REVIEW: Paddlefish Opens at Disney Springs; Trying Over 30 Different Food & Drink Options
Paddlefish at Disney Springs opened to guests over the weekend (in case you missed our barrage of tweets from the VIP event or our photo tour of the restaurant that we posted over the weekend). The restaurant replaces Fulton’s Crab House inside what was the Empress Lilly, an icon of the early Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village.
While I was not excited about the exterior concept art, the boat looks fantastic in person. This might be the only case ever where I thought that the finished product eclipsed the vision presented in the early artwork. If you would like a video tour of the exterior and interior, we have one for you below:
The three floors each have a bar, and there is dining space on each floor. If you want to sit higher up on the “vessel”, you will have to come later in the day as they begin seating at the bottom level when they open. Hours for the three bars are not set in stone yet, but the first floor bar opens with the restaurant and all 3 are generally open by 6:30PM (including the beautiful patio on the top floor). There is outdoor seating on the first level at the front of the boat if you wish to dine outside and not at a bar.
Before we go on, I do want to mention that both annual passholder and Tables in Wonderland discounts are available, both offering 20% off, however, only Tables in Wonderland also provides the discount on alcoholic beverages in addition to other items.
Paddlefish Lunch, Dinner, and Brunch Menu
We visited on Sunday afternoon specifically because I “needed” to try to the brunch menu. None of the items from this menu were sampled at the media shindig, so I needed to find out more about them with a regular visit to the restaurant.
Above is the normal lunch menu, below the dinner version.
Above the drink menu. No allergy friendly menus were available as of yet, but the chef was more than accommodating of the needs of the guest we were with who had allergies.
I included the kids menu as I am often asked about them. Sadly, not having children, I don’t often get to try any of these. Don’t get me wrong, I am not sad that I do not have children, just that I can’t have kids menu items without looking like a psychopath.
There are also Late Night and Seafood Boil menus, but we will be back for those. We did get to try a sample of the boil on Friday, but it was a bit of a letdown. We will be making a trip just for the boil at some point in the near future and will update you on how that experience goes.
Complimentary Bread
At first, they did not bring us the bread, but we asked for it after seeing another table get it. In fairness, offering bread at 11AM (when we sat down) and when we saw people starting getting bread around 2PM is a pretty big difference. I can understand maybe not offering it with brunch, but we were happy to get some to try after our meal.
So, how was it? Really fantastic. It has a crunchy exterior and a soft inside with a slight sourdough flavor. Butter is also provided.
Starters
Beef Skewers ($13)
Garlic mojo, hazelnut romesco, pickled onions
Moving on to the appetizers, the beef skewers were quite good. They were cooked perfectly and were really tender, with the accompanying sauce offering a nice flavor.
Conch Chowder (cup $6, bowl $9)
Bahamian conch, spiced tomato broth
The Conch Chowder (pictured here in a cup) was pretty tasty. I loved the spiced broth and everything in the soup tasted fresh. I’m more of a New England Clam Chowder person myself, but I would order this again.
Crab Fries ($13)
Hand cut potatoes, lump blue crab, Louie dressing
I did not like the Crab Fries at the media event, but they were much improved in their own plate in an appetizer serving. This plate is a nice size, the fries are good, and the crab is fresh and tastes great with the Louie sauce on it. These are still not a must for me, but they are pretty decent.
Hamachi Crudo ($16)
Blood orange, lime, chili, jicama, aji panca
I loved the crudo, but it was also really spicy (thus why I enjoyed it). I highly recommend this if you like such things at other seafood eateries.
Tableside Lobster Guacamole ($28) Serves 4
This is something we tried at the event on Friday and not at brunch.
But, we do have photos of it being made for some guests on Sunday during our brunch:
Maine lobster, tortilla planks, tajin
This was absolutely fantastic. The big chunks of lobster in it were very good and the guacamole itself had a good flavor. I’m looking forward to ordering this in the future (even if it is a bit pricey, but hey, it’s lobster)
Ahi Poke ($16)
Sweet black soy, yuzu, avocado, radish, Asian pickle
We got a small sample of the Ahi Poke at the media event and I loved it. It reminded me of the dish offered at the Hawaii booth at the Food and Wine Festival, which was one of my favorites. It offered a lot of spice and that’s really all I want in this dish (well, and some fresh tasting seafood is important too I guess).
Market Fresh Oysters (Half Dozen, $20)
Champagne-cucumber mignonette, cocktail sauce
I like oysters, which most people think is gross, but these were of quality. The real portion will come with 6 instead of 4.
Crab Cake ($16)
Maque choux, fried green tomato, remoulade
I don’t know how big the actual crab cake it, but this was phenomenal. One of the best crab cakes I have ever had in my entire life.
Lobster Corn Dogs ($15)
With sweet chili aioli
I saved the best for last…
I don’t know how many of these come in a regular order, but whatever amount it is, order them. It is exactly what it sounds like, lobster covered in corn batter with a delicious sauce on it.
It. Is. Perfection.
Libations + Rocks, Late Night Alcoholic Drinks
Alright, now we are going to start on the drink menu, which is a big one. In full disclosure, the event on Friday had a “pretty wicked” open bar where you could get just about any of these, so we decided to knock off a bit of the drink menu then. Someday, I hope to become a real journalist… which I think requires me to remain quiet that I didn’t pay for most of these… oh well.
Not Everyone’s Margarita ($15)
Nue ra Soledad Mezcal, El De ilador Blanco, jalapeño, Creme de Mure, house sour
I have had jalepeno margaritas in at least 3 locations at Walt Disney World over the last year, and this blows every one of them away. It was very spicy, yet super flavorful.
Southern Sangria ($15)
Medley Bros. Bourbon, peach liqueur, Tempranillo, seasonal fruit
This was solid, but not what you would expect out of sangria. I prefer the soaked-in fruit taste in most sangria, but this just tasted too peachy for me.
Gold Rush ($20)
Kinahan’s Irish Whiskey, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, fresh lime
The Gold Rush is expensive, but it is made at your table and it is pretty spectacular.
The server will fix the drink for you at the table, but that then also leaves most of a bottle of the fantastic ginger beer.
The drink itself is a refreshing mix of ginger, lime, and whiskey flavors that I would order again. Yes, even if it is $20…
Captain Handsome ($16)
Boyd & Blair vodka, fresh raspberries, framboise, thyme
I like my drinks fruity and this was everything I wanted it to be (and it was strong, too). Probably my second favorite of the night, the raspberry and vodka mix was perfect.
It is worth noting that a lot of work goes into each of these drinks, so while you do pay a premium, you are getting a premium cocktail. I’m not defending Disney World prices, but at least you are getting something special.
Little Bird ($17)
Boyd & Blair vodka, Nue ra Soledad mezcal, Ab cot du Roussillon, pineapple
This is probably the best of the Late Night menu drink items, in our opinion at least. In fairness, we often like vodka drinks, and if you do, I don’t think you will be unhappy with this cocktail blend.
Prohibition Mai Tai ($17)
Scarlet Ibis, orgeat, banana liqueur, fresh lime, Scrappy Orleans, amarena cherry
This was my favorite drink at Paddlefish, and many people agreed with me. The banana liquor wasn’t overpowering (just the right amount, in fact) and was mixed well with everything else in the drink.
Swords & Sandals ($16)
Bib & Tucker bourbon, fresh orange juice, Mau n Quina, Dolin Rouge vermouth
Honestly, this one kind of gets lost in the shuffle. It doesn’t stick out enough for me to remember what it tasted like, so it couldn’t have been that good.
Mad About Saffron Martini ($15)
Boyd & Blair vodka, Bertina Elder ower liqueur, house sour, saffron
Possibly my second to least favorite drink of the night, this is indeed a saffron martini. I guess I don’t like saffron… or I’m not mad about it you could say. Moving on…
Admiral’s Punch ($48) – Serves 4
A perfectly balanced blend of Smith &Cross Jamaican rum and Kirk and Sweeney Dominican rum.
