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Alrighty Guys, it is time. We are heading over to Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney to travel back 200 million years for dinner. Learn About: T-Rex CafeDowntown Disney Disney World RestaurantsWe’ve gotta do T-Rex again. This super-themed-to-the-max restaurant is the sister of Rainforest Cafe. If you’ve been to one, you have an idea for the feel of the other (even if the themeing is different). I’ll confess I wasn’t looking forward to this Advance Dining Reservation with great anticipation. But every restaurant at Disney deserves a little love from me, right? After all, it’s my job. So on a recent visit, over I went to check out if my experience would be better, worse, or the same as my previous visit. Besides, there’s a Cotton-tini involved this time! More on that just around the corner. Let’s go! AtmosphereAs you probably expect, there’s a whole lot going on when you walk inside T-Rex. The outside view of rock outcroppings and dinosaurs give you an idea of what you’re in for. Outside View of T-Rex Once your eyes adjust, you’ll notice that there are four major themed areas inside the space. The bar is themed to look like an Undersea Scene, complete with a giant, moving octopus. (What?! It’s true!) You’ll see some jellyfish floating above you too. Under the Pre-Historic Sea You may recall this area experienced a little drama last year, when one of the cylindrical aquariums started gushing water right in the middle of meal service! Fortunately, fish and diners alike were all fine. (See the video here.) The floors throughout the restaurant are themed as well. Check out the watery undercarriage of the Undersea Scene. These are actually tiles printed like water. Watery tiled floor The themeing throughout the restaurant does vary a bit. A lot actually. Beyond the sea, you have a verdant Forest Area, where you can sit in the belly of a Triceratops if you’d like. (I have asked how I can get this table. I want to sit in that Triceratops. If any of you are willing to join me on a Triceratops challenge, let me know and we’ll go and wait for this table some night! The Triceratops Booth! And then, there’s the Meteor Shower Room. Somehow you are simultaneously on Earth and viewing Earth. (Don’t think about it too hard.) You’ll find the star of the show here — T-Rex himself. T-Rex! Ruuuuunnnnn!!! Be forewarned — this room is very, very loud at regular intervals. Like every 10 minutes, when meteor showers rain down from the heavens. Did I mention that it’s loud?? The Universe on the Ceiling Seating near the animatronic dinosaurs brings your experience to life. And for educational value, they have plaques scattered throughout the scenes that tell a little about the creatures. Seating by the Dinosaurs In the Meteor Shower Room, you’ll also find the KITCHEN OF FIRE. (I can’t help it with the caps. It’s such a dramatic name. You should also imagine an echoing, booming voice.) Kitchen of Fire The fire is actually a pretty cool touch. If you think so too, you might enjoy sitting nearby. Seating Next to the Kitchen This Wooly Mammoth and her Wooly Babies are hanging out near the ice cave. Wooly Mammoth And speaking of the Ice Cave…it really is spectacular. It makes you feel like you should go and grab a jacket! Changing Lights During the Ice Age Lights change throughout the area as you dine, creating a dazzling effect. You’re surrounded by ice, and there’s a T-Rex skeleton encased in the frozen wall just ahead of you. That said, I DO always request NOT to be seated in the Ice Cave. The lighting is such that your food always looks either purple or blue…and never the color it’s actually supposed to be. That’s pretty unappetizing to me, and when I’m paying T-Rex prices, I want every possible shot at enjoying what I order. Another Color in the Ice Age Light Show So, we were initially seated in the Undersea area, which I thought was awesome. But when I got to the table, it was RIGHT next to the kitchen. We requested to be seated elsewhere, and were brought over to the Forest area…right NEXT to the Triceratops. Sigh. Maybe next time. Good times straight ahead. EatsSo, we mentioned this before, but it certainly bears repeating. The menu here, especially by Disney standards, is massive. Like, 6 pages long. So expect to pour over it for a while. But the first two full pages are made up of Beverages. Once you get your drink order sorted out, you’re a third of the way home. Beverage Menu — Click to Enlarge And there are some interesting options. We noticed they’re very proud of the Category 5. Maybe ’cause it’s hurricane season? Category 5 Table Tent And so we decided to give it a try. It’s very tropical-fruity with a bit of a punch on the back end — just what you want a vacay drink to be. (Oh, and you get the glass to take home!) Category 5 Another member of our party knew right away what she was having (well, she may have had a little urging from me) — the house exclusive Cotton-Tini! This drink has been a legend for a while now. I’ve even wondered if it inspired similar drinks, like the Cotton Candy Lemonade at Everything Pop Food Court, and the new (to us anyway) Carnival Cocktail at Chester & Hester’s Dino-rama. Cotton-Tini Menu — Click to Enlarge Now, there’s a whole little show that goes along with this drink. First, your server will place a martini glass with a tuft of Cotton Candy in front of you. Glass for My Cotton-Tini — Pre-Pour Next, he or she will go to town, shaking up the liquid portion of your cocktail in a vibrantly-colored Shaker. The cool part? You’ll take the shaker home with you at the end of the night! Shaking the Cotton-Tini Once the drink is properly chilled, it’s strained through the lid onto the waiting cotton candy cloud. Pouring the Cotton-Tini And that’s where the magic starts to happen. Blue cotton candy + a yellow cocktail mix = a lovely, bright green cocktail! Cotton-Tini in the Glass Wait for it… Finished Product: Cotton-Tini — Up Close Ah! Green! See — I told ya. And it pretty much tastes like sour apple candy in liquid form. This is one fun drink. Cotton-Tini and Souvenir Shaker There are lots of other drinks to choose from, including a small selection of Beer and Wine. You’ll also find some specialty Non-Alcoholic Drinks. More Beverages — Click to Enlarge Another dining companion went for a Blue Moon, one of the beers T-Rex featured on tap. Blue Moon With drinks to sip on, we turned our attention to the rest of the menu. Basically, there’s a page or so for nearly every category. Appetizers and Salads — Click to Enlarge As you’re reading through the menu, be sure to notice the background of each page. They represent the different zones within the restaurant itself. Meat! — Click to Enlarge Be prepared to have a sense of humor where the food names are concerned. You’re about to encounter lots of MEGA- this and PALEO- that. They don’t pass up a single opportunity for prehistoric-inspired alliteration. It makes ordering a pretty funny affair. Pastas, Burgers, and Sandwiches — Click to Enlarge The menu wraps up with Seafood and Desserts on the same page. A little strange, but I suppose it’s practical and a paper-saving measure. Seafood and Desserts — Click to Enlarge I’ve also included the back of the menu, which tells a little about the restaurant’s theme. It’s also worth mentioning that T-Rex is a Landry’s restaurant. If you enjoy this family of eateries, you may want to look into a Landry’s Select Club membership. It could save you money. Back of the Menu with Information — Click to Enlarge We made our selections, and soon the food began to arrive. I enjoy starting a meal with soup and so I gave the Lava Tomato Basil a try. It was highly recommended by our server, and the generous portion was creamy with good tomato flavor. It’s also served in a little pot with garlic bread. Fun! Lava Tomato Basil Soup We also ordered the Megalosaurus Mozzarella to share. The platter offers two takes on Fried Cheese — traditional Mozzarella Cheese Sticks as well as something called Seared Mozzarella. While we ate the sticks with our fingers, we dipped forkfuls of the latter into the Marinara Sauce that accompanied them. This stuff was pretty standard, though the seared mozzerella definitely had the better flavor of the two versions. Megalosaurus Mozzarella One of my friends ordered the Bronto Burger. This was a pretty substantial burger with all of the trimmings, including a thick-cut, breaded Onion Ring. Burgers and sandwiches now come with your choice of side, and he went for the Red-Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Bronto Burger Another dining companion opted for the comfort food option, Cretaceous Chicken Fried Steak. The portion was enormous! Seriously, it’s huge. The dish could easily be split by two hungry people. Cretaceous Chicken Fried Steak Our other friend opted for a lighter dish and went with the Wooly Mammoth Chicken. (No, I have no idea what’s wooly about it.) Served with a bountiful side of Sauteed Vegetables and Peas, this was the most green we saw on our table. (Well. Besides my drink. ) She appreciated the lighter Grilled Chicken and flavorful Tomato Sauce. There was also Sauteed Spinach in there! And the Red-Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes provided a rich component to the dish. Wooly Mammoth Chicken Finally, we get to my meal! And I opted for the Neanderthal (???) New York Strip. The Charbroiled Steak comes topped with a knob of Compound Butter, and is served with Red-Skinned Garlic Mashed Potatoes. (Apparently it was a mashed potato kind of night.) To that, I was invited to add another side, so I chose the Cinnamon Apples. The plate was picture perfect. My sides were delicious, but I didn’t eat too much of my steak. It looks great, but it didn’t taste as fantastic as I wanted it to. It was pretty gristly, so getting to the actual flavor took some doing. Unfortunate; I was really looking forward to it when it landed in front of me. Neanderthal New York Strip After big plates of food and plenty of other things to eat and drink, we could have skipped dessert. But we didn’t! We all decided that Chocolate sounded best, and so it was a logical choice to try out the Chocolate Extinction. This is a platter of dessert, with four big servings of Chocolate Layer Cake, four scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream, and Whipped Topping. It says it can feed four, but I figure twice as many people could have gotten a fork in there, especially after a big meal. Cool picture, eh?? Chocolate Extinction The dessert was pretty good, but it could have used a LOT more Sauce. But isn’t that always the case? The Heath Bar Toffee Crumbles on top were a nice touch, though. Chocolate Extinction — Up Close And on that (chocolate) high note, we wrapped up our meal and headed out for more Downtown Disney fun. OverallWhat can you say about T-Rex? I have been thinking about it. And the profound statement that I have to offer is — it is what it is. This is not a gourmet meal. But it’s not supposed to be. The atmosphere continues to be the draw, and the food is adequately rises to the occasion. Sadly, the prices are significant; so if you don’t have a person in your party who’s going to be wowed by the atmosphere or can’t wait for that Chocolate Extinction, you may find it to be too hard on the wallet for what it offers. It’s not the worst restaurant that I’ve been to, but it doesn’t hold any particular charm for me. Still, I know for all of its detractors, T-Rex has some die-hard fans. So let’s hear from you: Is T-Rex a must-do, or a must-skip? Join in the conversation by leaving a comment below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Crossroads at House of Blues at Walt Disney World’s Downtown DisneyReview: AMC Dine-In Theater at Walt Disney World’s Downtown DisneyReview: March Signature Dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub at Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney View the full article

