Author: touringplans.com

Right now many of us are preferring to stick outdoors as much as possible when out in public. We’ve discussed the best outdoor activities in each of the parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Now get your appetite ready as we help you discover the best outdoor dining at each of the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Best Outdoor Dining at Magic Kingdom

The trouble with Magic Kingdom is there is not a lot of outdoor dining. This can be a blessing in the heat of summer, normally, but right now it would be nice to have a variety of places with outdoor dining. Only one table service restaurant has outdoor seating, and that’s Tony’s Town Square Restaurant. This Italian restaurant, with a “Lady and the Tramp” theme is cute, but there are plenty of Disney restaurants with a better menu. Still, the outdoor seating, overlooking Main Street U.S.A. is quite unique.

For counter service with outdoor seating at Magic Kingdom there are a few more options, though not a robust selection. Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is a popular spot for a casual bite in Frontierland. The interior has fun details, but you can find a good amount of tables outside, overlooking Frontierland. Pinocchio Village Haus is enjoyed by Disney fans for its classic Fantasyland feel – it hasn’t changed much since the 1970’s. A courtyard outside the main entrance offers views of Fantasyland and Cinderella Castle. Of course, the largest counter service restaurant at Magic Kingdom, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Tomorrowland, wouldn’t be complete without its own outdoor seating area.

Best Outdoor Dining at EPCOT

Naturally the best dining, and practically the only dining, at EPCOT right now, is in World Showcase. Two signature dining locations offer outdoor seating. At the United Kingdom Pavilion enjoy garden dining at the Rose and Crown Dining Room. Just ask if there is outdoor seating available, as it is limited.  Around the bend at the Morocco Pavilion is Spice Road Table which has a large outdoor dining area that overlooks World Showcase Lagoon.

There’s quite a few counter service options at EPCOT that offer great outdoor seating. My personal favorite is Katsura Grill at the Japan Pavilion. I love the food, and the outdoor dining is peaceful and quiet in the midst of a Zen garden. New on the scene is Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion. Enjoy outdoor seating with a view of a genuine meat smoker, and grab a cocktail from the walk-up outdoor bar. Finally, La Cantina de San Angel in the Mexico Pavilion offers the largest outdoor space of all, overlooking World Showcase Lagoon.

Also worth noting is that many (but not all) of the food booths for the Taste of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, continuing through this fall, are outdoors.

Best Outdoor Dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

None of the table service restaurants have outdoor dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, unfortunately. The close exception would be  The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, which is not a full restaurant, but does offer some highlights from the Brown Derby menu, hand-crafted cocktails, and a great outdoor atmosphere.

A whole slew of counter service restaurants have outdoor dining in this park. PizzeRizzo has outdoor seating both upstairs and downstairs. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge has outdoor dining that is somehow peaceful even though you’re at a galactic destination. Rosie’s All-American Cafe slings out American casual fare and offers nothing but outdoor seating, overlooking bustling Sunset Boulevard.

Best Outdoor Dining at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Leave it to the park themed around the natural world to have some of the best outdoor dining. Unfortunately, not all of it is available right now (I’m looking at you Harambe Market). None of the signature dining restaurants have outdoor dining, however, Nomad Lounge has one of the best outdoor areas in all of Walt Disney World and offers some great food prepared in the same kitchen at Tiffins.

My favorite outdoor dining is Flame Tree Barbecue which only offers outdoor seating, but it is shaded and winds around gardens and a water feature. It is lovely when the weather cools down a little. Restaurantosaurus at Dinoland USA and Satu’li Canteen at Pandora – World of Avatar each have outdoor seating options, though the atmosphere at both leaves a little to be desired.

What are your favorite outdoor dining spots at Walt Disney World? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

The post The Best Outdoor Dining at Walt Disney World’s Theme Parks appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Dos and Don’ts, In the Parks, Trip Planning, disney counter service restaurants, disney dining, disney outdoor dining

The number one question I’ve been getting lately from Disney fans is, “Do you think Disney is going to decorate/celebrate Halloween?” Especially since the Halloween merchandise has begun to appear on shelves. Of course, I didn’t know 100%, but strongly suspected that Halloween would be taking center stage, this fall at the resort. And turns out, my thoughts were correct!

