Entries from October 2007 ↓
October 31st, 2007 — Disney Dining News, Disney Restaurant Changes
The new chef for Jiko – The Cooking Place, the featured restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, has been announced. Chef Brian Piasecki has previously been head chef at another top Disney World restaurant, Le Cellier at Epcot.
Arguably one of the best restaurants in EPCOT, Le Cellier is very popular for their outstanding steaks and probably the best Cheese Soup you’ll find anywhere. Let’s see if Chef Brian can take his success to the next level at an already successful and popular JIKO in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Read more HERE.
Technorati Tags: Jiko, Animal Kingdom Lodge, EPCOT, Le Cellier
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 29th, 2007 — Disney Wine
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — As baby boomers — the first generation to grow up with Disney theme parks — return to Walt Disney World Resort, they’re demanding a new level of sophistication, especially in the realm of dining.
In the past 10 years, world-class restaurants have been introduced — California Grill, Flying Fish Cafe, Cítricos, Artist Point, Jiko-The Cooking Place, and with each new dining room, wine choices have increased dramatically.
“We’re always listening to our guests,” said John Blazon, manager of Wine Sales and Standards, “what’s selling, what’s not, what should we add?” And as the largest single-site purveyor of wine in the world, it’s pretty easy to spot trends, from up-and-coming vintners to the rise in single-serving bottles. “We’re always learning,” Blazon continued.
Blazon and his team start with a solid list of 250 wines that’s updated annually, 65 percent New World (from the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) and 35 percent Old World (from Spain, France, Germany and Italy). At a resort with more than 300 places to dine — more than most cities — that scrutinized list insures quality and consistency in pricing no matter where guests are dining, said Blazon.
Then, select “fine dining” restaurants in both theme parks and resorts have the latitude to expand and refine the core list. For instance, Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a wine list that’s exclusively from the Pacific Northwest, while Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge offers only wines from South Africa — the largest South African wine program for any one site in the United States. Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa can add favorites to accompany seafood, while the sommelier at Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort looks for first-rate pairings for beef. AAA Five-Diamond winner Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has 700 selections on the menu and 4,200 bottles in its cellar.
And with wine such an integral part of the Disney dining experience, Walt Disney World Resort has more sommeliers than any other company in the world, according to the Court of Master Sommeliers, the governing board for certification.
“The certification has sparked an entire culture in our company,” said Blazon. “Our sommeliers are friendly, passionate and listen to our guests so they can recommend creative choices for matching wine with food.”
More than 625 sommeliers have been awarded the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Certificate at Walt Disney World Resort, with more than 300 sommeliers currently in restaurants. Walt Disney World Resort has one master sommelier, John Blazon, and one advanced sommelier, Bridget Sherren.
Beyond wine, Walt Disney World Resort also offers a two-day seminar to cast members — the first of its kind for a major company — focusing on distilled spirits and cordials and covering history, production, food pairings and more. A written exam and “Disney Spirits Diploma” completes the class.
© 2007
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 26th, 2007 — Disney Food Facts
Here are some great Walt Disney World Fun Food Facts!
Take your pick. . . There are over 300 places to dine across Walt Disney World Resort. And that’s not counting the portable food carts. In all, more than 6,000 different food items are available.
Someone’s in the kitchen . . . There are more than 350 chefs on staff at Walt Disney World Resort.
Serving the wine . . . More than 625 sommeliers have been awarded the Court of Master Sommelier Introductory Certificate at Walt Disney World Resort, with more than 300 sommeliers currently in restaurants.
Light as air . . . 10,000 dessert soufflés a year come out of the oven at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
You say tomato . . . California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort serves 70 pounds of vine-ripened tomatoes every night during “tomato season,” July through November.
Green thumb . . . More than 30 tons of fruits and vegetables grown at The Land pavilion at Epcot are served in Walt Disney World restaurants.
It’s a toss-up . . . 31,000 Cobb salads are tossed every year at The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney-MGM Studios. The original recipe for the dressing, created in 1926, still tops the salads.
Thatsa pasta . . . Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano at Disney-MGM Studios serves 720 pounds of pasta every day.
Finger food . . .Over 1.6 million turkey drumsticks are devoured every year in the four Walt Disney World theme parks.
Warm beer . . . At United Kingdom Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in Epcot World Showcase, a specially designed ale warmer can heat your Guinness to 55 degrees, the temperature favored by Brits.
