May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Disneyland Resort is celebrating with special dishes throughout the resort. Smokejumpers Grill is one of those locations, and we reviewed its new offerings.
Smokejumpers Grill
Smokejumpers Grill is located in the Grizzly Peak section of Disney California Adventure, just off to the right of Soarin’ Around the World.
Passion Orange and Guava Punch (non-alcoholic)- $
Passion Orange and Guava Cocktail – $
Passion Orange and Guava Punch – $5.99
Non-alcoholic beverage
Rating out of 7: 7
This punch is a great deal, and tastes just like you would imagine POG (passion orange grapefruit) juice to be. It’s a little on the sweeter side, thanks to all the citrus, but it’s well mixed and we have no complaints.
What we love about this is that it’s available from Mobile Order, where we can just grab a cup and move on with our day. Kids and adults alike will no doubt love this.
Passion Orange and Guava Cocktail – $17
Rum with passion, orange, and guava punch
Rating out of 7: 7
We all know that if we loved the non-alcoholic version of this drink, we would certainly enjoy its cocktail counterpart. The alcohol used here is described as “rum,” but we spotted a bottle of Malibu at the bar, and can safely say that’s what was used here.
The Malibu enhances the drink just enough to make this a perfect cocktail. The coconut and white rum mix perfectly with the tropical citrus flavors.
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For the first time since 2019, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse brought the magic of Disneyland Resort directly to patients and their families at CHOC with the return of inpatient room visits.
Disney+ has shared a trailer for their upcoming concert film Queen Rock Montreal, ahead of its debut on the streamer next week. Queen Rock Montreal presents Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon at their most exciting and exhilarating. Check out the trailer for the new film below: The original concerts, which took place […]
Did you know that when Disney Princesses aren’t attending balls and practicing their etiquette they really like to race cars? Ok we don’t know that for sure, but it’s fun to think about especially since Beast Kingdom introduced cute cars featuring six of our favorite leading ladies! I was invited to review their Disney Princess Series […]
We’re having the time of our lives in Tokyo Disney, and we can’t believe we’re getting a special look at Fantasy Springs before it opens to the public in June!
Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure
Not only did we get to ride the new attractions Disney has created, but we’re also getting a look at some of the special merchandise guests will be able to purchase in this new land. And this new popcorn bucket has our jaws on the FLOOR!
Peter Pan fans will be really jealous of this new Big Ben Peter Pan Popcorn Bucket! While one side shows the iconic Big Ben clock in London…
Peter Pan Popcorn Bucket
…one of the other sides shows Peter, Wendy, Michael, and John flying through the night sky to Neverland!
So cute!
And on the other side? Captain Hook and Smee are on the lookout for Peter Pan while aboard the Jolly Roger.
What’s a story without the villains?
Don’t worry, Tinker Bell hasn’t been left behind — she’s on the strap!
Hey, Tink!
We’re still checking out everything Fantasy Springs has to offer, so be sure to stay tuned to DFB!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think of everything you’ve seen from Fantasy Springs so far? Tell us in the comments!
Of course, we get TONS of announcements from events like the D23 Ultimate Fan Event. We also generally get some announcements when Disney hosts its quarterly earnings calls. However, a BIG event is coming up soon where we could learn a LOT more about Disney movies, television shows, and more SOON.
On May 14th, The Walt Disney Company will have its annual Upfront presentation at the North Javits Center in New York City. An upfront is a star-studded presentation to advertisers by major television networks and streamers, basically giving advertisers a reason to invest their money in the company. As you can expect, that means BIG announcements are generally made during these presentations.
This year’s Upfront presentation “showcase everything from Jimmy Kimmel’s return to the Disney Upfront stage following his successful stint as Oscar host, to a trove of announcements around some of Disney’s most popular series and franchises, in addition to new content and verticals.” So we can expect to learn a LOT more about Disney’s upcoming movies, TV shows, and more.
So why should advertisers be paying attention? According to Rita Ferro, Disney’s President of Global Advertising, “We have the best storytelling and brands in the world when it comes to entertainment and sports. And we have really invested, over the last decade, in technology that differentiates us from all of our traditional competitors. So, when I think across the marketplace, no one has the advertising technology and the data stack that we have built over the course of that period.”
Disney also has some major focuses when it comes to advertising right now. Ferro said, “We’re focused on driving growth and scale around the pillars that [Disney CEO Bob Iger] has laid out for us.” She also mentioned a continued focus on sports growth and how Disney’s linear shows on streaming are reaching its audiences.
So what can advertisers expect from this year’s Upfront presentation? Ferro stressed how Disney is not just a storytelling company, but also a technology company. The presentation will focus on the importance of creativity “as a differentiator and unifier.” Ferro called Disney’s storytelling and quality content “incomparable” to what other companies are offering.
So what does that mean for you? Well, it means you’re about to learn more about Disney’s upcoming movies and TV shows. It’s likely some new trailers might be released, as well as new announcements made about projects we’re not aware of yet.
We know we’ll certainly be paying attention to the presentation, and you should, too. Stay tuned to DFB to stay updated!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think Disney might announce during its Upfront presentation? Let us know in the comments!
