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Disney News Disney Parks

NEWS! Orange County Has Started To Transition Into Stage Two of California’s Reopening Plan

Although Disney World began a phased reopening with Disney Springs, Disneyland still hasn’t released a statement about when it plans to start reopening the Downtown Disney or the parks.

An empty Downtown Disney

While there are currently no reservations available at Disneyland Resort until July 1st, Disneyland may be one small step closer to its own phased reopening plans with California’s recent announcement.

Since Orange County has met the required criteria, the surrounding area has been approved to transition into Stage 2 of California’s reopening plan, according to the Orange County Register.

Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle

This will allow for “in-person dining reservations, retail shopping with social distancing and curbside pickup, manufacturing, offices when telework isn’t possible, outdoor museums, and other limited services.”

Marcelines Confectionery

Orange County Vice President, Andrew Do, stated that they will “ensure that [reopening is] done in a safe manner” with “proper guidance, documentation, and safety precautions” to make sure that everyone is kept safe.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland

The Health Care Agency has also set up guidelines for businesses to reopen, detailing that locations should:

  1. Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan.
  2. Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them.
  3. Implement individual control measures and screenings.
  4. Implement disinfecting protocols.
  5. Implement physical distancing guidelines.

You can take a look at Orange County’s full announcement here.

Frontierland

Although there is no news on Downtown Disney’s reopening currently, we will continue to keep you updated! Until then, you can check out what a partially reopened Disney World looks like here!

What will you be doing first when Downtown Disney reopens? Let us know in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Disneyland, Disneyland Column, Disneyland Resort, Featured, california news, Disney, Disney California Adventure, disney news, disney parks, Downtown Disney, orange county, phase two reopening, reopening

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

Wanna Know Where You Can Find Dole Whip (Kind of!) Near YOU?!

Each Disney snack has a special place in our hearts, buuuut you voted and ranked Dole Whip at the top of your lists!

Pineapple Dole Whip

Although we could eat three of them in the parks AND you can even make them at home from scratch, Dole Whips tend to see new twists throughout our time Disney. We’ve seen the Kakamora Float, lime Dole Whip, and even a Tajin Dole Whip (Spicy pineapple, anyone??). But, we spotted a new Dole Whip trend at a restaurant by our houses.

Whether Taco Bell is your go-to spot for a late night snack or you’re a MEGA Quesarito fan, you’re going to want to hop in your car and go there ASAP. While Taco Bell has rolled out the Pineapple Freeze Slush, now they’re mixing up the Pineapple Swirl Freeze Slush (AKA a Dole Whip Slushy).

Pineapple Whip Freeze

And, of course, we had to put this new version to the test (we’ll have a Dole Whip in any capacity right now). The Pineapple Whip Freeze is mixed up with pineapple slush on top and condensed milk on the bottom. We found it is actually pretty similar in taste to a Dole Whip, but the texture might throw you off a bit.

Dole Whip Slushy

The slushy part has a bite to it similar to a Baja Blast. While it’s a bit sweeter than Disney’s Dole Whip, the texture of Taco Bell’s frozen slush isn’t quite as creamy as the Disney treat. Pro tip: if you mix up the slushy and condensed milk parts of the drink, it helps a bit to make it smoother (we had to pop off the top and really get in there to mix it well). But, you’ll need to give it a little stir between sips, because the parts started to settle and separate after a bit.

Dole Whip Slushy

Although it might not be what we normally would expect from a Dole Whip (but how do you beat Dole Whip??), Taco Bell’s Pineapple Swirl Freeze is a great option when you’re really missing the famous pineapple treat! And, running to Taco Bell to get one of these slushies is just another excuse to stock up on a bunch of tacos while you’re at it. ?

What is your favorite kind of Dole Whip in the Disney Parks? 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, Featured, News, Snacks, Disney, disney dining, disney food, disney news, disney slush, disney snacks, disney treats, Disney World, Disneyland, dole whip slushy, pineapple swirl freeze, pineapple swirl freeze slush, taco bell

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Disney News Disney Parks Other

NBA Confirms That Disney World is Being Considered as the Location to Finish the Season

The NBA has confirmed that they’re in talks with the Walt Disney Company to potentially finish their season in Orlando.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

While the NBA season was previously suspended in response to health concerns, the league is now considering potential locations where they could finish the season at a single site. We previously reported that Disney World is a potential frontrunner, and the NBA has now confirmed that Disney is one of the locations being considered.

