Tag: Dining

Our Top 5 "Must-Do" Walt Disney World Table Service Dining Locations

by Guide4WDW

by: guide4wdw – Collin


Throughout Walt Disney World there are a vast variety of dining opportunities. Of course, everyone has their own personal favorites, but today we’re going to share a closer look at some of our favorite dining locations that have been tried and true for many years. Every once and a while you’ll come across a random fluke experience, but nearly every location on this list we’ve visited many times with great results. 

1. The Crystal Palace 
While a select few guests aren’t thrilled by the food at this buffet style table service offering, it truly offers an extensive variety of choices. The food certainly isn’t what you would find over at Victoria and Alberts, but it does feature a great variety of choices. Personally, I see this as one of the best table service offerings at the Magic Kingdom. It is quite expensive at both lunch and dinner, but the food is some of the best you’ll find in the park. Also, considering it is a buffet, if you don’t like something just head back up to the counter and try something else. For both kids and adults alike, this would be one of my highly recommended dining experiences. 

For kids (and many adults) this is in fact a character meal at all three meals. Pooh and friends great guests of all ages and even perform a small parade through the restaurant. The atmosphere is elegant, yet not overbearing. It really has that classic Main Street feel which sets the stage for a great day in the Magic Kingdom. Personally, we highly recommend the breakfast offering. It is quite a bit cheaper than the other meals and if you book a later breakfast you won’t miss the short wait times of the early morning and you may just get a taste of lunch while they set up for the next meal. 

2. Whispering Canyon 
Second on the list is Whispering Canyon. For years this has been a go to location for each of our trips to Walt Disney World, even long before we started staying at the Wilderness Lodge. The atmosphere has changed slightly over the years, but today it still holds true to a fun loving set up. If you enjoy barbecue, the canyon skillet is certainly the must try item on the menu. You not only get to partake in a bottomless skillet of food, but you also get a taste of a variety of different items found throughout the menu. 


Along the way, the cast members really go above and beyond to make the experience memorable. Kids get the chance to run around the restaurant on stick horses and jokes of all types abound throughout your time in the restaurant. For this location I typically recommend dinner for more than one reason. The whole place is much more crowded at night and as a result the staff gets the chance to have more fun with guests and create a greater variety of jokes that are funny yet tasteful. Another great option is the breakfast they offer. The main menu item is still a bottomless skillet and family style. Overall, it is a really fun experience and one of the many dining locations that have become “hidden gems” over the years. Reservations are readily available throughout the day, and the Wilderness Lodge is only a short bus or boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom.      

3. Homecomin’ Kitchen 
If you follow the site (thanks!) you likely saw our recent review of Homecomin’ Kitchen. To be quite honest, this climbed into a very high ranking on our list of “must-do” dining. The food is incredible, the staff is outstanding, and the overall experience is really outperforming expectations. If you’ve not been here, be sure to check it out on your next trip to Walt Disney World. You don’t have to have a park ticket to experience it, and due to it’s location at Disney Springs, there is more than enough to do before and after your meal. If you missed our in depth review, be sure to check it out here.


4. Garden Grill 
To be quite honest, Garden Grill was a dining location we absolutely loved years ago, then after a few menu changes, we quit going for quite some time. Just recently we went back to try breakfast for the very first time (it’s a fairly new offering) and we really enjoyed the experience. As a rare family style meal in Epcot and one of the few character meals in the Epcot resort area, it’s hard to pass up a meal at Garden Grill. The menu does tend to vary every few years (so be sure to check before you go), but the experience has always been top quality. 

The restaurant itself rotates, which provides a one of a kind dining setting, and a small portion of the dining room overlooks the Living With The Land attraction below. However, it is worth noting that this is not a cheap family style meal in any regard. It is quite pricey, but if you’re on the dining plan this is a great place to use a table service credit at Epcot. If you have kids that want to meet Mickey and friends without the long lines, look no further!   

5. Teppan Edo 
Teppan Edo is a dining location that I overlooked for years. As the only true hibachi experience at Epcot, you really receive a dinner and a show at somewhat reasonable price. The steak is really outstanding and the rice is essentially endless (if you ask nicely). The entire experience takes place on the second tier of the Japan pavilion above the Mitsukoshi retail location. The chefs are extremely friendly and the hibachi style “show” is entertaining while providing your food in a quick timeframe. All in all, it is an amazing place to eat lunch or dinner. If you make a dinner reservation and time it just right, head outside after your meal to catch a great view of the Illuminations fireworks from the balcony area or the ground level of the pavilion below.


There you have it, our top “must-do” table service dining locations. We certainly have more where these came from, but for the sake of the article we decided to share just a few for the time being. Did your favorite make the list?  

If you want to see an in depth review of any of these restaurants, be sure to let us know in the comments. We’ve eaten at the vast majority of restaurants on property, so let us know what you want to see next.   

