Happiest Plate on Earth Podcast

02/07/2024

Hello Happy Platers!

Attention all food enthusiasts! Flavors of Florida presented by CORKCICLE is back at Disney Springs, promising a menu that will make your taste buds dance with delight. From July 1 through August 11, 2024, you can indulge in must-try items at over 40 flavor-filled locations across Disney Springs.

This year, Disney Springs is featuring a culinary series hosted by Kroger Delivery, offering first-hand demonstrations from renowned chefs and restaurant owners. New to the event, enjoy pairing events with menus specially curated for Flavors of Florida, featuring exquisite dishes expertly paired with wine, beer, and cocktails. Visit the official site for all the details and to register for this exciting new offering. Also new this year is the Discover the Springs seek-and-find activity. Complete the map and receive a special surprise.

https://tinyurl.com/5n8t4s6t

25/06/2024

Seasons Greetings Happy Platers?!

We are officially 1/2 way to the Christmas & Holiday Season...why do we feel like we missed the first half of the year?

Walt Disney World has announced the holiday line up for entertainment & seasonal fun:

Jollywood Nights are back at Hollywood Studios with dates
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party pricing & dates
EPCOT Festival of the Holidays
Gingerbread Houses & Holiday Decor
Santa's Coming...I KNOW HIM!

https://tinyurl.com/2s3n2p8m

18/06/2024

Welcome to the table Happy Platers!

Today we are going to catch up on some limited-time treats that mark the celebration of some new and old Disney favorites.

- Tiana's Bayou Adventure Treats
- Lion King's 30th Anniversary Delights
- EPCOT Communicore Plaza Festival Delights

Don't forget to let us know your favorite place to eat in EPCOT when there is not a festival!

https://tinyurl.com/yr7y4wws

11/06/2024

Sorry, no episode this week! Kristi has a minor shoulder issue that makes editing the show a no-go. Stay tuned though, we have some fun shows coming up!

04/06/2024

Pull up a chair Happy Platers!

On today’s show, we are going to take a step back in time and look at the history of dining in Disneyland with a focus on one particularly swashbuckling eatery, Blue Bayou.

This immersive dining experience opened on March 18, 1967, and was the first restaurant ever to be built inside a ride attraction anywhere in the world.

Do you wish there was a Blue Bayou in other Disney Parks?

https://tinyurl.com/yezr7nvt

28/05/2024

Greetings Happy Platers!

Our recent shows have been all about Disney food facts and behind-the-scenes info. We're keeping that theme going with a segment called "Did you know?”

Do you know of some fun Disney Food Facts? Let us know!

https://tinyurl.com/2f8a94he

21/05/2024

Welcome to the Table Happy Platers!

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most fascinating aspects of Disney’s food operations: the Flavor Lab. This behind-the-scenes powerhouse is responsible for nearly every new restaurant, dish, and drink at Disney theme parks worldwide. Let’s dive into this incredible facility's structure, operations, and purview!

The Flavor Lab’s Structure

Imagine a 7,000-square-foot, backstage-only test kitchen, brimming with creativity and culinary innovation. The Flavor Lab is divided into four distinct sections:

1. Eat
2. Create
3. Drink
4. Industrial Kitchen

How fun would it be to work here?!

https://tinyurl.com/47nx7jk3

20/05/2024

Thank you to all the Happy Platers, Special Guests, and past & present hosts - Danae Allison, Wendi N Corn, Ryan Hedstrom and Kristi Rada, who made these 250 episodes possible.

Cheers to the next 250!!

There are few things better than talking about the food at Walt Disney Parks! From the never-ending festivals in Epcot, the great restaurants in the parks and resorts, to the culinary delights at Disney Springs, we want to cover it all. Not just the what is it but also how do they craft it. Food New...

15/05/2024

Hey Happy Platers! Beginning May 28th, EPCOT will officially be festival-less until August 30th. For an upcoming show, we will be highlighting places to dine sans a festival. What are some of your go-to quick service and table service dining options in EPCOT? Do you have a favorite menu item?

One of ours is La Cantina de San Angel and the nachos!

14/05/2024

Pull Up Chair Happy Platers!

On today's show, we talk about Disney's Culinary Harvest Program. This is a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, benefiting more than 40 Orlando-area nonprofits such as food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, senior centers, daycare centers, and Kids Cafes.

https://tinyurl.com/3a5tb9cv

07/05/2024

Hey Howdy Hey Happy Platers!

We are BACK...apologies again for our complete technical failure last week. It was a social experiment we will definitely try again.

On the menu this week:

Dates released for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Dates: Aug. 29th - Nov. 23rd
The menus for Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point sound delicious!

https://tinyurl.com/4h2nbpsj

30/04/2024

Due to technical difficulties, this week's episode is delayed. We will be releasing it later this week! Thanks for understanding...

