REVIEW: Move Over Polynesian, New Chicken Wings at Nomad Lounge Might Be Better

We have reviewed Nomad Lounge at Disney’s Animal Kingdom a lot. That’s probably because we go there a lot, but typically for the drink menu alone. A few weeks ago, we reviewed a pretty massive menu overhaul for the establishment, most of which was very positive. Well, even though that wasn’t very long ago, Nomad Lounge is changing things up once again.

Nomad Lounge menu, Disney's Animal Kingdom

Nomad Lounge menu, Disney’s Animal Kingdom

While many guests joked about the old Indian Butter Chicken Wings serving being only 3 wings in size, the last menu overhaul brought the serving portion up to 5. I always enjoyed these, so I was pretty surprised when I found new wings on the menu during a recent visit. The Indian wings have been replaced with “Asian Barbecue Chicken Wings”. If you know me by now, you know well enough that I had to order them and try them out. Let’s see how they stack up to the old…

Asian Barbecue Chicken Wings ($9)

Asian Barbecue Chicken Wings ($9), Nomad Lounge

Asian Barbecue Chicken Wings ($9), Nomad Lounge

Upon arriving at the table, all I can think about was how much they looked like the infamous “sticky wings” available at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. Once I picked one up to eat it, there were some noticeable flavor similarities between the two as well, but there was something more pleasant about these wings. There is definitely more of a barbecue sauce flavor to these than their rivals at the Polynesian, and I think it makes these a little better (in my opinion at least).

Asian Barbecue Chicken Wings ($9), Nomad Lounge

Asian Barbecue Chicken Wings ($9), Nomad Lounge

On their own, I don’t think that $9 for 5 wings is the end of the world, and these are quite good. You have to remember you are at Disney World, and on top of that, you are in a bar at a signature dining experience. The fact that Disney went and made the portions a little better is a nice effort and I find that I have enjoyed dining at Nomad Lounge much more since then.

Of course, Nomad Lounge still has my favorite drink menu at Walt Disney World, which is still reason enough to visit. So the next time you’re at Animal Kingdom and you want to take your friends or family (or maybe your favorite Disney blogger) somewhere for great drinks and good food, this would most certainly be the place to go.

Seriously though, you can buy me a drink.

REVIEW: Liberty Tree Tavern Removes Pot Roast & Turkey Lunch Meals In Favor of Family Style Meals

If you have been to the Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch at the Magic Kingdom, you without a doubt are familiar with the New England Pot Roast and Pilgrims’ Feast meals. If you aren’t, here is the old menu to refresh your memory a bit:

Lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern, February 2016

Lunch menu at Liberty Tree Tavern, February 2016

Liberty Tree Tavern has always been one of my favorite lunch spots at the park, being fairly inexpensive and having a menu of really solid comfort food. In fact, you can read my glowing review of the former lunch menu that I did back in February if you want to hear more about it.

On Wednesday, October 26th, 2016, the menu above ceased to be. In its place was this:

New Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu, October 2016

New Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu, October 2016

New Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu, October 2016

New Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu, October 2016

New Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu, October 2016

New Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu, October 2016

Now, not only are the Pot Roast and the Pilgrims’ Feast gone, but as you can see, the menu has been greatly reduced in overall options. You can still get turkey if you really want it, but you will have to order the infamous “All-You-Care-to-Enjoy” meal which is now also offered at lunch in addition to dinner, where it has always been.

Is the move a positive one, or is this another Plaza Restaurant style disaster? Let’s find out.

Liberty Tree Tavern “All You Care to Eat” Family Style Meal ($33.00 Adults, $19.00 Children)

The “all you care to enjoy” feast includes 3 courses: Declaration Salad, The Patriot’s Platter, and then dessert.

Liberty Tree Tavern bread and butter

Liberty Tree Tavern bread and butter

The meal begins with bread and the Declaration Salad. The bread is probably the highlight of the meal, soft, flaky rolls served with a sweet honey butter.

