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From the moment we step foot into the Disney Parks, we’re ready to get another churro or two. Honestly, they’re just so good, we can’t resist have all that cinnamon sugar (on top of that CRUNCH). Toffee Churro While we usually have post-Disney churro blues and miss our favorite treat when we’re out of the parks, now you can make them at home (!!!). Ummm, this recipe is about to be a total game changer for our baking skills, you guys! So, put on your Minnie Ears, grab a pot, and let’s get cooking some Disney Parks Churro Bites! ©Disney Ingredients 1 cup water 8 tablespoons butter ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 3 eggs 1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil ½ cup sugar Churro Bites Recipe Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside. Heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚. Churro Bites Spoon dough into a piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer. Drain churro bites on paper towel. Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce. Watch how to make Churro Bites (with Chocolate Sauce) from the Disney Parks here!  Brb, we’re already getting all the ingredients together for some churro goodness! Let us know if you make these for yourself! Who else here is SUPER excited to make Disney churros this week?! Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Become a Disney Chef With These Iconic Breakfasts You Can Make at Home! DFB Video: Disney Parks Around the World Close, New Lands Get Opening Dates & Mulan Merch Comes to shopDisney! The 10 Yummiest Disney Recipes To Make At Home This Week! View the full article

These past few weeks, we’ve seen many of you sharing Disney recipes and creating your very own magical moments right at home. Being a BIG fan of Disney Parks snacks myself, this has inspired us to share one of my favorite recipes so you can continue creating #DisneyMagicMoments. While our parks are temporarily closed, you can still enjoy a delicious Disney churro – because you can make them yourself at home! This recipe is inspired by the delicious snack that can be found at all of our parks across the globe. The recipe serves four people and is a perfect snack to enjoy while enjoying some of the other fun stories we shared last week, like our special virtual viewing of the all-new “Magic Happens” Parade at Disneyland park, the behind-the-scenes tour of Walt Disney Imagineering or a creative at-home recreation of Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Disney Parks Churro Bites Click here for a print-at-home version of this recipe! Ingredients 1 cup water 8 tablespoons butter ¼ teaspoon salt ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 3 eggs 1 ½ cups vegetable or canola oil ½ cup sugar Instructions Combine water, butter, salt, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat. Bring pot to rolling boil. Reduce heat to low. Add flour and stir vigorously until mix forms a ball. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-7 min. Add eggs, one at a time, and stir until combined. Set aside. Heat oil in medium skillet or 1-quart saucepan over medium-high heat or until temperature reaches 350˚. Spoon dough into piping bag fitted with large star tip. Pipe 1-inch strip of dough over saucepan, cut with knife, and drop into hot oil. Repeat until churro bites fill saucepan with room to fry. Fry churro bites until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon or mesh spider strainer. Drain churro bites on paper towel. Mix sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in medium bowl. Toss in churro bites until coated. Place on serving plate and serve with favorite dipping sauce. From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy this little taste of Disney magic. Keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for even more #DisneyMagicMoments in the near future and perhaps a few more magical recipes. Happy snacking, Disney fans! View the full article

Since a lot of us are chilling at home, it’s the perfect time to bake up a storm in your kitchen! ©DisneyEats And, while we’ve been giving you ideas like the some of the BEST park treats, breakfast options, and Flower & Garden Festival recipes, now we’re making dessert a little classier! We’re creating our own Minnie Mouse Cupcakes that are just as cute as they are tasty! You can even have your family help you make Minnie’s iconic hat and daisy for this treat. Ingredients Make sure to gather up all your ingredients… ©DisneyEats …because you’ll need enough for the cake, frosting, and decorations! ©DisneyEats Recipe Step 1: Prep the Cupcakes It’s time to bake that delicious red velvet cake that we’re already daydreaming about! ©DisneyEats Step 2: Make Minnie’s Hat After you let the cupcakes cool, you can start on Minnie’s hat… ©DisneyEats …so the cake is as stylish as ever! ©DisneyEats Step 3: Make the Daisy And, you can’t forget that sweet daisy that sits on Minnie’s hat! ©DisneyEats Be careful, though, because this part might get a little bit sticky. ©DisneyEats Step 4: Attach the Daisy After you’ve placed the daisy on the hat to make the perfect cake accessory, you’ll need to frost the cakes! ©DisneyEats Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes After they are all dolled up with frosting, add all the adorable decorations! ©DisneyEats Last, but certainly not least, enjoy your delicious Minnie Mouse Cupcakes. Oh, and make sure to save some for us!! ©DisneyEats A style icon, a baker — what can’t Minnie Mouse do?? Let us know if you tried these for yourself! Check out all the other Disney recipes you can make at home here! Will you be making the Minnie Mouse Cupcakes with your family? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Become a Disney Chef With These Iconic Breakfasts You Can Make at Home! Disney Recipe: YEE-HAW!! Make Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tarts From Woody’s Lunch Box at Home! Round Four of DFB Snack Madness Had REALLY Close Results! See If Your Picks Are Victorious! View the full article

Even though we’re baking up a Disney recipe storm in our kitchens, we have REALLY been missing those good ole’ Sprinkles Cupcakes from Disney Springs and Downtown Disney. Sprinkles in Disney Springs And, just in time for Easter weekend, there’s a deal from the bakery that will make you HOP with joy (with a cupcake or two in hand, of course)! Now you can bring the magic of a Disney Sprinkles cupcake home with a deal from your local Sprinkles store! April showers bring May flowers, and the Spring Box has blossomed at Sprinkles! Each bright yellow box is wrapped in a floral pattern and comes with a dozen themed cupcakes. You can choose from the Hop Box with red velvet, vanilla, dark chocolate, and carrot cupcakes… ©SprinklesCupcakes …or the Seasonal Box with Peeps, carrot, chocolate Easter egg, and red velvet cupcakes! And, to celebrate the arrival of Spring, Sprinkles is offering 20% off an order of $50 or more! All you have to do is use the code HOP20 by April 11th when you order one of the boxes for delivery or pick-up. ©SprinklesCupcakes Staying at home just got a whole lot sweeter with this deal! You can check out all the other April Flavors at Sprinkles for the month here! Which cupcake do you look forward to trying the most? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: This Is Not A Drill! You Can Get a FREE Treat at Disney Sprinkles Locations Through the End of the Month! NEWS: Grab A FREE Cupcake with This Limited Time Offer in Disney World and Disneyland! PSA!! You Can Only Get Sprinkles’ New Sticky Toffee Cupcake for ONE MORE DAY! View the full article

Although seeing Cinderella Castle and grabbing a Mickey Bar can really make you feel like you’re at “home,” there’s something pretty magical about beginning and ending your day on some Disney Transportation. Monorail And, while Disney Transportation is currently suspended during the parks closures, your favorite pick of transportation may say a lot about your personality! Whether you’re more of a Monorail type of gal or a Disney bus loving dude, we’re here to tell you what your choice of Disney Transportation just might say about YOU! Play along with your family members to see who can guess what everyone else’s top choices are (while you do the Counter Service Throwdown bracket too, of course). Ferry and Water Taxis The Disney Ferry and Water Taxis aren’t known for being the fastest mode of transportation, but they totally give you a relaxing ride to and from the parks! And, if these are your favorite ways to get around Disney World, you might be the kind of person that likes to sit back and “smell the roses” (or the fresh Florida air in this case). Gangway to the Ferry You like taking a moment to enjoy your surroundings, whether you’re strolling down Main Street or dining in Disney Springs. Honestly, you’re the kind of laid back Disney guest we would LOVE to sip and stroll through Epcot with before hopping on a Friendship Boat to the BoardWalk! Monorail Disney might be the home to SO many different transportation types, but the Monorail is practically the most iconic high-flying option! Although the first Monorail opened along with the rest of Disney World in 1971, it has seen new colors and unique wraps over the years. Epcot Monorail So, this choice is obviously just as trendy as you are! You probably like to switch things up with different styles and looks that pop. You’re one step ahead of the latest fashions, but you also know how to keep it classy. Plus, you can probably quote the entire Monorail voiceover in both English and Spanish (which makes you even more awesome). Disney Buses Although some of them may have WiFi and USB ports, the Disney Buses are a classic form of transportation. That’s why you’re a timeless person who likes to keep it simple! Minnie Bus You are a practical and reliable person that everyone can depend upon. While you tend to be a planner, you still can go with the flow. Plus, your GREAT style is just an added bonus to your chill personality! Disney Skyliner The Skyliner Gondola System is the newest mode of transportation in Disney World, and boy is it an ADVENTURE! That’s why you have a bold heart and an adventurous spirit if this is your favorite kind of Disney transportation! Since the Skyliners fly to Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and different Disney Resorts, you’re probably a big fan of park-hopping. Skyliner Gondolas You love checking out everything new and exciting happening — from snacks to attractions and even merchandise (especially the Skyliner Funko POP!). You are the kind of person who will be up at the crack of dawn to ride Rise of the Resistance and stay up all night to see the fireworks in Magic Kingdom, looking fabulous the entire time while doing it! Minnie Vans Minnie is a style ICON. That’s why we have always wanted to ride in style across the Disney World property in a Minnie Van. So, if you have taken a trip in one of these fab cabs, you are someone who loves to try new things! Disney’s Minnie Vans Service You are a fan of making your Disney trip as big and bold as possible, all while making sure you have time to treat yo’self. You are the life of the party because you always are up-to-date on the most modern tips and tricks that your friends and family can’t get enough of! Magical Express The Magical Express is a pretty awesome option for guests of all ages with its easy transportation to and from the airport. And, we can’t get enough of all those park tips and cartoons on the TV screens while you ride to your resort! So, if you’re a fan of the most magical ride in Disney World, you’re probably a family-oriented person! Disney’s Magical Express Bus You love spending time with the people you love whether you’re in Happiest Place on Earth, on a bus ride, or at home. You try to make sure your plans accommodate everyone in your party because you’re super considerate and kind! We just happen to think that you’re the real MVP of trips to Disney World! Disney Trams You know that feeling when you’re on the Disney trams heading to the parks, and you’re just SO excited to start your day of fun?? If you love the Disney trams — that’s the kind of anticipation you LIVE for! You’re a very happy person that gets excited about all things Disney. Magic Kingdom Tram If this is your favorite Disney Transportation, you can’t wait to start your day in the parks, no matter how early or late it is. Your bubbly personality puts a smile on the faces of everyone around you (including ours!!). No matter what Disney Transportation is your top pick, we think you’re some of the BEST people out there!! Did we guess your personality correctly? Do you have questions about the Disney World closures?? We’ve got all the answers for you here! What mode of Disney Transportation is YOUR favorite? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: DFB Video: Can You Believe They Do This in Disney World?! Wanna Win a FREE TRIP to Disney World? Check Out This New Sweepstakes! When Disney World Reopens THESE Are at the Top of Our Must-Do List View the full article

