I love speaking to others about their love of Disney, how they incorporate Disney into their lives, and just knowledge of how they “do” Disney. JoVonn Givens, owner/blogger of The Givens Chronicles and married mother of one, confesses her family’s love of Disney food.
How did you come to love Disney?
I remember going to WDW as a child, but what really drew me to Disney was the movies. The very first movie I saw in the movie theatre was 101 Dalmations and I have loved it ever since.
What is it about Disney restaurants that your family loves?
The answer would be different for me than it would be for my toddler. I love the quality of the food is good and the variety of items to choose from. He would respond that it’s the experience. Whether it’s a character meal or not, the cast members make him feel so special which puts a smile on my face. I have to remind him to eat!
Chef Mickey’s
What is your favorite Walt Disney World restaurant? What is your favorite Disneyland restaurant? Why?
I love so many that this is hard to answer, and my answers will probably bring about some laughter. At WDW, I love la cava del Tequila for obvious reasons-margaritas! The good thing is that they sale food too (no drinking on an empty stomach)!! My toddler knows that when we enter the Mexico pavillion, mommy is going to go to the cave and he and Tee Tee are going to ride Three Caballeros before going to the cave to eat some tortilla chips (that’s kind of sad isn’t it?).
La Cava (Epcot)
As far as a full meal, I love Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge; so many things to choose from! I have only been to Disneyland once and I set up shop next to the Little Red Wagon to eat corn dogs. I think I had 3 in about 24 hours. Well, it was really less than three…I bought one the first day and my toddler wanted to help me eat just the hot dog portion so when I went back the next day I bought two, so we could both get full. He ended up eating his hot dog (tearing off the breaded part) and part of my hot dog. Hopefully, the next time we go back he would have started to appreciated corn dogs, because they are delicious!
The Little Red Wagon
You really asked me about a restaurant though, so I will have to say Blue Bayou. Once again a great dining experience because it shares a space with Pirates of the Caribbean (which is way better than the WDW version!). We shared a Monte Cristo sandwich. We were not that close to the water, but next time I have to sit by the water.
Monte Cristo sandwich at Blue Bayou
What is your favorite Disney snack?
Right now, it’s caramel apples in whatever seasonal direction they are in at the time. I also love cotton candy, Dole Whip floats, and caramel popcorn from Karamell-Kuche.
What tips would you give in choosing a Disney restaurant?
Please get an advance dining reservation (ADR). Your day won’t be as fun if you have to wait awhile for a table. Once your window of opportunity opens to made an ADR, make that reservation.
I also would like to add a few more remarks for your readers:
*Don’t be afraid to try something new! I always try to find a new restaurant and/or counter service to try every time we make a trip. So many things to choose from, so little room in my stomach.
*Everyone who loves food should go to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at least once in their lives.
*Start a Disney foodie tradition with your family. We usually go to Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney the first day of every trip.
You can continue to follow JoVonn’s Disney and foodie adventures on Twitter at @jhgive.
