Tag Archives: Dining

Jul 24 2015

Check Out Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto

Trader Sams

A South Seas Hideaway

Have you visited the new Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort yet? My family and I had the chance to check it out last month and we loved it! If you are a fan of tropical drinks, Hawaii, or the Jungle Cruise, definitely stop by the next time you’re in Disney World. Here’s everything you need to know about Trader Sam’s courtesy of Disney:

Trader SamsTrader Sam’s Grog Grotto is the latest addition to the newly reimagined Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  Located off the Great Ceremonial House, the themed lounge serves exotic drinks and small plates, while offering scenic views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon.

Founded by Adventureland’s famous “head” salesman, Trader Sam, the Walt Disney World Resort version has some similarities to the original Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Resort. But magical theming reflects its new resort location.

Guests are welcomed to Trader Sam’s, a South Seas hideaway, to explore a menu full of “magical tropical drinks and food,” and while the Walt Disney World version shares a few exotic cocktails and small plates from the Disneyland location, it has its own menu, according to Chef Lenny DeGeorge.

The famous Trader Sam cocktails, available in Disney collectible Tiki mugs, are a mix of old and new.

Only at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto:

  • Polynesian Pearl
  • Nautilus
  • Castaway Crush
  • Tahitian Torch
  • Dark & Tropical Stormy

Favorites imported from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar:

  • Krakatoa Punch
  • Uh-Oa!
  • HippopotoMai-Tai
  • Shrunken Zombie Head

Sam’s No-Booze Brews:

  • Schweitzer Fall
  • Skipper Sipper

Small bites at Trader Sam’s Grotto include chicken lettuce cups with hoisin ginger sauce; Hawaiian poke with Sriracha aioli and wonton chips; kalua pork tacos with shredded cabbage and pickled vegetables; pan-fried dumplings with soy-sesame dipping sauce; roasted chicken and pork pâté bánh mì sliders with pickled vegetables; salmon oshizushi (pressed sushi); corn-battered Portuguese sausages with curry ketchup, and a Headhunter Sushi Roll.

The lounge has 50 seats inside and 82 on the patio. Reservations are not required.

The lounge has over 1,200 pieces of memorabilia to check out and ordering certain drinks causes some fun special effects. Because of Trader Sam’s popularity, you could be looking at an hour or two wait or more for a seat inside. If you would rather not wait, head to the nearby Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace for the same menu, live Hawaiian music, plus a view of Seven Seas Lagoon.

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:

Have you visited Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto yet?
Did you love it? Please leave a comment!

Jul 23 2015

Vivoli il Gelato Now Open In Downtown Disney

Vivoli il Gelato

Hand-Crafted Goodness Straight From Italy

Have you tried the newest spot for a delicious dessert in Downtown Disney/Disney Springs? A brand-new location called Vivoli il Gelato has recently opened serving many tasty options. Here’s everything you need to know courtesy of Disney:

Experience the hand-crafted goodness of Italian gelati, sorbetti, espresso drinks, Panini sandwiches and much more. After 85 years, this world-famous, family-run gelato shop from Florence has finally opened a second storefront—at Disney Springs! 

Opening daily at 10:00am, a wide variety of Gelato and Sorbetto flavors are served including fresh cream, imported Italian chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, rice pudding, salted caramel, coconut, peanut butter, sweet cherry, Italian coffee, banana, lemon, strawberry, pineapple, orange, mango, and mixed berry. Prices start as low as $5.00 and dining plans are not accepted.

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:

Have you visited Vivoli il Gelato yet?
Did you love it? Please leave a comment!

Jul 17 2015

2015 Epcot International Food And Wine Festival Marketplace Full Menus

In January, Disney announced the dates for this year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. In May, they released the Eat To The Beat Bands plus some first details. Earlier this month, information about the first ever expansion of the festival into Future World was shared. And now finally, what we’ve all been waiting for…the Marketplace Menus have been released! Here’s the scoop from Disney:

During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, you can bask in a bevy of appetizing stops as you travel through a cornucopia of cultures and cuisines. With menus inspired by specific regions of the world, along with refreshments crafted by brewers and master wine makers, you can rest assured that there’s an offering for every kind of foodie.