With all the care and work that goes into every other cocktails on this list, this one is fairly standard and likely the weakest of the bunch. Light on alcohol and flavor, I couldn’t possibly name one thing that we enjoyed about this drink.
The Bloody Mary ($20)
King crab, jumbo shrimp, candied Neuske bacon
I’m not a Bloody Mary fan, and that didn’t change with this, but all of the seafood in the drink was really good. The shrimp and crab leg were of a good quality which makes me anxious to try them in various dishes on the menu. Yes, it is $20, but there is a full crab leg and 1 shrimp in it.
Main Courses, “From the Port” and “From The Land” Entrees
Well, now we move on to the entrees. We’ll start with some dishes we got to taste at the preview, and then move on to the dishes we ordered on our regular visit to the restaurant.
Scallops ($34)
Brown butter, cauliflower puree, crispy Brussels sprouts, bacon
Another dish sampled at Friday’s event, the scallop was one of the best I have ever tasted. Cooked to perfection and went well with the cauliflower puree. I typically hate Brussels sprouts, but these were prepared masterfully and made me a fan for once in my life. I can’t imagine that a full serving of these would leave anyone dissatisfied.
Lobster Roll ($31)
1 1/4 pound Maine lobster, butter, split top bun
The Lobster Roll is exclusive to the lunch menu and is quite good. The bread is nicely toasted and the lobster fresh as can be. I would have enjoyed a little less lettuce in in, but otherwise very enjoyable. We did see the full size version of this and it is quite large.
Faroe Island Salmon ($34)
Crispy skin, heirloom beets, kohlrabi-green apple salad
The person who ordered this was the one with the intense allergies, so this was heavily modified to the best of restaurant’s ability. The lightly seasoned fish was placed over rice and asparagus in this case, all of which was solid. There was nothing special about the fish, but it was fresh and good.
Fried Clam Roll ($16)
Ipswich whole bellies, lemon-caper aioli, pickles, split top bun
Many of the sandwiches are adequately priced and a good serving size, including this one. Everything about it was good, the aioli blending nicely with the fresh fried clams. Maybe it could have been a little warmer, but we did take 4-5 minutes to photograph all of the food, so that may be our fault. Everyone at the table also seemed to be a big fan of the french fires, which are the same used in the Clam Fries dish.
Monte Cristo ($16)
French toast, ham, Applewood bacon, egg, Swiss cheese, fresh berry compote, maple syrup
This isn’t what you might recall from New Orleans Square at Disneyland, but it is well priced and a massive portion. Each of these is piled high with ham and topped with plenty of egg, bacon, and cheese. This is a brunch only option and probably the one that comes closest to being a breakfast dish.
Fish and Chips ($33)
Atlantic halibut, I-4 IPA, sweet potato fries, malt vinegar aioli
$33 is a lot for fish and chips, but halibut isn’t cheap these days and this is large and fantastic serving. I honestly don’t each a lot of fried fish, but this was perfection. The halibut was light and flaky, with a perfectly crispy fried exterior. The sweet potato fries were also enjoyable.
Petitie Filet Mignon ($39)
6 ounce, hand cut fries
In all of these experiences we had at Paddlefish over the weekend, this was the one glaring disappointment. It was a fine filet, just overly salty. There are better filets you can order at Walt Disney World and this is probably not where you will want to have one.
Dessert
We were pretty full after brunch, but then we saw that there was a milkshake. I jokingly asked the waiter if it had a brownie on top and came in a jar. He said yes.
There is also an assortment of after dinner drinks…
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REVIEW: Maple Popcorn Now Available at the Magic Kingdom
Tokyo Disneyland move over, because Walt Disney World is getting into the freshly-popped flavored popcorn game.
Maple Popcorn is now available at the cart adjacent to Westward Ho in Frontierland. You can buy a single serving, acquire it in a souvenir bucket, and even refill any refillable Walt Disney World popcorn bucket for just $1.50.
Of course I had to have some! So how was it? I LOVED IT!
It may look like caramel corn, but I enjoyed it much more than I do that. The coating is thinner, so it lacks the often plastic-like chewiness of caramel corn. The maple popcorn has a light maple syrup flavor which is just perfect (in my opinion). Yes sure to try it the next time you are at the park!
Hopefully more will be on the way (Epcot offers 3 flavors at the cart near Imagination), but this is a great start.
REVIEW: “Cuisine Classique” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Welcome to a food studio review for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, taking place in the park Friday-Monday from January 13th through February 20th, 2017. This review will cover “Cuisine Classique” kiosk, which is located near the Germany pavilion in World Showcase.
Cuisine Classique
Food:
- Braised Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic – $7.50
- Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF) – $7.50
- Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs (GF) – $6.00
- Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50
Beverages:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – $4.00
- Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale – $4.00
- Duck Rabbit Milk Stout – $4.00
- Beer Braising Flight – $9.00
- Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series – $5.50
- Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00
Braised Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic – $7.50
This dish was pretty solid, offering a well-cooked short rib over a parsnip puree, which blended well. I don’t know why there is so much balsamic on everything at this festival, but this probably could have done without it. Not a great dish, not a bad dish, just kind of middle-of-the-road. Otherwise, it tasted home cooked and the vegetables were quite good.
Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF) – $7.50
There’s nothing too crazy about this Red Snapper dish, but it was really good and a nice-sized portion (a fairly thick piece of fish) for the price. I would probably order this again, but I’m often partial to the festival seafood dishes.
Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs (GF) – $6.00
The surprising winner here is this port wine poached pear. I honestly have maybe tried a pear once in my life, and I wasn’t crazy about it, but this pear was delicious. With the vanilla panna cotta and pistachio crumbs spread over it, you will be hard pressed to find a better non-chocolate treat at this event. You also get the entire pear with this dish, a rarity for an Epcot festival plate.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – $4.00, Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale – $4.00, Duck Rabbit Milk Stout – $4.00, Beer Braising Flight – $9.00
According to Josh of EasyWDW.com, this is the best beer flight you can get at the event, and I would have to agree. I LOVED the Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout and I will be ordering that in a single serving for sure the next time I visit this booth. The Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and the Bell’s Two Hearted American-style Indian Pale Ale were also enjoyable if you like such drinks. If all three might be of interest to you, you absolutely can not go wrong by ordering this flight.
If you are like me and prefer a dark beer, the milk stout is the way to go.
REVIEW: “Decadent Delights” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2017
Welcome to a food studio review for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, taking place in the park Friday-Monday from January 13th through February 20th, 2017. This review will cover the “Decadent Delights” kiosk, which is located at the front of World Showcase, just off to the right side towards the Canada pavilion.
Decadent Delights
Food:
- Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce – $6.75
- Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate “Fire” – $6.50
- Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream – $6.50
- Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50
Beverages:
- Cherry Heering Liqueur – $10.50
- Courvoisier V.S.Cognac – $10.50
- Ferreira 10 Year Old Port – $10.50
- Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00
Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream – $6.50
This was, far and away, the strangest dessert I have ever had at Walt Disney World. I think this is what astronauts eat for dessert. It’s made from this strange, gelatinous, purple mousse that tastes like sweet potato pie, but the texture is very much like toothpaste (and no, I don’t eat toothpaste). The flavor wasn’t bad, but I’m not sure I could deal with the texture of it again. Can I order just a bourbon-soaked cake?
Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate “Fire” – $6.50
The S’mores dish was solid and a good option if you enjoy dark chocolate over marshmallow. It wasn’t the greatest S’mores dessert I have ever had, but it was rather enjoyable.