Our Top 5 Snacks Under 5 Dollars at Epcot!

by Guide4WDW

Our Top 5 Snacks Under 6 Dollars at Epcot!  

by: guide4wdw – Collin
Just a few short months ago, we brought you a closer look at 6 Snacks Under $6 At Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Today, we’re continuing that trend but moving on over to Epcot for a journey of flavors as we travel around the World Showcase! This time though, we’ve lowered the budget to 5 dollars for an even more price conscious list! 
If you follow along here (and if you do, Thanks!) you know that in my opinion, food is a key part of the overall Disney Parks experience. Some may say (and by some, I mean me) that it’s one of the greatest aspects of the Disney parks. Now, to experience the best of the best snack offerings, you may have to look in a few of the more unlikely places. Avoid the temptation to head to the typical snacks and take a look at some of these outstanding, budget friendly options! 
1. Cronut 
At $4.99, the croissant donut, or “cronut”, is one of the best snacks you can experience and an outstanding option for a quick grab and go dessert as you tour the World Showcase or race off to your next fastpass+ selection. I put this option first on my list because it is certainly a personal favorite and one that appears time after time at the top of my food lists. Don’t just take my word for it, try a cronut for yourself and you’ll never look back! 
It’s every good thing about a donut combined with the light and flakey qualities of a croissant. After the first bite, you’ll certainly be hooked! There’s nothing quite like it and the cinnamon sugar dusting really rounds out an outstanding experience. All for under 5 dollars!
If you’re looking to pick up a cronut for your own personal enjoyment, stop by the Refreshment Port along the front edge of the World Showcase. If your coming from Future World, take a right and travel toward the Canada Pavilion and you’ll find it on your right!     

2. Caramel Corn 
Caramel corn at Epcot’s Karamell-Küche is unlike any other popcorn you’ve tried! It’s based on a light and crisp popcorn, but the real treat is the thick and plentiful caramel that is mixed right in front of the theme park guests. The store, which is listed as a retail location rather than a dining location, is one of the best “hidden gems” of the Germany pavilion. 

As an added bonus, the popcorn is fairly reasonably priced as well. At just $3.99 for a small size and $5.99 for a large size that is sharable across a small family, it’s hard to beat this freshly prepared treat! 

3. Mousse au Chocolat
As you travel on around the showcase, be sure to stop in at yet another wonderful location, Les Hales Boulangerie-Patisserie. This little bakery, deep in the France pavilion was a hidden gem of the parks for years, but has recently become vastly more popular due to a large expansion. The French bakery and counter service location offers one of the most extensive menus of pastries, sandwiches, and other “authentic” delights that you’ll find in the world showcase. However, one item stands above the rest in my own opinion, Mousse au Chocolat. 

This glorified chocolate mouse is one of the best desserts you can taste in the World Showcase. It’s simple, so even the most picky eater can try it. It’s rich, so you can share it if you would like. And, it’s extremely budget friendly at just $4.50!

The location itself is rather tricky to “stumble upon,” but head to the very back of the France Pavilion and you’ll end up walking right into this unique bakery. At one point, a shop of the exact same name and a near identical menu existed where the current French ice cream shop is today. Fortunately, after the location became vastly popular, Disney decided to move  the shop and expand the offerings to better accommodate the crowds. A new seating area was also developed, but it still remains incredibly crowded a majority of the day. Personally, I recommend walking the short distance out to the main promenade and there should be a few stand up tables out near the waters edge (or the old faithful top of a trashcan works as well!)

4. Churros 
I know what you’re thinking, “Why are churros on this list?” Honestly, these churros put most of the others to shame. This simple take on the classic item is found at no other location except La Cantina de San Angel. For those of you who may not be regulars to the park, the Mexico pavilion features a dining location just outside of the pavilion itself (which is largely indoors). The location, which sells quick service nachos and other classic Mexican cuisine, is an outstanding place to catch a quick meal that is filling yet fast. 

However, many guests overlook the Churros! This wonderful dessert is unlike others given that these churros are looped so that they are much easier to dip in the wonderful caramel sauce that comes with the item. At just $4.25, these are an outstanding snack to enjoy before Illuminations or even a good excuse to stake out an early spot for the show and enjoy a snack while you wait. The seating area offers excellent views of the lake and makes for one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the lagoon without having to pay the high prices of table service dining in many cases.

5. Flavored Popcorn  
This option is even fairly new to me! At just $4.75, you can enjoy one of three different unique popcorn flavors exclusively at one particular cart in Epcot. The popcorn, which comes in flavors such as: Cheddar Cheese, Buffalo Bleu Cheese, and Sour Cream and Chive are truly a wonderful change of pace in the realm of Disney popcorn. Each of the flavors are really quite impressive and leave you wanting more! 