Experience more magic with Extra Magic Hours! Each day one of the parks offers extended hours so guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can enjoy select attractions beyond the standard...From:Disney ParksViews:30135ratingsTime:00:40More inTravel & Events

This week, La Place de Rémy, our first themed area based on the Academy Award-winning film “Ratatouille,” opened to guests at Disneyland Paris. Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, authored a story on opening day and showed the area’s anchor, L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, an attraction that shrinks you down to the size of a rat and whisks you away on an adventure over the rooftops of Paris and through Gusteau’s. Check Tom’s original story for more details about La Place de Rémy. And did you see our larger-than-life Olaf made out of sand? The first week of “Frozen Summer Fun LIVE! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios” featured expert sand sculptors building the summer-loving snowman in front of the theme park. Here’s how they did it. If you’d like more “Frozen” fun this weekend, also check out our video of how to draw Anna at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Disneyland and Walt Disney World Fans Show Their Disney Sidewalks on Instagram – Check out just a few of the amazing pieces of sidewalk art posted to Instagram as part of the Show Your Disney Sidewalk campaign. Disney’s ‘Planes: Fire & Rescue’ Lands at Disney Parks – Take a look at some of this new merchandise soaring into Disney Parks and don’t forget to see Disney’s “Planes: Fire & Rescue” on July 18! Enjoy a Fourth Night Free at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, with Special New Offer – Book a relaxing Hawaiian getaway for your `ohana today with this exciting offer, at the award-winning Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. ‘Legends of Frontierland: Gold Rush!’ Begins Today at Disneyland Park – Choose your side in the fight for Frontierland! Click through for more details on this new experience coming to Disneyland park. Vintage Walt Disney World: Early Days of Disney Water Parks – If you love Disney Water Parks, you’ll love this look back at the construction of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Downtown Disney Entertainers Record a Special Rendition of ‘Let It Go’ – Have a listen to this unique take on “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen”, performed by some talented Downtown Disney Entertainers. Disney Parks Blog Weekly Recap by Thomas Smith: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World has debuted Frozen Summer Fun. Elsa Cupcake See Anna and Elsa, ice skate (in the summer! in Florida!), catch some snowflakes, attend a sing-along, and of course, snack on some Frozen treats! From snowflake cookies to Olaf cupcakes, there’s plenty of snacks to keep you going. Plus, the 2014 Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages are now on sale. Whether you’re visiting Disney World for the summer or holidays, we know you’ll find some amazing meals, snacks, and beverages. You’ll find all the new Disney Food tidbits by clicking on the links below! Disney Food NewsWe have fun “Frozen” food and beverages from Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!!2014 Epcot Candlelight Processional Packages are now open for booking at Walt Disney World!Check out the Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich and Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch Ice Cream at L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion.La Place de Rémy (the Ratatouille themed area) is now open at Disneyland Paris in the Walt Disney Studios Park! Of course, there’s more! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, and more! DFB Reader FindsIf you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or from Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! Aloha! This week we’re highlighting tasty menu items from Disney’s Polynesian Resort. First up, Facebook Friend Kristen shares “One of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. The Samoan from Kona Cafe!”. Wow! We agree, Kristen! The Samoan And here’s a fan favorite — Bread Pudding from ‘Ohana sent in by DFB Reader Diandra. Yes, please!! Bread Pudding While the Polynesian Resort is undergoing renovations, it’s still a great choice for Disney Meals. Thanks for sharing! Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 EditionRecently, we announced the Grand Launch of the Disney Food Blog Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition! And to continue the celebration, we’re offering a $3 discount for a limited time! Use code Epcot2014 at check-out! We’ve updated our detailed snack guide to help you find the best eats (and treats!) in Walt Disney World’s Epcot. You’ll see some of your old favorites as well as some snacks that you might have missed. We’ve kept most of the snacks in the $1-5 range, but there are a few big spenders in there. (Yep, that turkey leg or frozen mojito is gonna cost you!) How Do I Get One?There is absolutely no waiting to satisfy your snack cravings! This guide is an instantly downloadable PDF guide with over 290 pages of information and advice on over 150 delicious snacks that you can savor in Disney World’s Epcot. Download your copy right now, and start planning! This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan your snacks and treats in Epcot, or your money back — we all know that treats in Epcot are just as important as a FastPass+ for Soarin! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book includes: Half-page, full-color photos of over 250 of our favorite snacksCurrent prices and Disney Dining Plan snack credit statusSnack locationsInsider tips and details we’ve discovered through over 20 years of Disney World snacking experienceSnack reviewsSpecial Bonus items you’re going to love! (Of course…how could we not include these?)Plan before your vacation so that you can anticipate trying School Bread in Norway, a caramel delight in Germany, and/or a crepe in France. Epcot snacks are an adventure! Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or iPad! As we mentioned before, to celebrate the grand launch and to thank you for your support of the blog, we’ll be offering the Guide for a $3 discount this week only! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at the check-out. For more detailed information, head over to The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks!Want Even Greater Savings? Here’s How!Get four awesome e-Books bundled for over 30% off! Limited time only… Bundle for greater savings! Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014, PLUSThe DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks,The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, ANDThe DFB Guide to Epcot SnacksAll three are being sold together for the first time –and for a massively discounted price. Just $39.95 instead of the regular price of nearly $60.00. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review over 600 Disney World snacks (!!), but also showcase some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2014, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for over 30% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! With a 100% money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! Thanks for your support of the DFB! Perfect for Family Game Night On to the Round-Up!Mickey Fix features the Disney Theme Park edition of Candy Land. A fun game to play between Disney trips! disZine highlights two new Walt Disney World VIP Tours. Both include a table-service lunch! Main Street Gazette highlights a vintage marine pamphlet from Epcot’s Coral Reef Restaurant. A kid favorite! WESH explores 5 unique Epcot Snacks written by AJ. YUM! Cake Wrecks shares some Disney villain cakes. Which is your favorite? Food Beast showcases a non-alcoholic Olaf cocktail from Tokyo Disney. Do you want to drink a snowman?! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-Up: July 6, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: May 4, 2014Disney Food Post Round-Up: June 8, 2014 View the full article