Keeping cool . . . Over 2.6 million chocolate-covered Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are sold every year at Walt Disney World Resort.
Just like mom’s . . . At least 125 orders of meat loaf and mashed potatoes are requested every day at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney-MGM Studios.
Say cheese . . . More than 40 varieties of cheese are used by Disney theme park and resort chefs.
Afternoon tea . . . The formal afternoon respite is celebrated daily at Garden View Lounge at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Crazy for popcorn . . . 322,000 pounds of popcorn are popped every year at Walt Disney World Resort — that’s 5 million bags of buttery kernels.
More than 400,000 pounds . . . of unused, prepared food is donated annually through the Disney Harvest program to feed the homeless of Central Florida.
26.2 miles . . . of bratwurst are served every 60 days at the Biergarten restaurant in the Germany pavilion at Epcot. That, by the way, is the length of a marathon.
Don’t spit the seeds . . . More than a million pounds of watermelon are served every year at Walt Disney World Resort.
© 2007
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 25th, 2007 — Disney Food for the Holidays, Disney Recipes
It’s that time of the year where the leaves are changing and the air is getting a little chilly (at least up North where I am) and it just feels like Halloween. And what would Halloween be without PUMPKINS!
A few weeks ago we were fortunate to be at Walt Disney World where we saw some of the HUGE pumpkins being grown in the “Living With The Land” attraction. These are grown in the Production Greenhouse section of The Land where a lot of different vegetables are grown for use in the Garden Grill Restaurant just upstairs as well as many other EPCOT restaurants. I have no idea what these weighed however they were some of the biggest pumpkins I’ve seen. In addition they’re also growing the Mickey shaped pumkins in the hanging molds which are really neat (see picture below.)
So, in honor of the season, I wanted to post a Disney recipe with this tasty ingredient that you can make right in your own home. This recipe comes from the restaurant BOMA in the Animal Kingdom Lodge. It’s a PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE recipe that I’m sure you’ll enjoy. Here’s how you do it:
Pumpkin Cheesecake (Boma, Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Yields (1) cheesecake
1 2/3 lb Cream Cheese
5/8 tsp Coriander
5 oz Sugar
5/8 tsp Ginger
3 Eggs
1 ½ oz Heavy Cream
1 tsp Orange Zest
1 ½ oz Sour Cream
1 tsp Lemon Zest
5/8 lb Pumpkin Puree (canned is fine)
1/8 tsp Ground Cinnamon
4 Tbl Bourbon Whiskey
¼ tsp Fresh Ground Nutmeg
5/8 tsp Cloves
5/8 tsp Anise Seed
Crust Topping
½ lb Graham Cracker Crumbs
¼ oz Black Sesame Seeds
4 oz Melted Butter
4 oz Heavy Cream
2 oz Sugar
Prepare graham cracker crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted, butter, and sugar in a bowl. Sprinkle into the bottom of the round flexipan mold. Set aside.
Prepare cheesecake mix by creaming sugar, zests and cream cheese.
Add all the spices, then the rest of the ingredients, while constantly scraping to make sure there are no lumps.
Pour the cheesecake mix in the pan all the way to the top. Set the flexipan mold on a sheet pan and bake in a hot water bath at 275° for about an hour. Place in freezer to cool and then un-mold.
Sprinkle black sesame seeds on a sheet pan and bake at 350° until golden brown.
Whip heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks. Pipe small dollops of whipped cream on cheesecake. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
That’s all there is to it!
Happy Halloween everyone!
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 23rd, 2007 — Disney Dining News
Per a press release from Disney:
“Two new themed restaurants. Walt Disney World guests will have two new restaurants to choose from when they visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney. The restaurants will be operated by Landry’s Restaurants, which operates the Rainforest Cafés at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney.
This November, guests who travel to the land of Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will get a real taste of that exotic part of the world with Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Inspired by the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, this Asian-fusion establishment will offer table-service dining and a full-service bar, as well as quick-service food and beer-garden options, and retail offerings from Pan-Asia ranging from silk purses, incense and saris to fine teapots. It will seat 250 inside for table-service dining and 350 in a quick-service courtyard.
Later in 2008, Downtown Disney guests will be able to dine face to face with a dinosaur at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover, which combines table-service dining and retail in an interactive prehistoric environment built around water, fire and ice.”
More to come on these two restaurants over the coming days as more information is being released!!
