Walt Disney World
Restaurant and Dining News

Spice Road Table to Open Soon in Epcot
November 18, 2013
Spice Road Table is set to open soon in the Morocco pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. The restaurant will offer a variety of Moroccan small plates and specialty drinks. Regional flavors from the Mediterranean are highlighted, along with a scenic view of the World Showcase lagoon in front of the Morocco pavilion. With 120 outdoor terrace seats, the inside will seat 60 with cozy booths, Moroccan light fixtures, tilework, tapestries and art representing Morocco's indigenous Berber tribes.

Experience the Flavors of Africa at Jiko
November 14, 2013
A visit to Animal Kingdom Lodge is a truly immersive experience. This resort, quite possibly better than any other at Disney World, completely transports Guests to an entirely different world. While its open savannah with its array of animals gets much of the attention, Animal Kingdom Lodge has so much more to offer. The resort is truly a celebration of African culture and this is reflected as soon as Guests enter into the awe-inspiring lobby.

Of course, no cultural experience would be complete without showcasing the cuisine and Animal Kingdom Lodge delivers with three tremendous full service restaurants. With Sanaa at Kidani Village and Boma and Jiko at Jambo House, visitors to Animal Kingdom Lodge have no shortage of dining options to choose from. Each of these restaurants provides their own unique twist on African cuisine and has something different to offer, but it is Jiko that stands out as the resort's Signature dining option.

Dateline Disney: November/December
October 31, 2013
Walt Disney World publishes a bimonthly press release called Dateline Disney, which highlights activities for the upcoming two months.

Club Cool Introduces New Soda Flavors!
October 31, 2013
As of October 30, 2013, Club Cool, in Epcot's Future World, will offer several new international soda samples.

New flavors added to the sample station are:

-- Fanta Pineapple: Fanta debuted in Europe in the 1940s and was introduced in the U.S.A. in 1960s. It's now available in more than 90 flavors. This pineapple version is popular in Greece.
-- Fanta Melon Frosty: This melon-flavored soda is number one in Thailand.
-- Bibo: This fruit-flavored juice drink originates from South Africa.
-- Sparberry: This raspberry-flavored cream soda has been a favorite in Africa (Zimbabwe) since 1955.
-- Guarana Kuat: This drink, flavored to taste like the guarana berry, is popular in Brazil.
-- Inca Kola: This Peruvian drink favorite offers a sweet, almost bubblegum-like taste.

Other flavors include VegitaBeta, a Japanese beverage that combines apricot and passion fruit flavors, and Beverly, a common aperitif found in Italy.

Taking a Trip with Grade School Aged Children
October 28, 2013
No more diaper bags. No more strollers. Hooray! Your kids are in grade school and are itching for a trip to Walt Disney World. This may just be the absolute best age to take kids for that Disney vacation. Grade-schoolers are on their way to becoming more independent, can get around on their own two feet, and are starting to develop their own ideas, interests and opinions. They are still young enough to delight in the magic, the characters and the new experiences, but are old enough to really start to help with the planning. Many families feel that the best time to take the kids is when they are this age. Here are a few things that will help with planning and make your visits fun and as low-stress as possible.

Wolfgang Puck's Express Review
October 21, 2013
While all my past reviews have focused on Disney's table service dining locations, I have realized that I have been overlooking the numerous counter service restaurants located around property. For many Guests travelling to Walt Disney World, these quick service dining locations are their primary dining options, either because they want to dine on a budget or they don't want to spend the time it would take to have a full service meal. One of the great things about Disney World is that it features a tremendous variety of counter service options that go beyond merely hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken nuggets. In fact, some of the quick service locations across property offer dining experiences that are nearly just as good as a full service restaurant. This review will highlight one such location.

Custom Cakes at Walt Disney World
October 09, 2013
I had long heard how beautiful and delicious the celebration cakes created at Walt Disney World are, but until recently, had never ordered one of the special confections. My son celebrated his birthday at Walt Disney World a few weeks ago and I decided to surprise him with a custom cake. Because our family was staying at the Caribbean Beach hotel, our order was handled by the Boardwalk Bakery.

Tomorrowland Fireworks Dessert Party
October 04, 2013
My 11-year-old son has had many special experiences at Walt Disney World because we live locally and are annual passholders. But one event he hadn't been to and *really* wanted to attend was the Tomorrowland Terrace Dessert Party. Disney fireworks are among his favorite attractions, and to be able to see them from the perfect vantage point while eating unlimited sweets -- well, that was the perfect birthday celebration recently.

18th Annual Epcot Food and Wine Festival - Final Days
September 26, 2013
The 18th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival starts Friday, September 27 and runs through November 11. With more than 25 international and specialty marketplaces, you can indulge in a variety of authentic tastes: from countries as diverse as Brazil, Australia, and Africa, vegan options at Terra, or dishes from new marketplace, Scotland. Additional festival highlights include culinary demonstrations, daily wine tastings and mixology seminars, signature events and more.