Declaration Salad

Declaration Salad

The salad is very standard, but good for what it is. I actually prefer the salad at the Diamond Horseshoe, but that is where compliments for that dining establishment end.

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Liberty Tree Tavern macaroni and cheese

Liberty Tree Tavern macaroni and cheese

On to the main course, the macaroni and cheese is a highlight if you enjoy such a dish, but there’s nothing really special about it. Sometime you just want some good mac and cheese though, it doesn’t always need a gimmick.

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot's Platter

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot’s Platter

As for the meats, the turkey is always a highlight, cooked well enough and rather enjoyable. I thought the pork had a weird flavor to it and was a little fatty for my taste. The sliced prime rib was fine, although depending on the batch you end up with, it might more closely resemble an inferior piece of beef. There was some au jus on the side with it, which I would recommend dousing it with.

The au jus, complete with a hidden EasyWDW in it

The au jus, complete with a hidden EasyWDW in it

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot's Platter

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot’s Platter

Our second helping was much healthier, but the prime rib had a very different appearance.

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot's Platter

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot’s Platter

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot's Platter

Liberty Tree Tavern Patriot’s Platter

The mashed potatoes and the stuffing are just as good as I remember, and the seasonal vegetables were good enough.

Liberty Tree Tavern Bread Pudding

Liberty Tree Tavern Bread Pudding

The dessert offered with the feast is the warm bread pudding. This was really good, but the entire time I was eating it, I just wished that I was at Ohana at the Polynesian Village Resort (home of the world’s greatest bread pudding in my opinion). Also, the pieces of crust in here were really hard to chew, but otherwise the rest was moist and delicious.

OVERALL

Since the clam chowder and the cheeseburger stayed on the menu, my usual lunch order from Liberty Tree Tavern is still available, but it is hard to deny that this is a significant downgrade to the Liberty Tree Tavern. The Liberty Boys BLT with pork belly was delicious, the soup of the day was a nice offering, and the pot roast and cheaper Pilgrims’ Feast were a beloved mainstay of the menu, and now all of that is gone. In the short time we sat down for lunch, we saw two guests complain about the removal of the pot roast and Pilgrims’ Feast. The couple seated next to us up and left just minutes after being seated, and the table adjacent to them was given a “no strings” FastPass after complaining that they had to order something else.

While I occasionally find myself craving the comfort food of the “all you care to eat” offering, I would much rather have the diverse lunch menu and instead come to Liberty Tree Tavern for dinner if that is in fact what I wanted. Instead, you now have a restaurant that may only be a notch above the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon… and that’s bad… really bad.

I still enjoy the “all-you-care-to eat” meal, but the Magic Kingdom has changed a lot in the last few years. What was one of my favorite meals at the park (albeit originally with the added offering of Disney characters for dinner) now exists in a world with Skipper Canteen, the sweet and spicy chicken and waffle sandwich, and even a Pecos Bill’s menu that I really enjoy. In a brave-new-dining-world of far superior choices, I can’t in good conscious recommend a visit to Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch unless you really just want what is pictured above (and maybe the Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake, because that is amazing). Otherwise, there are plenty of other fine restaurants at the Magic Kingdom, they just don’t exist along this street between Frontierland and Liberty Square.

PHOTO: Disney Parks Moving Back to Resort Specific Cups

While it may not seem like a big deal to the average guest, many of us who love the subtle details and differences between the Disney Parks always loved that Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort used to sport different cups and plates at their fast food establishments from coast to coast. For the last few years, the two have shared “Disney Parks” branded cups and plates/bowls at all of their counter service dining locations. Well, then this showed up at the Disneyland Resort today…

Image courtesy of @dumbfrog on twitter

Image courtesy of @dumbfrog on twitter

If this cup is any indication, we may soon see resort specific cups, plates, and more once again. Only time will tell. Oh, and hopefully they will take Tower of Terror off of the cups in California…

REVIEW: Liberty Inn at Epcot Revamps Menu; Changes to “The Safety Restaurant”

Epcot is Walt Disney World’s dining park. From the bounty of fantastic worldly table service restaurants, to the annual festivals filled with food and drink, there is always a plethora of exciting and unique dining options in the park. Lost in the shuffle is often counter service, and more so counter service eateries that serve American-style cuisine. I often refer to the Liberty Inn at the American Adventure as “The Safety Restaurant”. If there is a picky eater in the bunch, perhaps afraid of the international cuisine found elsewhere, this or the Electric Umbrella are probably where you are going to end up.