Personally, I was always a fan of the classic popcorn that has been sold for years on Main Street U.S.A. so I was skeptical of the new offerings at first. Fortunately, after trying it for myself, I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. Of course, the flavors may change in the future, but I do believe Disney has a winner on their hands with this offering! 
If you’re looking for these unique flavors, be sure to stop at the one location currently serving these particular flavors right outside of Journey Into Imagination with Figment (one of the most underrated attractions in my opinion). Flavors are certainly subject to change, but based on the high level of success flavored popcorn has had in Tokyo, I’m sure this will slowly move on to other parks and possibly resorts in the future!     

Did you like our list of offerings under 5 dollars? Did we leave out your favorite? Let us know down below and be sure to SHARE this post with friends if you enjoyed it! 
    

20 Walt Disney World Foods That You Should Try At Least Once!

by Guide4WDW

20 Walt Disney World Foods That You Should Try At Least Once! 
by: guide4wdw – Collin

instagram: @guide4disney

If you’ve been reading this site for any amount of time, you know we’re no strangers to good Disney food. Dining at Walt Disney World is a key aspect of the vacation experience. Not only do the parks offer some of the typical food of amusement parks that we’ve all come to know and love, but they have also started thinking outside of the box and have developed so many items that are uniquely “Disney.” So, with that, here’s 20 Disney Foods Everyone Should Try At Least Once! At the end of the article, if we missed your favorite be sure to share it with us in the comments below or on Facebook/Twitter! Have pictures of your favorite food item? Share them with us on social media! We might just share them on our page!  

1. Cronut 

-The cronut was sort of an instant classic. While technically Disney calls it a Croissant Donut to avoid confrontation with the originators of the creation, the wonderful taste still remains. A Cronut is essentially an extremely flakey fried donut topped with a coating of cinnamon sugar. While that sounds good on paper, trust me, it’s way better in person! If you’re looking to make a great treat even better, Disney offers the flakey creation topped with soft serve ice cream. While these are quite popular, they are somewhat difficult to find in the parks. If you want to get your hands on one head on over to Epcot and make a stop at the Refreshment Port along the front side of the World Showcase! You won’t regret it!    

2. Casey’s Corn Dog Nuggets
-As a Main Street U.S.A staple for years Casey’s Corner has become a bit of a tradition for guests of all ages. The main draw has always been the enormous hot dogs the location cooks up day after day, but there’s a tasty treat that every Disney fan must try, the Corn Dog Nuggets! No doubt, you’ve all tried a corndog before. Fortunately, there’s something different about a Casey’s corndog nugget. While it could just be the atmosphere or the plentiful portion size, these delightful creations always end up on my plate at some point throughout a day in the Magic Kingdom.

3. Pot Roast Macaroni and Cheese
-Now we’re headed for a Magic Kingdom exclusive creation. Over at the Friar’s Nook, just outside of New Fantasyland, near the exit to The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, be sure to stop by for a delightfully odd combination. Disney offers this unique item at only one location throughout the parks. While it seems odd, the combination really nails the ultimate savory dish. While the location isn’t the best in regards to seating, the walk up style counter service option is hard to pass up! Try it, share it (or don’t), and let me know what you think!   

4. Ample Hill’s Creamery

-As one of Disney’s newest additions, Ample Hill’s is a welcomed addition to the offerings at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort. The location offers unique ice cream flavors that are creative, tasty, and ultimately one-of-a-kind! The atmosphere is great and the Boardwalk offers some of the most picturesque views in all of Walt Disney World. If you don’t want to make the journey over to the resort just for dessert, schedule a night at Epcot and make the short 5-10 minute walk over to Ample Hill’s Creamery for a dessert before viewing Illuminations! Tip: If you’ve seen Illuminations before, avoid the crowds and experience the magic of watching the show from the Boardwalk itself. It may not be the perfect view of the entire show, but it’s a unique experience to see the effects shimmering off of the water. Be sure to check out some of the pop-up shows on the Boardwalk while you’re there!      

5. Puffed French Toast
-This is one item even some of the hard-core Disney enthusiasts may not have even tried. As a part of The Crystal Palace’s breakfast, this is one of the best breakfast items in all of the parks. For me, that’s certainly a bold statement. However, there’s nothing quite like this unique creation. Disney refers to it as a type of French Toast, but honestly it’s more like a donut than anything else. Essentially, puffed french toast is a fluffy ball of dough rolled in a light cinnamon sugar type powder. I can guarantee you, its certainly as good as it sounds! At the moment, I believe these are only offered at Crystal Palace, but be sure to correct me if they’ve crept up at other dining locations. If you do go to Crystal Palace for breakfast (the cheapest meal offering at the dining location), be sure to take your appetite! The buffet is seemingly endless, but be sure to check out the kid’s section for this unique Disney treat!     


