Category Resort Hotels

Jul 2 2024

Delicious Fourth of July Treats at Walt Disney World

Are you heading to Walt Disney World to celebrate Independence Day this year? If so, there will plenty of delicious food to enjoy while you’re there. Check out some of the festive treats being served up throughout the resort in honor of the Fourth of July, courtesy of Disney:

Magic Kingdom  

Liberty Square Market (Available June 30 through July 6)  

Red, White, and Blue Slushy: Frozen Fanta Blue Raspberry and Fanta Cherry layered with whipped cream and topped with popping candies

Sleepy Hollow (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)  

Red, White, and Blue Funnel Cake: Funnel cake topped with mixed berries, vanilla ice cream, and festive sprinkles 

EPCOT  

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue (Available June 30 through July 7; mobile order available)  

Barbecue Pulled Chicken Sandwich with house-made pickles, coleslaw, and an onion ring on a brioche roll  

Disney’s Hollywood Studios  

PizzeRizzo (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)  

Mickey Apple Pie Cupcake: Yellow cupcake filled with apple pie filling, topped with salted caramel buttercream and cinnamon streusel, and garnished with rainbow silver sparkle and red, white, and blue Mickey ears  

Woody’s Lunch Box (Available June 30 through July 31; mobile order available)  

4th of July Lunch Box Tart: Cherry pie filling topped with vanilla fondant and star sprinkles 

Disney’s Animal Kingdom  

Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus (Available July 1 through 5; mobile order available)  

Fourth of July Cupcake: Strawberry cake with blueberry compote, red, white, and blue vanilla icing, white chocolate Mickey-shaped decoration and gold star sprinkles 

Disney Springs  

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available now through July 8; mobile order available)  

Fourth of July Minnie Mouse Dome: White chocolate and strawberry mousse with vanilla chiffon cake and glaçage  

The Ganachery (Available now through July 7)  

Stars and Stripes Minnie Chocolate Piñata: Dark chocolate shell filled with popping candy-chocolate bark 

Disney Resorts Hotels  

Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available) 

Fourth of July Cheesecake: Strawberry bavarois, lemon cheesecake, and blueberry chiffon cheesecake  

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotel Quick-Service Restaurants (Available June 30 through July 6; mobile order available)  

Red, White, and Brownie: Red velvet-brown butter brownie with cream cheese icing, graham streusel, and caramel. Available at the following locations:  

  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort 
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort 
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort  
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
  • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort 
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside  
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter 

Heading to Walt Disney World?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids

If you are planning a vacation to Walt Disney World soon, please be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:

Will you be celebrating 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Which treat will you be trying? Please leave a comment below!

Jul 1 2024

Celebrating Independence Day 2024 in Walt Disney World

Will you be visiting Walt Disney World for the Fourth of July this year? If so, you are in luck! As usual, there are lots of exciting and entertaining options available to make your holiday a magical one. Here’s the current lineup courtesy of Disney:

Patriotic hues of red, white and blue will sparkle as Walt Disney World Resort in Florida celebrates Fourth of July with a spectacular lineup of fireworks, food and festive entertainment.  

Here are several ways guests can celebrate the stars and stripes this Independence Day at Walt Disney World.  

Fireworks over Magic Kingdom

“Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” will light up the nighttime sky over Magic Kingdom Park with a booming nighttime spectacular. A simultaneous fireworks display over nearby Seven Seas Lagoon creates an unforgettable experience for guests in the park and nearby Magic Kingdom Resort Area hotels. This special fireworks show will take place July 3 and July 4 at 9:20 p.m. 

Be Inspired by Veterans Portraits in The American Adventure at EPCOT

Portraits of Courage: A Commander in Chief’s Tribute to America’s Warriors is a special exhibit from the George W. Bush Institute that debuted June 9, 2024, at EPCOT. Reflecting President Bush’s personal commitment to military veterans and ongoing work of the Bush Institute’s Veteran and Military Families Program, this extraordinary art exhibit brings together more than 60 vibrant oil paintings by President Bush of service members and veterans who have served in military uniform with honor since 9/11 and whom the President has come to know personally since leaving office. 