Liberty Inn, located inside The American Adventure at Epcot

Liberty Inn, located inside The American Adventure at Epcot

Recently, the menu at the Liberty Inn was altered, so we decided to head over one evening and try out the new entrees.

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

Among the new options on the menu are a “Surf and Turf” meal and the Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon.

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

Liberty Inn Menu (October 2016)

While they don’t get pics on the main menu, there is a classic cheeseburger and the ubiquitous chicken breast nuggets.

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

 

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Counter service steak is scary. To me, it’s scarier than the Exorcist house at Halloween Horror Nights this year, and that’s probably the one that freaks me out the most. In fact, the only thing scarier than counter service steak is counter service seafood. This dish combines both for what I would likely consider my most avoidable dish at Walt Disney World. That being said, I didn’t think it was terrible. The steak was fine, although a little tough and the shrimp was pretty much what you would expect if you have ever been to Columbia Harbour House. It’s a lot of food for $14.99, but probably not my number one choice.

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Surf and Turf ($14.99)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

I love anything and everything buffalo chicken, so I was excited to try this. The buffalo flavor comes from the sauce, which is accompanied by a rather strange carrot apple slaw. The bun was pretty perfect, reminding me of the bun we had last week at Min and Bill’s. The chicken was a sizable piece and cooked nicely. I expected the apple and carrot slaw to ruin it, but it didn’t detract from what I feel is a really solid option if you are going to dine here. Oh, and there’s bacon too.

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with Bacon ($11.49)

Overall

For me personally, this isn’t a place I typically dine at Epcot, but if someone asked me to go here, I would have no problem getting the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich again. The burgers here are fine as well, as is the chicken salad, and it is nice that there is a vegetarian “chicken” dish too. If you have a picky eater in the group, Liberty Inn is a counter service meal that at least won’t ruin your vacation.

REVIEW: Contempo Cafe Updates Menu Including Beef Grilled Cheese

On my way to see the final Electrical Parade in the Magic Kingdom, I decided to stop for lunch at Contempo Cafe, located on the 4th Floor of the Grand Canyon Concourse at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. When I arrived, I was greeted by a greatly revised menu.

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I of of course had to do my duty for you, the reader, and try one of the new options.

Braised Beef Grilled Cheese ($10.99)

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Pot-braised shredded beef, cheddar cheese, vegetable slaw, cheese sauce and barbecue sauce on brioche toast. Those are apparently the ingredients to happiness.

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In my experience, most beef-based quick service options are not great, but this was incredible. The toast was perfection, soft, yet crunchy and flaky. The beef, barbecue sauce, and cheese offered a great flavor, reminding me of the kind of grilled cheese sandwiches my mom would make me at home, but combined with a flavorful beef and BBQ sauce combination.

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Now, this is technically a melt as it includes more than just cheese, but we won’t get into this now. If this is what the new Contempo Cafe has to offer, I’ll be back to try more of their new dishes as soon as possible.

REVIEW: Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Introduces Happy Hour and Seasonal Food & Drink Specials

Now, don’t adjust your computer or phone just yet, the title of this review does include the term “Happy Hour” and it is for a Disney-owned and operated restaurant. No, this is not clickbait and it isn’t a rumor, it actually currently exists.

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Now, we have taken quite a few “review” trips to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs since it opened last year. There was the first round of menu changes in May, followed by the radical menu changes in July, with the latter injuring the menu quite harshly. Jock’s opened with a lot of promise: souvenir mugs, good food, good drinks, collectible coasters, and an Indiana Jones theme. Sadly, the mug production issues (The Anything Goes still doesn’t exist), the sudden cease in the creation of more coasters, the removal of all of the themed drink stirrers, and the demolition of the original menu’s highlights have sort of killed the buzz around this once red-hot establishment.