There’s nothing really crazy about it, it’s just a dark chocolate dome and cake, with marshmallow and a graham cracker crust, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce – $6.75
My personal favorite from this booth was the Chocolate Mousse Bar, and not just because it looked like something from Tiffins. The mousse bar itself was perfect (rich, chocolate flavor), and the various accompaniments all paired well with a with of the bar.
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50
I was thoroughly surprised by how good this cookie was, but also the time that went into making it is impressive. When we got the cookie, the “paint puddles” were not all dripping down the cookie, but carefully placed by a chef at the booth upon ordering. Every item at this festival requires some time to prepare for perfect presentation, and even this jumbo chocolate chip cookie is no exception. If you are in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie, this will hit the spot.
REVIEW: Gasparilla Island Grill Returns with Exquisite Entrees & Desserts, Quick Service Goes Upscale
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: New Menu at Tony’s Town Square in The Magic Kingdom, I Think I Liked It…
I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom over the years. As a kid, I loved our winter-time meals that would overlap with SpectroMagic, allowing us to hear the music and see the sparkling lights of the parade while we dined either on the patio or in the glass “solarium” room of the restaurant. Also, with Lady and the Tramp being one of my favorite Disney animated films, I fell in love with the charming interior that evoked scenes from the movie while mixing in the feel of Main Street. Thematically, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the world around it, but the menu has always been another story.
I have fond memories of the flatbreads and seasonal desserts, but in recent years, a noticeable decline in quality has been evident. Now, I’m not saying Tony’s was ever a fine-dining establishment, but I could concoct a really enjoyable meal here. On a visit in early 2016, even the chicken caesar salad was inedible. After that experience, I did not return to Tony’s for several months. With family visiting me in December, I was “forced” to return to Tony’s as that is where they had booked a dining reservation. I begrudgingly went along, with the vivid memories of a warm salad filled with tough grilled chicken bites dancing in my head. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a menu (which serves both lunch and dinner services) with several noticeable changes…
New to me on the menu was an Italian cheese dip appetizer, a grilled pork chop, and baked rigatoni. Based on my previous experience, none of these seemed like a good idea… but then my “blogger senses” kicked in, realizing my duty to our readers to inform them of menu changes and new items. I decided I would take one for the team…
The allergy friendly menus for those who wish to check them out…
Below is the regular kid’s menu.
Alright, let’s start with the appetizers…
Italian Cheese Dip ($11.00)
Creamy Ricotta with Roasted Garlic topped with Tomato Jam served with Crostini.
This description almost sounds like an entirely different dish. The ricotta was passable, but the “tomato jam” was basically a thicker version of the “red sauce of death” typically served at Tony’s. Stick with the complimentary bread…
House Salad ($10.00)
This was surprisingly good, which is probably what I would say whenever I enjoy any sort of dish at Tony’s. It’s a giant portion, it is fairly unique for a in-park Disney restaurant, and the flavor is good. I loved the mix of the salami and peppers in here, taking it from ordinary house salad to something a little more interesting (albeit normal to me growing up in an Italian household). You could easily share this among a few people before a meal as a nice, light starter.
Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil Sauce (THE PRICE IS FREE)
I legitimately loved the bread. It was cooked nicely and was soft and fresh, and it perfectly soaked up the olive oil “dipping sauce”. Skip the Italian Cheese Dip and just enjoy this before your meal.
Alright, now on to the entrees…
Baked Rigatoni ($22.00)
with Ricotta and Bolognese filling topped with Melted Mozzarella
This sounded like a mistake… but it really wasn’t. Tony’s red sauce is still not the best, but they bake a pretty good ricotta cheese and the pasta & meat were pretty decent. I would take this over the spaghetti and meatballs for sure… just maybe don’t stare directly into it. That would be dangerous, very dangerous.
Pasta Primavera ($22.00)
Seasonal Vegetables and Pasta tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Balsamic Glaze and Feta
If you are looking for pasta, but need to avoid the Tony’s red sauce, this is the route to go. The vegan in our group ordered this without the chicken or shrimp (and sans feta) and was quite pleased with it.
Grilled Pork Chop ($27.00)
with a Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragù and Marsala Reduction
At the time, we still did not know that alcohol was coming to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so I thought the presence of a grilled pork chop was insanely out of character for this eatery. It seems they added the pork chop to pair with some of the beverages, which now makes sense, but at the time simply did not. This dish peaked my interest as it was unlike anything I had ever had here and I immediately felt there was no way that Tony’s was going to pull this dish off. So of course, being a theme park restaurant – smart***, I ordered it.
I have to honestly say, this was the best dish I have ever had at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Maybe the constraints of trying to be a semi-Italian Restaurant in the world’s most visited theme park stifles them a bit, but stepping outside of their comfort zone, they have created a dish that is far and away their absolute best.
The Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragu and Marsala Reduction pair absolutely perfectly with the nicely grilled pork chop for a unique taste that is more akin to a pork stew. The dish is of the perfect size and it isn’t insanely heavy like many of the pasta dishes served here. It might be the only meal at Tony’s that won’t make you feel bloated and gross, if I may be frank. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the best pork dish I’ve ever had, but it’s the best table service entree I’ve had outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table and Skipper Canteen in this park.
OVERALL
Tony’s is still not in the top 3 restaurants I would send people to at the Magic Kingdom, but if the kids only want pasta or you just have to eat here, it is probably good to know that you still have some options that won’t ruin your day. I love Tony’s out of pure childhood nostalgia, but the current menu makes it possible to stomach it and feel good about it. I recommend the grilled pork chop highly (if you couldn’t tell), but I would recommend the garden salad and pasta primavera as well. If you happen to run into the “Italian Wedding Soup” as a seasonal soup, you should order it. The dessert menu is solid too, with the seasonal cheesecake always being a highlight.
Now, the alcoholic drink menu was added since my last visit, so I am including it below:
REVIEW: New Menu at Tony’s Town Square in The Magic Kingdom, I Think I Liked It…
I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom over the years. As a kid, I loved our winter-time meals that would overlap with SpectroMagic, allowing us to hear the music and see the sparkling lights of the parade while we dined either on the patio or in the glass “solarium” room of the restaurant. Also, with Lady and the Tramp being one of my favorite Disney animated films, I fell in love with the charming interior that evoked scenes from the movie while mixing in the feel of Main Street. Thematically, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the world around it, but the menu has always been another story.
I have fond memories of the flatbreads and seasonal desserts, but in recent years, a noticeable decline in quality has been evident. Now, I’m not saying Tony’s was ever a fine-dining establishment, but I could concoct a really enjoyable meal here. On a visit in early 2016, even the chicken caesar salad was inedible. After that experience, I did not return to Tony’s for several months. With family visiting me in December, I was “forced” to return to Tony’s as that is where they had booked a dining reservation. I begrudgingly went along, with the vivid memories of a warm salad filled with tough grilled chicken bites dancing in my head. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a menu (which serves both lunch and dinner services) with several noticeable changes…
New to me on the menu was an Italian cheese dip appetizer, a grilled pork chop, and baked rigatoni. Based on my previous experience, none of these seemed like a good idea… but then my “blogger senses” kicked in, realizing my duty to our readers to inform them of menu changes and new items. I decided I would take one for the team…
The allergy friendly menus for those who wish to check them out…
Below is the regular kid’s menu.
Alright, let’s start with the appetizers…
Italian Cheese Dip ($11.00)
Creamy Ricotta with Roasted Garlic topped with Tomato Jam served with Crostini.
This description almost sounds like an entirely different dish. The ricotta was passable, but the “tomato jam” was basically a thicker version of the “red sauce of death” typically served at Tony’s. Stick with the complimentary bread…
House Salad ($10.00)
This was surprisingly good, which is probably what I would say whenever I enjoy any sort of dish at Tony’s. It’s a giant portion, it is fairly unique for a in-park Disney restaurant, and the flavor is good. I loved the mix of the salami and peppers in here, taking it from ordinary house salad to something a little more interesting (albeit normal to me growing up in an Italian household). You could easily share this among a few people before a meal as a nice, light starter.
Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil Sauce (THE PRICE IS FREE)
I legitimately loved the bread. It was cooked nicely and was soft and fresh, and it perfectly soaked up the olive oil “dipping sauce”. Skip the Italian Cheese Dip and just enjoy this before your meal.
Alright, now on to the entrees…
Baked Rigatoni ($22.00)
with Ricotta and Bolognese filling topped with Melted Mozzarella
This sounded like a mistake… but it really wasn’t. Tony’s red sauce is still not the best, but they bake a pretty good ricotta cheese and the pasta & meat were pretty decent. I would take this over the spaghetti and meatballs for sure… just maybe don’t stare directly into it. That would be dangerous, very dangerous.
Pasta Primavera ($22.00)
Seasonal Vegetables and Pasta tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Balsamic Glaze and Feta
If you are looking for pasta, but need to avoid the Tony’s red sauce, this is the route to go. The vegan in our group ordered this without the chicken or shrimp (and sans feta) and was quite pleased with it.
Grilled Pork Chop ($27.00)
with a Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragù and Marsala Reduction
At the time, we still did not know that alcohol was coming to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so I thought the presence of a grilled pork chop was insanely out of character for this eatery. It seems they added the pork chop to pair with some of the beverages, which now makes sense, but at the time simply did not. This dish peaked my interest as it was unlike anything I had ever had here and I immediately felt there was no way that Tony’s was going to pull this dish off. So of course, being a theme park restaurant – smart***, I ordered it.
I have to honestly say, this was the best dish I have ever had at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Maybe the constraints of trying to be a semi-Italian Restaurant in the world’s most visited theme park stifles them a bit, but stepping outside of their comfort zone, they have created a dish that is far and away their absolute best.
The Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragu and Marsala Reduction pair absolutely perfectly with the nicely grilled pork chop for a unique taste that is more akin to a pork stew. The dish is of the perfect size and it isn’t insanely heavy like many of the pasta dishes served here. It might be the only meal at Tony’s that won’t make you feel bloated and gross, if I may be frank. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the best pork dish I’ve ever had, but it’s the best table service entree I’ve had outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table and Skipper Canteen in this park.
OVERALL
Tony’s is still not in the top 3 restaurants I would send people to at the Magic Kingdom, but if the kids only want pasta or you just have to eat here, it is probably good to know that you still have some options that won’t ruin your day. I love Tony’s out of pure childhood nostalgia, but the current menu makes it possible to stomach it and feel good about it. I recommend the grilled pork chop highly (if you couldn’t tell), but I would recommend the garden salad and pasta primavera as well. If you happen to run into the “Italian Wedding Soup” as a seasonal soup, you should order it. The dessert menu is solid too, with the seasonal cheesecake always being a highlight.
Now, the alcoholic drink menu was added since my last visit, so I am including it below:
REVIEW: New Tiffins Lunch Makes The Best Table Service Restaurant Affordable
Disney has been quite vocal about the addition of the Taste of Tiffins lunch options at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park as of late. The new table service offering has had a really hard time drawing people in, based on both the location and the depressing outcome of the nighttime offerings this summer at the park. These lunch offerings and the addition of the restaurant and its Nomad Lounge to Table in Wonderland discounts are a desperate plea by Disney to persuade guests to eat at the only signature dining experience at Animal Kingdom. Personally, I love Tiffins, and it is typically the reason I even go to the park as of late, so I was pretty ecstatic to try the new lunch menu.
Tiffins at Animal Kingdom – Lunch Menu
Taste of Tiffins is the star of the lunch menu, but some of the appetizers from the main menu get featured here as well. The full menu is available during lunch as well.
APPETIZERS
Complimentary bread at Tiffins
Complimentary Bread
One of the three breads that arrives with the $10 Bread Service is delivered to each table complimentary. The Pomegranate Olive Oil is a departure from the bread accompaniments elsewhere on property, and certainly an acquired taste you’ll want to sample before spreading.
Selection of Artisanal Cheeses
Selection of Artisanal Cheeses ($12)
The only new appetizer is a selection of cheeses which I found enjoyable. Certainly a better value than most offerings at the neighboring Nomad Lounge.
The Taste of Tiffins ($28.00)
Choose two from the list and includes a side of Jade Blend Rice. Two of us ordered this, so what you will see below are the 72-Hour Beef Shortrib, Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken, Crispy Yellow tail Snapper, and the Chilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad. For a review of the full-size entree version of these dishes, please refer to my first review of Tiffins.
Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken at Tiffins
72-Hour Beef Shortrib
The shortrib is still one of my favorite steak dishes anywhere, but the cut we had at Flying Fish was somehow better…
Side of Jade Blend Rice
The rice was a unique blend and I felt it is a nice choice no matter what two entrees you pick for your Taste of Tiffins meal.
Chilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad
Bean Thread Noodles, Vegetables, and Ponzu was an interesting ix, a nice chilled dish to battle the Florida heat with. The noodles did a good job absorbing the flavor from the rest of the dish.
Crispy Yellow tail Snapper
The portion sizes were good. Those two small plates plus the side of rice should be more than enough to fill-up anyone, and if not there is certainly an appetizer or dessert or two I might recommend you follow this up with.
Szechuan Green Beans ($5)
These were crunchy, flavorful, and plentiful. A really good value for $5, this might be my favorite vegetable side item at the Walt Disney World Resort.
OVERALL
In review, Tiffins is everything this park needed in a table service restaurant. The addition of a signature restaurant to the existing line-up was much needed (although I’m hoping for a lower-end table service addition to the park in Pandora next year). I appreciate that the theme and menu were not regurgitated from Jiko, and also that we truly have the first restaurant ever designed for designers. Who would have ever thought we would get a restaurant about Imagineers designing a theme park?
The menu has some really top notch offerings you really can’t find anywhere else (a few could use some work of course) and the drink menu might be the best from top to bottom of any location on property. Same as Skipper Canteen, I’m proud of Disney for letting the chefs create a menu like this for theme park consumption, and I feel like Tiffins will succeed where Skipper Canteen couldn’t being located in the Magic Kingdom.
As far as pricing, it is a signature restaurant, so the prices are as you expect. That being said, I felt like the prices here were slightly more reasonable than Brown Derby (which I would most closely equate as the only signature in a park of limited options). Of course, I always feel like Brown Derby is worth the price, but I think Tiffins boasts a stronger menu…
That was my review of Tiffins dinner, and lunch is no different. The Taste of Tiffins is a phenomenal, and more affordable way to try many of the main dishes offered here. The addition of the Tables in Wonderland 20% discount is another nice addition, overall I feel that it makes Tiffins an even better option than it already was for those looking for good food at Animal Kingdom. The portions for a $28 signature restaurant offering are great, and there isn’t much on the menu that I don’t think that you will enjoy.
Disney Infinity Unboxing and Quick Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9ZI1NAfX0
Fellow fan of the site, Da Endgame sent us a quick review and unboxing of the newly released Disney Infinity game. In the video, he quickly discusses how he was hesitant to buy the game but someone (cough, cough) persuaded him to buy it. Of course like any true collector, one does not simple buy the game. No, you go all out and buy them all.
Da Endgame goes on with his unboxing sharing the best deals you can currently get when buying Disney Infinity. You can check out these deals below to help you save a lot when buying all the Play Sets and Individual Characters. Da Endgame concludes his video with much better expectations about Disney Infinity then when he originally heard about it.
Check out the video above and don’t forget to subscribe to his YouTube page and follow him on Twitter.
