The Undefeated has announced that David Dennis Jr. has joined as a full-time senior writer to cover music. What’s Happening: David Dennis Jr. has joined ESPN’s The Undefeated as a senior writer covering music. Dennis, a freelance journalist based in Atlanta, Ga. has been a frequent contributor to The Undefeated prior to the announcement and […]
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Disneyland Resort is finally open after over 400 days of being closed, which means the return of some of our favorite eats!
We’re back!
One of those places is Cafe Orleans in Disneyland, known for its absolutely ICONIC Monte Cristo Sandwich and delicious Pommes Frites! The location has historical significance, as it’s been at Disneyland since New Orleans Square opened in the park in 1966! It was first called Creole Café and still hosts the original espresso machine that brewed up drinks for Walt Disney himself! Let’s see how this favorite spot is holding up!
This French Quarter restaurant is one of our absolute favorite places to eat on property, so of course we had to visit now that the parks are open! As Cafe Orleans is one of only two restaurants in Disneyland to offer seated dining right now (the other being River Belle Terrace in Frontierland), we figured it will be pretty popular!
We knew that the menu was not the same as before the pandemic, so before you decide to eat at Cafe Orleans, we need to give you a heads up so you can avoid any disappointment! But there are still some delicious eats on the menu, and we’re here to tell you all about them! Head on down to New Orleans Square with us to check it out!
Cafe Orleans has a small, charming vibe to it, but it definitely has a whole lot of character!
A lovely themed sign!
Right now, most of the dining is in the outdoor patio space, there’s actually only room inside for about one or two parties, so you’ll most likely be sitting outside!
Those blue umbrellas really pop!
But sitting out on the patio shouldn’t be much of a problem, as it’s completely shaded, which makes it an ideal spot to escape the heat!
We’re happy to be in the shade!
As you can see, the theming of the decor is BLUE. The blue seat cushions coordinate with the striped blue umbrellas at every table to give the cafe a breezy, springtime feel!
Simple but pretty design
This patio is definitely one of our favs in the park!
If you couldn’t tell by the name, Cafe Orleans serves casual Cajun and Creole cuisine (try saying that 5 times fast!).
New Orleans Square at Disneyland
Since Cafe Orleans reopened, they’ve been operating with a limited menu. Our beloved Mickey Beignets are GONE! But don’t fret, you can thankfully still grab them over at the Mint Julep Bar (phew!).
Mickey Beignets
The limited menu is VERY small! So if you or your family need somewhere with a lot of variety, this is probably not the place for you right now!
Luckily, these few items are some of our absolute favorites, so we were happy to stop in for food at the cafe! At your table, you’ll be given a QR code to scan so you can view the menu on your phone.
QR codes for the menu!
You can also scan the QR code at the front entrance of the restaurant to see what’s on the menu!
Scan this before going into the restaurant!
For drinks, there are typical fountain drinks along with a few specialty items like the ever so popular Mint Julep! You can also get hot coffee and tea.
Drink up!
Moving on to appetizers, there’s only two options available, the La Salade de Maison for $6 and a cup of the Seasonal Soup for $7.
That’s it?!
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room, the fan-favorite Pommes Frites are no longer on the menu as an appetizer (GASP!). People are NOT going to be happy about that — the fries were such a great starter to share with your group! It seemed like a tradition for many Disneylanders to share a Monte Cristo, with its 4 hefty fried pieces, and an order of fries. Not anymore.
Cafe Orleans Old Pommes Frites
BUT, the famous frites are not completely off the menu, they do come automatically as a side with both Monte Cristo Sandwiches (there are other changes happening with the sammie we’ll get to in a sec!). You can also sub the Pommes Frites as a side for the Bourbon Street Chicken for NO additional cost!
There are 4 entrees available: Shrimp and Grits for $23, the Bourbon Street Chicken for $21, the Monte Cristo Sandwich for $21, and the Three-Cheese Monte Cristo for $21.
Still some great options!
