There have been several food related news stories coming from the House of Mouse recently.
We all know of the continuing renovations at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. I won’t debate which side of these I am on. However, a couple of things you need to know if you are thinking about staying or eating here.
Everyone’s second favorite stop for the famous Dole Whip will be closing April 9th. Capt. Cook’s is going to be the first casualty of the renovations. According to my friend Steve at www.tikimanpages.com it should reopen in July. Although they are setting up a temporary location in “Cast Cove” they are not taking the self serve Dole Whip machine with them (I’ll give you a moment to wipe the tears). On a brighter note, coming to the everyday guest or visitor to the Poly, you will now be able to get the wonderful pineapple bread pudding from ‘Ohana at the Tambu Lounge. I think this is a small way to appease the angry tiki gods that inhabit the resort. This bread pudding that was once only available to the lucky few to get ADR’s at ‘Ohana is now available to everyone!
Another casualty of the carousel of progress at Walt Disney World will be Kouzzina by Cat Cora. This restaurant that was first installed at the Boardwalk in 2009. Cora and Disney released a joint statement about the closure. “After five successful years operating Kouzzina by Cat Cora, we have decided to move on to new opportunities,” it said. “We are very appreciative of the amazing Cast Members who made Kouzzina by Cat Cora such a popular destination. Our collaboration has been an incredible adventure and we are very proud of the restaurant we created and the experiences we provided to countless families who enjoyed everything Walt Disney World Resort has to offer. It is our hope to work together again in the future.” According to an internal memo at Disney a “new concept” restaurant will be put in it’s place. Kouzzina will close Spetember 30th. I guess the mouse beat the cat this time (rimshot).
On a sweeter note if you love IllumiNations at EPCOT then you have the chance to eat some great desserts and get a prime view of the show. The “IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party” is a ticketed event that is $49 per adult and $29 per child. This event is on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7:45-9:20pm. The event will showcase treats and drinks from around the world. According to www.Disdining.com here is what was on the menu:
- Baklava from Morocco
- Shortbread Cookies from the United Kingdom
- Chocolate Grand Marnier Vanilla Pot de Crème
- Tiramisu from Italy
- Flamed Churros from Mexico
- Fried Doughnuts sautéed in butter, brown sugar with Meyers Rum.
The cost of the event is pretty steep. Especially if you have a family of four or more. It is a nice way to cap off your night however. You can use a FastPass+ reservation for prime viewing for IllumiNations as well.
As things change around the different Disney parks and resorts, you need to research what is going on before you make your reservations. Disney does not always publicize renovations or refurbishments. Check back with The Affordable Mouse for all your Disney news and reports!
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Keith was born and raised in Northeast Ohio.He now lives with his wife a few miles from his childhood home. His first trip to the Magic Kingdom was at the age of two and while the only memories are in pictures, the magic laid dormant within him. Until he saw the animated movie Robin Hood, and his love began to grow. He has always had an interest in food and the togetherness it brings. He became a classically trained chef and all around foodie. His last trip to Disney World was in 2011 and he has been learning, researching, and keeping up on all things Disney since. He hopes to bring you all of the food news from the parks, tips on how to save money on food, and all the tastes and smells from the House of Mouse (especially when smell o vision is invented). You can follow Keith on Twitter @DarthChef79.
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