Party Throughout Magic Kingdom

Magic Kingdom guests can dance the night away with DJs mixing tunes at a dance party in front of Cinderella Castle and throughout the park. 

Heartbeat of Freedom Following Luminous The Symphony of Us at EPCOT

Patriotic fireworks display, “The Heartbeat of Freedom,” will follow the new nighttime EPCOT fireworks show “Luminous The Symphony of Us” on July 4 at 9 p.m. 

Voices of Liberty Harmonies at EPCOT

While visiting EPCOT, guests will be treated to the sounds of Americana as the legendary a cappella vocal group Voices of Liberty performs patriotic numbers in the rotunda of The American Adventure. Performances will take place throughout the day. 

Special Photo Opportunities with Patriotic Disney Pals

Favorite Disney pals will be dressed for the occasion in their “Spirit of ’76” attire and meet with guests throughout the day at The American Adventure at EPCOT.  

Spaceship Earth at EPCOT Glitters in Red, White, and Blue

In celebration of the holiday, the iconic Spaceship Earth at EPCOT will be illuminated in bright red, white and blue colors at night. Guests can bask in a patriotic glow that will reflect across World Celebration, which is part of the park’s recently completed multi-year transformation.  

Food That’s Worth a Salute

For a limited time, Walt Disney World guests can dazzle their taste buds with all-new indulgences debuting this year across the resort and the return fan-favorites such as the Barbeque Pulled Chicken Sandwich available at Regal Eagle Smokehouse at EPCOT. More details to be announced in the July 4th Foodie Guide on the Disney Parks Blog being released June 25.  

Gear Up with Disney Americana Collection

Resort guests can celebrate in style with a special collection of merchandise featuring red, white and blue colors and patriotic Mickey Mouse. The Disney Americana Collection includes a Loungefly Mini Backpack and Ear Headband along with a variety of tees. Guests can discover these treasures for a limited time at World of Disney at Disney Springs, Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations Shop at EPCOT, Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and online at DisneyStore.com.  

Celebrate at Disney Resort Hotels

Select Disney Resort hotels get into the spirit with classic summertime fun, from surprise character appearances, campfires, sing-alongs and marshmallow roasts to Movies Under the Stars and children’s activities. Or just enjoy an afternoon poolside or a leisurely boating excursion on sparkling lakes and waterways.  

Guests staying in Disney Resort hotels on the shores of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake can cap off their day viewing the nightly Electrical Water Pageant. This cavalcade of sea creatures in lights includes a patriotic grand finale featuring the American flag and stars all in sparkling lights. More information about special activities is available in each resort’s daily schedule. 

Stroll Down Main Street, U.S.A.

Inspired by Walt Disney’s childhood hometown of Marceline, Missouri, Main Street U.S.A. is a step back in time to a quintessential American town at the turn of the 20th century. The colorful Victorian setting is where guests can enjoy the famous Dapper Dans barbershop quartet, horse-drawn carriages and the high-flying revelry of the Main Street Philharmonic.  

Witness the Flag Retreat

Since the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971, the daily Flag Retreat ceremony has retired the American flag for the night in a celebratory tribute to U.S. Veterans. Veterans often participate in the ceremony, receiving warm recognition for their service and sacrifice. 

Liberty Square Tree

See History in Liberty Square

Set in the Revolutionary War era, Liberty Square pays tribute to daily life in the original thirteen colonies. Guests can get up close to a replica of the Liberty Bell and meet all 45 different Presidents of the United States in the Hall of Presidents, a stirring show tracing the nation’s history. A walk along the Rivers of America from Liberty Square through neighboring Frontierland reflects a journey through the country’s era of westward expansion.  

Experience The American Adventure

The American Adventure in World Showcase at EPCOT features a dramatic production including 35 Audio-Animatronic figures that retell pivotal moments and events throughout the country’s history. From the landing of the Mayflower to Valley Forge, the Civil War to the Great Depression all the way up to today, Benjamin Franklin and Mark Twain guide guests on this trip through time.  

Heading to Walt Disney World?

Ultimate Walt Disney World Hacks for Families with Kids

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time, money, and your sanity:

Have you celebrated the 4th of July in Walt Disney World?
Are you going this year? Please leave a comment!

