Catalina Eddie’s Set to Reopen at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 1

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Catalina Eddie’s, a quick-service restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, has yet to reopen after the 2020 shutdown, but it appears that is about to change. According to the Walt Disney World website, the restaurant will be open this Sunday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This is the first we’ve heard of them coming back in many months, and we’re glad they’re returning now for the end of the summer. Are you going to visit Catalina Eddie’s when […]

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New Logo Revealed for The Muppets Studio

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“It’s time to play the music; it’s time to light the lights.” It’s time to debut the logo for The Muppet Studio tonight! (Well, today, but that didn’t work with the song.) The Muppets took to Twitter to show off a shiny new logo. Let’s take a look! “The Muppets Studio has gone through several logos over the years, but we didn’t feel that the current logo really represented who we are as a studio today and the direction we’re […]

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Get A Personalized Video From a Disney Character AND Support a Good Cause!

Disney has a long history of working with children’s hospitals! From special gowns to illustration classes, Disney strives to help children in need and bring a little bit of magic to the lives of sick children.

©Disney

Now, Disney is holding a brand new contest to benefit a good cause!

Disney, Cameo, and Starlight Children’s Foundation are collaborating to host a special contest! It’s a free-to-enter sweepstake to win a personalized message from Mickey, Minnie, or Goofy. For every entry, Disney will make a donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation to create specially designed hospital gowns for sick children.

©Disney x Cameo

The winner will receive their personalized message from either Mickey, Minnie, or Goofy courtesy of Cameo. Cameo is a website where people can pay for special messages from celebrities, athletes, and other notable people.

Topiaries of Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy from the 2020 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival

The contest ends on August 5th. To enter, fill out this form with your info, favorite Disney character, who the message is for, and what the message should say! If you win, you’ll receive your special message via email.

Click here to enter the contest!

We’re always keeping up with the latest Disney news! Stay tuned here for more.

Click here to read about all the Disney World attractions under construction this week!

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

What do you think of this contest? Will you enter? Let us know in the comments! 

The post Get A Personalized Video From a Disney Character AND Support a Good Cause! first appeared on the disney food blog.

REVIEW: Is Oga’s Cantina Still THE Place to Be in Disneyland?

Bright suns, travelers! We’re headed to a galaxy far, far away (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, to be exact) to check out one of the hottest spots in Disneyland! Once the parks opened after being closed for over 400 days, we just HAD to get to Oga’s Cantina for a cocktail (or two!).

Oga’s Cantina

Oga’s Cantina is located in Black Spire Outpost, the village on the planet Batuu where Star Wars: Galaxy’ Edge is set. In reality…it’s kinda tucked behind Frontierland in Disneyland proper. 😉 It’s famous for out-of-this-world concoctions and being one of the HARDEST reservations to snag in Disneyland (and Disney World too!). We snagged a reservation right after it reopened. Let’s see if this “wretched hive of scum and villainy” (sorry, wrong Star Wars Cantina!) still holds up!

Atmosphere

Galaxy’s Edge is ALL ABOUT the atmosphere — almost to the point of making it easy to get lost in the land! Storefronts, restaurants, and, yep, Oga’s are NOT clearly named out front. It adds to the theming, doncha know. 🙂 In reality, it means feeling a bit lost first time you visit looking for places to visit! To find this hopping spot, keep an eye out for the big arched entrance. (If you look closely, it spells out “CANTINA” in the arch!)

Oga’s Cantina

Better yet, keep an eye out for the line of folks waiting to get in! This place is easily one of if not THE hottest reservations in the park. Remember — that whole “drinking alcohol” thing was NEVER allowed in Disneyland for general guests…until Oga’s opened. Now This spot, along with select sit-down locations like Blue Bayou, sell alcohol inside only. If you’re itching to check out the space cantina of your childhood dreams or just looking to have a drink in Walt’s original park, this is the place to do it. All this to say: it’s crazy popular, so book EARLY. Oga’s is currently by reservation ONLY so plan ahead. 

Like other Disneyland reservations, you’ll use the Disneyland app to alert you’re here and then wait until you’re able to be seated (seated is a loose term here. You’ll see!). Once it’s time a Cast Member will escort you inside. Oga’s Cantina is located behind this inconspicuous looking door. From the outside, you would never guess a lively bar scene is waiting for you inside! (Ask the Cast Member to read you the “rules of the house” outside the door if you want a chuckle.)

Use the force to enter

Once inside, it’s like stepping into a Star Wars movie. It really feels like you could see Han Solo hanging out at a booth (and totally shooting Greedo first!) in here or other questionable space travellers bellied up at the bar.

The bar lights up!

