2016 Invictus Games in our Disney Parks Blog Facebook gallery. The brainchild of Prince Harry, the Invictus Games are the only international adaptive sporting event for for injured, wounded and ill active duty and veteran service members. Were you able to join us during the events? Please share your favorite moments with us! View the full article

This past March, the Disneyland Resort introduced the World of Color Dessert Party. My family and I had the pleasure of attending recently, and what a special treat it was! I’m always up for a Disney Dessert Party. I’ve done the Fanstasmic Dessert Party at Disneyland (currently on hiatus due to construction) and also a handful of different dessert parties at Walt Disney World. World of Color Dessert Party Signage I’m excited to say that the World of Color Dessert Party both met and exceeded my expectations! The dessert party starts one hour prior to World of Color show time. Reservations must be made in advance either online or by calling Disney Dining; the dessert parties are nightly. On the day of your party, proceed to the queue at this sign. When you reach the front of the line, check in and you will be shown to your table. Table Seating YES, TABLE! The seating was honestly one of the best things about the World of Color Dessert Party. It’s also, by far, the main difference from the Fantasmic Dessert Party; there it’s just folding chairs and you eat on your lap. It was so lovely to have tables. It made the event feel much more special. It was also easier for our group to socialize while eating dessert! There are two types of tables at the dessert party, the lower tables as shown above and the high tops with director type chairs as seen below. Additional Seating Once you are shown to your table, your server brings over a Menu and a basket of Parmesan Coated Breadsticks and Sliced Baguettes. ALSO, please note that I am aware of the misspelling of the French “Macaron.” We know that the coconut ones are “macaroon” and the French are “macaron.” It’s a common mistake that we’ve seen before, so please don’t get upset, I did not write the menu. Bread Basket & Menu The Parmesan Breadsticks were delicious, especially with the cheese selection that was soon delivered! BUT, before the dessert platter arrives, it’s drink time. Beverages include Soda, Water or Hot Chocolate. Grown ups can choose an “adult beverage” if they’d like: either a glass of Champagne or the party’s signature drink, the Wonderful Cooler. The Wonderful Cooler consists of Sprite, Lemonade, Blue Liqueur, and Coconut Rum. I highly recommend the Wonderful Cooler — SO tasty! Non alcocholic beverages are refillable, and adult beverages are limited to one per person (ages 21 and up of course). Champagne & the Wonderful Cooler If you really want to be fancy, you can upgrade to the World of Color sipper for an additional fee. These cups are “made with magic” and glow with the show. I did not ask the price at the event, but I know that they were $28 when they were first introduced for Disneyland’s 60th. Made with Magic World of Color Sipper Glows with the Show Now, on to the desserts!!! Dessert! This gorgeous assortment of treats is brought to you plated. I thought it was much nicer than the plastic take out box at the Fantasmic Dessert Party. Also, a little less gluttonous than the all you can eat dessert buffets I’ve been to in Walt Disney World. The plates were brought out with silver domes over them and then revealed to you at your table. It had a very classy feel to it. World of Color Dessert Party Platter Let’s start at twelve o’ clock on the plate and go clockwise! How adorable is the Waffle Bowl with Berries and Lime Yogurt Mousse? And that little World of Color chocolate logo??? Not only adorable, but also delicious. This was one of my favorite treats on the plate. The sweet & tart flavor combination was so nice and I loved the fresh berries it was topped with. Waffle Bowl with Berries and Lime Yogurt Mousse Next up is the Mini French Macaron and the Dulce de Leche filled Shortbread Cookie. The Mini Macaron wasn’t anything to write home about…but I’m not a big fan of French Macarons. However, I did LOVE the Dulce de Leche filled Shortbread Cookie. The gooey caramel center was amazing and the soft shortbread shell was wonderful too. Mini French Macaron & Dulce de Leche Filled Shortbread Cookie The cheese assortment was also fabulous. A trio of Brie, Mild Cheddar & Manchego was served with a side of Seedless Green Grapes. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cheese. Maybe even more than dessert. The selection here was really nice. Nothing too overpowering, all delicious. That mini Brie wheel was perfect for dipping one of the Parmesan Cheese Coated Breadsticks in. The green grapes were fresh and tart — a perfect accompaniment to the cheeses and bread. Another one of my odd dislikes? Anything mocha or coffee flavored. But I can assure you that if you are a fan of these flavors, you will love the Chocolate Mocha Bundt Cake! I donated mine to my friend Lisa, who LOVED it! Trio of Cheeses, Green Seedless Grapes, & the Chocolate Mocha Bundt Cake And last but definitely not least, the grand finale and my very favorite thing on this plate: the Mickey Coconut Macaroon! This treat was previously served at the Club 33 Dessert Bar pre-remodel. It is sorely missed, so when I saw it was being offered at the World of Color Dessert Party, I was pretty excited. This Mickey is a little different, smaller in size with purple ears, but it tastes the same! Moist coconut with just the right amount of chocolate. I really wish these were sold park wide! Mickey Coconut Macaroon Now, for a few tips: Special diets can be accommodated, but you must contact Disney Dining BEFORE the day of the show. The dessert party plate is very generously portioned. If you have dinner plans before the event, make sure to eat something light so that you have room for all of these tasty treats. OR, if you consider cheese and bread to be a meal (yes, please) make THIS your dinner. Then follow it with the sweets on the plate in front of you. If however, you can’t finish, a wonderful cast member will offer you a to go box and you can take your leftovers home with you! Treats To Go! ALSO, my boys were asked if they’d like some Hot Chocolate to go! That was a fun surprise too. Hot Chocolate To Go! The World of Color Dessert Party is $79 a person regardless of age. As mentioned above, the party is nightly and you can make your reservations online or by calling Disney Dining at 714.781.DINE. This is a pricey event, but honestly, it’s a great experience. Not something to do on a “regular” basis by any means, but if you are looking for a special date night, are planning a birthday surprise, have a first timer with you, or maybe you just want to experience The World of Color sitting down comfortably while eating delicious food, I highly recommend this fun evening. I also think it would be a great alternative to the World of Color dining packages; the seating is much better than the standing reserved spots. Just look at our view! Dessert Party View Pin It For Later! A big thank you to Disney for inviting my family to experience the World of Color Dessert Party. Heather Sievers is the Disney Food Blog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist. See more of her columns here! 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 Available for New World of Color Dessert Party in Disney California Adventure Dining in Disneyland Review: The New Cove Bar Expansion in Disney California Adventure Dining in Disneyland: Dinner and Updated Menu Review at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure View the full article

