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REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice

AristoCrepes at Disney Springs often gets overlooked. But, this little kiosk near the water serves up seasonal treats that are usually great. Two new seasonal treats are getting some attention: Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle. Let’s see which one is on our nice list and which one is on our naughty list.

REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice
Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle

Santa’s Crepe is a bright red crepe filled with egg nog custard and praline pieces. It is rare that a food that is clearly made “for the ‘gram” actually tastes good too. And sadly that’s the case here. The crepe is supposed to be served cold, which doesn’t sound too appealing, but how else are they going to get the whipped cream to not melt for a few moments so we can all get our glorious photos up on Instagram?

The crepe that our field team was served was actually warm. I asked our brave team what the buckle on the hat was made out of, and I am going to simply paste the response word for word, because there is no way I could improve upon it: “It was a gelatinous plop. I don’t know what it was made of. It slid around a bit because the crepe was warm. It had like a jellied-ish consistency but wasn’t jelly.” My heartfelt thanks to our field team for braving this one; Santa’s Crepe is certainly on our naughty (and yuck) list.

REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice
Santa’s Crepe at AristoCrepes
REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice
Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle

The Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle is a little pricey, but definitely worth it. A bubble waffle is topped with vanilla ice cream, cherries jubilee sauce, praline pieces, and whipped cream. The cherries were a little tart, bringing a nice balance to the sweet ice cream and waffle. The serving is large enough to be shared.

REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice
AristoCrepes Holiday Offerings

There are other, better holiday treats at Disney Springs – might we suggest stopping at Amorette’s for the Chocolate Peppermint Creme Brûlée. But, if you love bubble waffles then AristoCrepes is worth a visit.

REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice

The post REVIEW – Santa’s Crepe and Cherries Jubilee Bubble Waffle at AristoCrepes – One’s Naughty, One’s Nice appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

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Filed Under: Christmas, Disney Springs, Holidays, Snacks, disney christmas, disney springs desserts, disney springs snacks

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Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT

Visiting a theme park all day can be tiring. And it’s a good idea to take frequent breaks. Each Walt Disney World theme park has designated areas where guests can sit and take off their mask for a little bit. Known as Relaxation Stations, they can be a helpful place during your day. At EPCOT there are three Relaxation Stations. They provide a restful area whether you want to enjoy your snack or drink, or just have a place to sit down for a few minutes. Here’s everything you need to know about the Relaxation Stations at EPCOT.

Location of Relaxation Stations at EPCOT

There are Relaxation Stations at Mission: SPACE, the Norway Pavilion, and the United Kingdom Pavilion. The Norway Pavilion is a rare indoor Relaxation Station, actually located inside Akershus Royal Banquet Hall which is normally a beloved character dining experience. Since Akershus is not operating right now, it is a rare treat to be able to enjoy the castle and fairy tale atmosphere here. Personally, I am not too keen on being indoors, especially without a mask on – not that you have to take your mask off at the Relaxation Station.

Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at Norway Pavilion
Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at Norway Pavilion

The other two are outside. The Mission: SPACE location is in the courtyard area near the attraction, and it is the only option for the front of the park. The United Kingdom location is normally used as seating for Yorkshire County Fish Shop, but now it is a lovely outdoor area with waterside views. Tables have been added around the United Kingdom pavilion to help offset the loss of these dining tables, though you can certainly eat at any Relaxation Station.

Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at Mission: SPACE
Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at United Kingdom Pavilion

How to Use Relaxation Stations at EPCOT

EPCOT itself is such a spread out park, so while there are three stations, it can be rough to utilize one if you’re in the back of the park. It is rare for the stations to reach capacity as many guests do not know about them. On busy weekends or holidays they tend to be utilized a little more. The tables are placed six feet, or more apart, and need to remain as positioned. If you have a larger group it is asked that you keep your party spread among multiple tables at the designated distance.

Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at United Kingdom Pavilion
Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at Mission: SPACE
Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at Mission: SPACE
Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at Norway Pavilion

Guests should keep their masks on until they are seated at their table. Once you are seated you can remove your mask whether you have food and drink, or if you just want to sit and relax. There is no time limit on using the stations. So sit back and relax. If you need to get up from your table, it is asked that you put your mask back on before departing your table.

Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT
Relaxation Station at United Kingdom Pavilion

Cast Members frequently clean and sanitize the tables, chairs, and the general area. The Relaxation Stations can have limited hours. They do not always open right when the park opens, and generally close a little earlier than the park itself does.

