Menu Updates at California Grill

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

The fan-favorite California Grill restaurant will soon have a newly updated menu featuring a lot of plant-based menu items. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

For this edition of What’s Cooking, I’ve got some exciting, and delicious, news to share about California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. This rooftop location sits atop the 15th floor of the resort and offers stunning views overlooking Magic Kingdom Park and Seven Seas Lagoon. From witnessing an unrivaled firework viewing or simply taking in the sights from above while enjoying an exquisite meal, it’s clear that California Grill is much more than your average restaurant.

And starting May 26, it will be offering an expansion of diverse plant-based dishes for you to enjoy! Whether you live a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to try something new, all of these new items are sure to satisfy you and your tastebuds.

Chef de Cuisine Daniel Sicilia, Chef Matthew Birch, and their culinary team have brought the flavor to these vegetable-centric courses. With inspirations from their backgrounds with fresh ingredients and farm-to-table menus, these chefs have embraced and encouraged creativity, innovation, and the rich history of this restaurant to create a true culinary experience that can’t be missed.

Without further ado, let’s get to the new plant-based menu at California Grill, shall we?

Now onto the entrées. First, we have the House-made Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, a fresh take on spring flavors with sunflower, allium, crispy sunchokes, charred green onions, toasted onions, and a sunflower seed-ramp pistou along with delicious house-made bucatini topped with a luxurious cashew cream sauce – wow!

The other new plant-based entrée is the Peas and Carrots Risotto with heirloom carrots, English peas, green garlic, confit onion, and sweet carrot foam. This elevated take on a classic dish enhances fresh flavors and ingredients in different and creative ways by the chefs, particularly Chef Matthew Birch who crafted the dish to look like everything is sprouting up from the ground. What a way to grow the menu.

Last but certainly not least, we have desserts! For a sweet finish, the Peanut and Banana Torte is a twist on the classic PB&J. It combines shortbread, peanut ganache, miso-caramel, nut crumbles, and caramelized bananas. I don’t know about you, but this dish sounds, and looks, incredible.

A spin on the “Banana Fritters” that were featured at the restaurant back in 2013, the Lavender Sugar Donuts is a special 50th Anniversary item that is now home on the plant-based menu, featuring some updated fresh ingredients in season. It has a coconut frozen dessert, blueberry gin jam, and pistachio crumble. And not to mention the presentation is beautiful!

Don’t forget, the anniversary celebrations and treats will continue through March of 2023, so you’ve still got time to enjoy them. Be sure to use #DisneyWorld50 to share your favorites, like the Lavender Sugar Donuts!

Not only does California Grill have this exciting plant-based menu, it also has new seasonal dishes, two of which include the Florida Rock Shrimp Salad and the EARidescent Crème Brûlée. The Florida Rock Shrimp Salad has a history with California Grill, paying homage to former Chef de Cuisine Brian Piasecki’s signature salad for the restaurant. This updated version has similar flavors while lightening it up and adding texture with hearts of palm, petite lettuce, yuzu, avocado, jicama, and crisp rice crackers topped with a ginger vinaigrette.

The EARidescent Crème Brûlée serves up a pineapple-mango compote, hibiscus meringue, hibiscus crystals, and coconut and has become quite the fan-favorite with its glimmer and shimmer celebrating the 50th Anniversary. Pastry Sous Chef Amber Vega took inspiration from California with the hibiscus and tropical flavors that lighten up the taste for spring and summer! Who doesn’t love a little sparkle with some fresh flavors?

There you have it, the new plant-based menu and exciting updates coming soon. If you’re a foodie, California Grill is ready for you with all these enhancements to the ever-evolving menu! And if you’re a wine lover, don’t forget to take advantage of pairing suggestions from the experts for these new dishes. Enjoy!

Pricing & Showtimes Revealed for Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

This summer is going to be an exceptional one at Walt Disney World Resort! If you’re in the mood for some “Frontier-Style Family Fun”, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is making its grand return to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground with pricing and showtimes now available.