Source: A Wild Podcast Appears
Park 8 In Depth Review
Park 8 is the second set in a row dedicated to the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Great idea for WDW fans like me, but not a favorable plan for some Disneyland enthusiasts. But with four parks, 2 water parks and a ton of resorts to pull ideas from, there are no shortages of designs specific to Walt Disney World and it worked well. It also opens up the door to theme future Park sets to other resorts around the world… an idea that I would very much welcome.
The breakdown of this set gives us 4 figures from Magic Kingdom, 3 from EPCOT, 1 from Studios, 1 from Animal Kingdom, 1 from a resort, 1 from a water park and 1 generic WDW. We were also given 5 “accessories”… 2 of which are brand new ideas to Vinylmation. An artist break down shows three artists giving us 3 figures each.
Thomas Scott designed the three above. Maria Clapsis contributed these three.
And Casey Jones did these.
Overall, this set has a perfect selection of different designs. From popular attractions to niche characters to logos and even a park ticket, it has something for everybody. The production value is also top notch. As you will see, there is a lot of little detail across this set. As evident in the small, yet detailed logo of the Kilimanjaro Safari on the back of the truck and this…
That is the back of the head of the MK Park Ticket. It was one of the biggest surprises once the set was in hand. How geeky is it, but wow! I love that Thomas actually printed the writing on the back of the real ticket, onto the vinyl. So while overall, I give this set very high marks, and will break it down figure by figure, the first figure I will talk about is to me the biggest disappointment. The chaser from this set, while not my least favorite, is my most disappointing Park Series chaser. Only because what it represents, means so much to me, I had hoped more attention to detail would be payed to it. And the funny part about it, the figure has more actual detail than I think it should. Here it is.
Fort Wilderness Mickey was designed by Casey Jones. But you probably already knew that because you have seen this design before. His body is practically identical down to the detail of Casey’s brilliantly designed Davy Crockett figures.
If you follow DV closely, you know that Casey’s Davy Crockett is one of my all-time favorite figures. And I also defend the idea to produce both a 9″ and 3″ version with identical designs, just a different color tone. And honestly, my problem is less the copying of an existing design, than the fact that the Park 8 chaser is not the Mickey from the Fort Wilderness logo. Take a look at the Mickey on the official logo from Disney.
The sign that hung at the campground entrance
Another look at the logo from a sign
(picture from DisneyPins.com) When Disney released this commemorative pin, the correct Mickey was portrayed.
I don’t think I’m splitting hairs to say that our chaser doesn’t look like the Mickey on the logo. Like I alluded to earlier, the Mickey on the logo has much less detail to it and is a different kind of outfit. From color to no belt to the shoes and even the color should be more tan than brown.
The hat has a slightly different design… look closely at the black bands. But again, its not the copying of a pre-existing design that bothers me. I’d like to know if this decision was the artist’s, because I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the higher ups who make the final decisions wanted to just push this design through instead of taking the time for a redesign.
Now, please don’t call me a hypocrite for liking both the Park 7 and Animation 2 Tinker Bell designs. There is a pointed difference between what each figure means. One is the movie version and one is the sparkly version that flies above MK. But to me, this chaser is supposed to represent the Mickey we see on the logo, and it just doesn’t. Don’t get me started on no riffle.
The 25th Anniversary Logo was designed by Maria Clapsis. The figures fit well on to the mold and I agree with the decision not to detail Genie, Simba and Lumiere’s faces.
EPCOT’s Sea Base Alpha by Eric Caszatt is a perfect niche item. The arms almost look like robots and the bubble has a great paint job.
EPCOT Center 82 is a Thomas Scott design that is perfect retro.
Eric Caszatt chimed in with a rare Vinylmation ride vehicle! The Animal Kingdom Safari Truck has so much detail and an amazing looking logo on the back. It also has a no mud variant version… but why would you want that?
Blizzard Beach is the lone water park represented. And it is done perfectly by Casey Jones with the tourist Snowman.
New to Vinylmation, but not to designing at Disney, Jon Bishop has given us a brilliant 3″ Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I so enjoy the under water and surface transition. Here is a sample of Jon’s other work:
In addition to pins, it seems he worked on some of the artwork for Star Tours and big pin trading events like Trade City a few years back.
Not my favorite figure in this set, but my favorite choice for a subject matter… it’s Buddy from the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor designed by Thomas Scott.
It’s about time we get a Horizons figure (not counting Park Starz). Casey Jones chimes in with the Robot Chef. Love the ears. The bottom of the figure doesn’t exactly mimic the real robot, but in visualizing trying to get an exact copy of the real robot onto the mold, you would probably pull other features out of proportion.
How about 100 Years of Magic? We have a few sorcerer caps now, but this one gives us a fresh take. Some would argue use of brim on the accessory hat, and maybe that shouldn’t be there, but the design from hat to head lines up perfectly… and you can’t beat that.
Maria Clapsis gave us this one. The back also has a cool Mickey head star swirl.
Maria also designed Minnie Moo. One of those obscure characters, but she did a great job on the design.
And of course got the familiar shaped spot on the side.
Then, what I think is the set’s crown jewel, the MK Park Ticket from 1981 by Thomas Scott. We were wondering if Disney would do it, and they did. Punching a hole through the ear and tying a string in it. The printing detail on the front is simply spectacular. But its the writing on the back that ices the cake.
I can’t wait for EPCOT Center!!!! In my book, this set is an instant classic. Rivals Park 4 and 7 for my top slot. What are your thoughts?
REVIEW: Maple Popcorn Now Available at the Magic Kingdom
Tokyo Disneyland move over, because Walt Disney World is getting into the freshly-popped flavored popcorn game.
Maple Popcorn is now available at the cart adjacent to Westward Ho in Frontierland. You can buy a single serving, acquire it in a souvenir bucket, and even refill any refillable Walt Disney World popcorn bucket for just $1.50.
Of course I had to have some! So how was it? I LOVED IT!
It may look like caramel corn, but I enjoyed it much more than I do that. The coating is thinner, so it lacks the often plastic-like chewiness of caramel corn. The maple popcorn has a light maple syrup flavor which is just perfect (in my opinion). Yes sure to try it the next time you are at the park!
Hopefully more will be on the way (Epcot offers 3 flavors at the cart near Imagination), but this is a great start.
REVIEW: “Cuisine Classique” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts
Welcome to a food studio review for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, taking place in the park Friday-Monday from January 13th through February 20th, 2017. This review will cover “Cuisine Classique” kiosk, which is located near the Germany pavilion in World Showcase.
Cuisine Classique
Food:
- Braised Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic – $7.50
- Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF) – $7.50
- Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs (GF) – $6.00
- Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50
Beverages:
- Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – $4.00
- Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale – $4.00
- Duck Rabbit Milk Stout – $4.00
- Beer Braising Flight – $9.00
- Campo Viejo Rioja Reserva Art Series – $5.50
- Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00
Braised Short Rib with Parsnip Purée, Broccolini, Baby Tomatoes and Aged Balsamic – $7.50
This dish was pretty solid, offering a well-cooked short rib over a parsnip puree, which blended well. I don’t know why there is so much balsamic on everything at this festival, but this probably could have done without it. Not a great dish, not a bad dish, just kind of middle-of-the-road. Otherwise, it tasted home cooked and the vegetables were quite good.
Seared Red Snapper with braised Ratatouille and Lemon-Thyme Beurre Blanc (GF) – $7.50
There’s nothing too crazy about this Red Snapper dish, but it was really good and a nice-sized portion (a fairly thick piece of fish) for the price. I would probably order this again, but I’m often partial to the festival seafood dishes.
Port Wine Poached Pear, Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pistachio Crumbs (GF) – $6.00
The surprising winner here is this port wine poached pear. I honestly have maybe tried a pear once in my life, and I wasn’t crazy about it, but this pear was delicious. With the vanilla panna cotta and pistachio crumbs spread over it, you will be hard pressed to find a better non-chocolate treat at this event. You also get the entire pear with this dish, a rarity for an Epcot festival plate.