Mar 14 2023

Delicious St. Patrick’s Day Eats and Drinks to Enjoy at Walt Disney World

If you’ll be visiting Walt Disney World this month and are in the mood for a yummy treat to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’re in luck! There are always the classic candy apples, cookies, and rice crispy treats that will be festively decorated for the holiday, but if you are looking for something a little different check out these delicious eats and drinks being served up throughout the resort in honor of the holiday.

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, and Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort

World Premiere Food Court, Intermission Food Court, and End Zone Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cake: Irish cream cake with mint ganache, buttercream, fondant rainbow, and a chocolate pot of gold

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping & Dining (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Parfait: Layers of green velvet cake, ganache and Irish crème cheesecake topped with sweet cream and white chocolate shamrock décor

Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop (Available through March 31)

  • Mickey Shamrock Milkshake: Mint milkshake with chocolate drizzle, shamrock sprinkles and a specialty vanilla cupcake

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake, whipped mint ganache, and house-made chocolate décor

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Contempo Café (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cupcake: Chocolate cake filled with gold crisp pearls with green buttercream, green sugar, shamrock sprinkles and a white chocolate Minnie Mouse topper

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Villa del Lago (Available March 10 through 17)

  • Lucky Leprechaun: Whiskey coffee custard, whiskey-soaked cake, and pistachio mousse topped with a dark chocolate shamrock

Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Good’s Food to Go (Available through March 17)

  • Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor

Scat Cat’s Club – Café (Available through March 31)

  • Mickey Shamrock Beignet: Mickey-shaped beignet, chocolate-mint ganache, milkshake pipette, and shamrock décor

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

Riverside Mill Food Court (Available March 10 through 17; mobile order available)

  • Mint Chocolate Chip Cheesecake: Mint chocolate brownie topped with vanilla cheesecake and whipped mint ganache with chocolate décor

Disney’s Riviera Resort

Le Petit Café (Available March 17 only)

  • Caramel-Hazelnut Profiteroles: Caramel-hazelnut custard-filled chocolate profiteroles with chocolate ganache

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

The Artist’s Palette (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

  • Mickey Pot of Gold: Stout-chocolate cake filled with Irish cream mousse dipped in a chocolate shell, buttercream, gold sprinkles, and rainbow gummy

Backstretch Pool Bar (Available through March 17)

  • Lucky Irish Cone: Cake cone, vanilla soft-serve, chocolate sandwich cookies, and gold sprinkles

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Roaring Fork (Available through March 17; mobile order available)

  • The Nugget: Vanilla bean mousse, Irish stout cake, and salted caramel ganache

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available through March 31; mobile order available)

  • My Lucky (Plant-based) Clover Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake with vanilla buttercream and sprinkles (Plant-based); Available at the following:
    • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
    • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
    • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
    • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
    • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
    • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
    • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

EPCOT

Sunshine Seasons (Available March 17 only)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee Tart: Chocolate coffee tart topped with mint mousse, Irish coffee crémeux, and shamrock garnish

Rose & Crown

  • Fish and Chips: Rose & Crown’s Signature Dish: Beer-battered and served with tartar sauce
  • Shepherd’s Pie: Ground beef, seasonal vegetables, English peas, and mashed potatoes with Irish cheddar
  • Leaping Leprechaun: Jameson Irish Whiskey, Don Q Cristal Rum, SVEDKA Vodka, melon liqueur, and sweet-and-sour topped with Sprite

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie (Available March 10 through 18)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Petit Cake: Whiskey-soaked spiced chiffon cake with layers of Irish cream mousse, caramel banana mousse, and candied walnuts
  • St. Patrick’s Day Chocolate-covered Strawberries

City Works Eatery & Pour House (Available through March 17)

  • Irish Loaded Fries: House-made corned beef, hardwood-smoked bacon, Guinness braised onions, IPA cheese sauce, green onions, and waffle fries
  • Pastrami Reuben: House-made pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, and bacon-braised sauerkraut on marble rye
  • Irish Bangers & Mash: Grilled Louisiana hot link, smoked cheddar and horseradish potato purée, caramelized cabbage, and Guinness onion gravy
  • Irish Mule: Jameson Irish Whiskey, lime juice, bitters, and ginger beer
  • Dark Side of The Moon: Blue Moon and Guinness
  • Snakebite: Angry Orchard Crisp Apple and Guinness
  • Voodoo: Reubaus and Guinness