While we were sad to learn Spirit of Aloha at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is officially closed for good to make way for a new Polynesian Resort tower, we were thankful when Disney announced it would be returning at least one of its former two dinner show offerings.

Disney previously announced that Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue will make its grand return on June 23, 2022, making all of us Disney foodies relieved to see the return of this nostalgic dining experience.

hoop-dee-doo

The dinner show is held in Pioneer Hall where Guests gather for an all-you-care-to-enjoy feast of fried chicken, smoked BBQ, and pork ribs with savory sides such as tossed green salad, cowboy beans, fresh-baked cornbread (YUM!), macaroni and cheese, and creamy coleslaw. Top off the meal with Hoop-Dee-Doo’s famous strawberry shortcake! Plus, let’s not forget the opportunity to enjoy unlimited draft beer, wine, and sangria for Guests 21 years and up.

While the food is exceptional, the Hoop-Dee-Doo Pioneer Hall Players take center stage for 2 hours of “rousing Wild West dancing, singing, and zany comedy.” The fun-spirited dinner show has been a family favorite for years with its ability to keep the audience entertained and bellies satisfied. You won’t be able to resist clapping, laughing, and singing along!

hoop-dee-doo

Showtimes

Disney has now revealed showtimes for Hoop Dee Doo Revue beginning June 23, 2022, as noted, “Please arrive 30 minutes prior to reservation time to check-in. The doors open at 4:00 p.m., 6:15 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. Seating will begin immediately at these times; the show begins 20 minutes later.”

hoop-dee-doo

Pricing

How much is this Disney experience going to cost? Pricing for Hoop-Dee-Doo is broken down into three categories:

  • Category 1: $74 (ages 10 years and older); $44 (ages 3-9)
  • Category 2: $69 (ages 10 years and older); $40 (ages 3-9)
  • Category 3: $66 (ages 10 years and older); $39 (ages 3-9)

It is recommended that you splurge for Category 1 per Guest if at all possible as it puts you front and center with all the action. We will say, however, that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house! The experience is a perfect way to enjoy exceptional Walt Disney World dining with entertainment outside of a Disney Park.

The dinner show pricing isn’t returning with a massive price increase. In 2019, Category 1 cost $72 for adults and $43 for children, Category 2 was $67 for adults and $39 for children, and Category 3 was $64 for adults and $38 for children.

Reservations for Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue go on sale beginning Thursday, May 26, 2022, with the first show beginning June 23rd.

Disney Announces Special Offerings Only Available For Summer Crowds

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

Walt Disney World Resort has announced some special offerings just in time for summer.

As Disney Park Guests make their way to Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, the summer crowds will have a few extra options and new offerings as they look for food options.

At Magic Kingdom Park, Tony’s Town Square Restaurant will be serving up some new dishes for you to enjoy. Start off your bella notte with one of the new appetizers – Tony’s Garlic Bread or the Toy Box Tomato Salad. After tasting these items, there are some new entrées to try, including the Oven-roasted Shrimp Scampi, Butcher’s Steak, Orecchiette with Spicy Italian Sausage, and Penne with Chicken al Forno. And what better way to finish than with a dessert, like the new Tiramisù Cannoli, Italian Strawberry Shortcake, Tony’s Spumoni Tart, or the Mandarincello Custard – how delicious! But don’t worry, the Spaghetti and Meatballs is still there so you can have your Lady and the Tramp moment.

Disney World Summer Food Offerings

Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT has some new eats to try – pizza rolls! This quick-service location found in The Land now has both a Cheese Pizza Roll and Pepperoni Pizza Roll. These pizza rolls have reportedly replaced pizza at The Land.

EPCOT pizza rolls

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and want a cool treat on a warm summer day, take a trip over to Disney Springs for its newest addition – Salt & Straw! This ice cream spot has an array of unique flavors on the menu including fan favorites as well as a rotating monthly selection, so there’s always something new to try. Plus, sampling is highly encouraged.