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 22nd, 2007 — Disney Dining Costs
Living in Pennsylvania, we’re always trying to find a way to ‘get our fix’ since we live so far away from Walt Disney World. Luckily we’re within a few hours drive to some very nice amusement parks including Dorney Park, Knoebels, Great Adventure (NJ) and one of our favorites Hersheypark. We decided a few weeks ago that we wanted to visit Hersheypark as we wanted to see what they call “Hersheypark in the Dark” which is their Halloween celebration. Knowing how much we loved going to Walt Disney World during their “Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party” we thought it would be a good way to again, ‘get our fix.’
You’re probably wondering where this is going since this site is all about Disney Dining. Well, I’m here to officially announce that DINING IN DISNEY IS NOT EXPENSIVE when it comes to counter service meals. Why do I say that? Well, let me tell you about our experience this past weekend in Hersheypark.
We’re wandering around Hersheypark on Saturday evening (which just so happened to be the first night of Hersheypark in the Dark) with what seemed to be endless crowds of thousands of people. Every single ride had HUGE lines (except for the kiddie rides which thankfully were very short making our 2-year old daughter very happy) so we decided to grab a bite to eat. Just like the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, you have your pick of many different fast food type stands serving everything from pizza and hamburgers to chicken fingers, wraps and sandwiches. But, what we came to find out was that while it was cheaper to get in the door at Hersheypark (as compared to the any of the WDW parks) it was certainly not cheaper to eat at the counter service restaurants.
Now, let me preface this by saying that we did not visit every counter service restaurant and that this information is strictly from the places we stopped at to tryand eat (again, we were fighting tens of thousands of people that night since it was the first night of Hersheypark in the Dark.) To start off, if you wanted a Hamburger or Chicken Fingers or something similar you normally had to pay for your entree item first and then add side items and drinks for an additional cost. So, for example, if you wanted a hamburger, fries and soda you had to first buy the hamburger which was about $5.25 and then if you wanted the fries and soda it was an extra $4.95. So your total was $10.20 just for that meal! Most of the entree items ranged from $5.00 to $7.00 so you were paying anywhere from $10-12.00 for your meal and the portions were no where near the size you would get in Walt Disney World. Compare this to a typical 1/4-pound cheeseburger meal with french fries and a medium soda in the Magic Kingdom (which would run you about $8.00 and would be a larger portion) you’ll see that Disney has the better counter service deals from a portion and price standpoint.
Now, I’m not writing this to bash Hersheypark but rather I’m writing this to make a point that Disney is not as expensive as many people may think. It certainly costs quite a bit more to get in Disney’s doors (and I could also argue that Disney is giving you more for your money but I won’t go there) but the food quality and price is very much better than what you’ll find at many comparable amusement parks. I’ll take a counter service meal at Pecos Bill’s in Frontierland (Magic Kingdom) every time knowing what I just saw this weekend! 
Feel free to comment about your local amusement parks!
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 15th, 2007 — Disney Restaurants
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — People can eat themselves out of house and home, eat until they can’t take another bite, or eat to their heart’s content. But eating around the world? It’s a thought that might make even the greatest gourmand wince. Eating around the world is a much easier task if “the world” is Walt Disney World Resort, home to at least 60 theme park and resort table-service restaurants.At the Vacation Kingdom’s 22 sit-down theme park restaurants, guests can find a wide range of fare and flair, from sushi at Tokyo Dining at Epcot to meat loaf at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe at Disney-MGM Studios.
Fantasy Fare at Magic Kingdom
Meeting Cinderella in her royal castle is a dream come true at Cinderella’s Royal Table, which specializes in prime rib and other feasts fit for royalty.
Lady and the Tramp fall in love over a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs from Tony’s restaurant in the animated classic, “Lady and the Tramp.” Magic Kingdom guests will fall in love with the innovative pasta and seafood specialties at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, themed after the movie restaurant.
Liberty Tree Tavern is an authentic re-creation of a colonial inn. A family-style dinner menu delivers large portions of entrees and side dishes to the table. Popular Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, greet guests at dinner only. Lunch is a la carte.
Gigantic ice cream sundaes and all-American foods such as deli-style sandwiches and burgers make up the menu of The Plaza Restaurant on Main Street.
Continue reading →
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 12th, 2007 — Disney Park Food
One of the more popular food stops during a trip to Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom has to be the Main Street Confectionery which is located just past the circle on the right side as you start down famed Main Street USA. Conveniently located on the corner as you head towards Cinderella’s Castle, this is a candy shop to beat all candy shops.
