Last September I did a post about Best Disney Websites. And honestly, I didn’t have a long list. I’m kind of a newbie when it comes to the Internet-Disney subculture. Most of you real Disney fans were properly shocked by my naivete then proceeded to DEMAND that I read The Disney Food Blog.
I did and promptly fell in love.
The food at Disney MAY be my most favorite thing. And the Disney Food Blog highlights every bit of Disney-food there is! We’re talking snacks, meals, drinks and planning. When we were on vacation in September, I pulled up the Disney Food Blog on Les’ phone more times than I can count!
Well, when I was at Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (Cinderella’s Castle Day 2 *is* underway and will be up this week!) I finally got to meet the author of the Disney Food Blog, AJ Wolfe! She is delightful and I decided we must do something together. Which worked out perfectly because she just released the MOST FABULOUS ebook EVER.
I read it all and learned so many new things I’m going to start searching out answers on the Moms Panel about food! Not to mention it made me so excited about our upcoming trip in December! I think I’m going to plan our trip around restaurants and meals I need to eat!
So, before I read the book I thought, “I’ll do a post about some of my favorite Disney restaurants and meals. Then I’ll mention the Disney Food Blog Guide Ebook, etc.” But the book is SO good that basically this post is going to be about the ebook with an aside to me and my favorites. I’m telling you, if you are going to Disney World and plan on eating there YOU NEED THIS BOOK. Here we go:
The Top Ten Things You Need To Learn From The Disney Food Blog Guide & A Little Bit of Stuff From OhAmanda
{nice one, huh?}
1. The Disney Dining Plan
I told you we did the Dining Plan on our trip in September. It was free when you booked a room and bought tickets. And to me it was worth every single penny and every single calorie. The food was divine, the service excellent and the experience unparalleled.
Well, apparently, I may have missed out on some savings! AJ gives an awesome rundown of the cost of the Disney Dining Plan–whether or not it’s a deal for you and your family. If the FREE Dining is worth it and more. She actually gives charts with prices to help you decide!
2. Top 5
You know I love me some lists. (Clearly.) And if I had to choose my Top 5 Disney Restaurants, it would be tough. Especially because I haven’t eaten at all of them. But I’ll give it a stab anyway. Here’s a list within a list for ya:
1. 50’s Prime Time Cafe {I can’t help it. I’ll never get over the surprise of my waiter yelling at me.}
2. Akershus (Breakfast) {Maybe it was because of Lydia’s love for it? Plus, I love breakfast.}
3. Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue {Best of the best!}
4. Boma {It’s at the Animal Kingdom Lodge! And so much food! SO MUCH FOOD!}
5. Kouizzina {I’ve been there 3 times, so I kinda feel like an expert.}
If my list doesn’t do it for you–AJ has TONS of these Top 5 lists…for counter service, character meals, table service and more. She’s speaking my love language.
3. Itinerary
The other day I read a question on the Moms Panel site where someone asked if they thought they could eat at 3 sit-down meals in Epcot in one day. I don’t know if it was possible or not, but I sure would want to try! AJ gives some sample itineraries for your meals–where to eat (and what to get) if you are at each of the parks, at some of the resorts, if you are trying to save money, if you are a vegetarian or if you have a large group.
4. SNACKS
Ok, I love the meals. I love sit-down dinners. But I can down some snacks. I made certain we did not waste our snack credits on frivolous snacks like bottled water or *gag* turkey legs! I wanted the most fun and interesting snacks we could find. And Disney Food Blog came to my rescue. We had the carrot cake cookie at Hollywood Studios…
The Zebra Cupcake at Animal Kingdom…
and the Cinnamon Roll from Main Street Bakery. And fudge. And Mickey Mouse Rice Krispies Treats dipped in chocolate. And more…and more!
5. Specialty Meals, Events & More
The Food and Wine Festival at Epcot is FULL of great food (ok, I’ve only been once and it was like 10 years ago and I was with my 70 year old grandmother, so I don’t really remember much of the food). Every holiday serves up new and exciting foods. You wanna know about how to get a birthday cake delivered to your table? Propose to your girlfriend at dinner? Watch the fireworks from your table? AJ tells you every bit of it in her ebook.
However, she did NOT mention these special Halloween cupcakes we bought while we were there. In honor of my favorite Wicked Witch’s sister (I have a favorite Wicked Witch?!)…
6. Printables
You know I’m a sucker for a printable. And AJ includes some for budgeting, booking, calendaring and even brainstorming your meals. My little fill-in-the-blank heart is pitter-pattering right now!