6. The Kitchen Sink
-Over at the Yacht and Beach Club’s Beaches & Cream dining location you can find one of the greatest challenges in Disney dining, the Kitchen Sink. This monstrous sundae is easily the largest sundae on property, even dwarfing it’s neighbor the Dolphin Resort’s multi-scoop concoction at The Fountain! As the name implies, this dish is served in a giant “Kitchen Sink.” As if that isn’t enough, the sundae features… well, here’s a video explaining it:


7. The Fountain’s Soft Serve Ice Cream 
-Over at the previously mentioned Dolphin Resort (just steps from The Boardwalk and The Yacht and Beach Club) lies one of “Disney’s” hidden secrets. If you’re wondering why Disney is in quotes, it’s simply because this restaurant really isn’t owned by Disney at all, but is actually located on Disney property as a result of the contractual obligations with the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. With that being said, that doesn’t make it any less worthy of the list. Just inside the downstairs entrance to the Dolphin, look for a big glowing sign that says The Fountain. It will usually have a line of guests picking up ice cream at their walk up counter or waiting for a table at their equally impressive and semi-budget friendly sit down dining location. Head on over to either of the dining options and try to overlook some of the other great dessert offerings in order to try the soft serve ice cream. I know what you’re thinking, “Really? Soft Serve!” Trust me, this is the most rich and creamy soft serve you will ever taste! Don’t just believe me, try it for yourself, you will certainly enjoy it!   

8. Caramel Corn in the Germany Pavilion 
-Once again, for many, this may be another “hidden gem” of the Disney parks. This delectable treat comes straight from Karamell-Küche at Epcot’s Germany pavilion. If you’ve been there yourself, you know exactly what kind of sensory overload this place can create! From the quaint atmosphere, to the smell of rich warm caramel being used to create wonderful treats, to even trying one of the delightful creations for yourself, you truly can’t go wrong with a snack here! However, the crown jewel of the establishment is the caramel coated popcorn. While we’ve all certainly tried the creation elsewhere, there’s something about a warm bag of caramel corn that just brings a smile to your face!   

9. Jumbo Turkey Leg
-No Disney food list is complete without a nod to a Disney classic, the Turkey Leg! For years, this salt loaded carnivorous treat has been a staple of the Disney parks. Trying one for yourself is sort of a “right of passage” for the Disney connoisseur! There’s nothing quite like it and its just one of those things that puts a big smile on your face! It’s tasty, it’s iconic, it’s jumbo sized food, what else could you ask for!     

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10. Goofy’s Candy Company Custom Creations

-Once again, unless you are a die-hard Disney fan, you may have never experienced this item on our list for yourself. Of course, you certainly should at some point! To try one of these custom creations, head on down to Disney Springs and make your way to Goofy’s Candy Company. At the very back of the store (if you enter from the side facing the Christmas Shop), look for a little card next to the register with a list of items on it. Grab a list and pick the item you want to customize (I always go for the custom Mickey Rice Crispy Treat). After you do that, you get to continue on and pick the type of chocolate dip, a chocolate drizzle, and even a list of toppings to add on top of all that! Surprisingly, as great of an option as this is for dessert, the line is typically quite manageable and it’s incredibly entertaining to watch the cast members develop your creation right in front of you. 


11. Empeñadas 
-Empeñadas are a fun option for any meal and a great option to share with friends or family as you eat your way around the world at Epcot’s World Showcase (hopefully I’m not the only one that does that)! This clever menu item is offered exclusively at La Cantina De San Angel at the Mexico pavilion. Essentially, these are a little pocket of dough filled with melted cheese and topped with a delightful sauce. They sound simple, but trust me, they taste outstanding. Pair them with a nacho from the same location and you have a great meal for two as you start (or end) your journey along the promenade.        

12. Dole Whip 
-Chances are, if you’ve ever been to Walt Disney World, you’ve tried this tasty pineapple treat or know someone who raves about them. Dole Whip is the definition of a classic Disney treat. While the concept itself is simply a pineapple flavored soft serve, it’s so much more than that when you try one for yourself. The flavor is easily distinguishable from any type of ice cream you’ve ever experienced. It’s nearly perfect in every way. However, you may want to be aware that this iconic creation can only be found at a few select locations: Aloha Isle in Fantasyland, Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian, and Tamu Tamu Refreshments over in Animal Kingdom! As one of the rare treats that has become synonymous with Disney, no trip is complete without a Dole Whip!     

13. Tonga Toast
-While we’re mentioning the Polynesian, be sure to consider breakfast at Kona Cafe on your next trip to the parks. Kona is one of those simple meals that often gets overlooked in exchange for character meals and buffets. With that being said, it does make securing a reservation to try this item on our list quite a bit easier! Tonga toast is another Disney exclusive. The dish itself features a huge slab of toast which has been cooked to a light crisp, coated in a cinamon-sugar substance, and then artfully filled with bananas. Is it breakfast? Is it dessert? Who really knows!  

14. The Canyon Skillet 
-The Canyon Skillet may be my personal favorite item on this list! Honestly, it’s hard for me to even give this gem away! To try it, be sure to make a reservation for Whispering Canyon over at the Wilderness Lodge Resort (minutes from Magic Kingdom). Once you get there, the featured item on the menu will be The Canyon Skillet. The skillet is quite literally a giant cast iron skillet that is brought to your table and functions as a bottomless family style meal. Depending on what time of day you go, the skillet features: mashed potatoes, ribs, rotisserie chicken, sausage, cowboy beans, cornbread, pulled pork, and corn on the cob. Everything tastes great and the atmosphere is fun for all ages. Prepare to laugh, prepare to have fun, and prepare to never leave hungry! This is a must-do for any Disney vacation. Surprisingly, reservations are typically plentiful all year long!      