From September 15 to October 31 the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street, U.S.A. will be dressed in fall décor! But that’s not all! The characters will be getting in on the fun with Halloween-themed cavalcades! Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and more will be wearing their favorite Halloween costumes. You’ll also find Chip ‘n’ Dale, in costume over in Frontierland. Finally, be on the lookout for other Disney characters dressed up and riding the horse-drawn trolley down Main Street, U.S.A.

Oh and guess what? For the first time ever, Guests of all ages will be able to wear costumes TO THE PARK! Keep in mind, you will only be able to do this from September 15 through October 31. As an important reminder, costume masks are not permitted for adults; only children younger than 14 years old are permitted to wear costume masks. In addition, all guests are required to wear approved face coverings during their visit.

Also, make sure to stop for Disney PhotoPass Photographers who will be available throughout the park for themed photo ops.

Of course, it’s not a holiday at Walt Disney World without treats and this year is no exception! Not only will the Magic Kingdom be getting in on the fun, but all four theme parks will have great offerings! Here’s what you can grab and where:

Magic Kingdom

• Mickey Cinnamon Roll (Available at Main Street Bakery) – Mickey-shaped cinnamon roll drizzled with orange and white icing
• Cinnamon Donuts (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Served in a Hitchhiking Ghost Novelty container
• Hades Nachos (Available at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café) – Black bean nacho chips with “fiery” buffalo chicken, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeño
• Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake (Available at Liberty Square Market) – Citrus cake with raspberry Bavarian cream, whipped cream flowers, and a chocolate axe

• Pumpkin Spiced Waffle Sundae (Available at Sleepy Hollow) –Pumpkin spice-flavored waffled topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and sprinkles
• Poor Unfortunate Souls Float (Available at Storybook Treats) – Cream cheese soft-serve, black raspberry syrup, and Coke
• Pumpkin Spice Milkshake (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, and a Mickey-shaped marshmallow straw
• Pumpkin Spice Soft-Serve Sundae (Available at Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies) – Served as a sundae topped with whipped cream, caramel, and sprinkles

• Mickey Monster Mash Burger (Available at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café) – Burger with Meunster cheese, potato barrels, bacon, and sriracha aïoli
• Headless Horseman Rides Again (Available at Sunshine Tree Terrace) – Strawberry DOLE Whip with Fanta Strawberry and a Headless Horseman Novelty Straw
• Not So Poison Apple Cupcake (Available at Pinocchio Village House) – A spiced apple cupcake with pecan crunch buttercream themed after a poison apple
• Orange and Black Sugar Churros (Available at Various Churro Carts and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café)
• Oogie Boogie Dice Novelty Glow Cubes (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)

• Jack Skellington Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants and Outdoor Vending Locations)
• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
• Mickey Pumpkin Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Various Popcorn Carts)
• Hitchhiking Ghost Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Liberty Square Popcorn Cart)

• Hitchhiking Ghost Sipper (Available at Various Quick-Service Restaurants)
• Madame Leota Sipper (Available at Sleepy Hollow)

EPCOT

• Halloween Cupcake (Available on Halloween Day Only at Sunshine Seasons) – Choice of vanilla or chocolate cupcake with buttercream and a Mickey Pumpkin garnish
• Nemo & Squirt’s Noggin Concoction (Available on Halloween Day Only at Coral Reef Restaurant) – Chocolate brownie stuffed with a chocolate chip cookie topped with white chocolate-covered pretzels and a Mickey Pumpkin Garnish
• Halloween Sugar Cookie (Available on Halloween Day Only at Traveler’s Café and Garden Grill) – Sugar cookie topped with Halloween Sprinkles
• Liquid Nitro Cake Pop (Available on Halloween Day Only at Desserts & Champagne Marketplace in World Showplace for EPCOT Taste of International Food & Wine Festival) – Liquid nitro chocolate cake pop with Halloween sprinkles
• Oogie Boogie Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available Canada Popcorn Cart and Fife & Drum)
• Green Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Eats at EPCOT Experience and Mission Space Popcorn Cart)
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at all EPCOT Popcorn Locations)
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Sunshine Seasons and Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue)