There are several restaurants run by James Beard Award-winning chefs in Disney Springs, and many of the dining locations at the hotels are absolutely spectacular. Recently, I got the chance to visit one of those beloved Disney World hotel restaurants, but not for the meal you’d think! And now, I’m bringing you my full review.
Atmosphere
Not too long ago, I stopped by Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! This spot is beloved by many for its breakfast menu, filled with the likes of Tonga Toast and Macadamia Nut Pancakes…but I wasn’t there for that. Nope, we’re heading to Kona Cafe for LUNCH!
Kona Cafe
The restaurant is located on the second floor of the Polynesian’s Grand Ceremonial House, right next door to ‘Ohana. Lunch is served daily from 11:30AM to 2PM.
Inside the restaurant
A few years ago, Kona Cafe got a big makeover to modernize it a bit. You’ll notice bright colors, wood accents, and tropical details all around the restaurant. Windows along one wall add some natural light to the dining space.
The dining area
I found that Kona Cafe wasn’t particularly busy during the lunch shift, and reservations were fairly easy to get. Let’s see if the food is worth visiting for!
Menu
Taking a look at the menu, Kona Cafe offers three lunch appetizers — pot stickers, glazed chicken wings, and a new seasonal soup. The menu is filled with a variety of Asian-inspired eats, including sushi rolls, Poke’ Bowls, and Dashi Bowls.
Menu
Main entrees include stir fry options, a Teriyaki Steak Salad, and a NEW Hawaiian Reuben. They also offer a Big Kahuna Burger and a Turkey Banh Mi for sandwich lovers.
If you’d like dessert, Kona Cafe serves a Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding, a Molten Chocolate Cake, a Passion Fruit Layer Cake, and a no-sugar-added Pineapple Haupia Cake.
And of course, there are a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available to pair with your meal.
Drink Menu
Now that we’ve covered the menu, let’s see what the eats look like!
Eats
I ordered a couple of the new items on the menu, as well as some Kona Cafe classics!
Full Spread
My meal started out with a complimentary bread service! Here, they bring out Pineapple Rolls served with butter. They were a smidge tough on the outside, but still very soft on the inside.
Pineapple Rolls
The pineapple flavor here was very mild, and I honestly wish there was more of it overall. They were delicious with the butter spread on top, but what bread isn’t? I think these were fine, but definitely not top of the bread service list in Disney World.
More pineapple, please!
For my beverage, I chose the Keiki Lemonade, made with Odwalla Lemonade, pineapple, passion fruit, and citrus. It’s available for $5.99.
Keiki Lemonade
I thought this was spectacular! I could taste the pineapple and citrus flavors even more than the lemonade, as you get the lemon flavor toward the end. It’s definitely sweet, but not so sweet that I couldn’t drink the whole cup. Overall, very refreshing and fruity — probably my new favorite Disney World table service mocktail!
Honestly LOVED this!
For my appetizer, I ordered a new item — the Seasonal Soup for $9. During my visit, the option available was Miso Soup.
Miso Soup
It was filled with tofu chunks, seaweed, green onions, and rich dashi stock. I thought it was nice and savory, and the green onions gave it a good sharpness. The tofu chunks were soft and mild, but added a chewy textural element. The seaweed helped vary the flavors even further with some earthiness and it all blended together really well. I would order this again!
Lots of great flavors and textures.
If you’re a sushi person, then Kona Cafe is a great stop for lunch or dinner! I got the Hamachi Tuna Roll, which is made with hamachi, tuna, avocado, jalapeño, cilantro, and ponzu. You can snag it for $21.
Hamachi Tuna Roll
This was very fresh and bright with the tuna and avocado. The tuna had a rich ocean flavor without being too “fishy” and the jalapeño added a slight spice on the tip of my tongue. It’s mostly fresh, bright, and green-tasting — perfect for spring!
SUSHIII
The Hawaiian Reuben is one of the new items on the menu here, and it’s made with corned beef, pulled pork, kimchi, swiss cheese, marble rye, and spicy mayonnaise. It’s served with seasoned fries on the side and is available for $20.
Hawaiian Reuben
This was an EXCELLENT tropical twist on a Reuben! There’s a decent amount of meat and it’s very rich in flavor with a mild cheese. The kimchi adds a good crunch and the spicy mayo has a slow heat that builds on your tongue after you take a bite. All of the elements work well together, and I would totally recommend it for Reuben or sandwich fans.
Also, I just have to tell you that these are the BEST fries I’ve eaten in Disney World! They were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and spectacularly seasoned with salt, paprika, and a touch of sugar. WOW.
They did this mashup really well!
Last but not least, I wrapped up my meal with the Molten Chocolate Cake. This is $10 and made with Valrhona Espresso ganache, Kona Coffee ganache, and caramel latte anglaise.
Molten Chocolate Cake
It was VERY soft and gooey in the middle, and had a deep, rich chocolatey flavor that was more dark than milk. It’s a smaller portion, but it would likely be overwhelming in a larger size, so I didn’t mind too much. I would place it a step above a regular chocolate lava cake — very delicious, but not the top thing I ate during my meal.