7. Reviews
On the Moms Panel, people always ask about our favorite restaurants. Or the best restaurant for a certain age-group. (See, here’s one I answered about best character meals!) The DFB Guide includes reviews of EVERY RESTAURANT ON PROPERTY. Are you kidding me?!
8. Dining With Kids
There’s picky eaters, no naps, missed bedtimes, too much sugar and more to deal with when you are eating with kids at Disney. The DFB Guide covers all of it and more–the character meals, picky and adventurous eaters, baby food and even baby-sitting! Lydia’s favorite thing about the kids’ meals is that they were always served on a Mickey Mouse shaped plate!
9. ADRs
For the uninitiated, ADRs are Advanced Dining Reservations. You NEED these for certain meals (like if you want to eat at Cinderella’s Royal Table or with Chef Mickey)! We were hoping for a character breakfast to end our vacation. But I couldn’t get anything. I ended up calling EVERY SINGLE DAY while we were at Disney and finally got 1900 Park Fare (see my #momfail on that one) the day before!
10. Money Back Guarantee AND Coupon Code
The DFB Guide is 250 pages (including TONS of links and full color photos). And it is $18.95 which I admit, is kinda steep for an e-book. BUT if you don’t like the book or you don’t think it’s helpful, you can get your money back! (But believe me you will NOT want your money back!)
:: :: ::
Let’s see your Top Ten! WRITE it on your blog. Then LINK back to me somewhere in the post (you can use my button or just a text link, I don’t mind) so others can play along. Finally, come back and PASTE your url in the linky below. And if you wanna up the fun factor, start visiting and commenting, stumbling and tweeting, facebook liking and sharing the rest of the Top Ten Tuesday’s participants!
Disclosure: I was given the DFB ebook to facilitate this review. I am also an affiliate–anyone can be oneI really was going to just add the book as a post-script to this post but I loved it so much it became my main feature! It’s that good! All opinions my own. I am not a Disney employee.
Vanderbilt Wife says
I need this for June!!!
Vanderbilt Wife says
I haven’t been to Disney in a LONG time but I like the tavern in Liberty Square and giant Rice Krispie treats!
Vanderbilt Wife says
I Tweeted this, too!
mandi@itscome2this says
And I need for May!!!
Shawntele says
Thanks for hosting – I am happy to be sharing my first Top Ten with you!
Kelsey says
Those pictures are making me hungry, even though I’ve been up to my eyes in Easter candy all day. My honeymoon was a rushed trip to Orlando. If I could do it again, I would do an all Disney trip to cut down on the getting around town hassle. It looks like we’d definitely be closer to delicious food!
Erin says
Perfect for our June trip!! My all time favorite is lunch at the castle – so magical!
Desiree says
My personal favorite place to dine is Flame Tree BBQ in Animal Kingdom!
Desiree says
http://twitter.com/#!/WeeShare/status/62720193629126656
Desiree says
like this post- Desiree Glaze
April@M3RH says
We’ll probably be revisiting the mouse this year, thanks for the great tips!
Tonya @ Live the Adventure says
When we went to Disney we ate our way through the World Showcase, trying food from each country. My kids loved the worm pudding from Norway- of course! We plan to head back to Disney this fall- the e-book would be very helpful.
Stephanie says
Hubs and I did the half marathon at DisneyWorld this past January. Such a great place to do a race!
First time doing the top ten, love your blog!
Stephanie says
Twitter
Stacy @ Delighting in the Days says
Thanks for hosting this fun link-up!
Tiffany says
Love me some Disney!
Favorite snack- pineapple whip from the Dole Pineapple stand.
Favorite restaurant- tie between Victoria & Albert’s (a-mazing dining experience ar Disneyworld!) and Breakfast with Minnie and Friends at The Plaza Inn (Disneyland).
Joules says
Wow, there is really a lot of studying involved in prep for a visit to Disney. I have a few more years before we attempt it as my son just turned two.
You made me hungry wit all those snacks! And the Wicked Witch cakes are awesome! Those are the little touches that make me want to go get me some of that Disney experience:)
Tricia says
Love 50s Prime Time cafe!!! so much fun…..I actually got to watch the waitress feed my husband his green beans! something I will never forget!!
Gina says
My favorite food at WDW is Boma. but I also love Whispering Canyon Cafe because it’s so much fun!
