REVIEW: Sushi Lands in The Cool Ship at the Magic Kingdom

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

The Cool Ship in Tomorrowland recently started selling sushi. Let me say that again in case you think that was a typo… The Cool Ship (a large red rocket ship stand) in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom (the park that has had challenges serving guests mildly exotic food at Skipper Canteen) is selling sushi (the Japanese preparation and serving of specially prepared vinegared rice combined with varied ingredients such as chiefly seafood, vegetables, and occasionally tropical fruits).

The Cool Ship is steps away from the Tomorrowland Speedway, because if you’re going to eat sushi at the Magic Kingdom, it is best to do so while inhaling gas fumes. There’s a reason Tomorrowland Speedway cast members get hazard pay.

The Pizza Frusta is already gone (shocking) and this fancy glass case now houses the sushi offerings and gives guests a preview to assure them it will at least look edible.

YUM, LET’S EAT SOME SUSHI FROM THE FUTURE!

California Sushi Roll $4.99

The California Roll is probably going to be the most popular offering here, so let’s start with that. Ummm, it was good. Surprisingly good. This isn’t going to change your life, but the fact that this is something I wouldn’t turn down if offered again is pretty amazing. It has been pointed out that these offerings are just sent over from the Mitsukoshi locations at Epcot, so they are of the same quality and taste. I enjoyed the optional eel sauce on the side, but it may not be for everyone based on how salty it can be. All dishes come with four pieces, wasabi, ginger, and there’s the eel sauce with this one if you would like.

Spicy Sushi Roll $4.99

The spicy roll consists of a spicy sauce and Yellow Fin Tuna and was my personal favorite. It has a nice kick to it and tasted fresh, probably the thing you would least expect from theme park sushi sold at the Magic Kingdom. I’d love to write a hilarious review where this was bad, but I can not tell a lie: this wasn’t unenjoyable. There was supposed to be a sauce with this, but they couldn’t find it…

Edamame Salad $3.49

The edamame salad is just OK, but could be refreshing and is a nice healthy Disney Dining Plan snack option. That being said, the sushi rolls are also one snack credit, so you might as well just get one of those. Also, this edamame salad could probably use a little more edamame SINCE IT IS IN THE NAME.

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New Spy Glass Grille Restaurant at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Set to Open in Early 2018

WDWNT on December 1, 2017

Since the massive overhaul of Old Port Royale’s Centertown began a few months back at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, details have been scarce on exactly what the new dining options would be when they opened next year. Disney is now posting job opportunities at the new eateries, set to open in early 2018, providing some information on the new resort counter service location called Spy Glass Grille.

While details on Spy Glass Grille are scarce, we know that it will feature Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and Disney is currently only looking for existing cast members to fill the roles at the new location. The Spy Glass Grille name had not been previously announced. The venue is rumored to be located between the pool and the beach at Trinidad South within the resort.

While no details are available yet, new table service venues, bars, lounges, and shopping venues will also be a part of the new complex when it is completed sometime next year.

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REVIEW: New 7-Layer Rice Bowl and Coco Cupcake at Fairfax Fare, Disney’s Hollywood Studios

WDWNT on October 25, 2017

We of course reviewed Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios when the menu went tex-mex almost one year ago. Well, now a new option has joined the menu, a 7(Yeah, 7)-Layer Rice Bowl.

The rice bowl replaces the Loaded Baked Potato, which has been a staple here for the last few years.

The Coco Dulce de Leche Cupcake is also here, but is available at several locations throughout the park.

7-Layer Rice Bowl – ($11.29)

The rice bowl comes in three varieties: pulled pork, grilled chicken, or vegan chili. We went with the pork and the vegan chili versions.

Without diving into them, it is really hard to tell which one is which thanks to the plethora of other ingredients in the dish. That being said, there is plenty of the main course underneath all of that in both versions. Above is the vegan chili, below is the pulled pork, neither in an actual bowl.