Wow! What an amazing week! For the past seven days, I’ve had the honor of watching the Invictus Games Orlando 2016 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Looking back, this extraordinary week was more than a series of competitive events. From the opening ceremonies through the competitions to the closing celebration, I was overwhelmed by the power of the human spirit. The word “Invictus” means unconquered and that fighting spirit was seen in the nearly 500 competitors from 14 nations competing in 10 sports. While the eyes of the world watched the Invictus Games on ESPN’s family of networks and the BBC, the hearts of the world (including mine) fell in love with some of the most courageous heroes from around the globe. Witnessing the determination and grit of these servicemen and women as they competed for their nations despite their injuries was truly inspiring. Over the course of the Games, a total of 410 medals were awarded, but the number of medals, nations, and days of competition can’t measure the impact of the Games for competitors and their families. Cheering crowds applauded first place through last place finishes; coaches shared stories of teamwork and dedication; competitors helped each other cross the finish line; and friends, family and caregivers traveled the world to continue to support their loved ones. Personally, I was also amazed by the thousands of volunteers and fellow Cast Members who went above and beyond to assist wherever they could, ensuring our brave Guests would have the best possible experience during their time at Disney. As a company that has a long history of supporting service men and women, we could not have been more more delighted to host the incredible athletes and their families during this momentous event. In highlighting the company’s Heroes Work Here initiative, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek reminded us all that more than 6,000 veterans have joined The Walt Disney Company since the effort stared in 2012. “At The Walt Disney Company, we recognize and respect those who have put their lives on the line for their country,” said Bob during his remarks for the opening ceremony. As the Invictus Games came to a close, it was clear the competitors embodied the “I AM” emblem within the Invictus Games logo. While the Games will move to Toronto for 2017, they will leave a lasting impact on the Cast Members, volunteers, and all of the lives they touched during their time at Disney. View the full article

Just as we wrap the final weeks of the fabulous 2016 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, we’re already getting excited about the debut of the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, opening on Sept. 14 and continuing a record 62 days, through Nov. 14. We’ve already been tasting the dishes for the 30-plus global marketplaces, from a new beef brisket and pimento cheese sandwich for Hops & Barley to surprisingly delicious vegan Greek nachos. And anyone for a hard soda ice-cream float? Look for new hands-on experiences with chefs, bakers and mixologists in the Festival Center, and a new cooking school (details to come). Celebrity chefs are back, already on this year’s roster are Jamie Deen, “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro, Masaharu Morimoto, Elizabeth Faulkner, Norman Van Aken and Cat Cora. And once you’re happily sated, the free Eat to the Beat concerts at America Gardens Theatre are the perfect way to end the day – Wang Chung opens the concert series Sept. 14-15. Eight new acts will join the lineup, and favorites are back, including Wilson Phillips and Boyz II Men. A few things you might like to know: The Festival Private Label California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are back, available by the bottle or glass. Chef Remy of “Ratatouille” returns with his fun-for-the-family culinary scavenger hunt. Chase debit and credit card members attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival presented by Chase – including Disney Visa card members — will find complimentary non-alcoholic refreshments, a charging station and comfortable seating to relax at the Chase Lounge at American Adventure. Included with Epcot admission are the Back to Basics series, special book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, cultural adventures, Festival Passport and all attractions and entertainment. Party for the Senses grand tasting events with a new theme each week, Rockin’ Burger Block Parties, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. When a reservation booking date is announced this summer, guests can call 407/WDW-FEST (939-3378) and get details at epcotfoodfestival.com. View the full article