The NBA is currently considering resuming its season in late-July at a single site. The league is in talks with the Walk Disney Company to potentially hold games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, which is located on Disney World property in Orlando.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill

According to NBA spokesman Mike Bass, the conversations are still exploratory, but in this scenario, the site would be used for games, practices, and housing. This would eliminate the need for travel, thus reducing potential health concerns.

Bob Iger also met with NBA owners earlier this year to discuss their plans for potentially resuming play.

 

Have you visited ESPN Wide World of Sports? Let us know in the comments.

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: Featured, Walt Disney World, disney world closure, espn, ESPN Wide World of Sports, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, NBA, nba 2020 season, NBA and Disney

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

REVIEW! We Tried Three Whole Pounds of LOADED FRIES at The Basket in Disney Springs!

Disney Springs re-opened its third-party restaurants and stores, and we’ve been taking you all around property with us to get snacking!

Buffalo Fries with Freaujolais

We’ve visited one of the Happiest Restaurants on Earth (AKA Wine Bar George) to check out its new procedures AND stopped by its quick service spot, The Basket, to try one of their new Fries and Frozen drink pairings. But, if you think that our love for fries stopped there, think again!

We are back for another round of the new fries that The Basket at Wine Bar George has recently rolled out. Each basket of fries is $8 and comes with an entire pound of crispy treats.

Wine Bar George Menu

So that means we totally ate three pounds of fries for breakfast — just to review them for you guys! ;D But, don’t worry — we used the plastic forks so our hands didn’t get too messy!

Wine Bar George Fries

We’re starting off with our favorite out of the three, because why not?? The Queso Fries (!!!) were loaded with queso and peppers so they’re the ultimate form of cheese fries.

Queso Fries

The queso was house-made with a blend of 4 different cheeses (the cheesier, the better). While the queso wasn’t that spicy, the peppers added a GREAT kick to each bite! While we could totally indulge in three pounds of the Queso Fries alone…

Queso Fries

…we’ve got more fries to review for you! The California Fries were made with avocado cream and bacon — and they were just as good as they sound.

California Fries

The avocado cream was lighter than the queso, so the dish wasn’t as heavy. But, there was still plenty of flavor from the sauce and the bacon bits. While some bacon tends to get a little too crispy on fries, the bacon on the California Fries was wonderful and added a hint of smokiness to the taste.

California Fries

Last, but not least, the Togarashi Fries were topped with sesame seeds and a chili sauce! Plus, there was a lime wedge so you could mix a little zest into the flavors.

Togarashi Fries

Although the first couple bites of the Togarashi Fries weren’t all that spicy, the kick snuck up on us as we were eating them! However, we do wish that there had been more chilis in the sauce to make the fries spicier. The sauce was just that awesome that we could have used more! Out of all three of the fry baskets we tried, the Togarashi Fries had the most flavors going on in the dish. Who knew that fries could be spicy and tangy?

Togarashi Fries

Wine Bar George, you’ve done it again! The fries in each of the baskets were super seasoned and salty (our favorite). And, since each basket comes with a pound of fries, you could definitely share these with a friend or family member. Or, you can treat yo’self, you know! ?

What is your favorite thing to get at The Basket or Wine Bar George? 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, california fries, Disney, disney dining, disney food, Disney fries, disney news, disney restaurants, disney snacks, disney springs, disney springs reopening, Disney World, queso fries, togarashi fries, Wine Bar George

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Disney Food Disney Parks Other

REVIEW! We Found BEER CHEESE…at Morimoto Asia in Disney World?!

Disney Springs began its phased reopening on May 20th to welcome guests back to its third-party restaurants and stores.

Morimoto Asia

Since there are plenty of new health and safety procedures in place across Disney Springs, restaurants are limiting capacity and implementing social distancing measures. And, while we gave you ALL the details on dining in Disney Springs, we’re back again for more food! But, this time, we’re heading to Morimoto Asia for some Japanese cuisine.

Check In

When you first arrive at the restaurant, there are is a line for guests with reservations to the left, with distancing stickers on the ground.

Morimoto Asia Line

And, there’s a separate line for drop-in guests to the right of the restaurant.

Morimoto Asia Distancing Signs

Atmosphere

Every time we walk into Morimoto Asia, we can’t get over how BEAUTIFUL the atmosphere is! It feels like you’re walking into a magical fantasy with its string light chandeliers (which fit right into Disney World!).

Morimoto Asia

Although we noticed that the cocktail bar and sushi bar were both closed, you can still order both of them at your table! So, don’t worry — you can get that Sake with your meal!

Morimoto Asia Sign

Annnd, you’re going to want to pull out your phone to check the menu since Morimoto Asia is only using a QR menu for the time being.