The menu describes the items as “Pulled Pork served over Cilantro Rice, Black Beans, Roasted Corn Medley, Pico de Gallo and Sour Cream topped with Cheddar served with warm Tortillas” and “Vegan Chili served over Cilantro Rice, Black Beans, Roasted Corn Medley, Pico de Gallo and Sour Cream topped with Cheddar served with warm Tortillas”. You can also add “guacamole” for $1.00…

Here is the “Wholly Guacamole” you get for your dollar. It is not very good.

Overall, the rice bowls are pretty good and you likely get a lot more of everything than you would with the fajita dish from here, so the question really is do you want to eat with your hands or a fork. Personally, I think you can do a lot worse with counter service at Hollywood Studios, so Fairfax is still number 1-2 on my list. These aren’t terrible, but they aren’t life changing either, but in terms of size, they are a pretty decent value comparably with other quick serve items at the Studios.

Coco Dulce de Leche Cupcake ($5.99)

The Coco cupcake is one of the better ones in recent memory, featuring a vanilla cake, colorful icing, and a center filled with sweet dulce de leche.

It’s deftly worth a try if it’s there on your next visit.

The Rest

Again, if you would like a review of the other items at Fairfax Fare, please check out our previous review.

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REVIEW: The Market at Ale & Compass Opens Bringing Counter Service to Disney’s Yacht Club

WDWNT on June 25, 2017

Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is a bit in disarray at the moment. The massive expansion of the convention center rolls on, meanwhile, the former Ale and Compass Lounge, Fittings and Fairings shop, and the Captain’s Grille are all closed to either be remodeled or repurposed. Half of the former Fittings and Fairings shop has reopened as a new counter service eatery for the resort: The Market at Ale and Compass. This location primarily sells a small selection of hot sandwiches, but also offers a huge variety of grab-and-go meals and treats.

A lot of work is still present near the new eatery.

An exit doorway is located where the closest store entrance to the lobby was once located.

As you can see, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Windows outside are still covered up.

The former main entrance toi Fittings and Fairings now welcomes guests to The Market. The other half of this space will eventually open as a retail location.

There is some merchandise located at the entrance, but this is primarily a counter service dining location right now.

A number of pre-packaged goods are available here, similar to the Marketplace at the Beach Club.

There is a rather impressive selection of cold sandwiches and pretty desserts in the refrigerated section.

Sticky buns and Spinach and Feta Pastires can be found in this warm foods section, but sandwiches must be ordered at the counter.

The interior is fairly bland, pretty much the new theme for the Yacht Club. Apparently being a convention hotel means you should rip away anything that makes it stand out from a standard hotel. This is apparently what convention-goers want.

Plenty of wines for sale.

As far as drinks go, they do offer Coke Freestyle machines, something I personally enjoy.

The seating area is very modern and fairly plain. Again, if you have seen the remodeled rooms here, it comes as no surprise. If you asked me what the resort’s theme was now, I’d say it’s grey and white.

While I wasn’t there to critique the interior, I was there to try the food, so let’s see how The Market at Ale and Compass fairs.

Spicy Italian Panini ($8.49)

Capicola, Mortadella, Ham, Provolone, and Giardinere served on a baguette

I really enjoyed this sandwich. It was hot and fresh, and fairly large for the price. This was a more than filling offering which did make it hard to get through to our dessert, but it is certainly something I would order again. It was the right amount of bread, with the right amount of cheese and meats, likely making it one of the best counter service sandwiches you can find (given many such offerings around WDW are typically pretty bad).

Ham and Cheese Roll ($8.49)

Ham and Cheddar Cheese served on a Pretzel Roll

This was not nearly as good as the sandwich above and was quite small. This felt like something I would have ordered at an Arby’s and then had to cover in “Horsey Sauce” to save it from being almost flavorless. It isn’t inedible, but there are far better ways to spend $8.49 on a quick bite in this area, or even at this very location.

Mickey Mouse Chocolate Brownie ($4.79)

I have never been a fan of Disney brownies. They are often very dry and lack the moist, chocolatey flavor that makes you want such a treat. These are a nice deviation from the usual in that they seemed fresh, were nice and soft, and packed a rich chocolate flavor. Which one you should pick will really depend on your mood. This particular version is great if you want the added sweetness of these chocolate dollops on top.