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

• Scar Cupcake (Available at Creature Comforts, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus) – Red velvet cupcake with toasted marshmallow filling, chocolate marshmallow frosting, chocolate pebbles, white chocolate flames, and an edible icing image
• Spooky Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Flame Tree Barbecue and Isle of Java) – Sprite with Monin Apple Syrup poured over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a gummy worm, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and a sugar lime rim
• Rotten Apple Punch Specialty Beverage (Alcoholic) (Available Flame Tree Barbecue) – Angry Orchard and Fireball Cinnamon Whisky over ice, garnished with a rocky candy apple straw, a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube, and gummy worms
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Tamu Tamu, Trek Snacks, Restaurantosaurus, TriloBites, and Outdoor Vending Ice Cream Carts)
• Purple Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)
• Halloween Base Popcorn Bucket (Available at Trek Snacks)

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Poison Candied Apple (Available at Trolley Car Café) – Apple and caramel mousse covered in red glaze with a crunchy candy base
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cannoli (Available at PizzeRizzo) – Pumpkin cheesecake mixed with a hazelnut praline crunch in a cannoli shell
• Pumpkin Tiramisu (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café) – Layers of cream mascarpone and spiced pumpkin cake
• Box of Bones Chocolate Éclair (Available at Backlot Express) – Chocolate éclair with dark chocolate mousse and white chocolate bones

• Frozen Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
• Frozen Apple Cider with Crown Royal Regal Apple (Alcoholic) (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, and PizzeRizzo) – Served with a Novelty Poison Apple Glow Cube
• Orange Cauldron Premium Popcorn Bucket (Available at Anahiem Produce, Hollywood Popcorn, and Animation Popcorn)
• Tire Pumpkin Novelty Straw (Available at Rosie’s All-American Café, Backlot Express, PizzeRizzo, and Anaheim Produce)

The post Fall Festivities are Coming to the Walt Disney World Resort for 2020 appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Halloween, News, Walt Disney World (FL), Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Magic Kingdom

For this installment of our “Better Know a…” series, we’re stopping by Earl of Sandwich, a counter service restaurant in the Downtown Disney District.

What is Earl of Sandwich?

Earl of Sandwich is a quick-service restaurant that focuses upon, you guessed it, sandwiches.

Where is Earl of Sandwich?

Earl of Sandwich is on the western edge of Downtown Disney, just before you would get to the Disneyland Hotel.  Walking from the tram dropoff, it will be on your left-hand side.

What You Need to Know About the Menu at Earl of Sandwich

The menu at Earl of Sandwich features a pretty comprehensive collection of, you guessed it, sandwiches, but you can also get salads, wraps,  and even desserts. There is a small menu for kids, featuring grilled cheese, turkey & Swiss, and pizza bread.  While Earl of Sandwich usually runs a breakfast menu as well, it is not currently open for breakfast on account of shortened hours.

What the Dining Experience Is Like at Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is a quick-service-style restaurant, where you’ll order at the counter, and then seat yourself. There is a fair amount of outdoor seating, which is currently the only seating available. The food is also appropriate for grabbing and eating on the go if you are so inclined. Worth noting, there is not a significant “Disney markup” at Earl of Sandwich, making it one of the best values for food at Disneyland Resort.

What are Some Items to Target at Earl of Sandwich?

The food at Earl of Sandwich is straightforward but is in general quite good. The Italian tastes like a pizza in sandwich form, featuring salami, capicola, roasted ham, mortadella, mozzarella, tomato, and Italian dressing, and is delicious.  The Full Montagu, named (in part) after the guy credited with inventing the very concept of a sandwich, includes roasted beef, turkey, Swiss, sharp cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and mustard and is another standout.

What You Need to Know About Accessibility for Earl of Sandwich

Earl of Sandwich is fully accessible and should not present any unique challenges for visitors in wheelchairs or ECVs. There is no need for a guest to get out of a mobility device.