This sweet spot isn’t the only thing new to Disney Springs. Marketplace Snacks is getting a bit of a foodie revamp with some delicious items being served. Starting today, Mickey and Friends Bubble Waffle Sundaes will be available. Choose between flavors like the Mickey Waffle Sundae featuring vanilla soft-serve, hot fudge, cookie crumbles, and white chocolate crisp pearls, the Minnie Waffle Sundae with vanilla soft-serve, strawberry topping, sliced strawberries, and white chocolate crisp pearls, or Donald’s Waffle Sundae made with vanilla soft-serve, lemon curd, and blueberries. If you want a bit of chocolate, Goofy’s Peanut Waffle Sundae has vanilla and chocolate soft-serve with hot fudge, peanuts, sliced bananas, sliced strawberries, M&M’s Minis, and a cherry on top while Pluto’s Waffle Sundae has chocolate soft-serve, chocolate-covered pretzels, peanut butter sauce, and milk chocolate crisp pearls.

Salt & Straw Summer Offerings 2022

Disney Resorts are also offering special dining options for Guests. Several resorts have new plant-based offerings to enjoy! Start your day off the right way with the Plant-based Mickey-shaped Frittata featuring tomato, spinach, onions, and “mozzarella” served with potatoes and mixed fruit – how adorable! The IMPOSSIBLE Burger serves up an IMPOSSIBLE patty topped with Carolina-style barbecued jackfruit, pickled slaw, and “cheddar” served with french fries.

Disney World Summer Food Offerings

These two items will be introduced to various menus now through June 7 at the Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort, World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort, End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, and Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

First Look at Disney’s Halfway to Halloween Eats and Treats

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

It’s halfway to spooky season! As April 28 approaches, we are soon-to-be halfway to Halloween! And we all know it’s never too early to get in the spirit. These wickedly delicious items are running amuck, amuck, amuck across Disney Parks.

These eats are sure to put a spell on Guests with tasty flavors and adorable eats. See the return of favorites like the Sister’s Elixir Hot Cocoa Bomb at The Ganachery at Walt Disney World Resort or the Spooky Churro from California Churro at Disneyland Resort. And be on the lookout for some new tricks and treats from Gideon’s Bakehouse at Disney Springs, including exclusive trading cards to collect.

DISNEYLAND RESORT

Downtown Disney District

Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs (available April 28 through May 1)

  • Cheddar Pickle Dog: The pickle dog sprinkled with cheddar cheese for a pop of orange to celebrate Halloween

California Churro (available April 27 through May 4)

  • Spooky Churro: A churro rolled in cinnamon sugar cut in half, drizzled with peanut butter and chocolate sauce, and topped with yummy peanut butter candy pieces in seasonal colors
8 Halloween Churros not to be missed at the Disneyland Resort | Chip and Company

WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT

Magic Kingdom Park

Sleepy Hollow (available April 28 through August 13)

  • Lady on the Gravestone 50th Chilling Chamber Pop: Citrus cake crumbs, raspberry buttercream, and blue crisp pearls (New)

Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart and Various Outdoor Vending Carts (available April 28 through May 1)

  • Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket (Limit two per, person per transaction while supplies last)
First Look at Disney's Halfway to Halloween Eats and Treats 2022 - ThrillGeek

Disney Springs

The Ganachery (available April 28 through May 1)

  • Sister’s Elixir Hot Cocoa Bomb: Dark chocolate cauldron filled with hot cocoa mix and marshmallows topped with an edible image of the Sanderson Sisters and a chocolate broom stirrer

Gideon’s Bakehouse (available April 28 through May 1)
Get an exclusive trading card during Halfway to Halloween. Each four and six cookie box will feature one of the sixteen cards, plus be on the lookout for a bonus card for those waiting in line featuring Barnabas Mephistophelittle! (Limit of one per person while supplies last)

  • Pumpkin Spice Shadow Cakes: Chocolate-dipped spice cakes with a pumpkin buttercream filling (New)
  • Frankenstein Cake Slices: A three-layer chocolate cake covered in cookies and cream buttercream and loaded with M&M’s
  • Valentina Cake: Classic red velvet cake covered in a light and fluffy cookies and cream marshmallow buttercream