Mickey Mouse Turtle Brownie ($4.79)

Based on the mood I was in, I preferred the turtle brownie, same as the one above, minus the dollops, but stuffed with walnuts and covered in a caramel drizzle. I will be returning for this dessert alone.

Lemon Cheesecake ($4.79)

I wish this tasted as good as it looks. In fact, I wish it tasted like anything. The cheesecake is almost flavorless, in fact, I almost did a spit-take writing up this review when I read it was supposed to be lemon-flavored. Hopefully the other cold desserts in the fridge are as good as they look.

Carrot-Zucchini Bites ($4.99)

The Carrot-Zucchini bites come pre-packaged with 8 pieces in a bag.

These were a fun and healthier snack option compared to the brownies, if you care about such things while on vacation. Think of it as a package of Little Bites made with vegetable ingredients and made fresh, recently in a Disney kitchen. They are quite good if you are up for something like this, and the kids would probably never even realize that they are made with vegetables as the flavors are not over-powering.

OVERALL

In review, The Market at Ale and Compass has a stellar selection of offerings to bring back to your room, but is probably not ideal for a counter service meal. While you can have a solid meal here with the Italian sandwich, the options are limited on hot food and the other sandwich we had was not very good. While the brownies were great, the cheesecake was not, so the location is a bit hit-or-miss it would seem. Either way, if you need snacks on the go, there is more than enough pre-packaged snack foods and drink options here to make everyone happy.

While the interior lacks much of a theme, it will serve its purpose well for the Yacht Club’s needs, but don’t make a trip out of your way to grab a meal here.

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PHOTOS: First Look Inside New Counter Service Location at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

As part of the ongoing remodeling of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, the Fittings and Fairings shop in the Yacht Club is being converted into a new counter service dining location.

Thanks to @MikeyTonery on twitter for use of his photos.

It is unknown when the location will open, but it appears it may be just in time for the Summer season. The menu for the location is also unknown at this time.

Thanks to @MikeyTonery on twitter for use of his photos.

The addition of this location is important as it would mark the only counter service restaurant inside of the Yacht Club resort. Sources claim that this location will be a coffee house in the morning, offer a quick service lunch, and then be a lounge/bar in the evenings.

According to cast members at the resort, the Fittings and Fairings shop will move to the current location of Ale and Compass Lounge once this new counter service location is completed.

REVIEW: Satuli Canteen Lunch and Dinner, Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

The Satuli Canteen is the quick service dining location in Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, offering a fairly unique menu compared to other counter service offerings at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Discover healthful dishes and familiar flavors from another world—wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins.

Between your aerial adventures on Avatar Flight of Passage and family-friendly voyages aboard Na’vi River Journey, tuck inside the Quonset-hut structure called Satu’li Canteen—long ago an RDA mess hall, now a peaceful dining facility adorned with Na’vi art and cultural items.

Owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE), Satu’li Canteen supplies travelers all the comforts of home—courtesy of a unique, fast-casual menu that’s been crafted from Pandora’s natural abundance.

Featuring international-inspired cuisine, vegetarian options and specialty libations, it’s the perfect place to refuel as you venture through the Valley of Mo’ara.

I would best describe the inside of the restaurant as an Animal Kingdom Lodge restaurant located in an abandoned hangar. That’s pretty much what it is. It’s a strange blend, but it isn’t unpleasant. There isn’t much indoor seating, but the outdoor seating looks to be comparable in size, so it should work out when crowds descend upon the land.

The ordering area is massive, featuring a number of bays utilizing what remains of a former RDA commissary (in storyline).

Entrees

Chopped Wood-Grilled Chicken Bowl ($11.49)

Wood-Grilled Chicken Thighs marinated with Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce

As you may notice in the photographs, the ubiquitous Disney Parks plates are not to be found here, instead, you get a “real” plate and silverware to dine with. A nice touch that we have seen at some of the nicer counter service locations in recent years.

