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Disney snacks

Photo Tour of “L’Artisan Des Glaces” Ice Cream Shop in Epcot’s France

29 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

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L'Artisan des Glaces The newest snack spot in Epcot’s World Showcase opened today over in the France pavilion. The much anticipated L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream and sorbet shop is now open and serving up 16 flavors of fun – ooh là là!

In the completely refurbished former patisserie area of France, L’Artisan des Glaces is set within a rustic, stone cottage building with turret (as before), but is open and airy inside, giving the feel of a country dairy shop. In fact, there are dairy touches throughout: milk bottles, milk canisters, even a milk bottle chandelier! The set up is different than before, with two registers allowing you to pay first, then choose a cup or a cone and pick your flavor.  You then move down the line to pick up your order.

The 16 flavors available at L’Artisan des Glaces are: Vanilla, Chocolate, Mint Chocolate, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Profiterole, Caramel fleur de sel (salted caramel), Cherry, Coco-White Chocolate, Coffee, and 6 sorbet flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Melon, Lemon, Pomegranate, and Mixed Berries. These flavors are made in-house and may change periodically – I’m hoping for fun seasonal options.

Unique to L’Artisan des Glaces is the adult-only sundae with liquor – 2 scoops of ice cream or sorbet served in a martini glass with a shot of Grand Marnier, Epic brand Whipped Cream Vodka, or Clement Rhum from Martinique for $11.50. One scoop of plain ice cream or sorbet is $3.99 while two scoops are $6.10 and are served in a waffle cone or a cup.

L'Artisan des Glaces

Here is a gallery of the new establishment, sure to be the popular place to be this summer and from now on! What flavor are you going to get first? I’m intrigued by the Profiterole, Hazelnut and Coco-White Chocolate! The sorbets will be so refreshing in the heat as well. Click to enlarge the photos and view as a slideshow:

L'Artisan des Glaces
New L’Artisan des Glaces sign
L'Artisan des Glaces
Also a new window and additional sign
L'Artisan des Glaces
The place is small, so anticipate a line this summer!
L'Artisan des Glaces
Pricing for ice cream and sorbet
L'Artisan des Glaces
L'Artisan des Glaces
Flavors to choose from
L'Artisan des Glaces
Make your choice!
L'Artisan des Glaces
Rustic decor
L'Artisan des Glaces
Papers for the waffle cones
L'Artisan des Glaces
Milk bottle chandelier is such a cute touch!
L'Artisan des Glaces
Milk bottle and canister displays
L'Artisan des Glaces
Scooping into a cup
L'Artisan des Glaces
L'Artisan des Glaces
L'Artisan des Glaces
Pick up sign
L'Artisan des Glaces
Merci!
L'Artisan des Glaces
Mademoiselle Rose is happy with her choice!

 

Huge thanks to Scott Otis for providing the photos and info in this post.

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney News, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney Dining, Disney snacks, Epcot, Epcot ice cream, France, France ice cream shop, France pavilion, French ice cream shop, ice cream, ice cream with liquor, L'Artisan des Glaces, sorbet, World Showcase

Reflections On Limited Time Magic

8 May 2013 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

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Limited Time Magic When “Limited Time Magic” was first announced back in October of 2012, it was met with great enthusiasm and high hopes. I know I was not alone in thinking of our distant sister parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea with their various seasonal themes, special merchandise, food, and shows. It also reminded me a bit of what makes Disneyland in California so magical, there are special things that happen throughout the year and then disappear, making them all the more special while they are around. I was truly excited that, as a local to Walt Disney World, we would get a taste of these kind of moments and make our 43 square miles feel a little bit smaller, a little more like the memories I had grown up with.

It’s not quite six months into 2013, and we, as Disney Park fans on the east and west coast of the United States, have been treated to quite a few doses of “Limited Time Magic.” Some, have been incredible successes, as judged by Disney social media fans and critics. Others, have gone by with little fanfare or appreciation. What sparked my desire to write this post was the most recent installment of Limited Time Magic: Disney’s Hollywood Studios “May the 4th Be With You” event, celebrating Star Wars Day as it has come to be known. This was, without a doubt, the greatest Limited Time Magic event to date, in my opinion. But why was this day such a success?

