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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

The Four Things in Disney World You’ve Never Done…But You NEED To Try!

Whether you’re heading to Disney World to ride ALL the attractions or to go on some epic snack crawls, there’s a wide variety of things to do in the parks.

Happily Ever After

While we love seeing some of our favorite shows and hugging the characters, it’s pretty easy to get stuck in the same Disney routine as EVERY other guest. But, there are actually unique experiences that most visitors don’t see very often!

So, the next time you visit Disney World, we recommend going on an adventure to check out these 4 things you’ve never done before in the parks!

Disney World Monorail

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Ever wanted to know how Disney grows some of their own food in Epcot? Or, have you ever wanted to get up close and personal with some of the animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Well, you may not know that Disney has a series of behind-the-scenes tours that give you an exclusive look at the parks. Yeah, it’s just as cool as it sounds!!

Living with the Land

Each tour offers a unique experience in one of the Disney Parks (or even ALL of them on some bigger tours) by a VIP tour guide.

You can look at the African animals in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on the Wild Africa Trek, explore behind the scenes in the Land Pavilion in Epcot on the Behind the Seeds Tour, get a peek at the underground tunnel systems in Magic Kingdom on the Backstage Magic tour (!!!), or even take an in-depth look at the World Showcase Pavilions during DestiNations Discovered!

Elephant on Kilimanjaro Safaris

There are SO many tours to pick from that it’s almost too hard to choose (almost).

Spent Time at the BoardWalk

Did you know that although Disney’s BoardWalk Inn is a Disney hotel, it also has an entire BoardWalk area open to the public? The BoardWalk is filled with fun activities, whether you’re looking for a new spot to relax or somewhere to grab a bite to eat.

Disney’s BoardWalk

The inside of the resort actually holds a lot of history you might not know about as well! If you look up on the fireplace of the BoardWalk Inn, you can spot Lucy the Elephant. Over in Margate City, New Jersey (the coastal town that Disney’s BoardWalk Inn pulls its influence from), Lucy is a building that was built in 1881.

It has drawn visitors into the town for years and now this smaller re-creation creates a bit of extra Disney magic at the BoardWalk!

Nanny Chairs and Lucy the Elephant

Even though we know you’re totally getting your steps in traveling the parks (it’s justification for all those snacks ;D), the BoardWalk has surrey bikes that your whole family can rent to travel all the way around the resort area! These can be VERY fun and bring lots of laughter to your family as you work together to bike uphill or cruise around the lake.

Surrey Bike

While there are plenty of places to dine at the BoardWalk, like the Flying Fish or Trattoria al Forno, you can also snag some of the BEST desserts at the BoardWalk Bakery! We’ve tried anything and everything from the Unicorn Cupcake, Valentine’s Macaron, and their classic Cinnamon Roll.

Seasonal Cupcake

Plus, BoardWalk Joe’s just across the way features some great cocktails you can sip on as you stroll around the BoardWalk in the Florida sunshine or the twinkling evening lights.

BoardWalk Joe’s

But, one of our FAVORITE spots in Disney World actually happens to be at the end of the BoardWalk! Jellyrolls is an adult-only dueling piano bar that has tasty drinks and fantastic music.

Jellyrolls

You’re bound to have a wonderful time as the performers sing hit songs (and take PLENTY of requests) that will have everyone partying along with them!

Relaxed at the Enchanted Rose Lounge

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a GORGEOUS resort that features a live band in the lobby most days, direct access to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot by way of the Monorail system, and the recently opened Enchanted Rose Lounge. This lounge is a true hidden gem in the Grand Floridian!

Enchanted Rose Bar Area

Like its name suggests, the Enchanted Rose features four uniquely designed rooms that are inspired by Beauty and the Beast (can you spot Cogsworth and Mrs. Potts??).

The Library

Enchanted Rose opens at 1PM daily and has a more upscale lounge menu than you might find at other Disney bars, with starters served from 5PM to 10PM along with cocktails, martinis, beers, hard ciders, and wine.

