Dole Whip Recipe

I feel like this post has been a long time coming!  There are so many Dole Whip recipes on the web, and this might not be the first that I try because, like this recipe, they are all so easy.  However, this is where I found the one that I used this time!

The Dole Whip is a Disney staple!  It's basically a cult following, with t-shirts and twitter accounts dedicated to this sweet and refreshing delight!

Of course, that means that if you're anything like me, you're going to crave this delicious (and vegan!) dessert at home!  If so, here's a recipe to try it!

To make one Dole Whip, you will need:

• 1 1/2 cup frozen pineapple (it won't fit exactly in the cup, but that's accounted for)
• 1/8 cup almond milk (or, really, any milk)
• A splash of honey OR 1/4 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)

You will also need a really high powered blender, or a food processor.  I originally tried to use a Magic Bullet and that did not pulverize the pineapple as necessary, so I pulled out the food processor and, though it took a while to blend it all smooth, it worked beautifully.

All you need to do is put the ingredients in the food processor or blend and blend until smooth.  I put about 1/4-1/2 tsp. of honey in for a little extra sweetness, but you could put more or less based on your taste preference.  Also, if they pineapple isn't blending well, you can add 1 tbsp at a time extra almond milk.

At the end, you will have a soft-serve texture!

Edit: I made the Dole Whip again 3 days later (it was delicious and I am obsessed) but tried it with Cool Whip instead of honey.  IT WAS MAGICAL.  I highly recommend this version, as it did taste more like the Disney version to me.

I put the pineapple mixture in a piping bag with a star tip to squeeze it into my bowl to make it look more fun and fancy, but it will taste just as delicious just scooped into a bowl!

It was SO GOOD.  I reached the end of the bowl before I realized it.

Next time, I might add a little cool whip, since it doesn't have dairy, but you could easily add just a little bit of whip cream as well to make it a little more creamy.

You could also add some coconut rum or spiced rum over the top like they did at the Flower and Garden Festival this year and are beginning to do in Animal Kingdom!

I plan on doing so for my roommates once I go back to college in a month :)

Still it hits that craving for many people's favorite dish at Disney World!

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Olaf's Carrot Cupcake

If you remember from the Princess Red Velvet Cupcakes, I used to be quite the cupcake baker.  And when I saw the Olaf carrot cake cupcake being featured at Disney, I knew it was something I was going to have to try my hand at.

The version I'm trying to replicate is from the 24 Hour Rock Your Disney Side event earlier this year (2014) and since then they've updated to a version with a piece of white chocolate for Olaf's head.  If you want to get fancy with the chocolate, you can always try that instead!



For 28 Carrot Cake Cupcakes, you will need:

• 2 1/3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups pureed carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 2/3 cup milk

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Begin by mixing the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, together in a small bowl and setting aside.  Next, cream together the sugar and butter, adding the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.  Before combining the wet and dry ingredients, puree the carrots until smooth.  I recommend adding the milk in order to smooth out the puree.  Alternate adding the dry ingredients and carrot puree into the wet ingredients, mixing between each addition.

Fill the cupcake liners 1/2 to 2/3 of the way full and bake for approximately 16-20 minutes.

For the cream cheese frosting and face designs, you will need:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (softened)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4-6 cups powdered sugar
• 2-4 teaspoons milk
• Dark food dye
• Carrots
• Chocolate bar

To begin, cream together the cream cheese and butter until the two are completely mixed.  Add the vanilla and mix.  Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time until the desired consistency is reached.  If you add too much powdered sugar, add milk to thin the frosting out a bit, one teaspoon at a time.  I think that the Olaf structure of the icing would be easiest to attain with a stiffer icing, however mine was not and I thought it looked okay, so it's up to you!

Yum!

Allow the cupcakes to cool.  Get the largest round piping tip you have (or cut the corner out of a plastic bag) and create 3 tiers using the cream cheese icing.  Set some aside and color it with black or other dark colored food dye.  Use a very thin piping tip, or a toothpick (that's what I did) to draw on Olaf's mouth, eyes, and eyebrows.