Have you made use of the Relaxation Stations yet? Do you think they are helpful?

Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT

The post Everything You Need to Know About Relaxation Stations at EPCOT appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Epcot, Trip Planning, dining at epcot, disney relaxation stations, epcot reopening

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REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger

If your taste buds desire a festive meal that breaks from the norm, then the Holiday Turkey Burger at D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs is for you. Whether you’re completing your holiday shopping or just want to enjoy a merry evening at Disney Springs, grabbing a burger at D-Luxe Burger is a great option. Gourmet, deluxe burgers are the name of the game, and right now the Holiday Turkey Burger should be on your nice list.

REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger
D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs Exterior
REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger
Holiday Turkey Burger and Eggnog Shake at D-Luxe Burger

We have listings and ratings for all Walt Disney World restaurants on our site and Lines app. Our readers give D-Luxe Burger a 90% thumbs up, a deluxe rating! And it is ranked number 35 out of 107 quick service options at Walt Disney World. This is not your average Disney burger joint, even though it is run by Disney. The menu at D-Luxe Burger has a number of deluxe burgers, the Barbeque Burger and Southern Burger are popular choices, and there is a a plant-based burger as well.

Find a way to save room for dessert because the line up of Gelato Shakes requires your attention and appetite. The one major downside is the burgers are about $11 – $13 and do not come with fries. The fries are meant to be shared and are elevated compared to the standard Disney quick service fries. There is indoor dining and a great porch area for outdoor dining, too. This is also one of the few places at Disney Springs that offers mobile ordering, so take advantage.

REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger
D-Luxe Burger at Disney Springs
REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger
D-Luxe Burger Outdoor Seating

Throughout the year you can often find a seasonal burger and shake here. Right now the Holiday Turkey Burger and Eggnog Gelato Shake make the holliest jolliest pair. You certainly need to be someone willing to go way beyond a traditional burger in order to enjoy the Holiday Turkey Burger. A Turkey Burger patty is topped with Bacon-Cranberry Jam, Butternut Squash Risotto Cake, Lettuce, and Tomato. Both the Bacon-Cranberry Jam and the Butternut Squash Risotto Cake elevate this burger to gourmet status, the flavor and quality is high. Our team was tempted to harass the cooks for the recipe of the Butternut Squash Risotto Cake.

REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger
Holiday Turkey Burger and Eggnog Shake at D-Luxe Burger

With so many places caring about how a shake looks, piling it high with candy and cakes, it’s nice to have a gourmet shake that actually delivers on flavor. The Eggnog Gelato Shake does not have fancy over-the-top garnishes, but its luxurious flavor and creaminess are top notch. It’s blended with Toasted Marshmallow, Caramel, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg.

The Holiday Turkey Burger is $13.49 and the Eggnogg Gelato Shake is $7.49, so the complete experience will cost over $21.00, not including fries.  Our team feels this indulgent meal is worth the price and delivers on quality and portion size.

Have you eaten at D-Luxe Burger before? Do either of these holiday items sound good to you?

REVIEW – A Holly Jolly Meal at D-Luxe Burger

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From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Dining, Disney Springs, Holidays, D-Luxe Burger, disney burger, disney springs christmas, disney springs dining

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The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

There’s no better time of year to indulge in sweets than the holiday season (well, except maybe Halloween time). At this year’s International Festival of the Holidays you can sink your sweet tooth into lots of treats. Besides the fun and festive Cookie Stroll, there are plenty of desserts at nearly all of the Holiday Kitchens. Here’s some of the best sweets and desserts at the 2020 EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.

  • Linzer cookie – Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
  • Dulce de Leche Churro – Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen
  • Buche de Noel – Marche de Noel Holiday Kitchen
  • Maple Buche de Noel – Yukon Holiday Kitchen
  • Peppermint Sundae – Holiday Sweets and Treat Holiday Kitchen
  • Coquito – Festival Favorites Holiday Kitchen
  • Mini Jelly-Filled Donuts – L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen
  • Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake – American Holiday Table Holiday Kitchen
  • Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel – Refreshment Outpost

A holiday favorite, the Linzer Cookie was soft and crumbly. A nice cinnamon flavor comes through making it a cozy treat. We’ve covered the Dulce de Leche Churro in a few other posts and we just love it! It’s only $0.25 more than a plain standard park churro, but the sweet dulce de leche inside makes it special.