When you think “fancy restaurant,” do you think fried chicken? How about fried chicken with a special surprise inside? Well, that’s one of the exciting items we ordered at Napa Rose in Disneyland and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel We’ve stopped by Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Resort on different occasions before so we were looking forward to taking another trip to see how things held up! Atmosphere As an upscale restaurant, there is a different aesthetic and vibe here than say, Goofy’s Kitchen, for example. You’ll notice a lot of similar touches in the restaurant as you see running throughout the Grand Californian. Warm tones and lighting, an open floor plan, and wood-heavy decor are some of the overarching themes. Napa Rose Dining Room The restaurant also features a lovely lounge and bar area. The bar does offer a menu in case you just can’t wait for a table — hey, we’ve been there! Plus, the outdoor patio is a great spot to sit and enjoy a glass of wine! Napa Rose Patio Overall, the restaurant gave off a warm and comfortable vibe which put us in the perfect frame of mind for our meal! Eats The menu at Napa Rose is ever-changing, which means dining there is always a fresh and inspiring experience. In addition to the excellent food options, the restaurant is known for its impressive wine selection. Of course, your server will make recommendations on pairings if you’re interested. We decided to stick to starters, sides, and desserts at this visit so we had more room for sampling! We started off with a selection of bread, which is served with dinner service for no additional charge. We’re always down for some free carbs! Bread Basket at Napa Rose Now for the starters! We tried the House-made Tortellini Celebrating Spring for $18.00, which featured parmesan, country ham, and market peas, in a leek broth. We really enjoyed this! It was a flavorful starter that wasn’t too overpowering or heavy. Definitely a great way to start off a meal in our book! House-made Tortellini Celebrating Spring On to the show-stopper: the “Napa Rose Fried Chicken” with new crop carrot cloud and black truffle crème for $22.00. As our server explained to us, this is the restaurant’s take on “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” The prep for this one sounded intense but was worth the wait! They started by freezing chicken sauce stock into two half-cylinders to make a perfect ball shape. Then, chicken sausage was wrapped around the ball and breaded with rice flour. Next, the whole thing was deep-fried, so the sauce turned molten. When we cut into it, the sauce ran out, kind of like an egg! The final product was served on top of a truffle mousse! “Napa Rose Fried Chicken” Okay, so it’s unique, but was it good? We’re pleased to report that YES, we did enjoy the “Napa Rose Fried Chicken!” It was super flavorful, plus the interesting presentation gave us some in-meal entertainment! Take a look at that saucy goodness! And of course, we had to try out some sides as well! First up was the Truffled “Mac & Cheese” Orecchiette Pasta with Parmigiano-Reggiano for $12.00. And while the fried chicken was a tough act to follow, the mac and cheese didn’t disappoint! In fact, this might be a contender for our favorite mac and cheese on property. It was flavorful, creamy, and all-around excellent. This was a solid Napa Rose staple that we (still) highly recommend. Truffled “Mac & Cheese” Orecchiette Pasta Can’t forget the veggies! We ordered the Brussels sprouts and this was the first part of the meal that was slightly disappointing. The flavor was okay, but they weren’t crispy enough, so the texture definitely left something to be desired. We noticed that the Brussels sprouts aren’t currently showing on the online menu, so they may have already swapped these babies out for another seasonal item. But based on our experience, you aren’t missing out on much if this item isn’t available! Brussels Sprouts Are you guys ready for this super fun dessert?? We ordered the Balboa “Beach Sand” which is listed on the Kids’ Dessert menu for $6.50. It’s a Tahitian vanilla bean crème brûlée “ocean” with graham cracker “sand” and (wait for it…) Swedish fish! It even comes complete with an umbrella! Balboa “Beach Sand” The presentation is absolutely ADORABLE, and guess what — it was also delicious! Despite the unique combination of ingredients, the crème brûlée is really good. Plus, they were nice enough to give us three Swedish fish, so everyone splitting the dessert could have one! Overall We typically expect a next-level experience at Napa Rose, and this meal definitely left us impressed yet again. Of all the menu items we tried, there was only one which we didn’t love (we like our Brussels sprouts crispy!). And we were thrilled to see that the items with inventive and unique presentations still tasted awesome! We’re already looking forward to enjoying another meal at Napa Rose. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Have you had the opportunity to dine at Napa Rose? Tell us about your experience in the comments below! Related posts: News: Special Menus for New Year’s Eve in Disneyland Review: Haunted Mansion Dole Whip Special Occasion Cake at Napa Rose in Disneyland New Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures Coming to Napa Rose in Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel! View the full article

We’ve been hard at work scoping out all the latest news for you. Today we have all the details on what’s happening due to the ongoing closures and more. Due to the current global situation, ALL Disney Parks will be closed until further notice. See all of our coverage HERE. Magic Kingdom We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… The Disney Park Closures — Everything You Need to Know Here’s what we know about the closures and and travel to Disney World and Disneyland. <—IMPORTANT READ! Disney World and Disneyland closure questions answered. <–ALL FAQs ANSWERED A step-by-step guide to canceling, refunding, or rescheduling your Disney vacation. What is open and what is closed at Disney World. Should you cancel your Disney World vacation? <—IMPORTANT READ! Don’t make this 5 BIG mistakes when you reschedule your Disney vacation. <—NEW READ! Disney World has updated the eligibility for the free dining offer and it might affect your trip. A stay-at-home order was announced for all of Florida. Refunds and payment holds being offered to Disney World and Disneyland Annual Passholders. Disney World and Disneyland to furlough employees starting April 19. Disney Cruise Line has updated its refund policy for canceled cruises. Disney Cruise Line has canceled more departures. Disneyland Paris has extended its closure. See how you can donate unused rain ponchos to hospitals in New York City. All the News From the Disney Parks Get your printable bracket for DFB’s quick service restaurant throw down! <— Have some FUN! Disney’s Aulani Resort donates food to local food banks. Celebrate Easter at home with these fun DIY activities. Check out this virtual Easter egg hunt from shopDisney! See what was just added to the Epcot map! Disneyland postpones the April Villains Nite. 10 ways you can help those battling on the front lines! A date has been announced for Dapper Day at home! We’re answering questions about the Disney World Passholder payment changes and the Disneyland Passholder payment changes. New release dates announced for several Disney and Marvel films. Check out the interactive learning tools from Disney. We shared some fun Disney backgrounds to use on your work calls! Raglan Road in Disney Springs has a new gift card offer! Here are 11 Disney movies to watch when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Catch up on the 10 important pieces of Disney news you might have missed. Did you know these 10 things are banned from Disney World? Check out these Disneyland-inspired Disney+ watch lists! Why did Bob Iger step down as CEO? We checked out Disney’s newest technology and where you’ll find it at the parks. 10 Walt Disney quotes that seem more relevant now than ever before. Check out our favorite technology at Disney World right now! Sprinkles has announced its specialty flavors for April. We shared the reasons why your kids will want to visit the Epcot Food and Wine Festival this year. Disney just purchased more land near the Magic Kingdom. Check out the special ceremony that’s still happening at Disney World! Disney has donated 150,000 ponchos to hospitals in need. See how the upcoming hurricane season could impact your Disney vacation. Read more about the hurricane season here. Check out the salute to Disney World cast members from the Contemporary resort. Get a peek inside Disney Imagineering with this online series. We looked at 10 insanely expensive things at Disney World. Another performer has been announced for the Eat to the Beat concert series. Check out these 20 ride hacks you need to memorize! Find out how you can win a trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. 10 new Disney World projects that will be affected by the closures. See how you can play Andy’s Board Game Blast at home. Take a look at an empty Disneyland. Disney’s top executives are taking a major pay cut. We shared a fun look at homemade Disney attractions. Check out the 5 things happening now that are giving us joy. We shared 6 good things that might come out of the park closures. See how to watch Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade from home. We looked at what has to happen before Disney World can reopen. DFB Reviews and Food News We reviewed Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort. Check out these iconic Disney breakfast recipes. We shared a review of Via Napoli in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion. See how you can get your favorite Disney snacks right now. Find out what Disney snack was the winner of our Snack Madness tournament. See why we’re worried about Epcot’s Space 220 Restaurant. Must-Have Merchandise The Cinderella collection in the Disney Castle series has debuted. Check out how to get early access to the next limited edition Mickey plush. Take a peek at the newest Pandora collection — it’s created by Disney artists! Check out the new neon merchandise collection. There’s a new collection of tie-dye spirit jerseys for Disney World and Disneyland. A new collection of summertime merchandise has arrived at shopDisney. You have to check out these new inflatable Mickey Ears. New Monsters, Inc. and Pandora – The World of Avatar Wishables are now available. We spotted a super cute Disney Princess coffee maker. Check out this cute Mike Wazowski wristlet from Loungefly. Take a look at the new Minnie Mouse backpack from Loungefly. Check out this fun new Disney merchandise collection! We shared some cute Disney pajama sets. NEW DFB YouTube Videos 8 Things That Are STILL Happening in Disney World (Even Though It’s CLOSED!) How the Closures Could Change Disney World Forever The 11 Most Outrageous Desserts at Disney World! The Latest Disney News New DFB Video — 8 Things That Are STILL Happening in Disney World (Even Though It’s CLOSED!) Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got FOUR brand new videos EVERY WEEK showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re sharing our latest video: 8 Things That Are STILL Happening in Disney World (Even Though It’s CLOSED!) — and don’t forget to subscribe here.  Deal of the Week: Order the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining for 25% off It’s time to order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2020 e-book! Get the 2020 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining With over 700 pages of full-color photos, tips on the best restaurants, an ENTIRE chapter on snacks — including the best snack credit values throughout the parks and resorts — and a full break-down of whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family, now’s the time to get started! What’s in the DFB Guide? The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full to overflowing with tools and features to make your trip go smoothly, including: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges WITH reviews. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! You can order your copy today for 25% off the cover price! Just use code WDW2020! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared this super cute Disney Dogs Dooney & Bourke. WDW for Grownups shared a review of Cookes of Dublin in Disney Springs. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for Chorizo Breakfast Casserole. Disney Family shared a recipe for ‘Onward’ Pancakes. Don’t Miss ANY Disney Food News! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Related posts: Disney Food News This Week: Everything That’s Happened at the Disney Parks! Disney Food News This Week: What’s NEW at the Disney Parks and Resorts Disney Food News This Week: All the News from the Disney Parks and Resorts View the full article

