Disney Releases Special Food & Drink Guide for 50th Anniversary Celebration at Disney World

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

During its 50th anniversary celebration, Walt Disney World once again demonstrates how food and drinks can be key ingredients for a fun day at The Most Magical Place on Earth. New menu items for the celebration offer nods to the resort’s past while pushing culinary adventures to exciting new places. These include theme park classics and some of Walt Disney’s favorite items, along with novel dishes and sips full of color, whimsy and a touch of EARidescent shimmer. Disney has released a look at some of the 150-plus new items available. 

From a Disney Cast Member;

The magic is calling all Foodies to the Walt Disney World Resort 50th anniversary celebration – The World’s Most Magical Celebration! Throughout our four theme parks and beyond, Disney chefs and mixologists have created more than 150 sips and bites full of color, whimsy, and a touch of EARidescent shimmer – with even more coming throughout the 18-month celebration beginning Oct. 1.

Walt’s personal recipes, Walt Disney World Resort attractions (past and present), beloved Disney Characters, and nostalgic dishes from 1971 were inspirations for the tasty offerings created for this anniversary celebration.

Walt’s palate was relatively simple – definitely a meat and potatoes guy! Roast lamb, roast beef hash topped with a fried egg, chili, and fried chicken were his favorites, along with lemon, apple, chocolate, and bread pudding desserts. Disney chefs looked to Walt’s recipes from the archives while planning for the 50th anniversary celebration. The result is deliciously reimagined versions of Walt’s favorites. And many of the treats (including the fun EARidescent Sip-a-bration) are infused with EARidescent shimmers to add glimmering touches to the celebratory creations.

I am highlighting just a sampling of the limited-time sips and bites in this Foodie Guide, but we have created a complete online guide for you to view the more than 150 fantastic menu items!

To view all the 50th anniversary celebration food and beverage offerings on your mobile device, click here to download the My Disney Experience app or click here to view at Disneyworld.com.

While you are celebrating with us, be sure to share your favorite sips and bites using the hashtag #DisneyWorld50.

Let The World’s Most Magical Celebration begin!

Magic Kingdom Park

Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies

    • Uncle Orville Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow Sundae – Chocolate and vanilla soft-serve, brownie pieces, hot fudge, and whipped cream topped with red, white, and blue sprinkles served in a “bathtub”

Be Our Guest Restaurant

    • Squids Revenge Drink – A michelada with a salted rim and garnished with charred octopus and cucumber. Watch out, the giant squid is back!

Casey’s Corner

    • Pressed Penny Silk Pie – Chocolate tart shell, silky chocolate filling, sweet whipped cream, and a chocolate-pressed penny
    • 50th Celebration Hot Dog – All-beef hot dog topped with strawberry bacon jam, crisp funnel cake pieces, and powdered sugar

Cinderella’s Royal Table

    • Royal 50th Celebration Flight – Flight of Enchantée Champagne – a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunière (Enchantée Champagne is sold exclusively at the Walt Disney World Resort)

Columbia Harbor House

    • Happy Haunts Milkshake – Blackberry milkshake topped with a purple chocolate-glazed doughnut covered with black sprinkles

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café

    • Mission to Mars – Burger topped with bacon and macaroni & cheese served on a bun dusted with crushed cheese-flavored puffs

The Crystal Palace

    • Walt’s Favorites on the Buffet – Chicken fried steak, New York strip steak, pork chops, and more!

Friar’s Nook

    • The Toad Burger – Brat burger served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and American cheese

Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen

    • Veranda Fried Rice – Spicy chili-garlic shrimp served over pork fried rice with eggs and peas (from the original Verandah Restaurant menu)

Outdoor Kiosks

    • Dumbo Churros – Churros rolled in peanut dust and served with chocolate dipping sauce in a Dumbo-themed churro bag
    • Royal 50th Churro – Churros rolled in strawberry sugar, drizzled with marshmallow cream, and shimmer sprinkles served with  chocolate dipping sauce

Plaza Ice Cream Parlor

    • The Banana Boom – Traditional banana split topped with popping candy and a candied shooting star

Plaza Restaurant

    • Cheers to 50 Years! – Chocolate and vanilla ice cream, brownies, cupcakes, cookie crumbles, pretzel rods, and hot fudge topped with whipped cream, EARidescent sugar, and a Mickey pretzel drizzled with caramel and chocolate icing (serves 4-6)