Cut carrots into small points to use as Olaf's nose.  If you want, you could also use an orange taffy or fondant and design the nose using that.  Carefully cut shaving off of the chocolate bar to use for the hairs on his head.  Assemble the face of your Olaf and you're done!

So will you try to make the Olaf cupcake yourself?  Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Quick Service Picks at Animal Kingdom

There are only a handful of quick service restaurants (Disney's version of "fast food") in Animal Kingdom, but what they lack in number they make up for in theming!  During lunch especially, these restaurants can get really busy, and when hunger strikes it can be hard to choose exactly where you want to eat.  Having some knowledge about these quick service restaurants before going to the park can help you pick the best quick service place for you to eat!

However, even if you don't pre-plan where to go, you can't go wrong with Disney food!




Planner vs. Impulsive
Though the planner and the impulsive individual might be happy with any choice, it's nice to have a clue what might be best suited for you before going to the parks, especially with only 5 quick service venues to choose from!

Planner

• Location: Discovery Island
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: Quick service or not, Flame Tree Barbecue is some of the most delicious food at Disney. It's well suited for the planner due to the often long lines extending before and after lunch and dinner.



My pulled pork and baked beans!

• The variety of sauces makes every option delicious (I loved the pulled pork), and I've heard that the onion rings are great.
• The decor here is wonderful and colorful.  Sit underneath the pavilion by the water for some great views of the tree of life.
• There is plenty of wildlife just walking around.  Be sure not to feed them, but enjoy their presence!  They are pretty entertaining. 

Fiance with our duck friend

Impulsive: ...Pack a lunch?

The reason I suggest packing a lunch is simply because of the lack of options in Animal Kingdom.  This park is huge...it could fit Epcot, Magic Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios inside it.  For the impulsive, when hunger strikes, you might not be near a desirable quick service option.  Your best bet might be to pack your food.  Alternatively, none of the options there are bad options!

Saver vs. Spender

Whether you have a seemingly endless budget, or are pinching the pennies as much as possible, there is a quick service stop in Animal Kingdom that's just right for you!

Saver

• Location: Dinoland, U.S.A.
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This quick service stop has good food a reasonable prices.  However, the best reason to come here is the backstory!  (Read about it here, and be sure to get a seat in the old Airstream trailer attached to the building.)

Spender

• Location: Asia
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This restaurant has both a table service and quick service area, making it some of the most expensive quick service food, but also some of the best.  The seating for the quick service diners is all outside, and though this is a bit inconvenient during the rain, it makes for some beautiful views any other time.

Romantic vs. Impulsive

Even quick service stops can embody the feel of the Walt Disney World visit you want to have! 

Romantic

• Location: Africa
• Menu: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
• Why: Though there are limited food choices here, the view in the seating area here is gorgeous!  It's secluded from the park, and not extremely well know, so it's a great place to get away from the crowds and spend some time with the one you love!

Fun

• Location: Discovery Island
• Menu: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
• Why: Though the food here is standard park fare, and is limited in choices much past the pizza, the restaurant has colorful and fun decorations that make it a great stop for those who want something familiar and be able to quickly move on to the next stop in Animal Kingdom!

There aren't many choices here (which will likely change as Animal Kingdom expands to include Avatarland), there is something there for...well...mostly everyone!  Where will you pick to eat?  What is your favorite spot?  Let me know in the comments!

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Quick Service Picks at Hollywood Studios

There are a few quick service restaurants (Disney's version of "fast food") in Hollywood Studios, most of which are very well suited to the theme of the park.  During lunch especially, these restaurants can get really busy, and when hunger strikes it can be hard to choose exactly where you want to eat.  Having some knowledge about these quick service restaurants before going to the park can help you pick the best quick service place for you to eat!

However, even if you don't pre-plan where to go, you can't go wrong with Disney food!



Planner vs. Impulsive
Though the planner and the impulsive individual might be happy with any choice, it's nice to have a clue what might be best suited for you before going to the parks!