Africa

Journey deep into a diverse assortment of tastes and tannins, inspired by the countries of the African continent.
To eat:
  • Berbere-style beef tenderloin tips with onions, jalapeños, tomato and pap
  • Buttered chicken with micro cilantro and naan bread
To drink:
  • Indaba Chenin Blanc
  • DeMorgenzon DMZ Cabernet Róse
  • Fairview Pinotage
  • Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

Cheese Studio

Have it your “whey” with a sumptuous selection of smooth and savory cheeses.
To eat:
  • Trio of artisan cheese
    • Karst cave-aged cheese served with honey
    • La Bonne Vie goat cheese served with Craisin® bread
    • Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese with berry port compote
  • Sweet goat cheese panna cotta with guava gellé
  • Cheese fondue with sourdough bread
To drink:
  • Robert Mondavi FuméBlanc
  • Still River Winery Apfel Eis (apple ice wine)
  • Sterling Vintner’s Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Studio

Sip some of the incredible reds and whites that the American West Coast has to offer.
To eat:
  • Trio of artisan cheese
    • Karst cave-aged cheese served with honey
    • La Bonne Vie goat cheese served with Craisin® bread
    • Rogue Creamery Oregon Blue Cheese with berry port compote
To drink:
  • Avviato Pinot Grigio, Oregon
  • 14 Hands Chardonnay, Washington
  • Franciscan Equilibrium White Wine, California
  • Acacia Pinot Noir, California
  • Dry Creek Zinfandel, California
  • Spellbound Petite Sirah, California
  • Clayhouse Malbec, California
  • Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Australia

Enjoy a rich range of delectable menu options hailing from the land down under, including several Australian wines.
To eat:
  • Grilled sweet and spicy bush berry shrimp with pineapple, peppers, onions, and snap peas
  • Grilled lamb chop with mint pesto and potato crunchies
  • Lamington: Yellow cake dipped in chocolate and shredded coconut
To drink:
  • Coopers Brewery Extra Strong Vintage Ale
  • Château Tanunda Grand Barossa Dry Riesling
  • Bulletin Place Unoaked Chardonnay
  • Yangarra Estate Vineyard Shiraz

Belgium

Discover a different take on the waffle as you indulge in savory sweets and hoppy treats from the Kingdom of Belgium.
To eat:
  • Potato and leek waffle with beer-braised beef and smoked gouda cream
  • Belgium waffle with warm chocolate ganache and whipped cream
  • Belgium waffle with berry compote and whipped cream
To drink:
  • Hoegaarden®
  • Leffe® Blonde
  • Palm Spéciale Belge Ale
  • Stella Artois® Cidre
  • Chilled coffee featuring Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
  • Beer flight: Hoegaarden®, Palm Amber Ale, Leffe® Blonde and Stella Artois® Cidre

Brazil

Explore offerings from the Atlantic coastline as you make your way inland to the heartbeat of South American culture.
To eat:
  • Escondidinho de carne, “Little Hidden One”: layered meat pie with mashed yucca
  • Crispy pork belly with black beans and tomato
  • Pão de queijo: Brazilian cheese bread
  • Cocada: Brazilian coconut candy
To drink:
  • Kaiser Brewery Xingu Black Beer
  • Carnaval Moscato Sparkling White Wine
  • Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça

Brewer’s Collection

Pop the top and soak up some European-style suds. Or, order a flight to set off on your own beer smorgasbord.
  • Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
  • Norbertus Special Hefeweizen
  • BraufactuM Progusta IPA
  • Shöfferhofer Zitrone Weizen-Mix
  • Bier Flight
    • Radeberger Zwickel Pilsner (Unfiltered)
    • Norbertus Special Hefeweizen
    • BraufactuM Progusta IPA
    • Shöfferhofer Zitrone Weizen-Mix