YUM
So how does Kona Cafe stack up?
Overall
Ultimately, I was more impressed with Kona Cafe than I expected! The Hawaiian Reuben (especially with those fries!) and the Hamachi Tuna Roll were the standouts for me, but I would also go back just to have that Keiki Lemonade again.
There were some really great dishes here.
I was only slightly underwhelmed by the pineapple rolls, and I would order the Miso Soup or the chocolate cake again. If you’ve only been going to Kona for breakfast, you might be missing out!
Nosh or Not?
Make a stop at Kona Cafe midday if…
You’re a fan of sushi and Asian eats. Most of the menu here is Asian-inspired, so if that’s your jam, you might really enjoy it! They’re also one of the few spots in Disney World that serves sushi.
You want a more low-key meal at the Polynesian. Other dining options at the Polynesian Village Resort, like ‘Ohana and Trader Sam’s, are a bit more over-the-top. Kona is a much more chill and relaxing meal.
You’ve only been there for breakfast. If you’ve been to Kona for breakfast before and you haven’t tried lunch, now is the time! I was seriously impressed with some of the eats.
Try a different spot for lunch if…
You’re in a hurry. As a sit-down restaurant, this likely won’t be the fastest meal during your trip. If you’re on a time crunch, I might not recommend it.
You won’t be near the Polynesian Village Resort. This is a great stop if you’re staying on the Monorail loop or visiting Magic Kingdom, but if you’re out of the way, I would save this for a time when you’re already planning on being in the area.
You don’t like Asian food. This isn’t exactly the best recommendation for a picky eater, so I would skip it if you don’t like Asian eats.
Would you go to Kona Cafe for lunch?
Thanks for coming along on my trip to Kona Cafe! Stay tuned to DFB for more restaurant reviews from around Disney World!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Have you ever been to Kona Cafe for lunch? Let us know in the comments!
ABC News Studios announced The Beauty Queen Killer: 9 Days of Terror, a new true-crime docuseries that shares stories of the women who survived rampaging killer Christopher Wilder. This will begin streaming May 16 on Hulu. What’s Happening: ABC News Studios announced today The Beauty Queen Killer: 9 Days of Terror, a new true-crime docuseries that delves […]
On Saturday evening, a guest left four Bernedoodle puppies in their hot car at Disney Springs while they had dinner.
The four puppies were rescued but one unfortunately did not survive. Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Fire Department employees adopted the other three.
The owner of the puppies had just purchased them from a breeder. They then stopped at Disney Springs to have dinner with their family, “assuming the covered parking garage and cracking a window would be okay for the dogs.”
About 90 minutes later, a security guard noticed the puppies in distress and contacted authorities. When they were able to get into the car, one of the puppies was unresponsive. Despite intervention by paramedics and a local veterinary clinic, the puppy could not be saved and was euthanized.
“Every summer we deal with cases like this, where someone runs into a store, the mall, or similar venue and opts to leave their pet in the car, assuming it’ll be a short trip,” Diane Summers, Division Manager for Orange County Animal Services, said in a statement. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating for our staff and animal-loving community when pet owners make this mistake as preventable tragedy can and does occur.”
Saturday had a high temperature of 87° F (via Weather Underground). In the days since, temperatures have been as high as 98°.
The case was turned over to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Paradiso 37 at Disney Springs has received new signage, complete with a reimagined design.
Paradiso 37 Signs Updated
The exterior of Paradiso 37 has been undergoing a refurbishment since September 2023, with construction walls wrapping around the front of the building. The walls are now gone, revealing a refreshed exterior and the new signs.
The circular signs are white with teal borders. The Paradiso 37 wordmark in the center is similar to the old sign, with an orange “37” appearing to hang from the “d” in “Paradiso.” “Celebrate the Americas!” is printed below the name.
At the top of the signs is a black toucan with a large orange beak. It pokes out of a bundle of green leaves, a yellow flower, and a red flower.
The toucan’s colorful appearance and large bill represents self-expression and showmanship and is a symbol that is often carved on totem poles by native tribes. The toucan has a strong desire to be seen and heard and its spirit encourages stepping out of the shadows and experiencing the lime light.
The toucan’s flambouant nature demonstrates that it’s safe to take off your mask and reveal your true self. This is the essence of the Paradiso 37 brand.
Paradiso 37 is a place where guests can take part in a daily celebration of diverse vibrant cultures and express themselves through the diverse food, drink and dance of the 37 countries of North, Central and South America.
The new design can be seen in multiple locations on the restaurant’s exterior. Compare to the old sign visible in our October construction photo below.
Paradiso 37 offers a “culinary tour of North, Central and South America” with food like tortilla chips and house-made guacamole, herb-roasted half chicken, Baja fish tacos, cedar-plank roasted salmon, and Argentinian skirt steak. It’s located in The Landing section of Disney Springs, overlooking the lake, and is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Passion Orange and Guava Punch (non-alcoholic)- $
