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Dining

Review: Thanksgiving at Aulani’s Makahiki Buffet

I was fortunate to spend Thanksgiving day this year at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa on Oahu with family and friends. Though we were staying on the other side of the island, we couldn’t resist the chance to make the drive to Ko Olina to check out Disney’s newest resort and enjoy a Hawaiian Thanksgiving sprinkled with Disney magic. First impression of Aulani: spectacular! The food, well, that’s another story…

Aulani offered a special Thanksgiving event with entertainment and character appearances ($85 per adult and $73 per child – ouch!). Our party, a mix of adults and kids, opted instead for the buffet dinner at Makahiki, which at $40 for adults and $20 per child is reasonably priced as Hawai’i resort dining goes, and we figured it would offer something to suit everyone’s taste.

I had high hopes for the Makahiki buffet, a spacious area with subtle and soothing tropical decor that opens to a sunny patio. But truth be told, the food was predictable, not much was memorable or worth seconds, (but luckily there was plenty to try!).

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Disneyland’s Napa Rose Sommelier Talks Wine

Disney takes its wines seriously. There are over 500 trained sommeliers at Disney’s parks, resorts, and cruise ships. With a significant number of Master Sommeliers leading the cast. In this month’s “Every Role a Starring Role” video they’re highlighting the role of the Disneyland Resort… Read More »Disneyland’s Napa Rose Sommelier Talks Wine

Look at New Dish That Graces Remy On Board Disney Dream

Remy an upscale restaurant experience on board the Disney Dream has updated its menus and released a new video with Chef Scott Hunnel showcasing one of the new items – Tomato Ratatouille. Seems an appropriate dish given the restaurants provenance.

Disney Dining on a Budget

Let’s face it – in WDW, you’re constantly surrounded by food. At every turn, a popcorn vendor. Around every corner, a turkey leg just begging to be chewed on. And every breeze carries with it the delicious smells coming from a nearby restaurant. Of course,… Read More »Disney Dining on a Budget

Disney World adds fee to Prime Dining Reservations

Planning to visit Walt Disney World in the next 6 months? You might want to make you dining reservations today. As of October 26th Disney will roll out an adjustment to their restaurant reservation policy by adding cancellation fees for certain popular restaurants. At the… Read More »Disney World adds fee to Prime Dining Reservations

Gluten-Free Options at 2011 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival

My wife is back from her second trip to the EPCOT Food & Wine festival. That’s two more than me, so I’m pretty jealous. She keeps gluten-free due to allergies, and while the regular Disney dining is very accommodating, every year at the festival is a bit of a challenge.

Last year some one provided a great list of which foods were Gluten-Free, so we tried to find that again this year. Alas, Disney was playing coy, and our mileage varied when we asked the festival managers.

We were finally able to get a couple cooperative chefs. Combine that with my wife’s detective work and here is the final list. Please remember to ask for a Chef at each booth so they are aware of your allergy needs.

Australia: Shrimp on the Barbie, Grilled Lamp Chop
Brazil: Seared Mahi Mahi (hold the sauce)
Argentina: Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce (my wife’s favorite)
Caribbean: Ropa Vieja (hold the mango salsa)
South Korea: Lettuce Wrap with Roast Pork and Kimchi Slaw
Cheese: Cheese Plate
Germany: Goulash Soup
Hops & Barley: Linda Bean’s Lobster Claw Cuddler
Singapore: Beef Rendang
New Zealand: Seared Sea Scallop with Jumar-Red Curry
Portugal: Linguica Sausage, Calmari Salad
Ireland: Warm Choclate Lava Cake (is flourless)
Canada: Chicken Chipotle Sausage with Sweet Corn Polenta

It would be very nice if Disney would provide this list before the festival begins, instead of us having to compile it on our own.

Lots of photos below the jump:

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Aulani Reviews Coming In

A few more reviews for Disney’s Hawaiian resort are trickling in. Most note how Disney has emphasized telling the story of Hawaii over traditional Disney touches, but I would argue that storytelling is the quintessential Disney touch. So I’m glad to see they chose that… Read More »Aulani Reviews Coming In

How to eat on the cheap at Disneyland

Locals who visit Disneyland all the time, already know most of best places to buy affordable eats at the resort. But economy-minded vacationers might want to consult this list featuring a long menu of delicious items all for under $10. There’s lots more than popcorn, hot… Read More »How to eat on the cheap at Disneyland