The new Disney and Pixar mobile game Disney Sorcerer’s Arena conjures up hundreds of Disney and Pixar characters at their gutsiest and fiercest, ready to go head-to-head in a quest to be legendary! Recently launched, the game offers a fun way for fans and players to take the characters they love on the go anywhere, and invoke some Disney Parks magic along the way. Collect a wide range of Disney and Pixar champions and villains to add to your team’s roster, including Sulley, Ariel, Scar, Darkwing Duck, Jack Skellington, Buzz Lightyear, Maleficent and of course Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey! Check out Ariel’s powerful Trident Strike, Sulley’s PowerHouse Punch and Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey’s Shooting Star special — all of these authentic and powerful character abilities help you win in the Arena. Make your team even mightier by collecting new characters Ian, Barley, and The Manticore from Disney and Pixar’s Onward during the “Path of Peril” in-game event, on now through April 5. Also available now in-game for a limited-time is the exclusive Sorcerer’s Arena Mickey outfit. Disney Sorcerer’s Arena also offers players special magic with Disney Parks attractions in the form of powerful spells to take your gameplay to the next level. Rock your opponents with spells like Splash Mountain Soak and Thunder Mountain Boom and impress your fellow players at the same time. Disney Sorcerer’s Arena is available worldwide and can be downloaded for free on the App Store or Google Play and contains in-app purchases. New characters, spells, and events are added all the time, so enter the Arena and unleash your ultimate team today! View the full article

Taking a trip to Disney World isn’t cheap! So we’re always on the lookout for any good discounts to drop. Cinderella Castle Traveling to Disney World is a financial investment that can require months — or even years — of saving! So, any time we hear about any discounts and deals, we get super excited! But sometimes it can take a little bit of digging to figure out just how much you’re really saving. Let’s take a look at some of the newest Disney World discounts, and talk about other deals that might be coming soon. Current Disney World Discounts And Offers We’re going to dive into some of the newest deals available at Disney World to see whether one of these offers can help make your dream vacation a reality! Bask in the Sun & Fun Discount Here’s an offer to reduce the sticker-shock on the price tag of your Disney hotel reservation! The Bask in the Sun & Fun discount allows guests to save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for most nights through August 31, 2020. The discount percentage varies depending on the Resort Category and specific hotel you choose. ©Disney As with many of the discounts Disney offers, the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited! The deal can’t be combined with any other discounts or promotions, which is also pretty standard. Port Orleans This deal was originally set to end sooner, but it was recently extended! This is great news if you’re thinking about booking a last-minute trip for the summer. Now, guests are able to cash in on this discount as long as they book by August 31, 2020. Check out the even bigger Sun & Fun discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents! 4-Park Magic Ticket Here’s a great offer if you’re looking to get a taste of Disney World! The 4-Park Magic Ticket allows guests to visit four parks in four days. You can only visit one park per day, and you have to use the ticket across all four parks (so, no skipping Epcot in favor of a second day at Magic Kingdom)! But if you’re not a fan of park-hopping or have never been to Disney World before and are looking to get a taste of all four parks, this offer is a great way to save some money while still seeing it all! Pandora – The World of Avatar These tickets must be used on or before September 30th, 2020. We found 4-Park Magic Tickets priced as low as $85 per day on the Disney World website. For comparison, a regular 4-day ticket starts at $103 per day. ©Disney Even better, if you want to upgrade your 4-day ticket to include admission to one of Disney World’s water parks AND the NBA Experience in Disney Springs, you can add that on for $40 more! So, if you were already planning to visit one park per day on your trip, you might as well take advantage of those savings! Check out these awesome add-ons you can get with the 4-Park Magic Tickets! Free Dining for Guests Impacted by Closures Now, before you get too excited, the current free dining offer is ONLY available to guests with reservations that were impacted by the closure. The offer is valid for guests with a vacation package or room reservation during the time Disney World is closed — currently from March 16th through May 31st — although it’s NOT valid for any bookings canceled before March 1st. Storybook Dining at Artist Point The offer is valid for arrivals from June 1st through September 30, 2020, and must be booked by May 31st. To receive the free dining deal, guests will have to book a package that includes a reservation at a Disney Resort hotel along with park tickets. Roasted Pork Tenderloin at Be Our Guest The level of Dining Plan received will be based on the level of Resort booked. Again, this is only available for guests whose reservations were directly affected by the closure. But if you fall in that category, hopefully this offer will give you something new to look forward to! Check out the details Disney provided for this free dining deal! Disney World Discounts And Offers We Might See Soon There are several discounts that Disney tends to release every year. Based on historical data, there are a few special offers that we could see released in the near future. Disney World Free Dining We’ve already seen the free dining offer exclusive to guests impacted by the closure, but Disney World’s free dining offer is a promotion that Disney fans anticipate year after year. With this offer, guests who book a Disney Resort hotel stay and park tickets can receive a free Disney Dining Plan. The Hollywood Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios Disney typically releases this offer for dates that they expect lower levels of attendance. While the exact dates can vary, in the past couple of years we’ve seen free dining offered for select dates from the late summer into early December. Again, the offer is Disney’s way of bringing in guests during slower times, so the exact dates will vary from year to year; and due to recent events, that could mean we’ll see a very different free dining offer than in past years! Columbia Harbour House Fried Shrimp On January 2nd, Disney released free dining for June 27-28, July 5-7, and August 29-September 8, 2020. The free dining booking window for these dates has already closed; but last year, Disney also released a free dining offer in late Spring. On April 24th, Free Dining was offered for dates from August 1-August 30, 2019. Flame Tree Barbecue And 2019 was an unprecedented year because Disney ending up doing ANOTHER free dining offer later in the year as well! On July 16th, they released free dining for arrival dates from September 1-September 18, November 17-November 27, and December 8-December 23, 2019. In another surprising twist, these dates also included stays during Thanksgiving week! Mickey Bar So, based on Disney’s history of free dining offers, we might see Disney release a free dining offer for dates in the late summer and fall at some point within the next few weeks. Keep in mind, this is a particularly odd time for Disney, so basing our assumptions off past years isn’t as reliable as it has been in the past. We do expect Disney will try to lure in guests once reopened, and free dining is a solid option. Click here for answers to your Disney World Free Dining FAQs! Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog newsletter for any MORE free dining that’s coming our way! Disney Hotel Room-Only Discounts Here’s where things can get a little tricky. Historically, Disney usually offers a room-only discount (this means that you’re booking a hotel room only — not a package that includes tickets or dining plan, though those can be booked separately) around the same time that they offer free dining. Since offers can’t be combined, guests can only opt for free dining OR the room-only discount (assuming there is still availability for both)! Wilderness Lodge Lobby Let’s look at last year as an example. On April 24th, there was a room-only discount of 15%-25% announced for dates from May 28-August 28, 2019. And the same pattern followed on July 16th, with a room-only discount of 10%-20% for select dates from September through December 2019. All-Star Movies Resort Based on this pattern, we could also possibly see Disney release a room-only discount within the next few weeks. If free dining AND a room discount do drop at the same time, the key here will be to run the numbers to see which offer will save you the most money! Believe it or not, sometimes the room-only discount will actually be the better deal! We break down the free dining vs. room-only discount pros and cons in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book! Grab a copy here! As always, we’ll keep an eye on any offers that Disney releases, so be sure to join our newsletter ASAP to be the FIRST to know about any updates, discounts, and offers! Do you think we’ll see new discounts on the horizon? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Here’s How To Score Disney World Free Dining in 2020! NEW Disney World Discounts and Packages for 2020 Are HERE! Black Friday Shopper Alert! Disney Springs Announces Deals For Biggest Shopping Day of the Year! View the full article