In adapting Disney’s “Frozen” for the stage in “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion,” the team at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment sought out new and exciting ways to tell Anna and Elsa’s story. Among other innovations, this dazzling theatrical production incorporates state-of-the-art projections and motion capture technology to create several “Wow!” moments for the audience. Disney team members collaborated with award-winning video and projection designer Aaron Rhyne (“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” “Tangled: The Musical”) to produce projection effects that open up the world of the story, propel the action forward and blend seamlessly with physical sets and, in some cases, the performers themselves! That custom video wall covers 2,200 square feet and includes more than 4 million pixels. In fact, it weighs so much, the stage deck had to be reinforced with steel plates to secure it! It’s just one of the incredibly impressive set pieces that will make “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” a not-to-be-missed spectacle. The show makes its debut May 27 in the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

I can’t wait to visit the Florida Keys and check it off my Florida bucket list someday, but I know I’ve found the next best thing to actually going there at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. This sprawling Disney Vacation Club resort is tucked away near Disney Springs and transports guests to a tranquil setting surrounded by laid back waterways, sunny pools, palm trees, and even golf-course fairways perfect for a relaxing getaway. I peeked into room 1828, a one-bedroom villa that overlooks the pristine Lake Buena Vista Golf Course. This villa has one king bed in a bedroom attached to the spacious bathroom complete with a Jacuzzi tub, and one queen-size sleeper sofa as well as one twin-size sleeper chair. There are all the comforts of home with a fully equipped kitchen, dining table, and more. The industrial-style lamp above the dining room table gives a nod to the resort’s community called Conch Flats. You also have your own balcony with a patio table and chairs to relax at and take in the sights. There are plenty of conch shell accents—a popular symbol in the Florida Keys–and a beautiful framed map highlighting the string of tropical islands. There’s also a hidden Mickey detail you don’t want to miss in the adorable beach chair lamp. Enjoy the view, and I hope it inspires you to take it easy and be on island time today! View the full article

“Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” Learn About: B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Well, if you’re one of the Three Little Pigs, you probably are — and with good reason! But if that doesn’t happen to be your situation , then you have no reason to fear stepping right up to the brand new B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. kiosk — especially if you’re in the mood for the house specialty! B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., The Daily Poutine, and YeSake are three Disney owned-and-operated food kiosks slated to open on May 15th — the same day the new Town Center will open in Disney Springs. (The final kiosk to join Disney Springs, AristoCrepes, is scheduled to open on May 22nd.) But we were able to happen upon a soft opening today! Prior to official openings, sometimes new Disney World eateries will host soft openings to give the Cast some practice and work out any possible kinks (this also means that the spot is not guaranteed to be in operation at any given time until it officially opens on May 15th). With more than a wink and a nod to the story of The Three Little Pigs — which Walt Disney produced as a Silly Symphony short film in 1933 — B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is serving up Artisan Sausages to Disney Springs guests. B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. sign Before that Big Bad Wolf huffs, and he puffs, and he blows this house down, let’s check out new B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.! Atmosphere B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is located in the Marketplace of Disney Springs, right near the spot formerly known as Fulton’s Crab House (which will be transformed into Paddlefish when the location reopens this fall). Looks like the Big Bad Wolf decided against straw or sticks for his new place, opting instead for more of a wooden panel siding. B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. In the Silly Symphony, the Wolf tries to enter the house through the chimney to get at those pigs in the house made of brick. So the addition of a brick chimney here is a fun touch! Chimney and sign Even within this small setting, there are still fun things to see — primarily, the open kitchen where you can watch the food preparation in progress (and check out those cool Pork Pie — natch — hats on the Cast Members handling the orders ). Open Kitchen And what are they preparing? Let’s take a closer look… Eats A variety of artisan sausages make up the menu at B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Options include The 3 Little Pigs Sampler (Ha!) which comes with a Reuben Sausage, a Bacon-wrapped with Black