In an effort to bring some life back to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, two menu changes have been made. Recently, both a Happy Hour menu and a Seasonal Offerings menu were introduced at the bar, so we just had to go and check it out.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Happy Hour is offered Monday through Friday, from 3PM until 6:30PM, offering 3 new appetizers, as well as slightly discounted beer pitchers, wines and cocktails. And yes, the reoccurring price on the menu seems to be seven…

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Happy Hour & Seasonal Offerings Menu

The seasonal specials menu currently offers Autumn flavors in both food and drinks.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar – Drink Specials

Autumn Smash ($7)

Autumn Smash ($7.75)

Before you even ask, yes, they all came in the same silly, slanted glass. I really liked the Autumn Smash a lot, but it got hard to drink towards the bottom as the cinnamon settled down there.

Autumn Smash ($7)

Autumn Smash ($7.75)

Cubra-Libre ($7)

Cubra-Libre ($7)

I had never had a Cubra-Libre before, but it is probably the only drink we tried yesterday that I would try again. It was very smooth with little no to no alcohol taste.

Cubra-Libre ($7)

Cubra-Libre ($7)

Screwdriver ($7)

Screwdriver ($7)

The screwdriver was fairly standard, not much for my taste.

Smoking Bullet ($8.50)

Smoking Bullet ($8.50)

The Smoking Bullet is passable as well, but not something I would order over a Reggie’s Revenge or Anything Goes.

Belloq’s Bacon Fries ($7)

Belloq's Bacon Fries ($7)

Belloq’s Bacon Fries ($7)

I will say I enjoyed these a lot, even though they were a little skimpy on the toppings. At one pint, you may say to yourself, “Where’s the cheese? Oh, I guess that’s it.” The portion isn’t huge, but if you’re going to eat here and really like steak fries, this may not be a bad option. I’d probably still stick with the “not-as-good-now” Rolling Boulder Sliders and the Air Pirate’s Pretzels, but these are at least worth your consideration for being no less than 5.4 billion times better than the Plaza Loaded Fries.

Belloq's Bacon Fries ($7)

Belloq’s Bacon Fries ($7)

Jock’s Loaded Nachos ($7)

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One of the more (if not most) generic dishes I’ve ever had at a Disney bar and lounge, the nachos are just your everyday, run of the mill nachos. It’s a small portion nd chips aren’t particularly good, but if you really must have nachos, these will do the trick I suppose.

Classified X-3 Chicken Wings ($7)

Classified X-3 Chicken Wings ($7)

Classified X-3 Chicken Wings ($7)

The one real winner on the Happy Hour menu is the wings. These were perfect in every way. The chili garlic glaze has a nice kick to it, but there is still plenty of flavor as well. I highly recommend these as they might very well be my favorite thing on any portion of the Jock Lindsey’s menu.

Junior’s Thanksgiving Flatbread ($14)

Junior's Thanksgiving Flatbread ($14)

Junior’s Thanksgiving Flatbread ($14)

Thew often overrated Earl of Sandwich has made quite a bit of change selling a holiday sandwich which combines all of the flavors of a Thanksgiving meal, so why not try to replicate it on a flatbread? This is why, this is why you wouldn’t replicate it on a flatbread. There was no reason for this to be a flatbread. Also none of the flavors blend well on here, with or without the bread underneath. Did anyone in the kitchen try this as a whole, or just individual pieces of it? I wouldn’t recommend this under any circumstances, but I suppose it was still better than the Pizzafari Cheeseburger Flatbread, if that means anything.

OVERALL

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In its heyday (so Fall 2015-Spring 2016), I would visit Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar on a weekly basis. Since July, this is the first time I have been in the place and I am reminded why. The frustrating cuts in quality, the unceremonious destruction of the original menu, and the fact that 1, maybe 2 of the 5 new menu items were of any value really tells the story of the problems with this place currently. I used to rank this over Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian, but with their recent menu changes, I think Sam’s is now far superior. Sam’s always had a better drink menu, but Jock’s had the better food. This has completely switched over the last 3 months.