23/04/2024

Mark your calendars for the 2024 International Food and Wine Festival!

23/04/2024

Greetings Happy Platers!

Today we celebrate Victoria & Albert's receiving their first Michelin Star and the installation of Smellephants on Parade, presented by Scentsy in Storybook Circus.

Will you be signing up as a "Whiff-sistant"?

https://tinyurl.com/yfjr6h6j

09/04/2024

Welcome to the table Happy Platers!

Traveling in large groups to Walt Disney World poses unique challenges, particularly when it comes to securing dining reservations. Today we discuss some strategies to enhance your chances of getting the dining experiences you desire for your group and list the WDW restaurants that can accommodate large parties.

What is the largest party you have ever dined with at WDW?

Additional tips for dining with large groups:

Consider dining during off-peak hours to improve your chances of securing reservations.

Attempt to book online at 5:45 am EST and if necessary, call the reservation line when it opens at 7:00 am EST.

Some Disney Springs restaurants may have availability withheld. If unable to secure a reservation through Disney, try using OpenTable or contacting the restaurants directly.

If unable to secure one reservation for your entire group, consider splitting into two smaller reservations. When checking in, request to be seated near each other.

For reservations requiring prepayment, such as Cinderella’s Royal Table or Hoop Dee Doo, remember to prepay for everyone unless you're on the Dining Plan.

Book reservations based on popularity, not the chronological order of your trip.
Ensure all members of your party are present to be seated.

https://tinyurl.com/28crz3cy

02/04/2024

Pull up a Chair Happy Platers!

On today's show, we gather up some Disney Food Bites:

Character Breakfast returning to Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Celebrate Earth Month in Disney's Animal Kingdom Parks & Resort
Season of the 4th begins on April 5th in Disneyland Park

Eagerly awaiting sponsorships for our Disneyland Trip! May the force be with us...

https://tinyurl.com/4yjettd9

26/03/2024

Hey Happy Platers!

We all know that Disney does theming extremely well. It is often so good; that we get completely lost trying to absorb all of it. That goes for the restaurants too…sometimes we miss out on the meal trying to discover all of the hidden easter eggs and décor references.

Today we will talk about some eateries that do that and more! These are some of the most immersive dining experiences on the property. From the décor to the food and even the servers, these places transport you to a time gone by or help you jump into the pages of a storybook.

Which one of these dining experiences is your favorite and why?

https://tinyurl.com/2szzn264

19/03/2024

Greetings Happy Platers!

On today’s menu, we are continuing our series about dining at WDW Resorts to give you a breakdown of all the dining and lounge options available. We started this with value resorts on show 203, the moderates on 206 and started the Deluxe on 212, 216, 220, and 237. Today we continue with the next 2 deluxe resorts going alphabetically: Disney’s Saratoga Springs and Wilderness Lodge.

Which restaurant is your favorite from these resorts?

https://tinyurl.com/kf3hdnt8

12/03/2024

Welcome to the table Happy Platers!

Today's show is a serving of Disney Food News:

- Revision to the dining reservation system on desktop and app
- 1900 Park Fare Menu released
- “Sip, Savor & Stroll” Event - Patina Restaurant Group March 21st Disney Springs

Has anyone booked a reservation at 1900 Park Fare?

https://tinyurl.com/43emz6y2

05/03/2024

Greetings Happy Platers!

On today's show, join us for a live recording of all the food we tried at the International Flower and Garden Festival. Filled with all the background sounds and music, it is just like you were there with us. Special thanks to Happy Plater, Brandi K. who joined us at the table and trash cans!

https://tinyurl.com/y98vjej4

28/02/2024

What's Blooming Happy Platers?!

The Flower and Garden Festival, now a classic springtime tradition, had humble beginnings in 1994 as a simple seasonal display garden featuring a few Disney characters. Before the introduction of fancy food stalls and entertainment, the event primarily showcased small floral arrangements and meticulously crafted topiaries, attracting visitors from far and wide who marveled at the beauty of the gardens.

From February 28 to May 27, 2024, EPCOT will undergo a captivating transformation into a flower-filled adventure, offering guests a delightful blend of delectable bites, meticulously crafted topiaries, must-see entertainment, and exclusive merchandise.

http://tinyurl.com/mr4m7maw

20/02/2024

Hey Howdy Hey Happy Platers!

We have a special guest at the table today, Jon Self, a member and frequent contributor to the Happy Platers community. Jon, a freelance writer specializing in theme park foods in the Orlando area, has made significant contributions to more than 16 different sites and blogs. We're thrilled to welcome Jon today as he shares his insights and tips on Disney Dining. Additionally, he'll be unveiling an exciting new project that we're confident will captivate the Happy Platers.

Welcome to the table Jon!