Canada

Celebrate the “Great White North” with Yukon fare, including refreshing lagers and ice-cold wines.
To eat:
  • Canadian cheddar cheese soup
  • Chicken sausage with creamy polenta and Minus 8 onion jam
  • “Le Cellier” wild mushroom beef filet mignon with truffle butter sauce
To drink:
  • Moosehead® Lager
  • Neige Premiere Apple Ice Wine
  • Inniskillin Vidal Icewine
  • Tawse Vineyard Cabernet Franc

China

Commemorate the countrymen of the world’s most populous nation with a choice of their food and beverage favorites.
To eat:
  • Beijing roasted duck in steamed bun with hoisin sauce
  • Gaoli beef slider
  • Black pepper shrimp with Sichuan noodles
  • Chicken pot stickers
To drink:
  • TSINGTAO Beer
  • Francis Ford Coppola Su Yuen Riesling
  • Ritzy Lychee with cognac and vodka
  • Happy Peach with peach liqueur and dark rum
  • Kung Fu Punch with vodka and triple sec
  • Mango jasmine tea with popping bubbles

Craft Beers

Sophisticate your knowledge of all things hops and barley with a cool brew or flight from a popular craft brewery.
To drink:
  • Brew Hub Keybilly Island Ale, Lakeland, FL
  • Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, FL
  • Orlando Brewing Grateful Pumpkin, Orlando, FL
  • Swamp Head Wild Night® Honey Cream Ale, Gainsville, FL
  • 3 Daughters St. Pete Beach Blonde Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
  • Florida Beer Company Passport 20 Belgian-Style Tripel Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
  • Funky Buddha Vanilla Espresso Porter, Oakland Park, FL
  • Shipyard Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Clearwater, FL
  • Flight #1: Florida Harvest
    • Brew Hub Keybilly Island Ale, Lakeland, FL
    • Two Henrys Blueberry Vanilla American Wheat Ale, Plant City, FL
    • Orlando Brewing Grateful Pumpkin, Orlando, FL
    • Swamp Head Wild Night® Honey Cream Ale, Gainsville, FL
  • Flight #2: Craft Beer Lovers
    • 3 Daughters St. Pete Beach Blonde Ale, St. Petersburg, FL
    • Florida Beer Company Passport 20 Belgian-Style Tripel Ale, Cape Canaveral, FL
    • Funky Buddha Vanilla Espresso Porter, Oakland Park, FL
    • Shipyard Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, Clearwater, FL
To eat:
  • Craft beer snack mix: sweet and savory blend of nuts, fruits, and crackers
  • Charcuterie plate: Country pâté, cured meats, and crostini
  • Pimento cheese dip with pretzel crisps
  • Bloody Mary shrimp cocktail

Desserts & Champagne

Seduce your sweet tooth to the core while you tickle your nose with any one of the bubbly sensations that await you.
To eat:
  • Chocolate cherry explosion
  • Strawberry-basil champagne “toast”
  • Guylian® Belgian chocolate seashell truffles
To drink:
  • Nicholas Feuillatte Blanc de Blancs
  • Möet & Chandon Impérial
  • Veuve Clicquot® Ponsardin “Yellow Label”
  • Dom Pérignon
  • Möet & Chandon Nectar Impérial
  • Orange Blossom Brewery Toasted Coconut Porter float with caramel ice cream
  • Cream soda float with caramel ice cream
  • Frozen S’mores featuring Monin® Toasted Marshmallow Syrup

Dominican Republic

The dazzling flavors of Spanish, African and indigenous Taino cuisine come together for a tantalizing assortment of Dominican dishes.
To eat:
  • Lechón asado: Roasted pork with mangú, pickled red onion and avocado
  • Soufflé de yuca: Yuca soufflé topped with griddled cheese
  • Pescado con coco: Seared grouper, pigeon peas and rice with coconut sauce
  • Caramel flan with rum-roasted pineapple
To drink:
  • Presidente Pilsner Beer
  • Frozen Dominican piña colada featuring Ron Barceló Blanco Rum
  • Frozen sugar cane cocktail featuring Ron Barceló Blanco Rum