Jock Lindsey’s is not where I would choose to eat or drink at Disney Springs. I would much rather grab a bite a Blaze Pizza, the BOATHOUSE, or D-Luxe Burger, then maybe grab a drink at Homecoming, Morimoto Asia, or even Splitsville.

REVIEW: Sweet & Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich Returns to the Magic Kingdom

The closing of Maelstrom at Epcot and the removal of the Earfful Tower from Disney’s Hollywood Studios probably didn’t have quite the emotional impact on guests that the removal of the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich from the Magic Kingdom did. Offered for several years, the sandwich became a staple of Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square. Well, after a several month absence, the beloved park snack recently returned as part of the widespread menu changes happening around the resort.

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Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich ($10.29)

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First off, the sandwich has undergone a pretty impressive price increase. It’s as if Disney knows that the guests who love this sandwich would pay more for it. I don’t know about you, but in all of the excitement of it being back, $10.29 didn’t phase me. Next time it might.

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I’ve seen a lot of Disney fan blogs yelling about the sandwich being much smaller than before. In my experience, the waffle was smaller and that wasn’t a bad thing. I always found the original Belgian waffle version a little hard to pick up and eat. This new version was far more manageable and I though this waffle tasted just as good, if not better.

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Was there less chicken? I’m not so sure that they didn’t just luck out once and get two pieces of chicken, but this was about as big as I remember the chicken ever being in this sandwich. It was still just as favorable as before. The arugula was cut from the sandwich though.

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The price is high, but I honestly can’t think of another counter service item in this park I would want more, as much as I love the new menu at Pecos Bill’s. Yeah, $10.29 is probably more than this should be, but it is just so good. While the price may be a bit off-putting, I can’t recommend this sandwich enough.

REVIEW: “Secret” Double Bacon Cheeseburger Now Offered at Restaurantosaurus at Animal Kingdom

Did you know that there is a new item that isn’t even on the actual menu boards at Restaurantosaurus? Well, it seems Disney’s Best Kept Secret isn’t the Vacation Club, it’s actually a double cheeseburger at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park.

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Ordering two of these bad boys set us back $34.58, so yes, just one of these meals is $17.29.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

From this angle, the burger look rather unassuming, but I assure you, there is a lot of cholesterol hiding under that bun.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (outside of the bun of course). The bacon was crispy, the burgers were fresh off the grill, and the cheese was melted nicely. This was not one of the worse counter service burgers I have ever had at Disney World.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

It’s still no D-Luxe Burger, but it really wasn’t bad. I just wish the counter service bun would change to something like they have at D-Luxe.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

If you would like to curtail your cardiac arrest a little longer, the fries can be substituted for apple slices.

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

Double 1/3 lb Angus Bacon Cheeseburger ($17.29)

So, there is a really good value to be had here. If you ask (upon ordering the double burger) for a second hamburger bun, Restaurantosaurus will provide it at no additional charge. That means that this meal can be split rather easily, making the $17.29 a very good value as opposed to ordering an entire separate meal. There is also a full “fixins bar” filled with condiments and other goodies you can add to your burger to bulk it up.

While not my first recommendation for counter service dining at Animal Kingdom (but neither is Flame Tree Barbecue), the secret double cheeseburger at Restaurantousaurs is a surprisingly decent double cheeseburger that packs as much value as it does hamburger meat.

REVIEW: B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Introduces Oktoberfest Special

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. opened back in May along with many new eateries at Disney Springs, so it is pretty easy for it to get lost in the shuffle as it is just a kiosk. That being said, this little kiosk isn’t just blowing hot air. Per my original review (which you should check out if you have not):

Two of the three items we enjoyed at B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. are things I would order again, but the main problem here is seating. These aren’t items you can walk around and eat. They are too large and have to many toppings to be comfortably eaten walking through shops and such. While there are about 3 standing tables here, I’d like to see a few seats placed in the alcove off to the right of the restaurant, where there is plenty of room. Otherwise, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. is a sturdy addition to Disney Springs former “stick and straw” lineup of food offerings during the Downtown Disney days.