This particular dish has the Creamy Herb Dressing, which ended up being my favorite, especially mixed with the Red and Sweet Potato Hash (which is also a winner). The chicken was cooked well enough and mixed with the sauce and base in a nice way. The vegetable slaw and yogurt boba balls are fine, which is good, BECAUSE IT COMES WITH EVERYTHING.

Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl ($12.99)

Slow-Roasted Sliced Grilled Beef marinated in a blend of Garlic, Herbs, Red Pepper Spice, and Red Wine Vinegar topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce.

You’ll see two unique orders of the beef above, one with Mixed Whole Grain and Rice, and another with the Red and Sweet Potato Hash, but both have the Charred Onion Chimichurri. The chimichurri is pretty bland and adds almost nothing to any dish, and especially in this case with the rice, which is flavorless to begin with. The beef itself is a real winner, tender with a lot of flavor for a counter service offering.

Sustainable Fish Bowl ($12.99)

Panko Breaded Sustainable Fish topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce

The fish in this case was mahi-mahi and I thought it was solid, crunchy on the outside with a flavor in the vicinity of sweet and flaky inside. Again, the rice and the chimichurri are under this and I just would not recommend this combination.

Chili-Spiced Crispy Fried Tofu Bowl ($11.49)

Crispy Fried Tofu seasoned with Chili-Spice topped with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Boba Balls served with your choice of Base and Sauce

The chili-spiced fried tofu was possibly my second favorite to the beef, offering a good flavor with a little kick if you aren’t in the mood for meat. It mixed really well with the Creamy Herb Sauce and the Red and Sweet Potato Hash, a combo I would have again. One thing worth mentioning is how huge these dishes are. I had a hard time finishing this dish and I usually can clean a plate pretty well.

I also spiced this dish up with tabasco, which is available at the condiment station.

Cheeseburger Steamed Pods – Bao Buns ($10.99)

Steamed Cheeseburger Pod stuffed with Ground Beef, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickle, and Cheddar Cheese served with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Vegetable Chips

These were good, but I think a bit overhyped. Don’t get me wrong, I like them, but the meat to bun ratio is way too uneven. If they loaded some more meat and cheese in here, it could be one of my favorite entrees at a quick service, but the flavors just don’t even out right now. The meals are also a little on the small side, so don’t get these if you are starving. They might actually work better as something to share as a quick snack or something to split between your entire party should you all just want to try them.

My favorite part of the meal was the vegetable chips which have a really pleasant flavor palate with a salty tinge.

Vegetable Steamed Curry Pods – Bao Buns ($10.99)

Steamed Vegetable Curry Pod with Eggplant, Cauliflower, Sweet Potato, Carrots, and Shallot Cilantro Cream served with Crunchy Vegetable Slaw and Vegetable Chips

While the cheeseburger pods are getting all of the attention, I actually think that these were just as good, if not better. There is a curry spice sprinkled over the pods, but on the chips as well, adding quite a bit of spice to the plate. The vegetable mix in the pod makes for a unique and tasty flavor. If the cheeseburger version isn’t of interest to you, these are a good option.

Kids Menu

“Teylu” All-Beef Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough ($6.79)

All-Beef Hot Dog wrapped in a Parker House Dough served with Vegetable Chips and Grapes, and Small Dasani Bottled Water or Low-fat Milk

A big step over the usual kid’s hot dog dish, the wrap-around bun is quite good and a vast improvement. The delicious vegetable chips are included with this as well.

Cheese Quesadilla ($6.49)

Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese in a Tortilla served with Vegetable Chips and Grapes, and Small Dasani Bottled Water or Low-fat Milk

Back in the day, I used to really enjoy the cheese quesadillas when they were located at Pizzafari, and these are very similar and pretty good if your little guy or girl are in the mood for such a thing. Quesadillas aren’t complicated, but these were made with quality ingredients and you could taste it. AND AGAIN THERE’S THE VEGETABLE CHIPS.