Enchanted Rose Food

Some of the cocktails are inspired by Beauty and the Beast, while others have unique names and flavors! Are you feeling the Envy or Love Cocktail more?? These two drinks are prepared tableside for you!

Preparing Both the Love and Envy Cocktails

Since the monorail connects directly to the resort, the Enchanted Rose Lounge is a hot spot to visit before or after you spend time in Magic Kingdom.

Hopped on ALL the Main Street Transportation

Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom is home to trolleys, horse-drawn streetcars, a fire engine, a jitney car, and more. And, guess what?? You can ride them all!!

Main Street, U.S.A. Horse-Drawn Trolley

The transportation doesn’t just add to the atmosphere (even though we love it) — they’re actually really memorable ways to spend time with your family members or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the park as you go up and down Main Street.

Note that you can’t ride some of the transportation during the Main Street Trolley Show at 9:15AM, 10:10AM, and 12PM! But, you can still ride them at other available times on most days in the park!

Main Street Trolley Show

Note that these vehicles are only out typically in the morning hours, so if you don’t mind Rope Dropping the Magic Kingdom, you’ll be in for a treat when you walk down Main Street!

Disney World is just one of those places that keeps creating new magic every time we go! It doesn’t matter if you’re a new friend or an old pal — Disney keeps on surprising all of us with interesting places and special things to do in the parks!

What are some of your favorite things to do in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Boardwalk Inn and Villas, Counter-Service, Disney Entertainment, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Featured, Walt Disney World, Backstage Magic, behind the scenes, behind the scenes tours, bikes, Boardwalk, Boardwalk Bakery, Boardwalk Joe’s, destinations discovered, Disney, disney dining, disney news, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Grand floridian resort and spa, Enchanted Rose Lounge, Epcot, Flying Fish, jellyrolls, lucy the elephant, magic kingdom, main street transportation, main street trolley show, Main Street USA, Trattoria al Forno, Wild Africa Trek

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Disney Food Disney Parks

Review! YES. We’re Eating Pepperoni Pizza Bread and Mac & Cheese at Earl of Sandwich in Disney World!

We’re back at Disney Springs today to eat…again — we ATE at A LOT of restaurants yesterday, which you can see here!

Earl of Sandwich

We’re here ready to do lunch at Disney World’s Earl of Sandwich today. Let’s go check it out!

Earl of Sandwich continues to use disposable paper menus today (as we mentioned yesterday)!

Earl of Sandwich Menu

Originally, we had plans to order a side of Wings and Wedges which were on the menu, but we were told they didn’t have them in stock.

Earl of Sandwich Menu

We ended up going with Hawaiian BBQ, Wings, Mac and Cheese, and Pepperoni Pizza Bread instead — with a side of Frose! Like we mentioned yesterday, each register has a newly-installed plexiglass shield.

Earl of Sandwich Counter

In the dining room there are fewer tables and they have been spaced apart. Most of the tables inside were occupied.

Earl of Sandwich

There were still places for some guests to sit off to the side.

Earl of Sandwich

When we placed our order we were given a pager.

Pager at Earl of Sandwich

We went to get our order from the pick-up window which has also been enclosed with more plexiglass. Everything was wrapped to-go and we carried our lunch outside where the tables have also been moved around to give guests more space to dine.

Earl of Sandwich Order

Food

For $8.99 this Frose was pretty darn tasty. We would definitely order it again on a hot day at Disney Springs!

Earl of Sandwich Order

Next, we located our plastic cutlery — the handles were unwrapped while the ends were covered in plastic.

Earl of Sandwich

We dove right into the Mac and Cheese for $5.49, (which we already knew would be freaking awesome, only somehow it seemed tastier than ever before!) as it just our imagination or was there an extra layer of cheese melted on top? Either way, it totally hit the spot.

Mac and Cheese

Next, we got to work on our Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich which cost us $7.99! Hello, old friend! How we missed your shiny metallic red, blue, and silver foil wrapper!