With Disney World, Disneyland, and all of the international parks closed, Disney is facing an unprecedented situation. And that leaves the company with some very difficult decisions. Disneyland Main Entrance The current situation has had an immense impact on people across the globe. And even though Disney is a major company, they haven’t been immune to the effects. All of the Disney parks are currently closed, Disney Cruise Line sailings are halted until at least April 28th, and many other arms of the Walt Disney Company face an uncertain future. With a huge section of their business impacted, Disney has some hard decisions to make about how to move forward. Decision #1: How Long to Extend the Park Closures? As of right now, Disney World, Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Resort, and Disneyland Paris are all closed. First, and perhaps most obviously, Disney has to consider the safety of guests and Cast Members as they make the decision to reopen each park. ©Disney And while health and safety is the primary factor in making this decision, there are also financial considerations for the company. The lack of theme park revenue is a huge blow to Disney. According to The Walt Disney Company, at the end of their last fiscal year, the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment had an operating profit of $6.758 billion. It was Disney’s second most profitable segment behind Media Networks with an operating profit of $7.479 billion. Despite Disney’s massive size, the closures will be debilitating financially. Which is why they’ll likely be eager to reopen each park around the globe once it’s deemed safe to do so. Magic Kingdom But what measurement will Disney use to determine when it is safe to reopen each of the parks? Shanghai Disneyland was the first park to close when it shut its gates on January 25th. It’s worth noting that while the park is still closed, Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and Disneytown have since reopened on March 9th with some restrictions. Shanghai Disneyland But even though Shanghai Disneyland was the first park to close, Disney can’t expect to mirror the same timeline with every park. The parks span several different countries, so the trend of the global situation is likely to vary, maybe greatly, from location to location. Hong Kong Disneyland One factor that further complicates the decision of when to reopen the U.S. parks is the state-by-state response to the crisis. According to ABC News, as of April 3rd, nine states have still not issued formal stay-at-home orders. And Florida, the home state of Disney World, just recently issued a stay-at-home order effective April 2nd, as reported by NBC News. Given the staggered state-by-state responses, Disney will have to decide what they will use as the deciding factor for when it’s considered “safe” to reopen the parks. Will they choose to reopen as soon as the individual states lift social distancing guidelines? Will they wait for a federal announcement? Happily Ever After We can see the effects of this uncertainty in the differing approaches Disney took when announcing the initial Disney World and Disneyland closures, versus the extended closures. At first, the parks were set to remain closed through the end of March. But on March 27th, Disney announced that the parks would remain closed “until further notice.” Disneyland Entrance Given the unprecedented nature of the situation, determining how long to extend the park closures in the best interest of public health, without completely disregarding the financial impact, is a difficult and constantly shifting decision for Disney to make. Click here to see what has to happen for Disney World to reopen Decision #2: What Changes Will be Implemented to Improve Health and Safety at the Parks? Disney is capable of moving quickly when it comes to implementing new safety measures. Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when Disneyland and Disney World reopened the following day, they had already implemented additional security features at the front of the parks. Hollywood Studios Given the massive impact of the current situation, Disney needs to decide what changes they will make to improve guest and Cast Member safety. Before the closure, we saw additional portable hand-washing stations throughout the parks. Hand-Washing Station This tracks with Disney’s current policy for preventing the spread of illness at the parks. Cast Members are trained on cleaning, disinfecting, and tending to spills. But none of these items address potentially airborne illnesses. ©Disney In order to prevent the spread of highly contagious diseases, Disney will need to consider options that could reduce the profitability of the parks and require a large financial investment. Will they limit the capacity at the parks to keep the crowds down? Will they provide virtual queues similar to the Rise of the Resistance boarding group system to reduce the number of guests in line for attractions? Rise of the Resistance Reducing the capacity at the parks would obviously reduce potential ticket sales. Building more virtual queues requires an investment in technology development. And since virtual queues are not without fault, it also opens the door for potential glitches that need to be addressed — meaning more Cast Members dedicated to assisting with these issues. Is Disney willing to take the financial risk in order to implement changes that reduce guest capacity and congestion? To learn more about the Disney Parks closure timeline, click here Decision #3: Which Construction Projects Will Be Put On Hold? This is a huge question mark when it comes to Disney World. There are several large construction projects currently in progress that were planned for the 50th anniversary of Disney World in 2021. Epcot, in particular, is in the middle of a massive transformation. Epcot Experience We learned that all construction was halted when the parks were closed. At the very least, it’s likely that the current construction project timelines will be impacted. And unfortunately, some may not continue at all. With the loss of revenue due to the parks being closed, Disney has to decide which (if any) of the construction projects will be put on hold. Some projects are already pretty far along, like TRON Lightcycle Run and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. But we’re especially concerned about projects in the early stages of development, such as the Mary Poppins attraction. Tron: Lightcycle Run construction During the recession after the 9/11 attacks, we saw Disney move project timelines or even abandon projects altogether (as was the case with the Legendary Years resort hotel). Disney will have to consider the budget, timeline, and stages of the construction projects and decide which new attractions, restaurants, and hotels make the cut. Click here to see how the closure could impact construction at Disney World Decision #4: How Will Disney Cruise Line Address Concerns? Cruise ships were a large area of concern at the advent of this current crisis. Several early patients could be found amongst cruise ship passengers, which led to widespread fear and restrictions of cruise ships. And the resulting financial impact on the cruise industry has been staggering. According to CNBC the stock price for Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise vacation company worldwide, has dropped nearly 75% since January. ©CNBC In a securities filing, Carnival expressed deep concern over the future of the industry, stating, “Even once travel advisories and restrictions are lifted, demand for cruises may remain weak for a significant length of time and we cannot predict if and when each brand will return to pre-outbreak demand or fare pricing.” ©Disney With the dramatic drop in consumer confidence, Disney will need to decide how to respond to passenger concerns, as measures such as additional hand-washing stations may not be enough in the higher risk, close-quartered environment of a cruise ship. ©Disney In the midst of the industry-wide loss of confidence, Disney Cruise Line has several large projects in the works that need to be considered. They are currently in the planning stages of construction on their second private island, Lighthouse Point, which was originally rumored to be completed in either 2022 or 2023. Lighthouse Point Concept Art ©Disney Plus, Disney Cruise Line is in the process of adding three new ships, which will nearly double the size of its current fleet. The first of the three new ships, the Disney Wish, was set to be delivered to Disney in December, 2021, and begin sailing in January, 2022. ©Disney Currently, all Disney Cruise Line sailings are suspended through April 28th. With both a new private island and three new ships set to join Disney Cruise Line soon, Disney will have to decide on a strong message and plan of action to ease the minds of passengers when sailings resume. Additionally, they will need to determine whether or not to move forward with the expansions in the light of the financial hurdle facing the cruise industry. Click here to see how Disney Cruise Line is handing cancellations Decision #5: What About Disney Vacation Club Points? With the timeline for the closures still unclear, the Disney Vacation Club team is facing a unique scenario. Disney Vacation Club Members are (understandably!) concerned about what will happen to any Points they have which are set to expire soon. Disney’s Riviera Resort This is something that Disney doesn’t have an answer for at the moment. According to Disney, they are assessing the banking and expiration policy and the use of Points affected by the closures. The main concern which has been expressed by Disney is the impact that any changes on Point expirations could have on future DVC Resort availability. Disney’s Saratoga Springs This will be a tough decision for Disney to make. It’s true that there are logistical challenges with maintaining room availability if the expiration dates on the Points are changed, but since the closure is beyond guest control, the situation will still need to be addressed. Disney says a decision will be announced when there is a clearer picture of the full impact of the closures. But we bet this one is keeping both some DVC Members and Disney Cast Members up at night. Click here to see what we know so far about DVC and the closures Decision #6: What Should They Do For Guests Affected By Closures? When the decision to close the parks was made mid-March, we saw very quickly just how many guests were impacted by the decision. Guests on vacation at the time were forced to cut their trips short, and guests gearing up for upcoming trips had to cancel before they even left home. Magic Kingdom Entrance When the closure was extended indefinitely, the number of guests impacted just kept rising. Disney did what they could to try and help reduce the pain felt by guests. Canceling or Rebooking a Trip Disney announced guests with trips between March 16th and June 30th are able to cancel or modify their trips with no change fees either by phone or through My Disney Experience. If guests chose to take no action, the full amount of their trip will be automatically refunded to them up in the form of payment originally used after their check-in date passes. Dining reservations are also being canceled for guests with no fees or action required. To see how to cancel an upcoming trip, click here Disney World Special Dining Offer For Impacted Guests To help take a bit of the sting off of rebooking, Disney World reached out to affected guests offering a special free dining promotion if they booked their new trip before May 31st for arrival dates from June 1st through Sept 30th. For more information on this special offer for impacted guests, click here Overlooking the Millennium Falcon Disneyland Room Discount for Impacted Guests Similarly, Disneyland is offering a special room discount for affected guests as well. Guests can choose to rebook their trip from June 1st through December 31st and receive 10-20% off a room at a Disneyland Resort hotel, depending on which resort and room type is selected. For more details on Disneyland’s rebooking offer, click here Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Annual Passholders Early after announcing the initial closure, Disney World and Disneyland announced Annual Passholders would receive the number of days the parks were closed added on to their existing pass’ expiration date. Passholder Magnet One element of Annual Passes that they remained tight-lipped on until just recently, though, was in regard to Passholders on a monthly payment plan looking to pause or cancel their payments due to personal financial difficulty during this time. While other theme parks offered delayed payment or the ability to cancel these passes, Disney remained silent. AP Magnet But on April 2nd, Disney announced that monthly payment Passholders had the option to either postpone or waive payments during the closure. Disneyland Annual Passes Suprisingly, paid-in-full Annual Passholders were also given the option with their pass to forego the closure date extension in exchange for a partial refund. Animal Kingdom Entrance Responding to guests affected by the closures is an ongoing challenge for Disney to navigate. If additional extensions are made, they will again need to pivot and take appropriate action. To see answers to all your questions about Passholders during the closure, click here Decision #7: How Should Disney Treat Cast Members? With an uncertain timeline for how long this situation will last, Disney also has to decide how they will attempt to retain their Cast Members without losing even more cash. On April 2nd, Disney announced that most non-essential, non-union workers will be temporarily furloughed on April 19th. Disney’s statement read, “With no clear indication of when we can restart our businesses, we’re forced to make the difficult decision to take the next step and furlough employees whose jobs aren’t necessary at this time. …The furlough process will begin on April 19, and all impacted workers will remain Disney employees through the duration of the furlough period.” Mickey Mouse During the furlough, Cast Members will maintain health and insurance benefits coverage, with Disney paying both the employer and employee weekly benefit contributions. Cast Members can also elect to use some or all of their available paid-time off hours at the start of the furlough. Disney stated that this move was intended to preserve the jobs of Cast Members and make it easier for everyone to return to work when it’s safe to do so. Coronado Springs Front Desk This comes after the Disney College Program, Disney Culinary Program, Disney Cultural Exchange Program, and Disney Academic Exchange Program were all temporarily suspended on March 16th. Disney Program participants were given a notice of successful program completion so they will have the opportunity to work with Disney again, but since many of these participants come from out-of-state — or even overseas — some will be unlikely to return after the parks reopen. Villains After Hours Plus, some of the third-party restaurants on Disney property have laid-off their employees. A representative for Splitsville Luxury Lanes and Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ said in a statement, “Our actions will allow our hourly teams to take advantage of their unemployment benefits and any other government assistance that will come available because of this crisis. In addition to their final checks, the company will continue to pay health insurance for employees who have elected to participate through April 30, 2020. Also, we are working on a plan to provide daily staff meals.” Splitsville With the majority of Cast Members furloughed and Disney Programs suspended, Disney has to decide how to re-hire and re-train once the parks and resort areas begin to open. This is a timeline Disney needs to establish up-front, to ensure Cast Members receive the communication needed to prepare for the parks to reopen. Click here for answers to some of the most common questions surrounding the Disney World and Disneyland closures! These are just a few of what seems like a never-ending stream of major dilemmas Disney’s facing right now. With Bob Iger and Bob Chapek at the helm, the company has creative and financial prowess. But despite the brains in the board room, there is a lot uncertainty right now — about the global crisis, the current and very likely long-term recession on its heels, and the future state of Disney’s multi-faceted entertainment company, which is built on film, television, travel, and theater — the four industries being simply massacred at the moment. Some of the answers are starting to appear. But we will surely see many more issues before we see a comfortable resolution for the company, its stock, its employees, and its future. What do you think Disney will decide to do about these situations? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: It’s Costing Disney HOW MUCH To Close The Theme Parks?! Here’s How Much it Would Cost For You To Go to EVERY Disney Theme Park in the World! Disney’s Closure Timeline And What It Could Mean for Disney World’s Reopening View the full article

Who else is already daydreaming about the 2020 Epcot Food and Wine Festival?? Epcot Food and Wine Festival As much as we adore eating and drinking our way around the booths, we’re also jazzed about the Eat to the Beat concert series! So we were pumped to hear about another performer we can rock out to this year! With .38 Special, Tiffany, and Taylor Dane already added to the lineup for the 2020 Eat to the Beat concert series, we’re looking forward to jamming at Epcot this fall! And thanks to our friend Bob Dankese, we now know Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is also scheduled to appear! Shimmering Sips Spread The exact dates for Epcot’s 2020 Food and Wine Festival still haven’t been announced, but it looks like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy could be playing on September 5th, 6th, and 7th, according to their tour schedule! We think “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight” is the perfect tune for the Food and Wine Festival! We’re keeping an eye out for any additional info about Epcot’s 2020 Food and Wine Festival including dates and other performers, so stay tuned! Click here to learn more about Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival! Which performer do you hope to see added to the Eat to the Beat concert series? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: How to Lure Your Kids to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival This Year! Tips From the DFB Guide: Do I Need Advance Dining Reservations During the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Review! The Shi Wasu Holiday Kitchen Returns To Epcot AND It’s Bringin’ A SUSHI CHRISTMAS TREE! View the full article