Bean Salsa Sausage, and a Chili-Cheese Sausage. B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. menu For individual sale are a Portuguese Sausage (topped with with a pickled vegetable slaw and chili mustard), a Sweet Hot Sausage (featuring peppers, onions, and marinara), an Italian Veggie Sausage (also served with peppers, onions, and marinara), and a Bavarian Sausage Sandwich (which you’d better believe we’ll be digging into shortly ). Draft Beer (Goose Island Four Star Pilsner and Yuengling Traditional Lager) and an assortment of soda and bottled water make up the drink options. Draft Beer As for our order, the Cast Member helping us recommended two choices in particular: the 3 Little Pigs Sampler and the Bavarian Sausage Sandwich (which we were already intrigued by, due to the promise of a Pretzel Roll!). Let’s start with that 3 Little Pigs Sampler. Down the line you’ll see them in the same order as listed on the menu: the Reuben, the Bacon-wrapped with Black Bean Salsa, and the Chili-Cheese. The 3 Little Pigs Sampler Like all of the dishes at the kiosk, the Sampler is served with housemade pickles. Housemade Pickles The Reuben Sausage is a play on a typical Reuben sandwich. (You can spy a bit of casing on the sausage, offering the slightest “snap!”) The Reuben in The 3 Little Pigs Sampler Topped with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage and a Thousand Island dressing, the sausage takes the place of the typical corned beef in a Reuben. This mini roll in particular combines the flavors I most associate with German foods like wurst. The Reuben in The 3 Little Pigs Sampler Considering the cheese and the meat, this bite is heartier than expected! I think that’s also thanks to the fresh rolls that the mini sausages are served in, which are soft and delicious (seriously, the bread is terrific). On an opposite end of the flavor spectrum is the Bacon-wrapped with Black Bean Salsa Sausage. Bacon-wrapped with Black Bean Salsa Sausage in The 3 Little Pigs Sampler You can spy more of the bacon below (those pigs can’t catch a break, can they ?), lending an unexpected hint of smokiness to the southwestern flavors. Bacon-wrapped with Black Bean Salsa Sausage in The 3 Little Pigs Sampler The last in the Sampler is the Chili-Cheese Sausage. Chili-Cheese Sausage in The 3 Little Pigs Sampler The name obviously references chili and cheese, but the fun surprise here is the addition of crushed corn chips on top. YUM! The layer of chili was relatively thin, but all three toppings together tasted terrific, helping what I assumed would be the most pedestrian of the three to actually top the list as my favorite! Overall, there is a LOT of taste packed in the Sampler, and each of the flavor combos is enjoyable. I found the variety to be a lot of fun… if a more than a little messy, to be honest. Unfortunately, there are no tables in the immediate area, so you’d be best off to carry your dish to one of the tables you can typically find closer to the World of Disney store. As mentioned, we just had to try the Bavarian Sausage Sandwich, too! Bavarian Sausage Sandwich It’s also served with the housemade pickles and like the Sampler, it’s presented on fun B.B. Wolf’s logo-patterned paper. B.B. Wolf’s logo paper You’ll notice that the pretzel bread, in this case, isn’t topped with coarse salt, but the unique presentation and somewhat chewy consistency were still a winner with this one. Bavarian Sausage Sandwich There is NO shortage of the braised red cabbage topping the generous portion of sausage. I especially enjoyed the Dijon-style mustard, even though it wasn’t at all spicy. Bavarian Sausage Sandwich Again, the only negative with this one is the mess factor, so stock up on some napkins and get ready for a little seating hunt . Overall A few logistics before we wrap up our first visit to the Big Bad Wolf’s place! Just a reminder, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is currently in soft openings, which means you may not find it in operation during regular Disney Springs hours until it officially opens on May 15th. B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. does accept the Disney Dining Plan as a Counter Service option. However, since they don’t offer any side items or desserts, participants in the Plan receive 2 drinks with their choice of entree at the moment. We’re guessing the menu will evolve with sides in the future. B.B. Wolf’s is definitely a fun new option for visitors to Disney Springs offering some really unique and tasty choices. If you can’t get enough of dishes like the Frankfurter or Bratwurst in the Germany Pavilion’s Sommerfest over at Epcot, you will likely enjoy paying a visit to the Big Bad Wolf the next time you’re in Disney Springs. You may even step out of your comfort zone and try one of the twists on the classic… if you’re not too AFRAID of the Big Bad Wolf, that is! What do you think so far of the first of the new offerings in Disney Springs? 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! “The Daily Poutine” Coming to Disney Springs in Walt Disney World News! Menus and Opening Dates for Aristocrepes, B.B. Wolf’s, and The Daily Poutine in Disney Springs News: YeSake, Morimoto Asia Street Food, and D-Luxe Burger Open May 15th in Disney Springs View the full article

