Disney Unveils Special ‘Halfway to Halloween’ Treats

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

We’re approaching six months to Halloween, and so Disney Parks are celebrating Halfway to Hallween! This week guests can find limited-time treats to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween season. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

Welcome, foolish mortals to the latest Disney Eats Foodie Guide. The time has come once again to gather for some sinister sweets and delightful treats because Halfway to Halloween is here – and this year we’re celebrating the Haunted Mansion! We’re kicking off the frightfully fun festivities with all the tasty ways you can celebrate this year.

Walt Disney World Resort has been dusting off the cobwebs to bring to you some items you won’t want to miss – like the return of the Madame Leota Chocolate Cake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and the exciting offerings coming to Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs. Over at Disneyland Resort, you’ll be able to fill your candy basket with sweet treats like the Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat.

But there’s so much more than just food going on for Halfway to Halloween this year. Starting today, there is plenty of excitement happening, with much of it honoring the beloved attraction and soon-to-be-released Walt Disney Studios film – “Haunted Mansion.” Stay tuned all week on the Disney Parks Blog and our social channels for the latest and greatest halfway news.

Well, I think I’ve tempted you long enough. These bites are about to put a spell on you and your tastebuds. Welcome to the Foodie Guide to Halfway to Halloween 2023!

Walt Disney World Resort 

Disney Resort Hotels 

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort 

Landscape of Flavors and Everything POP Shopping and Dining (Available April 20 through 23))

  • The Whoopie Monster: Spiced apple whoopie pie with marshmallow buttercream and caramel

Disney’s Contemporary Resort 

Contempo Café (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Madame Leota Chocolate Cake: Mini Devil’s Food Cake filled with dark chocolate ganache topped with chocolate glaze and marshmallow webs

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa 

Gasparilla Island Grill (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Jack O’ Lantern Mickey Cake Pop: Jumbo pumpkin-spiced yellow cake pop enrobed in orange-colored white chocolate
  • Bewitching Minnie Cupcake: Chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate cream sandwich cookies for ears, an edible witch hat, and Halloween sprinkles

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 

Pineapple Lanai (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Kakamora DOLE Whip Waffle Bowl: DOLE Whip served in a waffle bowl with Moana-inspired white chocolate and milk chocolate-covered pretzel sticks

Available at Various Disney Resort Hotels (Available April 20 through 23)

Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper; available at the following (Available while supplies last.):

  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Contempo Café at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
  • Capt. Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping and Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Disney Springs 

Gideon’s Bakehouse 

  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Snack Cakes: This hauntingly delicious gourmet treat features a layer of the softest spice cake topped with pumpkin cheesecake and dipped in high-quality dark chocolate (Limit two per person; available while supplies last) (New) 
  • Gideon’s Trading Card Series: Be on the lookout for free trading cards hidden at the bottom of every medium and large cookie box! You will also get a free Halfway to Halloween Promo Card with purchase for your collection during the event.
  • Barnabas Mephistophelittle Merchandise: Don’t forget to check out new merchandise featuring Gideon’s Halfway to Halloween Ambassador, Barnabas Mephistophelittle, including a collector’s pin and temporary tattoo! (New) 

Marketplace Snacks (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Jack Skellington Bubble Waffle Sundae: Chocolate soft-serve, marshmallow fluff, hot fudge, orange sprinkles, chocolate shavings, chocolate pocky sticks, and a chocolate Jack Skellington garnish

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. 

  • Donald Duck Candy Corn Sipper (Available while supplies last.)

Magic Kingdom Park 

Columbia Harbour House (Mobile order available) 

  • Happy Haunts Milk Shake: Blackberry milkshake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles

Disneyland Resort 

Disneyland Park 

Candy Palace and Candy Kitchen and Pooh Corner (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

Disney California Adventure Park 

Trolley Treats and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

Downtown Disney District 

California Churro (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Halloween Churro: A churro rolled in cinnamon sugar, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with peanut butter candy pieces

Kayla’s Cake (Available April 20 through 23) 

  • Halloween Jack-O-Lantern Macaron: Orange Jack-O-Lantern macaron with fruit-flavored crisped rice cereal buttercream filling (New) 

Marceline’s Confectionery (Available April 20 through 23)

  • Minnie Witch Apple: Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel with marshmallow ears enrobed in milk chocolate and dipped in white chocolate and orange M&M’S chocolate candies placed all over and rolled in purple sugar
  • Oogie Boogie Crisped Rice Treat: Oogie Boogie-shaped crisped rice treat dipped in green, white chocolate with a dark chocolate face
  • Jack Skellington Cake Pop: Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate with dark chocolate face

As you can see, the Halloween happenings aren’t just limited to the fall! I hope you enjoy getting in the spirit early as much as I do. The festive fun and memories to be made are truly boundless at Disney Parks!

