Tag Archives: Dining

May 7 2015

Latest News On Harambe Marketplace Opening Soon In Animal Kingdom

Update: The Harambe Marketplace is scheduled to open on May 23, 2015.

If you’ve been to Animal Kingdom lately, you have probably noticed the abundance of construction walls up throughout the park. One of the new additions to the park will be the Harambe Marketplace scheduled to open in late May. Here’s all of the latest news and information courtesy of Disney:

Built around a Colonial-era train depot design complete with a 1960s water tower, the marketplace re-creates a bustling center of commerce where guests are welcomed from around the world who have come to visit the little seaside town and venture out to the reserve to observe Africa’s animals.

Chef Lenny DeGeorge led the Food and Beverage concept development team, and tells us it’s the sort of food you’d find in a street market in Africa. “The menus reflect the unique personalities of the establishments’ owners,” says Chef Lenny.

“Kitamu Grill” offers skewered chicken and a kabob flatbread sandwich. “Famous Sausages” features a corn dog, inspired by a South African sausage called a boerewors, dipped in curry-infused corn batter. “Chef Mwanga’s” serves a spice-rubbed karubi rib with green papaya-carrot slaw.

“With three meaty ribs, the karubi rib is our version of the giant turkey legs served in the Disney theme parks,” says DeGeorge. We give two thumbs up to the curry corn dog, made with a special spiced sausage inspired by the traditional boerewors.

A fourth window, called Wanjohi Refreshments (“wanjohi” means “brewer” in Swahili) offers beverages including six South African wines by the glass; Safari Amber Lager and Orlando Brewing I-4 IPA on draft; red sangria with Van der Hum tangerine liqueur from South Africa; The Starr of Harambe, a frozen drink with Starr African rum with mango puree in a souvenir mug; non-alcoholic tangerine lemonade, and fountain beverages including Sparberry from Zimbabwe and Bibo from South Africa.

With shaded tables (200+) and merchandise shops, the new market, together with the recently opened Harambe Theatre (home to “Festival of the Lion King”) doubles the size of the original Harambe Village.

501 WaysHeading to Disney World soon?

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Are you excited to try the new Harambe Marketplace?
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May 6 2015

Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience Available During Star Wars Weekends

Here’s some “out of this world” news for guests planning to visit Disney World during Star Wars Weekends this year. Disney has added a new feature called the Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience. This interstellar hangout will be available every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 4pm to 9pm May 15 to June 14, 2015. Here’s the scoop from Disney:

Bring your tastes and take your place in this makeshift home of visiting pilots, renegades and smugglers. Enter the Rebel Hangar: A Star Wars Lounge Experience! Once a thriving port in a system in the Outer Rim, this abandoned space now serves as a rest stop and hangout for cosmic travelers of all kinds. Explore the bounty of sights and sounds as you pass through the entryway—framed by the remnants long-abandoned spacecraft and other vehicles. Then, get ready for Star Wars-inspired food and beverage offerings as only a galaxy far, far away can supply.

Look for a menu full of Star Wars-themed food and beverage offerings that are out of this world:

  • Pilot’s Pomme Frites – these are tossed with parmesan cheese, garlic and parsley with a garlic aioli for dipping
  • Ensalada Naboo – seared chicken breast, bibb lettuce, grape tomatoes, watermelon radish, almond frica, and a parmesan-peppercorn ranch dressing
  • Lightsaber Bites – hand-dipped corn-battered knockwurst sausages with house-made chips and mustard dipping sauce
  • The Dark Fried – Chicken and Darth Vader waffles served with maple syrup and sweet barbecue sauce
  • Trio of Thermal Detonators – spicy pork wings topped with spicy piquillo-pepper sauce and slaw
  • Slider Sampler featuring “The Sith” barbecue-braised brisket with cole slaw and “The Jedi” with barbecued pulled chicken with arugula
  • Fruit and Cheese “Sabers” featuring Tillamook cheddar, Brie, goat cheese, pickled vegetables, crostini, cheddar crackers, blueberries, raspberries, honeydew melon, strawberry, olives and gherkins
  • Chips & Sith – hummus with red pepper coulis, black sesame dust, and corn tortilla chips
  • Yoda Key Lime Cake
  • Trio of Star Wars mini cupcakes, including Mini Darth Vader (chocolate-peanut butter), Mini Yoda (chocolate-hazelnut), and Mini Jabba the Hutt (salted caramel latte) served in the Han Solo Carbonite Souvenir Box

A new drink menu will also be available:

  • Imperial Blue – Maker’s Mark Whisky, Cointreau, Blue Curacao, sweet and sour, topped with Sprite
  • Tatooine Sunset – Stoli vanilla, Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, pineapple juice with grenadine
  • Rebel Red – Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, sour mix and a splash of grenadine
  • Dagobah Swamp Juice – Midori, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, sweet and sour, topped with lemon-lime foam
  • The Dark Side – Stoli vanilla vodka, Bailey’s liqueur, crème de cocoa and brownie garnish
  • Alderaan Ale

Don’t miss your chance to enjoy these unique intergalactic offerings – be sure to book your reservation online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE!