Planner

• Location: Sunset Boulevard, near Tower of Terror
• Menu: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This is a great place for the planner for a couple of reasons:
• 1. If you plan a Fastpass+ for either Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror, you can plan to eat here around the same time, and possibly catch the other ride (without a Fastpass+) in the process.
• 2. This stop has pretty good food (mostly barbecue options), and is often very busy around lunch time, with lines anywhere from 20-30 minutes long.  If it's something you want to try, you should definitely try to go off-peak, before 11:30 and after 1:30.
• This is also one of the few quick-service stops offering breakfast, if you want to plan to eat inside the park!

Impulsive

• Location: Commissary Lane, to the left of the Sorcerer's Hat
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: Though not the most interesting atmosphere or food at the Studios, ABC Commissary has a variety of different types of food as well as shorter lines and more space than most quick service restaurants here.  It's perfect for a quick afternoon bite!

Saver vs. Spender

Whether you have a seemingly endless budget, or are pinching the pennies as much as possible, there is a quick service stop in Hollywood Studios that's just right for you!

Saver

• Location: Echo Lake
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This spot has some of the cheaper meal options in the Studios, as well as some really unique items, like the hotdog on a pretzel bun.  Unfortunately, there isn't much variety here, but it's still something to consider if you are trying to save your money during your trip!

Spender

• Location: Streets of America, by the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids playlet
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: The Studio Catering Company has some fresh and simple sandwiches that are great for adults.  The area is shaded and provides a great stop for the middle of the day.  While you are there, be sure to stop next door at High Octane Refreshments to get a specialty cocktail (such as the stoplight Margarita) to accompany your meal!

Romantic vs. Fun

Even quick service stops can embody the feel of the Walt Disney World visit you want to have! 

Romantic

• Location: Hollywood Boulevard, where Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard meet
• Menu: All Day Menu
• Why: This stop is one of the best for food in Hollywood Studios.  The pastries and desserts are favorites among guests, and the menu extends at lunch and dinner to include specialty sandwiches and sushi.  This is a great stop for couples, as the areas blends perfectly with the old Hollywood style of the area of the park it is in.

Fun

• Location: Streets of America, near the Muppets*3D
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: Pizza Planet is so much fun for any Toy Story lover!  Though the food isn't anything special (besides the Cappuccino cupcake...seriously to die for), it's worth going just to say you ate there.  There is also a small arcade inside to enhance the feel that you are actually in the Toy Story universe!

And seriously...try the cappuccino cupcake.

Fun alternative: Backlot Express!

Location: Echo Lake, between Indiana Jones and Star Tours.

Menu: Lunch/Dinner

Why: Though there are a lot of choices, the food here is basically all standard park fare.  However, the atmosphere itself is worth stopping by, even if you don't eat here!  The different parts of the restaurant are filled with memorabilia from past movie sets, and you never know what you are going to see hanging around there!

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"The Grey Stuff" Recipe

"Try the Grey Stuff it's delicious!  Don't believe me?  Ask the dishes!"

One of the most iconic new menu items introduced with the opening of Be Our Guest Restaurant was the Grey Stuff!  Originally, this dish, inspired by the line in Lumiere's song in the movie, was served on a plate only for special occasions.  Now, the Grey Stuff is the icing on "the Master's Cupcake," so that everyone can try this delicious treat!

But what if you want to make the Grey Stuff at home?  Maybe you haven't made it to Be Our Guest, or maybe you have and want to have more Grey Stuff.  I found the recipe online and decided to give it a try myself!

To make the Grey Stuff, you will need:

• 1 package vanilla instant pudding
• 1.5 cups whole or 2% milk (or 3/4 cups almond milk or other milk substitute)
• 15 Oreos, original
• 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
• 3 tablespoons chocolate instant pudding
• edible pearl sprinkles (optional)

To begin, mix the vanilla pudding mix and milk.  Allow to cool in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.  While it cools, blend Oreos in a food processor until they are a crumb-like consistency.

After the vanilla pudding has chilled, add the Oreos and mix well.  Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.  Mix in the 3 tablespoons of chocolate pudding mix...this should turn the mixture grey!

To present it the way Disney does, use a cake decorating bag with a  star tip and swirl.  Add the edible decorative pearls (which I did not have), and enjoy!