Interested in sharing some best practices with your aspiring author or getting started writing your own book? Tune into these opportunities to learn from the best in the business, and get started on your own creations! New York Times best-selling Disney Hyperion author, Rick Riordan, the mastermind behind the beloved Percy Jackson series, is headed to Instagram to live chat with Roshani Chokshi, author of the Pandava series, for the launch of and Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes. Join the duo on April 7 at 5pm PT/8pm ET on Rosh’s Instagram @RoshaniChokshi. Be sure to follow Roshani Chokshi and Rick Riordan on Twitter @camphalfblood for more info!N Follow Percy Jackson & the Olympians Author for live social media chats Boost Your Writing Skills with the Author of Sal & Gabi Break the Universe on YouTube Grab your middle grade student and join Disney Hyperion author Carlos Hernandez on his YouTube channel series of creative writing videos. The award-winning author of Sal & Gabi Break the Universe and its forthcoming sequel, Sal & Gabi Fix the Universe, will provide helpful writing prompts and inspiration for your aspiring author. Learn to Draw a Disney Princess with a Disney ArtistAnother crowd pleaser for the whole family, Disney artist Amy Mebberson, is featuring drawing lessons on YouTube. Join Amy as she gives step-by-step tutorials on how to sketch all of your Disney Princess favorites in comic styles. Follow @DisneyBooks on social media for more content and updates from our authors, and the Disney Princess YouTube channel for more entertainment! View the full article

Right now, it’s SO important to bond together as a community to provide support during this difficult time! ©Disney Disney (with the help of Cast Members) has been giving back by sprinkling some pixie dust by providing rain ponchos for hospitals and donating food from Disneyland and Disney World to local communities! But, the magic doesn’t stop there since Disney’s helping hands are still serving others all the way in sunny Hawaii! Just like Disneyland and Disney World, Aulani Resort will be donating its excess food to Aloha Harvest as a way to support the community! ©Disney This week, they’ve already donated about 7,000 pounds of perishable food (!!!) to the food collection and redistribution organization. Some of these items include fruit and veggies like pineapples, lemons, watermelons, lettuce, and onions in addition to shelf-stable products like cupcakes, cookies, sweet rolls, and popcorn. ©Disney The COOLEST part about this donation, though, is the fact that Aloha Harvest actually delivers its donations to social service agencies within the same day it’s received! That way, people in need are able to get immediate help. Mahalo, Disney and Aloha Harvest, for all your hard work!! Want to know about the Disney closures happening right now? We’ve got all the details here! Have you ever been to Aulani before? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: News! Disney’s Aulani Resort Is Closing Along With the Other Disney Resorts! We Dare You to Watch These Disney Commercials Without Laughing or Crying! NEWS! The Disneyland Paris Princess Run Has Officially Been Canceled View the full article

Easter is hopping into our homes on April 12th! And, we’re ready to celebrate it Disney style! Mr. Easter Bunny and Mrs. Easter Bunny Even though you can’t get a photo with your favorite rabbits in the parks right now (look how cute they are), you can still add plenty of color and fun to your holiday with these DIY projects! On top of the Disney attractions and toilet paper creations you can make from home, these Easter activities are a great way to get your family together for an egg-citing time! Disney Easter Baskets Whether you’re a kid or adult, getting an Easter basket is one of the BEST parts of the holiday! But, while we love snacking on Cadbury Eggs and jelly beans, we think it would be a blast to make our own themed baskets this year! While everyone can choose a character or film to base their mini projects on, we’re eyeing this colorful Up Easter Basket that will make your heart soar. ©Disney Earn your Wilderness Explorer Badge by making the adorable Up Easter Basket here! Rabbit’s Easter Cupcakes Winnie the Pooh and his friends know how to throw a party in the Hundred Acre Woods! And, you can make your Easter as sweet as honey with this recipe for Rabbit’s Easter Cupcakes! The chocolate, vanilla, orange, and cinnamon sugar flavors are bound to make you the stay-at-home host with the most. ©Disney Plant your own home garden with the Rabbit’s Easter Cupcakes recipe here! Disney Easter Eggs Those plastic Easter eggs might be wonderful spots to store little trinkets and treats, but they’re also SO much fun to decorate! While you can sprinkle some glitter on a batch of Disney Princess Easter Eggs, you can also use construction paper, yarn, flowers, and more to construct a whole bushel of plastic eggs themed after your favorite Disney characters. Which hero or villain will be making an appearance at your Easter festivities? ©Disney Want to create your own themed Disney Princess Eggs? Check out the full tutorial here! Disney Easter Decorations If you’ve been to the Disney parks during the holidays, you’ll know that they go ALL OUT with their decorations! So, you can bring a little bit of the park magic into your home by making Easter wreaths, garlands, and floral arrangements. Plus, you can even take some inspiration from spots like the Grand Floridian and Beach Club Resorts to have your own Easter egg contest! Beach Club Easter Eggs Divide your family up into teams to make eggs with clay, construction paper, and paint then host a contest to see which Easter egg will win the showdown! Whoever wins can pick the movie for the night or which board game to play! Go on a tour of last year’s Easter egg display at the Grand Floridian Resort with us here! Disney Easter Activity and Coloring Pages While you’re making that Sunday roast for Easter, you can keep the kiddos occupied for a bit while you’re cooking in the kitchen! Put together an array of colored pencils, markers, and crayons to choose from so they can create with the Mickey and Minnie Activity Page,… ©Disney …Winnie the Pooh Activity Page,… ©Disney …Fairies Coloring Page,… ©Disney …and Bambi Coloring Page! And, after they’re done, they can pick spots around the house to hang their masterpieces as extra Easter decorations! ©Disney Disney Movie “Easter Eggs” While you’re all cuddled up with some cozy blankets for family movie night on Easter, you can end your day by spotting as many hidden “Easter eggs” in the Disney films! From Buzz and Woody in Coco to Aladdin’s Lamp in Moana — the family member that spots the most can get an extra prize! Or, they can pick a new Disney recipe to make during the week! ©Disney There are plenty of ways to celebrate Easter without being in the parks or even leaving your house! Be sure to let us know if you try any of these activities for yourself! Make some SUPER yummy Easter morning breakfast with these Disney recipes here! What are you doing for Easter this year? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Become a Disney Chef With These Iconic Breakfasts You Can Make at Home! DFB Video: Disney Parks Around the World Close, New Lands Get Opening Dates & Mulan Merch Comes to shopDisney! Round Four of DFB Snack Madness Had REALLY Close Results! See If Your Picks Are Victorious! View the full article

Pineapple, sweet rolls, potatoes, cookies, and even ti leaves. The bountiful fresh food normally enjoyed by Aulani Resort guests won’t go to waste during Aulani’s temporary closure. That’s because it will be used to feed the community through a donation made to Aloha Harvest, a food collection and redistribution organization located on Oahu. Over the past week, Aulani Resort has donated approximately 7,000 pounds of perishable food to Aloha Harvest, which delivers it the same day to social service agencies across the island to help feed those in need. “Donations like this are so important during times of uncertainty,” said Aloha Harvest Executive Director “Phil” Augustus Acosta. “This food helps ensure that people who are already faced with hunger continue to receive resources.” The donation included fresh fruit and vegetables such as pineapples, watermelons, lemons, lettuce and onions, bread and milk products, as well as treats such as cupcakes, cookies and popcorn. “Over the past nine years, Aulani Resort has contributed to the community in a number of ways. That’s why during these unprecedented times, this donation was the kindest and most heartwarming decision to make,” said Aulani Resort General Manager Kimberly Agas. View the full article

