Tag Archives: Downtown Disney

Cuisine - American, Cuisine - Desserts, Cuisine - Mexican, Disney World

Review: Fresh-A-Peel Inside Pollo Campero

Exterior of Pollo Campero at Downtown Disney in FloridaSeriously, it seems like it’s been decades since I was last at Disney World. In reality, it’s only been about two months since my brief little work-cation allowed me to drop by Downtown Disney and Epcot.

I flew into Orlando early in the day so I had the remaining hours to myself (as I didn’t have any work duties until the next morning). So, after checking into my (non)-Disney hotel near the airport, I took a little nap since the hot, humid Florida weather was such a drastic difference for me.

I decided to spend the rest of my day going to the Premium Outlet Mall, as I had heard that Disney runs a retail store there. I wanted to check it out so I drove on over. While there were some great deals on T-shirts and gear for the little Mickey-philes, nothing overly piqued my interest. After, I drove down Hotel Plaza Boulevard, a winding, tree-lined avenue that flows directly into the Marketplace at Downtown Disney.

There have been tons of changes at Downtown Disney within recent years – especially to its dining options. Most of the times, we don’t make it anywhere else but Earl of Sandwich and Ghirardelli. As I was on a limited diet (no dairy products) at this time, I opted to try the eats at one of DD’s newest establishments that took over the spot that once was the McDonald’s. Let’s take look inside Fresh-A-Peel at Pollo Campero...

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Disney World, Shopping

Foodie Gifts at Walt Disney World

My dear readers, it has been much too long since my last post. Work has been crazy!

Last week, I unexpectedly needed to travel to Florida for a great story about a graduating senior from Florida Institute of Technology, who is spending his summer biking 4,700 miles across the U.S. to raise awareness about scleroderma, the disease that took his father’s life in 2010. He also will give any of the donations he receives to the Scleroderma Foundation (where I work during the day) for its research grant program. I highly suggest you read some more about Wade and his inspiring story!

Anyways, I had a bit of free time, so obviously, I took the opportunity to do what I love best – tour Disney! I had a few hours over at Downtown Disney and good chunk of Sunday afternoon at Epcot.

Today, let’s take a look at some of the new gift items (well, new since I was last there in December) over at the World of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace:

Above, you’ll see some chocolate. Not your ordinary chocolate bar – this one is emblazoned with a tongue-in-cheek jab at the famous line you’ll hear as you board the Monorail, “Por favor mantengase alejado de las puertas” (please stand clear of the doors). But this one translates to “Please stand clear of my chocolate.” Awesome! This candy is a milk chocolate covered peanut.

Jessica Rabbit chocolate barAnother candy option was this one featuring Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” (wow, haven’t seen that classic in a long while!) It pokes fun at her infamous line, “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” These candy items are dark chocolate mint creams – I’m thinking something along the lines of a Peppermint Patty.

Dole Whip Tee ShirtNow, for those of you who need a new tee shirt to commemorate your trip – some of these are pretty cool. This one (above) pays an homage to that frosty tropical treat over at Magic Kingdom – the Dole Whip. This one costs $21.95 and it’s also available through DisneyStore.com. (I wish I could just eat the shirt!)

Turkey leg tee shirtThis turkey leg shirt – is one of two designs that I have seen for those triptophanatics (get what I did there – turkey has triptophan and fanatics…um…ok anyways…)

So, this one also is $21.95 and also available online through the Disney Store. Anyone else think the “nice and juicy” tagline is a little racy for Disney’s brand or is that just me?

Churro Tee ShirtThe final tee-shirt item for the theme park food lover is this one for the churro. It features a mariachi-band member holding one of the crunchy, cinnamon treats by his side. Again, this shirt is $21.95 and available online.

Cute as a cupcake onesieAnd finally, I bring you your cuteness factor for the day. This little onesie for the youngest foodie in your life is perfect! It features Minnie and reads: “Cute as a cupcake.” Oh…this one will be perfect for that little one someday in the future!

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Disney World, Food - General, Places - New England

Coke Freestyle Comes to Boston

When it comes to regular sodas I am a Pepsi girl all the way – ever since I was a little kid. But when it comes to diet sodas, I do enjoy the occasional Coke Zero every now and again.

Recently, a cool new product debuted in the Boston area at Kelly’s Roast Beef locations. The Coke Freestyle is a touch-screen soda fountain that was introduced by Coca-Cola in 2009.

From this beverage station you can enjoy more than 100 different flavors of Coke products from Diet Coke with lime flavoring or Dasani water with vanilla. You can also get obscure beverages that were only available in foreign markets like Orange Coke.

I first learned about the Coke Freestyle machines from a report on the Disney Food Blog.

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Cuisine - American, Disney, Disney World, Places - Boston

Earl of Sandwich coming to Boston Common

I was so excited to hear this news today! The Earl of Sandwich is coming to a Boston bathroom near you. Ok, that sounds a little gross. But, they will be cleaning it first.

The Earl of Sandwich is probably my favorite quick service stop at Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.  The chain of restaurants has locations all across the U.S. including Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas, Boston’s Logan International Airport and Detroit Metro Airport.

EOS uses artisan-baked bread that is some of the best around. The sandwiches are amazing! My personal fave is the Original 1762 – roast beef piled high with cheddar and a spicy horseradish sauce. It’s so good that on the last two trips to Disney I haven’t had a chance to snap a pic. (I promise I will on the upcoming trip in December!)

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Cuisine - Desserts, Places - Chicago

Destination Chicago: Ghirardelli

Ghirardelli entrance in ChciagoWhile it’s home really is San Francisco, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company does have a midwest location off Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago. This heavenly little shop exudes sweet smells that drift past Water Tower Place and direct you through its doors.

Under an iconic sign of bright lights (a smaller version of the one you can find in Ghirardelli Square in San Fran), Ghirardelli in Chicago is both a retail location and ice cream shoppe.

After dinner at Gino’s East and a stroll up Michigan Ave. on our recent weekend in Chi-Town, we decided to indulge our sweet tooth in a rich, hot fudge-covered treat from Ghirardelli.

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