Farm Fresh

Appease your hunger with a hearty harvest of fresh fare—straight from the farm and on to you!
To eat:
  • Loaded mac n’ cheese with Nueske’s® pepper bacon, cheddar cheese, peppers and green onions
  • Griddled “yard bird” with braised greens
To drink:
  • Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider
  • Wyder’s® Dry Pear Hard Cider
  • Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider
  • ACE Hard Pumpkin Cider
  • Florida Orange Groves, Key Limen Wine
  • Tom Gore Chardonnay
  • Tom Gore Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Hard cider flight:
    • Woodchuck Raspberry Hard Cider
    • Wyder’s® Dry Pear Hard Cider
    • Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider
    • ACE Hard Pumpkin Cider

France

Peruse France for a taste of the finer things… food and drink both classical in tone and timeless in their presentation.
To eat:
  • Croissant aux escargots with garlic and parsley
  • Boeuf bourguignon: Braised short ribs in cabernet with mashed potatoes
  • Crème brûlée vanille chocolat: Vanilla & chocolate crème brûlée topped with caramelized sugar
To drink:
  • Beer, Kronenbourg Blanc 1664
  • Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, Vielles Vignes Mommessin
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, Château Bonnet
  • Sparkling Pomegranate Kir
  • Ice Pop Pomme: Apple juice, vodka, and St. Germain liqueur
  • La Passion Martini Slush: vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, cranberry and passion fruit juice

Germany

Revel in the spirit of the Rhineland—sink your teeth into a tasty sausage and then wash it down with a German beer.
To eat:
  • Schinkennudeln: Pasta gratin with ham and cheese
  • Roast bratwurst in a pretzel roll
  • Apple strudel with vanilla sauce
To drink:
  • J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
  • Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
  • J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese
  • Kallstadter Kobnert Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) Spätlese Dry
  • German Riesling flight:
    • J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Kabinett
    • Selbach-Oster Mosel Riesling Spätlese
    • J&H Selbach Bernkasteler Kurfürstlay Riesling Auslese

Greece

Experience old country flavors from a classic land, whether pulled from the sea or picked from trees on the hillside.
To eat:
  • Vegetarian moussaka with Gardein™ sausage crumbles
  • Greek salad in a cone
  • Chicken gyro with tzatziki sauce
  • Spanakopita
To drink:
  • Domaine Skouras Moscofilero
  • Domaine Siglas Assyrtiko/Athiri
  • Alpha Estate Axia Syrah Xinomavro
  • Tzatziki martini featuring Crop Organic Cucumber Vodka and BOLS® Natural Yoghurt Liqueur

Hawai’i

Say “aloha” as you travel across the Pacific for some tropical flavors and island favorites, both savory and sweet.
To eat:
  • Kālua pork slider with sweet and sour Dole® Pineapple chutney and spicy mayonnaise
  • Tuna poke with seaweed salad and lotus root chips
To drink:
  • Kona Brewing Company, Big Wave® Golden Ale
  • Kona Brewing Company, Pipeline Porter
  • Maui Splash Sweet Pineapple Wine
  • Mai Tai featuring Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum

Hops & Barley

Endear yourself to the sensibilities of the States, from stout ales to artisan cheese plates.
To eat:
  • New England Lobster Roll
  • Florida grass fed beef slider with pimento cheese
  • Fresh baked carrot cake with Craisins® and cream cheese icing
To drink:
  • SweetWater Take Two Pils
  • Goose Island® Honkers Ale
  • Samuel Adams® Rebel IPA
  • Dogfish Head Sixty-One IPA
  • La Crema® Chardonnay
  • Cambria Estate Winery Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir
  • Beer Flight (Includes 4, 4 oz. servings)
    • SweetWater Take Two Pils
    • Goose Island® Honkers Ale
    • Samuel Adams® Rebel IPA
    • Dogfish Head Sixty-One IPA

Ireland

Jaunt over for favorite flavors o’ the Emerald Isle, including robust cheeses, honey wine and chilled Irish coffee.
To eat:
  • Lobster and seafood fisherman’s pie
  • Kerrygold® cheese selection: Reserve cheddar, Dubliner with Irish Stout and Skellig
  • Warm chocolate pudding with Kerrygold Irish Cream Liqueur Custard
To drink:
  • Kilkenny Irish Cream Ale
  • Bunratty Meade Honey Wine
  • Chilled Irish Coffee featuring Bunratty Potcheen
  • Kerrygold® Irish Cream Liqueur