Morimoto Sign

If you don’t have a compatible device, notify your servers and they will be able to assist you! But know that Morimoto Asia is operating with a limited menu, so your favorite meal might not be available at this time.

Drinks

As we were deciding what to get, our server told us that two new drinks were debuting at the restaurant!

Forbidden Highball and Sparkling Belvedere

The Sparkling Belvedere is Morimoto’s twist on a Cosmo made with belvedere vodka, yuzu, cranberry, and topped with sparkling rosé for $18. Just like a regular Cosmo, the Sparkling Belvedere was delicious and SUPER refreshing. But, the most unique part of the cocktail was the citrusy yuzu — which added some tartness to the otherwise sweeter flavors!

Sparkling Belvedere

The Forbidden Highball is a simple combination of Toki Japanese whiskey and soda water, but don’t be fooled — it packs a lot of flavor! We were actually surprised that the drink was made with whiskey since it is so light. Our server told us that Morimoto is actually one of the few restaurants in the United States that sells Toki. So, in order to make the Forbidden Highball, Morimoto had to get a special machine called the Toki Highball to mix the drink properly.

Forbidden Highball

You can grab the Forbidden Highball for $16!

Eats

After we ordered, we were given disposable plastic silverware and chopsticks to use. We started our meal off with the Cauliflower and Cheese Spring Rolls for $16, which actually surprised us by how much of a treat they are!

Cauliflower Spring Rolls

While most restaurants with Asian cuisine might leans towards a more traditional Spring Roll, Morimoto’s unique twist was extremely good with plenty of cheese packed into the flaky rolls.

Inside the Cauliflower Spring Rolls

The Cauliflower and Cheese Spring Rolls also came with a side of Buffalo Beer Cheese Sauce, which is SO GOOD. We won’t pass up an opportunity for some extra cheese with a spicy kick! ?

Buffalo Beer Cheese Sauce

After all that cheesy goodness, we decided to try the Buri Bop and Beef Lo Mein for our main courses. And, if you have never had Buri Bop, it’s basically a little show as it’s prepared in front of you for $36 ! Iron Chef Morimoto actually won Japan’s Iron Chef Competition with this recipe, so it’s one of the restaurant’s favorite things to serve up. (We stan an iconic dish!)

Buri Bop Being Made!

The chef started with raw Japanese yellowtail and a raw egg with rice and veggies (including chili curls that look BOMB). It was presented in a 550 degree hot bowl (!!!) and the chef seared the fish on it while he stirred the other ingredients and cooked the egg.

Anybody Else Super Hungry Now??

If the show doesn’t sound interesting enough, the flavors of the dish were AH-MAZING. Even if you aren’t normally a fan of fish this Buri Bop might just change your mind!

Yellowtail Fish

The bowl was packed with flavors of ginger and soy in every bite of the yellowtail and rice. Since the Buri Bop sat in the hot dish, the rice at the bottom got all crispy, which was a great texture contrast to the other soft ingredients.

Buri Bop

And, believe it or not, our meal got even better since the Beef Lo Mein was also incredible! The dish was made with stir-fried noodles, beef tenderloin, napa cabbage, carrots, bean sprout, mushroom, and scallions for $25.

Beef Lo Mein

Although it may seem like a more typical meal to find at a restaurant like this, it was a stand-out against other lo meins that we’ve had! The beef tasted like very good quality and was cooked well. The flavors of the mushrooms and scallions added to the tender beef. Plus, that beef and veggie to noodle ratio was ON POINT, so you get enough of each part when you take each bite!

Beef Lo Mein Noodles

The only thing that could have made our meal better was dessert. BUT, Morimoto Asia isn’t serving dessert right now since the company that makes their ice cream hasn’t opened yet.

Overall

Morimoto Asia is one of those spots in Disney Springs that consistently serves up amazing food, even if you’re just trying the Street Food quick-stop outside!

Morimoto Asia

If you’re looking for a place to have traditional Japanese cuisine or try something new, check out Morimoto Asia the next time you’re in Disney Springs. Plus, that Buri Bop turned our dinner into dinner with a show!

Have you eaten at Morimoto Asia before? Let us know your experience in the comments below!

From our friends at www.disneyfoodblog.com
Filed Under: disney restaurant review, Disney Springs, Featured, Table-Service, Walt Disney World, Disney, disney restaurant, disney springs, disney springs crowd levels, disney springs dining, disney springs re-opening, disney springs reopening, Disney World, health and safety measures, highball, lo mein, Morimoto, Morimoto Asia, reservation, Tori