15. Popcorn on Main Street 

-When visiting the Magic Kingdom, this is the first thing you’ll smell when get there and the last thing you experience on your way out. It truly completes the sensory experience that is Main Street U.S.A. Of course, popcorn is sold throughout the park in multiple locations, but there’s just something special about ordering it from the little cart by the train station. It simply feels right. You can sit back and take in the scenery, explore the history of the windows of Main Street, prepare for a parade, or find a spot for the Wishes! nighttime fireworks spectacular. It’s just one of the simple joys of Main Street that makes you appreciate all the intricate details put into every little aspect of the Disney experience. It’s hard to explain, but once you try it, you just “get it.”        


16. The Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich (the “real” one) 
-You may have heard me talk about this one a few times before, but it’s certainly worthy of this list! The ice cream cookie sandwich is another typically overlooked treat. Skip the ones at the ice cream carts and head straight to Main Street for the real deal. At The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, head to the counter and order an ice cream cookie sandwich. You get to pick your flavor, and when it’s brought over to you, you won’t believe your eyes. The cookie sandwich is a 2 to 3 inch thick creation of ice cream wedged between two gigantic cookies! It’s wonderful, it’s unique, and it’s one of the best uses of a snack credit imaginable on the dining plan!  

17/18. Po’ Boys and Beignets at Port Orlean’s Floatworks and Food Factory 
-Here’s what I’ll say about this one, you have to try this location! This is one of the best “hidden gems” in all of Walt Disney World and it just became even better! A recent remodel added even more great choices to the menu, and it certainly does not disappoint. On the dining plan it is one of your best counter service offerings hands down. You can walk right up to the lobby from the resort guest parking with no hassle or time stamped parking allotments, and the atmosphere rounds out the wonderful food. However, if I had to pick one menu item to get and one dessert it would be the Po’ Boy Sandwich of the day and a Beignet offering for dessert. Both are absolutely incredible at their price point and only sold at Floatworks. For those of you who do not know about this great dining location, be sure to check out our recent review and informational post here-> (Disney Dining Hidden Gem: Floatworks) (click to view)
19. Citrus Swirl 
-In many ways, Citrus Swirl is the less iconic sibling of Dole Whip. It’s a wonderful treat but overshadowed by a legendary alternative a few short steps away. Don’t let that stop you from trying a Citrus Swirl though! It’s a different flavor, but also a favorite of many guests that has ultimately stood the test of time in Adventureland. Oh, and while you’re there, be sure to look for the Orange Bird that has become the icon of the Citrus Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace!    

20. Mickey Rice Crispy Treats 
-Why not end this list with a classic? The Mickey Rice Crispy Treat is legendary! Simply put, it’s a typical sticky marshmallow treat, but something about these Mickey shaped versions makes them simply outstanding. I’m not sure if it’s the environment, or simply the joy of knowing you have to be in Disney to get one, but these seem to have a distinctly delightful taste to them! Call me crazy if you want, but there’s something different for sure!       

If we were in Walt Disney World today and I said I would buy you any snack on this list, but you could only choose one, what would it be?  Let me know down below! If you liked this post click those SHARE buttons and invite your friends to read this article! Thanks!

As always, we truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy day to spend a few moments here with us! Your support keeps us going! 

Magic Kingdom Set to Debut Many Unique Breakfast Offerings (Including Croissant Donuts!)

by Guide4WDW

Magic Kingdom Set to Debut Many Unique Breakfast Offerings (Including Croissant Donuts!) 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
twitter: @guide4disney 
instagram: @guide4disney

With all of the changes coming to the Magic Kingdom’s opening procedures, including a relocated welcome show and the ability to shop along Main Street before the park officially opens, a few new dining options are being added to the park! 

Many of these options are completely new to the parks, but others are borrowed from other Disney parks, including the famous Croissant Donut (Cronut) from Epcot! Despite the many opinions of the new show and opening procedures, it’s hard not to appreciate the efforts Disney has made to create a better guest experience and develop new offerings for breakfast.        

The Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is adding all kinds of new sweet treats including: donuts, cereal (specifically kellogg’s according to Disney), and classic Mickey Waffles. Those offerings are great, but Disney has one more new sugar loaded option for guests and it sounds amazing! Here’s how the Disney Parks Blog Describes it: 

For a sweet twist on breakfast, try the donut sundae, a donut topped with your favorite flavor of hand-scooped Edy’s ice cream, hot fudge, apple, whipped cream, peanut butter chips, chocolate chips and of course, a cherry.