Italy

Embark for a delightful occasion in Italy to get your fill of fresh-made pasta and wines from the countryside.
To eat:
  • Ravioli alla caprese: Cheese ravioli, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan and basil
  • Filetto di pollo, con funghi al marsala: Chicken tenderloin, cremini mushrooms, marsala sauce and ciabatta bread
  • Cannoli al cioccolato: Chocolate-covered cannoli filled with sweet ricotta, chocolate and candied fruit
To drink:
  • Moretti Lager Beer
  • Moretti La Rossa Beer
  • Pinot Grigio, Placido
  • Corbinello, Montegrande
  • Chianti Classico, Placido
  • Moscato Fior d’Arancio, Montegrande
  • Prosecco, Bosco del Merlo
  • Frozen margarita with limoncello and tequila

Japan

“Roll” by Japan’s marketplace for an authentic sushi roll. Or, slake your thirst with a draft beer or sake.
To eat:
  • Spicy hand roll: Tuna and salmon with Kazan Volcano sauce
  • Teriyaki gyoza bun: Steamed bun filled with chicken, vegetables and sweet teriyaki sauce
  • Miso Udon: steamed shrimp, vegetables, and noodles in a spicy broth
To drink:
  • Kirin Draft Beer
  • Pineapple Fuzed Sake
  • Sake – Komatsu Tateaki Samurai
  • Sake – Suigei Drunken Whale

Mexico

Come for the culture, stay for the food—enjoy tacos fresh from the grill while you get your fill of ice-cold cerveza.
To eat:
  • Tacos de camarón: Battered shrimp, pico de gallo, pickled onions, and chipotle mayonnaise
  • Chilaquiles de pollo: Corn chips layered with seasoned chicken, queso fresco, sour cream and cilantro
  • Pastel de elote con queso: sweet corn cheesecake
To drink:
  • Dos Equis Lager Beer with Floater
  • Mexican sangria
  • Tequila Flight
  • Guava margarita

Morocco

Make way for food inspired by the rugged mountainsides of this north African nation, including Berber cuisine and beer.
To eat:
  • Kefta pocket: Ground seasoned beef in a pita pocket
  • Harissa chicken roll
  • Baklava
To drink:
  • Casa Beer
  • Guerouane White
  • Sangria
  • Mimosa Royale

New Zealand

Savor the other side of the equator and taste what Kiwi pride is all about—enjoy treats from land, sea and vine.
To eat:
  • Steamed green lip mussels with garlic butter and toasted bread crumbs
  • Seared venison loin with wild mushroom marsala sauce and kumara dumpling
  • Lamb meatball with spicy tomato chutney
To drink:
  • Kim Crawford Pinot Gris
  • Brancott Estate® Flight Song™ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
  • Kim Crawford Chardonnay
  • Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir

Patagonia

Tempt your tastes with a sampling of South American cooking, inspired by the continent’s mountainous southern tip.
To eat:
  • Beef empanada
  • Grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and boniato purée
  • Roasted Verlasso salmon with quinoa salad and arugula chimichurri
To drink:
  • Undurraga Sparkling Wine Brut
  • Calle Ocho Chardonnay
  • Kaiken Torrontés
  • Terrazas Reserva Malbec

Poland

Take part in hearty Polish entrees while you whet your whistle with beer, wine and delicious vodka-based beverages.
To eat:
  • Kielbasa and potato pierogi with caramelized onions and sour cream
  • Sauerkraut pierogi with pork goulash
To drink:
  • Okocim Brewery, Okocim O.K. Beer
  • Donausonne® Blaufränkisch Hungarian Wine
  • Frozen Szarlotka Apple Pie featuring Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka

Scotland

Set out into the Highlands and take your pick from one or more of several Scottish mainstays.
To eat:
  • Haggis with neeps and tatties: Traditional Haggis with rutabaga and mashed potatoes
  • Fresh potato pancake with Scottish smoked salmon and herb sour cream
  • Seared sea scallop with spinach-cheddar gratin and crispy bacon
  • The Tipsy Laird: Whiskey-soaked cake with lemon cream and toasted oats
To drink:
  • Innis & Gunn® CASK OAK Aged Beer
  • Brew Dog Punk Ale
  • Citrus Thistle featuring Hendrick’s Gin
  • Glenfiddich® Single Malt 12-Year Scotch
  • Glenfiddich® Single Malt 15-Year Scotch
  • Glenfiddich® Single Malt 18-Year Scotch
  • Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch flight (12-, 15- and 18-year)

South Korea

Complete your full-circle tour of authentic Asian tastes with a sizable serving of kimchi, a South Korean favorite.
To eat:
  • Korean Barbecue Short Rib with Steamed Rice and Cucumber Kimchi
  • Roasted pork lettuce wrap with kimchi slaw
To drink:
  • iCing Grapefruit Sparkling Rice Brew
  • Myungjak Bokbunja Raspberry Wine
  • Soju Banana Milkshake featuring The Ginger People® Ginger Soother®

Sustainable Chew

Treat yourself to fresh and flavorful selections inspired by the magnificence of mother nature.
To eat:
  • Pork Spareribs with red wine, fennel, and cheesy mascarpone grits
  • Ricotta & zucchini ravioli with tomato sauce
  • Vanilla panna cotta with fresh figs and pistachio brittle
To drink:
  • Founders Spectra Trifecta (Chamomile Kolsch)
  • Frozen Chew-tini
  • Beso Del Sol White Sangria

Chew Labs

Masterful techniques and modern technology come together for a 21st-century flavor revolution.
To eat:
  • Olive oil poached salmon with fresh corn, bacon and pepper jam
  • New York strip, parsnip silk, balsamic glaze and arugula foam
  • Liquid nitro chocolate almond truffle with warm whiskey caramel
To drink:
  • Festival Chardonnay, Napa Valley
  • Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
  • Smoking Hibiscus featuring Montelobos® Mezcal Joven

Intermissions Café

For a special way to start your day, or perhaps “wine” down in the evening, stop by Intermissions Café which features the following selection of food, wine and more:

To eat:
  • Asian Tuna Salad with Noodles
  • Southwest Chicken Wrap
  • Tuna Salad with Pita
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad
  • Crudité of Carrots, Celery and Broccoli with Creamy Pepper Relish
  • Fruit & Cheese Plate
  • Side Salad
  • Grapes
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Brownie
To drink:
  • Festival Chardonnay, Napa Valley
  • Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
  • MARTINI® Prosecco
  • Caposaldo Peach Moscato Sweet Sparkling Wine
  • Iron Horse Vineyards “Fairy Tale Cuvée” Sparkling Wine
  • Presidente Pilsner Beer
  • Two Henrys Elderberry Hard Cider
  • Assorted soft drinks
  • Dasani Water

Refreshment Port

Satisfy your cravings with a selection of items offering a tropical infusion of Dole® pineapple.

To eat:
  • Croissant doughnut with cinnamon and sugar
  • Dole fruit bowl: choice of pineapple tidbits or mandarin slices
  • Fried chicken chunks with Dole pineapple sweet and sour sauce
To drink:
  • Pineapple Dole® Whip soft-serve ice cream
  • Pineapple Dole Whip soft-serve ice cream with Bacardí® Coconut Rum
  • Dragon Berry Refresher featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum

Block & Hans

Wet your whistle with a stop at this popular spot where you can get an introduction to fine American wines, including:

  • Champagne Enchantée Brut, Champagne
  • Festival Chardonnay, Napa Valley
  • GoGi Goldie Chardonnay, Sta Rita Hills
  • Lasseter Family Winery Enjoué Rosé, Sonoma Valley
  • Fess Parker Frontier Red, Santa Barbara County
  • Festival Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
  • Silverado Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The Outpost

Get your fill of spicy hot dogs with kimchi slaw and korean mustard or get your chill of frozen treats—whether an icy cold Mango Star featuring African Starr Rum to drink or a frozen “Brown Elephant.”

