Category: Food

Now Open! Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney Rolls Into Disneyland Resort

If you have always wanted to bowl that perfect game, well now you can give it a shot while you’re in Disneyland. The original opening date of January 29th was delayed, but now it’s finally here and Splitsville Luxury Lanes has officially rolled into Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

The development team has created a lively, yet comfortable atmosphere for guests of all ages to enjoy. The environment fuses modern elements with a mid-century vibe, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, an expansive outdoor patio and two state-of-the-art kitchens.

From family fun to date nights, Splitsville is an exciting destination for all ages. The 40,000-square-foot, two-story venue houses 600 dining seats, two craft cocktail bars, 20 bowling lanes and an outdoor patio with live entertainment 365 days a year!

The dynamic menu offers everything from top-notch sushi and expertly grilled salmon, to loaded nachos and mouth-watering burgers.

The opening of Splitsville is a part of the continuous, promenade-wide transformation at the Downtown Disney District in 2018. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to dining and retail locations will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney District remains open to guests. The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment.

Be sure to stop by Splitsville when you visit Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort!

March 18, 2018
Mickey Balloon Popcorn Buckets Released At Magic Kingdom Have Guests Flying High

If the newest popcorn bucket from each trip is a must have for you, then you’ll be excited to know that the Mickey Mouse Balloon Popcorn Bucket which debut in Disneyland in 2015 as part of the park’s 60th Anniversary is now available at the Magic Kingdom!

We know everyone loves those Mickey Mouse shaped Balloons at the parks and of course there is the popcorn bucket collectors and connoisseurs; well now you can have the best of both world.

As you can see in the photo below red is the only color available right now, but you never know if any other colors might “pop” up during your next trip to Walt Disney World Resort.

A post shared by Kelly (@livingthetheme) on Mar 13, 2018 at 6:49am PDT

During their debut in Disneyland in 2015 as part of the park’s 60th Anniversary — the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, they released various other colors including blue, and purple.

The premium popcorn bucket which celebrates the iconic Mickey balloon and is this bucket is perfect to hold your keepsakes long after your visit to Walt Disney World.The buckets will only set you back about $15 including and same-day refills are only $1.75.

March 18, 2018
Celebrating National Women’s History Month With Disney’s Women of Food & Beverage

March is National Women’s History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the contribution and achievements of women throughout history … and in our day-to-day lives. With over 22,000 cast members in Food & Beverage at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, it’s time to shine the spotlight on just a few of the many talented and passionate women that make a difference each and every day for guests and fellow cast members.

All of these ladies perform different roles within Disney, and have varied life journeys – personally, educationally, and professionally. But they all have one thing in common: a dedication to excellence. Whether that be one plate/glass at a time in their restaurant, mentoring/teaching fellow cast members behind the scenes, or making Disney magic for our guests.

Let’s introduce you to the Disney Women of Food & Beverage!

Aimée Rivera

Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 23 years
Year Started with Disney: 2002
Current Role: Chef de Cuisine, Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Walt Disney World Resort
Education/Accomplishments: Johnson & Wales University; Aimée is at the helm of the celebrated Victoria & Albert’s kitchen – the only restaurant in Florida to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award

Delicious Details: Culinary style is classic with modern influences; her mother is her biggest inspiration and taught her to make the best buñuelos; tweezers are her favorite kitchen gadget; has a passion for lipstick; black pepper is her favorite spice (it enhances almost any dish); described as energetic, passionate, and detail-oriented.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
Food & Beverage is a challenging industry that is very demanding. You need to be firm in what you believe and work with integrity.

Alison Moore

Hometown: Howell, Mich.
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: Since she was 16 … many years!
Year Started with Disney: 1995
Current Role: Senior Production Manager, Food & Beverage at Disney California Adventure Park West, Disneyland Resort
Education/Accomplishments: Community college; industry and operational training and experience; Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Sommelier Diploma Level Two; Spirit of Disneyland Award

Delicious Details: LOVES her kitchen gadgets and always has a really sharp knife – well actually 10 sharp knives; makes a mean lasagna and her sons are partial to her stuffed shells; feels a perfect wine list has something for everyone but is not overwhelming; avid reader and a fan of murder or police mysteries; described as passionate, positive, and authentic.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
First of all, eat out often. Then, jump in with both feet! It’s an amazing business and there is so much potential to do so many things. Always start at the bottom and work every role so you can truly understand what you ask of others as you become the leader. Don’t let others derail you – go after what you want.