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – $4.00, Bell’s Two Hearted American-style India Pale Ale – $4.00, Duck Rabbit Milk Stout – $4.00, Beer Braising Flight – $9.00
According to Josh of EasyWDW.com, this is the best beer flight you can get at the event, and I would have to agree. I LOVED the Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout and I will be ordering that in a single serving for sure the next time I visit this booth. The Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and the Bell’s Two Hearted American-style Indian Pale Ale were also enjoyable if you like such drinks. If all three might be of interest to you, you absolutely can not go wrong by ordering this flight.
If you are like me and prefer a dark beer, the milk stout is the way to go.
REVIEW: “Decadent Delights” Food Studio – Epcot International Festival of the Arts 2017
Welcome to a food studio review for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, taking place in the park Friday-Monday from January 13th through February 20th, 2017. This review will cover the “Decadent Delights” kiosk, which is located at the front of World Showcase, just off to the right side towards the Canada pavilion.
Decadent Delights
Food:
- Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce – $6.75
- Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate “Fire” – $6.50
- Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream – $6.50
- Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50
Beverages:
- Cherry Heering Liqueur – $10.50
- Courvoisier V.S.Cognac – $10.50
- Ferreira 10 Year Old Port – $10.50
- Dasani Bottled Water – $3.00
Deconstructed Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Salted Caramel, Bourbon-soaked Cake and Marshmallow Whipped Cream – $6.50
This was, far and away, the strangest dessert I have ever had at Walt Disney World. I think this is what astronauts eat for dessert. It’s made from this strange, gelatinous, purple mousse that tastes like sweet potato pie, but the texture is very much like toothpaste (and no, I don’t eat toothpaste). The flavor wasn’t bad, but I’m not sure I could deal with the texture of it again. Can I order just a bourbon-soaked cake?
Dark Chocolate S’mores: Homemade Graham Cracker, Vanilla Kisses and White Chocolate “Fire” – $6.50
The S’mores dish was solid and a good option if you enjoy dark chocolate over marshmallow. It wasn’t the greatest S’mores dessert I have ever had, but it was rather enjoyable.
There’s nothing really crazy about it, it’s just a dark chocolate dome and cake, with marshmallow and a graham cracker crust, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Crisp Caramel Chocolate Mousse Bar, Flavored Merengue Kisses and Passion Fruit Sauce – $6.75
My personal favorite from this booth was the Chocolate Mousse Bar, and not just because it looked like something from Tiffins. The mousse bar itself was perfect (rich, chocolate flavor), and the various accompaniments all paired well with a with of the bar.
Artist Palette Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie – $5.50
I was thoroughly surprised by how good this cookie was, but also the time that went into making it is impressive. When we got the cookie, the “paint puddles” were not all dripping down the cookie, but carefully placed by a chef at the booth upon ordering. Every item at this festival requires some time to prepare for perfect presentation, and even this jumbo chocolate chip cookie is no exception. If you are in the mood for a chocolate chip cookie, this will hit the spot.
REVIEW: Gasparilla Island Grill Returns with Exquisite Entrees & Desserts, Quick Service Goes Upscale
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: New Menu at Tony’s Town Square in The Magic Kingdom, I Think I Liked It…
I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom over the years. As a kid, I loved our winter-time meals that would overlap with SpectroMagic, allowing us to hear the music and see the sparkling lights of the parade while we dined either on the patio or in the glass “solarium” room of the restaurant. Also, with Lady and the Tramp being one of my favorite Disney animated films, I fell in love with the charming interior that evoked scenes from the movie while mixing in the feel of Main Street. Thematically, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the world around it, but the menu has always been another story.
I have fond memories of the flatbreads and seasonal desserts, but in recent years, a noticeable decline in quality has been evident. Now, I’m not saying Tony’s was ever a fine-dining establishment, but I could concoct a really enjoyable meal here. On a visit in early 2016, even the chicken caesar salad was inedible. After that experience, I did not return to Tony’s for several months. With family visiting me in December, I was “forced” to return to Tony’s as that is where they had booked a dining reservation. I begrudgingly went along, with the vivid memories of a warm salad filled with tough grilled chicken bites dancing in my head. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a menu (which serves both lunch and dinner services) with several noticeable changes…
New to me on the menu was an Italian cheese dip appetizer, a grilled pork chop, and baked rigatoni. Based on my previous experience, none of these seemed like a good idea… but then my “blogger senses” kicked in, realizing my duty to our readers to inform them of menu changes and new items. I decided I would take one for the team…
The allergy friendly menus for those who wish to check them out…
Below is the regular kid’s menu.
Alright, let’s start with the appetizers…
Italian Cheese Dip ($11.00)
Creamy Ricotta with Roasted Garlic topped with Tomato Jam served with Crostini.
This description almost sounds like an entirely different dish. The ricotta was passable, but the “tomato jam” was basically a thicker version of the “red sauce of death” typically served at Tony’s. Stick with the complimentary bread…
House Salad ($10.00)
This was surprisingly good, which is probably what I would say whenever I enjoy any sort of dish at Tony’s. It’s a giant portion, it is fairly unique for a in-park Disney restaurant, and the flavor is good. I loved the mix of the salami and peppers in here, taking it from ordinary house salad to something a little more interesting (albeit normal to me growing up in an Italian household). You could easily share this among a few people before a meal as a nice, light starter.
Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil Sauce (THE PRICE IS FREE)
I legitimately loved the bread. It was cooked nicely and was soft and fresh, and it perfectly soaked up the olive oil “dipping sauce”. Skip the Italian Cheese Dip and just enjoy this before your meal.
Alright, now on to the entrees…
Baked Rigatoni ($22.00)
with Ricotta and Bolognese filling topped with Melted Mozzarella
This sounded like a mistake… but it really wasn’t. Tony’s red sauce is still not the best, but they bake a pretty good ricotta cheese and the pasta & meat were pretty decent. I would take this over the spaghetti and meatballs for sure… just maybe don’t stare directly into it. That would be dangerous, very dangerous.
Pasta Primavera ($22.00)
Seasonal Vegetables and Pasta tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Balsamic Glaze and Feta
If you are looking for pasta, but need to avoid the Tony’s red sauce, this is the route to go. The vegan in our group ordered this without the chicken or shrimp (and sans feta) and was quite pleased with it.
Grilled Pork Chop ($27.00)
with a Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragù and Marsala Reduction
At the time, we still did not know that alcohol was coming to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so I thought the presence of a grilled pork chop was insanely out of character for this eatery. It seems they added the pork chop to pair with some of the beverages, which now makes sense, but at the time simply did not. This dish peaked my interest as it was unlike anything I had ever had here and I immediately felt there was no way that Tony’s was going to pull this dish off. So of course, being a theme park restaurant – smart***, I ordered it.
I have to honestly say, this was the best dish I have ever had at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Maybe the constraints of trying to be a semi-Italian Restaurant in the world’s most visited theme park stifles them a bit, but stepping outside of their comfort zone, they have created a dish that is far and away their absolute best.
The Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragu and Marsala Reduction pair absolutely perfectly with the nicely grilled pork chop for a unique taste that is more akin to a pork stew. The dish is of the perfect size and it isn’t insanely heavy like many of the pasta dishes served here. It might be the only meal at Tony’s that won’t make you feel bloated and gross, if I may be frank. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the best pork dish I’ve ever had, but it’s the best table service entree I’ve had outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table and Skipper Canteen in this park.
OVERALL
Tony’s is still not in the top 3 restaurants I would send people to at the Magic Kingdom, but if the kids only want pasta or you just have to eat here, it is probably good to know that you still have some options that won’t ruin your day. I love Tony’s out of pure childhood nostalgia, but the current menu makes it possible to stomach it and feel good about it. I recommend the grilled pork chop highly (if you couldn’t tell), but I would recommend the garden salad and pasta primavera as well. If you happen to run into the “Italian Wedding Soup” as a seasonal soup, you should order it. The dessert menu is solid too, with the seasonal cheesecake always being a highlight.