Choose a Magic Your Way package with a dining plan and enjoy a variety of diverse dining options throughout Walt Disney World Resort. To learn more about all the special benefits that will...From:Disney ParksViews:51932ratingsTime:00:40More inTravel & Events

Earlier this week, Disney Parks Blog author Shawn Slater reminded us that there are only a few more weeks to enjoy Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. GalleryThis Week in Disney Parks Photos: Harambe Nights Heats Up Disney’s Animal Kingdom view allHarambe Nights includes “The Lion King Concert in the Wild,” a retelling of “The Lion King” that features a celebrity narrator, live orchestra, choir and more. The evening event also features a welcome reception and the post-show street party that features Afro-pop music, performers, a buffet and more. Check out the gallery above for some additional photos we’ve never shared from the event. Have you enjoyed Harambe Nights this year? If so, tell us what you liked about it in the “Comments” section below! This Week in Disney Parks Photos: Harambe Nights Heats Up Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

So, here we are on our second trip to L’Artisan des Glaces in Epcot’s France Pavilion in one week! Learn About: L'Artisan des GlacesEpcot Restaurants Disney World RestaurantsYou may have seen our review of the new Vanilla Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich, but we just had to make it back right away to taste their brand new flavor. Take a deep breath, ‘cuz this one is a mouthful: Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch Ice Cream. And it’s good to be back so soon for another visit, because let’s face it – if there’s a list of places at Disney World that merit more than one trip during your vacation, L’Artisan des Glaces deserves to be on it. That case full of 16 homemade flavors of ice cream and sorbet just doesn’t disappoint. L’Artisan des Glaces ice cream case Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch in the case There are so many words in the name “Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch,” it barely fits on the menu! Flavor Menu Menu close-up Fortunately, the Cast Member knew exactly what I was going for when I said, “May I have one scoop in a cup of the… um, Caramel, Cinnamon… uhh, Crumble … stuff? Please?” Smooth. As. Silk. So, with that little tongue-twister out of the way, it was time to give it a try. A cup of Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch The name, of course, is a full description of a very full-flavored ice cream. You can immediately see the generous amount of cinnamon spice throughout the scoop. Cinnamon Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch The amount of caramelized apple pieces is terrific – they could easily overwhelm the texture, but they’re interspersed just enough throughout. Piece of Caramelized Apple But my favorite element was the crumble crunch. I don’t know if this was the intention, but to me the crumble pieces tasted exactly like buttery pie crust, making the whole thing taste just like apple pie a la mode… but mostly “mode.” Crumble Crunch! Okay, so I’m pretty sure “mode” doesn’t mean “ice cream,” but you get my point. It’s delicious. In fact, I won’t hesitate to say it’s my new favorite flavor at L’artisan. And that’s saying something. I hope Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch stays on the menu all year round, but it would be particularly fun to enjoy it during the Fall or holiday season. After all, it’s custom-made for it: all the flavors of hot apple pie goodness in a rich, creamy ice cream that’s cool enough to enjoy in Florida’s warmer temps. Plus, that would give me more time to get the name right ! Want Even More Epcot Snack Details?Let’s face it: snacks are a big deal during your Disney vacation. And we’ve got all the info you need to get the biggest bang for your buck! The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book, 2014 Edition helps you to make the most out of your trip. Our fully guaranteed, convenient e-Book format is available for instant download and use on any mobile device, so you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately! Inside the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book you’ll find full-color photos and reviews of over 250 of our favorite Epcot snacks, pricing and dining plan info, bonus items, and more! And for a limited time only, we’re thanking you for supporting this blog by offering the Guide for a $3 discount! To secure the discount, use code Epcot2014 at check-out. And all of our DFB Guides come with a 100% money back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose! Would you like to try Cinnamon, Caramelized Apple & Crumble Crunch ice cream? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan No related posts. View the full article

Hello, I’m Melanie! My colleague Kevin Rafferty, Jr., who has brought you “Every Role a Starring Role” for the last few years, is on a special assignment and has temporarily passed me the baton to bring you Disneyland Resort cast and community news. One of my favorite experiences as a Disneyland Resort cast member is watching Main Street, U.S.A. don its iconic red, white and blue décor each summer, offering a month-long celebration of our nation and those who defend our freedom. This July is especially momentous for cast members with connections to the military as SALUTE, a new diversity resource group, officially launched yesterday at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts with patriotic ceremonies on both coasts. Cast members participating in SALUTE will help provide a military perspective that will enhance the cast and guest experience. SALUTE is an extension of Disney’s longstanding support of the armed forces, which dates back to Walt Disney’s service in the Ambulance Corps during World War I and his brother Roy’s service as a petty officer in the Navy. SALUTE is the sixth diversity resource group at Disneyland Resort and the seventh for Walt Disney World Resort. These groups serve as resources to the company and our cast by sharing the unique perspectives and contributions that diverse communities can offer. Additional diversity resource groups on both coasts include: CastABLE: Promoting respect, equality and an appreciation of people with disabilities.COMPASS (Community of Pacific Islanders, Asians and Allies): Enhancing cast, guest and community relations through Asian and Pacific Islander cultural awareness and business practices.FAMILIES: Focusing on family-related interests. (Walt Disney World Resort only.)HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement): Promoting Hispanic/Latino heritage and cultural exchange.PRIDE (People Respecting Individual Diversities in Everyone): Serving gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender cast members by providing resources, learning opportunities and a supportive network.PULSE (People United to Lead, Serve and Excel): Developing cultural, educational and professional opportunities for cast members of African heritage.Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort SALUTE Military Cast Members With New Diversity Resource Group by Melanie Vogel: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort comes with many transportation benefits. Enjoy complimentary motor coach transportation between Orlando International Airport and your Disney Resort hotel...From:Disney ParksViews:30130ratingsTime:01:22More inTravel & Events

