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.

width=

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

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

WDWNT on October 24, 2016

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

WDWNT on September 17, 2016

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.

Fresh Updates Can Now be Found at Harbour Galley in Disneyland Park

WDWNT on September 13, 2013

Welcome to a new improved menu at the Harbour Galley, located on the waterfront in Critter Country in Disneyland park. Known for its refreshingly different quick service options, now there’s more new items to try!

One new option on the menu is a classic lobster roll, which looks pretty delicious.

LobsterRoll

Along with the Roast Beef Salad, you can now also choose a Shrimp Cobb Salad.

ShrimpCobbSalad

As far as the baked potatoes go, the Bacon & Sour Cream Stuffed Baked Potato will remain as is.  The Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Baked Potato is now replaced by a Shrimp Salad Stuffed Baked Potato, with cucumbers, tomato and frisee. And the Barbecue Chicken Stuffed Baked Potato now has the addition of Creamy Coleslaw atop the Sweet and Tangy Barbecue Sauce.

BBQPotatoColeslaw

Served in fresh-made Sourdough Bread Bowls, the popular Clam Chowder and Broccoli and Cheddar Cheese Soups will remain on the menu.

ClamChowderBreadBowl

So the menu now boasts three soups, two salads, a lobster roll, and three baked potatoes, along with fresh cut fruit, as well as the Mickey Kid’s Power Pack, loaded with string cheese, yogurt, apple slices, whole grain crackers and drink choice.

Harbour Galley at Disneyland Park now has a little something for everyone!

Images courtesy of the Walt Disney Company.