        Related Links:
         -- Review: Spirits Confidential
         -- Kid Friendly Foods
         -- Marketplace Food Photos
         -- Indulge Like the French
         -- Parisian Breakfast
         -- World of Flavors
         -- Fun Festival Facts
         -- Festival Review
         -- Step into the Bog!
         -- Food Booth Survey Results!
         -- Rate the Food Booths
         -- Festival Guidemap
         -- Marketplace Menus
         -- Festival Merchandise
         -- First Festival Photos
         -- Food Booth Photos
         -- Festival Guide Map September 29 - October 6
         -- Festival Touring Tips
         -- Preview of the 2013 Festival
         -- Special Dining Experiences
         -- Demos and Seminars
         -- Eat to the Beat Concerts
         -- Visit the Chase Lounge
         -- More Food and Wine Festival Details Revealed

Downtown Disney to Offer "Foodtopia" During October
September 20, 2013
Fantastic flavors from some of Downtown Disney's signature restaurants will take center stage this fall and feature some of the restaurants' most popular dishes during "Downtown Disney Foodtopia," Oct. 1-31.

Seven restaurants are rolling out three-course dinners for $30, with a $60 option at Fulton's Crab House (tax and gratuity extra). The seven restaurants include Bongo's Cuban Cafe, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, Planet Hollywood, Portobello, Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Wolfgang Puck Cafe.

Food Trucks Coming to Downtown Disney
September 13, 2013
This year, fans of the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival may be a little less sad when it ends because they'll still be able to find some of the most popular dishes from the event on Walt Disney World property. New food trucks, featuring old and new favorite foods, will be rolling into Downtown Disney as soon as mid-November.

Each of the four food trucks is themed to one of Walt Disney World's parks.

Food and Wine Classic at Swan and Dolphin
September 05, 2013
The culinary team at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is gearing up for the annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic, Oct. 18 - 19.

Back for its fourth year, the event presents the perfect opportunity for everyone -- from novices to enthusiasts -- to savor the flavor of culinary innovation at this two-night outdoor evening festival hosted along the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel's lush causeway.

Re-Imagined California Grill
September 05, 2013
Reports, video and photos of the re-imagined California Grill

        Related Links:
         -- Imagineer Debbie Peterson on Design
         -- Interview with Chef Brian Piasecki
         -- Interview with Michael Scheifler Manager/Sommelier

Dateline Disney: September/October 2013
September 04, 2013
Walt Disney World publishes a bimonthly Press Release called Dateline Disney, which highlights activities for those particular months. The September/October 2013 edition of Dateline Disney features items on the opening of the Princess Fairytale Hall; Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party; the Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend; California Grill reopening; special Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers; the 18th Annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and re-imagined spaces and eerie entertainment on the Disney Cruise Line.

Fountain View with Starbucks Reopens
September 04, 2013
Reopening September 4, Fountain View in Epcot's Future World has a new look and new offerings for Epcot guests -- featuring Starbucks products. Popular Disney-made treats will be served alongside Starbucks favorites like coffee, espresso and Frappuccino-blended beverages, as well as breakfast sandwiches and pastries.

Village Market to Open Soon in Magic Kingdom
August 27, 2013
A new Village Market Kiosk will open soon at the base of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom. Frozen beverages, natural lemonade and fresh snacks will be available. All items appear to be part of the Disney Dining Plan Snack Program.

Allergy Friendly Dining in Animal Kingdom
August 20, 2013
Animal Kingdom recently introduced a new kiosk that focuses on Allergy Dining Tips. When I first heard about it, I was quite excited. In addition to having a shellfish allergy, I am also a Type 1 insulin-pumping diabetic, which means I really have to watch what I eat.

So, I made a visit to Animal Kingdom to learn for myself. The kiosk is located to the right of the Tip Board toward Asia, just before the new Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greet location. At park opening, a cast member was standing outside the kiosk. Later in the day, I saw a different cast member inside.

The Whimsy and Charm of Flying Fish Cafe
August 20, 2013

Captain Cook's at the Polynesian
July 31, 2013
I'm pretty sure the most important thing you need to know about Captain Cook's Snack Company at Disney's Polynesian Resort is that it sells Dole Whips. (Yes, there is a place outside the Magic Kingdom where you can get that popular pineapple dessert!) But you might not be aware that some equally popular Disney foods can be found at Captain Cook's, too.

Highlights of the Food and Wine Festival Preview - more details later this week.
July 28, 2013
Tables in Wonderland hosted a sneak preview of the 2013 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We've got news bites which will be followed later this week with a blog and photos!