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Category Archives: Top Eats
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: Cooking the Old-Fashioned Way
Down-home cooking reflecting the spirit of the American pioneer tempts modern-day appetites at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge.
Mealtime traditions of the grand lodges of the late 1800s are captured, from the types of food and cooking methods to the dining-room ambiance of the lodge’s restaurants: chefs slow-smoking meats and serving up fresh fruit cobbler for dessert; high, wood-beamed ceilings, and dormers framing views of waterfalls, tall pines and Bay Lake.
Dining options at the 728-room lodge include: Whispering Canyon, a family-style cafe; Artist Point, the resort’s signature restaurant featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine; cafeteria-style Roaring Fork; Cub’s Den, a retreat for kids; and Territory Lounge.
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Overlooking the expansive, log-structured lobby, Whispering Canyon Cafe offers a family-style, all-you-can-eat feast in an American West motif.
“We hope to achieve a homelike feeling with old-fashioned cooking served family-style,” said Chef Lorene Vanetti. “We are using natural cooking techniques — smoking, grilling and barbecuing — which are consistent with the time period the lodge reflects.”
Aromas of breakfast meats, home fries and scrambled eggs welcome hungry pioneers to breakfast. As high noon approaches, you can choose our family-style skillet lunch or pick from our full a la carte menu featuring hot and cold sandwiches, salads and a full-choice dessert board.
Suppertime features an all-you-can-eat sampling of oven-roasted chicken, pulled pork, smoked pork ribs and smoked brisket, served with salads, vegetables and home-made breads.
Artist Point
The beauty and the mystery of the American Northwest is recalled at Artist Point — a specialty restaurant decorated with dramatic landscape art from the era. The eatery offers an elegant yet casual dining experience with a light wood design, a high-beamed cathedral ceiling, and dormer windows allowing natural lighting to illuminate. The windowed restaurant allows a panoramic view of the courtyard, waterfalls and Bay Lake.
Traditional Northwestern dinner specialties include cedar-roasted Pacific king salmon, braised buffalo short rib and pan-seared duck breast. All wines are from the Pacific Northwest.
Territory Lounge, Roaring Fork, Cub’s Den
Between Whispering Canyon and Artist Point is Territory Lounge, themed with Teddy Roosevelt in mind for his contribution to the National Park system. Territory Lounge is open daily, serving cocktails, specialty drinks and Pacific Northwest wines. Appetizers and snacks are available from 5-10 p.m.
The Cub’s Den is a children’s dining and entertainment facility offering video games, movies and fun food for kids, such as hot dogs, pizza and ice cream.
Roaring Fork Snacks and Arcade serves up grilled sandwiches and snacks — cafeteria style — 24 hours a day. Trout Pass, the resort’s pool bar, offers hot dogs and cold sandwiches.
Nestled in the back lobby is the library — a cozy retreat for reading, writing letters or relaxing by the majestic three-sided stone fireplace.
Related articles
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Insider Information on Walt Disney World Dining
What’s the most romantic dinner spot at Walt Disney World Resort? Where can I find kosher foods? Is vegetarian on the menu? Some “insider tips” on Disney dining:
Most romantic dinner spot: A table for two at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Wedgwood China, Christofle silver, Frette linens, personalized menus and impeccable service.
How to order kosher meals: Kosher meals are available at most table-service restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. A 24-hour notice is required, and the meals are purchased from an outside vendor. Guests also may bring their own preferred kosher products. Kosher food always is available at these quick-service locations: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom; the food courts at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, All-Star Music Resort, All-Star Sports Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort; ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort, and Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Take a break: If you’re spending the day in Magic Kingdom, at lunchtime hop on the monorail for a quick trip to Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resor or Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It’s a relaxing change of pace, and service is faster as most guests are in the theme parks. And beer, wine and mixed drinks are available.