If you’re looking for some options for your kiddos, there are three things available. The Chef’s Chicken Specialty for $10, Mickey’s Cheesy Macaroni for $9, and Shrimp and Grits for $12. Each kids’ entree comes with a choice of two sides – vegetable crudités, seasonal vegetables, seasonal fruit, jasmine rice, and cheese grits.
Kids menu
We ordered the Minute Maid Lite Pomegranate Lemonade for $4.50. We also got a water because it’s hot out here and we have to stay hydrated!
Such a fun color!
The Pomegranate Lemonade was nothing too special, but it was very tasty! It’s a super refreshing pick me up for those 90 degree days!
Water with everything, please!
Up first, we just HAD to start with the legendary Monte Cristo sandwich, we’ve missed it so much! But, the sandwich at Cafe Orleans right now is not the same as it was before the closures. The portion has been cut in HALF!
There used to be 4 wedges here
While some people might be upset at the half portion, we think the 2 wedges are honestly more than enough for a meal! The Monte Cristo is a heavy sandwich and can make you feel full really fast. The original came with 4 pieces and was a beast to conquer (hence the splitting it with fries and friends!). The OG version came with a handful of grapes as well.
*Drools*
The sandwich has sliced turkey, ham, and Swiss cheese all fried in a light batter. It’s then dusted with powdered sugar and served with a yummy berry puree. It automatically comes with the parmesan-garlic Pommes Frites and a side of Cajun-spiced remoulade, a very unique combo!
What a pretty plate
The actual taste of the sandwich was, no surprise here, incredible! I mean it’s basically a deep-fried ham and cheese sandwich, what’s not to love?! The sweet berry and sugar mixed with the salty cheese and meat might seem unusual but trust us — this is so popular here for a reason. We’re so happy to have the iconic Monte Cristo back in our lives!
The powdered sugar is sensational
The fries were, of course, a delight. We would have liked a handful more (because they’re wonderful and salty and cheesy and garlicky) but found the serving, between the sandwich and fries, to make for a just-right meal. For $21, it’s a pricey sandwich, especially considering for a few bucks more you used to get twice the sandwich (sans fries). Regardless of which side of “Monte Cristogate” you’re on, it’s still a classic and REALLY good. We do miss the old setup, but it is kinda nice to have your own fries too.
What a pretty plate
Next, we tried the Bourbon Street Chicken for $21, which is a “honey-kissed” chicken served with jasmine rice, seasonal vegetables, and Bourbon sauce.
Bourbon Street Chicken
While the chicken *usually* comes with rice and veggies as the sides, you can instead choose to get a combo of rice and pommes frites, veggies and pommes frites, or double frites. That’s right DOUBLE FRITES PEOPLE! We may be a bit biased to that option!
Two members of our dining party got the chicken — one with frites and veggies and the other with rice and veggies.
Who needs rice when you can have fries?
The chicken was absolutely DELICIOUS! The Bourbon sauce is loaded with flavor and not too sweet, and the chicken was super tender.
Dig in!
However, our veggies weren’t really seasoned, so we ended up dipping them in the Bourbon sauce. They could definitely use a little more salt and additional flavor! Dipped in the sauce though they were quite yummy and made for a fresh, yummy side. The jasmine rice was nothing to write home about — it was your standard steamed rice. Moral of the story: frites. Always frites. (Unless you’re being healthy then veggies are OK too! 
)
Colorful veggies!
We think this is the perfect dish to get at Cafe Orleans when you don’t want to feel weighed down by your food! It also is very comforting, like a yummy home-cooked meal!
Chef’s kiss!
We were absolutely stuffed after those entrees and called it a day!
Cafe Orleans is such a special spot, whether you love Disney history or some really good hearty food. The servers are just wonderful, they all seemed so happy to be back at the cafe! They were very attentive and helpful when it came to our questions.
We do look forward to the day when Cafe Orleans will expand their menu again, whenever that may be! But for now, we’re thankful for what they have to offer and hope you can find something on the menu you enjoy too!