The Daily Poutine (Available through March 31)

  • Irish Pork Bangers Poutine: Irish cheddar, onion marmalade, stout gravy, and french fries

D-Luxe Burger (Available through March 31; mobile order available)

  • Dublin Burger: Two pressed signature blend patties with Irish cheddar, corned beef, shoestring fried onions, Irish stout barbecue, lettuce, tomato

The Ganachery (Available through March 19)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Mickey Piñata: Chocolate piñata filled with mint marshmallows enrobed in chocolate, white crisp pearls, and green sprinkles
  • Milk Chocolate Irish Cream Ganache Square
  • Dark Chocolate Irish Whiskey Ganache Square

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

  • Revelers can enjoy Raglan Road’s Signature Brew Flight, whiskey flight, or craft beers, wines, and hand-crafted cocktails of their choice while choosing from the chef’s selection of authentic Irish dishes, including the dry-aged prime short rib and brisket beef OMG Burger, Shepherd’s Pie (beef and lamb version or the popular plant-based option), and fresh-caught fish with chips. The authentic fish & chips also are available to go at the adjacent Cooke’s of Dublin counter. Please click here for more information about Raglan Road’s Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Celebration!

Salt & Straw (Available through March 30)

  • Pots of Gold & Rainbows: Hand-sorted rainbow marshmallows tossed into cereal milk ice cream

Sprinkles (Available March 13 through 19)

  • Irish Coffee Cupcake: Chocolate coffee cake filled with marshmallow, topped with Irish whiskey green-vanilla buttercream frosting, and finished with a clover décor (This cupcake contains a small amount of alcohol; for adults 21+)

Swirls on the Water (Available through March 31)

  • St. Patrick’s Day Cone: Chocolate and mint soft-serve swirled in a black vanilla cone topped with gold sprinkles
  • Bailey’s Chocolate Float: Frozen hot chocolate with mint soft serve and Bailey’s Irish Cream float

Vivoli il Gelato (Available through March 31)

  • Shamrock Shake: Mint chocolate chip gelato and pistachio gelato topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings
  • Pistachio Bombolato: Pistachio gelato and chocolate sauce in a warm Italian donut
  • Mint Cannoli: Sweet cream of ricotta cheese, sugar, mint, and chocolate shavings in a crispy pastry shell
  • Marshmallow Cereal Cannoli: Ricotta cheese and marshmallow cereal
  • Marshmallow Cereal Bombolato: Marshmallow cereal and vanilla icing
  • Marshmallow Cereal Shake: Vanilla gelato and marshmallow cereal topped with a bombolato

Will you be trying a St. Patrick’s Day treat in Disney World? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Mar 10 2023

Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Calling all Disney Foodies! On April 1, 2023, Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will reopen in a beautifully reimagined space with a refreshed menu created by Chef Noah Estabrook and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer. This signature dining location is known for its glorious waterside location, spectacular views, and delicious dishes. According to Disney:

The new space incorporates the concept of “land and sea” and that’s exactly what the culinary teams drew inspiration from when developing the new menu. Upon sitting down for your meal, you’ll be greeted with a recipe created by Chef Kristine specially for this location – an Artisan Boule of Sourdough made with a perfectly toasty crust and baked daily in the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa bakery.

As you enter your first course, you’ll continue to be met with masterfully crafted dishes. For years, the Bisque has been a mainstay on the menu, so flavor connoisseurs will be thrilled to see it return, but now with an enhanced tableside presentation. The culinary team has also created two new starters. First up, the Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni accompanied by luscious brown butter, parsnip puree, and sultana raisins.

Next, the Ocean-inspired Charcuterie Board is a fresh take on a classic featuring ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus, and house-made sausage from the sea. This plate is a true collaboration, with each component representing the style of a different chef on the Narcoossee’s team.