Unfortunately, my "Grey Stuff" didn't turn out so grey.  Maybe a tablespoon less chocolate pudding mix?  Still, it was delicious and made me happy with every bite, thinking about being back in the Beast's castle.

It would also be delicious served on a chocolate cupcake, just like they did with the Master's Cupcake!

Did you make the Grey Stuff?  Did you have better luck with it turning grey?  Let me know in the comments!

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Quick Service Picks at Epcot

There's an abundance of quick service restaurants (Disney's version of "fast food") in Epcot, and many of the options are very appealing, with the World Showcase being flooded with eateries of all types.  During lunch especially, these restaurants can get really busy, and it can be hard to choose exactly where you want to eat.  Having some knowledge about these quick service restaurants before going to the park can help you pick the best quick service place for you to eat!

However, even if you don't pre-plan where to go, you can't go wrong with Disney food!




Planner vs. Impulsive
Though the planner and the impulsive individual might be happy with any choice, it's nice to have a clue what might be best suited for you before going to the parks!

Planner

• Location: World Showcase, Germany Pavilion
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This is a great place for some really interesting cuisine, that goes great with a German beer.  This is a really good place for the planner for 2 reasons.
• 1. It is good to have an idea of what type of food is served there and that all people in the party will like it before going there.
• 2. It's close to the middle of World Showcase (there is a ferry boat that lands right in front of it while running), so it's good to plan to be there around lunch if that's what you want.

Planner Alternative: The fish and chips at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop is delicious!
Location: World Showcase, United Kingdom Pavilion
Menu: Fish and Chips...and the other things
Why: The fish and chips is great for a quick stop, just be sure that everyone in the group is happy with fish, because that is basically all that is served there.

Impulsive

• Location: Future World West (in the Land pavilion)
• Menu: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner
• Why: Sunshine Seasons serves multiple different types of food, which will suit any palate.  Everything there is very fresh and delicious, with variety ranging from sandwiches, asian, and even more homestyle food items.  This dining area also has plenty of room for many people, making it a great stop, even if it's busy and last minute.

Saver vs. Spender
Whether you have a seemingly endless budget, or are pinching the pennies as much as possible, there is a quick service stop in Epcot that's just right for you!

Saver

• Location: World Showcase, French Pavilion
• Menu: All Day Menu
• Why: This restaurant has some delicious sandwiches, soups, and other dishes that, even when purchased alone, can be big enough for an entrée!
• Note: Though most of World Showcase is closed before 11 AM, Les Halles is serving pastries and some sandwiches that are great for breakfast!
• This is also a great place just for dessert!  You can find many delicious pastries here, none of which you can go wrong with!

Spender

• Location: World Showcase, Mexico Pavilion
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This place makes delicious Mexican food, that any standard Mexican food lover would enjoy!  It also offers a great view of the World Showcase Lagoon.  This location tends to be for the "spender" because of the inevitable add ons...guacamole, churros, and margaritas!  But they are worth it, trust me!

Romantic vs. Fun

Even quick service stops can embody the feel of the Walt Disney World visit you want to have! 

Romantic

• Location: World Showcase, Norway Pavilion
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This little bakery is a crowd favorite because of the school bread.  However, the rustic and intricately detailed interior and exterior make for a perfect place for a couple to relax and have some tasty sandwiches!  Just be sure to grab dessert afterward...maybe split a piece of school bread and try some rice cream!

Fun

• Location: World Showcase, Morocco Pavilion
• Menu: Lunch/Dinner
• Why: This quick-service stop is great for those who want to have a little bit more adventurous cuisine without having to stop their entire day to get it.  The options here are all delicious, and the seating area is gorgeously detailed and fun to be in.  Be sure to check out the gift shop next door as well as grab a piece of baklava!

There were some other quick service option left out...what do you YOU think of the places that weren't included?  Would you pick a different option for any category (snack only stops not included)?  Let me know in the comments!

Follow Young Adult Disney on Pinterest for new posts from the blog and other Disney sources!

And follow me on Twitter for everyday Disney info and posts!

Also, take a look at my page on Etsy, Main Street Crystal,

for Disney-inspired crystal jewelry!