The post REVIEW: Was Changing An Iconic Disneyland Meal at Cafe Orleans the Right Call? first appeared on the disney food blog.
Despite having been closed for four months, Walt Disney World saw more guests attempting to enter property with firearms in the past year. Among these incidents was a guest who claimed their six-year-old was supposed to be watching their loaded gun, and another who was carrying two handguns (and marijuana) in a diaper bag. The Orlando Sentinel reports about even more incidents of guests purposefully bringing firearms or forgetting they were carrying them. 21-year-old Iraqi immigrant Mustafa Alameen had 100 […]
The post Arrests For Carrying Firearms Increased at Walt Disney World in Past Year Despite Closures and Reduced Attendance appeared first on WDW News Today.
We are sad to report that Ned Beatty, known for his roles in Deliverance, Network, Superman, and by Disney fans as the voice of Lotso in Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3, has passed at 83. Ned Beatty was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1937, starting his professional career as a performer at age ten singing in […]
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Haaaaaaaappy Mon-day, to you… It’s been a public holiday here today in Sydney, Australia, and I am way more relaxed than usual, which is probably a good thing as under ordinary Monday evening circumstances, I would have been particularly frustrated with the abundance of t-shirts in this week’s Disney offerings. Instead, I’m like, show me what you’ve got, Disney. And now, I shall show you.
Let’s begin.
You knew it was coming. The second big release of Americana merch has hit those virtual shelves just in time for the summer festivities in the United States of America(na). This time we have more t-shirts than you can handle, along with a MagicBand, Havaianas flip-flops (or called thongs for us Aussies), as well as marked-down face masks.
Marking the 40th anniversary of the Indiana Jones movie, Raiders of the Lost Ark, two t-shirts have been released in its honor. The Raiders of the Lost Ark 40th Anniversary Short Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt for Adults – Customized, $24.99, and Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark 40th Anniversary T-Shirt for Adults, $29.99, are available now.
Subtle accessories to mix and match with your everyday attire are always at the top of my list. The Mickey Mouse Icon Black Lava Bead Bracelet, $60.99, would look fantastic with both summer and winter styles, depending on which end of the globe you reside on, to add a touch of Mickey to your OOTD.
What you would do with them, I don’t entirely know, but for some reason, I want them anyway. Perhaps the perfect addition to that medicine cupboard to hold bandaids and cotton buds? The Nightmare Before Christmas Trinket Jar Set, $29.99, is something many of us could all find a use for.
As technology improves and my children grow, I find myself taking less and less into the parks each time we visit. The Minnie Mouse Card Wallet, $14.99, is a great way to keep your life in order in or outside the parks keeping all your essentials in one place and getting rid of the clutter.
I have to admit I did a bit of a double-take on this one. After a ten-minute google-fest, I feel like I know a little bit of Disney history that was missing from my education. I could fill you in, but instead, I would encourage you to do your own research if, like me, you don’t immediately recognize this throwback. The Reluctant Dragon Pin – 80th Anniversary – Limited Release, 15.99, is available now.
Cute hats can be hard to find for adults, especially women. I think this is one area where the Disney designers for men’s and kid’s headwear have the market cornered. The Tinker Bell Baseball Cap for Adults – Peter Pan, $27.99, is adorable, and the writing on the front says it all.
Those of you who join me for the Merch Meeting often will know that virtually anything with Marie from The Aristocats will make it onto my weekly list of favs. If only this one were available in women’s sizes. Marie Short Sleeve T-Shirt for Kids – The Aristocats – Customized, $19.99
Orange Bird fans are like Figment fans; you dare not cross them or say a bad word about their deviation. For this reason, I will simply leave this here for you, quietly. Orange Bird MagicBand Slap Bracelet, $29.99
Funky earrings are a must-have when piecing together your outfit for the day. It’s a silent nod to the characters you love in a way that most of us could get away with wearing to the office or even school. The Nightmare Before Christmas Three-Pair Earring Set, $26.99
If you are a committed Star Wars family, then this next one is for you. The Star Wars Family Framed Wall Art, $36.99, is perfect for your entryway or foyer to remind you of your roots.