Cool news out of Disneyland Paris this week — La Place de Rémy is now open at Walt Disney Studios Park! And the new area is home to the brand new attraction and table service restaurant inspired by the Disney-Pixar animated film Ratatouille, news we first told you about earlier this year. A ride? Based on a restaurant? Especially a French restaurant??? I love it! L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy — The New Ratatouille-Themed Attraction at Disneyland Paris The attraction, L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy, seems like all kinds of fun, too! As guests shrink down to rodent size, they board little rat-shaped cars. The scale allows riders to experience the grandeur of Paris — and world-famous Gusteau’s — from Rémy’s point of view! Guests scurry willy-nilly through a course, high above the rooftops of Paris, before making their way through Gusteau’s kitchen and dining room. And it’s a safe bet that the ride delivers a few thrills and chills along the way, courtesy of Chef Skinner! Once guests complete their harrowing journey, they’re delivered to their final destination — Bistrot Chez Rémy. And after all this talk of ratatouille, of course it’s featured on the menu! Gusteau’s Sign Soars Over La Place de Rémy and Bistrot Chez Rémy While L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy and Bistrot Chez Rémy are now open, guests still have something to look forward to, as merchandise outlet Chez Marianne will open later this year. I think it’s time for a field trip! Who’s up for it?? Does the L’Aventure Totalement Toquée de Rémy sound like a fun way to arrive for dinner to you? Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Ratatouille Themed Restaurant Will Open in Disneyland Paris this SummerNew! Disneyland Paris 20th Anniversary WinesNews: Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam’s to Open in Disneyland Hotel View the full article

One of my favorite articles to write for the Disney Parks Blog gives readers a glimpse into future merchandise development (who wouldn’t want to travel through time?). Introduced in early 2012, these semi-regular stories are filled with things that make me beyond happy. Here is a look at some of my favorites coming to Disney Parks later this year. I still remember the day that Aaron Babcock, merchandiser for home and decorative goods, showed me the two metal trays pictured above. I did a double take as I thought they were vintage finds from some antique shop. Aaron is the developer behind those amazing items found in Disney Centerpiece at the Marketplace Co-Op in Downtown Disney Marketplace in Florida. He stepped up his game with these trays that will be placed next to my vintage EPCOT Center trays from the early 1980s. Look for them this fall at the respective Resort destinations in California and Florida. I think I found the next two shirts that I will be getting for my fiancée and me. They were inspired by the popular “I’ll Be Your” Mickey and Minnie companion T-shirts released in 2012. The shirts are coming this October to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. I fell out of my chair when I saw the new Vinylmation – Eachz set coming this fall featuring Mabel from the hit Disney XD show “Gravity Falls.” I wasn’t surprised to learn that Thomas Scott was the Disney Design Group artist behind these limited edition figures. Thomas, who once dressed up as the character Uncle Stan for Halloween, recommended I watch the show. I’m now hooked and can’t wait for season two, which debuts on Disney Channel on August 1 at 9:00 p.m. Presented in a mystery box (how fitting), the figure on the left will be more common to find (edition size 1,350), while the figure on the right is more rare (edition size 150). Finally, I spotted these adorable new Disney Villains baby plush. Maleficent will be joined by baby Cruella de Vil this November, while Ursula will be released early next year. Which things are you most excited to see? Please share in the comments below. New Merchandise on the Horizon for Fall 2014 at Disney Parks by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Summer Celebration continues in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort this month with World Cup Soccer finals, a celebration of summer volleyball and more “Dole Days of Summer” Hawaiian Nights. Soccer fans have been cheering World Cup matches at the Downtown Disney District , inside ESPN Zone and on the 10-by-16-foot outdoor LED jumbo screen in the Downtown Disney District common area. Throughout the World Cup third place and final matches this weekend, there will be some additional exciting events available for our guests. On Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, we will be sharing a futsal (the smaller-scale cousin of soccer) demo and clinic in the Downtown Disney District common area near the LED jumbo screen. Starting at noon Saturday and Sunday, several local coaches will provide an interactive soccer/futsal clinic for kids. In addition, on Saturday only, Joe-Max Moore – U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer, Olympian and three-time FIFA World Cup U.S.A. Team Member, will appear at 11:15 a.m. to meet and greet soccer fans. Closed toe shoes and a signed waiver will be required for all participants. DJ Wendy will appear throughout the weekend to spin tunes and provide commentary on the matches. As the World Cup comes to its conclusion, summer volleyball arrives to bring the beach to the Downtown Disney District for a five-day event, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 16, through Sunday, July 20. The event, which focuses on health and community outreach, encouraging children of all ages to get out and play safely, will take place on a specially constructed sand volleyball court in the plaza between ESPN Zone and Earl of Sandwich. Highlights will include OC Volleyball Junior Tournament play from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, July 16, 18 and 19; clinics hosted by volleyball professional Ed Ratledge from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; an intermural tournament for teams of Disneyland Resort cast members Wednesday through Friday; and exhibition games by collegiate women’s doubles teams, amateur and youth players. A lineup of professional beach volleyball players will appear Saturday, July 19 (pro legend men) and Sunday, July 20 (pro legend women) for exhibition games and to greet fans. Thanks to the popularity of “Dole Days of Summer” Hawaiian Nights, two additional Fridays have been added to the lineup: July 18 and 25. That means additional opportunities to enjoy the island entertainment on Friday nights, and to sample the Hawaiian dishes at Downtown Disney restaurants. World Cup Final Matches, Volleyball, Extra Hawaiian Nights Amplify the Fun of Summer Celebration in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort by John McClintock: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Recently, we shared our first #DisneyKids roundtable interview featuring preschoolers showing just how passionate they are about their favorite characters. Today, we’re asking them about rides at Walt Disney World Resort. Many children visiting Disney Parks not only have their favorite attractions but they also remember every little detail about the experience. It’s fun to see that even at a young age, they’ve created great memories about being immersed in their beloved stories. Do your little ones have a favorite Disney Parks attraction? Let us know in the comments. #DisneyKids: Remembering Favorite Attractions at Disney Parks by Jamie Langdon: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Our first #DisneyKids roundtable featured preschoolers showing just how passionate they are about their favorite characters. Today, we're asking them about rides at Walt Disney World Resort....From:Disney ParksViews:41145ratingsTime:01:14More inTravel & Events

