As many of you likely know, The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort closed back in July for a complete overhaul and name change. The new restaurant, Steakhouse 71, is set to reopen on Friday, October 1st in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World.

Today, as part of a hosted media event, we were able to see inside the restaurant in all of its new glory and thought we’d share our thoughts with all of you.

First, as you can see in the image above, the blue entry “tunnel” is no longer. A far more sophisticated entryway now welcomes guests and invites them to enjoy some artwork that features not only Walt Disney himself, but images from some of the very early stages of Walt Disney World.

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As you make your way into the restaurant, you’ll see that what was once commonly referred to as the “blue room” now has more of a mid-century vibe similar to some of the seating areas in the Resort’s lobby. Who else LOVES that lighting?

Below is a look at the newly redone lounge area.

When I first saw the inside of the restaurant, it felt rather cafeteria-like to me but it’s already growing on me a bit more now. It definitely gives off a retro vibe.

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I have to say that I’m in love with this new Mary Blair artwork lining one of the walls inside the restaurant! I can’t get enough of her pieces and this ties in beautifully with the new décor from the lobby.

What are your thoughts on the new look? I know we still don’t have windows, but fans of the Bacon & Eggs appetizer will be thrilled to know that it’s indeed back!

The pre-show of Muppet*Vision 3D at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been updated to include content from the upcoming “Muppets Haunted Mansion” special, which will debut on Disney+ on October 8. Banners for “Muppets Haunted Mansion” are now hanging in the courtyard outside the attraction. Inside, the screens show the “Muppets Haunted Mansion” logo before the pre-show begins. The background of the video looks like the purple wallpaper from The Haunted Mansion, but a closer look will reveal Muppet characters in […]

The post PHOTOS, VIDEO: “Muppets Haunted Mansion” Pre-Show Debuts at MuppetVision 3D in Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on WDW News Today.

Disney World’s 50th anniversary kicks off in less than 24 hours!!

We are SO excited to take in all of the celebrations, from the food to the fireworks. It seems like every day we see something new around Disney that has been decked out with 50th decorations, or gotten a whole new look! And today, we spotted another item that has gotten a makeover!

Check out the new water cups in Disney World!

We know, we know — water cups aren’t the most exciting thing in the parks, but this new 50th anniversary design with the 4 park icons is so fun!

We first spotted the cup while getting water at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom. Remember, cups of water are FREE in Disney World!

So, the next time you’re fueling up on H2o in the parks, take a look at the new cups, because they’re a unique little token to have from the 50th.

We’re keeping up with ALL of the things happening in Disney World for the big celebration, so stay tuned to DFB for more!

Click here to see all the FOOD coming to Disney World for the 50th

Have you seen these new cups in Disney World yet? Let us know in the comments!

The post PHOTOS: A Small (But Important) Disney Item Just Got a 50th Anniversary Makeover! first appeared on the disney food blog.

Steakhouse 71 is a new restaurant opening at Disney’s Contemporary Resort on October 1st.

We’ve taken a look at the menu, prices, and even seen some of the food that will be served there. Now, as part of a special media event, we’re finally going in to see the lounge and dining room and try out the food! Come along with us, and check out the new Steakhouse 71.

When you enter the restaurant, you’ll find the modern-looking check-in desk right at the front. There’s a large glass wall behind it, with a wavy pattern etched in the glass. Maybe a nod to The Wave…of American Flavors restaurant that used to be in this space?

There’s a waiting area next to the check-in desk, with comfortable-looking couches and chairs.

Once you’ve checked in, you can wait to be called back either here or in the lounge area behind the glass.

The light fixtures in this restaurant definitely give us 70s vibes (since the restaurant is inspired by Disney World’s opening year), but they have a very elegant design.

The lounge area is behind the check-in desk.

You don’t need reservations to come here, and you can even enjoy a cocktail or some bites while you wait for your table to be ready inside the restaurant.

The Lounge is a three-sided bar with TVs overhead and comfy chairs all around.

We passed through it into the dining room, which has more of the 70s style design.

There are options for round tables…

…square tables…

…or booths in the dining room.

The tables are set simply with black folded napkins, forks, knives, and votive candles. The carpet has a modern (and slightly dizzying if you look at it too long) geometric pattern with teals and whites.

On the walls, you can see modern-style art with a Disney World theme, including paintings inspired by EPCOT…

…and the Magic Kingdom.