Hooray! We finally have a few more updates on the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which will be showcasing tons of awesomeness from September 14-November 14 this year! We’ve been reporting the latest and greatest for you as soon as we hear it, from new Eat to the Beat Concert acts to confirmed Food and Wine Festival World Showcase Booths. And now we have even more great info to help you as you plan your Fall trip to the World. 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Updates Disney releases Food and Wine info in trickles this time of year, and today we’ve got more details on World Showcase Booths, new special events, a reimagined Party for the Senses, and a twist to the standard culinary and beverage seminars at the Festival Center. Read on for more! Confirmed World Showcase Booths This year, guests will nosh at over 30 Epcot Food and Wine Festival World Showcase Booths (check out our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths page for more details!). Confirmed as returning this year are Greece, Desserts & Champagne, and Farm Fresh. Greece Marketplace Booth New items will include hard soda floats (much like the Hard Root Beer Float you can currently get at the Fife and Drum Tavern in Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion) at the Desserts & Champagne booth; a savory vegan dish at the Greece marketplace; and new savory menu options at the Farm Fresh booth. Hard Root Beer Float The Booths will again extend into Future World this year, but we have no confirmation on whether The Chew will be involved this year. Check out our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths page for more details as we get them! Ready to Plan for Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! This 250+-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 World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2016 edition today and we’ll immediately send you the 2015 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Lineup (So Far!) Ahead of the official announcement, our team has put together a first look at some of the music acts we expect to see during this year’s Eat to the Beat Concert Series; and now we have a few more updates. We’re excited to confirm that new acts will include Wang Chung, Delta Rae, and Toad the Wet Sprocket. Joining them in the lineup will be returning acts Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men, Jeffrey Osbourne, 38 Special, Starship, and Christopher Cross. Unconfirmed (but we’re pretty darn sure about them) new acts include Fuel and Plain White T’s. Note that this schedule is subject to change. Wang Chung NEW! – September 14-15 Starship — September 16-18 TBD – September 19-23 Fuel NEW! – September 24 TBD — September 25-October 8 Plain White T’s (UNCONFIRMED) NEW! – October 7-9 38 Special — October 10-11 Jeffrey Osbourne — October 12-13 NEW! TBD — October 14-19 Christopher Cross – October 20-21 TBD — October 22-November 14 Delta Rae, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Wilson Phillips, Boyz II Men — UNKNOWN DATES Since this partial list is preliminary, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule! We will bring you all the latest news first! Updated Festival Center Offerings — Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It Workshops The Festival Center always offers culinary, beverage, and mixology seminars – and we think those will return — but they’re adding a little something new this year! In 2016, the Festival Center will be host to the new “Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It!” hands-on workshops, offering guests a chance to learn a variety of culinary skills from chefs, bakers, mixologists and other pros. Participants will put expert advice to use whether mixing cocktails, decorating cakes, or using herbs to kick up a dish’s flavor. Sounds fun! We’ll get more details to you as soon as we have them! Special Events — Party For the Senses, Rockin’ Burger Block Party, and NEW Events Special Events at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival include the uber popular Party for the Senses, Signature meals featuring Celebrity Chefs around the resort, and the new-in-2015 Rockin’ Burger Block Party (see a review here)– all returning in 2016. Party For the Senses This year, though, the Party for the Senses will be “re-imagined” with new “concepts and themes.” We’re thinking we’ll see more themed nights like last year’s Black and Yellow event. There will also be new live entertainment for the Block Party and Party for the Senses. Burger Victory at the Rockin’ Burger Block Party As for Signature events around the Walt Disney World Resort, 2016 will see the debut of a new Grand Floridian brunch with a twist, and a new cooking school experience. Check out our Special Events page for more details when we have them! Celebrity Chefs A big draw at the festival are the famous culinary bigwigs that descend upon Epcot in the Fall. This year, guests can chat up Cat Cora, Norman Van Aken, Masaharu Morimoto, Elizabeth Falkner, Buddy Valastro and Jamie Deen among others at events. …And More! Here are a few more bits and bites to help you plan your Festival experience! The popular Festival Private Label California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are back and available by the bottle or by the glass. Exclusive Festival Wines Ratatouille returns — Chef Remy of “Ratatouille” returns with his fun-for-the-family culinary scavenger hunt. Remy’s Ratatouille Hide and Squeak Pins — Your Suprise for Helping Chef Remy! Back to Basics will return to the Festival Center. This free with admission weekend series features epicurean tips and tricks from the pros, book and bottle signings, and The Chocolate Experience: From Bean to the Bar, hosted by Ghirardelli. Ghirardelli Drinking Chocolate from Epcot Food and Wine Festival The Chase Lounge returns for Chase debit and credit card members (including Disney Visa cardholders). The Lounge is usually in the American Adventure pavilion, and offers charging stations, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, and much-needed A/C. Chase Lounge Entrance in the America Pavilion at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Stay tuned to DFB. We’ll share all of the news about the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival – ASAP! Better yet — join the DFB Newsletter and get your big news first! It’s Time to Start Planning! The DFB Guide to the 2016 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! And we’ve got a two for one deal for you! This 250+-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 World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2016 edition today and we’ll immediately send you the 2015 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2016 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2016 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Join the Disney Food Blog Newsletter to find out as soon as we do about details and booking dates! Culinary Demonstrations, Beverage Seminars, Mixology Seminars, and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents may be eligible for a discount (per person, per event) for beverage and mixology seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders may be able to book select special events, demos, and seminars early. A limited number of seats would be available for the TBD booking date. Are you headed to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year? Let us know in the comments below what you’re looking forward to! 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! 2014 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details 2012 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Culinary Demos and Beverage Seminar Details View the full article

