California Grill Adds and Updates Menu Items

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Via wdwnt.com

The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, which reopened in July, has added several new allergy-friendly items to their menu. They have also updated their oak-fired filet of beef dish.

Allergy-Friendly Menu

The allergy-friendly menu has the following new or returning items.

  • Poached Shrimp Roll with Nori, Jicama and Mango (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish, and Soy Allergies) – $27
  • Truffle Selezione Pasta with Baby Carrots, Green Beans, Forest Mushrooms and Truffle Tofu Cream (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, and Peanut/Tree Nut Allergies) – $37
  • Cashew Cheesecake: Coffee-Cashew Cheesecake coated in Chocolate Glaze (For Gluten/Wheat, Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut, and Soy Allergies) – $14

Allergy-Friendly Kids’ Appetizers

Two allergy-friendly appetizers were added to the kids’ menu.

  • Chicken Noodle Soup: House-made Chicken Broth, Macaroni, and Vegetables (For Egg, Fish/Shellfish, Milk, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies) – $6
  • Hearts of Romaine: Avocado-Ranch Dressing, Tomatoes, Bacon and Croutons (For Fish/Shellfish, Peanut/Tree Nut, and Soy Allergies) – $6

Oak-Fired Filet of Beef – $59

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The oak-fired filet of beef was previously served with oxtail marmalade, red wine sweet onion juice, and aged gouda mac and cheese, and Brussels sprouts. It is now served with grilled Brentwood corn, Calabrian chili butter, creamy barley, and sweet onion demi sauce. The price remains the same.

“Lizzie McGuire” Disney+ Reboot Cast Blames Disney Executives for Cancellation

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney+

Via wdwnt.com

We have been reporting on the Lizzie McGuire Disney+ reboot for nearly 18 months. News of the series was first reported in August 2019. By October 2019, the cast and crew were preparing for the first episodes. Things began to fall apart in January 2020 when show creator Terri Minsky left after just two episodes.

lizzie mcguire disney+

Star Hillary Duff took to Instagram in January 2020 to announce the show’s cancellation. Now other stars are sounding off regarding the circumstances around the reboot’s demise.

In an interview with Vice, actor Robert Carradine questioned why Disney approved the show’s more adult themes.

When we did the read-through of the first two scripts, there were literally three rows of chairs and in each chair was some kind of a Disney executive. I mean, there were 25 of them in there. And they were laughing their asses off. Every single step of that trajectory had to be greenlit by somebody who’s high up in the organization. So, you go to all that trouble and they decide at the last minute, out of the blue, that it needs to be more kid-friendly? I don’t get that.

Robert Carradine to Vice

Carradine seems confused as to why the project even made it to the table read. Hallie Todd, who played Lizzie’s mom, enjoyed the brief reunion. She did not directly comment on Disney leadership.

I’m sad. We had the best time when we got together for those two episodes. It felt like no time had passed, except that all of a sudden these kids were adults. It just seems ridiculous. There’s always more to it than you hear, and I certainly am not privy to those conversations in the back room.

Hallie Todd to Vice

Jake Thomas, who played Lizzie’s brother, Matt, feels that the original series’ fans have been let down.

Fans always tell me how watching the show was a staple of their childhood, and honestly, I was right there with them running to the TV every week to watch the latest episode. When I walked onto the set of the rebuilt McGuire house for the reboot, it felt like such an unreal homecoming, an overwhelming childhood nostalgia. It saddens me greatly that the fans don’t get to share in that feeling.

Jake Thomas to Vice

Disney has not officially announced the reboot’s cancellation. In a statement, Disney wrote that Lizzie McGuire fans have “high expectations.” The reboot won’t move forward “unless and until we are confident we can meet those expectations,” Disney stated.

Tonga Toast Recipe from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

We love that we can now make some of our favorite Disney recipes at home! If you’re looking for a fantastic breakfast option, look no further than the beloved Tonga Toast, served at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! 

From a Disney Cast Member;

When you read “banana-stuffed sourdough bread, battered, deep-fried, and dusted with cinnamon-sugar” you know what’s coming – Tonga Toast! Currently served at Kona Cafe and Capt. Cook’s, this decadent breakfast classic has been on the menu at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort since 1971.

This blissfully rich breakfast recipe is the perfect treat and a great way for the family to enjoy a taste of Disney magic.

Tonga Toast from Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Serves 4

Ingredients:

Sugar-Cinnamon

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Batter

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Tonga Toast

  • 1 quart canola oil, for frying
  • 1 loaf sourdough bread (uncut, 12 inches long)
  • 2 large bananas, peeled

Directions:

For Sugar-Cinnamon:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in medium bowl (large enough to roll toast) with a fork until thoroughly blended.  Set aside.

For Batter:

Whip eggs in medium bowl (large enough to dip toast) until well beaten. Add milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

For Tonga Toast:

  1. Using caution, preheat oil to 350°F in a large pot or a deep fryer. (If using a large pot, use a candy thermometer to make certain the oil does not get any hotter or it will burn.)
  2. Slice the bread into four three-inch-thick slices.
  3. Cut each banana in half crosswise, then each piece lengthwise.
  4. Place a bread slice flat on the counter and tear out just enough from the middle (do not tear all the way through) to stuff half a banana into; repeat with each bread slice.
  5. Dip stuffed bread into batter, covering both sides, allowing excess batter to drip off bread and place carefully into hot oil.
  6. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown. If needed, turn toast over after 2 minutes and cook for another 2 minutes on other side. Remove and drain excess oil.
  7. Roll toast in cinnamon-sugar. Repeat for each piece of toast.

Note: This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version. As a reminder, while preparing this recipe, please supervise children who are helping or nearby.

Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe! 

Meet Obie, Newest Baby at Walt Disney World’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Resorts

Via DisneyTips.com

A new baby has arrived at Walt Disney World! Celebrate with us the arrival of a Shetland pony born on January 7 at Disney’s Tri-Circle-D Ranch located in Disney’s Fort Wilderness. 

As shared via Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment Facebook page: “Here’s a first look at the newest baby at Walt Disney World, courtesy of our ranch hand friends at Tri-Circle-D Ranch. Meet Obie, a Shetland pony born to mom Lady on Jan. 7. He’s less than a week old, but the ranch team said he’s already keeping pace with his mom and nearly ready to make his onstage debut.

Dr. Mark takes to Instagram to share more details at @DrMarkAtDisney: “Guess what new baby just galloped into the world? Wishing a warm welcome to our newest addition, Obie! Obie joins a herd of 28 other ponies @WaltDisneyWorld’s Tri-Circle D Ranch. This little guy is a quick learner – standing and nursing within just one hour of his birth! He loves chasing his mom, Lady, around the field, running circles around her while she grazes on the green grass. Did You Know? Obie is actually the brother of Lilly, who was our first Cinderella pony born at the ranch? In a few years, he will join his sister and father on Cinderella’s pumpkin coach in parades and @Disney’s Fairytale Weddings throughout the resort.”

Disneyland Cancels Annual Passes & “Sunsetting” Passholder Program

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Big news out of Disneyland today as Disney announces they are cancelling all Disneyland Annual Passes and “sunsetting” the current Disneyland Passholder program.

As shared via Disney Parks News Twitter:

“We want to thank our Annual Passholders for their understanding during this closure period. Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of our California theme parks, we will be issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current program. We are currently developing new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans.”

Disneyland has been closed for roughly 11 months now due to COVID-19, and no plans have been made public for a possible reopen anytime in the near future.