Earl of Sandwich

Oh my goodness, you guys. The flavors in this sandwich are such a good mix. Let’s just say Earl of Sandwich knew what they were doing when they created this anything-but-little tropical delight!

Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich

Even if you’re normally completely against pineapple on anything warm, you might actually want more pineapple on this bad boy! The ham was really tasty while the chicken in the sandwich isn’t very flavorful on its own, but when you bite into all the ingredients at once, it’s a mind-blowing experience.

Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich

Last up, the Pepperoni Pizza Bread for $6.99. For us, this looked a whole lot better than it ended up being. We think the pizza at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza or Pizza Ponte are better options if you’re in the mood. The pizza itself was good, but the crust was a little thick for our liking and it had a little too much sauce. We can be a little nit-picky when it comes to our pizza, though, so don’t be afraid to try it out!

Pepperoni Pizza Bread

Overall

Wow! We can’t believe how long it’s been since we enjoyed some Earl of Sandwich! We’re VERY full and energized after such a tasty meal! The food was fresh, filling, and delicious. Dining  here is a little different due to all of the changes, but our service and food were great!

Have you ever eaten at Earl of Sandwich before? Let us know what you like to order in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, 2020, closure, counter service restaurant, disney springs, Disney World, Earl of Sandwich, frose, hawaiian bbq sandwich, mac and cheese, may 20th, Pepperoni Pizza Bread, reopen

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Disney Food Disney Parks

Move Over Pork Rinds — There’s a NEW Special Menu Item at The Polite Pig in Disney World!

Why, it seems like only yesterday we stopped by The Polite Pig and tried their new Pork Rinds, all in the name of science, of course! ?

Pork Rinds

Oh, wait! That’s because we DID visit The Polite Pig in Disney Springs since it has officially reopened.

Feasting on a big pile of fried, crispy Pork Rinds served with pimento cheese sauce was heaven for us, but we were too early to try this new Chef’s Special The Polite Pig has just posted on their Instagram — it’s Shrimp and Grits! Look at all those yummy smoked grilled shrimp covered with a honey peppercorn glaze served over a bed of creamy cheddar grits!

Chef’s Special at © The Polite Pig (Photo Taken from Their Instagram)

We’ll definitely have to make our way over to give them a taste! And guess what we found out yesterday while we were walking around Dinsey Springs — one of our favorite restaurants is getting a brand new outdoor patio bar! Check it out here!

Have you tried The Polite Pig in Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments below! 

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, Disney News, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, chef’s special, disney springs, may 20th, menu item, New Item, pork rinds, reopened, shrimp and grits, The Polite Pig

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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! The West Side Starbucks Location Has Reopened in Disney Springs

Disney Springs has officially reopened with third-party restaurants and stores.

West Side Starbucks

While we took you around Disney Springs with us LIVE to see all the new procedures in action, we are back again today to check out a few more places opening back up!

Although the Marketplace Starbucks was open yesterday with a brand new “Welcome Back” drink, the West Side Starbucks was closed during the first day of the Disney Springs’ reopening. However, West Side Starbucks opened today for mobile orders only!

West Side Starbucks Line

Currently, the dining room is closed to guests, but you can still get your favorite drinks and snacks from Starbucks! All you have to do is open the Starbucks app and place your mobile order at “Disney Springs West Side.”

Starbucks Mobile Order

When you arrive, you will show the employee at the door your order before and they will then let you inside to pick it up.

Inside West Side Starbucks

You cannot stand inside the Starbucks to drink your coffee, but you are able to lift your mask to drink your Starbs as you walk around Disney Springs.

Starbucks Coffee!!

Disney-owned locations are set to open in Disney Springs on May 27th. We will be reporting on all of the new health and safety measures that are implemented, so be sure to follow along with us!

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Have you visited Disney Springs again yet? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, Disney Springs, Featured, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney news, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, Starbucks, Starbucks Coffee, starbucks mobile order, west side starbucks

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

We’ve Tried Every Frozen Drink at Disney World and These Are Our Favorites!