It’s a bit random, but there is something about the Minnie Mouse Statue of Liberty Light-Up Ornament, $16.99, that I just like.
Your little ones often need more shade than standard caps can provide, making these new bucket hats perfect for keeping little faces and necks in the shade.
Muppets fans, it’s your turn—three customizable offerings for you, including two T-shirts and a hoodie. I shall leave these for you below to play with and create your perfect look.
Finishing off your themed room or that child’s bedroom with the right wall features can be really hard. You didn’t put all of that work in just to finish it off with a cheap-looking poster. Have a look at these new canvas pieces. All $149, and see if something there might compliment your decor.
These might be my favorite items in this week’s Merch Meeting. In particular, the This Family is in Vacation Mode shirts. These are a great way to create a cost-effective matchy-family look and set the tone for the days to come.
If you blinked this week, you probably missed out on the new Designer Collection Minnie Mouse Ears from Karlie Kloss. The limited-release, light-up, rechargeable ears came in a special box and sold for $98. The STEM-inspired coder design was part of a tiny release that sold out in a matter of minutes.
Your favorite brands in Disney Springs are getting on board with Rainbow pride in support of the LGBTQ+ community. See the details below:
@sperry introduces their new Pride Collection supporting @pflag providing peer support, education, and advocacy to LGBTQ+ people, their parents, families, and allies.
@levis is proud to feature their new Levi’s Pride Collection that celebrates and respects all pronouns. In support of this collection, Levi’s is making an annual donation to @outrightintl, an organization working to advance human rights for LGBTQIA+ people all over the world.
@lego celebrates the power of playing together with their “Everyone is Awesome” set designed by Vice President of Design, Matthew Ashton celebrating positivity and kindness in families and communities around the world.
@verabradley introduces the Love Stripe Collection with 25% of proceeds benefiting @freemomhugs, a nonprofit empowering the world to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community through visibility, education, and conversation.
I want it; I want it now. I really have an issue with balloons being sold in the parks too, and I still want one.
That is going to wrap things up for this Monday, my friends. I hope you start your day with something fabulous, whether it be breakfast with the family, a moment of reflection, or just taking the time to appreciate each day as it comes. I’ll catch you on Wednesday.
Meeting Adjourned!
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To escape some of the rain storms today while at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we decided to do a bit of shopping around some of our favorite stores. While browsing Once Upon a Time next to the Pandora Jewelry shop, we spotted more additions to the Mickey Mouse Beach collection that we recently found over in EPCOT. Hawaiian Print Button Up Shirt – $59.99 Mickey serenades Minnie while he plays the ukulele and she dances the hula under a palm tree. […]
The post PHOTOS: More Mickey Mouse Beach Apparel Arrives at Walt Disney World appeared first on WDW News Today.
Disneyland Paris will be stopping all sales of new Annual Passes beginning tomorrow. They will honor currently active passes, but they will not be able to be renewed. Disneyland Paris is hosting Annual Passholder previews on June 15 and 16 before its grand reopening on June 17.
The post Disneyland Paris to Halt All Annual Pass Sales & Renewals Tomorrow appeared first on WDW News Today.
There have been so many changes to Disney Worlds operations lately, they can be a bit hard to keep up with. As Disney takes baby steps back towards normalcy, we are getting impatient waiting for some of our favorite experiences to return! Dear Disney, please bring these 3 magical experiences back! Returning the magic to […]
The post Dear Disney, please bring back these 3 magical experiences! appeared first on KennythePirate.com.
We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Sunday, June 13, 2021. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Take a stroll with us down Main Street, U.S.A. and beyond for our photo report of the Magic Kingdom. EPCOT Exterior construction at […]
The post WDWNT Daily Recap (6/13/21): Construction Progresses at the Polynesian, Concept Art For New Ant-Man and Iron Man Restaurants, Distancing Markers Removed at Magic Kingdom, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage Now Casting, and More appeared first on WDW News Today.