Desserts

Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse ($5.29)

Blueberry Cream Cheese Mousse with Passion Fruit Curd

The most discussed dessert leading into the opening of Pandora, this item is no longer even a cheesecake and has already been greatly reduced in size. It’s good enough, but personally not something I would order again. It did prove popular with others at the table, so maybe it’s just my taste on this one, but it has such a weird, gelatinous texture and the flavor wasn’t what I expected at all. Way too much passion fruit for me.

Chocolate Cake ($5.29)

Chocolate Cake with a Crunchy Cookie Layer and Banana Cream Topping

While the former cheesecake now mousse dessert received top billing, this was by far my favorite of the two. The flourless chocolate cake flavor of the airy dessert blends perfectly with the crunchy cookie layer at the bottom and the banana cream on top. This is a must order in my book, one of my favorite desserts in all of Walt Disney World.

Beverages

Pandoran Sunrise ($4.49, $13.49 with Navi Flute Cup)

Exotic blend of Tropical Juices including Pineapple, Mango, Lime and a hint of Melon with a Pineapple garnish served over ice (also served in a Na’vi Flute Cup)

The Pandora Sunrise is probably worth skipping for something at Pongu Pongu instead (namely the Night Blossom). It’s refreshing, but pales in comparison. For a better value, fountain drinks with refills provided by self-derive fountains are available, with many more options than you might usually expect, including Sprite Zero, Barq’s Root Beer, and Coke Zero in addition to the usual variety.

The Navi Flute Cup is pretty nice, including a flute that can be detached and played.

Dreamwalker Sangria ($9.50)

Refreshing White Sangria with a hint of Blue Curaçao

Carbonated non-boozey garbage honestly. It’s light and fruity with a grape tartness due to the ones placed on top, but I wasn’t able to fully grasp flavors over the blue curaçao.

OVERALL

Satuli Canteen is likely the best overall counter service restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, especially with mobile ordering offered (based on our experience). With a good variety of options with a number of customization aspects, it would be hard to not find something for everyone at this eatery. With the portion sizes leaning towards the larger and fountain beverage refills available, it also feels like a better value than many other options.

Satuli Canteen will open to the public on May 27th, 2017 inside of Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

REVIEW: Alcoholic Oatmeal, Breakfast Pods, and Other Unique Eats on Satuli Canteen Breakfast Menu in Pandora: The World of AVATAR

WDWNT on May 18, 2017

Earlier this week, we reviewed lunch and dinner at the Satuli Canteen, but today, we review a menu of far greater interest, breakfast. Why is breakfast so interesting at this eatery in Pandora: The World of AVATAR? Well, you clicked this story based on the headline right? Alcoholic oatmeal? Breakfast pods?

With a menu sounding so interesting, I couldn’t wait to try breakfast here.

Satuli Canteen Breakfast Menu

Satuli Canteen Breakfast Menu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Satuli Canteen Allergy-Friendly Breakfast Menu – Pandora: The World of AVATAR

Entrees

Steel Cut Oatmeal ($7.49)

Steel-cut Oats, topped with Caramelized Brown Sugar, Bourbon-soaked Raisins, Marcona Almonds and Goji Berries. This item is prepared with alcohol and can only be ordered by Guests 21 years of age or older.

At the end of the day, this is an $8 oatmeal dish, but I really enjoyed it. The caramelized brown sugar mixed with the bourbon from the raisins makes for sweet and satisfying bites, and the other assorted toppings are worth a try. There was enough bourbon inn here to make the dish smell like a glass of it, so I think you’ll be happy with the results. I don’t often crave oatmeal, but even just writing this review, I have the urge to eat this dish again.

Disney actually won’t let anyone under 21 order this, but you can get a non-alcoholic version instead. My suggestion would be to skip this if you are under 21 because the bourbon is where most of the desired flavor comes from.

Breakfast Steamed Pod ($8.49)

Steamed Pods filled with Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Spinach, Cheddar Cheese served with Pickled Slaw

As exciting as these sounded, they were fairly standard and again had the problem of too much breadÂ and not enough substance. Also, no one is going to be full from this dish. It needs a real side, not this pickled slaw that already comes with every lunch and dinner dish.