Take nine extra days to taste foods from around the world at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 14-Nov. 14. This year’s festival will expand from 53 to 62 days, add new interactive culinary experiences, and debut new marketplace tastes. Marketplaces will move into Future World... View the full article

Take nine extra days to taste foods from around the world at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Sept. 14-Nov. 14. This year’s festival will grow from 53 to 62 days, add new interactive culinary experiences, and debut new marketplace tastes. Marketplaces will move into Future World for... View the full article

DISNEY SPRINGS - Sprinkles opened its doors for a media sneak peek on Friday with cupcakes uniformly lined up in a display case, ice cream prepared for scooping and freshly baked cookies at the ready. The cupcakery, lauded by Food Network as the world’s first cupcake bakery, will open its doors... View the full article

Ellen DeGeneres has long been a part of our Disney Parks—in fact, it was nearly 20 years ago that Ellen’s Energy Adventure opened at Epcot and Ellen’s Buy the Book opened at what is now Disney’s Hollywood Studios. But in the upcoming Summer issue of Disney twenty-three, while talking about her upcoming “Finding Nemo” sequel, “Finding Dory,” Ellen shared details of her first trip to Disneyland with D23, Disney’s official fan club. “Disneyland was the first—and I think only—family vacation we ever took when I was a little kid,” recalls DeGeneres. “I must’ve been 5 or 6. We took a train to California from New Orleans and that was my first experience with Disney. I remember it very well—it was very impactful. I remember buying and wearing the [mouse] ears.” Ellen also shares that stepping back in the fins of our favorite forgetful fish for “Finding Dory” was “effortless. I was really surprised. I kind of worried that I would sound like Lauren Bacall all of a sudden,” DeGeneres jokes. “But it was easy. Dory is, I guess, really part of me. And so it surprised me how easy it was.” Fans of Dory—and her pals Nemo and Marlin—can already find (pun intended) the beloved characters throughout Disney Parks including the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage at Disneyland park, The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot, Crush Coaster at Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris, and “Finding Nemo: The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Characters from “Finding Dory” were just added to “Turtle Talk with Crush” at Disney California Adventure park and Epcot, and next year a new Nemo/Dory-themed attraction will debut at Tokyo DisneySea. Ellen herself can’t believe that she and a character she created have become iconic park attractions and entertainment. “I feel very grateful and very much in awe.” The complete interview with Ellen runs in the Summer 2016 issue of Disney twenty-three, available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. View the full article

Guests at Disneyland Resort were in for a surprise when Johnny Depp, dressed as the Mad Hatter, appeared via livestream on an interactive billboard at the resort. Depp, who reprises his role as the Mad Hatter in "Alice Through the Looking Glass," first appeared as if he were a stillframe portrait,... View the full article

As Disney’s Animal Kingdom introduces new nighttime experiences, some favorite daytime attractions will now also be open once the sun goes down. Over in DinoLand U.S.A., little ones will delight in seeing the midway at Fossil Fun Games lit up for the evening! This super-fun area is a great place for the whole family to play together with six carnival-style, dinosaur-themed games. Young and old can enjoy a little friendly competition for the chance to win great prizes, just like at an old-fashioned boardwalk. In keeping with the carnival theme, there is a photo booth where you and your little one can capture silly memories, a curvy mirror guaranteed to elicit some giggles, a concession stand and more. View the full article

Ride videos coming out of the not-quite-open Shanghai Disneyland resort have tongues wagging among stateside theme-park enthusiasts. Unofficial on-board videos coming out of the park are capturing the special effects of Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Tron Lightcycle... View the full article

iNSIDE Disney Parks - Episode 1 View the full article

Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark image was snapped at Magic Kingdom Park during the “Main Street Electrical Parade.” This nighttime parade, which lights up with half a million lights, showcases floats and characters inspired by “Alice in Wonderland,” “Pinocchio,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and other beloved Disney films. In this shot, Dopey is leading the way in a mine car full of bright gems. Which character is your favorite to spot in this parade? View the full article

Some Disneyland Resort guests got more than they expected from an interactive billboard recently when Johnny Depp, dressed as his iconic character the Mad Hatter, was livestreamed directly to the resort to surprise guests. Take a look at their reactions and see how we pulled off the surprise in the video below! See Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter in Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass,” in theaters May 27. Directed by James Bobin, who brings his own unique vision to the amazing world Tim Burton created on screen in 2010 with “Alice in Wonderland,” Disney’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” is written by Linda Woolverton and reunites the all-star cast from the worldwide blockbuster phenomenon, including: Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sasha Baron Cohen, along with the voices of Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. View the full article

After the United States wheelchair basketball team confirmed its dominance with an Invictus Games gold medal Thursday, Javier Rodriguez of St. Cloud uttered this scary thought. "You've got big guys, small guys, fast guys, guys who can handle, guys who can shoot,'' Rodriguez said. "We had so many... View the full article

Newcastle Upon Tyne, commonly known as simply Newcastle, is the jewel of Northern England located on the eastern coast of the British mainland. As you may expect from the name, incredible castles are within easy reach of this historic port town. Here are a few of my suggestions for Port Adventures to explore these ancient estates and other medieval landmarks during your visit to Newcastle… Alnwick Castle and Garden: A Tree House Brunch and Fairy Tale Trail – Alnwick Castle, which you may recognize from Downton Abbey and several films, is an exquisite estate that combines medieval architecture with Italianate state rooms. This family-oriented Port Adventure enhances your visit to the castle with a two-course luncheon in an enchanting tree house and a stroll through fairytale-like gardens filled with princesses and villains. Other fun adventures at the castle include Knight’s Quest, where children can dress up in medieval clothing and play games of the period, and Witches and Wizards Broomstick Training, the chance to hone your wizarding skills and master broomstick techniques. Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne – Another spectacular estate to visit is Bamburgh Castle, set on a rocky plateau at the edge of the North Sea. Here you can tour the magnificent principal rooms and explore the beautiful grounds spanning nine acres on a coastline of rolling sand dunes. The other highlight of this Port Adventure is free time on the isolated island of Lindisfarne, also known as the Holy Island. This ancient area is home of the Lindisfarne Priory, a holy site since 365 A.D. and one of the most important early centers of Christianity in Anglo-Saxon England. Your journey to Bamburgh Castle and Lindisfarne also includes a scenic, countryside drive in a remote region filled with untouched splendor. Durham Cathedral and Family Trail – This family-friendly excursion takes you to Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is widely acclaimed as one of the world’s finest church structures. Your behind-the-scenes tour will provide insights into the remarkable history and design of the church, including significant architectural innovations achieved over its 40-year construction. Fun for kids is incorporated with the chance to dress up in monks clothing, join an exciting quest for treasure using clues and marvel at an incredible display-in-progress of the cathedral, which once completed will include more than 300,000 LEGO bricks. Coming up in the last post of this series, we’ll take a look at Port Adventures in St. Peter Port, Guernsey. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Disney’s hysterical comedy-adventure “Zootopia” is a bona fide hit the world over, and to celebrate, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps are spending time at Disneyland Resort meeting some of their biggest fans! Next time you’re visiting Disney California Adventure, be sure to “Try Everything” and stop on by Hollywood Land to say “Hello!” to Nick and Judy. View the full article