Coffee coup: Coffee is tops at The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, with organic Columbian; Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Resort, with 100 percent Kona coffee press pots; Boma-Flavors of Africa and Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, with press pots of Kenyan coffee; Tangierine Cafe in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase with Moorish espresso; and Cuban coffee at Bongos Cuban Cafe at Downtown Disney West Side. At Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, coffee is brewed in a hand-blown Cona vacuum pot, using a method that’s been famous for more than a half century — its main feature is that the coffee is prepared entirely in glass where coffee has no contact with metal parts or paper filters, giving you only a clean smooth taste with the perfect extractions of oils and caffeine which give coffee its full taste.
Afternoon tea: The centuries-old tradition is observed daily at Garden View Tea Room at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, a formal affair with real china, linens, and an assortment of dainty pastries and finger sandwiches. Also French press coffee service.
Fill ‘er up: Favorite all-you-care-to-eat restaurants include ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Cape May Cafe at Disney’s Beach Club Resort; Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; 1900 Park Fare at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom; The Garden Grill Restaurant (The Land), Biergarten (Germany) and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (Norway) in Epcot; Hollywood & Vine at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Tusker House at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Room with a view: Dining rooms with knockout views include California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Cantina de San Angel at Mexico in Epcot World Showcase; Coral Reef Restaurant at The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion in Epcot Future World; Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in the United Kingdom in Epcot World Showcase.
Where is Mickey Mouse? The Big Cheese is the most-requested character dinner partner, and he can be found at Chef Mickey’s Fun Time Buffet (breakfast and dinner) at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; at ‘Ohana (breakfast only) at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; and at the Garden Grill restaurant (dinner only) in The Land at Epcot.
Where to find sushi: California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Tokyo Dining in Japan in Epcot World Showcase; Wolfgang Puck Cafe at Downtown Disney West Side; and Kimonos in the Walt Disney World Swan hotel.
Best steak dinner: It’s a toss-up — Yachtsman Steakhouse with its glassed-in butcher shop at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada at Epcot World Showcase, or Shula’s Steakhouse at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel.
The freshest seafood: Coral Reef Restaurant at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot, with a panoramic view of the 5.7-million-gallon saltwater aquarium; California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Flying Fish Cafe at Disney’s BoardWalk; Todd English’s bluezoo at Walt Disney World Dolphin, and Fulton’s Crabhouse at Downtown Disney.
World’s best milkshakes: Take your pick — “Mom’s” special shakes at 50′s Prime Time Cafe at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or any flavor at Beaches & Cream at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Best vegetarian: California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has an ever-changing selection. Also Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Tops for families: Kouzzina by Cat Cora at Disney’s BoardWalk; ‘Ohana’s all-you-can-eat feast at Disney’s Polynesian Resort; “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground; Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Boma-Flavors of Africa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom; 50′s Prime Time Cafe and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Grown-ups only: For an evening without the kids, favorites include Victoria & Albert’s and Cítricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa; Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge; Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; Bistro de Paris at the France pavilion in Epcot World Showcase; California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort; Todd English’s bluezoo at the Walt Disney World Dolphin; The Dining Room at Wolfgang Puck’s in Downtown Disney West Side.
Best table for viewing “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth”: Sit on the outdoor terrace at the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room in the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Or at the newly opened La Hacienda in the Mexico pavilion.
Best desserts on the run: Norwegian delicacies — rice cream with strawberries and almond pastry rings — are featured at Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway in Epcot World Showcase. Nearby in France, the little Boulangerie Patisserie offers fresh-baked croissants, brioches, eclairs, fruit tarts and chocolate mousse. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, head for Starring Rolls Café for sweets. In Magic Kingdom, gooey chocolate brownies or a frozen latte from Main Street Bakery. At Disney’s Animal Kingdom, oversized cupcakes at Krusifari Bakery.
Best place to grab a quick sandwich: Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Most unusual tableside entertainment: The authentic belly dancers in Morocco in Epcot World Showcase.