If the bright colors and urge to appease your sweet tooth doesn’t draw you in then the sweet aromas of chocolate and freshly baked fudge emanating from the store surely will. In this delectable shop you’ll find everything from cookies, candy and fudge to Disney themed rice krispie treats and all sorts of candied apples. The selection is second to none and everyone in your party is sure to find something they’ll like. You really feel like you’re in a turn-of-the-century hometown confectionery when you walk in the corner door, maybe one like Walt Disney himself visited back in his younger years in Marceline, MO. It’s a place that can’t be missed on your next visit so next time you’re strolling down Main Street do yourself a favor and stop in for some good old fashioned Disney treats.
(Check out these pictures of the Main Street Confectionery!)
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 7th, 2007 — Disney Restaurants
Just wanted to post some pictures I took on September 25th of the progress they’re making on the new Yak and Yeti Restaurant in the Animal Kingdom. Kind of tough to take good pictures as they have the “great wall of Disney makeovers” that makes it tough (unless you’re 7-foot tall and have long arms.)
Looks like things are moving along quite nicely. I heard a lot of scraping noises and saw some workers doing a lot of the cosmetic work on the outside of the buildings to give them the old distressed look so it’s looking good. Can’t say much for the inside as I couldn’t see anything.
All signs are pointing to a November 2007 opening so we’ll see how things go.
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 5th, 2007 — Disney Special Events
October 4th, 2007 — Disney Consumer Products
Disney could have put Mickey Mouse’s face on just about any food item and it would have sold like gangbusters but this time Mickey will be promoting much more……Your health!
Disney Consumer Products has released a bunch of new items that you can find at your local grocery store which includes everything from fruit and vegetables to cereals and snacks, all branded with your favorite Disney characters. And I think most people would agree that these items are much healthier alternatives for both kids and adults.
Let’s start out with Disney’s line of Fruits and Vegetables. Disney may have found the answer to the age old problem of getting your kids to eat their veggies……just put Mickey’s image on the package and you’re half way there! Attractive packaging combined with great taste makes these items sure winners. Last I checked you can find Apples, Plums, Peaches, Blueberries and a host of other items all branded with the Disney logo. Check out some of the things you’ll find next time you’re shopping:
Some of the best apples I’ve eaten!
These are great convenient little packs and perfect for on-the-go snacking or for the kid’s lunch boxes. You’ll also find these apple packs in Walt Disney World when you order apples as your side item.
Who would have thought…..Disney Lettuce? I’ve tried it and it works for me!
Put Donald Duck on the Cauliflower and just about any kid will try it!
Magical Tinker Bell Corn! (well, that’s what I told my daughter it was and she loved it!)
In addition Disney Consumer Products also has a wide variety of very healthy snack alternatives. With so many parents (and adults) looking for better healthier options, Disney has brought to the table a line of snacks that not only taste good but will make you and your doctor happy. Check out some of the items you’ll find…..
The Strawberry Yogurt bars are a particular favorite of mine. They’re low calorie and a perfect quick breakfast item
The Blueberry bars are great! Plus it didn’t hurt that they put a great movie and theme park attraction on the box either!
This one in particular is a great snack item. Very healthy, no fat and low calories.
Disney Consumer Products also has a lot of other items at your local grocery store (Kroger for one) including many different healthy snacks, cereals and meal items. You can also search online as you’ll find a lot of the snack/cereal items on larger websites like Amazon.com.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to checkout Disney’s website which encourages eating healthy in a very Disney way at http://www.disneyhealthykids.com. Plus, if you’re interested in learning more about Disney branded fruits and vegetables, check out http://www.i-farms.com.
Popularity: unranked [?]
October 3rd, 2007 — Disney Special Events
There are a lot of dreams and prizes being given away at Walt Disney World these days (and from what we’re hearing the ‘Year of a Million Dreams’ is being extended into 2008) however this one takes the cake for the ultimate Disney Dining experience. Disney has said that guests wanted bigger and better dreams and this one is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime prize.
According to the press release, “One Year of a Million Dreams recipient will be the guest of honor at the largest Disney character breakfast ever held at the Magic Kingdom. The ‘Ultimate Disney Character Breakfast’ will take place at the most magical of places – on Main Street. U.S.A. at the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom – with dozens of Disney characters. (David Roark, photographer.)”
Can you imagine? Sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Good luck to all those visiting WDW!
Popularity: unranked [?]