Debbi Sacleux

Hometown: Summerville, S.C.
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 35 years
Year Started with Disney: 1993
Current Role: Proprietor, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort
Education/Accomplishments: University of South Carolina; Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Sommelier Diploma Level One; Walt Disney World Legacy Award

Delicious Details: Started in Euro Disney (Disneyland Paris); Cherries Jubilee is her fondest food memory; creating new memories through food and beverage is her favorite part of the job; loves a bold cabernet sauvignon; best advice from mom: 99% of what we do in life is just breathing so don’t stress over things you cannot control; described as diva, funny, and energetic.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
It is not for everyone. It is very demanding and if you are not a person who likes to “serve” you will not be successful. You have to enjoy being a “foodie.” My advice to anyone who comes into the service industry is to be true to who you are and work hard. Hard work does pay off and really, it’s not hard work if you have fun doing what you do.

Julia Thrash

Hometown: St. Clairsville, Ohio
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 9 years
Year Started with Disney: 2009 on the Disney College Program
Current Role: Chef, Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort
Education/Accomplishments: Le Cordon Blue (Pittsburgh)

Delicious Details: Started as a music major in college but realized culinary was her passion and transferred to culinary school; Julia Child is her inspiration as she never let rejection discourage her and proved you can have success at any point in life; loves antique shopping and collecting books; described as creative, passionate, and organized.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
Never be afraid to ask questions. Work hard and focus on even the small task that may seem meaningless. There is always something to learn from each situation. Try to gain as much knowledge from everyone you meet and most importantly never give up. The journey will not be easy, but it is worth it.

Mechelle Miller

Hometown: Anaheim, Calif.
Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 17 years
Year Started with Disney: 1999
Current Role: Production Manager, Ventures and Festivals, Disneyland Resort, leading a Cast of over 250
Education/Accomplishments: Cal State Fullerton; Cicerone® Program Certified Beer Server Level One

Delicious Details: Started working at Disneyland at 16 years old; daughter, Ava, is the inspiration behind everything Mechelle does – teaching her the importance of balance in life; surfer; loves red wine, pizza, and making her mom’s lasagna; described as ambitious, driven, and caring.

What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry?
Educate yourself as much as possible and never stop learning. You can learn so much from your peers and fellow Cast Members about the industry and the latest trends. Surround yourself with mentors that push you outside of your comfort zone and that you can learn from. And lastly, be very passionate about what you do as it will show with your Cast and with the guests.

March 5, 2018
Disney Toys Return To McDonald’s Happy Meals

Disney and McDonalds are planning to put a little magic back in your Happy Meal! Thats right! McDonald’s USA and the Walt Disney Co announced on Tuesday their first Happy Meal partnership in more than a decade.

The new multi-year, non-exclusive agreement will begin in June with promotions, including Disney movie-themed Happy Meal toys, for “Incredibles 2,” followed in the autumn by “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.”

Though the companies did not announce how long the partnership will last, but they did say it is a multi-year deal. The last time the two companies teamed up—it was a ten year deal—spanning from 1996 to 2006.

The companies had to part ways for a while as Disney began self-regulating itself with voluntary guidelines that prohibited licensing Disney characters for foods that fail to meet minimum nutrition requirements.

Since that time McDonald’s has taken steps to make their food healthier as well as Happy Meals more nutritious and less fattening. some changes have included adding fruit side options, smaller french fry portions and encouraging consumers to order water rather than soda.

McDonald’s also plans to meet Disney’s nutrition guidelines, promising Happy Meals will meet the Disney standards by June 2018. McDonald’s has already recently announced it would make changes to ensure all Happy Meals by 2022 would have at most 600 calories with 10 percent of those calories coming from saturated fat and 10 percent from added sugar. Sodium also would be reduced.

A McDonald’s spokeswoman said the new pact does not include any agreement on restaurants in parks but added: “We will continue to explore ways to bring this alliance to life.”

February 28, 2018
Victoria & Albert’s Gets Prestigious Five-Star and Five Diamond Awards For 18th Year in a Row

If you have never been to Victoria & Albert’s then you have to try it. Its Walt Disney World‘s most exclusive gourmet restaurant. So fancy that children must be at least 10 years of age to even enter. Well, the multi-award winning restaurant as just added a few more to their resume.

Two prestigious awards have just been bestowed this month on Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. For the 18th consecutive year, the restaurant has received the AAA Five Diamond Award and, for the first time ever, the coveted 2018 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award.

There are only 68 Five Diamond restaurants in North America, and only 64 Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurants out of over 1,600 restaurants across the globe. Victoria & Albert’s now stands as the sole restaurant in the state of Florida to receive both the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards.

