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Category Archives: Food
Disney Food Confession – School Bread from Norway
Where to find it – Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot in Walt Disney World
What is it – Traditional Norwegian School Bread.
Why you want it – The coconut, the cream, the bread. Mmmm, sugary, custard-ey, carb-ey goodness. Yes, please.
Picture credit: Trypnotic from Flickr.
5 Things You Should Know: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
It’s that time again…for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! The parks will begin putting up the decorations on August 29th in preparation for the first Halloween party, which will be September 13th.
If you have purchased (or are considering purchasing) tickets for a special event such as the Halloween party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, you need to be prepared! After you finish complaining about having to purchase separate admission to the park you should focus that energy on getting the most bang for your buck. There’s a reason they charge special admission and it’s not so you can laugh at everyone who has to exit the park at 7pm. Here are a few things you should look for:
1. Special event merchandise-No event goes un-commemorated at Walt Disney World. Look for special event merchandise, the Emporium usually has the best selection; but ask about other locations with event merchandise.
NOTE: Special event merchandise is for the folks attending the special event, so if you don’t have a ticket don’t expect to purchase event merchandise. The merchandise is kept in storage until the party time when it’s brought out for display and purchase.
2. The Parade-Yes, we have Moved it, Shake-d it, Celebrate-d it, and we know that Dreams Come True, but if Grim Grinning Ghosts are more your style DO NOT miss the parade! Listen for the hoofed sounds of the headless horseman to start the ghoulish parade. There are usually 2 parades and of course the second is always less crowded. Check your event map when you enter the park to be sure!
3. Happy HalloWishes-If a Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, then HalloWishes will take your breath away. You think you’ve seen fireworks at the Magic Kingdom…but I promise you, you’ve never seen them like this! They can be seen from various locations in the park; but for this one I’d recommend being in front of the castle! This show is so spectacular it’s normally only shown once, check your event times guide when you enter the park and be sure to adjust your touring plans accordingly.
4. Special appearances-There’s magic all over the park but you’ll be left in mystery until you arrive. I can tell you I have personally experienced unique Halloween themed PhotoPass opportunities (particularly by the Haunted Mansion…who doesn’t want a picture with the hitch-hiking ghosts?!) and have seen rare characters out and about (Snow White and ALL the Seven Dwarfs, etc.) so if you are a character hunter, have your eyes peeled! Look for characters at the dance parties throughout the parks and check the character location icons on your event map so you know where to hunt.
5. Trick-or-Treat-A Halloween celebration wouldn’t be complete without trick-or-treating. Grab your treat bag when you enter the Magic Kingdom and look for the treat stations set up throughout the park. There are one way lines and the treats are all similar at the various locations. Don’t forget your manners while you are in line!
*TIP*-The Pirates League and Bibbidy Bobbity Boutique are incredibly popular on Halloween party nights so if you’re interested in a pirate or princess transformation BOOK EARLY!
Common questions:
Q: “Do people dress up for the Halloween party?”
A: YES! Adults and children are allowed (and encouraged) to dress up for the Halloween party; although Disney does ask you use common sense and dress appropriately (ok…they say it in a much nicer and more politically correct way; I paraphrased)
Q: “Besides candy is there anything to eat in the park during the party?”
A: YES! Look at the sign outside of City Hall, or your event map, it will tell you what restaurants are offering quick service and table service dining throughout the night. Note that not all locations may be open for the duration of the party, so check the times and plan accordingly!
Q: “How much are the tickets?”
A: Click Here
Q: “Is it worth it?”
A: There’s only one way to find out…
Good Eats! Boma – Flavors of Africa with recipes
One of my favorite table service restaurants is Boma – Flavors of Africa, which can be found at my favorite resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Breakfast here is standard fare, but dinner time comes alive with a traditional African buffet that is full of authentic flavors and tempting varieties. To me, the dark wood and low lighting of the Animal Kingdom Lodge is so inviting and comfortable. I love the ambiance as well as the food, service and unique Disney style found here.
Boma is a non-character dining experience but you are free to explore to the savannah viewing area outside the main lobby either before or after dinner and see some beautiful animals typical to the African region. Boma and Jiko share a common area, so it can get a little crowded at check-in but they seem to have the system down and will offer you a pager to carry with you while you explore or have a seat, if available.
Once you are seated, your server will soon arrive to take your drink orders and explain how the buffet works. I always drink the Jungle Juice as it is super refreshing and tasty. The server will explain that the buffet is broken into pods: soups, salads, breads and hummus, meats – you get the idea, and there are many choices at each pod. There is a section which contains normal, American foods for the less-adventurous kids, but they are also welcome to try some new things in a nonthreatening atmosphere as the foods at Boma are not extremely exotic nor strange.
Please note that I have found that the buffet menu changes but the foods are always delicious.
A special note for anyone with food allergies: the ingredient lists of the food items are not displayed and several items, such as the salmon, contain nuts so please request a walk-through with the chef when you get there if you have allergies. They are happy to assist and we want you to be safe rather than sorry.