Drinking around the World is one of our favorite pastimes, whether the sips are spiked or non-alcoholic!

Drinks

We’ve tried pretty much ALL of the frozen drinks in the parks. Although we love grabbing new things (and sharing them with you guys ;-D), we’ve found a few frozen sips over the year that have secured a special place in our hearts.

And, while you can still mix up some Disney margs at home, we’re taking you with us (virtually) to try our favorite frozen drinks in Disney World!

Fiesta Margarita

Before the original Mexico margarita stand was closed to make way for Choza de Margarita, the kiosk had the Fiesta Margarita (which was a PARTY IN A GLASS with a combo of the lime, strawberry, and mango margs available there). But, when the new location opened in 2017, they switched up the iconic drink just a little bit.

Choza de Margarita

The newer version has Classic Lime, Wild Strawberry with a bit of prickly pear puree, and Mango with some passion fruit as the flavors in the frozen drink.

Fiesta Margarita

And, while we just happened to have the very first Fiesta Marg EVER poured at Choza at its opening, we have to say that it’s just SO good!! There’s a lot of depth and richness to the flavors, which is satisfying AND sweet when you’re walking around the World Showcase.

Gata-Melon Juice

Disney’s Port Orleans Resort may seem like a trek to get to on Disney property, but this drink (and the Mickey Beignets) are WORTH IT. Although there are plenty of sips to try at the Muddy Rivers bar at Port Orleans Riverside and the Mardi Grogs bar at Port Orleans French Quarter, we’re big fans of the Gata-Melon Juice. The drink is mixed up with Midori Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Monin Banana, and Piña Colada Mix, and it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

Muddy Rivers Pool Bar

The bright green drink is not only perfect for an Insta photo, but it’s also basically like a trip to the tropics in a cup! Each of the melon, pineapple, and banana flavors stand out in the drink but blend together wonderfully with each sip.

All That Jazz with Gata-Melon Juice on Top

Plus, if you really like the Gata-Melon Juice, you can try it along with the Front Porch Freeze and Nola Cola in the All That Jazz slush!

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

The France Pavilion in Epcot is home to some of the BEST treats in all of Disney World (major heart eyes for Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie). And, while you might feel like you’ve stepped right into the center of Beauty and the Beast, you can make your way over to the Les Vins des Chefs de France booth across from Les Chefs de France for a very special treat.

The Grand Marnier Orange Slush is mixed up with Grand Marnier (of course), Rum, Grey Goose, and Orange Juice.

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

While this France drink is already super eye-catching served in a plastic martini glass, the flavors are AMAZING. It’s like drinking a grown-up Dreamsicle or a fancy frozen mimosa, but BETTER!!

Grand Marnier Orange Slush

Although it may taste fantastic, don’t be fooled — this drink is strong, so sip with caution!! Or, go back for another if you really want to. ? Not in the mood for orange? They have a lemony Grey Goose Citron Slush on the menu too!

Avocado Margarita

La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico Pavilion is a BOMB spot in Disney World to get a drink since the menu items are made fresh with 100% agave tequila. And although we’ve had some amazing sips like the Black Magic Margarita, the Avocado Margarita has become a fan-favorite and one of our own top picks!

While we were able to take a sip of it as a Food and Wine Festival offering in 2009, it ended up permanently making itself a home on the menu of La Cava del Tequila!

Avocado Margarita

The Avocado Margarita is made with El Mayor Blanco Tequila, Midori Melon Liquor, Fresh Avocado, Lime Juice, and Agave Nectar Syrup and served frozen with a hibiscus Himalayan salt rim.

Although it may seem surprising, the drink is a creamy mix of sweet and tart (and super-refreshing). Honestly, it kind of tastes like bananas??? While you can’t visit the park right now to get one, you can still make the Avocado Margarita at home (thank goodness)!

Piña CoLAVA

Although the Piña CoLAVA has become a drink that’s very well-known across the property (you can find it in most standard Disney World bar menus!), it still reigns as one of the best sips available in Disney World!

