New Menu Now Available At ESPN Club

ESPN New Menu 1

After my hometown team, the Denver Broncos, beat the New England Patriots on Sunday night, I’ve had football on my mind. If you are looking for a fun place to watch a game while in Disney World, head on over to the ESPN Club located at Disney’s Boardwalk. Living and traveling with a houseful of men, this is one of my family’s favorite spots. Recently the ESPN Club revamped their menu to add even more options. If you are a fan of the wings, burgers, or chicken & waffles, don’t worry – they are still available.

New starters:

  • Bar Flats (the ESPN version of a flatbread with caramelized onion, bacon and beer-cheese fondue; tuna tartare; traditional margarita (mozzarella, tomato and basil); Mediterranean, and the seasonal flat.
  • Club Fries – chunky steak fries topped with ESPN chili, Cheddar and ale fondue, crumbled blue cheese, marinated tomatoes, crispy pancetta and green onion. Plenty to share.
  • Pan-fried potato and cheese pierogi topped with herb-infused sour cream and caramelized onions.
  • Crispy fried Florida pink shrimp with Cajun remoulade, Sherry aioli and grilled lemon.
  • ESPN House Chili with diced onions, shredded Cheddar, smoked bacon, pico de gallo and griddle cornbread.
  • Clam chowder with chopped bacon, herb oil and seasoned oyster crackers.

New entrees:

  • Turkey Carver sandwich with roasted turkey breast, smoke Gouda, maple aioli, tomato and bitter greens.
  • Seafood mac & cheese made with seasonal seafood and citrus gremolata.
  • Sustainable catch with market vegetables.
  • Hand-breaded chicken breast sandwich with pepper jack cheese, tomato and lettuce on a toasted bun.
  • Petite top sirloin and grilled langostinos with house-made mac & cheese, Cabernet butter and market vegetables.
  • Craft beer battered fish and chips with Cajun tartar sauce and fries or cucumber salad.
  • Coffee-brined BBQ-spiced pork chop with fried potato hash and pickled vegetables.
  • Grilled Black Tiger Shrimp and andouille sausage “gumbo style” risotto, braised kale and grilled cornbread.
  • Bourbon-ale braised beef short rib with potato and roasted garlic gratin, watercress, pan gravy and market vegetables.
  • Pan-roasted chicken breast with Parmesan risotto, lemony chicken jus and market vegetables.
  • Sausage 3 Way: bratwurst, peppers and onions on pretzel roll; kielbasa and smoked bacon cabbage on a club roll; and Andouille with pickled vegetables on a poppy seed roll.
  • Vegetarian “Unplugged” with seasonal selections.

With so many new choices, I may have to eat there more than once on my next trip!

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Are you excited to try the new ESPN Club menu? Please leave a comment!

Tasty Treats From Epcot’s Holidays Around The World 2015

Holidays Around The World

Every year at Epcot, the holiday season is celebrated with a special event called Holidays Around The World. This year, the festive extravaganza will be held from November 27 through December 30. It is filled with yummy food, joyful music, and wonderful traditions from countries around the globe. Here’s the scoop on some of the tasty treats that you can enjoy this year, courtesy of Disney:


Clockwise around World Showcase:

  • Mexico – Sweet tamales.
  • Norway – Frozen Peppermint Trifle; Traditional Rice Cream.
  • China – Kaikouxiao (Happy Face Fried Cake).
  • Holidays Around The WorldGermany – Stollen, the classic holiday fruit bread; Glühwein, a hot spiced wine; Werther’s Original specialty drinks and treats, and a German artisanal cheese plate.
  • Italy – Prosecco sparkling wine and Panettone (Italian Christmas bread).
  • American Adventure – Start with a peek at the edible United States Capitol Building and Washington Monument (starting December 1) made out of 50 pounds of gingerbread.
  • On the promenade at American Adventure, The Sugar and Spice shop (open November 27) is the place for treats for the Candlelight Processional. You’ll find peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, chocolate chunk cookies, holiday tree sugar cookies, hot chocolate, eggnog, hot chocolate with peppermint Schnapps, and eggnog with Buffalo Trace Kentucky Bourbon.
  • Japan – A savory grilled Kurobuto pork sausage with pineapple and onions and Hitachino Ginger Beer.
  • Morocco – honey chocolate baklava.
  • Holidays Around The World Treats 3France – A classic Buche de Noel au Chocolat (chocolate Christmas log) and a special glace à la cannelle et noix de pecan caramélisées (cinnamon ice cream and caramelized pecans).
  • United Kingdom – Hot applejack cider.
  • Canada – Pecan maple bark.
  • Promenade Refreshments – A little savory, a little sweet: a warm turkey sandwich on cranberry bread with mashed potatoes and gravy; peppermint sundae, chocolate grasshopper, hot chocolate, hot chocolate with Godiva Coffee Liqueur and Red Hook Winterhook Ale.
  • Fountainview in Future World — Mickey Santa Hat Cupcake.