Most exclusive table at Walt Disney World Resort: The Chef’s Table in the kitchen at Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Seats up to eight, and it’s booked six months in advance. Chef Scott Hunnel takes extraordinary care of his guests.
Most unusual wine list: Jiko-The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge features the most extensive collection of South African wines in North America. The wine list is exclusively South African, and most of the 65 vintages are available by the glass. The Wave…of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort serves only screw-cap wines, focusing on bright-style New World wines from the Southern Hemisphere, including Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
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Dining is Part of the Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
From a 1930s culinary landmark to a kitschy ‘50s drive-in theater, restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are inspired by TV and movie sets – part of the park’s Tinseltown fun and whimsy.
Leisurely Fare
50’s Prime Time Cafe. You could be on the set of a classic 1950s sitcom at this family-friendly restaurant where “mom” will remind you to eat all of your vegetables and keep your elbows off the
table – but she’ll allow you to watch TV at the table, with retro TVs tuned in to clips of 1950s sitcoms like “Father Knows Best.” Fill up on golden fried chicken, meatloaf and pot roast or jump right to a peanut butter and jelly milkshake, Prime Time’s signature sip. The adjacent Tune-In Lounge is a cool spot for a late afternoon cocktail such as Dad’s Electric Lemonade. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
The Hollywood Brown Derby. The stylish ambience of the original Hollywood Brown Derby is re-created in the studio’s most upscale restaurant with teak and mahogany accents, reproductions of the chandeliers, signature brass derby hat lamps and caricatures on the walls. The classic Cobb Salad is the restaurant’s most popular entrée, created in the 1930s by the Derby’s then-owner, Bob Cobb. In addition to Derby originals, the menu offers signature dishes such as spice-rubbed black grouper, ahi tuna seared rare and a char-grilled New York strip steak. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Hollywood & Vine. This is a family destination for breakfast and lunch, where little fans can sing along with their favorite “Playhouse Disney” pals, featuring stars including JoJo from “JoJo’s Circus”, Leo from “Disney’s Little Einsteins and Handy Manny.” The buffet includes grown-up favorites such as pot roast, herb-roasted salmon and salads, and a buffet just for kids. At dinner, the ambience is more subdued and the restaurant shows off its Art Deco, 1950s diner décor and a generous buffet with fresh seafood, meats and casseroles – with a sundae station for kids of all ages.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. Tucked on a back street, you’re transported to Little Italy for favorites such as brick-oven pizza, pastas, oak-grilled salmon and pork Marsala. Sip a Moretti beer or Mama’s sangria sold by the carafe. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. “Terrifying Plants” stalk the planet and “Invaders” touch down from another dimension at this kitschy restaurant that features favorite science fiction and monster flicks teamed with drive-in food, from burgers to pasta and baby back ribs. On a replica of a studio soundstage, the 250-seat restaurant re-creates a 1950s drive-in theater in the middle of Hollywood Hills (without the smog). Diners are seated in flashy, chrome-gilded cars and fiber-optic stars twinkle in the sky. The screen comes to life with trailers from “Cat Women of the Moon,” “Invasion of the Saucerman” and more – a 45-minute reel of the best of science fiction trailers and cartoons. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
For a Fast Bite
From burgers to Cuban sandwiches and fresh fruit and veggies, diverse quick-service options offer something for everyone. ABC Commissary near the Chinese Theatre takes a global approach with chicken curry, fish and chips, Cuban sandwiches and burgers. Backlot Express just steps from “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular” focuses on sandwiches, from grilled vegetables to grilled turkey and cheese, burger and hot dogs, but salads are on the menu, too.
Studio Catering Co. next to “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure serves grilled chicken with black beans and rice, pulled pork sandwiches and Greek and Caesar salads – a full-service bar makes it a popular spot. Adjacent to The Hollywood Brown Derby, Starring Rolls Cafe is more sweet than savory, but sells enormous sandwiches (big enough for two) such as turkey or Black Forest ham on foccacia, and bagels with smoked salmon or pastrami. Near the Muppet*Vision 3-D attraction, “Toy Story” Pizza Planet Arcade is the spot for crisp pies and salads, with arcade-style games to occupy kids.