Storybook Treats

    • Heigh-Ho Sundae! – Chocolate soft-serve, hot fudge, graham cracker pieces, chocolate gems, and whipped cream

Tony’s Town Square Restaurant

    • Five Alarm Wings – Wings tossed in a sweet-and-spicy heat served with ranch dressing for dipping

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Drinkwallah

    • Hand-dipped 50th Celebration Mickey Premium Bar – Our classic Nestlé Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar dipped in blue raspberry-flavored coating with celebration sprinkles and a little bit of pixie dust

Restaurantosaurus

    • Cheese Fries with Walt’s Chili – Crispy fries topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce
    • Walt’s Favorite Chili on Foot-long Hot Dog – A foot-long hot dog served on a warm bun topped with Walt’s favorite chili and cheddar sauce

Tiffins

    • 50th Celebration Chocolate Gâteaux – Almond praline, white chocolate crémeux, ganache, and chocolate-South African cream liqueur sauce

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Trolley Car Café

    • Glimmer and Shimmer Pineapple Mousse – Golden pineapple mousse on a toasted coconut crisp with caramel cream and matcha sponge cake

The Hollywood Brown Derby

    • Filet Mignon with Walt’s Hash topped with an egg (just the way Walt liked it!)

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, Oasis Canteen, Sunshine Day Bar, Animation Bar

    • Shimmer over the Moon – Apple pie moonshine, amaretto, falernum, pineapple juice, and club soda served with a souvenir glow cube

ABC Commissary

    • Chocolate Mousse – Raspberry-dark chocolate mousse, chocolate-almond cake, and a layer of hazelnut crunch and whipped chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake

EPCOT

Coral Reef Restaurant 

    • Key Lime Tart with toasted meringue, EARidescent shimmer, sprinkles, and chocolate garnish

The EPCOT Experience 

    • EARidescent Croissant Doughnut – Croissant doughnut with blue icing and sprinkles

Le Cellier Steakhouse

    • Chocolate Mousse Bar – Dark chocolate mousse, caramel cookie pieces, milk chocolate shell, and chocolate shortbread cookie

Sunshine Seasons

    • Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake – Mini chocolate Bundt cake with chocolate ganache, sprinkles, and icing dusted with EARidescent shimmer and chocolate 50th anniversary garnish

Disney Springs

Amorette’s Patisserie

    • 50th Celebration Petit Cake – Vanilla chiffon cake with celebration blue mousse, blueberry jam, and lemon curd

The Ganachery 

    • 50th Celebration Chocolate Bundle:
      • 50th Celebration Ganache Chocolate Bar – Milk chocolate combined with caramel and crispies for a playful crunch
      • 50th Celebration Ganache Square – Celebration cake ganache mixed with sprinkles, enrobed in 65% dark chocolate, and decorated with a shimmering castle design

Frontera Cocina

    • Chocolate Pigñata – Chocolate shell filled with cajeta mousse, tender cake (infused with whiskey & vanilla), crumble of chipotle bacon, candied orange, and Maria cookies. Yes, there’s a mallet to break your piñata!  Serves two.

The BOATHOUSE

    • Sweet Nostalgia Pineapple Upside-Down Cake – Pineapple upside-down cake with  caramel glazed with Chantilly cream

Terralina Crafted Italian,

    • Whimsical White Chocolate Mousse –White chocolate mousse with salted caramel and cotton candy

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, 

    • Caramel Banana Chocolate Sphere – Dark chocolate sphere, vanilla pudding, banana caramel compote, gold dust, and chocolate pearls

Resorts

The Mara, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

    • Chocolate Mousse with a cardamom financier

Contempo Café, Disney’s Contemporary Resort

    • 50th Anniversary Peanut Butter-Banana Pie – Sweet tart shell filled with peanut butter mousse and banana sauce topped with chocolate glaze and chocolate décor

Toledo–Tapas, Steak, and Seafood, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

    • Braised Lamb Shank with olive oil-potato purée, rosemary-roasted garlic gravy, huckleberry jam, and English peas

P&J’s Southern Takeout, Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds

    • Chicken Dinner Cupcake Trio
      • Fried chicken-apple fritter, apple pie moonshine filling, and vanilla buttercream ​
      • Peas and carrots-strawberry moonshine custard, white chocolate frosting, and  M&M’S Mini “peas
      • Mock mashed potato-SNICKERS mousse cupcake, caramel buttercream, and STARBURST “butter”