The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Bavaria Holiday Kitchen
The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Marche de Noel Holiday Kitchen

Over at the France Pavilion the Buche de Noel is a hit with anyone who loves dark, intense chocolate. The serving is relatively small, but it is a very rich dessert. Similarly there is a Maple Buche de Noel available at the Yukon Kitchen. This is a lovely blend of sweet maple and chocolate, and the serving is very generous. We’re concerned we lucked out early in the festival and that the serving size may end up being reduced.

The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Peppermint Sundae at Holiday Sweets and Treats Holiday Kitchen
The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Yukon Holiday Kitchen

Another chocolate sweet is the Peppermint Sundae. The peppermint flavor is good but not overwhelming and you still get good chocolate flavor. The serving is pretty large; you could probably split this with another person. The surprising thing about the Holiday Sweets and Treats Holiday Kitchen is there’s actually only two desserts here, the rest is beer and shakes. (Granted, the beer is flavored after favorite holiday drinks, Egg Nog and Coquito.)

The Coquito is available with or without rum. Many refer to Coquito as being similar to Egg Nog. It originates from Puerto Rico and is coconut based. The texture is described by our team as “like a chunky milkshake.” The garnish of a cinnamon stick coupled with the holiday atmosphere of World Showplace, made this feel more special than it probably could have been if it was outside and consumed over a trash can.

The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
L’Chaim Holiday Kitchen

On this list of items we wish were sold year round, you can put the Mini Jelly-Filled Donuts at the top of the list. They contain the perfect balance of jelly and powdered sugar. Finally, over at the American Holiday Table the Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake is a great treat for anyone who loves traditional holiday flavors of pumpkin or gingerbread.

The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel at Refreshment Outpost – it’s better than it looks

If you want something very different than the standard festival fare at the Holiday Kitchen booths, there is a Warm Brown Sugar Stuffed Pretzel at the Refreshment Outpost (between the China and Germany Pavilions).  The pretzel was harder than we would have liked, but the brown sugar filling was very good. Even with the vanilla soft serve it wasn’t overly sweet.

Have you been to the Festival of the Holidays? What’s your favorite festival sweet treat?

The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays

The post The Best Sweets of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com

Filed Under: Christmas, Epcot, Festivals, Holidays, Snacks, disney christmas, disney desserts, Epcot International Festival of the Holidays

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Rough Day at the Studios – Disney World Wait Times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Several headliner rides at Walt Disney World experienced extended outages today, including Rise of the Resistance at Hollywood Studios and Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.  Wait times were moderate at EPCOT and Magic Kingdom.  We received 140 actual wait times today – thanks Lines users!  And we counted 497 of 500 guests (that’s 99%) wearing masks in Animal Kingdom according to Disney’s guidelines today.  Let’s do the numbers!

Magic Kingdom Wait Times

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train had an average wait time today of 66 minutes. Its 7-day average is 72 minutes, so today ranks #5 for this week. Its 30-day average is 64 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month. And Big Thunder Mountain Railroad had an average wait time today of 52 minutes. Its 7-day average is 48 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 47 minutes, so today ranks #9 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 63% of the posted wait time.

Rough Day at the Studios – Disney World Wait Times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Magic Kingdom wait times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Astro Orbiter
Average Posted Wait
31
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#21
365-Day Rank
#118
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Average Posted Wait
52
Actual Waits Were
63%
7-Day Rank
#3
30-Day Rank
#9
365-Day Rank
#97
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Average Posted Wait
34
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#15
365-Day Rank
#119
Dumbo the Flying Elephant
Average Posted Wait
11
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#19
365-Day Rank
#143
“it’s a small world”
Average Posted Wait
33
Actual Waits Were
85%
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#22
365-Day Rank
#131
Jungle Cruise
Average Posted Wait
40
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#20
365-Day Rank
#151
Mad Tea Party
Average Posted Wait
11
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#21
365-Day Rank
#153
Mickey’s PhilharMagic
Average Posted Wait
22
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#1
365-Day Rank
#2
Peter Pan’s Flight
Average Posted Wait
31
Actual Waits Were
83%
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#156
Pirates of the Caribbean
Average Posted Wait
41
Actual Waits Were
68%
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#151
Space Mountain
Average Posted Wait
30
Actual Waits Were
54%
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#19
365-Day Rank
#163
Splash Mountain
Average Posted Wait
19
Actual Waits Were
51%
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#27
365-Day Rank
#186
The Barnstormer
Average Posted Wait
19
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#126
The Haunted Mansion
Average Posted Wait
25
Actual Waits Were
56%
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#16
365-Day Rank
#183
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin
Average Posted Wait
12
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#162
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
Average Posted Wait
24
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#16
365-Day Rank
#147
Tomorrowland Speedway
Average Posted Wait
13
Actual Waits Were
104%
7-Day Rank
#3
30-Day Rank
#21
365-Day Rank
#174
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Average Posted Wait
66
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#14
365-Day Rank
#131
Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
Average Posted Wait
17
Actual Waits Were
55%
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#23
365-Day Rank
#167

