Not-so-random Musings on Cars Land and Food at DLR - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
Not-so-random Musings on Cars Land and Food at DLR
This TR was inspired by lauriep and her upcoming trip to Los Angeles, DLR, and then on to the DCL in Alaska! I promised Laurie I would give her a vegetarian tour of DLR, and unfortunately I've been so busy that I haven't been able to keep that promise. However, I had a few hours to myself earlier today, so I just HAD to go visit Cars Land as well as report on vegetarian options for Laurie. Off we go...!
Welcome to Cars Land
On your right as you enter Cars Land's main drag is Taste-In. There are fresh fruit bowls, fruit drinks, water, and other snacks. I tried to get a picture of some of the offerings, but every time I tried, someone would step in front of me. Anyhow, you all know what a plastic bowl filled with fruit looks like, right?
As you continue on your left you see:
I actually had to walk past the sign and turn back to take the picture due to the glare of the sun.
Cozy cone is where the snack offerings are that others have mentioned already. Each "cone" offers a different snack...like churros, ice cream, pretzel with cheese sauce, popcorn, etc.
Cont'd in next post
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
As we continue along, on your right is Flo's V8 Cafe.
At this point, it was about 10:30am, and the only thing I had "eaten" all day was 2 cups of coffee! I walked into Flo's and saw that they were serving breakfast! The lines were short, so I walked up and ordered the Brioche French Toast and and a Simply Orange Juice (sorry for the blurry pic...it was hard to get the sign in focus).
After you order, you walk to the counter to get your food. While I was waiting, I took some pics of the lunch menu:
It's hard to see, but behind the jukebox and under the clock, is a rotisserie oven with big hunks of meat spinning around on spits.
The theming was amazing everywhere you looked (not just at Flo's but all of Cars Land!). Flo's really was decorated like a drive-up diner:
Here's my brioche with bananas and salted caramel sauce:
I've never had salted caramels (not for lack of trying!). I keep seeing them everywhere, but for various reasons, I've never tried it, but the idea of it sounded delicious. This brioche sounded delicious and was an easy choice for me on the menu. For the most part, it was delicious, but the salted caramel was a bit too salty for me...and trust me, I love me some salt! The saltiness just overpowered the dish for me. The orange juice was yummy...exactly what I wanted, or so I thought. The salt and the oj didn't exactly go well together, oh well. Still, I enjoyed my breakfast...I'm just not sure I would order it again. Brioche was $6.99, and OJ was $4.29 (pricey, but at least it was oj not from concentrate). Thank goodness for my AP discount!
Here's a look at the theming inside Flo's...and by the way, there was plenty of outside seating as you walk up to the restaurant, but there were also plenty of inside seats on both side of the restaurant. Given the bright sun and heat outside, I was surprised there were so many seats inside. I don't think people expected there to be so many seats inside with a/c!
Cont'd in next post
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
Here's one final look down the main drag of Cars Land:
And some more great theming:
That breakfast sat really heavy in my tummy. I could really feel that salted caramel weighing heavy! It wasn't a great start to my mini food tour. Plus, Cars Land was getting REALLY crowded, so I decided it was time to move on. I headed on over to the new Ghirardelli Soda Fountain.
Trust me, Laurie, I was ready to have some yummy dessert just for you...until my breakfast told me I'd better not! Imagine how much I chuckled when I got to Ghirardelli and was given a free sample:
Yeah, that little tidbit ended up in my purse...I'll probably have it later tonight, lol! There wasn't much in terms of chocolate shopping. Most of it was taken up by the lines to order and the large counter where they made your frozen treats. Sorry, I thought I had taken a picture of the inside, but I guess I didn't.
I walked by Lucky Fortune Cookery and saw some interesting things on their menu:
I might go back and try a tofu rice bowl next time!
As I was heading out by way of the Soarin' area, Minnie's Fly Girls came out for a performance. They were amazing! These ladies (and gentleman) had the most beautiful voices that blended so well together! Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that when I first entered DCA, there was a performance going on that included some singing and dancing on the Red Trolley car. Awesome. I'm so glad Disney seems to be keeping up with atmosphere and entertainment to DCA.