Grand Floridan Café, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort & Spa

    • 50th Anniversary Vintage Minnie’s Brown Betty Profiterole – Crunchy-topped cream puff filled with one of Walt’s favorite flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and Chantilly cream

Olivia’s Cafe, Disney’s Old Key West Resort

    • Spam-Cheddar Biscuits with white gravy and drizzled with honey

Capt. Cook’s, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

    • 50th Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake with DOLE Whip pineapple center, tropical fruit salsa, and pineapple macaron

Le Petit Café, Disney’s Riviera Resort

    • 50th Celebration Cupcake – Vanilla cupcake, cake-flavored mousse, and caramel-buttercream icing garnished with crisp pearls, 50th anniversary sprinkles, and a whimsical gold Mickey

Roaring Fork, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

    • Petit Stump Cake ​– Chocolate cake with birthday cake buttercream filling surrounded by chocolate “bark” fondant topped with 50th anniversary chocolate coin

The Market at Ale & Compass, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

    • 50th Celebration Tart – Birthday cake mousse dome on top of a milk chocolate mousse-filled vanilla tart shell with mini chocolate crisp pearls, buttercream, fondant, and chocolate décor

Available at select table-service restaurants, lounges, and pool bars throughout our four Theme Parks and Resorts 

    • EARidescent Sip-a-bration (Non-Alcoholic Beverage) – Minute Maid Premium Lemonade and fruity strawberry punch served in a souvenir 50th Celebration Cup with a surprise Character and a little bit of magic!
    • Magical Beacon Cocktail – Gin, blue curaçao, Minute Maid Premium Lemonade, orgeat (almond) syrup, lemon, hibiscus grenadine, and a souvenir glow cube

Our classic Nestle Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream Bar has a festive new wrapper showcasing Mickey in his EARidescent finest!

California Grill Has A Limited-Edition Anniversary Menu

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Dining, Disney Resorts

As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” (aka Disney World’s 50th anniversary), the California Grill is bringing in a new menu for a special dining experience! The favorites recommended on the Disney Parks Blog are the California Grill Sushi Classics Trio, the House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, and The Oak-Fired Filet of Beef. The first meal listed in those three favorites includes a Blue Crab California Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, and Spicy Kazan Roll. The Fireball Sauce (featuring bay scallops, avocado, and mango) tops off the trio!

The next highlight, the House-Made Artisanal-Style Duck á la Orange Pizza, has duck prosciutto and confit, orange-black mission fig jam, pickled shallots, aged blue cheese, and arugula. It’s actually an homage to the classic duck dish from Top of the World, the original restaurant that preceded the California Grill in the ’70’s.

The Oak-Fired Filet of Beef with Black Truffle-Brown Butter Château Potatoes, Golden Raisins Vinaigrette, Cauliflower, and Black Garlic Butter reportedly “has layers of incredible flavors” that would make for an unforgettable dinner. The roasted tomato butter is a cherry on top, but the Château Potatoes also stand out (understandable, since they come wearing “freshly shaved” black winter truffles).

For “The World’s Most Magical Celebration”, this Grill is also serving a new dessert! The EARidescent Grand Marnier Soufflé comes with macerated Florida citrus and Creamsicle Ice Cream. We think those lavender sugar doughnuts on the menu (shown below) will also be worth a try, and there’s several other dessert menu items that sound magical! Having a dessert party to celebrate Disney’s anniversary sounds like the perfect way to commemorate the moment.

This limited-time menu will be available on October 3rd, but you can make reservations as early as September 23rd, and it’s all part of Disney’s big 50th anniversary festivities (which start on October 1st)!

Celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month at Disney World

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

Walt Disney World is celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month! Catch all the details below on how you can join in on the celebration.

From a Disney Cast Member;

I’m very proud to be a Hispanic/Latinx cast member at Walt Disney World Resort and that’s one of the reasons why I’m always excited to share the different events and opportunities we have to celebrate our cultures with all of you. As part of Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month we are happy to announce the multiple ways you can celebrate across Walt Disney World Resort through food, music, and more! Because, after all, “Together We Are Magia!”

As you may have heard, Miguel and Dante from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” are a part of the “Disney Fab 50 Character Collection” – golden sculptures coming to all four parks as part of the Walt Disney World 50th anniversary celebration – and you can see these two amigos in EPCOT.