Now, the alcoholic drink menu was added since my last visit, so I am including it below:
REVIEW: New Menu at Tony’s Town Square in The Magic Kingdom, I Think I Liked It…
I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with Tony’s Town Square Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom over the years. As a kid, I loved our winter-time meals that would overlap with SpectroMagic, allowing us to hear the music and see the sparkling lights of the parade while we dined either on the patio or in the glass “solarium” room of the restaurant. Also, with Lady and the Tramp being one of my favorite Disney animated films, I fell in love with the charming interior that evoked scenes from the movie while mixing in the feel of Main Street. Thematically, the restaurant blends seamlessly with the world around it, but the menu has always been another story.
I have fond memories of the flatbreads and seasonal desserts, but in recent years, a noticeable decline in quality has been evident. Now, I’m not saying Tony’s was ever a fine-dining establishment, but I could concoct a really enjoyable meal here. On a visit in early 2016, even the chicken caesar salad was inedible. After that experience, I did not return to Tony’s for several months. With family visiting me in December, I was “forced” to return to Tony’s as that is where they had booked a dining reservation. I begrudgingly went along, with the vivid memories of a warm salad filled with tough grilled chicken bites dancing in my head. Upon arrival, I was greeted with a menu (which serves both lunch and dinner services) with several noticeable changes…
New to me on the menu was an Italian cheese dip appetizer, a grilled pork chop, and baked rigatoni. Based on my previous experience, none of these seemed like a good idea… but then my “blogger senses” kicked in, realizing my duty to our readers to inform them of menu changes and new items. I decided I would take one for the team…
The allergy friendly menus for those who wish to check them out…
Below is the regular kid’s menu.
Alright, let’s start with the appetizers…
Italian Cheese Dip ($11.00)
Creamy Ricotta with Roasted Garlic topped with Tomato Jam served with Crostini.
This description almost sounds like an entirely different dish. The ricotta was passable, but the “tomato jam” was basically a thicker version of the “red sauce of death” typically served at Tony’s. Stick with the complimentary bread…
House Salad ($10.00)
This was surprisingly good, which is probably what I would say whenever I enjoy any sort of dish at Tony’s. It’s a giant portion, it is fairly unique for a in-park Disney restaurant, and the flavor is good. I loved the mix of the salami and peppers in here, taking it from ordinary house salad to something a little more interesting (albeit normal to me growing up in an Italian household). You could easily share this among a few people before a meal as a nice, light starter.
Complimentary Bread with Olive Oil Sauce (THE PRICE IS FREE)
I legitimately loved the bread. It was cooked nicely and was soft and fresh, and it perfectly soaked up the olive oil “dipping sauce”. Skip the Italian Cheese Dip and just enjoy this before your meal.
Alright, now on to the entrees…
Baked Rigatoni ($22.00)
with Ricotta and Bolognese filling topped with Melted Mozzarella
This sounded like a mistake… but it really wasn’t. Tony’s red sauce is still not the best, but they bake a pretty good ricotta cheese and the pasta & meat were pretty decent. I would take this over the spaghetti and meatballs for sure… just maybe don’t stare directly into it. That would be dangerous, very dangerous.
Pasta Primavera ($22.00)
Seasonal Vegetables and Pasta tossed in Garlic and Olive Oil topped with Balsamic Glaze and Feta
If you are looking for pasta, but need to avoid the Tony’s red sauce, this is the route to go. The vegan in our group ordered this without the chicken or shrimp (and sans feta) and was quite pleased with it.
Grilled Pork Chop ($27.00)
with a Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragù and Marsala Reduction
At the time, we still did not know that alcohol was coming to Tony’s Town Square Restaurant, so I thought the presence of a grilled pork chop was insanely out of character for this eatery. It seems they added the pork chop to pair with some of the beverages, which now makes sense, but at the time simply did not. This dish peaked my interest as it was unlike anything I had ever had here and I immediately felt there was no way that Tony’s was going to pull this dish off. So of course, being a theme park restaurant – smart***, I ordered it.
I have to honestly say, this was the best dish I have ever had at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. Maybe the constraints of trying to be a semi-Italian Restaurant in the world’s most visited theme park stifles them a bit, but stepping outside of their comfort zone, they have created a dish that is far and away their absolute best.
The Mushroom-Bean-Pancetta Ragu and Marsala Reduction pair absolutely perfectly with the nicely grilled pork chop for a unique taste that is more akin to a pork stew. The dish is of the perfect size and it isn’t insanely heavy like many of the pasta dishes served here. It might be the only meal at Tony’s that won’t make you feel bloated and gross, if I may be frank. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the best pork dish I’ve ever had, but it’s the best table service entree I’ve had outside of Cinderella’s Royal Table and Skipper Canteen in this park.
OVERALL
Tony’s is still not in the top 3 restaurants I would send people to at the Magic Kingdom, but if the kids only want pasta or you just have to eat here, it is probably good to know that you still have some options that won’t ruin your day. I love Tony’s out of pure childhood nostalgia, but the current menu makes it possible to stomach it and feel good about it. I recommend the grilled pork chop highly (if you couldn’t tell), but I would recommend the garden salad and pasta primavera as well. If you happen to run into the “Italian Wedding Soup” as a seasonal soup, you should order it. The dessert menu is solid too, with the seasonal cheesecake always being a highlight.
Now, the alcoholic drink menu was added since my last visit, so I am including it below:
REVIEW: New Tiffins Lunch Makes The Best Table Service Restaurant Affordable
Disney has been quite vocal about the addition of the Taste of Tiffins lunch options at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park as of late. The new table service offering has had a really hard time drawing people in, based on both the location and the depressing outcome of the nighttime offerings this summer at the park. These lunch offerings and the addition of the restaurant and its Nomad Lounge to Table in Wonderland discounts are a desperate plea by Disney to persuade guests to eat at the only signature dining experience at Animal Kingdom. Personally, I love Tiffins, and it is typically the reason I even go to the park as of late, so I was pretty ecstatic to try the new lunch menu.
Tiffins at Animal Kingdom – Lunch Menu
Taste of Tiffins is the star of the lunch menu, but some of the appetizers from the main menu get featured here as well. The full menu is available during lunch as well.
APPETIZERS
Complimentary bread at Tiffins
Complimentary Bread
One of the three breads that arrives with the $10 Bread Service is delivered to each table complimentary. The Pomegranate Olive Oil is a departure from the bread accompaniments elsewhere on property, and certainly an acquired taste you’ll want to sample before spreading.
Selection of Artisanal Cheeses
Selection of Artisanal Cheeses ($12)
The only new appetizer is a selection of cheeses which I found enjoyable. Certainly a better value than most offerings at the neighboring Nomad Lounge.
The Taste of Tiffins ($28.00)
Choose two from the list and includes a side of Jade Blend Rice. Two of us ordered this, so what you will see below are the 72-Hour Beef Shortrib, Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken, Crispy Yellow tail Snapper, and the Chilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad. For a review of the full-size entree version of these dishes, please refer to my first review of Tiffins.
Chermoula-Rubbed Chicken at Tiffins
72-Hour Beef Shortrib
The shortrib is still one of my favorite steak dishes anywhere, but the cut we had at Flying Fish was somehow better…
Side of Jade Blend Rice
The rice was a unique blend and I felt it is a nice choice no matter what two entrees you pick for your Taste of Tiffins meal.
Chilled Shrimp and Noodle Salad
Bean Thread Noodles, Vegetables, and Ponzu was an interesting ix, a nice chilled dish to battle the Florida heat with. The noodles did a good job absorbing the flavor from the rest of the dish.
