Banned hair products are banned for a very good reason before Hailey tries to give her parents a “better” wedding in the latest Hailey’s On It! Bad Bear Day Hailey and Scott are checking out the wares at a store specializing in dead technology. VHS, clock radios, etc. Frustratingly, the clerk asks them if they […]
Disney Junior has released the first official teaser for “Ariel,” its upcoming series based on “The Little Mermaid,” and it features an iconic Disney villain like you’ve never seen her before. The Details Set in the fantastical Caribbean-inspired underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the series follows young mermaid princess Ariel as she embarks on fun-filled, action-packed… Read More »Disney Junior’s ‘Ariel’ Drops First Trailer Which Shows a Different Side to Ursula
Though we found this shirt at Magic Kingdom, it’s inspired by Walt’s original park. The shirt has a white and gray tie-dye pattern. The Disneyland “D” logo is in blue on the chest.
Walt Disney’s dedication speech from the opening day of Disneyland is on the back of the shirt in black lettering. The blue “D” logo is repeated and there’s a blue image of Disneyland including the Main Street, U.S.A. train station and Sleeping Beauty Castle. In front of the park are the silhouettes of Mickey and Walt holding hands, inspired by the Partners statue.
The shirt erroneously states “To all that come to this happy place” instead of “To all who come to this happy place.” Here is the full text:
To all that come to this happy place, welcome.
Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.
Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America… with hope that it will be as ource of joy and inspiration to all the world.
Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey – $79.99
This new Spirit Jersey has a relatively simple design. It’s white with the cursive Disney “D” logo on the left breast in navy.
“Est. 1971” (the opening year of Walt Disney World) is below the logo.
“Walt Disney World” is across the back, with Walt’s name in Disney’s signature cursive font. “Walt Disney World” is printed in dark blue.
Walt Disney World Baseball Jersey – $74.99
The baseball jersey is short-sleeved and buttons up the chest. It’s heather gray with thin white lines around the buttons, neck, and sleeves.
The retro Walt Disney World globe logo is white and black on the chest.
A patch near the hem reads “Walt Disney World EST. 1971.”
“Walt Disney World” is printed across the back.
The outline of Cinderella Castle is on the right sleeve.
Will you be adding any of these new apparel items to your closet? Tell us your favorite of the set in the comments.
Did you know that one Walt Disney World restaurant has a Michelin Star? Here is a review of our recent experience dining there. Michelin Stars A Michelin Star is awarded …
Disney released the first teaser trailer for “Disney Junior’s Ariel,” a new series inspired by both the animated and live-action “The Little Mermaid” films.
Disney Junior’s Ariel
Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis announced “Disney Junior’s Ariel” last year. “For more than 30 years,” she said, “the story of ‘The Little Mermaid’ has been beloved by audiences all over the world. It brings me so much joy to be able to introduce our new Disney Junior version of Ariel to preschoolers everywhere.
Alyssa Sapire, senior vice president of development, series and strategy for Disney Junior, said that as they developed the series, “we knew that we wanted to create an atmosphere that was vibrant and magical and showcased our young Ariel’s imagination, which, like our preschool audience watching at home, is as big as the sea.”
The show stars Mykal-Michelle Harris as an 8-year-old Ariel with a color-changing tail. Taye Diggs voices King Triton and Amber Riley voices Ursula. The villain seems to take on more of a fun aunt role in the series, which is executive-produced by Lynne Southerland.
Ariel’s appearance is closer to Halle Bailey’s but Sebastian and Flounder look like their animated counterparts. Triton and Ursula have brand-new designs.
The description released with the new trailer reads:
“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is an animated musical series for preschoolers inspired by the beloved story of “The Little Mermaid.” It follows 8-year-old mermaid princess Ariel as she and her friends embark on fun-filled, action-packed underwater adventures throughout their Caribbean-inspired fairytale kingdom of Atlantica and beyond. The series features fan-favorite characters, including King Triton, Ursula, Sebastian and Flounder, as well as exciting new additions like Ariel’s two best friends, mer-children Lucia and Fernie, and lots of other adorable sea creatures.
“Disney Junior’s Ariel” premieres this summer. Watch the teaser trailer below.
Do you dread refurbishments at Walt Disney World? We have great news to kick off your weekend! This Disney World refurbishment wrapped up early and will open to guests today. …
Dahlia Lounge, located atop the Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, has been offering Spanish-inspired bites and breathtaking views since opening in 2019.