A look at the redesigned ultra-modern guest rooms of Disney's Contemporary Resort. For a look at the entire resort, click here: http://di.sn/rdu SUBSCRIBE: http://di.sn/q7h About Walt Disney...From:Disney ParksViews:24018ratingsTime:00:43More inTravel & Events

Retreat to Disney's Contemporary Resort, an ultra-modern Resort hotel with award-winning dining, white-sand beaches and spectacular views, just steps away from Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney...From:Disney ParksViews:58675ratingsTime:02:36More inTravel & Events

Now that summer has arrived at Disney Parks, guests will soon find new Hidden Mickey pins at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. These unique pins will be distributed to cast members to use for trading with guests by late July 2014. You may recall that we typically release two different waves of pins a year (the first wave this year was introduced back in February). Here is a closer look at what guests can expect to trade in the coming months. Cast members at Disneyland Resort will soon receive an assortment of 30 different pins to use for trading with guests. The image above is a checklist to help you identify the new pins coming to California. As a reminder, Hidden Mickey pins typically measure about 1.25-inches and contain the phrase ”Hidden Mickey Pin” on the back of the pin. I think my favorite series features Disney Birds (I’m partial to birds, especially ones that are orange). The special thing about this series is that there will be five different Disney bird pins found at Walt Disney World Resort that complement the pins at Disneyland Resort. The “Villainous Sidekicks” collection will also feature complementary pins. The image above shows the 30 pins that will be distributed to cast members at Walt Disney World Resort. The series that caught my eye in this collection is the character themed MagicBands. Chaser pins will also be included in this new wave for 2014. These silver-colored pins are rarer to find compared to their full color counterparts. Which pins do you want to trade? Please share in the comments below. New Hidden Mickey Pins Arriving at Disney Parks in July 2014 by Steven Miller: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