Here are more ways you can celebrate Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month throughout the Walt Disney World Resort:

THEME PARKS

Head over to the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT and stop by the Mexico Folk Art Gallery. Don’t forget to enjoy something delicioso to eat and drink. The pavilion’s world-famous San Angel Inn restaurant will showcase San Pascual Award-winning chef, Federico A. Lopez and his menu representing regional Mexican foods from Oct. 1 – Dec 31.

You can also take in a performance from Mariachi Cobre who’ve added songs from “Coco” to their show at the America Gardens Theater.

If you visit during the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival that runs through Nov. 20, try the Chimichurri-up Offense at Flavors from Fire Hosted by The NFL on ESPN or the Crispy Pig Ear Salad at The Swanky Saucy Swine. From Oct. 1 – 4, you can see the band Latin Ambition do a special performance at The American Gardens Theater.

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, be sure to try the brand new Colombian Hot Dog at Fairfax Fare Counter, or at Magic Kingdom Park, see Princess Elena in the cavalcade in “A Royal Princess Processional”.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the signature restaurant Tiffins offers food items inspired by Imagineers’ travels to Oaxaca, Mexico, including Sweet Corn Soup and Charred Octopus. For something to eat on the go, stop by The Smiling Crocodile and grab some Street Corn Tacos, which pay homage to the tacos found in the markets and thoroughfares of Mexico City.  To satisfy your sweet tooth, stop by Nomad Lounge for their delicious churros!

RESORTS

Guests staying at a Disney Resort Hotel can end the night with la familia watching Movies Under the Stars.  The resorts will show several movies inspired by Latin culture and Hispanic and Latinx talent – featuring “Elena and the Secret of Avalor,” “Coco,” and more!

Hotels at Walt Disney World Resort will also be serving up Latin-inspired food, including Pork Tacos with marinated mango and a Warm Manchego cheese dip at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort’s Three Bridges – Villa de Lago, Pork Ropa Vieja at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, and Shrimp Tacos at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.

DISNEY SPRINGS

Disney Springs is also celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month with entertainment, food, and plenty of shopping. Throughout the month, enjoy lively performances by La Calle, a Latin Pop band featuring a high-energy interactive-style show that seamlessly blends music and dance. You’ll also hear Nicholas Marks – known as the “Jimi Hendrix” of Flamenco music – blending American Pop music with the rich and fiery Spanish Flamenco beat and rhythm.

If food is the way to your corazón, Disney Springs is proud to feature three Hispanic and Latinx culinary Cast Members who have created their own unique dishes inspired by their personal heritage: Alex Cabrera’s Tres Leches at Amorette’s Patisserie, Jose Rodriguez’s Tripleta Burger at D-Luxe Burger and Oscar Prieto’s Tostones at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. 

Featured visiting food truck, Cilantro Urban Eatery celebrates Latin Street Food offering infused Venezuelan, Puerto Rican, Mexican and American cuisine including burritos, rice bowls, urban tacos, salads, and quesadillas. These offerings join guest favorites Jaleo by José Andrés and Frontera Cocina by Rick Bayless, available year-round at Disney Springs.

While you’re shopping this month, you might discover something special that celebrates the diversity and artistry of the Hispanic and Latinx community. An artist spotlight series features a focus on Hispanic and Latinx producers, directors, and animators working on Walt Disney Animation Studios upcoming film “Encanto” at The Art of Disney. You’ll also find crystal and porcelain giftware from Crystal Arts by Arribas Brothers, soccer gear from Pelé Soccer, hand-rolled Cuban cigars from Sosa Cigars, and jewelry handcrafted by Spanish artists at UNOde50.

Celebrating Hispanic Latinx Heritage Month at Walt Disney World Resort reminds us that “Together We Are Magia,” and we can’t wait to share all of the magic with all of you!

Disney World Adds Extra Perks For Visitors During Its 50th Anniversary

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

Walt Disney World already has a lot of bonuses in place for any Disney Guests who visit on or after October 1st of this year, since it marks their 50th anniversary, but now they’ve added additional sweeteners for anyone who stays at the Disney Resorts Collection hotels!

Anyone who is staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel during the “World’s Most Magical Celebration” can officially enter the Disney World theme parks earlier than everyone else. Furthermore, Disney visitors who are residing in the Disney Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort hotels can take advantage of extended evening hours on select nights in select theme parks.