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.) 

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Presented by CORKCICLE Begins July 27

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

Calling all foodies: The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival presented by CORKCICLE will begin dishing up delights at Walt Disney World Resort starting July 27 and continuing through November 18, 2023.

Get ready to sip and savor at more than 25 Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT including returning favorites such as The Fry Basket, Flavors from Fire, Canada, India and Spain. Several new Global Marketplaces will open later during the festival as summer turns to fall.

The fun doesn’t stop with the food, however. It extends to exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy!

  • Fans of fromage can take part in Emile’s Fromage Montage, a fun way to try tasty cheese dishes from around the world. Grab your Festival Passport and purchase any five cheese dishes listed in the back of the Festival Passport to collect a stamp. Once you’ve collected five stamps, head to Shimmering Sips hosted by CORKCICLE to redeem a sweet treat unique to the festival.
  • Families can embark on Remy’s Ratatouille Hide & Squeak – a Ratatouille-inspired adventure that’s très magnifique! Guests of all ages can search for Remy throughout World Showcase and the Global Marketplaces.
  • And to celebrate the Halloween season grab your gourd-eous group and partake in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit, a special pumpkin scavenger hunt from September 29 through October 31.

The festival will also welcome back the popular Eat to the Beat Concert Series presented by Florida Blue Medicare at America Gardens Theatre. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details about this year’s lineup.

And don’t forget to commemorate your EPCOT visit by bringing festival magic home with official event merchandise including apparel, home décor, trading pins and more.

Hopefully this update satisfies your craving for now, and keep an eye out for more news here or on TasteEPCOT.com. Can’t wait to see all of your clients there!

Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Reopens with New Look and New Menu

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

Via DisneyLists.com

Just in time for spring, Narcoossee’s returns to Walt Disney World delighting guests with the grace and charm of a Victorian seaside setting. The signature dining location, which has welcomed guests at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa since 1988, reopens in a newly refreshed space that leverages the restaurant’s prime spot and panoramic views of Seven Seas Lagoon. 

1 – New Updated Design

As guests are warmly greeted by the restaurant’s cast members, they will be welcomed into an environment decorated with soft cerulean details and artwork that takes them on a journey from land to sea. Thoughtful interior touches celebrate the restaurant’s history; for instance, the new bar is made with local oyster shells – a nod to the fact that Narcoossee’s originally opened as an oyster bar.

With a fresh interior and plenty of new menu items inspired by the cuisine of Florida and the southeastern coast, there are myriad reasons to plan a visit to Narcoossee’s, as the restaurant continues to honor the tradition of culinary excellence at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

2 – New Menu – By Land and Sea

While Narcoossee’s honors its past with the return of several guest-favorite dishes, Chef Noah Estabrook and his talented culinary staff are also debuting delicious new offerings. The menu has something for everyone, from sustainably sourced seafood to inventive fare from the land, including meat- and plant-based options.

New dishes to experience include:

  • Ocean-Inspired Charcuterie Board: An innovative take on a classic presentation, the board consists of ahi tuna pastrami, charred octopus and house-made sausage from the sea.
  • Beef and Ricotta Tortelloni: The rich combination of beef and creamy ricotta cheese is complemented by brown butter, silky parsnip puree and sultana raisins.
  • Roasted Vegetable Paella: Featuring market vegetables, cannellini beans, preserved artichoke and charred Meyer lemon, this luxurious plant-based offering is satisfying and flavorful.
  • Blackened Redfish: Chef Noah’s signature dish, a delectable filet of redfish is rubbed with Narcoossee’s secret blackening blend and served atop a crispy chorizo-sunchoke hash with hominy and Florida sweet corn before it’s finished with a drizzle of red pepper rouille.