The geometric shapes form iconic Disney landmarks, like the Cinderella Castle and the Walt Disney World train. Look closely at the train…

…and you can spot a hidden Mickey design on it!

Other artwork included paintings that depicted Tomorrowland attractions from the Magic Kingdom.

There was art with a Space Mountain theme…

…and some depicting the PeopleMover and Tomorrowland Speedway cars.

We headed through the dining room to our table…

…and took a look at the menu.

The media event was for lunch at Steakhouse 71. On the menu, we found non-alcoholic specialty drinks, specialty cocktails, and draft beer options.

For lunch, there were several appetizers and entrées to choose from.

We started out with some drinks, including the Vodka Gimlet, which is Tito’s Vodka, green chartreuse, seedlip garden, lime juice, simple syrup, and Minute Maid Premium lemonade.

Trying the Vodka Gimlet(media event) pic.twitter.com/BrAcKcDsBJ

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

We also tried the Raspberry Gin Sour, which is made from Tanqueray No Ten Gin, lemon juice, and raspberry sage syrup.

Raspberry Gin Sour(Tanqueray, lemon juice, raspberry, and sage syrup)

Media Event pic.twitter.com/RBzXOiyZ83

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

We also grabbed the Tequila Sunrise Shared Cocktail, which is Herradura Reposado Tequila, POG juice, rosemary simple syrup, and house-made grenadine. 

Finally, we tried the Fig Manhattan, which has Monkey Shoulder Blended Scotch, Cointreau Noir, fig simple syrup, and orange bitters.

Off the non-alcoholic specialty drinks menu, we tried the Cold Brew & Tonic, which is Joffrey’s coffee cold brew, maple, vanilla syrup, and tonic water.

Before our appetizers, we got a breadboard with two huge rolls…

Oh. We’re ready. (media event) pic.twitter.com/c8MqtIoHqO

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

…and some amazing themed butter!

Off the appetizers menu, we tried the French Onion Soup.

The soup was rich beef broth, croutons, and Gratinée Cheese.

Cheeeeeseeee (#Steakhouse71 media event) pic.twitter.com/NLPiVTJEUA

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

We also tried the Bacon and Eggs, which was a classic from the Wave restaurant that used to be here as well.

The dish has maple-lacquered pork belly, smoked cheese grits, and a perfect egg.

Bacon & Eggs at Steakhouse 71 (media event) pic.twitter.com/f8mSjWShMY

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

We needed a little something healthy too, so we tried the Fork and Knife Caesar Salad, which has Caesar dressing, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.

Finally, we got the Steakhouse 71 Onion Rings, which are hand-breaded with a spicy Ranch dipping sauce.

Think we’ve had enough food yet? We haven’t even looked at the entrées yet!

Appetizers at Steakhouse 71! (media event) pic.twitter.com/0SV1Ht61dj

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

For our entrées, we tried the Gourmet Grilled Cheese, which is toasted Brioche bread, Gruyère cheese, smoked Gouda, shredded pork belly, caramelized onion jam, and arugula.

It’s served with your choice of a petite wedge salad, Parmesan fries, or pasta salad.

Next up was the Steakhouse 71 Stack Burger, which is a signature blend of beef, American cheese, lemon aïoli, red onion, and house-made pickles on a brioche bun. It’s served with a choice of a petite wedge salad, Parmesan fries, or pasta salad.

We also tried the Steak “Frites,” which is Hangar steak, garlic-Parmesan waffle fries, with chimichurri and truffle aïoli sauces.

We checked out the Crab Cake Sliders next, which have lump crab cakes, Old Bay Rémoulade, tomato, and pickled slaw on a brioche bun.

These are also served with a choice of a petite wedge salad, Parmesan fries, or a pasta salad.

Up next was the Prime Rib Sandwich, which is shaved prime rib, caramelized onions, herb aïoli, Provolone cheese, arugula, and horseradish cream. These are also served with a choice of a petite wedge salad, Parmesan fries, or pasta salad.

The last entree we tried was the Vegetable “Wellington.”

Plant-Based Wellington (media event) pic.twitter.com/ZRm6Qk7VSK

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

 

This dish has mushroom duxelles and fire-roasted artichokes wrapped in puff pastry, with Romesco and brussels sprouts.

What a lunch!!