With the Disney World closures currently extending “until further notice,” a lot of Disney trips are being canceled automatically by the company or by the families who were supposed to be going on them. Magic Kingdom All those canceled trips mean that for many of us, we’re having to reschedule our perfect Disney vacations. That can be a pretty big bummer considering planning a Disney trip is NO JOKE. So, if you’re stuck having to reschedule and rework all of your plans, we want to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible for you. Here are 5 BIG mistakes you don’t want to make when rescheduling your Disney trip! 1. Don’t Reschedule Your Trip TOO Soon! We know it can be tempting to schedule your trip as SOON as possible after the parks open (trust us, we want to get back too!), but if you end up choosing days that are coming up too soon, you might run into some issues. Slinky Dog Dash in Disney’s Hollywood Studios If you have any must-do rides or restaurants on your list, you’ll want to reschedule your trip AT LEAST 180 days in advance to ensure you have enough time to get those sought after reservations! Leave Enough Time to Get Those Dining Reservations Remember, you can make Advance Dining Reservations as early as 180 days out, whether you have park tickets or not! In fact, you can even make these reservations without having booked anything else for your vacation. If you want to take full advantage of early booking, be sure to book your Disney resort reservation MORE than 180 days before your trip. Topolino’s Terrace Breakfast a la Art Characters Having a resort reservation at a Disney World-owned restaurant will allow you to make reservations — for up to 10 days of your trip — 180 days before your trip begins. Many popular restaurants book up right away at this 6-month mark, like California Grill, Cinderella’s Royal Table, or Be Our Guest Restaurant, and having your resort reservation booked will allow you to position yourself to get the best options possible. We’ve got plenty of helpful info on how to make Advance Dining Reservations as well as TONS of restaurant reviews so you can make the best choices for your trip! Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom is a must for some! If you’re unfortunately rescheduling that dream trip you already planned months ago, this may be an opportunity to revisit your choices. Hey, maybe you can snag a hot reservation you couldn’t get the first time around?! Click here for more info on booking Advance Dining Reservations! Don’t Forget to Leave Time To Get FastPasses! Even if you’re not too picky about your restaurants, you’ll still want to make sure you have plenty of time leading up to your trip so that you can get the FastPasses you want. Disney World resort guests can make FastPass+ reservations up to 60 days out from the first day of their reservation for the length of their trip, while guests not staying at a Disney resort can book theirs 30 days out. We highly recommend staying onsite for this very reason. FastPasses for popular rides can go FAST at 60 days out, so you’ll want to make sure you’re primed to get the best FastPasses possible. Note that you DO need to have your tickets purchased and your My Disney Experience account created in order to get FastPasses. Haunted Mansion This is another great opportunity if you’re rebooking a canceled trip to try and look on the bright side: you can possibly score those tough FastPasses you may not have gotten first time around! If you missed out grabbing that Flight of Passage FastPass, now may be your chance to try again! If you had a perfect lineup of FastPasses booked originally, try to see this as an opportunity to revisit your plans and prioritize for your family. For tips on using the Fastpass+ system, click here! 2. Don’t Ignore How the Parks Might Be Different When Disney World Reopens Things might be a little (or a lot!) different when we get to go back into the Disney Parks. If these changes worry you at all, you might want to consider rescheduling your trip much further out than you were originally thinking. We get it, you want to get there for that vacay as soon as it’s safe, but if you’re worried the changes could negatively impact your experience, a wait could make sense. So what sort of stuff could we be looking at? Beach Club Resort in Disney World We Could See a Phased Reopening A phased reopening is entirely possible. In Shanghai, we’ve seen the hotels and shopping district reopen first, so the same may happen in Disney World. When the parks DO reopen, it’s possible some attractions, shows, and rides may not be open for a while after the closure ends. In fact, they could potentially even leave whole lands of parks closed, if Disney feels it’s in the best interest of safety. Toy Story Land crowds If you’re nervous about things remaining closed, reschedule your trip for a few months after the parks may realistically reopen. That way, you give Disney World (and the rest of the world) plenty of time to recuperate from the closures. Tree of Life Experiences May Be Different After the Reopening Even once things are open, there may be changes to certain aspects of the experience you’re used to. We’ve discussed that Disney World could be VERY different when it reopens, and we certainly don’t want anyone disappointed if things have changed right after the closures lift. This could include lowered capacity on attractions, adjusted dining experiences, or even limited character interactions. Happily Ever After Some of these changes could be permanent, but many will potentially ease up over time allowing us to have that Disney trip that we know, love, and look forward to. Some guests may be ok with an altered experience, while others may want to ensure their trip is rescheduled far enough down the road to avoid potential changes. There May Be CROWDS! On top of that, you’ll want to rethink your expectations when it comes to crowd levels. At first, crowds will possibly be lower than usual, especially if there is a phased reopening; but LOTS of people will likely be rescheduling their canceled trips for sometime before the end of the year due to Disney’s current ticket policy during the closure. This could mean a noticeable uptick in crowds. Magic Kingdom Crowds on Final Night If you’re ok with a few more people in the parks (much of the closure has been over the notoriously busy Spring Break season, so we suspect many families were already bracing for crowds!) this may not affect your trip too much. But if the idea of extra bodies in close proximity to you is unnerving, consider delaying until the value season in the fall or postponing until next year. Heavy Fireworks Crowds We’d, of course, love Disney World to be just as it was prior to the closure, but we also want to be realistic! So much has changed not just with Disney, but with the world; so changes to keep everyone safe are likely going to be necessary. Don’t expect that arriving the day after they reopen will put you right back in the normal Disney World we’ve all known before this. Ask yourself: Are you OK with this? If you’re not, it’s a good idea to consider booking your trip further out until any potential changes will return to normal. Click here to see all the ways that Disney World could be different when it reopens! 3. Don’t Forget to Write EVERYTHING Down Another big tip when planning your rescheduled Disney trip is a simple one: write EVERYTHING down. We mean it. Everything. Confirmation numbers, cancellation numbers, dates, pricing, discounts, room type, dining plan specifics, etc. If you’re hoping to travel right when the parks possibly reopen, this is especially true for you. Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival If you’re planning for a possible June reopening or even looking to reschedule later in the summer, you’ll want to be wary of any further extensions to the closure. As you know, it’s a hassle to reschedule a Disney trip and it will be even worse to reschedule it TWICE. But keeping track of all the details in an easily located (and remembered) spot will help if you do have to dig in and reschedule a second (or third, or fourth) time (I know some of you are already on your third reschedule!). Epcot’s Future World As you’re canceling plans and rescheduling, write down everything you book or plan to book! Even write down numbers to call to reschedule again if it comes to that! Save those emails, too, in an easy to find location for reference. It’s all about making it easier for you in the instance of a closure extension. That way, if the time comes that you’re faced with a RE-reschedule, you’ve got all of the information you need handy to make it easy. Working on rescheduling? Click here for our step-by-step guide on rescheduling your trip! 4. Don’t Forget — Different Times Of Year Mean Different Planning If you’re faced with rescheduling your trip, you have a huge consideration to keep in mind now: You may be rebooking at a totally different time of year! Christmas in Magic Kingdom Those crowds you prepared for, special events going on, and more will be totally different depending on the time you rebook, so don’t forget to plan with that in mind! Each season in Disney has different weather, crowds, events, and seasonal costs. Planning for Summer If you’re rescheduling for the Summer it could be hot, hot, hot — much hotter than the Spring! So make sure you take that into account. If you have heat-sensitive folks in your party, you might want to push your vacay into the Fall. Don’t forget that Summer is typically Florida’s VERY rainy season, with big storms coming through just about every afternoon on one part of property or another; so plan accordingly. Typhoon Lagoon Summer also tends to be crowded since kids are out of school — and that means higher ticket prices. Now, that might be a little different this year if people are hesitant to return to the parks. We may even see some additional discounts coming from Disney to sway Summer visitors to the parks too. Planning for Fall If you’re rescheduling for the Fall, you’re going to have weather that’s a little bit more forgiving like the Spring. However, Summer and Fall are hurricane season in Florida which is a big thing to consider, especially taking in to account that Fall is typically the more active time of year for hurricane activity. If you’re worried about this, it may be worth looking into vacation insurance for your trip. Now, Disney has experience with handling hurricanes, but being mindful of how hurricanes affect Disney World is worth reading about. The Best Hurricane-Ready Hotels In Disney World Rainy Day Hurricanes don’t usually reach as far inland as Orlando, but over the past couple of years, Disney World has had to shut down twice due to hurricanes. Get educated. Fall is also typically more forgiving in regards to crowds than Summer, though that may not be the case this year due to the closures postponing trips. Fall is also the season of Epcot International Food and Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party If you’ve never attended these events, now might be just the time to try them out! Click here to learn more about Halloween at Disney World! Planning for Winter If you plan to go in Winter, you could have the opportunity to visit the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, not to mention a chance to experience Disney at Christmastime. Oh, and don’t forget Flurry of Fun, and the Christmas Tree Trail, and so much more! So you’ll want to do your research on how these festivals and parties work, and keep up with DFB as we bring you news about them in the coming months! “A Frozen Holiday Wish” at the Magic Kingdom Winter is varied when it comes to crowds. Crowds ramp up to their annual peak during the two weeks around Christmas, but otherwise, they’ll be generally lower than much of the rest of the year. Still, this might change this year with rescheduled vacations from the Spring! Click here to see more of Disney World at Christmastime! And even though it’s Florida, it still can get COLD. Granted, we’re not talking “whip out your parkas” type weather (most of the time), but you may be faced with needing long-sleeves and sweatshirts. Make sure you pack those layers so you’re not shivering in line for Big Thunder Mountain. Forking over $75 or more for a Disney World embroidered fleece jacket can be painful. A snowy Main Street during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Doing your research if you’re going to Disney World at a time when you’re not used to the weather, the crowds, and the special offerings can help your planning and your overall trip run more smoothly. To learn how to best pack for your Disney vacay, click here! 5. Don’t Reschedule Without A Master Plan Speaking of doing your research, DON’T just dive into new dates for your trip without thinking. You might think that since you already had a Disney trip planned that all you have to do is just transfer that plan to a new date. Tower of Terror Well, you could do that, but you’re going to have a much better trip if you do a little bit of extra prep work ahead of time (trust us!). So, whether you’re going at a different time than usual or just want to make sure that you plan for ALL potential hitches in your rescheduled vacay, you’ll may want to grab a copy of the DFB Guide! Pick up a copy of our 2020 DFB Guide to Disney World Dining! Our ebook will give you ALL of our recommendations, reviews, tips, AND information about all of the seasonal events and parties you might encounter, restaurant details, special events, and what you can’t miss — no matter when you’re going! SO MUCH at Disney World changes seasonally. You want to be sure you’re choosing the right events and touring strategies at the right times. Glass half full approach: this is a chance to make your trip even better than it was before all this happened! Take this opportunity as a chance to really plan out the BEST Disney World vacation you could possibly take to make up for all the postponements. We’ll even help you do it with a 30% off discount for the DFB Guide! Just head on over to the DFB Store and pick out the guide or bundle you want, then use code 30SALE at checkout! Galaxy’s Edge Whenever you choose to reschedule, we’re here to help, both with tips and tricks and with the latest news about reopening. So don’t forget to check back with us; we’ll be keeping you in the know about everything happening at Disney World! Ready to get planning your rescheduled Disney vacay? Click here to see why now really IS a great time to plan! Are you planning on getting a canceled Disney trip rescheduled for late in the year? What are your concerns? Share your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: What Does the Disney World Closure Mean for Crowd Levels in 2020…And When Should YOU Go? 10 Ways The DFB Guide Will Help You SAVE BIG in Disney World in 2020! Could Walt Disney World’s Temporary Closure Be Extended? Find Out What Analysts Are Saying View the full article

We’re hopping into Easter SO soon! Fab Five Easter Eggs And, if you’re planning on making some of those AMAZING breakfast recipes from the parks to kick the holiday off, you can also win a few Disney goodies that will make your day even more magical! On April 10th at 9 AM PST, you can hop on over to play a Virtual Easter Egg Hunt to win a 3-month subscription to the Disney Backstage Collection! ©shopDisney You just have to be the first person to correctly identify each of the “hidden storytelling details” in the 3 exclusive Disney Backstage Collection shirts featured on shopDisney, D23, and Disney Movie Insider‘s Instagram pages. To enter starting April 10th, go to shopDisney’s Easter Hunt post on Instagram with the #shopDisneyContest tag and submit your answers in the comments! Beach Club Easter Eggs The Virtual Easter Egg Hunt ends on April 13th, so be sure to make your guesses before the time runs out and the Easter Bunny hops away! Want to know how you can make an ENTIRE Easter basket filled goodies for $30? We’ve got all the sweet deets here! Have you started planning your own Disney Easter egg hunt at home? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: We Dare You to Watch These Disney Commercials Without Laughing or Crying! 12 Throwback Disney Rides That Are Keeping Our Spirits Up Check Out How Disney Fans Brought the Attractions Home With ‘Homemade Disney’! View the full article