While strolling through Disney Spring the other day, I was looking for something quick to eat before I made my way out. I was originally thinking of visiting either Blaze Pizza or D-Luxe Burger, but then I saw this sign…

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s offers an Oktoberfest special. I personally always fall for special “impulse buys” like this when I’m hungry. I almost always order the limited time offering when I visit any fast food establishment.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

The menu itself was updated to include pretzel bread with cheese fondue and mustard.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.

Thankfully, they did also add plenty of seating nearby.

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special - Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

This honestly is one of my favorite counter service entrees at Walt Disney World right now. It is a HUGE portion of the cheese spatzel (popular side dish originating in Germany, spaetzle are little noodles or dumplings made from basic ingredients), which will fill you up alone. The sausage was also cooked well and packed a lot of flavor. If all of that wasn’t enough, there’s pretzel bread, which I especially enjoyed dipping in the cheese below. At $9.39, it is also cheaper than a considerable amount of much smaller counter service entrees around the parks. I certainly hope this stays past Oktoberfest.

B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special - Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. Oktoberfest Special – Bratwurst with Cheese Spatzel, Pretzel Roll, and Pickles ($9.39)

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Special Oktoberfest beers are also available just for the season.

REVIEW: Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Cheese Sauce Returns, New Sauces Added Along with Falafel Burger

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe at the Magic Kingdom serves more food to more guests everyday than any restaurant on the planet earth. That doesn’t mean it is good though…

While I have never been a fan of the food here, the daily performance by Sonny Eclipse, his amazing astro organ, and the Space Angels is typically what brings me into the place, even if I know I’m not going to have a particularly good counter service meal. Sometimes you just want chicken nuggets, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

My most recent trip to the establishment wasn’t prompted by a urge to see “the biggest little star in the galaxy,” but rather to see the return of cheese sauce to the restaurant after a few years, the addition of another new sauce, and a new vegetarian option.

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Menu

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Of course, one of the reasons many guests like Cosmic Ray’s is the toppings bar that is offered.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

A sriracha spicy aioli sauce was recently added to the toppings bar. More on that later.

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Toppings Bar

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While the return of cheese sauce is a nice gesture, there just has to be a better way. In olden times (a few years back), hot cheese sauce was complimentary and offered at the toppings bar both here and at several other locations around the Walt Disney World Resort. It now is a pre-warmed container you can buy for $1.00.

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While it is a generous portion, it is mostly flavorless and adds nothing to the french fries.

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

Cheese Sauce ($1.00)

While this might be something good for nachos or pretzels, it just doesn’t work here. I would save your dollar and not even bother with this.

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

Sriracha Spicy Aioli

While the loss of the cheese sauce so long ago was devastating to some, the addition of this complimentary sriracha aioli is a pleasant addition. Again, as said in every review, I enjoy spicy, and as the name states, this is spicy. That being said, it is still flavorful and not overly spicy to the point where many guests will not enjoy it. This sauce goes really well with the fries.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Recently added to the menu is a vegetarian option: a falafel burger. $11.99 is a little pricey for a meatless burger, but it is a specialty offering that is likely not made in-house and is ordered in low quantities, so it is nice that it is even offered.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

It isn’t the prettiest thing, but it is pretty decent. If a bun the quality of D-Luxe Burger was offered, I think this would be a really solid addition, but the horrid bun currently offered at Cosmic Ray’s really holds this back.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

The burger itself is a little dry, but that is why the Tzatziki sauce is offered.

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Falafel Burger ($11.99)

Again, it isn’t terrible and it’s still a viable option for any vegetarian who is being made to dine at Cosmic Ray’s, but on the other hand, the Falafel dish at Skipper Canteen is a little heavier and a little cheaper at that.