Perhaps you’ve heard of a moderately successful Disney film called Frozen? Well, it’s time to celebrate with some Frozen Summer Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Frozen Summer Fun! And there is so much to do! Your first stop might be belting out “Let It Go” with Anna and Elsa at For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration! Elsa and Anna Letting It Go! Or maybe you’ll head straight over to Frozen Funland, where you can try your hand (or, umm, feet?) at skating on the indoor ice rink. Or you can do what I did and enjoy watching other people skate in your place . Performers at Frozen Funland Ice Rink Frozen Funland Ice Rink You’ll want to make sure your Take-Along Olaf is snapping plenty of selfies! Take-Along Olaf Or maybe just take some time to gaze at the gently falling snow covering the pine– I mean, palm trees. Let it SNOW!! No matter which way you turn, there’s all sorts of Frozen Fun to be had, so you might need to refuel with a snack or two! Several classic Disney Park snacks – such as Krispy Treats and Frosted Cookies, as well as a newcomer, Brownie Pops — have been spruced up for the occasion in hues of “Frozen” white and blue at the Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post (special for the event, you’ll find it in the Streets of America section), and Sweet Spells. Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post sign “Frozen” Krispy Treats Snowflake Cookies Chocolate-covered Moose Cookies Blue and White Brownie Pops And these days no bakery case in Disney World is complete without the Olaf Candy Apple! Olaf Candy Apple The Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post is the neighbor to Frozen Funland, the already-famous spot that includes the ice skating rink as well as the Sweet Treat Bar. Sweet Treat Bar Sweet Treat Bar Menu I know the choice of Hot Cocoa in July might not top your list, but they do keep it fairly chilly in there for the rink. Plus, the addition of Toasted Marshmallow flavor makes it a bit more enticing, no? The Sweet Treat Bar is one of several spots around Hollywood Studios where you can grab the specialty cupcakes for Frozen Summer Fun: the Elsa Vanilla Cupcake with Buttercream Icing, the Anna Chocolate Cupcake with Buttercream Icing, and the Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing. Elsa Cupcakes Anna Cupcakes Olaf Cupcakes Of course, you can find the Olaf Cupcake at several Hollywood Studios Quick Service locations, including Fairfax Fare, Studio Catering Co., Pizza Planet, and — the spot where I grabbed mine — Starring Rolls Café! Take-Along Olaf with Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake There is PUH-LENTY of divine vanilla cream cheese frosting topping the carrot cake here. The cake itself was moist, if not as well-spiced as I like. But the cream cheese frosting is THE reason to grab yourself an Olaf. Stat. Inside of Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing The little “snow cap” pieces generously sprinkled on the outside add a cute touch as well as a nice bit of crunch. “Snow cap” crunch In the mood for something… well, frozen, instead? How about a stop at Hollywood Scoops for a Build Your Own Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich? “Do you want to build an Ice Cream Sandwich?” Upon receiving your Ice Cream Sandwich (I chose vanilla ice cream), the Cast Member assisting you will likely direct you to the spoons. By all means, grab one! While the flavors are fine and the theme is fun, the sugar cookie is quite thin and brittle, and not as easily able to support the hefty serving of ice cream inside as the regular Hollywood Scoops Ice Cream Sandwich (which is also still available). Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich So, really, it ends up being two sugar cookies and a few scoops of ice cream… which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, either ;). Over at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, you can find the coveted Olaf Souvenir Cup filled with your choice of Blue Raspberry Milkshake or Frozen Lemonade. Olaf Souvenir Cup at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner Olaf Souvenir Cup The Olaf Cup is available at several other locations as well, though your choice of beverage will vary per location. For instance, at Backlot Express, the cup comes with Strawberry Lemonade or a fountain beverage. Frozen Fun Treats sign The Premiere Theater is playing host to For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, and this cute kiosk stands just outside. Frozen Fun Snack kiosk Frozen Fun snack kiosk menu This is where I grabbed my Arendelle Punch: a super tasty and refreshing non-alcoholic mix of pineapple juice, ginger ale, and grenadine. Arendelle Punch A word to the wise: do your best to savor this drink. The fizzy, tangy refreshment paired with the intense midday heat meant – for me – that this drink was gone waaaay too soon. Plus, coming in around 12 ounces, it’s a smaller size. Beginning at 4 pm every day, that same beverage mix becomes the “Let It Glow” with the addition of a glow cube! All of my Frozen fun took place earlier in the day, but this picture shows one of the spots where you’ll be able to find it: the temporary Animation Bar near the Sorcerer’s Hat. Animation Bar, pre-opening Two adult libations will be available as well: the Summer Berry Margarita, and the Blue Dream, a mix of Citrus Vodka, Blue Curacao, Peach Schnapps, Sweet-and-Sour Mix, and Pineapple Juice. Oh, and those happily glow, too! Frozen Summer Fun is taking place at Hollywood Studios through September 1st, and the activities and treats listed above will be available throughout the run of the event. We hope to see you there… Elsa and Anna Elsa and Anna do, too ! What Frozen Summer Fun treat would you like to try? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: New! “Frozen” Food Comes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the Summer!News! Enjoy the Frozen Summer Fun Premium Package — Complete with Dessert Party!Review: Hollywood Scoops at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Tonight’s “Disney Parks After Dark” image is by far one of the best I’ve seen of the statue of Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse. This statue, which is of Walt Disney’s older brother and longtime business partner, sits near the flagpole on Main Street, U.S.A., at Magic Kingdom Park. GalleryDisney Parks After Dark view allDisney Parks After Dark: Roy & Minnie at Magic Kingdom Park by Jennifer Fickley-Baker: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

A Walt Disney World Vacation is Always More Fun with Friends -- Darth Vader | Disney Parks A Walt Disney World Vacation Is Always More Fun with Friends. Experience an epic vacation like no other with four awesome theme parks, new attractions, cool pools, hotels for every budget and...From:Disney ParksViews:152ratingsTime:00:16More inTravel & Events View the full article

In late May, we kicked off summer at Disney Parks with Rock Your Disney Side 24-hour event. As part of the event here at the Disneyland Resort, we featured Disney California Adventure park-inspired sidewalk art by featured artist Noah to launch our Show Your Disney Sidewalk campaign on Instagram. For the past six weeks, followers of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Instagram accounts were encouraged to show their Disney Side through sidewalk art, and some of the results were breathtaking. Show Your Disney Sidewalk has wrapped up, but I wanted to share some of the amazing pieces we saw. @egreen2003 posted this lovely scene of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse enjoying fireworks. In this wonderfully detailed piece, @mantia and @grafera pay tribute to a favorite summertime Disney Parks treat. The “Partners” statue is depicted in silhouette against fireworks – and @victoria_rangel_ even included a hidden Mickey! I love the simplicity of this piece by @eelaineee, showing that less is sometimes more when depicting a Disney Parks icon. Did you Show Your Disney Sidewalk on Instagram this summer? Disneyland and Walt Disney World Fans Show Their Disney Sidewalks on Instagram by Erin Glover: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