We gave you a Sneak Peek last week… Learn About: Ample Hills Creamery Boardwalk Restaurants Disney World Restaurants … and now we’re back to give you a First Look at the brand new Ample Hills Creamery on Disney’s Boardwalk! Just a few days ago, the walls came down around the newest ice cream parlor in Disney World and we were able to steal a glimpse of the spot located right next door to the ESPN Club. But now Ample Hills Creamery is currently in soft openings, and we were able to pop in for what we’ve all been waiting for… ICE CREAM!! First, though, just a note that soft openings are like a “dress rehearsal” for new eateries and attractions around Disney World. This means that there are no guarantees that the spot will be operating at any given time, and — in the case of restaurants — the menu may not be finalized, or certain ingredients may not be available until everything is official. In the case of Ample Hills Creamery, the anticipated official opening will take place on May 15th. Cast Members preparing for today’s Soft Opening But we just couldn’t wait any longer to get a taste for ourselves so we could bring it to YOU… so welcome to the first Ample Hills Creamery location outside of New York State, right here in Disney World! Ample Hills Creamery sign Here we GOOOOOO!!!!! Atmosphere The first thing you see as you approach Ample Hills Creamery is the company’s logo on a sign enhanced by those signature Boardwalk lights. Ample Hills Creamery sign Step inside, and it’s straight into the queue where you can look up to check out the menu (there’s a closeup on that to come!) and start the process of narrowing down your choices. Inside Ample Hills Creamery And, of course, you can take a closer look at the available flavors in the ice cream case… but more on that soon . A peek at the ice cream case A peek at the ice cream case Meanwhile, passersby strolling the Boardwalk are also able to peek in the window and scope out the scene for themselves. Open Kitchen Show Kitchen Waffle Cone Makers Back inside, several elements come together on the artwork lining portions of the walls: one primary setting is Disney’s BoardWalk, with its Friendship Boats, surrey bikes, and wooden paths — among other Boardwalk hallmarks — all recognized in the mural. Ample Hills Counters with Mural behind You’ll also spot the no-longer-with-us Earful Tower in honor of Hollywood Studios (and of… well, the Earful Tower) and Spaceship Earth representing Epcot. (For those unfamiliar with Disney’s BoardWalk, it’s located nearest to Epcot, but also within walking distance of Hollywood Studios by way of Crescent Lake.) Ample Hills Mural Spaceship Earth in Ample Hills Mural Oh, and a certain Castle is not too terribly far away, either . Cinderella Castle in Mural The Brooklyn Bridge in the distance of the painting pays homage to New York City, the original home of Ample Hills Creamery. Ample Hills Queue Line and Mural behind The overall feel is bright, airy, and whimsical, with special touches specific to Ample Hills providing opportunities to get to know some new friends. Meet Whitty, PB, and Walt (See? Disney and Ample Hills is a combo that was meant to be ). Ample Hills pals Ample Hills artwork This is a fun postcard from the “Amployees” in Brooklyn to those just starting out here in Florida! From the “Amployees” in Brooklyn Even more decorations celebrate the house specialty. Ice Cream decor Ice Cream decor And don’t forget that you can buy pints and have them shipped to you via the Ample Hills website. Ice Cream decor But we’re HERE, and we’re hungry, so let’s get going! Eats Ample Hills Creamery is serving up house-made ice cream featuring ingredients like “hormone free milk and cream from grass fed cows and organic cane sugar.” (Check out the Ample Hills Creamery website to learn more about their philosophy.) Ample Hills menu You can grab your ice cream in a small or large Cup or Cone (Disney Dining Plan participants should note that a Small Cone or Cup is eligible as a snack credit). You may also choose a Sundae or Milkshake. We’d hoped the Boardwalk location might feature the famous Ice Cream Flights, but while they’re not serving them now, they hope to in the future! Menu closeup Even your options have options . Cone choices include Waffle, Cookie, M&Ms, Chocolate Chip, Pretzel, and Cake Cones. Sundaes are also highly customizable with either a Brownie or Ooey Gooey Buttercake base. Top it with items like Chocolate Sprinkles, Chocolate Chips, Rainbow Sprinkles, Mini M&Ms, Chocolate Syrup, or Caramel Syrup. How To Build Your Own Sundae And just take a look at these FLAVORS!!!! Ample Hills Flavor Menu — click to enlarge The ice cream cases also have descriptions of each option with super fun illustrations (all of the Ample Hills artwork is done by artist and Art Director Lauren Kaelin) to go along with them (just click any of the images to enlarge). From