Heading to Disney World for the holidays?

501 WaysIf you are planning a vacation to Disney World during the holiday season, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save time and money:

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Season At Disney Springs

Disney Springs Christmas 4

It’s that time of year again when Walt Disney World goes all out for the holidays! Here’s a peek at some of the festive happenings being offered during the Holidays at Disney Springs courtesy of Disney:


Disney Springs receives a sprinkle of holiday magic as the shopping and entertainment location is transformed into a festive wonderland for the holiday season. With familiar favorites, new seasonal offerings and sparkling décor reflective of the unique Disney Springs neighborhoods, Holidays at Disney Springs will dazzle guests as they complete their seasonal shopping and enjoy the dining and entertainment offerings available during this cheerful time of year.

Holiday Décor

Disney Springs Christmas 6Each neighborhood has been transformed into a unique holiday wonderland for the season’s greetings, each reflecting the neighborhood’s role in the Disney Springs waterfront town.

The Marketplace décor will make guests feel right at home with wreaths and trees with a handmade touch. This colorful, authentic atmosphere is the ideal inspiration while shopping for loved ones.

The Landing is decked out in a bit more illustrious style, with silver and gold décor amidst the glittering holiday lights. With a slight modern flare, the metallic decorations fit the theme of this industrial neighborhood.

Guests will be transported to a magical winter wonderland as they visit the West Side neighborhood at Disney Springs. The vibrant blue ornaments, beautiful white holiday lights, and contemporary Christmas trees will bring holiday cheer to shoppers of all ages.

Holiday Entertainment

In addition to the yuletide décor, Disney Springs treats guests to special entertainment offerings throughout the neighborhoods.

The Marketplace is filled with the sights and sounds of the season as Holiday Carolers perform favorite Christmas tunes from 6 – 10pm. each evening from November  13 – December 30. The Marketplace holiday celebration continues with a special Kwanzaa musical group appearing at the Waterside Stage December 26 – 27.

Christmas GoofyAlso at the Marketplace, guests can visit Santa Claus to share their Christmas wish. The Chalet is in a new location this year by the Waterside Stage, where guests can meet Santa November 13 – December 24 from 12-10:30 p.m. For the second year, guests will be given a pager for a virtual queue so that they can continue their holiday shopping and be paged once it’s their turn to meet St. Nick. From December 25 – 29, Santa Goofy will greet guests during the same hours in the Chalet location.

Waterview Park at The Landing gives guests the chance to learn about and experience the story of Hanukkah through music. Showtimes are scheduled throughout the evenings of December 6 – 13.

In addition to the jolly musical offerings, guests will be astounded by the Holiday Stilt Walkers appearing throughout Disney Springs from 6 – 10pm. each evening from November 13 – December 30.

Shopping

The World of Disney store at the Marketplace is the world’s largest shopping destination for all-things Disney. The recently-expanded location offers a vast assortment of Disney merchandise including plush toys, clothing, Mickey Mouse hats and trading pins. The new Disney Parks Castle Play Set also is available at World of Disney and is the perfect surprise for little princesses.

Christmas StitchDisney Springs offers unique gift ideas that are exclusive to this premier shopping location. Ladies with a passion for fashion will appreciate a one-of-a-kind, personalized pair of flip-flops from havaianas, a hand-painted pair of TOMS shoes from Curl, or a stylish hat from Chapel Hats. A custom-designed phone case from D-Tech on Demand is the perfect stocking-stuffer. As for gifts for gentlemen, visit the new Twenty Eight & Main location at the Marketplace for exclusive Disney Parks gentleman’s apparel, accessories, and more.

For presents that sparkle and shine, consider the popular Pandora, Alex & Ani or Crislu jewelry. Dooney & Bourke and Vera Bradley bags add a touch of Disney design. The new Disney Boutique collection, which offers beautiful women’s apparel and accessories for dedicated Disney fans, can be found at TrenD in the Disney Springs Marketplace.

Sweet treats make for delicious holiday surprises. Opening in mid-December, The Ganachery offers rich, hand-crafted chocolate ganache with beautiful custom packaging. Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop also offers tasty chocolate treats and hot chocolates to sweeten this special time of year.