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 trying the Rebel Hangar? Are you excited for Star Wars Weekends?
Please leave a comment!

Apr 24 2015

New Donald’s Safari Dinner At Tusker House

Tusker House

New Character Dining At Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Beginning last month, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and their friends began welcoming guests for a fun-filled character dinner at Tusker House Restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Donald’s Safari Dinner offers guests the opportunity to meet some of their favorite characters, including Donald and Daisy while enjoying a delicious selection of all-you-care-to-enjoy spit-roasted carved meats, unique salads, creative vegetarian offerings, hearty stews, and delicious desserts – all with an African touch. If you are interested in dining here, you can making reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by clicking here. The food looks delicious and the characters are always fun for everyone!

The Dinner Buffet Menu Currently Offers (subject to change):

Peri-Peri Marinated Baked Salmon
Kenyan Coffee BBQ Pork Loin
Berbere-rubbed Spit-roasted Beef Striploin
Spit-roasted Chicken
Seafood Stew with Tamarind BBQ Sauce
Deli Meats and Cheeses
Cape Malay Curry Chicken
Oven-roasted Red Skin Potatoes with Rosemary
Mashed Potatoes
Brown Gravy
Curried Rice
Horseradish Cream
Vegetable Samosa
Mango Chutney
Sautéed Green
Corn Medley
Macaroni & Cheese
Corn Dog Nuggets
Apple Sauce
Saffron-infused Root Vegetables and Cabbage
Sweet Plantains
Pearl Couscous with Sweet Basil
Jollaf Rice
Spiced Vegetable Tofu
Orzo Pasta
Basmati Rice with Lemon, Cinnamon, and Cardamon
Quinoa Salad with Shrimp
Watermelon and Feta Salad
Curried Rice with Golden Raisins
Seasonal Fresh Fruit
Smoked Salmon
Hard-boiled Eggs
Chickpea and Cucumber Salad
Toasted Couscous Salad with Ocean Spray Craisins
Tossed Ceasar Salad
Mixed Greens
Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing
Spicy South African Preserves
Blatjangs
Sambals – Mango Chutney, Mixed Fruit Chutney
Hummus
Taboulleh
Whole Grain Breads and Rolls
Mealie Cornbread
Glazed Donut Holes
Chocolate Volcano Cake
Carrot-spiced Cake
Baklava
Strawberry Mousse
Lemon Bars
Passion Fruit Tart
Coconut Macaroon
Chocolate Chunk Cookie
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
Chocolate Turtle Brownies
Cherry-Apple Cobbler
Banana-Cinnamon Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce

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 tried Donald’s Safari Dinner yet? Are you planning to?
Please leave a comment!

Apr 23 2015

The BOATHOUSE Opens At Downtown Disney

Exciting news for fans of fine dining and Downtown Disney! A new upscale restaurant, The BOATHOUSE, opened its doors last week. The reviews I’ve seen so far look amazing and I can’t wait to try this place during my next Disney World visit. Here’s the scoop courtesy of WDW News.
Prepare to be very hungry!

The BOATHOUSE officially opened its doors on April 13, 2015 as one of the new venues in The Landing, the first of four planned neighborhoods as Downtown Disney transitions into Disney Springs, an exciting new waterfront district for shopping, dining and entertainment. Completion of Disney Springs is set for 2016.

The BOATHOUSE is an upscale, waterfront dining experience featuring spectacular floating artwork: dream boats from the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s. The restaurant is 24,000 square feet, with 8,000 feet devoted to the state-of-the-art kitchen where an extensive menu is prepared, showcasing steaks, chops, fresh seafood and a raw bar. The BOATHOUSE will seat up to 600 guests and will serve guests until 2 a.m. The restaurant is designed with spectacular nautically-themed rooms including The Runabout, Twin Transoms, and The Lake House.