Lunch! Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Steak Frites, Crab Cake Sliders, and the Prime Rib Sandwich. (#DisneyWorld media event) pic.twitter.com/LiRTg9JKAp

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

Of course, we couldn’t leave without dessert, though! Here’s a look at the menu.

We tried one of each! The Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake is fifteen layers of whiskey-infused chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, garnished with raspberries.

It’s a massive slice of cake, and you can definitely share it around the table.

Steakhouse 71 Chocolate Cake. Whiskey infused Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Raspberries, and edible gold (#DisneyWorld media event) pic.twitter.com/oHbpkDj3g1

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

Next, we tried the Crème Brûlée, which is vanilla- and chocolate-layered crème brûlée topped with fresh berries and chantilly cream.

The Ambrosia dessert is a coconut chiffon cake, topped with mandarin curd and compressed pineapple.

And last but not least is the Apple Tart Tatin, which is caramelized Granny Smith apples on top of puff pastry, served with blackberry gelato.

And that wraps up our meal at Steakhouse 71! You can make reservations now, and the restaurant officially opens on October 1st at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. We will be back with a full lunch review today!!! So stay tuned. Keep following DFB, because we’ll let you know about all the Disney World updates throughout the 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Click Here to Check Out the Menu at the Steakhouse 71 Lounge

Which item would you try first at Steakhouse 71? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Steakhouse 71. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ

The post PHOTOS: We’re Taking You INSIDE Steakhouse 71 Before It Officially Opens in Disney World first appeared on the disney food blog.

We’ve had watermelon Dole Whip in a variety of ways in Disney World.

We’ve tried the Minnie Dole Whip Watermelon Cup, we snagged a cup of watermelon Dole Whip on its own, and we even got it in the form of a parfait earlier this year. Unfortunately, our experiences with watermelon Dole Whip in its many forms have been…less than great. We’ve felt like the flavoring has either been too artificial or hasn’t even tasted like watermelon at all (talk about an identity crisis!). So, when we heard that watermelon Dole Whip was available in the form of a martini at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, we just HAD to give it a try to see if anything could save this snack!

Today, we made our way over to the Barefoot Pool Bar to grab the NEW Frozen Watermelon Dole Whip Martini!

NEW Frozen Watermelon DOLE Whip Martini from Barefoot Pool Bar! (Tastes like a watermelon Jolly Rancher!) pic.twitter.com/zpTOTbaH7b

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) September 30, 2021

At the time we visited, there wasn’t a sign for the drink, so you’ll have to be real “in the know” to order this one! The Cast Member indicated that the drink features Grey Goose Vodka with watermelon Dole Whip and green watermelon sugar crystals.

Would this feature the light, refreshing flavor of real watermelon? Unfortunately, the answer to that was “no.” We didn’t really get the bubblegum flavors we had gotten with watermelon Dole Whip in the past. But, overall the drink was VERY sweet and tasted like you were essentially drinking a watermelon Jolly Rancher.

The green crystals on the rim of the drink were watermelon flavored but were slightly sour. That offered a nice contrast to the sweet, frozen drink, which was nice. Even though the drink utilizes Grey Goose Vodka, that was heavily weighed down by the sweetness of the Dole Whip. At a hotel like the Polynesian, where you can get a multitude of refreshing, tropical drinks or tasty Dole Whip creations, we wouldn’t necessarily put this at the top of your priority list.

The drink is priced at $17, which is pretty hefty. For $17, we would have loved to have seen real chunks of watermelon incorporated into the drink somehow, or some other unique element. We get that the watermelon Dole Whip is meant to be the star here, but the artificial flavor just wasn’t quite what we had hoped for.

If you’re a fan of watermelon CANDY (note: watermelon CANDY, not real watermelon), you’ll probably love this drink! Also, if you enjoy getting really sweet drinks where you can’t really taste any alcohol, then this might be a good choice for you.

If you like drinks that aren’t as sweet or want something that tastes more natural (and not quite as artificial), then you might want to grab something else to drink.

If you do grab this treat, keep in mind that it melts within seconds of getting it, so you might not want to wait too long to sip on this one! We’ll keep an eye out for more Dole Whip creations and let you know what we find. Stay tuned for more Disney news and reviews.

Click here to see a full list of all of the treats coming to Disney World for the 50th Anniversary!

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Would you get this drink? Tell us in the comments!

The post Review: Ever Wanted to DRINK a Watermelon Jolly Rancher? Disney World’s New Creation is For You first appeared on the disney food blog.