Steak and Eggs ($9.99)

Vegetable-Goat Cheese Frittata and Wood Fired Herb Crusted Beef, with Chimichuri sauce.

Another winning dish, the frittata is loaded with vegetables, but is still light enough to be enjoyable, while the steak is pretty much the same as what comes in the lunch and dinner bowls (which is good). Opposed to lunch, the Chimichuri sauce actually paired well with everything in this dish.

Pork Hash ($8.99)

Slow Roasted Pork and Potato Hash topped with Grilled Chorizo Sausage, Green Onions served with Natural Jus

Probably the best breakfast dish overall, this meal is also quite sizable. The potato hash is similar to the one at lunch (minus the sweet potatoes), mixed with well-cooked pork and a tasty grilled chorizo sausage. I like this type of dish spicy, so it is nice that there is tabasco at the nearby condiment station.

French Toast ($7.99)

Cinnamon Swirl French Toast topped with Blueberry Cream Cheese Dollop, Passion Fruit Anglaise and Pork Sausage

This sounded like it would be so good, but it was a complete letdown. The blueberry cream cheese dollop (because everything from the lunch and dinner menu has to appear at breakfast I suppose) blends horribly with the french toast, but I think the problem is all with the toast. It’s mostly flavorless and was kind of tough honestly. The sausage was good and the plate was of a good size, but this just isn’t something I would order again.

OVERALL

The Satuli Canteen breakfast menu goes 3-for-5 in our experience, with those three dishes all being ones we would order again. Based on the overall weakness of breakfast options in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, this would certainly be my go-to.

Don’t forget to check out our lunch and dinner review of the Satuli Canteen in Pandora: The World of AVATAR, which also includes a rundown of the drinks and desserts offered here, in addition to every one of the entrees.

REVIEW: Gasparilla Island Grill Returns with Exquisite Entrees & Desserts, Quick Service Goes Upscale

WDWNT on January 16, 2017

Following a short refurbishment, the Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa reopened recently featuring a number of interior changes and a drastically new menu.

The restaurant is tucked in the back of the main building, towards the marina area, so many guests are not even aware that it exists. This often makes it a quiet getaway from the rest of Walt Disney World, but it can get busy from time to time.

A completely new station was built featuring desserts, pastries and sweets from the Grand Floridian Bakery, as well as a selection of coffee and specialty beverages.

The self serve dessert case is well stocked with amazing looking treats.

There are also assorted pastries available.

A look at the overall menu.

Next up is the sandwich and pizza station.

And of course, there is the much improved sandwich bar. No more hot dog served in a baked potato here…

Gasparilla Island Grill is the latest counter service establishment to receive Coke Freestyle machines and they have tow of them which work using the Rapid Fill technology in Disney cups.

Coffee, hot cocoa, iced teas, and more are also available.

Not much has changed over at the condiment station.

Some quick grab and go options by the registers.

You can sit indoors and outdoors here and they will bring your food to when it is ready either way.

I prefer outdoors if the weather is nice as the atmosphere in the marina area is always really enjoyable.

OK, enough of that, let’s talk about the food!

Sausage and Mozzarella Pizza ($11.29)

One of the big selling points of the new Gasparilla Island Grill is the new pizza-making process…

Each pizza—which cooks in 90 seconds at 840 degrees—is served on pizza dough made in-house daily by Chef Erich’s team at the Grand Floridian Bakery.

You could really taste the difference here and this was a big step u in quality for counter service pizza at Walt Disney World. The sauce was really sweet, so don’t expect New York-stlye here, but the overall flavors of the personal pie were really good. The distribution of the toppings could have been a little better, but really I’m just nitpicking here. If you want a quick pizza, I would highly recommend getting one here.

Chicken and Brie ($12.99)

Described as “Grilled Chicken and Ham on a Brioche Bun served with French Fries”, there is actually a whole lot more going on in this sandwich. There is also some sort of strawberry jam in here and a good amount of arugula. Jam of any sort isn’t my favorite thing to eat, but overall I thought this sandwich was really good. The bread was nice and fresh and the ingredients in the sandwich all blended together really nicely. Grilled chicken sandwiches at Walt Disney World’s counter service restaurants aren’t often very good, but this is one that I would order again.