Does Weather Affect Earl of Sandwich?

While outdoors, much of the seating for Earl of Sandwich is nevertheless under a large permanent awning, such that you’re protected from the sun and garden variety rain. Blowing rain could present an issue, however, particularly on the perimeter of the dining area.

What is a Good Time to Visit Earl of Sandwich?

Waits will of course be longest at the apex of lunch and dinner times, but Earl of Sandwich does a good job of cranking out food quickly such that lines tend to not be a huge issue, especially now. Off times will of course give you the lowest crowds, however.

Are you a fan of Earl of Sandwich? What is your go-to? Let us know in the comments!

The post Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney — Better Know a Restaurant appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dining, Disneyland (CA), Downtown Disney, Earl of Sandwich

If you missed out on the limited time annual passholder discount on shopDisney online, there’s still some hope to save big on some of the latest merchandise collections. You’ll just need to head to Walt Disney World soon.  Multiple merchandise collections from this summer are now on sale for 30% off. When at Animal Kingdom this week I asked if the annual passholder discount could be applied on top of this sale and was told it could, as well a Disney Vacation Club and other discounts.

The 30% off collections include:

• Disney Americana Collection
• Rainbow Disney Collection
• Disney Neon Collection
• Sweet Summer Collection

On top of these savings you can really go for extra savings with 2020 dated merchandise which is buy one get one free, plus any applicable discounts. This year is certainly not one to celebrate, but in a way I personally want to commemorate it.

Over at EPCOT you can commemorate the shortest EPCOT International Flower and Garden in history with 30% off all festival merchandise. This includes the adorable Orange Bird merchandise!

 

The sale of these collections means its time make way for fall and winter merchandise. Do you have a favorite collection from this summer? Or, are you ready for fall and winter to arrive?

The post Multiple Merchandise Collections On Sale With Stackable Discounts at Walt Disney World and shopDisney appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, In the Parks, Merchandise, Saving Money, disney discount, disney sale, disney summer, rainbow disney

Nostalgia is a strong emotional driver and Disney knows just how to play to it. Lately we’ve seen some ’90s-style merchandise at Walt Disney World, and on shopDisney online, that is pure nostalgia, and we’re totally falling for it.

Of all places, we spotted two collections of totally ’90s t-shirts at Tomorrowland. What better place to relive the style of three decades ago than the land of the future, right?

Up first is a collection of t-shirts dedicated to 1990s animated Disney movies. Lots of fan favorites are in this collection. Unfortunately, the shirts are a little thin and close to being crop-style. Still, they excel at creating ’90s vibes that pull on my own nostalgia heartstrings. Each one is $36.99 and styles available include Tarzan, A Bug’s Life, Pocahontas, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

The other collection is more about ’90s style than it is about ’90s characters. These patterned t-shirts have a modern flair, but are based on a style that was popular in the 1990s – trust me, I lived through the decade. These are thicker than the other t-shirts and a longer cut too, but also priced at $36.99. The pattern is bold, with large illustrations of a variety of characters including Pluto; Tigger; Ursula; Copper and Todd; a Stormtrooper; modern-day Huey, Dewey, and Louie; as well as the teacups from The Mad Tea Party attraction.

Besides these totally cool 1990s-style t-shirts, we recently spotted Koosh Ball keychains at Disney Springs. And online you can find, the entire “Disney Parks Get Into Character Collection” that the crop-style movie t-shirts above are a part of.

Here are some of my must-haves from this collection:

• Pleasure Island Ringer T-Shirt for Women – $36.99
• Disneyland Color Block Text T-Shirt for Women – $36.99
• Hercules Windbreaker Jacket for Women – $49.99
• Mickey Mouse Grad Nite Ringer T-Shirt – $36.99

Are you digging these totally ’90s vibes? Which shirt is your favorite?

 

This post may contain affiliate links.

The post Get Ready to Fall in Love With Disney’s New Totally ’90s Merchandise appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: In the Parks, Merchandise, disney t-shirts, duck tales, Magic Kingdom, pluto, Pocahontas, tarzan, tigger, ursula