There are also two private dining rooms: The Regatta and The Trophy Room for hosting special events, receptions, and corporate presentations. In addition, there are three distinctive bars featuring classic craft cocktails, along with an extensive list of wines, anchored by iconic American vineyards. Bars include: The Captain’s Raw Bar, The Admiral’s Club Bar and The Dock Bar, which is built over the water and attached to over 300 feet of boardwalk and docks, connecting all areas of the restaurant. The BOATHOUSE restaurant will be managed by the award-winning Gibsons Restaurant Group, internationally renowned and celebrated for exceptional food, service and hospitality.

More than a dining experience, The BOATHOUSE immerses guests inside and out with waterfront adventures including live music and romantic Captain’s guided tours aboard The Venezia, a beautifully crafted 40-foot wooden Italian Water Taxi featuring champagne toasts and chocolate-covered strawberries. There is also a multi-million dollar fleet of 19 rare boats on display, gathered from museums, private collectors, and boat shows from around the world.

Among the star attractions are Captain-guided tours from The BOATHOUSE Amphicars. These amphibious autos launch from land, entering the water with a splash, taking guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Downtown Disney. Most people have never seen an amphicar because there were only 3,878 of these unique vehicles produced from 1961 to 1968. The BOATHOUSE Amphicars have all been completely restored in order to delight guests with the ride of a lifetime.

Throughout each day and evening, The BOATHOUSE Harbor Master will orchestrate flag ceremonies, accompanied by a lively musical performance of beloved bugle songs, performed aboard a classic 1800’s antique steam boat.

The Ship’s Store, adjacent to The BOATHOUSE restaurant, sports an All-American look, reminiscent of the art deco period of 1939 to 1959, updated with modern mahogany accents. Authentic nautical items are featured at The Ship’s Store such as custom engraved paddles and life rings personalized with a guest’s name or favorite saying, along with Rubba Ducks®, distinctive lake-themed merchandise, fine apparel, jewelry, and unique items “Made on Earth™.”

“We are extremely honored to open The BOATHOUSE at Downtown Disney, and to be part of the upcoming and exciting transformation into Disney Springs,” said creator Steven Schussler. “We are very proud of our menu and the upscale experience that we have created for our guests. Unbelievable food and service are the top priority, so we chose to partner with Gibsons Restaurant Group to bring their culinary expertise and legendary great service to The BOATHOUSE. In addition to the amazing food, The BOATHOUSE offers a number of water adventures including the guided Captain’s tours on our 40-foot Italian Water Taxi and Amphicars, as well as live music daily.”

Visit The BOATHOUSE Restaurant daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; The Ship’s Store from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Guided Captain’s tours with Champagne and Chocolate-covered Strawberries begin daily at 10 a.m. on The Venezia Italian Water Taxi; Amphicar guided tours begin daily at 10 a.m.

For more information about this restaurant, please visit TheBOATHOUSEOrlando.com or call 407-939-BOAT.
Advance dining reservations will be available beginning
mid-May online or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

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:

Are you excited to try The BOATHOUSE?
Please leave a comment!

Apr 3 2015

Finding Dole Whip

Dole Whip

Dole Whip? Dole Whip, where are you? Has anyone seen a Dole Whip?

If you are looking for the fan favorite sweet treat on an upcoming Disney World vacation, some things have changed. In March, the menus and names swapped at Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace at Magic Kingdom. Speculation is that this swap was made in advance of the opening of a new Jungle Cruise themed restaurant. Orange BirdRumors are that this new restaurant, being built under the working name “Skipper’s Cantina”, could open as early as November of this year. Aloha Isle always has a huge line of people queued up to get their Dole Whip fix so swapping locations with Sunshine Tree Terrace will help clear up traffic in front of the new restaurant’s entrance. Also by moving Aloha Isle to the location behind the Magic Carpets, it puts the Dole Whips that much closer to the Enchanted Tiki Room, giving it a feel similar to Disneyland where you can enjoy a Dole Whip in the Tiki Room courtyard while waiting to view the attraction. Sunshine Tree Terrace will continue to serve its Citrus Swirl and that cutie, Orange Bird, will make the move, too. If you happen to adventure over to the Polynesian Village Resort to check out all the changes that are happening there, you can pick up a Dole Whip at the Pineapple Lanai which is located just outside the rear entrance of the main lobby. If you are in Animal Kingdom, you can find a Dole Whip at Tamu Tamu Refreshments in the Africa section of the park. And for just an extra $1.25 at this location, you can add a dash of dark or coconut rum to the already tasty treat!

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:

Do you love Dole Whips? What is your favorite snack?
Please leave a comment!