Crispy Yellow tail Snapper
The portion sizes were good. Those two small plates plus the side of rice should be more than enough to fill-up anyone, and if not there is certainly an appetizer or dessert or two I might recommend you follow this up with.
Szechuan Green Beans ($5)
These were crunchy, flavorful, and plentiful. A really good value for $5, this might be my favorite vegetable side item at the Walt Disney World Resort.
OVERALL
In review, Tiffins is everything this park needed in a table service restaurant. The addition of a signature restaurant to the existing line-up was much needed (although I’m hoping for a lower-end table service addition to the park in Pandora next year). I appreciate that the theme and menu were not regurgitated from Jiko, and also that we truly have the first restaurant ever designed for designers. Who would have ever thought we would get a restaurant about Imagineers designing a theme park?
The menu has some really top notch offerings you really can’t find anywhere else (a few could use some work of course) and the drink menu might be the best from top to bottom of any location on property. Same as Skipper Canteen, I’m proud of Disney for letting the chefs create a menu like this for theme park consumption, and I feel like Tiffins will succeed where Skipper Canteen couldn’t being located in the Magic Kingdom.
As far as pricing, it is a signature restaurant, so the prices are as you expect. That being said, I felt like the prices here were slightly more reasonable than Brown Derby (which I would most closely equate as the only signature in a park of limited options). Of course, I always feel like Brown Derby is worth the price, but I think Tiffins boasts a stronger menu…
That was my review of Tiffins dinner, and lunch is no different. The Taste of Tiffins is a phenomenal, and more affordable way to try many of the main dishes offered here. The addition of the Tables in Wonderland 20% discount is another nice addition, overall I feel that it makes Tiffins an even better option than it already was for those looking for good food at Animal Kingdom. The portions for a $28 signature restaurant offering are great, and there isn’t much on the menu that I don’t think that you will enjoy.
Disney Infinity Unboxing and Quick Review
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9ZI1NAfX0
Fellow fan of the site, Da Endgame sent us a quick review and unboxing of the newly released Disney Infinity game. In the video, he quickly discusses how he was hesitant to buy the game but someone (cough, cough) persuaded him to buy it. Of course like any true collector, one does not simple buy the game. No, you go all out and buy them all.
Da Endgame goes on with his unboxing sharing the best deals you can currently get when buying Disney Infinity. You can check out these deals below to help you save a lot when buying all the Play Sets and Individual Characters. Da Endgame concludes his video with much better expectations about Disney Infinity then when he originally heard about it.
Check out the video above and don’t forget to subscribe to his YouTube page and follow him on Twitter.
Source: A Wild Podcast Appears
Park 8 In Depth Review
Park 8 is the second set in a row dedicated to the 40th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Great idea for WDW fans like me, but not a favorable plan for some Disneyland enthusiasts. But with four parks, 2 water parks and a ton of resorts to pull ideas from, there are no shortages of designs specific to Walt Disney World and it worked well. It also opens up the door to theme future Park sets to other resorts around the world… an idea that I would very much welcome.
The breakdown of this set gives us 4 figures from Magic Kingdom, 3 from EPCOT, 1 from Studios, 1 from Animal Kingdom, 1 from a resort, 1 from a water park and 1 generic WDW. We were also given 5 “accessories”… 2 of which are brand new ideas to Vinylmation. An artist break down shows three artists giving us 3 figures each.
Thomas Scott designed the three above. Maria Clapsis contributed these three.
And Casey Jones did these.
Overall, this set has a perfect selection of different designs. From popular attractions to niche characters to logos and even a park ticket, it has something for everybody. The production value is also top notch. As you will see, there is a lot of little detail across this set. As evident in the small, yet detailed logo of the Kilimanjaro Safari on the back of the truck and this…
That is the back of the head of the MK Park Ticket. It was one of the biggest surprises once the set was in hand. How geeky is it, but wow! I love that Thomas actually printed the writing on the back of the real ticket, onto the vinyl. So while overall, I give this set very high marks, and will break it down figure by figure, the first figure I will talk about is to me the biggest disappointment. The chaser from this set, while not my least favorite, is my most disappointing Park Series chaser. Only because what it represents, means so much to me, I had hoped more attention to detail would be payed to it. And the funny part about it, the figure has more actual detail than I think it should. Here it is.
Fort Wilderness Mickey was designed by Casey Jones. But you probably already knew that because you have seen this design before. His body is practically identical down to the detail of Casey’s brilliantly designed Davy Crockett figures.
If you follow DV closely, you know that Casey’s Davy Crockett is one of my all-time favorite figures. And I also defend the idea to produce both a 9″ and 3″ version with identical designs, just a different color tone. And honestly, my problem is less the copying of an existing design, than the fact that the Park 8 chaser is not the Mickey from the Fort Wilderness logo. Take a look at the Mickey on the official logo from Disney.
I don’t think I’m splitting hairs to say that our chaser doesn’t look like the Mickey on the logo. Like I alluded to earlier, the Mickey on the logo has much less detail to it and is a different kind of outfit. From color to no belt to the shoes and even the color should be more tan than brown.
The hat has a slightly different design… look closely at the black bands. But again, its not the copying of a pre-existing design that bothers me. I’d like to know if this decision was the artist’s, because I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if the higher ups who make the final decisions wanted to just push this design through instead of taking the time for a redesign.
Now, please don’t call me a hypocrite for liking both the Park 7 and Animation 2 Tinker Bell designs. There is a pointed difference between what each figure means. One is the movie version and one is the sparkly version that flies above MK. But to me, this chaser is supposed to represent the Mickey we see on the logo, and it just doesn’t. Don’t get me started on no riffle.
The 25th Anniversary Logo was designed by Maria Clapsis. The figures fit well on to the mold and I agree with the decision not to detail Genie, Simba and Lumiere’s faces.
EPCOT’s Sea Base Alpha by Eric Caszatt is a perfect niche item. The arms almost look like robots and the bubble has a great paint job.
EPCOT Center 82 is a Thomas Scott design that is perfect retro.
Eric Caszatt chimed in with a rare Vinylmation ride vehicle! The Animal Kingdom Safari Truck has so much detail and an amazing looking logo on the back. It also has a no mud variant version… but why would you want that?
Blizzard Beach is the lone water park represented. And it is done perfectly by Casey Jones with the tourist Snowman.
New to Vinylmation, but not to designing at Disney, Jon Bishop has given us a brilliant 3″ Nautilus from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. I so enjoy the under water and surface transition. Here is a sample of Jon’s other work:
In addition to pins, it seems he worked on some of the artwork for Star Tours and big pin trading events like Trade City a few years back.
Not my favorite figure in this set, but my favorite choice for a subject matter… it’s Buddy from the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor designed by Thomas Scott.
It’s about time we get a Horizons figure (not counting Park Starz). Casey Jones chimes in with the Robot Chef. Love the ears. The bottom of the figure doesn’t exactly mimic the real robot, but in visualizing trying to get an exact copy of the real robot onto the mold, you would probably pull other features out of proportion.
How about 100 Years of Magic? We have a few sorcerer caps now, but this one gives us a fresh take. Some would argue use of brim on the accessory hat, and maybe that shouldn’t be there, but the design from hat to head lines up perfectly… and you can’t beat that.
Maria Clapsis gave us this one. The back also has a cool Mickey head star swirl.
Maria also designed Minnie Moo. One of those obscure characters, but she did a great job on the design.
And of course got the familiar shaped spot on the side.
Then, what I think is the set’s crown jewel, the MK Park Ticket from 1981 by Thomas Scott. We were wondering if Disney would do it, and they did. Punching a hole through the ear and tying a string in it. The printing detail on the front is simply spectacular. But its the writing on the back that ices the cake.
I can’t wait for EPCOT Center!!!! In my book, this set is an instant classic. Rivals Park 4 and 7 for my top slot. What are your thoughts?