Disney Gift Cards give the gift of Disney magic to everyone this holiday season. Disney Gift Cards are accepted at many Disney Springs shopping locations and all Disney Springs restaurants, including the recently opened Morimoto Asia, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar and The BOATHOUSE.

Dining

In addition to a sleigh full of holiday shopping and entertainment, Disney Springs also offers special Christmas Day meals.

  • Fulton’s Crab House will feature a special surf- and turf menu, which includes braised short ribs and Alaska King crab with loaded mashed potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, lardons, and cabernet demi ($45 per person).
  • Portobello Country Italian Trattoria will offer a delectable three-course meal, including a filet with roasted garlic whipped potatoes and sweet cannoli for dessert ($50 per person).
  • For families looking for a classic feast in honor of the festive celebration, Planet Hollywood and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will offer a delicious turkey dinner with all the fixings to make guests feel right at home.
  • Wolfgang Puck Express will feature a tender oven-roasted pork chop with mashed potatoes and broccolini finished with a special holiday dessert ($15 per person).
  • The beautiful upstairs dining room at Wolfgang Puck Grand Café hosts an elaborate holiday feast, with a three-course meal complete with a wine selection. Guests will enjoy a savory watercress salad, followed by Colorado rack of lamb and concluded with a bittersweet chocolate ganache ($75 per person).

For dining reservations, please click here or call 407-WDW-DINE.

To view a full list of the Holidays at Disney Springs festivities and to learn more about the exciting shopping and dining experiences at Disney Springs, please click here. 


501 WaysHeading to Disney World for the holidays?

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

Will you be visiting Disney Springs this holiday season?
What are you most excited about? Please leave a comment!

Club Villain At Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Club Villain 1

Good news for Disney villain fans out there! Reservations are now open for the brand new Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new dining experience will be hosted by the spooky Dr. Facilier from Disney’s animated hit “The Princess and the Frog” and will take place in the newly built Sunset Showcase located at the end of Sunset Club Villain 2Boulevard near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. You will be able to dine and dance the night away with favorite villains such as Maleficent, Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Queen of Hearts. Feast on New Orleans specialties like herb crusted tender beef strip loin, sticky wings with citrus gremolata, and spicy shrimp sautéed with Andouille sausage, tomato, okra and onions over creamy polenta. Specialty cocktails, beer, wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages will be served. While you dance, dine, drink, and mingle with the villains, you will be entertained with hilarious musical numbers and an energetic dance mix from the house DJ.

Club Villain takes place on select nights and tickets can be purchased for $99 per person including tax and gratuity. Separate admission to Hollywood Studios is required and is not included in the price of the ticket. Reservations are recommended and can be made 90 days in advance by calling 407-939-3463 or by clicking here.

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Minnie’s Seasonal Dine At Hollywood & Vine

Minnie's Seasonal Dine 1

A new year round character experience!

Recently Disney added a new character dining experience for this year’s holiday season called Minnie’s Holiday Dine at Hollywood & Vine in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Apparently, Disney has received a good response, because they have decided to continue having Minnie and the Gang host dinner year round. With each season there will be unique décor, music, table activities, menu items, costumes, interactive musical moments, and special takeaway gifts.  Guests will be able to enjoy the seasonally themed dining event with Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy. The cost is $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child (ages 3 – 9), or one dining table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. There is also a Fantasmic! Dining Package available that includes the character meal plus special VIP seating for Fantasmic! Prices for this package are $53.99 for adults and $42.99 for children. All prices exclude tax and gratuity.

Current seasonal schedule for this holiday season and beyond:
November 4, 2015 – January 3, 2016

Celebrate the season with Minnie Mouse as she and all of her friends deck the halls of Hollywood & Vine for a dazzling dinner party chock-full of the cheerful togetherness of the holiday season!

January 4, 2016 – March 20, 2016

Minnie Mouse is inviting all of her friends to join her at Hollywood & Vine, where she’s hosting a fabulous dinner party celebrating the glamour of Hollywood!

March 21, 2016 – June 5, 2016

Minnie’s shaking off the winter chill with a fabulous dinner party celebrating the bright and beautiful delights of spring!

June 6, 2016 – September 11, 2016

It’s a sizzling summer celebration as Minnie Mouse and all of her friends head to Hollywood & Vine for a beach-inspired dinner bash celebrating the excitement of summer!

September 12, 2016 – November 6, 2016

Head on down to Minnie Mouse’s favorite haunt as she invites all her friends for a frightfully festive Halloween dinner party at Hollywood & Vine!

Reservations are available by clicking here or calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Make reservations now, seating is limited!

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

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

Will you be dining with Minnie & friends? Please leave a comment!