Fife & Drum

Beat the heat as you take a break from this tour of tastes with something frosty and fun! Treat your sweet tooth to a Ghirardelli® ice cream sundae or quench your thirst with Mmmhops Pale Ale.

American Adventure Coffee Cart

Cozy up to this all-American coffee stand and imbibe on a cup filled to the brim with rich aromas, such as the Apple Maple Spice Latte—rich espresso and creamy milk blended with the flavors of apple pie and maple spice, and topped with cinnamon whipped cream. Enjoy it hot or over ice!

This year I am very lucky to be planning a visit to Disney World during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. If you get the opportunity to visit during the celebration, I highly recommend it!

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 attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival?
What is your favorite Marketplace? Please leave a comment!

Jul 9 2015

Candlelight Processional Returns To Epcot For 2015

Candlelight Processional

A favorite tradition returns!

The Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World, with the joyous retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and glorious mass choir. Candlelight performances take place at 5:00pm, 6:45pm and 8:15pm at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot from November 27 through December 30, 2015. (showtimes on December 6 are 6:45 and 8:15pm only)

Narrators

November 27 – November 29: TBD

November 30 – December 3: Neil Patrick Harris

December 4 – December 5: Whoopi Goldberg

December 6 – December 8: Joe Morton

December 9 – December 11: TBD

December 12 – December 14: Meredith Vieira

December 15 – December 23: TBD

December 24 – December 26: Edward James Olmos

December 27 – December 28: TBD

December 29 – December 30: Amy Grant

Please note that narrators are subject to change without notice. Check back often; I’ll update the list as more narrators are scheduled.

Candlelight Dining Packages

Candlelight ProcessionalGuests may purchase Candlelight Dining Packages to reserve a seat at the Candlelight Processional. These packages include a delicious meal and a guaranteed seat for one of the Candlelight Processional performances. There are breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages available. Breakfast costs $38.99 for adults and $22.99 for children, lunch ranges in cost from $37.99 to $60.99 for adults and $12.99 to $24.99 for children, and dinner pricing is $51.99 to $75.99 for adults and $16.99 to $33.99 for children. Each meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage (or buffet depending on the location selected). Prices do not include tax, gratuity, or the required park admission. Participating restaurants include Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room, Coral Reef Restaurant, Biergarten Restaurant, The Garden Grill Restaurant (serving breakfast, lunch and dinner), Nine Dragons Restaurant, Restaurant Marrakesh, Spice Road Table, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Les Chefs de France, Tokyo Dining, Teppan Edo, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and La Hacienda de San Angel. Guests may call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations or book online at DisneyWorld.com. Hurry – Availability is limited!

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:

Have you attended the Candlelight Processional before? What did you think?
Please leave a comment!

Jul 8 2015

The Planet Hollywood Redesign

Planet Hollywood Observatory

Another exciting change is coming to Downtown Disney aka Disney Springs – Planet Hollywood is getting a complete redesign! Scheduled to close on January 1, the transformation process should be complete by summer 2016. Here’s what is in store for us when it reopens:

  • The restaurant will be reimagined to become an observatory to fit the turn-of-the-century mining town theme of Disney Springs.
  • Planet Hollywood ObservatoryThe name will be changed to Planet Hollywood Observatory.
  • Once complete, the globe will be surrounded by a brick exterior.
  • Outside, the neon Planet Hollywood Sign will be reworked into a water tower.
  • An outdoor terrace and bar space called Stargazers will be added and will feature live entertainment.
  • The music in the main dining room is to feature a DJ.
  • The interior will be changed and will feature a high-tech planetarium with constellations and stars on the ceiling.
  • Hollywood movie features will still be able to be played to hold true to the restaurant’s original vision.
  • Both the restaurant and lounge will continue to showcase Hollywood costumes and props to keep with a “Dine Amongst the Stars” theme.
  • The food menu will also get an overhaul; keeping some classic favorites as well as adding some new flavors.
  • Look for a revamped beverage menu to include an eclectic mix of sodas, shakes, smoothies, beer, wine, and cocktails.
  • The price point should remain about $20 per person.

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Are you excited about the reimagined Planet Hollywood Observatory?
Please leave a comment!