Cont'd next post as I head over to DL.
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
Last edited by Dlandmom2; 06-20-2012 at 08:56 PM..
Disneyland was definitely less busy than DCA, but still it was crowded. As I walked up Main Street, I ducked into the Candy Palace on the left to take the shortcut that goes back behind Coke Corner and then out by the Jolly Holiday Cafe. I couldn't resist snapping a pic of some treats on offer:
Many of us have recommended the Grilled Cheese/Tomato Soup option at the Jolly Holiday. It's a great option whether you're vegetarian or not! Here's a pic from one of my trips earlier in the year:
I was on a mission this time. I was headed to Bengal BBQ to have a veggie skewer. This is one of my favorites when I'm in the mood for something more "healthy" than meat and potatoes!
I have to say here, I don't think this is the same veggie skewer they served in the past, but I just can't seem to place my finger on it. For one thing, it seemed a little puny. Another thing I noticed is that it was more seasoned today than before...there were some spices sprinkled on it (maybe paprika, garlic, salt?) that made it more flavorful, but I think because I wasn't expecting it, I didn't care for it much (I generally like veggie kabobs to be very "natural" tasting, so the natural flavors of the veggie come through).
Sorry, Laurie, I was hoping to show you lots you'd want to eat...not tell you what I didn't like! There are only a few tables around Bengal BBQ, so usually I get my food and then walk around to the other side of the River Belle Terrace where there's plenty of outdoor seating (and there's some indoor seating, too). Also, there was a sign by Bengal BBQ that said there was seating at Aladdin's Oasis, so that's another option.
I had a nice view of the Sailing Ship Columbia unloading and loading while I ate:
Now here's where I do something I would not recommend...I was going to find one more food item I could eat and photograph for you guys! I was already stuffed! What was I thinking?! From the River Belle Terrace, I walked past the Stage Door Cafe which is attached to the Golden Horseshoe...both the Stage Door Cafe and Golden Horseshoe (on the inside) serve Chicken Nuggets and Fish and Chips, which are both quite yummy. I thought I had a picture of the Fish and Chips from a prior visit, but I can't find it. Anyhow, I really like the Fish and Chips here (but not as much as I like the Fish and Chips at Yorkshire County Fish House or Cooke's of Dublin!).
I took the back pathway past Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Big Thunder Ranch BBQ. Billy Hill and the Hillbillies were performing at the ranch today. I wonder if that's a new change or just a temporary thing, as they usually perform at the Golden Horseshoe. Anyhow, if you can, do try to catch one of their performances. They're very entertaining!
My goal at this point was Pinocchio Village Haus for their BLT Flatbread Pizza.
I've never had this, so of course I just HAD to try it for Laurie! I did confirm with several CMs that it can be made without the bacon, but I had a hankerin' for some bacon, so I ordered it with the B, L and T.
I have no idea why I even attempted to eat more food, but I did! I only made it through 1/3 of it before I gave up. It was delicious! I tried a few bites without bacon, and it was awesome! I love me some caramelized onions! There was shaved mozzarella, arugula, tomatoes...yumm-o! I asked a CM if there was anything he could give me to take the leftovers with me, so he gave me a paper bag...not the best, but at least I could slide the tray inside the bag.
Oh boy was I stuffed at this point! Keep in mind I ate all this food in the span of about 2 hours! It was enough to last me almost all day! As I type this, I'm finishing up the rest of the flatbread pizza for my dinner. And honestly, I probably didn't even need to eat that because I was still full!
I just noticed I forgot to include a picture of Luigi's Flying Tires earlier. It looks like so much fun:
I didn't go on any rides today. I really enjoyed exploring Cars Land. I'm hoping that I can take the kids on Monday before their APs are blacked out for the summer. If that happens, I'll plan to try some more food for you, Laurie!
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
Last edited by Dlandmom2; 06-20-2012 at 09:28 PM..
Thanks so much for taking us on a tour of the new Cars Land and the food you tried. Looks like a great day - and I'm still jealous you can pop over for a morning or afternoon....
Thanks so much for taking us on a tour of the new Cars Land and the food you tried. Looks like a great day - and I'm still jealous you can pop over for a morning or afternoon....