Spinning the tunes at the Cantina is DJ R-3X, the former StarSpeeder 3000 pilot droid from Star Tours, who was then known as RX-24! He handed over his pilot’s license to C-3PO and is not spinning the otherworldly tunes in the bar! The droid definitely knows how to entertain and keep the party going, listen closely to hear what he says between songs! This music is seriously fun!!

This is the droid you’re looking for!

As for seating. Weeeell. It’s kinda one of Oga’s pitfalls. First, this place is small. It doesn’t hold a ton of guests at once, meaning you might share a table with another party. The part lots of guests don’t love though: you might have to stand the whole time.

See these folks? All standing.

The tables in the center of the walkway and many spots at the bar are standing only, so keep this in mind. In our experience, kids and mobility impaired guests tend to have a hard time standing up for 45 minutes! There ARE booths — and they’re actually quite nice to relax in.

Only the lucky few land here

The booths are pretty big and we usually see larger parties sat in these. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to relax in one of these! Standing or sitting, this place is truly unique, you can’t find anything like it anywhere else in the parks, it’s completely immersive!

Maybe we’ll catch a glimpse of Oga?

The bar itself is very much a character here as well. It’s loaded with Star Wars inside jokes and nods and even periodically can “act up” when that darn hyperdrive starts malfunctioning.

Can you tell which drink comes from where?

It can get kind of crowded in here and it is LOUD so be ready for that! If you’re looking for an intimate bar with some privacy, this is not the place for you! Another thing to note: guests are capped at a 45-minute visit here and a 2 alcoholic drink maximum per adult. 

Time to make some friends at your shared table!

But if you’re up for some otherworldly eats and drinks, Oga’s is ready for you.

Eats

Let’s take a look at the menu at Oga’s, starting with what’s most popular — the cocktails! Here’s a look at all the alcoholic drinks available at Oga’s right now. You will be given a QR code so you can view the menu on your phone.

Can you read what it says?

You can find things like the Fuzzy Tauntaun that will make your mouth go numb(!!!) or the Outer Rim which is like a delightfully fruity margarita. Note all the drinks here are really colorful and fun, but they are all pre-mixed. This means typically very SWEET and not that strong drinks from a tap. They’re still totally worth trying at least once though!

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If you don’t want to imbibe, or you’re underage, there are also a ton of non-alcoholic drinks like the Blue Bantha (which comes with a coconut butter cookie on top) or the tropical Jabba Juice!

©Disney

Oga’s also serves beer and seasonal concoctions that are made specially for the cantina, meaning you can’t find them anywhere else! You’ll notice some popular breweries contributed to these intergalactic brews, like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and New Belgium Brewing Co. The seasonal concoction right now is a Spice Runner Seasonal Hard Cider made by Angry Orchard Cider Co.

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There are also two wines available if you would rather partake with some grapes. Both of the wines come from Goldschmidt Vineyards in Sonoma, California, and one of them is BRIGHT blue! A few of the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks here are available in souvenir mugs as well. Your server will ask if you’d like to purchase just the drink or the mug. The only exception to this is the Rancor Tooth Beer Flight — the flight can only be purchased with the souvenir set.

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And there are a few food items on the menu for you to snack on. The Oga’s Obsession is kind of like jello in a petri dish with boba balls (the boozy version of this snack with similar flavors called the Rodian Ration is currently unavailable), the Batuu Bits are a dried snack mix, and the Happabore Sampler is similar to a charcuterie and cheese board.

©Disney

Alright, now let’s jump into the drinks like Han jumps into hyperspace! We started with the Bloody Rancor for $18. It’s made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur, Spicy Bloody Mary Mix, and a Rancor Bone on top!

Bloody Rancor

This is basically a Bloody Mary, so if you love those, then you will also love this drink! (alternatively, if cold boozy tomato soup isn’t your jam, then this isn’t the droid you’re looking for!) It had a nice spice to it and the Rancor Bone on top is made out of meringue. The sweet bone against the salty drink is a bit unique but it’s a really fun presentation.

Would you like a bone with your drink?

Next we had the Yub Nub cocktail. It costs $45. Yep, you read that right, $45!!! The price is so high because it usually comes in a souvenir Endor mug to take home.

Yub Nub

However, you can also ask for the drink to NOT be served in the souvenir mug, which we did! With no mug it only costs $16, which is way more reasonable!

The color is gorgeous!

This drink is made with Malibu Pineapple Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, Citrus Juices, and Passion Fruit. It was very fruity and something that a wide audience would probably enjoy. Like many of Oga’s drinks, it is VERY sweet though. The tropical flavors definitely make us want to sip this on a beach!