From the lounge, you can get clear views of EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and much more, either from their large outdoor patio or through their panoramic windows. It draws inspiration from a collaboration between Walt Disney himself, and Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali on the short “Destino.”
Surrounded by dandelion chandeliers and other fanciful designs, guests can sip on sangria and share delightful tapas while they watch nighttime spectaculars at two parks or just soak in the atmosphere.
Dahlia Lounge Menu Changes
The menu has gone through several iterations since opening, and a new menu was introduced on March 28, 2024. But like so many other menus on property, the introduction of new dishes came with the unfortunate decision to get rid of some of the old, including what may have been my favorite quick bite on Walt Disney World property: the Ham and Cheese Bocadillo.
The simple, yet delicious sandwich featured jamon serrano, manchego cheese, roasted garlic aioli, and honey on a toasted baguette. The warm baguette was crispy on the outside, soft in the center, and was the perfect size to be shared by two.
The dish had become quite popular. According to multiple Cast Members, it was among the most popular items on the menu at Dahlia Lounge. We will mourn the loss and hope that our simple sandwich makes a swift return to the menu.
Dishes Leaving Dahlia Lounge
Other casualties of the shakeup include the Tortilla Espanola, Crispy Artichoke, Citrus-Poached Shrimp Cocktail, Artisanal Cheese, and changes to the Croquettes and Chicken Wings.
New to the menu are the Dahlia Sliders, Jamon Croquetas, Tapas Trio, Calamari, and Orange Flancocho. We tried everything on the menu, including some of the dishes remaining from the old menu. Our large group had some differing opinions, which will likely mimic the opinions of most large groups.
On the left is the old Dahlia Lounge menu on March 26th, 2024. On the right is the new menu as of March 28th, 2024.
Spanish Charcuterie – $38
Featuring olives, fig jam, charred bread, and assorted meats and cheeses
This dish is not new, though it has undergone minor changes over the years. However, it stirred diverse opinions among our group.
In general, the group found the spread irresistible and swiftly devoured the array of delectable meats, cheeses, fruits, olives, and almonds. We appreciated the harmony of flavors, particularly the delightful pairing of sweet crackers with the meats and the tantalizing kick of spicy olives.
However, it’s hard to get past the portion size relative to the $38 price tag. We were particularly disappointed with the scarcity of bread and crackers, and the portions, in general, are small compared to alternatives like the $27 charcuterie board at Wine Bar George. While delightful, we believe guests should consider the value versus superior (and cheaper) offerings on property.
Dahlia Sliders – $17
Beef with chorizo spice, black garlic aioli, house-pickled onions, and manchego on a brioche poppy seed bun with patatas bravas sauce
Opinions diverged among our group after sampling the Dahlia Sliders, a new addition to the menu. One member praised the juicy, medium-cooked patties nestled between fresh buns, accompanied by deliciously crispy fries. However, we couldn’t help but compare the taste to the patatas bravas sauce to the superior offering at Jaleo at Disney Springs. Perhaps it’s not fair to compare these to something out of the kitchen of celebrated celebrity chef José Andrés.
Another quick observation flagged the inclusion of pickles on the sliders, which is not mentioned on the menu. The strong pickle flavor overpowered the minimal presence of chorizo spice in the patty and perhaps uncovered the need for a stronger infusion of black garlic aioli. In general, these are a decent deal for $17, and we suspect they will be popular.
Chicken Wings – $15
Crispy chicken wings tossed in sweet-and-spicy honey-sherry glaze
The chicken wings are not new to Dahlia Lounge in the strictest sense, but they have been changed for the new menu, if only a little bit. They have been modified to include a “sweet-and-spicy honey-sherry glaze” instead of the previous “spiced sherry-honey glaze”. Is this merely a semantic difference, or has the recipe changed? It’s hard to tell.
But when it came time to tasting the wings, we didn’t note much spiciness at all. The dish includes six wings for $15, each coated in a glaze that leans more towards sweetness than heat. The wings are extremely sticky, which reminded us of the wings at Kona Cafe at the Polynesian.
While they may not transport you to the streets of Spain, these wings promise a decent flavor profile that will definitely necessitate a post-indulgence hand wash.
Shrimp Pil Pil – $16.50
Aji amarillo, garlic and albarino
This dish is not new to the menu at Dahlia Lounge, but it’s always a crowd-pleaser. It received high praise from our group for its impeccable execution and delightful flavors. In particular, we thought the shrimp was perfectly cooked, boasting plumpness and tenderness with each bite.