It’s summertime. It’s warm. I need to cool off. Should I hang ten at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or hit the slopes at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park? Decisions, decisions. While I deliberate, here’s a look at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park under construction from March 1989 and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park in December 1994. I still can’t decide. If I go to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon I can take a ride on Crush ‘n’ Gusher, while over at Disney’s Blizzard Beach I can slide down the Toboggan Racers. This is the toughest decision of the summer for me at Walt Disney World Resort. Vintage Walt Disney World: Early Days of Disney Water Parks by Nate Rasmussen: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We’re halfway through the 10-week run of Harambe Nights, our new special event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrating the 20th anniversary of “The Lion King.” Guests have been raving about the African-inspired cuisine, the street party entertainment, the celebrity narrators, and the live orchestra and choir for “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild.” Held inside the newly built Harambe Theatre, “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” is a 55-minute theatrical experience created exclusively for Harambe Nights and completely different from the “Festival of the Lion King” show presented during the daytime. In fact, today we have for you a unique look at how the Harambe Theatre is transformed from day to night, as our Entertainment team sets the stage for “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild.” From Viola Davis to David Alan Grier, each celebrity narrator who has participated in “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” has brought his or her own unique talent and passion to the performance. The lineup of narrators features stars from movies, TV, and Broadway. Scheduled to appear on upcoming nights are*: July 12 – Harry Lennix: “The Blacklist,” “The Five Heartbeats”July 19 – Joe Morton: “Scandal,” “American Gangster,” “The Good Wife”July 26 – Alfre Woodard: “Desperate Housewives,” “Miss Evers Boys”August 2 – Brian Stokes Mitchell: “Ragtime,” “Trapper John, M.D.,” “Glee”August 9 – Patina Miller: “Pippin,” “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1”The first five weeks of Harambe Nights were all sold out, but great seats are still available for each of the remaining dates in July and August. You’ll need to act fast, though! Tickets are $119 for adults, $79 for ages 3-9, plus tax. Your ticket includes parking, a welcome reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” show, two hours of additional live entertainment during the Harambe Nights Street Party, and an abundant dinner buffet. For tickets, visit Disneyworld.com/HarambeNights or call 407-939-1319. For an even more in-depth look at “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild,” follow the links below to our previous stories here on Disney Parks Blog. (*Entertainment subject to change) Don’t Let Time Run Out! Experience Harambe Nights at Disney’s Animal Kingdom by Shawn Slater: Originally posted on the Disney Parks Blog View the full article

We have for you a unique look at how the Harambe Theatre is transformed from day to night, as our Entertainment team sets the stage for "The Lion King -- Concert in the Wild." Read more at...From:Disney ParksViews:24523ratingsTime:00:34More inTravel & Events

We’re sharing another great tip from our critically-acclaimed e-Book, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014! Today, we’re talking about a common conundrum: How do you satisfy all of the people, all of the time? We’ve all been there. You have a picky eater in your group. No problem, right? Hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets are all available throughout the parks and resorts. But where do you go when you have both picky and adventurous eaters among your number? How about a buffet or food court? Disney excels at offering some truly interesting, all you care to eat options and food court choices, where the picky and the persnickety can both find satisfying options. Let’s check out a couple. Tusker House at Disney’s Animal KingdomTusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of our favorite stops for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The restaurant features a wonderful spread of African-inspired food. And at breakfast and lunch, you also have the added benefit of a character dining experience! Goofy Strikes at Pose at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom If you’re feeling adventurous, start your meal off with the interesting array of Chutneys and Spreads, before moving on to interesting house specialties like Bobotie or Potato and Pea Samosas. Beef Bobotie at Tusker House And lovers of food and pickier eaters alike are bound to find something to pique their interest from the “Wall of Flames” — Tusker House’s rotisserie station. And for the very, very picky, there’s always the Kids’ Buffet, which routinely features favorites like Mac and Cheese, Corn Dog Nuggets, and Plain Roasted Chicken. Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation ResortAt Landscape of Flavors, Disney’s newest resort offers more than just cool themeing with some of your favorite characters. It also offers a killer food court with a dizzying number of options! Landscape of Flavors As with many of the Value Resort Food Courts, Landscape of Flavors offers different stations so that guests in the same party can have completely different eating experiences. We love some of the more interesting options at Landscape of Flavors, like their meals featuring Tandoori-roasted meats. But my favorite is their Create Your Own Pasta Bar. Be as simple or as adventurous as you’d like! Create Your Own Pasta at Landscape of Flavors: Spaghetti Carbonara with Broccoli And don’t forget to stop by the Gelato Bar for dessert! Want More Tips to Make Your Disney Trip Great?We’ve given you just a small sampling of the wealth of information that you can find about Dining at Disney in The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 — and the guide is your ticket to planning your best Disney trip yet! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 is full of tips and planning tools, tested by our team of Disney Dining experts. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll book Advance Dining Reservations and enter counter service spots with confidence, knowing just what to expect! With sample dining itineraries, plus our “Disney Dining at a Glance” section, featuring “Where Can I Find?” options, you’ll have everything you need to satisfy the most discriminating of diners! Click here to get your copy of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2014 E-book — and use code 2014 for an extra $4 discount for a limited time! What restaurant is your favorite for pleasing everyone in your party? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook Fan Related posts: Tips from the DFB Guide: Dining with Picky Eaters in Disney WorldTips for Picky Eaters in Disney ParksTips from the DFB Guide: Three Must-Try Disney Snacks for 2013 View the full article