Pluto and Goofy at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

There will also be special appearances by Disney “friends” (i.e. Disney characters), who will be wearing new EARidescent garb. Cast Members will also be wearing special-edition nametags. While you’re on your way to the parks, you can also see special 50th-anniversary decor on the Disney monorail, select Disney Skyliner cabins, and select Disney Transportation buses!

If you haven’t picked which Disney hotel to hang your hat in, you may want to give Disney’s Contemporary Resort a try! This Resort has just had a makeover, making it a mix of retro and modern, and characters from the Pixar Incredibles movies are being featured in lots of its decor.

Walt Disney World is also encouraging Guests to book rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, because the resort has new rooms that are based on the Disney film (and Polynesian heroine) “Moana.” The resort has a new entrance with lots of Polynesian detailing, which was only just finished as another part of Disney World’s current refurbishments!

Once you’ve picked a resort to stay in, be sure to try the limited-edition Joffrey’s Coffee blend that’s been formulated just for Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. With two new restaurants opening as well (one French and one futuristic), you won’t go hungry!

Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT: More Details and Menus

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

Guests can get ready to let their taste buds take (a simulated!) flight 220 miles above Earth’s surface as Space 220 Restaurant at EPCOT officially begins virtual departures on today for walk-up diners. Reservations are available to book today as well, with the first reservation date available on Sept. 27.

The out-of-this-world dining experience will take diners on a journey from Earth to the stars, a simulated 220 miles above Earth’s surface, for an immersive experience that will delight all the senses. This experience is unique to EPCOT, where the magic of human imagination and possibility come to life. 

Serving upscale, contemporary fare, Space 220 Restaurant offers a two-course prix fixe menu for lunch and a three-course prix fixe menu for dinner. Guests will enjoy a selection of “lift-off” appetizers, “star course” main entrées, and a choice of “supernova sweets” for dessert. “Satellite sides” will also be available à la carte.

Diners can expect unique beverages with a colorful lineup of atmospheric spirits, zero-proof (non-alcoholic) cocktails, big dipper brews, and worldly wines.

Below is a sampling of the prix fixe menus – the Space 220 crew favorites!

Two-Course Lunch

Includes one Lift-Off appetizer and one Star Course entrée

Lift-Offs

  • Big Bang Burrata 
  • Starry Calamari 
  • Blue Moon Cauliflower
  • Neptuna Tartare
  • Space Greens

Star Course

  • Bluehouse Salmon
  • Centauri Burger
  • Flat Iron Steak
  • Seared Tuna 
  • Baked Maccheroni

Three-Course Dinner

Includes one Lift-Off appetizer, one Star Course entrée, and one Supernova Sweet

Lift-Offs

  • Big Bang Burrata 
  • Starry Calamari 
  • Blue Moon Cauliflower
  • Neptuna Tartare 
  • Space Greens

Star Course

  • 8 oz. Filet Mignon 
  • Slow Rotation Short Rib
  • Florida Red Snapper
  • X2 Duck
  • Terra-Bolognese 
  • Roasted Free-Range Chicken 

Supernova Sweets 

  • Lemon Mousse 
  • Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake 
  • Chocolate Cheesecake

Drinks

Atmospheric Spirits  

  • Stargarita
  • Atmospritz – Served with a cotton candy cloud 
  • The Big Tang – Served with “Astronaut Ice Cream”
  • Planetary Punch – Served over dry ice
  • Celestial Cosmopolitan

Zero Proof Cocktails

These drinks come in a special Space 220 collectible cup:

  • Lightyear Lemonade – Made with butterfly pea tea
  • The Milky Way – Served with a fun-size “Milky Way” garnish
  • Moon Rocks – Served with a pack of popping candy garnish

With the purchase of any zero proof (non-alcoholic) cocktail or children’s meal, Guests will receive a pack of Space 220 Collectible Trading Cards. Designed exclusively for and only distributed at Space 220 Restaurant, these limited-edition packs of cards feature original artwork and trivia facts about space exploration, food in space, and the sky-high innovations at Space 220 Restaurant.

Space 220 Restaurant is another exciting milestone within the EPCOT transformation, showcasing that real worlds truly are made fantastic, and it will open just in time for “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” on Oct. 1. Stay tuned for more details on reimagined EPCOT.