Hollywood Studios Wait Times

The most interesting wait time today might be at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which had an average wait time today of 51 minutes. Its 7-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #3 for this week. Its 30-day average is 49 minutes, so today ranks #10 for the past month. We received 8 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 94% of the posted wait time.

Rough Day at the Studios – Disney World Wait Times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Hollywood Studios wait times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Rise of the Resistance did not have a great afternoon.  Rise stopped calling boarding groups around noon, and didn’t resume calling boarding groups for almost two hours.  That restart lasted about fifteen minutes, and the ride shut down again just past 2 p.m., for over an hour.  As I write this, the ride was in the middle of a third hour-plus outage.

Rough Day at the Studios – Disney World Wait Times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Average Posted Wait
49
Actual Waits Were
65%
7-Day Rank
#3
30-Day Rank
#16
365-Day Rank
#147
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Average Posted Wait
31
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#2
365-Day Rank
#75
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Average Posted Wait
51
Actual Waits Were
94%
7-Day Rank
#3
30-Day Rank
#10
365-Day Rank
#116
Toy Story Mania!
Average Posted Wait
28
Actual Waits Were
51%
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#10
365-Day Rank
#141
Slinky Dog Dash
Average Posted Wait
68
Actual Waits Were
73%
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#15
365-Day Rank
#134
Alien Swirling Saucers
Average Posted Wait
25
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#12
365-Day Rank
#139
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Average Posted Wait
56
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#14
365-Day Rank
#105
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Average Posted Wait
57
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#5
365-Day Rank
#134

Animal Kingdom Wait Times

Avatar Flight of Passage had an average wait time today of 54 minutes, and those posted wait times were a pretty good indicator of how long actual waits were:  We received 4 actual wait times today, and the actual wait averaged 102% of the posted wait time.

Rough Day at the Studios – Disney World Wait Times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Animal Kingdom wait times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
DINOSAUR
Average Posted Wait
27
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#146
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Average Posted Wait
47
7-Day Rank
#1
30-Day Rank
#7
365-Day Rank
#93
Kali River Rapids
Average Posted Wait
10
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#29
365-Day Rank
#145
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Average Posted Wait
19
Actual Waits Were
43%
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#16
365-Day Rank
#157
It’s Tough to Be a Bug!
Average Posted Wait
13
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#90
TriceraTop Spin
Average Posted Wait
5
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#120
Na’vi River Journey
Average Posted Wait
45
Actual Waits Were
80%
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#19
365-Day Rank
#142
Avatar Flight of Passage
Average Posted Wait
54
Actual Waits Were
102%
7-Day Rank
#3
30-Day Rank
#14
365-Day Rank
#146

EPCOT Wait Times

Test Track had an average wait time today of 56 minutes. Its 7-day average is 71 minutes, so today ranks #4 for this week. Its 30-day average is 62 minutes, so today ranks #14 for the past month.

Rough Day at the Studios – Disney World Wait Times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
EPCOT wait times for Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros
Average Posted Wait
5
7-Day Rank
#6
30-Day Rank
#29
365-Day Rank
#208
Journey Into Imagination With Figment
Average Posted Wait
10
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#24
365-Day Rank
#162
Living with the Land
Average Posted Wait
12
Actual Waits Were
20%
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#15
365-Day Rank
#147
Mission: SPACE Orange
Average Posted Wait
18
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#157
Soarin’
Average Posted Wait
34
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#15
365-Day Rank
#130
Spaceship Earth
Average Posted Wait
18
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#15
365-Day Rank
#131
Test Track
Average Posted Wait
56
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#14
365-Day Rank
#91
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
Average Posted Wait
8
7-Day Rank
#4
30-Day Rank
#25
365-Day Rank
#191
Frozen Ever After
Average Posted Wait
61
7-Day Rank
#5
30-Day Rank
#18
365-Day Rank
#121

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World (FL), wait times