Social Media for Jon:
Insta - .self.37
X -

http://tinyurl.com/2e2kprmj

13/02/2024

Greetings Happy Platers!

In the enchanted realm of Disney, where villainous hearts intertwine, a sinister symphony of love songs unfolds. Eerie melodies like "Be Prepared," The Queen’s Dungeon," and "Friends from the Other Side" weave tales of dark passion, capturing the essence of Disney's most notorious couples. As Valentine's Day draws near, we invite you to join us in a fiendishly delightful feast fit for the most wicked of Disney couples.

This year featuring the unhappy couples:

The Evil Queen and Gaston - "The Sinister Feast for Royalty and Brawn"
Yzma and Dr. Facilier - "The Mystic Schemers"

*New Feature* - "Where Would You Eat?"
We take a look at the popular places to eat at our listener locations...first up Atlanta!

http://tinyurl.com/26tb82dh

06/02/2024

Aloha & Bienvenue Happy Platters!

On today’s menu, we are continuing our series about dining at WDW Resorts to give you a breakdown of all the dining and lounge options available. We started this with value resorts on show 203, the moderates on 206, and started the Deluxe on 212, 216, and 220. Today we continue with the next 2 deluxe resorts going alphabetically: Disney’s Polynesian Village and Riviera Resorts.

Do you have a favorite dining location at these resorts?

A special "thank you" to Wendi for all of the wonderful and amazing memories we have created in these 186 episodes! You will always have a seat at the table.

http://tinyurl.com/32sybw5f

30/01/2024

Welcome to the Table Happy Platers!

On today's show, we have a potluck of topics:

Celebrate Soulfully Food
More Dining Plan News
Review of Festival of the Arts - quick bites

Are you excited about the beignets at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom?

http://tinyurl.com/6tfzcad5

23/01/2024

Hey Howdy Hey Happy Platers!

This year, on Jan. 9th, the Disney Dining Plan came back online. It was first introduced in 2005 and has developed in complexity and variations over time. The Disney Dining Plan allows guests to eat at park restaurants without needing to have cash on their persons. The plan does now include alcoholic beverages but not gratuities. The plan has been criticized for various reasons, including that servers need to be more knowledgeable about which food items are considered meals and which are considered snacks. Currently, Disney only offers 2 dining plans: QS and Standard. Previously there was a Deluxe dining that entitled you to 3 TS meals per day!

We are going to break down the value of adding the dining plan to your WDW package vs. paying out of pocket. Also, we look into the current Disney+ “Free” Dining package vs. the stay longer promo.

Here is the breakdown of the dining plan entitlements:

Quick Service -

2 Quick-Service Meals (per night of stay)*
1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay)*
1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug**
Standard Dining -

1 Quick-Service Meal (per night of stay)*
1 Table-Service Meal (per night of stay)*
1 Snack/Nonalcoholic Drink (per night of stay)*
1 Resort-Refillable Drink Mug**

Have you ever used the Disney Dining plan and do you plan on using it in the future?

http://tinyurl.com/bdzhtj5c

16/01/2024

Bon Appetit Happy Platers!

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts, inaugurated in 2017, is a festival showcasing visual, culinary, and performing arts. The first annual event took place on weekends. This year the Festival starts on Jan. 12 and runs through Feb. 19, EPCOT will embrace the arts in all forms, from music to cuisines, and fill the park with plenty of dazzling experiences to enjoy.

With 18 Food Studios filled with expertly crafted bites and delights, your taste buds are about to be brought to life with the culinary arts! As you eat your way around the World Showcase, be sure to pick up a Festival Passport to take part in the Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a returning food stroll featuring culinary delights. With each bite, collect stamps by purchasing five of these decadent dishes to receive a complimentary Artist Palette Cookie. special prize from Deco Delights to enjoy

What is on your pallette to try?

http://tinyurl.com/2wcsrpa2

09/01/2024

Hey Howdy Hey Happy Platers! WDW launched 2 new promos and one of them is delicious. Disney+ Subscribers: Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option—for arrivals most nights from July 1 to September 30, 2024.

And the other is Save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels when you stay 5 consecutive nights or longer—or save up to 30% on shorter stays. This offer is valid for stays most nights from July 8 to October 3, 2024.

On an upcoming show, we are going to dive deep into these offers to see which if either is the best value for your Disney dollar.

Now how about some Disney Food trivia?

http://tinyurl.com/4bcdud23

04/01/2024

Hey Happy Platers! Recently, Danae and Kristi had the opportunity to record an episode on The Zest Podcast with host Dalia Colon We had such a great time sharing some tips on Disney Dining. The only thing that would have made it sweeter was if Wendi had been able to join us. Thank you very much for having us on the show!

Take a listen and subscribe to this podcast that explores Florida's unique food culture thru interviews & free recipes.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zest/id1657188652?i=1000640510991