Oh, did you say dessert? One of my favorite WDW desserts of all time is Zebra Domes. I absolutely never turn them down. The Boma also serves warm desserts, such as a wonderful Banana and Butterscotch Pudding and a Fruit Cobbler.
Both the food quality and service are exceptional at this table service restaurant in my opinion. If you are staying at the AKL or just looking for a great dining experience, you will not be disappointed. Being a Texan, we fell in love with the Pork Ribs and delicious sauces. I asked the waiter if I could have the recipes and, true to Disney form, they were happy to accommodate. They took my name and address and within a week I was mailed the recipes on beautiful stationery. Because I love sharing, here they are. Enjoy!
Pork Ribs
Ingredients:
3 pounds Baby Back Ribs
1 quart White Vinegar
½ cup Fresh Ginger, chopped
3 T. Kosher Salt
Favorite BBQ Sauce
Method:
In a large pan, add the first four ingredients to 1 gallon of water. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and let simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from the water and cool.
Put on the grill and barbecue with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Soy Sauce, low sodium
½ cup Water
3 T. Garlic Bulbs, peeled and chopped
1 T. Ginger Root, peeled and chopped
½ bunch Scallions, white only
Method:
Bring all ingredients to a boil in a non-reactive pot (non aluminum pot) and reduce to simmer until thick. Strain and keep refrigerated until ready to use.
Boma Mustard Sauce
Yield: 1 ½ quarts
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Teriyaki Sauce*
1 T. Coleman Mustard (dry)
1 cup Brown Sugar
½ can or 3 oz. Chipotle Pepper
1 ½ cups Dijon Mustard
1 ½ cups Honey
Method:
In a blender or food processor, place the chipotle pepper and teriyaki sauce. Puree until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to puree until smooth. Stop and check flavors.
* Teriyaki Sauce can be a store bought brand.
If you would like to plan your trip to Walt Disney World with a Disney Authorized Travel Agent who knows a lot about food, contact me at brenda@pixievacations.com.
Related articles
- Disney World Quick Tips – Disney Food for Less (chipandco.com)
- Disney Food Confession – Bobotie (chipandco.com)
Hungry for Aulani? The Wait is Almost Over!
If you’ve been counting down to the opening of Disney’s Vacation Club newest destination, you’re in luck. In 12 days Aulani will open its doors to guests…say “aloha” to the beautiful resort and spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
In true Disney style, this island escape has something for everyone in the family.
Before the doors have even opened, Aulani is already making improvements and enhancements. If you are arriving between August 29, 2011 and December 31, 2011, you can add a daily breakfast to your package.
See below for details:
The Aulani Breakfast Add-On includes one breakfast buffet per person (ages 3 and above), per night at the Makahiki restaurant (restaurant subject to change). You will also receive your choice of one non-specialty beverage, such as coffee, tea, juice, fountain drinks, cocoa or milk.
The cost for this add-on is $37 per person, per night for Guests ages 10 and above, and $20 per person, per night for Guests ages 3-9. These prices include tax and gratuity.
The breakfast “Entitlement” will be stored on your Key to Aulani (room card).
To book dining reservations, call 866-814-3569. Reservations can be made up to 180 days prior to arrival.
General Provisions:
The Aulani Breakfast Add–On may only be promoted, purchased and sold as an add–on to a room reservation at Aulani – A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawaii.
If the Aulani Breakfast Add–On is purchased for any Guest in the party, it must be purchased for all Guests in the party ages 3 and over.
The duration of the Aulani Breakfast Add-On must coincide with the number of nights of the room reservation.
Meals for Guests ages 3-9 may not be used by persons ages 10 and up. Guests ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available.
Pixie Vacations offers free quotes, so find out if this tropical escape is right for your family!
Related articles
- Disney’s Aulani Resort Restaurant Menus (disneyfoodblog.com)
- D23 Members Save on a Hawaiian Holiday! (chipandco.com)
Restaurants to Expand at Disneyland Park on Main Street U.S.A
Today marks the start of very exciting expansion projects on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park. Disney is getting ready to welcome a new bakery and looking forward to expanded space in some of their existing eateries.
The expansion kicks off with the all-new Jolly Holiday Bakery Café. The bakery will be located on the current site of the Plaza Pavilion, which recently hosted the Annual Passport Processing Center. The new location will feature an expanded menu, as well as outdoor seating. When Jolly Holiday Bakery Café opens in January 2012, the Blue Ribbon Bakery will close to make way for the next step in the Main Street, U.S.A., project.
We’re also excited to announce that, for the first time in decades, Carnation Café will once again offer indoor seating to Disneyland park guests, increasing the total number of seats and giving guests more options for experiencing this iconic restaurant year-round. Carnation Café will close for this refurbishment at the beginning of 2012 and re-open in the summer.
Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor and the Candy Palace display kitchen will also be gaining additional space. The newly reconfigured ice cream parlor will create more room for guests purchasing the extremely popular hand-dipped cones, and a larger Candy Palace kitchen will allow even more guests to view magical sweet treats as they are created. These locations will close in January 2012 and re-open in the spring.
Stay tuned as we’ll have more details on this project as it develops.
Source Disney Parks Blog
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