There is a lot of hustle and bustle in Walt Disney World! Magic Kingdom From rushing out the door to get a Rise of the Resistance Boarding Group, or perhaps rope-dropping at Magic Kingdom to ride Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, there is a lot of running around on a Disney vacation! And sometimes, it’s nice to sit back and relax at a slow-paced resort with a good meal! Enter, Old Key West. This laid-back island resort is the original Disney Vacation Club property, and it’s themed to one of the world’s most relaxing destinations: Key West! While Old Key West is a DVC resort, anyone can stay there (space available), and more importantly (for our purposes), anyone can eat there! Old Key West is home to a few underrated gems — such as the hole-in-the-wall Gurgling Suitcase or the delightfully quaint Olivia’s Cafe! That’s where we slowed down and had lunch recently — read on for our full review and to see why Olivia’s is a great under-the-radar spot for a relaxing meal! Atmosphere: Olivia’s Cafe is across from the main lobby at Old Key West. Olivia’s Cafe Entrance It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and while reservations are accepted, they aren’t usually necessary. One of the Photo Walls at Olivia’s Upon entering Olivia’s you’ll notice there’s a ton of photos on the wall! These are actually guests and DVC members who call Old Key West home. People would send Christmas cards and photos to their Disney family, and Olivia’s started putting them up to proudly display their patrons. However, the wall is definitely full so no promises that yours will be hung up if you send a photo in. Olivia’s Cafe Olivia’s Cafe has a simple yet eclectic seaside design. The main colors of the restaurant are blues and teals, and along the walls you’ll see boat gear such as oars and nets. Wall Decor We just love the mermaid! You’ll also see photographs of old lighthouses, seashells, and other ocean-related decor. Ceiling Fan Even the ceiling fans are tropical. Just look at those awesome palm leaf blades! Olivia’s Cafe Table Seating at Olivia’s is divided into tables and booths. Considering this isn’t an ultra-busy restaurant, if you have a preference, it can likely be honored. Olivia’s Cafe Booth Once you get seated, it’s time to sink into the Southern comfort, and dig into the menu! Eats: Olivia’s Cafe is quality comfort food, often with a tropical twist. Lunch Menu (Click to enlarge) Patrons can choose from conch chowder, crab cakes, shrimp dishes, and more! Seafood and comfort food lovers alike should be able to find something to their liking. In the past, we’ve loved their iconic and very popular Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken. If you’re a fried chicken fan, this is an excellent choice! Southernmost Buttermilk Chicken But on this day, we were in the mood for something a little different, that still had an Old Key West twist. Our eyes immediately went to the Duval Street Burger. A juicy burger AND shrimp? Color us intrigued! Duval Street Burger The Duval Street Burger is a beef burger topped with grilled shrimp, pepper jack cheese, avocado, and pico de gallo on a pineapple-coconut roll. It comes with homemade chips (as shown), but if you ask nicely you may be able to swap for another side. Open Face Duval Street Burger On top of the burger, were several shrimps that were perfectly cooked and flavorful! There was also pico de gallo and avocado, both of which were fresh and added a nice brightness to the big patty. Duval Street Burger We loved the choice of pepper jack cheese, as well! It added a slight bit of heat that elevated the burger and balanced the sweetness of the bun. And speaking of the bun — it was the best part of this burger! Honestly, I want all burgers and sandwiches forever to come on a pineapple coconut bun. It was chewy and delicious, with just the right amount of sweetness. Duval Street Burger Cross Section Overall, this was a very tasty burger! It had unique and fresh ingredients…and I can’t stop dreaming about this bun. I’d absolutely order this again! Additionally, the housemade chips were a great side! They were crunchy and flavorful, yet not overwhelmingly salty. Chips After such a tasty and flavorful lunch, it was time for dessert! What else? Dessert Menu (Click to Enlarge) While there were several things that caught our eye, we had to get the Key Lime Tart. When in Old Key West, am I right? Key Lime Tart The Key Lime Tart is one of Olivia’s signature desserts, and is a twist on Key West’s iconic dessert, Key Lime Pie. Key Lime Tart This tart comes with a toasted whipped topping, graham cracker crust, and mango and raspberry sauces. Key Lime Tart Cross Section This dessert is a delight! The tart center is light and tangy, and the toasted topping added the perfect creaminess! There’s even a slight crunch from the graham cracker. Both sauces were sweet and added just the right compliment to the Key Lime. Plus this thing is pretty sizable, making it the perfect dessert to share. Overall: Once again, Olivia’s Cafe is a solid and underrated choice for lunch. It’s where tropical flavors meet comfort food, and everything we tried was fresh and delicious. Plus, the atmosphere is laid back and relaxing making for a breezy, enjoyable meal. While it may not be worth ditching a park reservation to trek to Old Key West, if you have a slow resort day or are staying at the resort, you may want to work a meal at Olivia’s into your schedule. In our experience, you won’t regret it. Want to learn more about dining at Old Key West? Check out this DFB Guide Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! Have you eaten at Olivia’s Cafe? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: What’s New at Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resorts: Updated Menus, New Merchandise, and New Events! Review! This SubLIME Dessert is Making Waves in Disney World! The 12 Best Meals To Eat in Disney World…Without Leaving Your Hotel!! View the full article

While construction appears to have temporarily stopped at Disney World, we spy something new happening over at Epcot! Screenshot from My Disney Experience App Thanks to a recent update made to the My Disney Experience app, we’ve got a whole new perspective of the new World Showcase expansion happening around Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure! We gotta confess — we were catching the Skyliner at the International Gateway station before the parks closed so we could catch a birds-eye view of some of the construction that was happening in the back of the France pavilion. Screenshot from My Disney Experience App Find out everything you need to know before Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure opens here! But now that Disney World has updated its handy-dandy app, we can do some snooping right from our couches! Although none of the new buildings are labeled quite yet (other than the Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along that opened in January) from our virtual eye in the sky we can see the layout of Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure’s new courtyard! Screenshot from My Disney Experience App As you can see from the map, you’ll access the ride’s new queue area by walking along the waterway that connects the World Showcase Lagoon and Cresent Lake. The steely blue rooftops are Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure’s show buildings as well as Le Creperie de Paris, a new dining location, which will feature both table-service and quick-service options! Screenshot from My Disney Experience App Find out more about Le Creperie de Paris RIGHT HERE! We’re keeping our fingers crossed that this area will also provide guests with additional restrooms and drinking fountains but haven’t received any official confirmation from Disney yet! While we won’t be riding Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure until this summer, we are super excited for the parks to reopen so we can say Bonjour! to the Remy topiary again! If you haven’t had a chance to meet him yet, click here to see Epcot’s 2020 Flower and Garden Festival’s newest edition! Wanna take a virtual stroll through Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival? Click here to get going! Related posts: The ULTIMATE GUIDE To Opening Dates for ALL THE 2020 Disney World Attractions! We See London, We See France! Here’s How Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure Construction in Epcot Is Coming Along! We’re One Step Closer to the Grand Opening! A NEW Ratatouille Sign Has Been Installed in Epcot! View the full article

Welcome back, DFB friends! We’re here with another DFB Video, and today we’re talking about ALL the Disney Parks news you need to know! The Disneyland Hotel We’ve been missing all the snacks and attractions in the parks with the current closures (we could REALLY use a Dole Whip right about now). But, we still have all the hotel, merchandise, and entertainment deets to keep you up-to-date on everything Disney! We’re talking about Disneyland and Disney World Annual Passholder refunds, newly purchased land on Disney World property, inflatable summer ears, and MORE! So, what are you waiting for?? Check out the all the Disney Parks news in our latest DFB Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What Disney Park are you visiting first when they reopen? Related posts: DFB Video: Latest Disney News — Parks Extend Closure, Discounts on Future Stays and Ways to Stay Busy at Home! DFB Video: Latest Disney Parks News — CEO Shakeup, HUGE Refurb News, and MORE! DFB Video: Disney Parks Around the World Close, New Lands Get Opening Dates & Mulan Merch Comes to shopDisney! View the full article

Staying in the parks after hours and experiencing exclusive entertainment? Sounds like a win-win to us!! ©Disney We’ve been LOVING all the Disneyland After Dark events, ranging from totally tubular to a ball of fun! Although we’ve already given you the details on 80s Nite, Sweethearts’ Nite, and Pixar Nite, it looks like you’ll have to wait a bit longer before you can join the villains for their wicked soirée. Although it was previously scheduled for April 30th, Villains Nite is being postponed to a new date (but you’ll still get to have a terrifyingly good time!). ©Disney While the new date isn’t certain yet, Disney is working to find a better alternative that will comply with the current California regulations after Disneyland reopens to guests! Once Villains Nite has been switched, guests will automatically have their tickets moved to the new date. However, if you’re wanting to cancel your ticket to the event, you can call 714-781-4636 for more information. ©Disney However, if you’re wanting to cancel your ticket to the event, you can call 714-781-4636 for more information. We will keep you posted as we learn more! Do you have questions on how to refund or reschedule your Disneyland vacation? We’ve got all the answers for you here! Were you planning on going to Villains Nite in Disneyland? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Find Out What an EMPTY Disneyland Resort Looks Like! Now You Can Watch Disneyland’s Magic Happens Parade Without Visiting the Park! 6 Questions and ANSWERS About The New Disneyland Annual Pass Fee Waivers and Extensions! View the full article

When Flynn Rider said he wanted a castle in Tangled, we couldn’t agree with him more (dream house, you guys). Cinderella Castle And, even though we can’t really move into the Cinderella Castle suite any time soon, you can still keep some Disney magic in your home with this series of ADORABLE shopDisney merchandise! The Castle Collection is making an enchanting debut that will make all your Disney Princess dreams come true! And, the Fairy Godmother has conjured up the Cinderella series as the very first castle! © Disney While Disney has stated that “each series includes a high-end figurine and other products inspired by each castle,” we are BLOWN AWAY by how beautiful the Cinderella Castle looks for $149.99 (and it lights up!!). Um, do you think we can watch some homemade projection mapping on this replica?! ©shopDisney You can also pick up the Cinderella Castle Collection Pin with the same design as the figurine on the front… ©shopDisney …and it opens up to reveal rooms in the castle for $29.99! ©shopDisney And, once you’ve collected all of them, you can put them in the Castle Collection Pin Case for $79.99 — with a specially designed spot for each pin. ©shopDisney While you are staying at home, you can write down some of your favorite Disney recipes in the Cinderella Castle Collection Journal for $24.99… ©shopDisney …(as you daydream about dancing the night away with Prince Charming). ©shopDisney Or, you can even have a game night with the fam as you put together the Cinderella Castle Collection Puzzle for $24.99. Just make sure to keep track of all 1000 pieces! ©shopDisney It’s never too early to start getting your Christmas decorations ready for the holiday season! And, you can celebrate ahead of time with the GORGEOUS Cinderella Castle Ornament for $29.99. But, these are all limited edition items, so you’ll want to grab them before the clock strikes… soon! ©shopDisney If you LOVE the Cinderella Castle Collection as much as we do, you’ll be excited to know that the series will also include castles inspired bySleeping Beauty, Frozen, Tangled, Mulan, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Brave, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast! You can check out the full collection on shopDisney before it heads to your local Disney Store soon. Want more Disney merchandise? Check out the “it’s a small world” Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Collection here! Which Disney Princess castle are you looking forward to seeing the most? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Take a Trip in Style With This NEW Disney Travel Collection! FINALLY! The Best Phone Case EVER (imho) Is On Its Way To Disney Parks! Look as Classic as Mickey and Minnie with these NEW Loungefly Backpacks! View the full article