However, it’s the sauce that steals the spotlight, described as light, tangy, and imbued with a delightful Spanish flair. While not overly sweet, the sauce offers a nuanced balance of vinegar notes and a subtle spice that enhances the dish without overpowering the palate. Perhaps each bite wasn’t uniform, as one of our group thought it lacked flavor.
Overall, this dish is a must-try for those seeking a taste of Spanish cuisine with a touch of culinary finesse.
Jamón Croquetas – $13
Jamón, sweet pepper, and carrot romesco sauce
Our group universally loved these delectable treats for their crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful filling bursting with goodness. We appreciate the comfort food appeal, perfect for sharing between one or two individuals.
While we would like to see the portion size increased, these croquetas were unanimously enjoyed for their irresistible taste and texture, making them a definite reorder item, and a welcome addition to the menu.
Smoked Paprika Chips – $9
with a plant-based chimichurri aioli
We found the Paprika Chips to be a satisfying and budget-friendly option on the tapas menu. With a crispiness that hits the spot, these chips offer a delightful punch of paprika flavor, perfect for those seeking a quick bite or a late-night snack. While some appreciate the plant-based chimichurri aioli for its decent flavor, others note a discernible difference in creaminess compared to traditional sauces.
However, for diners seeking vegan fare, this option provides a welcomed alternative. Ultimately, these chips evoke a reminiscent feel of classic bar snacks, making them a suitable choice for various palates and dietary preferences.
Calamari – $16
Crispy calamari, sweet pepper confit, and roasted garlic aioli
The Calamari elicited mixed reviews from our group. While some found it to be a decent option for those with milder palates, others expressed disappointment in its overall blandness. Despite its crispy texture, the calamari lacked significant seasoning, leaving us underwhelmed. The roasted garlic aioli failed to elevate the flavor profile as expected, contributing to an overall lackluster dish.
Overall, the universal consensus was a desire for a more robust flavor to enhance this otherwise basic dish.
Tapas Trio – $18
Octopus ceviche, ‘Aceitunas’ marinated olives, and tomato spread served with grilled bread
The Tapas Trio garnered enthusiastic praise from some of our diners, or at least portions of the dish did. For a new, and fairly aspirational dish, we felt it delivered. It stood out as a favorite dish for one of our group who thought it offered exceptional value with three bowls plus bread for $18. The octopus particularly impressed us, and our group hailed it as some of the best we have had.
However, opinions varied on the accompanying elements: while the olives met expectations, they didn’t stand out; the tomato spread, while good, fell short compared to similar offerings elsewhere. Additionally, the bread appeared to be the same bread used for the aforementioned Ham and Cheese Bocadillo, reminding us of what we gave up to get this new menu.
This new dessert at Dahlia Lounge left us thoroughly impressed and craving more. Described as light, creamy, and bursting with delightful orange flavors, it struck a perfect balance without overwhelming the palate. Many of us deemed it a standout, praising its velvety texture and just-right sweetness as a delightful conclusion to their meal.
For some, it was the highlight of the evening, leaving a lasting impression of its irresistibly delicious taste. In succinct terms, one diner exclaimed his satisfaction with words I won’t repeat in this review, but suffice it to say, it captured the sheer delight and satisfaction this dessert brought to the table.
Warm Churros – $9.50
with spiced chocolate sauce
The Warm Churros, which are not new, elicited overwhelmingly positive reviews from the group. Described as extremely warm and fresh, these churros surpassed expectations, hailed as the best within Walt Disney World.
With a taste that feels authentic and reminiscent of Spanish delights, they exude freshness and authenticity unmatched by typical theme park fare. The accompanying dark, rich chocolate sauce elevated the experience, with some likening it to a shot-worthy indulgence.
Closing Thoughts on the New Menu at Dahlia Lounge
Change is inevitable and often uncomfortable. While the loss of the Bocadillo is cause for some head-scratching, we have to applaud the culinary team for taking a few risks, even if a few of them fell short.
In general, Dahlia Lounge remains an outstanding spot at Walt Disney World to unwind with sangria and share some bites with friends and family. We will be going back, but we might be hoping to see some old familiar friends return to the menu in the future.
Check out our video review below:
You can also watch one of our previous visits to Dahlia Lounge on an episode of WDW After Five from 2023:
With spring in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the newest spring-themed goodies. And you won’t want to miss out on these dishes, sweets, and drinks. Check …