Pina CoLAVA and Bahama Mama

You can find the drink blended with Bacardi Raspberry Rum, Piña Colada Mix, and Raspberry Purée at places like Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Trout Pass at the Wilderness Lodge Resort, Barefoot Pool Bar at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and MANY more spots all over the Disney World Resorts.

Pina CoLAVA

The flavors are very sweet, but taste INCREDIBLE with every sip. We love the raspberry twist on a regular piña colada, which makes for a unique Disney drink that you don’t want to miss on your next trip to the parks!

Spikey Pineapple

Spiked Dole Whip?! Count us in!! While Dole Whips may be a classic Disney treat, you can get a little twist on them with the addition of rum in a frozen Spikey Pineapple at Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace and Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.

Spikey Pineapple

It’s perfect for those days you’re relaxing by the pool or exploring the resort! If you prefer to eat your boozy Dole Whip with a spoon, you can find different versions of spiked Dole Whips in a few locations around Disney World.

In fact, head to Pineapple Lanai just around the corner from the Tiki Terrace to find a few unique boozy Dole Whip options!

Night Blossom

After you’ve waited in a 2-hour line for Flight of Passage, sometimes you need a little pick-me-up to keep your day going in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Pongu Pongu — located just outside the exit to the ride — has two versions of the Night Blossom for kiddos and parents alike!

Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu

The original happens to be one of the BEST non-alcoholic drinks we’ve ever had in Disney World made with limeade, apple, and prickly pear flavors with passion fruit boba balls on top.

But, the Pandora-based stop also serves an alcoholic version with Bacardi rum so you can add a little kick to your trip to the Valley of Mo’ara!

Provence Frosé

When the Riviera Resort opened, we took you all over the hotel to try the eats, treats, and drinks at its counter-service and table-service restaurants. And, although the resort’s pool bar, Bar Riva, has an open-air environment, the quick-stop has some delicious snacks and drinks that are worth grabbing.

Provence Frosé

One of our favorites happens to be the Provence Frosé made with Provence Rosé Wine and Cîroc Vodka. While the imported wine is very smooth in the drink, the flavors are also light and yummy! So, if you’re looking for a drink to pair with that Baked Brie, check this out the next time you’re at the Riviera Resort!

Wonderland Slush

Although Cheshire Cafe in Magic Kingdom is home to that wonderful Cheshire Cat Tail, did you know that it has a super tasty frozen treat too? The Wonderland Slush is made with Minute Maid Frozen Raspberry Lemonade and Frozen Fanta Grape Soda with a candy-coated straw!

Wonderland Slush at the Cheshire Cafe

Trust us — if you’re a fan of grape soda, you’ll love this one!! While the flavors are sweet, they aren’t overwhelmingly so (but you still might get a brain freeze sipping on this one!).

While these have become some of our top picks, we love finding new things in the parks to continue adding to our list!! New drinks are always showing up in the parks, so be sure to check back on DFB for even more frozen reviews!  Cheers, friends!

What are some of your favorite frozen drinks in Disney World? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Counter-Service, disney dining tips, Disney News, disney parks, disney resorts, Epcot, Featured, magic kingdom, Polynesian Resort, Pop Century Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter, Port Orleans Riverside, Riviera Resort, Snacks, Walt Disney World, Wilderness Lodge, Aguacate, alcoholic beverages, All That Jazz, avocado margarita, Bar Riva, Barefoot Pool Bar, Cheshire Cafe, Choza de Margarita, Disney, disney drinks, disney frozen drinks, disney news, Disney non-alcoholic drinks, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans, Disney’s Riviera Resort, fiesta margarita, France Pavilion, gata-melon juice, Grand Marnier Orange Slush, La Cava del Tequila, les vins des chefs de france, Mardi Grogs, Mexico pavilion, Muddy Rivers, Night Blossom, Petals pool bar, pina colava, Pongu Pongu, Provence Frosé, Spikey Pineapple, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, Trout Pass Pool Bar, Wonderland Slush