Over at Sleepy Hollow, a new waffle sandwich is being added to their already impressive lineup. The new sandwich features a mix of egg, ham, and tomato. Compared to their other waffle sandwiches, this should offer a somewhat lighter options when compared to the nutella and whipped cream topped options. 

Last, and possibly the most impressive of the new items, are the options coming to Casey’s Corner. The classic restaurant at the end of Main Street U.S.A. will debut muffins, bagels, and croissant donuts! While those are great additions, the star of the show is a hash brown hot dog! Here’s a look at the new creation: 

Are you going to try any of these new offerings or do you have a classic go-to breakfast at the Magic Kingdom? If so, be sure to share it with us in the comments below!      

(Source: Disney Parks Blog )  

Disney Dining Hidden Gem: Floatworks

by Guide4WDW
Disney Dining Hidden Gem: Floatworks
by: guide4wdw – Caitlin
twitter: @guide4disney 
instagram: @guide4disney
It’s no secret that one of my favorite things about Disney is the food. I’m back to discuss a hidden gem in Disney dining located at the French Quarter Resort. Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory takes you straight to the Deep South with its New Orleans inspired cuisine. During our last Disney trip, I had the opportunity to dine at this impressive location. I know what you’re thinking, isn’t that a food court? And yes, technically it is. But, Floatworks is full of charm and unique menu selections. Here is the breakdown of what is offered in each section.


Grill Shop
The highlight of this section is the fried chicken on a biscuit. This entrée is truly southern in style and is served with generous portions. The crawfish mac & cheese burger is another great taste of New Orleans that can be found at the Grill.

The Bakery
It’s no secret that the gem of the French Quarter are the beignets that are served in the Floatworks bakery. Ask for yours with caramel sauce – you won’t regret it! There are also several other great options including a beignet gelato sundae and Mardi Gras king cake.
Carving Shop
If you’re on the dining plan, this is the stop for you. Ask for the prime rib to get the most bang for your buck. Entrees in this section are also served with tasty side item options: red beans and rice, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes.

Pizza & Pasta Shop
This stop offers a create-your-own pizza for traditional folks. You can also try a New Orleans classic – shrimp and grits.

Po’ Boy Shop
Here’s the star of the show for me. Floatworks offers some great Louisiana favorites here including Gumbo and and Po’ Boy sandwiches with catfish, shrimp, or beef. These items are cooked on the spot and full of flavor. I was thoroughly impressed with my entrée.
Floatworks now sits at the top of my list for counter service options at Disney. If you’re a dining plan fan, this is a great place to visit. There is a wide variety of choices that are quite different from your usual burger and fry options. The beignets alone are worth your trip out to the French Quarter. The resort is beautiful, and the food is quite memorable. Next time you’re near the Disney Springs Resorts, don’t forget to stop by Floatworks.

Joffrey’s Coffee is Finally Offering an Annual Passholder Discount!

by Guide4WDW

Joffrey’s Coffee is Finally Offering an Annual Passholder Discount! 

by: guide4wdw – Collin
twitter: @guide4disney
instagram: @guide4disney

For quite a few years, Joffrey’s Coffee has been one of the best coffee offerings at Walt Disney World parks and resorts. Many guests have made the multiple Joffrey’s locations across property a must do for any Disney vacation. (Be sure to try the giant donuts!) 

Just recently, Joffrey’s has officially decided to offer Disney Annual Passholders a 20% discount on all coffees and food items. While this does exclude alcohol at all locations that serve it, the discount is a welcomed change for those who visit the parks regularly.

(We are not associated with Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Co.) 

  

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A Closer Look at Trader Sam’s Coffee

by Guide4WDW
A Closer Look at Trader Sam’s Coffee
by: guide4wdw – Caitlin
twitter: @guide4disney
instagram: @guide4disney

If you are a coffee lover, this post is for you! I am very excited to introduce to you a line of coffee inspired by our favorite Disney attractions. Disney and coffee: What more could you want?! Trader Sam’s Coffees are made from Arabica Beans and are USDA Certified Organic, Rain Forest Alliance Certified, and Gluten Free (even the flavored ones!). We were extremely excited to receive five different Trader Sam’s Coffees to try. The flavors range from sweet and light to bold and unique; there is something for everyone’s taste buds!
The coffee is sold at the very reasonable price of $10 for a 12 oz. bag. They come adorably packaged to match their Disney inspired attraction. Each bag also has a clever story on the back to explain the coffee’s origin. Here is a look at the fun flavors we were able to try out.

Skippers Brew

  

This coffee is inspired by the nostalgic attraction, the Jungle Cruise, and it is my personal favorite of the bunch (and not just because of the adorable back story). The banana flavor of this coffee is unlike anything I have had before. It is both inventive and delicious!
Ghoulish Delight

My brother and I are huge Haunted Mansion fans and were quite excited to see a coffee created for us foolish mortals. The cinnamon flavor of the roast is very unique and pairs wonderfully with its haunting packaging.