Well, let me first note that some of the past Limited Time Magic days have also been well-received; Long Lost Friends Week both at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland was lots of fun, True Love Week was also a unique experience, the Easter Week egg hunts were a great success as well. Other offerings of limited time merchandise, ear hats, t-shirts etc. may have been a fun addition, but certainly not to the extent that these other events have been. What’s the magic formula? And more importantly, what can Disney DO with these experiences to improve future park experiences for guests?

True Love Week I think the most important key to these Limited Time Magic successes is this: community. Sure, you can bond with other folks in line for a t-shirt or a pin that you have to collect, but what better way to feel a part of the Disney community than dancing down a walkway with your favorite character, or standing in a group of fellow fans as you ooh and ahh to fireworks created especially for you? I arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the late afternoon on May 4th, but I still felt instantly a part of the special community. We all had on our Star Wars t-shirts, with smiles on our faces as a legion of Stormtroopers marched down Hollywood Blvd, or Chewbacca stood in line for Star Tours with the rest of us. A dance party is fun, but a dance party with a DJ playing real hits, where Chewie and Greedo dance in the crowds? Amazing. We all felt a part of this wonderful Disney-Star Wars family, and as a local that may or may not experience burn-out visiting the parks so frequently, it was wonderful to have something new going on that brought us all together.

In my personal opinion, I think something like May the 4th is 10 times more successful than Long Lost Friends Week, where guests may have been excited to see old characters, but really it created long lines and offered little more than a photo op and a souvenir autograph card. Fun, but not amazing. The special Limited Time Magic songs that have been created for Long Lost Friends Week and True Love Week were nice, but seemed a bit forced vs. just letting the experiences speak for themselves. Would these weeks that involve character meet and greets work if the characters were just roaming the parks as they did on May the 4th? I’m not sure, certainly I’m no expert in park logistics, but why not give it a try? I think guests would be surprised and delighted by the experience. Part of what made the Easter Week egg hunts so fun is the community aspect of interactivity. Groups of folks were all searching for the same things, finding fellow guests along the way to share experiences with. Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt?

Limited Time Magic strawberry cupcake Other parts to the Limited Time Magic offerings have been special food items, which, on their own, may not be too exciting, but when combined with enough other activities to make it part of the fun, can be a great addition. I dined at Kona Cafe a few weeks ago and saw the little cupcake with the smiling strawberry. I had been out of the Limited Time Magic Loop and had no idea this was a “Limited Time Cupcake“, but I thought it was adorable and unique and it made me smile. THAT’s the kind of little, un-looked-for magic that takes me back to the Walt Disney World I grew up loving – proving that it doesn’t have to be a huge character line-up or special show to make a difference.

Which brings me to my next point, what can Disney DO with all of these experiences? Will they end after this year is up? Will we never see a “Long Lost Friend” again now that that week is over? Will Disney stop creating unique new dessert or dining options because this campaign has ended? I certainly don’t think so on the food side of things. Disney fans are so on top of any new cupcakes or other desserts that come out and I think that will always be a way to excite guests and create buzz. But what about the rest of the park experiences?

Seeing fireworks over Disney’s Hollywood Studios was in a word, spectacular. The Star Wars music and amazing fireworks were the perfect mix. They put a smile on my face and made me proud to be a part of this Disney community, experiencing this special event first-hand. Would they be less special if those fireworks happened every Star Wars Weekend? I don’t think so. I’d definitely stay in the park later, and more than likely spend more money on food, drinks, or merchandise because the park was open later. And after seeing those fireworks, I would most assuredly make a special trip back to see them again. I’ve missed Sorcery in the Sky and I think a fireworks display is just what that park needs. Every other weekend? Once a month? I’ll take it!

Symphony in the Stars Fireworks

These are the moments that make great vacations. These are the moments that create memories and cause little kids and grown-ups alike to go back home and spread the gospel of Disney out amongst their friends and family. I can just picture it now, a little boy or girl saying to their friends, “And then, a Stormtrooper walked right by me and stopped and we battled with his blaster and my light saber!” (or a grown up telling his or her friends the same thing 😉 ) Is that memory not so much more powerful than “and then we stood in line and got a photo with the three little pigs.”? Sure, that photo may be a treasured memory, but the former experience was an active memory rather than a passive one, which put the guest in the middle of the story. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t staged. It was a spontaneous moment and exactly what makes Disney so magical.

