Dining Guide to Disneyland Resort Reopening

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are gearing up to open their doors to guests! Guests will have plenty of options for some fantastic food and beverage items.

From a Disney Cast Member;

With the reopening of Disneyland Resort right around the corner, we pulled together a list of all the food and beverage locations that will be open for service on April 30. We want to be sure you know where to find your favorites and learn what’s new on the menus!

Are you craving the Disney classics? Find hand-dipped corn dogs at Little Red Wagon and Award Wieners. The Tropical Hideaway will serve up your DOLE Whip. And of course, CHURROS, CHURROS, CHURROS! Look for fluffernutter, s’mores, strawberry cheesecake, milk & cookies, and the original cinnamon sugar at various churro carts in both parks. We also kept popular items from A Touch of Disney – 1/2 Monte Cristo, Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese, and S’mores Shake at Smokejumpers Grill.

For added convenience and to promote contactless payment, don’t forget to download or update the Disneyland mobile app*, as this is the primary way to order food and beverages at most quick-service dining locations. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

Lamplight Lounge, Café Orleans, and other full-service locations will open with limited seating capacity for guests with confirmed theme park reservations and tickets for the same park on the same date. And exciting news – we are now offering mobile check-in and mobile wait-list at select full-service locations, available on the Disneyland mobile app!

  • Mobile Check-In for Dining Reservations: Maximize your time—and minimize your contact with others—by checking in for dining reservations at select table-service restaurants via the Disneyland mobile app.
  • Join a Mobile Dine Walk-Up List: Don’t have a dining reservation? You now have the opportunity to add your party to the mobile walk-up list at select table-service restaurants (subject to availability)

Visit the Dining: Know Before You Go for more information. Be sure to have the latest version of the app downloaded and installed on your mobile device.

We will plan to reopen dining bookings for select locations on April 22, with limited capacity. You will be able to book your dining reservation 60 days in advance on Disneyland.com or with the Disneyland App, subject to availability.

Click on the below links for the first look at all the menus at reopening. See you real soon!

Disneyland Park

Disney California Adventure Park

Note: All menus currently available for A Touch of Disney will be offered through April 19.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

Note: Only Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be able to dine at these locations.

*Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

Brisket Mac’n Cheese Recipe from A Touch of Disney at Disney California Adventure Park

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining

Disney Parks has shared another recipe so we can have more Disney magic at home.

From a Disney Cast Member;

Who doesn’t love cheesy, creamy mac ’n cheese? Our Disney chefs fancied up this classic comfort dish by topping with smoked barbecue brisket, pickled red onions, and crispy fried shallots – YUM! We just had to get the recipe to share – it is a crowd-pleaser for sure!

This plate of comfort is currently offered at Smokejumpers Grill during A Touch of Disney and will remain on the menu at the reopening of Disneyland Resort on April 30. Be sure to plan ahead and mobile order through the official Disneyland mobile app for added convenience and to promote contactless payment. Here is a link for additional details on mobile order.

Brisket Mac ‘n Cheese from Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Park
Serves 6

PICKLED RED ONIONS

  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt

CRISPY FRIED SHALLOTS

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup canola oil, for frying

SMOKED BEEF BRISKET

  • 1 pound smoked beef brisket (see Cook’s Note below)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

MAC ‘N CHEESE

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • Coarse salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • Black pepper, to taste

TOPPING

  • 1 cup favorite barbecue sauce

FOR PICKLED RED ONIONS:

  1. Place thinly sliced red onions in mixing bowl. Combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully pour over onions. Cool to room temperature.
  3. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FOR FRIED SHALLOTS:

  1. Heat oil in frying pan until it reaches 350°F.
  2. Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt in small bowl.
  3. Dip shallots in cornstarch mixture and shake off excess coating.
  4. Fry in hot oil for 1 minute, until crispy.
  5. Drain on paper towels. Set aside.

FOR SMOKED BRISKET:

  1. Shred or chop smoked beef brisket. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, until hot. Add brisket and cook for 3 minutes, until hot.
  3. Keep warm until ready to serve.