Yub Nub

We also had a snack while inside Oga’s — the Happabore Sampler! Ah yes, the infamous sampler that used to be a secret menu item. Disney World’s version is just plain weird, but thankfully the Disneyland sampler is waaay more normal looking now!

Happabore Sampler

The Happabore Sampler is $21 and came with 2 types of cured pork, 1 type of cured beef, two different cheeses, hummus dip with veggies, and rice crisps. 

Meats and cheeses are great bar snacks

The sampler was pretty good! We didn’t think any of the items were quite as unusual as they have been in the past. It did kind of look like we got less food though, so this could be considered slightly overpriced, but it wasn’t by much! The big ol’ cup of hummus and veggies was a welcome addition we enjoyed!

Some hummus and veggies to keep you healthy!

If you like charcuterie and cheese board situations, we think you would enjoy this sampler! It’s nice having something to munch on while you drink. Oga’s is definitely not the first place we’d head for food though. Unless you’re really looking for nibbles while you drink, we’d say save the calories for a Ronto Wrap outside!

Nosh or Not

Belly up to this space cantina if:

  • You’re a HUGE Star Wars fan and want to feel like you’re inside the movies. This is possibly the most must-do part of Galaxy’s Edge for many adults that LOVED the movies.
  • You want a fun, lively, and unique atmosphere to have a drink (since you can’t drink many spots in Disneyland!).
  • You’re really into themed cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else.

Hop on your speeder bike and leave if:

  • You’re a smaller party looking for a more intimate, quiet environment. This is most definitely NOT it.
  • People who want a guaranteed seat while they eat and drink.
  • Those watching their sugar. These drinks are mostly all sugar bombs, including the non-alcoholic ones. Low carb or sugar-free guests will struggle a bit here.

Overall

Overall, this place is still super fun! There are some drawbacks, like having to share tables with other parties or stand the whole time, but you’re not going to find a better-themed bar anywhere in Disneyland. If you want to be fully immersed in the Star Wars universe, you HAVE to make a trip to Oga’s! Just keep in mind that it’s more of an “experience” than a regular drinking or dining location. Don’t go in expecting a full meal, because that is not the intention of this place!

It is important to know that right now, Oga’s is enforcing their 2 round rule, meaning you can only order 2 drinks per person during your visit and it DOES include non-alcoholic drinks, so remember that when ordering! The service is usually amazing here and the Cast Members really stay in character to keep you immersed in the universe. In our experience, Cast Members are pros at subtly suggesting it’s time to tab out without making it awkward, too.

Oga’s is definitely on our must-do list. There’s simply nothing like it! The drinks are pricey and pre-made. And the food is kind of…well…weird. But the tunes are thumpin’ and the vibe in here is flat out FUN. If you’ve never been and think you would enjoy the experience, definitely check Oga’s Cantina out! We know we’ll be back, and we’ll let you know if we find anything new or exciting, so stay tuned to DFB for more!

Click here to see us compare the charcuterie boards at Oga’s Cantina! 

Do you like Oga’s Cantina? What’s your favorite drink?! Let us know in the comments!

The post REVIEW: Is Oga’s Cantina Still THE Place to Be in Disneyland? first appeared on the disney food blog.

DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Masks Return to Disney World & Disneyland, Star Wars Hotel Opening Season & MORE

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video covering all the latest Disney news!

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Masks are back in the Disney parks following updated CDC guidelines. The Star Wars hotel has an opening date and…blue shrimp? We’ve also got a behind-the-scenes look at EPCOT’s new fireworks and one of our favorite Magic Kingdom restaurants will reopen soon.

All the Disney parks news from the week is coming up right now!

 

By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode!

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So check out the video and then let us know: What are you the most excited to experience at the new Star Wars hotel?

The post DFB Video: Latest Disney News: Masks Return to Disney World & Disneyland, Star Wars Hotel Opening Season & MORE first appeared on the disney food blog.

‘Ohana Breakfast Review

‘Ohana is a restaurant at the Polynesian Village Resort located on Walt Disney World’s monorail loop with easy and convenient access to Magic Kingdom. In this WDW breakfast review, we’ll share photos of food, thoughts on morning menu, how this meal compares to other options, whether it’s worth the money, and more. Let’s start with […]

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REVIEW: New Chocolate Bundt Cake is Not Stellar at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café in Magic Kingdom

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A new addition to the menu at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café is this little chocolate Bundt cake with a purple icing drizzle. We stopped by to give it a try (and listen to Sonny Eclipse, of course). Chocolate Bundt Cake — $5.49 The purple icing is pretty, but there’s not enough to add any flavor. The cake itself is a little dry, and the small amount of icing did nothing to help that. It’s a decent dark chocolate cake with […]

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