AAA Diamond Ratings represent a combination of overall food, service, décor and ambiance. A Five Diamond restaurant provides leading-edge cuisine of the finest ingredients, uniquely prepared by an acclaimed chef, served by expert service staff led by a maître d’ in extraordinary surroundings.

Forbes Travel Guide Star Ratings verify luxury and represent outstanding, iconic properties with virtually flawless service and amazing facilities. Using the most exacting standards in the industry, this year’s list evaluates properties in over 160 destinations across 50 countries.

Every night, Victoria & Albert’s brings guests the ultimate in fine dining with classic Victorian elegance, haute American cuisine and an atmosphere of refined opulence. The esteemed restaurant features three unique dining experiences: the main dining room with the choice of a 7-course menu or 10 course Chef’s Tasting Menu; the intimate Queen Victoria’s Room offers a 10-course Chef’s Tasting menu with tableside presentation and optional wine pairings; and the highly sought-after 8-seat Chef’s Table located in the restaurants kitchen, where guests can get an exclusive look at their dishes being crafted by the culinary team. Victoria & Albert’s also has an incredible wine cellar with over 700 wines from over 35 regions.

“This has been a monumental year for the entire Victoria & Albert’s Team. They have developed a culture of success, which is over twenty years in the making. Every single member of the team is fully invested, combining the perfect formula of creativity, knowledge and passion for service. Our focus remains: Aim for perfection and settle for nothing less than excellence”, said Grand Floridian Resort & Spa General Manager Cosmo Kapoor.

Congratulations belong to Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimée Rivera, Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, Maître d’Hôtel Israel Pérez and the entire Victoria & Albert’s team for earning these illustrious awards.

February 25, 2018
New Lamplight Lounge to Open June 23 at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure Park

Pixar Pier opens on June 23 at Disney California Adventure park and when it does, guests will discover a new hot spot at the Lamplight Lounge. This seaside lounge will be an elegant yet fun gathering place for the whole family, located at the entrance of Pixar Pier.

Lamplight Lounge will serve California casual gastro-pub cuisine that is playfully presented along with unique signature cocktails. This seaside lounge contains a full bar with picturesque waterfront views from both upstairs and downstairs. At night, outdoor seating provides views of the illuminated Pixar Pier and “World of Color.”

Renovated from an old warehouse factory, the location has kept many features of the original two-story building. The steel structural elements as well as concrete and brick walls were exposed and repaired to tell the story of its past. The original wood boards from the factory were refinished and given new life as ceiling panels and floors. The furniture style echoes a relaxed feel and the end result is an open, airy and bright place that is organic yet sophisticated.

Lamplight Lounge celebrates the creativity, inspirations and personalities of the artists and storytellers who have brought Pixar stories to life. Guests will discover the artistic marks that the Pixar “regulars” have left throughout the lounge: concept art, a quick sketch on a napkin, knick-knacks and collectable toys of beloved Pixar characters will adorn the space.

Come discover the treasured keepsakes and tastes of Lamplight Lounge when it opens along with Pixar Pier on June 23. Guests wishing to visit the Cove Bar one more time are welcome to stop by as it reopens briefly beginning March 16 before closing again at the end of May for its permanent transformation.

February 23, 2018
Be Our Guest Restaurant Will Now Cost Two Table Service Credits On Disney Dining Plan

Earlier Disney announced that Be Our Guest Restaurant will be offering a new enhanced prix fixe dinner menu that includes new offerings including a variety of French-inspired dishes. Now online reports indicate that dinner will have new pricing plan for the three course meal and it will now cost two table service credits for those on the Disney Dining Plan.

Pricing will be $55 for adults and $35 for children, or two Disney Dining Plan credits according to a report by WDWMagic. This puts the dining experience in line with signature dining locations and even some character dining experiences.

The change will take place when the new menu goes into effect on July 27th. Guests were concerned when online reports noticed that reservations for July were not available, but we know now why. This exciting new menu was a good reason for the booking interruption and Disney will be creating a new children’s menu as well to be released at a later date.

Be Our Guest Restaurant is an expansive and elegant 550-seat dining destination located at the foot of Beast’s Castle in Fantasyland. Whether you are enjoying a quick-service breakfast or lunch, or the stately elegance of a table-service dinner

There have been reports that Belle will be joining Beast during the experience, but now there is speculation that Disney may even add more characters, but there has yet to be an official announcement on that.

Reservations are once again available again from July 27 and beyond and you can begin booking your advanced dining reservations starting this Friday, February 23rd.

February 21, 2018
Rose Gold Churros Are The Newest Treat At Disneyland

Disneyland is now offering Rose Gold Churros! The popular treat is but the latest to get the rose gold treatment, following the Rose Gold Minnie Ears, spirit jerseys, a whole host of cupcakes and even a Rose Gold drink.