What is it they say...you always want what someone else has? I envy you and your ability to visit Leeds Castle whenever you want! And all the history that surrounds your country! And the ability to hop over to France!
It's actually been a few months since I've visited DLR, so I was really missing it...2 1/2 hours just wasn't enough, so I'm really hoping that I can go back with the kids on Monday or Tuesday!
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
What is it they say...you always want what someone else has? I envy you and your ability to visit Leeds Castle whenever you want! And all the history that surrounds your country! And the ability to hop over to France!
It's actually been a few months since I've visited DLR, so I was really missing it...2 1/2 hours just wasn't enough, so I'm really hoping that I can go back with the kids on Monday or Tuesday!
Thanks so much for the grand tour of Cars Land! I can't wait to get out there and see it for myself, but, alas, it looks like it's going to be a while before we can head out west again.
Thank you, thank you, Jeannie! The theming of Carsland does look incredible-- I love the look of Flo's! You really sacrificed yourself to the cause sampling all the goodies. There really are so many veg options I'm going to have a very good time! I think Jolly Holiday is still on the top of my list, but the veggie skewer looks so good. I'd probably agree with you, though, and would prefer more of the veggie flavor to come through. The BLT flatbread without the B sounds like a great option! You covered a lot of ground considering how crowded the parks must have been. I have ONE MONTH left until I see you!
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Thank you so much for sharing your photos from Cars Land. I hope it won't be long before I can head out there to see it for myself!!
I hope you can see it soon! It really is amazingly themed. I'm hoping I can try out some of the rides on Monday with the kids.
Quote:
Originally Posted by shnewell
Thanks so much for the grand tour of Cars Land! I can't wait to get out there and see it for myself, but, alas, it looks like it's going to be a while before we can head out west again.
Well, you've got some pretty awesome trips planned according to your tickers! Look at it this way, by the time you make it to DLR again, the crowds shouldn't be as crazy for Cars Land! And hopefully we'll be able to meet up then!
Quote:
Originally Posted by pamcarey
Cars Land looks great! And the brioche with salted caramel sauce and bananas looks delicious! Sorry it was too salty. Thanks for the yummy tour!
It really was a yummy dish...I was just surprised by the saltiness. I wonder if that's how it was intended to be or if a chef wasn't paying attention and dropped in an extra giant scoop of salt into the caramel sauce!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Thank you, thank you, Jeannie! The theming of Carsland does look incredible-- I love the look of Flo's! You really sacrificed yourself to the cause sampling all the goodies. There really are so many veg options I'm going to have a very good time! I think Jolly Holiday is still on the top of my list, but the veggie skewer looks so good. I'd probably agree with you, though, and would prefer more of the veggie flavor to come through. The BLT flatbread without the B sounds like a great option! You covered a lot of ground considering how crowded the parks must have been. I have ONE MONTH left until I see you!
Can't wait to see you! I'm planning on going again on Monday, so hopefully I'll be able to report on a few more veg options for you!
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
Thanks for the report. It saddens me to see very little for me to eat. I think I will stay in Florida where they have more dining options. I love the theming, wish I was there but abhor airlines. Nice to see you had so much fun with food.
__________________
Mom calls to check on me and reminded me to pay the gardener. I love her so much.
Disneyland was fun with flag retreat and pickles. I have a home here, thank you. GAC is NOT a "front of the line pass".
She is gone but keeping signature. Laundry is getting done. My purpose in life is to help poor people in FL. Farewell, will miss you.
Thanks for the report. It saddens me to see very little for me to eat. I think I will stay in Florida where they have more dining options. I love the theming, wish I was there but abhor airlines. Nice to see you had so much fun with food.
I'm fortunate that I don't have any dietary restrictions, so I've always been able to find something I like to eat. I'm glad you've found things more to your liking in Florida and hope that you're settling down well there.
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
I did confirm with several CMs that it can be made without the bacon, but I had a hankerin' for some bacon, so I ordered it with the B, L and T. 
PassPorter Guide Author
Looks like a great day - and I'm still jealous you can pop over for a morning or afternoon.... 
Linear Mode