Main Street U.S.A. Columbian

When you take a stroll down Main Street, you can’t help but step back in time to the days of window shopping and trolley rides. This coffee matches this feeling with its classic but memorable flavor. It is sure to please any coffee fan.
Prospector’s Roast

This here’s the wildest coffee in the wilderness! A tribute to another one of my favorite attractions, Thunder Mountain Railroad. This coffee is full of an authentic hazelnut flavor that is sweet without being overpowering.

Plus Ultra Vanilla

Vanilla is always a crowd pleaser, and this coffee is no exception. Its packaging is based off of the innovative world of Tomorrowland.
That is our roundup of the five Traders Sam’s selections we were lucky enough to try. The coffee is unique not only in its flavors but also in the added bonus of paired Disney attractions. There are even more roasts to try on their website along with art prints and t-shirts! Click the link below to purchase your own!

https://www.tradersamscoffee.com/collections/trader-sams

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How to Secure Last Minute Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World

by Guide4WDW
How to Secure Last Minute Dining Reservations at Walt Disney World
by: guide4wdw – Collin
twitter: @guide4disney
instagram: @guide4disney


Recently we decided to take a semi-last minute vacation to Walt Disney World. While we did book our stay about a month and a half in advance, many of you may realize how difficult it can be to book dining reservations that late in the planning timeframe. Fortunately, we have a lot of experience in the planning process so we managed to secure about every reservation we would typically add to our time in the parks. So, based on our experience we decided to share some of our tips and tricks to booking dining reservation for stays within a short timeframe. (photo: flickr.com)
We do have to mention that many locations are simply unattainable when not booked far in advance. A few examples would be Cinderella’s Royal Table, Be Our Guest, and Victoria and Alberts (occasionally). However, you may get lucky using these tips and stumble into a reservation.     
1. Try Booking at Certain Times

-As general as that sounds, booking at certain times of day drastically increases your chance of securing reservations. While Disney does not particularly advertise this, we were informed in a phone dining reservation conversation that there is a window early in the morning between 6am and 7am when a variety of reservations open up. According to the representative we were planning with, phone reservations begin at 7am, but there is a turnover time between 6am and 7am when the dining reservation site updates and prepares for the next day. Certain reservations are dumped from the previous day and more are made available as a result. Due to the fact that the phone reservation group is not open at this time, it allow reservations to be slightly more available. We tried it ourselves and sure enough we secured two of our prime reservations that we could not previously attain. (photo: disneyworld.disney.go.com)     
2. Book Over the Phone When Possible

-While this tip is a little contradictory to the last one, which would require you to book online, it often pays off to call rather than use the online system. We found out first hand that quite a few reservations are available when you call that do not always appear on the dining section of Disney’s website. It is not always a wining strategy, but it can never hurt to try, especially if you are only looking for a different time for a reservation which is available at a un-ideal time.     
3. Search for Specific Times Online Rather Than Just Choosing Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

-If you’ve utilized the online booking system before you are probably aware that when searching for dining times you are able choose by what meal you would like to eat. However, if the meal you are looking for does not show up at first, try to search for specific times, also available in the same category. For example, if you’re not picky about meal times, instead of choosing dinner, choose an odd time in the drop down menu (such as 3:00) and a time may appear as a result of the odd in between time that does not always register as lunch or dinner. 
So, as you can see there are quite a few simple ways to increase your chances of booking some of the harder to find reservations, no matter how late in the game you are planning your vacation. Also, as a quick tip, you can attempt to go to a few restaurants early in the morning and ask what the best time to attempt a walk up reservation would be. At the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, we have been incredibly successful walking up and getting in for a meal at lunchtime. It is not a foolproof plan, but if you’re willing to risk it it’s always an option (many restaurants will simply tell you they do no take walkups, but that is not necessarily always the case). (photo: disneyworld.disney.go.com)
Hopefully these ideas help you out in the planning process. Of course, our results may vary from what you will be able to find and reserve. Let us know if any of these tips help you make dining reservations you’ve been trying to attain!   
  

4 Reasons to “Eat” Around the World At Epcot’s World Showcase

by Guide4WDW
4 Reasons to “Eat” Around the World At Epcot’s World Showcase 
by: guide4wdw – Collin 
twitter: @guide4disney 
instagram: @guide4disney 
For those of you who are die hard Disney Parks fans, you may have heard of a growing trend at Epcot called “Drinking Around The World”. While, for a certain audience, that can be an incredibly entertaining experience, Disney tends to frown upon the “game”. However, there is a clever alternative slowly making its way into the parks called “Eat Around the World”. 
For those of you who don’t know, “Drink Around The World” was essentially a challenge to stop at each of the 11 countries represented throughout the World Showcase and sample a form of alcohol at each and every stop. As you can imagine, it doesn’t always end well. Thankfully, with the growing trend towards food and garden related festivals in Epcot, eating at each of the countries instead of drinking is slowly growing in popularity. 
Now, I don’t recommend you eat a full meal at every single country represented, because that may have entirely different consequences of its own (although I may try it one of these days!).  Instead, make an effort to try a taste of some food item or share something with friends or family as you go. By the end of your experience you may have an entirely new form of entertainment and something to look forward to each and every time you visit Walt Disney World. While that sounds simple, it truly is an experience that can change the way you view the park. So, with all the details covered, here are my 4 simple reasons to “Eat Around the World!”    
  