Peppermint Pattie and Dark Chocolate… Peppermint Pattie and Dark Chocolate … to Malty Salty Pretzel Punch and Vanilla Bean. It’s a mix of the anticipated unique and fun flavors from Ample Hills, as well as classics that still have a bit of a twist (for instance, Vanilla Bean is made with Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans). Malty Salty Pretzel Punch and Vanilla Bean PB Wins the Cup features house made Peanut Butter Cups, while Baked/Unbaked has pieces of Housemade Chocolate Chip Cookies AND Brown Butter Cookie Dough in the mix! PB Wins the Cup and Baked/Unbaked Like caffeine with your ice cream? Check out the Coffee Toffee Coffee made with espresso-infused chocolate-covered toffee bits (house-made, of course!). The Sweet Cream & Cookies includes pieces of Back-to-Nature Sandwich Cream Cookies. Coffee Toffee Coffee and Sweet Cream & Cookies Strawberries & Cream is “smooth and pure strawberry ice cream,” while Chocolate Milk & Cookies brings together the flavors of that good ol’ snack combo from childhood. Strawberries and Cream and Chocolate Milk and Cookies And the choices keep coming (so it’s a VERY good thing that you can ask for samples)! Butter Pecan Brittle, Cotton Candy (perfect for the Boardwalk!) and Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace continue to round out the options. Butter Pecan Brittle Cotton Candy Nonna D’s Oatmeal Lace And they haven’t forgotten the highly anticipated Ooey Gooey Butter Cake “made with gobs of St. Louis-style Ooey Gooey Butter Cake”! Ooey Gooey Butter Cake As promised, there is even a one-of-a-kind flavor made exclusively for Disney World! And here it is… Sally Sells Seashells in honor of Ample Hill’s new Boardwalk home . Sally Sells Seashells It’s pictured above with Lemon Sky, a Lemon Ginger Sorbet (Ooh… that one’s made with a splash of Limoncello!). Now how could we possible resist a flavor exclusive to our favorite place? Here’s our first taste of Sally Sells Seashells in an M&M cone! Sally Sells Seashells in an M&M Cone Sally Sells Seashells is described by Ample Hills as a “fresh and fluffy orange marshmallow ice cream with housemade salty chocolate seashells.” (And that gorgeous M&M Cone you see is — in a word — AMAZING!) Sally Sells Seashells The ice cream was, as you can tell from the photo, a little soft, but we’re told that’s not to be the norm in the future. They’re still working on freezer temps in these opening days. Plus, you know… FLORIDA . But the sweet, orange ice cream was complete with actual little bits of orange interspersed throughout the ice cream lending a wonderfully fresh taste to the whole thing. And the housemade chocolate seashells — which offered terrific bursts of saltiness — were to die for! Housemade Chocolate Seashell This unexpected flavor combo ultimately ended up as my favorite! But that doesn’t mean the others were slouches, either… here’s a cup of Baked/Unbaked alongside a scoop of PB Wins the Cup. Cup of PB Wins the Cup and Baked/Unbaked Baked/Unbaked (the top scoop) is vanilla ice cream with pieces of house made chocolate chip cookies and brown butter cookie dough. It’s incredibly sweet, and entirely decadent. Baked/Unbaked and PB Wins the Cup PB Wins the Cup is a vanilla ice cream base full of peanut butter chocolate flakes and house made peanut butter cups. The peanut butter is VERY prominent, so you PB fans out there (like me!) will go crazy for it! Don’t miss it, Peanut Butter lovers! In fact, that goes for all my fellow ice cream fans (and who doesn’t love ice cream?)… Do NOT miss Ample Hills Creamery. Overall I am SO happy to say that our first tastes of Ample Hills Creamery ice cream totally lived up to the hype! Rich and fresh ice cream with unique and fun flavors… it fits right in with some good old fashioned Boardwalk FUN! Remember: the official opening of this spot won’t happen until this coming Sunday, May 15th. But if you happen to see those doors open during a Boardwalk stroll over the next few days, do yourself a flavor (ha!) and stop on in! And please do let us know what you think! In the meantime, I’ll be designing my custom Build-Your-Own Sundae in my head until my next visit! I’m already looking forward to it… Which flavor would you most like to try at the new Ample Hills Creamery? 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: Sneak Peek INSIDE: Ample Hills Creamery on Disney World’s BoardWalk (And Rumored Opening Date!) News: Ample Hills Creamery To Open on Disney World’s BoardWalk Rumor: Is Star Wars Ice Cream Coming to Disney World’s BoardWalk? View the full article

Brooklyn-based ice cream parlor Ample Hills Creamery is opening its first location outside of New York City at Disney’s BoardWalk. The turn-of-the-century-style creamery is currently in a soft-opening stage, with the grand opening set for Sunday. The parlor overlooks Crescent Lake at Disney's... View the full article