On Sunset Boulevard, Sunset Ranch Market is inspired by the Los Angeles farmers’ market, with outdoor seating and walk-up windows for burgers and soups at Rosie’s All-American Cafe; pizzas, salads and sandwiches at Catalina Eddie’s; fresh fruit and veggies at Anaheim Produce; and giant smoked turkey legs at Toluca Legs Turkey Co.
For reservations at any of the table-service restaurants, call 407/WDW-DINE. For same-day seating, go to the kiosk at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset before 1 p.m., or to the restaurant.
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Top 5 DisneyWorld Snacks that are more like a Meal
So your walking around Disney World enjoying the sights, the sounds, the Experience and it hits you. I am hungry! I’m not talking about the eat a snickers bar hungry. I am talking you want something with a little substance kinda hungry.
It is atleast 3-4 hours before your next meal and you have a laundry list of rides you want to get in before then.
So hot shot what do you do…what do you do?
1. Turkey Leg – This thing is huge and very filling. Nothing like chewing on some fresh, smokey, delicious turkey while walking around the park. No visit to the Magic Kingdom is complete without a turkey leg! There are several spots around Walt Disney World where you can get them. (please note that the Turkey Leg is now considered one Quick Service credit and no longer 1 single snack credit)
2. School Bread – This treat from Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion. It is about the size of your fist, lightly sweetened yeast dough filled with custard and topped with vanilla glaze and coconut. So delicious!
3. Funnel Cake – You can get this treat from Sleepy Hollow in the Magic Kingdom. It is basically fried dough sprinkled with Sugar. Most people get these and share them. I personally like my own and from comments made on our Facebook Page I am one of the few people who like it with fruit.
4. Butterfinger Cupcake – Words can not do this justice. Located at Starring Rolls Cafe in Disney Hollywood Studios this little sweet shop has some of the best treats in all of Walt Disney World. Warning after trying one of these you will want to box up as many of these goodies as you can to bring home with you to savor later!
5. Dole Whip Float – So you are wondering why I picked the float over a regular Dole Whip its because the extra pineapple juice that is added takes us extra space in your belly helping you feel fuller longer. Not to mention the extra sugar it gives you for walking around the parks. Located at the Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom.
So what did I miss? Share with us your Disney World snacks that are more like a meal in the comment box below.
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Top 5 Disneyworld Character Dining Restaurants
I am always interested in what other peoples top places to grab a meal at Walt Disney World and why. It is just interesting to see why people choose a certain restaurant and what has influenced them in their decisions.
Here are my Top 5 Disneyworld Character Dining Restaurants
5. 1900 Park Fare - Breakfast here was very good. The Omlet Bar was a highlight for me. Seeing Alice was very nice since you don’t see her often enough in the parks. The resort itself has an old turn of the century type feel.
4. Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall - Almost all the Disney Princesses in one location and the Picture is included in the cost of the meal. A Must for all Disney Princesses.
3. Chef Mickey’s – Good Food, Great Location. A must for us at least 2 times every visit.You will not walk away hungry here even if the food is more of a traditional American fare.
2. Donald’s Safari Breakfast at Tusker House – Unique food and the restaurant has an open air market feel to it. Donald Duck and Pals are dressed very different than how you would see them elsewhere. Not as popular as some character Dining Dining restaurants which is ok by me as you can get in and out again pretty fast.
1. Ohana’s Best Friends Breakfast with Lilo & Stitch – Beautiful resort and some of the best dining at Disney World. The food has a Polynesian flare while not overpowering. If you get a view near the windows you can see Cinderellas Castle off in the Distance.
What are your favorite Character Dining Restaurants?
Let us know in the comment section below.
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