FOR MAC ‘N CHEESE:

  1. Cook macaroni in salted water, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth and light brown in color.
  3. Slowly add milk, whisking to break up any lumps that form. Whisk until milk begins to simmer. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Stir in macaroni. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  4. Keep warm until ready to serve.

TO SERVE:

Scoop mac ‘n cheese onto each plate. Add smoked brisket. Top with drizzle of barbecue sauce, pickled red onions, and fried shallots.

COOK’S NOTE: You can smoke your own brisket at home following directions for your particular smoker or simply pick up sliced smoked brisket from your favorite barbecue restaurant.

Note: Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby. This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

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

Walt Disney World Bringing Back Cast Members in Preparation of Eventual Increased Capacity

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Disney Resorts, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom

Around the Walt Disney World Resort, “Earning My Ears” nametag adornments have started to pop up along with groups of cast members returning to work and training after being furloughed or displaced last year.

Because the parks are not running their normal operating hours and there are still resorts, shops, and restaurants that are still closed, these cast members have stayed displaced or furloughed until things could start to open back up. The theme park operating hours were recently extended through June 2021 in anticipation of larger crowds and expanded capacity.

As of the first week of April, cast members who decided to return to work in a new area are starting to be recalled to their home location.

Those who have been sitting on furlough are now being recalled to come back to work to help as the parks and resorts start to extend their hours and reopen some locations that have remained closed. Some of those areas include merchandise, food, and possibly entertainment for increased guest capacity this summer.

This week, DisneyCareers.com posted they are hiring some housekeeping and lifeguard roles.

The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Now Open for Dinner

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge—which reopened during the holidays and has remained open for breakfast only—will now be open for dinner.

The Mara is Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge’s savanna-inspired quick-service restaurant. It will be open daily through the end of April from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and then from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The dinner menu, which includes cheeseburgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches, is available to view on the Walt Disney World website.

New Snacks and Drinks to Celebrate Earth Month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Posted on by Mathew Corn Animal Kingdom, Disney Dining, Disney Parks

Keep Mother Earth’s party going all month long with some new refreshing drinks and sweet treats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These new menu items are all inspired by animals and nature and will be available for a limited time to celebrate Earth Month!

Restaurantosaurus, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Sea Turtle Cupcake – Graham cracker cupcake, key lime pie filling, and guava gelée with vanilla buttercream topped with a fruit snack sea turtle (available through April 29)

Restaurantosaurus Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Crave the Wave Cocktail – Vodka, blue curaçao, lemonade, and lemon wheel (available through April 29)

Creature Comforts, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Honey Bee Cupcake – Orange cake, honey Bavarian filling, and honey frosting with white chocolate honeycomb (available through April 29)

Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • Kiwi Margarita – Kiwi flavoring beverage syrup with lime, sour, and tequila (available through April 29)
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Isle of Java, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Cotton Top Lagoon – Frozen blend of blue raspberry and lemonade topped with a wave of cotton candy (available through April 29)
  • Red Crowned Crane – Frozen Coke and frozen Cherry Coke topped with strawberry cotton candy with or without rum (available through April 29)
  • The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)

Flame Tree Barbecue, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (mobile order available)

  • The Loggerhead – Sour Apple Sprite with green sugar–rim, sour fruit snack worms, and a glow cube (available through April 29)
  • Flamingo Cupcake – Strawberry cake filled with strawberry compote, guava frosting, and strawberry crisp pearls topped with a sugar flamingo (available through April 29)
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Thirsty River Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
  • Yeti Sunset – Whiskey, strawberry, and lychee lemonade (available through April 29) 

Dawa Bar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • Lion’s Fury – Jungle Juice and black cherry liqueur–infused bourbon whiskey with a cinnamon whiskey floater and a fiery glow cube (available through April 29)

Nomad Lounge, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)
  • Mother Earth – Gin and infused tea garnished with mint and lemon peel (available through April 29)

Dino-Bites Snacks, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

  • First Magnitude Draft: Honey Bee Citrus Blonde 2021 – Refreshing and balanced beer brewed with honey for a satisfying sweet finish and hint of orange zest (available April 18-24)