Returning dishes that celebrate the heritage of Narcoossee’s include:

  • Bisque: Long a guest favorite, this classic dish returns with a new tableside presentation to delight diners.
  • Plancha-Seared Scallops with Parisian Gnocchi: Tuck into this indulgent combination that’s served with English peas, tasso ham and truffled Meyer lemon cream.
  • Twelve-ounce Prime New York Strip Steak: Featuring Narcoossee’s famed New York strip steak, the main dish is perfectly paired with potato mash, roasted rainbow vegetables, and a decadent red wine demi- glace.

3 – Cheers to Craft Cocktails and Curated Wines

Victorian-inspired cocktails and zero-proof beverages offer the perfect pairing for the dining experience, taking inspiration from tipples popular during the late nineteenth century. Proprietor Matt Cristi and his sommeliers have also carefully curated the restaurant’s wine list to offer notable varietal diversity and ensure that wines complement the dishes flawlessly.

4 – A Perfect Ending

Pastry Chef Kristine Famer delivers delicious desserts every bit as dazzling as the view. Dessert options range from the returning classic Almond-crusted Cheesecake with Lambert cherry sauce and Chantilly cream to new creations such as the Berry Pavlova, a light combination of fresh Florida berries and citrus served with bright yuzu crémeux and a tableside pour of anglaise.

5 – Panoramic Views 

The restaurant also delights with its waterfront location and views of Magic Kingdom Park and nearby resorts. Diners who time their visit just right can also take in views of Magic Kingdom Park fireworks in the distance – and they may even spy the Electric Water Pageant as it floats through Seven Seas Lagoon.

6 – Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

The reopening of Narcoossee’s comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at the Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance.

Foodie Guide to Can’t-Miss Earth Month Treats

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

We’re continuing to show our appreciation for our planet with special items inspired by Earth Day! While Earth Day, and the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, is on April 22, Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the world around us and its creatures all throughout the month with the help of the talented Disney chefs and mixologists!

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Disney Resort Hotels are bringing the beauty of Earth to the plate with delicious dishes like the Elephant Cupcake at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus, the plant-based Chaat at Sanaa, and the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Sundae from Tamu Tamu showcasing our very own gorilla – Kejana!

As part of Disney Planet Possible, we’re dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint, supporting conservation efforts, and finding ways for us all to take part in the magic of nature this Earth Month. With so many ways to enjoy Earth Month this year through our tastebuds, be sure to continue that love of our planet all year long. Now, let’s explore this year’s Foodie Guide to Earth Month at Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Creature Comforts (Available March 28 through April 30)

  • Bee Hive Mousse Dome: Honey mousse on top of a brownie base with sugar bees

and white chocolate honeycomb (New)

Dawa Bar

  • Bahari Breeze: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Blue Curaçao Liquor, sour mix, pineapple juice garnish with pineapple wedge showcasing the ocean. The drink takes its name “bahari” from the Swahili word for “ocean.”

Flame Tree Barbecue (Mobile order available)

  • Flamingo Cupcake: Strawberry cake, strawberry compote filling, guava buttercream, pink crispy pearls, sugar flamingo, and white chocolate wings (Available starting March 28)
  • Bubbling Pink Lagoon: Strawberry lemonade, Sprite, and kiwi flavoring (Also available with glow cube and available with vodka for guests 21 and over) (Available March 28 through April 30) (New)

Nomad Lounge (Available March 31 through April 30)

  • The Elephant and the Bees Cocktail: Cruxland Gin, bitters, and soda water garnished with a lemon wheel and honey simple syrup Inspired by the use of strategically placed beehives to protect the crops of African farmers from elephants (New)

Pizzafari (Available March 28 through April 30; mobile order available)

  • Elephant Cupcake: Graham cracker cake, pineapple filling with matcha buttercream, crispy pearls, and a stunning white chocolate elephant celebrating Earth Month (New)
  • Viva Gaia Tonic: Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade, Sprite, and cotton candy-flavor with mint leaves (Also available with glow cube and available with vodka for guests 21 and over)(New) 

Restaurantosaurus (Available March 28 through April 30; mobile order available)

  • Elephant Cupcake: Graham cracker cake, pineapple filling with matcha buttercream, crispy pearls, and a stunning white chocolate elephant celebrating Earth Month 

Tamu Tamu (Available March 28 through April 30)

  • Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail Sundae: Brownie with scoop of vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and trail crunch mix topped with a white chocolate image of Kejana (New)