Earlier this week, we asked our readers to search your homes and closets for any rain ponchos or other supplies that our nation’s hospitals and medical workers are in desperate need of. Rainbow over Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort The response was overwhelming. So many of you guys reached out to us asking for more ways you could help, which in turn inspired us to compile a list of resources and additional means for supporting our country’s heroes through these times. Many of us aren’t on the front lines of this crisis, but almost all of us know at least one person who is. Here’s how you can make a difference in the lives of those who are out there risking theirs. Donate PPE Supplies Including Masks, Rain Ponchos, and Cleaners The medical community is experiencing a critical shortage of PPE (personal protective equipment). Because this is transmitted by droplets in the air, doctors and nurses are using anything they can to prevent being exposed. Many are literally treating patients while using brown paper bags and bandanas to cover their mouths. Others are having to re-use their disposable masks which can’t be sanitized properly and aren’t offering adequate protection. Hand Washing Sign at Disney World These medical workers know that if they’re infected, they’ll have to be self-isolated which will take them out of the fight. The vast majority of doctors and nurses are still taking care of patients with heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and other illnesses. One of the biggest fears these hospital employees are facing right now isn’t contracting the virus themselves, but spreading it to their patients with these other conditions which make them especially susceptible and high-risk. If you have any masks, gloves, safety glasses, surgical scrubs, gowns, or extra cleaning supplies that you can spare, please drop them off at your local hospital. The people who are fighting this are the ones who need this stuff the most right now. The majority of us can stay home and safe without it. Even if you have versions of these items that aren’t normally considered medical-grade, your donation is still important. Recently, Disney donated 150,000 plastic rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization that can distribute them to hospitals in need. That’s because rain ponchos are now being used as a substitute for disposable gowns worn by medical professionals. Traditional resources are so limited, that any protection is better than no protection. ©Disney Donating Rain Ponchos You can also make your own face masks at home to donate to hospitals. According to the New York Post, Jo-ann craft stores are giving away free kits every day. These include all the materials and instructions you’ll need to sew your own. You can even drop off the masks at their stores and they’ll donate them for you. If you don’t know how to sew or own a sewing machine, there are several no-sew face masks as well. Many won’t require you to purchase any additional materials, although 100% cloth fabric is needed. Give Blood There’s a critical shortage of blood right now. With people staying at home, less are donating blood, meaning on top of lacking critical supplies, they’re running low on life-saving blood. Since giving blood will require going to a public space, we don’t recommend putting yourself unnecessarily at risk, especially if you’re over the age of 65 or have any pre-existing medical conditions. But if you’re comfortable with giving blood, it is very needed right now. Make sure you take any and all safety precautions if you chose to donate. You can contact your nearest blood bank to ask what protocols they’re using. Red Cross donation centers are doing what they can to practice keeping a safe distance, and are following the highest standards of safety and infection control. Magic Kingdom Click here to find the nearest American Red Cross blood drive. If your state has issued an order to stay at home, it IS okay to leave your house to donate blood. Make a Charitable Donation The Center for Disaster Philanthropy working with the World Health Organization has created a Response Fund. Any amount you give will go towards helping the containment efforts, response, and recovery activities for those affected by the virus and for the responders. Also, consider giving to organizations that are trying to minimize the impact of this crisis on the lives of those being directly impacted such as No Kid Hungry and Feeding America. Disney Volunteer Celebration To help the people in your community, you can also donate food and supplies to your local food bank. Buy Someone a Meal If you know of someone on the front lines, Venmo them some money for lunch, a coffee, or just some small token of your appreciation to show you’re thinking about them. Butterfly Cupcake You can even order them dinner to be delivered to them when they get home so they don’t have to cook for themselves after a long day of helping others. If you have neighbors who are elderly or have health or mobility issues, find out how you can help them get their groceries so that they don’t have to leave the house. This could mean shopping for them when you buy your stuff, helping them to set up an InstaCart account, or teaching them how to use curbside delivery. Cover Transportation Costs Since many of us are no longer commuting, see if you can help someone who IS still working in the world outside cover their transportation costs. Minnie Bus If you once used mass transit, donate your monthly train or bus passes to cover someone else’s fare. Many doctors and nurses are required to pay for their own parking, especially in urban areas, so call your local hospital to see if you can cover their gas or parking expenses. Help Them Take Care of Their Families One of the best ways you can support the people on the front lines is by supporting the people they care about. Help them with buying groceries, childcare, eldercare, or anything else you can think of to ease some of the stress of their normal home lives. Advocate for Hospital Workers If you have a platform, now’s the time to use it. Use your social network, your people skills, and your ingenuity to help. Maybe you don’t have any masks or gloves at your home, but maybe someone you know or indirectly know does. Many of us use social media to connect with one another every day, so why should it be any different now? Flo’s V-8 Cafe Click here to find out how to contact your local Senator to tell them the medical community needs more supplies then they’re receiving. You can also help the American Nurses Association send a message to Congress to increase personal protective equipment for nurses by signing this petition. Be Kind A small act of kindness goes a long way these days. We know we’ve already talked a lot about medical workers, but there are many other people on the front lines. For example, many grocery store employees are trying their best to keep the shelves stocked but they’re still facing rude customers who are mad there isn’t toilet paper or flour. THEY are out working when many of us can stay home, so try to remember to practice kindness. Mickey Mouse Thank them next time you see them and if you feel so inclined, you can go to the customer service counter and ask to speak to the store manager. See if they’ll make an announcement over the loudspeaker so that everyone can stop for a few seconds and applaud these hard-working individuals. Trash collectors, mail carriers, and other food and package delivery service groups are helping everyone everyday stay home and stay safe. Think about leaving a sign by your door showing your appreciation. You can even enlist your kids to draw one for you. Chalk drawings are also a great way to show your family’s gratitude or put a smile on a neighbor’s face. If you know of anyone who is alone right now or who suffers from depression, please check-in with them. Make sure they’re doing okay. A Skype or FaceTime call might mean the world right now. Don’t Panic Buy Stuff While leaving some toilet paper or diapers on the shelves isn’t normally a heroic act, in today’s society it is. If you can afford to buy several months of supplies at one time, it doesn’t mean you should. ©Disney Many people only make enough money to buy what they can use in a week or two. They can’t stock up meaning when they go to the store and there’s no TP, they’re out of luck. Buy only what you need and leave the rest for others. Listen to the Pros Stay home. The people who are in the trenches fighting this virus right now need all of us to stay in and stay safe. One of the best things you can do right now is nothing. Stay home and limit your contact with others, otherwise, you’re only adding to the problem. Mickey’s House in Toontown Be sure you’re getting your information from trusted, credible sources. Listen to doctors, scientists, and the advisement that comes directly from the CDC. Also, if you want to keep your spirits up, limit the time you spend looking at the news. Check it in the morning and the evening, but otherwise, spend the rest of your day taking care of yourself and those around you. This situation is only temporary. Life will go back to normal someday. Instead of seeing this as a time of crisis, look at it as an opportunity to be there for each other. Let’s join forces and be the humanitarians we’ve always dreamed of being. Together, we’ll all get through this. Related posts: Attention Stay at Home Nation! We Need Your Rain Ponchos To Help NY Hospitals! Disney Parks Has Donated 150,000 Rain Ponchos to Hospitals and Medical Professionals View the full article

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of a new series here on the Disney Parks Blog where Disney photographers share the stories behind some of their favorite pictures. I started my career as a Disney photographer in April of 1982, six months before the grand opening of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort. The park was still a massive construction site at that time, and my main assignment as a new Disney cast member was to “make EPCOT look finished.” Our marketing department needed beautiful photos for travel agents, guidebooks, etc., to get people excited about visiting the new park … all well in advance of opening day on Oct. 1, 1982. Easier said than done! That was one long, hot summer, as I would start at sunrise and go until dark, searching for unique angles that would obscure any equipment and unfinished work throughout the park. One afternoon, I made my way up onto the roof of the France pavilion in World Showcase, a day or two before the Eiffel Tower was being installed. I looked off to the north and … there it was! The photo I had been searching for, with the Canada pavilion in the foreground with Spaceship Earth framed majestically in the background – a perfect composition to illustrate the scope of EPCOT. The image you see here was captured from that spot, nearly 40 years ago now. I’ve always loved how beautifully the late-afternoon light reflects off the surfaces of each structure – the earthy vibe of the Canada pavilion contrasting against the futuristic metal of Spaceship Earth. But if I went back out to this same spot today, the image would look completely different – the trees have grown in so thick you wouldn’t even see the Canada pavilion anymore. Now as EPCOT continues its historic transformation, I imagine I’ll be out there again looking for some more unique angles that tell the next chapter in this park’s amazing story! View the full article

Being a D23 Member certainly has its perks! D23 Gold Membership As “The Official Disney Fan Club,” D23 gives members access to special offers, exclusive experiences, and more Disney in their daily lives! The perks can be pretty awesome — the 2020 annual membership gift was the super cool D23 Fantastic Adventure Kit! And, membership can even mean exclusive early access to merchandise! In January, we learned that Disney would be releasing a new Mickey Mouse plush design on Amazon every month this year. They also announced that Gold D23 Members would be able to order these limited-edition items before the general public! The first design made available was this adorable golden Mickey to celebrate the Lunar New Year! ©D23 As much as we love a shiny Mickey, we’re just as excited about the April limited-edition release — Floral Mickey Mouse! ©D23 The plush is made of a velveteen floral-printed fabric, meant to pay homage to the Welcome Gardens at Disneyland! He features a commemorative gold and satin foot patch and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. And he even arrives in a window box featuring special Year of the Mouse packaging! Mickey Mouse For any lucky D23 Members looking to snag this blooming Mickey before he’s sold out, take advantage of the early access by heading to D23.com on Monday, April 6, at 9 a.m. PST. You’ll be given a link to purchase, but you must be signed in as a D23 Member in order to access it! So, mark your calendar and get your wallet ready, cause this Mickey plush is too adorable to pass up! Check out these awesome Year of the Mouse shoes and accessories from Aldo! Do you plan on making this plush part of your collection? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: NEWS: You Can Become a D23 Gold Family Member for HALF the Price TODAY! D23 Members Can Get Early Access to a NEW Mickey Mouse Plush Collection! Find Out How! Disney News This Week: ALL the News and Updates from the Most Magical Places on Earth! View the full article