My hope is that Disney takes these Limited Time successes and translates them into changes across the parks. Spontaneous character interactions should be the norm, not a one-time experience. Getting the community to rally around a show or fireworks IS possible if it’s done right.

Seeing the Dapper Dans sing boy band songs, while amusing, isn’t something that will create memories that last a lifetime. In fact, if such a big deal hadn’t been made of the Dapper Dans singing boy band hits prior to that week, it probably would’ve had a much bigger impact. I could see a much bigger buzz having formed around a spontaneous rendition of “Bye, Bye, Bye,” with viral video happening and social media channels reposting all over the place. But knowing it was coming, it was just like, “Oh, ok. Cute.” At least that’s how I saw it.

Having a new set of ear hats, while cool and fun, isn’t what will form the moments that make lifelong Disney fans and guests. Keep ’em coming, the designs are great. But don’t call them “Limited Time Magic” when we all know they are just new merchandise for us to buy. (And don’t get me wrong, I LOVE merchandise. It’s where I got my start with Disney, selling merchandise on Main Street, U.S.A. – and some of the new t-shirt and other designs have been absolutely fantastic lately. But keep it separate from something that’s meant to create excitement about the parks themselves.) Keep the “magic” alive by not watering it down with experiences that happen every day anyway. Characters roaming through a park without a line to stand in? Magic. Fireworks in a park that never sees them? Magic.

Disney Parks 24 Hours Disney has had some incredible successes lately from the food booths at the Flower & Garden Festival, to New Fantasyland, to the promise of a new parade at Magic Kingdom. The most successful Limited Time Magic events have been those that truly create magical moments, instigate buzz, and make lifetime memories with guests. The kind of thing where you can say “I was there for…” such as the next major Limited Time Magic event – Disney Parks on both coasts being open 24 hours. I was there for the One More Disney Day event, and it was a unique experience like no other. May 24th is right around the corner and I know I’ll be at the Magic Kingdom all 24 hours.

I know Disney has it in them to translate these limited moments into future guest experiences that create lifelong Disney fans and supporters. I hope the decision-makers take a look at what the response has been and work on ways to make Limited Time Magic a little less limited and a little more magical. I had such a wonderful time at the May the 4th event, it made me super excited for Star Wars Weekends, but I hope some of that intimate, community feel of May the 4th can translate into not only Star Wars Weekends, but the rest of the parks as well.

What are your thoughts? What have your favorite Limited Time Magic moments been and what would you most like to see in the future?

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Filed Under: Commentary Land, Disney Special Events, Top Stories, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Dapper Dans, Disney desserts, Disney future, disney park, Disney parks, Disney Parks 24 Hours, Disney past, Disney snacks, Disney thoughts, Disneyland, disneyland park, Ear hats, Easter Week, hollywood studios, limited time, limited time magic, Limited Time Magic merchandise, Long Lost Friends Week, Magic Kingdom, magical memories, May the 4th, May the 4th Be With You, One More Disney Day, opinion piece, seasonal themes, Star Wars Weekends, tokyo disney resort, Tokyo Disneyland, True Love Week, Walt Disney World

Adorable Easter Treats and Gifts at Walt Disney World

14 April 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

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A couple of weekends ago we wandered in to the Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Confectionery and discovered these sweet Easter treats. I’m kind of hoping the Easter Bunny stops here before visiting my house!

 

Easter rice crispie treats at Disney
Look at these cute bunny rice crispie treats!

 

Easter cupcakes at Disney
Delicious-looking Easter cupcakes and cookies at Disney

 

In addition to the edible goodies, Easter Bunny Duffy was hanging out, along with these cute Mickey and Minnie plush, dressed in chick costumes, inside a zippered egg. Really cute! Those pretty Spring colored glass Mickey plates were hard to resist too!

 

Easter Duffy and Mickey and Minnie plush
Easter Duffy $30, and Mickey and Minnie plush "Eggs" $11.95/ea

Has anyone tried any of those yummy cupcakes or cookies?? They almost look too cute to eat! Almost. If you plan to be in Walt Disney World for Easter, check out these Disney Easter dining options too.