-It’s Fun for the Whole Family! 
There’s just something special about sharing a meal with family. I’m not sure if it’s the fellowship or the food (we can’t forget the food!), or just spending time with those you truly care about the most. However, for some reason a meal at Walt Disney World isn’t just a meal but rather an experience all on its own. For many, its even the highlight of many of their vacations over the years. It’s one of those things you just have to see to believe but somehow that simple joy of sharing stories from your day in the parks or hearing each person’s favorite part of the vacation up to that point makes a meal at Disney one of the best ways to truly create wonderful memories for those of all al ages. Everyone can participate in a meal, the offerings are second to none (especially at Epcot) and the food is extraordinary at nearly any location. (granted there are a few exceptions… feel free to ask questions in the comments below and I’ll be sure to answer them!)     
-You Get to Broaden Your Horizons 
While Epcot was never originally designed to be a cultural experience, in a way that is part of what it has developed into over the years. Originally it was a learning experience and would essentially be the “City of Tomorrow” in Walt Disney’s eyes. While that vision never truly became a reality, Epcot still remains a learning experience. No matter where you decide to eat or what you intend on trying, being surrounded by and experiencing the cultures represented in The World Showcase really opens your eyes to the vast enormity of the world around you. In my own opinion there’s no better way to experience a culture than by experiencing something as essential to daily life as their food. Food in many cases creates a greater backstory of the entire country. Traditions develop over time, but food is usually something that stays true to its roots. 
Epcot’s representations aren’t always spot-on, but at the same time by expanding your pallet to new and unique offerings you get to learn what you like and dislike in a very first hand type of opportunity. At the end of the day you can say, at the very least, that you tried something new and who knows, it may end up being something you end up going back to for years to come. Take that leap of faith and try something new no matter how simple it may be!    
-You Will Avoid Most of the Long Lines! 
As many of us know, patience is key to a successful Disney vacation. If you don’t pack anything else, pack your patience. It’s the one tip that is found in every Disney guidebook and the key to enjoying a Disney vacation (shameless plug… check out my book, The Adventurer’s Guide to Walt Disney World, on Amazon). However, Eating Around the World is the rare exception to that rule. You really don’t have to be patient. Chances are, the only line you’ll have to wait in is the short line for the next food item on your list. You can sit down in the off the beaten path nooks of the World Showcase, enjoy a nice snack and relax in the Florida sunshine until you’re ready to move to you’re next destination. It really is a freeing experience, you don’t have to wait an hour for the next item on your “list” and many times you get to explore parts of Epcot that you may have overlooked in the past. 
Recently, even I stumbled across something I had never experienced before in the Morocco Pavilion! It may not be a completely new show or a completely new attraction, but may be just a little detail that you had simply overlooked or never noticed in the past. To me, that’s one of the best parts of the Disney experience. There’s always something new to see and no matter how hard you try, there is no way to see it all. The parks are constantly changing and developing as was the vision from the beginning and thankfully those little changes often times keep us coming back. Changes allow new memories to be created and new adventures throughout a place we all have grown to love.   
-You Can Experience Dinner With a Show!  
Lastly, there’s just something special about dinner and a show. Of course, Disney offers their own “dinner shows in Morocco, Germany, etc. but those aren’t necessarily the ones I’m referring to. What I’m talking about to is the “show” that the World Showcase becomes. After experiencing a few locations, you start to realize that at Epcot you can never have the same view twice. One day you can be sitting in China staring out over the World Showcase Lagoon as the sunlight twinkles on the water and then 4 hours later you can experience the nighttime magic of Illuminations from the exact same spot. 
China is just one of the many spots where this is true. You can eat at Monsieur Paul and have a completely new experience and a completely different view from any seat in the house. You can eat outside at Rose and Crown and experience one of the best views of Illuminations at night or slip inside for a journey over sees to an authentic British pub. You never know what experience you’re going to have on any given day and that makes the destinations all the more interesting. 
I’ve been asked hundreds of times why I keep going back to Disney above any other vacation destination and that may just be one of the many reasons. It’s never the same experience, but at the same time it’s always a wonderful experience that I’ll never forget. Every once in awhile you have to try something new, and I highly recommend “Eating Around the World!” 
Thanks for reading and please share this post with friends, family, and anyone you know that may have an interest in Disney. We are not associated with the ©Disney Company, and give our honest opinions of all things Disney. I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read this article and I understand how valuable your time is. As a friend of mine always says, “time is your most valuable resource” (-Lou Mongello) and I really appreciate you spending that time here with me reading the guide4wdw blog. 

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