Ashley @ Mama of All Trades says
It’s so hard to choose my favorite thing/place to eat at Walt Disney World! I’d have to say, my favorite snack is the carrot cake cookie, by far. I also always have to have an Earl of Sandwich Original 1762 (my husband lives for the holiday sandwich). But, my favorite sit-down meal has to be LeCellier, if only for the cheese soup and breadsticks.
Ashley @ Mama of All Trades says
Tweeted!
http://twitter.com/MamaofAllTrades/statuses/62852250556579840
Sarah says
Sad. I’ve never been to Disney. 🙁 I need to remedy this. Soon. Maybe I can convince my family to plan a vacation soon.
Ashley says
My favorite was definitely breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Delish. And I’d love this book to start planning our next trip to WDW (in another year or so).
Lisa says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Wolfgang Puck’s Bistro in Downtown Disney! It counts as a counter service if you are on the DDP. We eat there many times while we are on vacation. I LOVE their pizzas, I LOVE their rotisserie chicken, and I TRIPLE LOVE their SWEET POTATO FRIES w/ ranch dressing!!! YUMMO!!! Great kids menu too!!!
Tobe says
My 8-year-old twins boys and I are going in June and planning has been crazy. I haven’t been to Disney for almost 15 years, but I always loved eating in Mexico at Epcot. I don’t remember much about the food (I’m assuming it was good), but the atmosphere is to die for!
Emily says
Fave ts meals ( in no order) grand floridain cafe for breakfast, kona for breakfast,ohana and ltt!
Kari says
Oooh, I’d love to win a free copy of that e-book! 🙂 All of your food pics are so fun, especially that wicked witch cupcake! So many favorites at Disney…but really, my one thing I have to have every time is one of those Mickey-shaped ice cream pops!
D Marie says
Amanda,
I am a huge fan of the Disney Food Blog, but even I learned so much with your post today! (I imagine the added Moms Panel “dust” might have something to do with that…)
I am tweeting, LIKING on Facebook, and letting you know that our favorite food spot is Narcoossees. We simply love taking the launch from the Magic Kingdom, leaving the crowds behind, and pulling into the tranquil Grand Floridian dock. With a quick stroll over to this “hideaway”, we can watch the sun set over the park, and then enjoy the fireworks from our window table loaded with some of our favorite lobster. Magical!!
Tracey says
While the food at Narcoossees wasn’t as impressive as I thought it might be, the desserts were absolutely awesome!!
T-Town Tiffany says
Just ate at Kouzzina last week for the first time last week! Loved loved loved it! Definitely in my top 5 also!
Kelly says
I would love to win this book! We’re hoping to take Simon to Disney in December. I have only been once, and it was waaay back in high school, so I actually do not remember much about the food. I do remember, though, that there was a 1950’s restaurant at MGM studios that I liked because they had s’mores on the menu.
Jennifer says
We have an unofficial plan of going to Disney next year. I am so clueless–I would’ve figured all the food was hamburgers and those turkey legs! Thanks for writing on this awesome resource!
Jennifer says
I just tweeted about your giveaway! 🙂
Kelsey says
So glad I found this post. I have been to Disney many times and we usually always try to do the dining plan because we have to boys under the age of 3 – financially it works out GREAT for us! I’m going to check out the Disney Food Blog now!! Thank you for sharing.
-Kelsey
Anelise Carneiro says
My favorite restaurant is Chefs de France at EPCOT because Rémy stops to say hi!! 🙂
beth says
TONGA TOAST!!! It’s the first breakfast of every WDW trip for us!
Micha says
I tweeted
Micha says
I’ve never been to Disney World but at Disneyland we always ate at the Blue Bayou restaurant. We’re hoping to make our first trip this year.
Micha says
I liked it as well. 🙂
Tracy says
can’t wait to go back in September! we are big foodies, so this whole post is awesome!
Stephanie says
Josh, the kids and I are going to Disney in September with Josh’s sister. Josh has NEVER been, and of course neither have the kids. Can’t wait to stock up on all your tips and look like a pro!
Larissa says
My husband, our 2 kids, and I are going to Disney World in September. Me & my husband went in ’99 on our honeymoon for our first time and this will be our kids first time. Didn’t really do much research back then but I am over doing it this time. Don’t really know what my favorite place would be at this point but there are so many neat looking places & snacks that I am thinking about trying. Glad I found this post.