The perfectly pink churros can be found at the Castle Churro Cart just outside of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. The sugar sparkling treats are dusted with pink and gold edible glitter.

The delicious looking Rose Gold Churros are strawberry-flavored and will cost you $5.25.

Happy Valentine’s Day!!! 💕✨💕 Disney released a ROSE GOLD churro today!!! The churro is Strawberry flavored with pink and gold edible glitter! It can be found at the churro cart next to Sleeping Beauty’s Castle! Who’s gonna give this a try on their next visit? 💕✨💕 #Disneyfood #disneyland #disney #disneylandresort #valentinesday #churro #rosegoldchurro

A post shared by *T͙h͙e͙ D͙i͙s͙n͙e͙y͙ D͙u͙o͙* (@thedisneyduoo) on Feb 14, 2018 at 11:53am PST

These stunning churros will only be offered for a limited time. Some reports saying only about two months, but that still gives you plenty of time to try the rose gold yumminess.

February 16, 2018
Star Wars Day At Sea Has Some Out of This Galaxy Food On The Disney Fantasy

Earlier today we got a chance to attend a Star Wars Day at Sea media preview on board the Disney Fantasy and the Star Wars inspired menu options are strong with the force.

After a tour of some of the ship and its activities we got a chance to sit down and dine at Animator’s Palate. We started of with an appetizer sampler that was so good it was gone in less than 12 parsecs.

Here is a run down of some of the appetizing treats you can expect:

Marinated Opee Sea Killer
Marinated Shrimp on Iceberg Lettuce with Gooberfish, Cucumber, Lemon and Cocktail Sauce.

Sand People Salad
Marinated Chicken, Tomatoes, Tuskan marinated Cracked Wheat, Romaine LEttuce and Red Onions with a Red Wine Vinegar Dressing

Mos ESPA Grand Arena Tailgate Sandwich
Soft mini Brioche filled with cured Country Ham and an Orange Cranberry Marmalade.

The entrees were just as impressive. I had the Kit Fisto’s Crisp Chicken which was amazing with its smoked Bacon Sauce. My daughter had the Obi-Wan Shroom Steak and she loved it so much it was gone before we could snap a pic.

Here is a full list of the offered entress:

Grilled Alderaan Fish Filet (Swordfish)
With seared Pineapple and Black Pepper Salsa, Roasted Chili Sweet Potatoes and preserved Lemon.

Grand Moff Tarkin’s Spiced Pork Tenderloin
With Chorizo Hash, Buttered Kale and Ancho-Chipotle Salsa

Kit Fisto’s Crisp Chicken
With crushed Potatoes, Buttered Green Beans, Biscuit and smoked Bacon Sauce.

Obi-Wan Shroom Steak
Portobello Mushroom katsu on Sticky Rice with Curry and Green Onions.

Last but not least was a desert sampler that could turn your taste buds to the dark side it was so delicious.

Here is a peek at some of the decadent options you might encounter on this cruise:

Cairissian Velvet Cake
Layers of Red Velvet Cake and White Chocolate Ganache served with Zoochberry Sauce

Cloud City Macarons
Raspberry and Lemon Macarons, served with Raspberry and Vanilla Sauce.

NSA – Galactic Senator Bail Organa Flan
Dark Chocolate Flan with Mandarin and Strawberry Salad.

It should be noted it was so delicious that my daughter had two appetizer samplers and two dessert samplers. This is just a taste of what you can expect aboard the out of this galaxy cruise.

There is still plenty of sailings left if you want to experience the tastes of Star Wars on the high seas. After the cruise that set sail today, you can still book cruises departing Feb. 17; March 3, 17, 31; April 14, 2018 and multiple dates in 2019 as well.

February 3, 2018
Rose Gold Minnie Mouse Cupcake at Disney World

Now, the Mouse House has taken the rose gold trend one step further — and this time, you can eat it. Even the snacks at Disney have rose gold fever! Visitors are now able to purchase rose gold cupcakes complete with Minnie Mouse ears on top.

This absolutely adorable vanilla cupcake is now available at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot.

The tasty treat is topped with chocolate-hazelnut swirls, rose gold buttercream, fondant ears, edible glitter and chocolate pearls and, of course, Minnie’s signature bow.

It also makes for a perfect “Insta”-opportunity. But you’ll have to visit Orlando in order to Instagram these photogenic desserts. Just make sure you’re also sporting your Minnie ears and matching jersey for all the double-taps in the world.

January 23, 2018