Terra Treats

  • Roasted Mushroom & Leek Pizza: Plant-based offering with IMPOSSIBLE Meatballs, roasted mushrooms, braised leeks, and a dash of truffle oil (New) (Plant-based)

Tusker House  

  • Bee Mini-cupcake included with buffet
  • A variety of plant-based items including Cauliflower Bunny Chow, Black-eyed Pea Salad, IMPOSSIBLE Bobotie, Feisty Green Beans, Tandoori Tomatoes, Carrot and Chickpea Salad, Jollof Rice with Plant-based Sausage, Garlic-leek Hummus, and Harira Soup

Available at Isle of Java, Terra Treats, Thirsty River Bar, and Outdoor Ice Cream Carts (Available March 28)  

  • Tiger Eye Gold: Refreshing, light golden ale brewed with blend of malt and rice and finished with hops from the Pacific Northwest that import a hint of citrus flavor and the aroma of mandarin orange blossoms

Available at Dawa Bar, Eight Spoon Café, Restaurantosaurus Lounge, Thirsty River Bar, TriloBites, and Warung Outpost (Available April 2 through 30)

  • Honey Bee Citrus Ale: Celebrating our pollinators, this ale is a light, slightly sweet, honey ale with a crisp clean finish

Disney Resort Hotels

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge  

The Mara (Available April 22 only; mobile order available)

  • Cactus Cake: Chocolate cake, peanut butter filling, strawberry jam, and buttercream (New)

Sanaa (Available April 1 through 30)  

  • Chaat: Seasonal vegetables from The Land at EPCOT and potato croquette with chana masala, kale pakora, tamarind, coriander chutney, and coconut raita (New) (Plant-based)

Available at Various Table-service Restaurants and Disney Resort Hotel Lounges including California Grill, Jiko: The Cooking Place, Boma: Flavors of Africa, Victoria Falls, Flying Fish, Belle Vue Lounge, and AbracadaBAR (Available April 1 through May 31)

  • Honey Bee: A tribute to global conservation through bee pollination featuring Four Roses Bourbon, lemon juice, and honey garnished with a dehydrated blood orange and honeycomb (New)

Available at Various Pool Bars Across Disney Resort Hotels (Available April 1 through May 31)

  • Cucumber Gimlet: Inspired by bright, refreshing flavors of spring and garden vegetables like cucumber, lime juice, and simple syrup topped with soda water with a chili-lime rim and cucumber garnish (New)

(Note: All offerings are subject to change and availability.)

Barstool Sports Founder Dave Portnoy Harshly Rates WDW Restaurants

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Parks, Epcot

Via DisDining.com

Walt Disney World Resort had a very unique visitor earlier this week. Dave Portnoy is the founder of Barstool Sports, an extremely popular sports & pop culture blog. They are known for their coverage of pop culture events, sports, and also the wild personalities of their employees.

Founder Dave Portnoy is often in front of the camera as a Podcast host and internet personality. He is best known for his iconic “one bite pizza reviews,” which have the reputation of being able to make or break a Pizzaria. Portnoy recently took his talent and his appetite to Walt Disney World Resort where he reviewed one of the Resort’s most iconic slices of pizza.

Portnoy’s big personality and his adult sense of humor make him seem like the last person who would enjoy a day at Disney. On the contrary, the founder spent an entire day on a private tour through Walt Disney World. He video-blogged the entire day and was not afraid to share his opinions on everything.

His main reason for being there was to do another one-bite pizza review. His reviews are on a 10-point scale, and he judges each pizzeria based on its plain cheese slice. He is notoriously critical and harsh on his ratings. On this trip, Portnoy planned to visit the Via Napoli restaurant located within EPCOT.

This review is not Portnoys first within the Park. Back in 2021, he visited PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. His slice at PizzeRizzo was rated a 7.1/10. Portnoy seems indifferent about the slice.

Most Disney fans consider the pizza at Via Napoli to be much better than the pizza at PizzeRizzo. This is why fans were surprised to see Portnoy rate the pizza the same score, a 7.1. Portnoy, who is a fan of Neapolitan pizzas, said that the worst score he would give that style of pizza is 6.8. Via Napoli’s slice only managed to earn two decimals higher.

Fans do not think that this review was justified, but in classic Dave Portnoy fashion, he doesn’t seem to care.