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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Disney Merchandise, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Disney cookies, Disney cupcakes, Disney holidays, Disney Merchandise, Disney plush, Disney rice crispie treats, Disney snacks, Disney treats, Duffy the Disney Bear, easter, Easter cookies, Easter cupcakes, Easter Duffy, Mickey and Minnie plush, Spring

The Great Dole Whip Controversy

4 September 2009 by Suzannah Otis 58 Comments

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If you have been to the Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom, you have no doubt seen a curious queue of people as you cross the bridge to Adventureland. What could so many people be waiting in line for? Is it a Princess or Mickey waiting to take pictures and sign autographs? Are they giving away nights in Cinderella’s Royal Suite? (I wish!) No, they are all waiting for the delicious treat known to all Disney park fans as Dole Whip.

Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom
Aloha Isle in Magic Kingdom

The Aloha Isle counter serves this heavenly pineapple soft-serve creation, which visitors with dairy issues enjoy because it is virtually dairy free. I am not ashamed to admit I have made a specific trip to the Magic Kingdom for a Dole Whip – and nothing else (one of the perks of living close to Disney World). Part of the draw for this mouthwatering creation is the fact that is available in only 3 locations in all of the world – Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and the state of Hawaii. [See comments below for where readers have found Dole Whip in their neighborhoods!]

Fans of Dole Whip have started countless pages on the internet devoted to recreating this unique recipe. This is not easy to do since the real Dole Whip does not contain milk so it’s never going to be ‘just right’. There are also places that sell the dry mix to make in commercial ice cream machines, but if I could make it at home any time, I think some of that specialness would wear off. Part of what makes it so magical is where you get to enjoy it.

Dole Whip Float
Dole Whip Floats with pineapple juice

Now – the controversial part! For the record, you don’t have to get pineapple Dole Whip at Aloha Isle – also available are orange (like an orange sherbet), vanilla, chocolate or swirl soft serve, or a root beer or coke float. A pineapple float with Dole pineapple juice and Dole Whip on top is another popular choice. But the real question is – How do you take your Dole Whip? PLAIN pineapple Dole Whip – or SWIRL with vanilla and pineapple Dole Whip together?? You’ll find people defend their choices quite strongly if you ask around.

Personally, I have always been and will always be a SWIRL girl. The tart and tangy pineapple mixes perfectly with the sweetness of the vanilla. Mmmmm. What’s funny is last time we had a Dole Whip with our friends from California, the husbands stood in a very long line in the intense heat to get our whole group of 6 Dole Whips. When my husband came over with mine, I took a few bites and thought “Hmm, something’s off here…” I asked if he was sure he got a swirl and he said yes, that’s what he asked for. I tried again but it just wasn’t right. I looked and noticed the other cups of Dole Whip had the signature yellow and white swirl going on. My sainted husband went back up and the gracious cast member, Bob from Chicago kindly made me a new one. Sweet perfection!! So yes, I feel a bit strongly too, I simply cannot be a plain pineapple person – I must have the swirl! That is not to say pineapple doesn’t taste good on it’s own, but that the vanilla just makes it so much better.

So what are you? A Pineapple Person or a Pineapple-Vanilla Swirl person? Share your vote – or better yet a picture of you or your family enjoying your favorite choice and I will update the entry with your photos and votes. If you have not yet had the pleasure of experience the wonders of Dole Whip, make sure you add it to your bucket list – you won’t regret it!

Delicious Dole Whip
Delicious Dole Whip is waiting for you!

 

UPDATE: If Pineapple or orange sherbet-like flavors aren’t your thing, the Sunshine Tree Terrace has brought back Citrus Swirls, not to be confused with the orange available at Aloha Isle, the Citrus Swirl features tart frozen orange juice – much more of a slushy consistency, and vanilla soft serve ice cream. It’s available in a cup OR a cone, too! It took me a few tries to like it over the sweeter offerings at Aloha Isle, but it is now my preferred frozen snack in Adventureland. Sometimes the machines can be a bit cranky, but if you’re lucky you can enjoy this delicious treat and visit the Orange Bird while you’re at it!

Citrus Swirl
Citrust Swirl at Sunshine Tree Terrace with the Orange Bird
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Filed Under: Disney Dining, Reviews, Walt Disney World Tagged With: Aloha Isle, Citrus Swirls, Disney, Disney Dining, Disney ice cream, Disney snacks, Dole Whip, Dole Whip float, frozen snacks, ice cream, Magic Kingdom, Reviews

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