Coconut Pot de Creme ($4.29)

Now, for what you have all been waiting for… dessert! This coconut pot de creme might be my favorite dessert I have ever had from a quick service establishment. I love coconut, so if you don’t, obviously don’t order this, but I can’t imagine a scenario where anyone wouldn’t think this is amazing. The crust holds together a rich coconut creme, which is accented nicely by the whipped cream and coconut shavings on top. I will be back for this over and over again. Grand Floridian Executive Chef, Scott Hunnel personally recommended this to us as his favorite when we were picking out desserts, and I can see why.

German Chocolate Cupcake ($5.49)

As good as this cupcake looked, it did not have a taste that matched. Overall, I found it to have little chocolate flavor and the coconut material in the middle did little to enhance it. Next time, I think I’ll have to go for the Minnie Mouse Cupcake, because this just did not deliver the promises made by its beautiful exterior. It wasn’t dry or poorly made, it just didn’t have any flavor.

Overall

I have always loved Gasparilla Island Grill, but this new menu is a giant leap forward in quality, putting this restaurant towards the top of the list for the absolute best counter service eateries in all of Walt Disney World.It is also one of the few that offers some sort of late night menu and remains open 24 hours a day. I am anxious to try more of the new menu soon, so expect another review (if I can keep up, there are literally dozens of reviews I have in process waiting to be posted) in the not-too-distant future.

REVIEW: Bacon and Blue Burger Joins the Ranks at Disney Springs’ D-Luxe Burger

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Disney Springs undoubtedly won the dining war of 2016, introducing the Disney World to Blaze Pizza, Frontera Cocina, Homecoming, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., and of course, D-Luxe Burger (We’re going to pretend that the Daily Poutine doesn’t exist, ok?).

When D-Luxe Burger opened back in May, the chef there informed us that they would occasionally be adding burgers and seasonal milkshakes to the menu. While we have had a few different milkshakes to try out, we finally have a new burger on the menu. Thankfully, nothing from the original menu was removed to add this one, so our original review of the restaurant (which includes every dish, so you should read it if you haven’t) is still good.

So let’s talk about what is new…

Bacon and Blue Burger ($11.99)

This new burger is a “Signature Blend topped with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion, Bacon, Onion Jam and Bleu Cheese”. I’m not a fan of onion jam or bleu cheese, but they blend well on this and this burger works. I suspect anyone who enjoys bleu cheese will want this and I think they would be quite happy with it. Personally, I would still take the El Diablo, Barbecue Classic, Southern Classic, and Cluck Burger over this one though.

They already have a solid line-up at D-Luxe, and adding this kind of burger certainly only strengthens the existing array. If you haven’t been yet, be sure to make D-Luxe a must for counter service dining in 2017.

Disney Testing New One-Day Quick Service Dining Plans at Theme Parks, “Disney-Dine-on-the-Go” to Speed Up Sales

WDWNT on January 8, 2017

Beginning January 12th and running through February 22nd, 2017, guests at the Magic Kingdom will be able to purchase one-day quick-service dining plan of sorts, called Disney-Dine-on-the-Go. The test period will allow guests who purchase the package to receive certificates redeemable for the following:

One lunch quick service meal that includes one entree and one non-alcoholic single-serving beverage (must be used by 4PM)
One dinner quick service meal that includes one entree and one non-alcoholic single-serving beverage (can be used from 4PM until closing)

Certificates for both children and adults will be available.

The test will take place at the following restaurants:

Casey’s Corner
Columbia Harbor House
Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe
Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
Pinocchio Village Haus
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant

Guests can purchase the Disney-Dine-on-the-Go package at Magic Kingdom vacation planning booths or at Magic Kingdom guest relations only during this period.

Adult packages are $29 plus tax per person, and it is $12 plus tax for children ages 3-9.