Available at Various Outdoor Vending Carts in West Side (available April 28 through May 1)

  • Mickey Mummy Popcorn Bucket (Limit two per, person per transaction while supplies last)
Fans Line Up Throughout One Disney Park to Snag New Limited-Time Popcorn Bucket - Inside the Magic

Resorts

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (available April 28 through May 1)

  • Hocus Pocus “Amuck” Cakes: Rich devil’s food cake with “peanut boo-tter” filling decorated to resemble all three Sanderson Sisters

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.)

Opening Date for New Epcot Restaurant Announced

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

Since Electric Umbrella closed for good in 2019, we’ve been curious about its replacement. Thankfully, we don’t need to wait much longer to visit Connections Cafe & Eatery opening soon at EPCOT. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

Get your appetites ready! Connections Café & Eatery officially opens on April 27 at EPCOT. Insider tip: You may get the chance for a sneak peek if you’re in the park over the next few days.

If you enjoy food inspired by delicious cuisines from around the world, you’re going to love this new quick-service restaurant. Plus, who could pass up a beautifully decorated new space to relax in some air-conditioning? It’s a win-win!

We’ve already dished out all the details on what’s cooking in Connections Eatery, so today I want to give you a closer look at the fast-casual restaurant’s design, which features nods to Walt Disney’s original plans for EPCOT. The new location features two distinct experiences all under one roof – an eatery on one side serving lunch and dinner menus, and a café and pastry shop on the other open all day long. This large new dining location is the next step in the ongoing transformation of EPCOT and a highlight of the newly named World Celebration neighborhood.

If you’re walking past Spaceship Earth on your way into the park, you’ll find Connections Café and Eatery on the left-hand side. Floor-to-ceiling windows give you a full view of the bright, open space featuring modern décor and inviting aromas of pastries baking, fresh coffee brewing and delicious burgers on the grill. Since World Celebration is located in the center of the park, Connections Café & Eatery offers some incredible views. From a Xandarian Starblaster on one side to Spaceship Earth on the other, this is a great spot to sit back and enjoy quality time with friends and family around a tasty meal or drink. I think I’ve found my new favorite EPCOT hangout!

My favorite part of Connections Eatery is the colorful mural spanning one entire wall. Called “Global Gathering,” this magnificent piece of art depicts the heart of this restaurant – people from around the world gathering around food. It’s one of the largest murals Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created, and if you look closely, you’ll notice the scenes blend seamlessly from sunrise to sunset. I could spend all day admiring the details!

If you love watching cooking shows like I do, you’ll be captivated by the chefs at work in three show kitchens. Catch them grilling, sautéing and baking everything from burgers to pizzas and sprinkling a little extra pixie dust on delightful desserts from milkshakes to waffles.

Whether you prefer coffee or tea, people from all over the globe love sitting together to savor a brewed beverage. This idea is on prominent display in Connections Café through a colorful showcase of how various cultures enjoy their favorite drinks. Can you guess where each tea or coffee pot is from?

And while you’re enjoying your meal or that much-needed cup of coffee, don’t forget to look down! There are three original floor inlays inspired by Walt’s 1966 “Florida Project” site plans, where EPCOT was to serve as the literal and conceptual “center” of Walt Disney World. Thoughtful details like these really bring this location to life by honoring the original dream of EPCOT and the magic of possibility. The park’s original DNA is woven throughout Connections Café and Eatery, the latest example of how this EPCOT transformation honors our past while moving us forward into the future.

Because EPCOT has always been a place where inspiration and big ideas come to life. With the opening of Connections Café & Eatery, that vision continues to become reality as we celebrate one another, what makes us unique and the commonalities that tie us all together. And there’s even more ahead for EPCOT, so be sure to keep reading the Disney Parks Blog and follow along with Imagineer Zach Riddley @thezachriddley on Instagram for all the latest news on the park’s historic transformation.