Moving on to the main course of your dining experience, the team has sourced sustainable seafood from both local waters and around the globe, including Chef Noah’s signature dish, the Blackened Redfish. This meal is served with a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy, Florida sweet corn, and red pepper rouille. What makes this fish a standout is the secret blend of blackened spice which has been passed down from chef to chef of the location, with each culinary mastermind finding their own unique way to feature it on the menu.

Plant-based diners will be delighted with the Roasted Vegetable Paella featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, and preserved artichoke finished with charred Meyer lemon. Those looking for land-based fare will savor the new Dry-Aged Pork Ribeye Chop served with creamy goat cheese-potato pave and turnips with onion jam and a touch of fig jus.

Of course, chef has kept Narcoossee’s guest favorites like the Plancha-seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi and Surf and Turf featuring tender filet mignon and butter-poached lobster tail on the menu for new and returning guests to indulge in.

The dessert course also features a favorite that has garnered near legendary status over the years amongst diners of Narcoossee’s – Chef Kristine’s incredible Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream.

When developing the new additions to the dessert menu, the pastry team was inspired by bright flavors that really complement the overall experience. The Berry Pavlova, for instance, is artfully crafted with Florida fresh berries and citrus delicately placed over meringue and yuzu crémeux and finished with a tableside pour of anglaise. The Pineapple Bavarois is truly a work of art with a roasted-pineapple center and house-made blackberry-buttermilk ice cream. These dishes make for a perfect and sweet finish to a memorable evening.

This waterfront hideaway is the ideal spot to wind down with a fabulous cocktail or zero-proof beverage. The wine list has been refreshed to reflect a diverse portfolio of varietals, with Proprietor Matt Cristi and the sommeliers on his team available to help you create the perfect pairing for each dish. Our team of mixologists have also thoughtfully curated a new cocktail program, inspired by the Victorian era. A must-try is the signature Empress Lime Gimlet, a modern twist on a classic gimlet with Empress Gin, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, and cold-pressed lime.

There is a dress code for this Signature Dining experience. Dinner pricing varies from approximately $35 to $60 per person and is served nightly from 5:00pm to 9:30pm. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and are strongly recommended. For dress code requirements, pricing, the latest menu, to check availability or to make reservations, please click here.

Will you be dining at Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort? Please leave a comment; I would love to hear from you!

Aug 10 2021

Citricos At Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

More dining options have recently reopened at Walt Disney World including Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. According to Disney:

Citricos 1You can now dine “underneath the lovely London sky” in the newly reimagined Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, which pays homage to the whimsy and elegance of Mary Poppins Returns. Taking subtle cues from the movie’s animated sequence, the dining room brings guests into a fanciful garden setting where you can “trip a little light fantastic” as you experience the restaurant surrounded by the glow from decorative lamps and chandeliers.

Chef Andres Mendoza crafted a new menu with starters like Sweet Corn Bisque with pickled fennel, popcorn, and fennel oil and a colorful Strawberry Salad with chamomile-infused goat cheese, frisée lettuce, bacon vinaigrette, and spiced sunflower seeds.

Citricos 5Entrées include Butter-poached Florida Cobia with mashed fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and local mushrooms with a grapefruit beurre blanc or a delicious Guava Barbequed Short Ribs with aged cheddar creamy grits, roasted poblano, curtido slaw, and Brussels sprouts.

For a sweet ending to your meal, Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer created some truly delicious and decadent desserts such as Warm Apple Rose with seasonal apple, marzipan layers, and frozen coconut milk and the Chocolate Torte, a dark chocolate financier, dark cherry compote, and vanilla bean mascarpone cream.

The wine and cocktail program, designed by Sommelier Israel Perez, is exceptional. For those who enjoy an elevated food and wine experience, the new and exclusive Sommelier Room at Cítricos will allow Israel and his team to source boutique wines that pair with special creations from Chef Andres.

There is a dress code for this Signature Dining experience. Dinner pricing varies from approximately $35 to $60 per person and is served nightly from 5:00pm to 9:30pm. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance and are strongly recommended. For dress code requirements, pricing, the latest menu, to check availability or to make reservations, please click here.

Will you be dining at Citricos soon?
Please leave a comment; we would love to hear from you!