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Hey cool cats! And welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We recently were bopping around the park, crying at Fantasmic! (just us?), when we had a hankering for a burger and shake. Lucky for us, we were able to snag a last-minute reservation at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant! Guess we’re going back in time, you dig? Sci-Fi Dine-in has always been one of those MUST-DO spots in our Disney restaurants — for the atmosphere at least. The food has never been a show stopper, but the idea of eating in an old-timey convertible while you watch cheesy Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Sci-fi movie clips from the 50s? Uh, ring-a-ding-ding. Atmosphere Like we said, Sci-Fi Dine-in has one of the coolest themes of any restaurant in Walt Disney World. The restaurant is lined with convertibles that have been converted (crushed it) into tables for your meal. The whole thing is designed to take you back to 1957, where you’re headed out to the Drive-in and life was as sweet as Soda Fountain shakes. Sci-Fi Dine-In On a big screen in front of you, you can watch clips from old Sci-fi films (like The Blob), old commercials (like the one where the hot dog jumps in the bun), and old cartoons! We give big props to Sci-fi for the movies — they entertain little kids and grown-ups alike! Dine in a Convertible at Sci-Fi We also like to note that there are a few tables in the back of the restaurant, should you prefer a little more traditional seating. (Also…more elbow room.) These are also great picks if you have a little one sleeping in a stroller or need a high chair. If you want one of these tables, make sure you ask at Check-in. The Carhops will do their best to accommodate! Sci Fi Picnic Tables Overall, we dig the vibe in here! But now, it’s time to get to the eats. Eats We didn’t mention milkshakes earlier for nothing — the Sci-fi Dine-in Restaurant’s menu is primarily made of “soda shop” favorites, with a few twists. Menu Menu While some items stay on the menu rather consistently, we have noticed a few changes over the years. On our last visit, we reviewed the new Barbecue Platter and Beef and Blue Burger. Sci-Fi Barbecue Platter And on this trip, we spotted a few newer items that we hadn’t tried yet! (Spoiler alert: one has beer cheese, which is basically like a must-order here at DFB.) But we’re getting ahead of ourselves… There are several alcoholic specialties at Sci-Fi, from signature cocktails to craft beer, should you want to wet your whistle. Sci-Fi Beer and Wine Menu Beverage Specials Drink Menu In the past, we’ve enjoyed the Long Island Lunar Tea, but this time, our mind was on one beverage and one beverage only: MILKSHAKES. MILKSHAKES We asked about the Specialty Shake and turns out, it’s one from a galaxy far, far away (or, literally right down the road from the restaurant). Galaxy’s Edge Resistance Shake Say hello to the Galaxy’s Edge Resistance Shake! This was added to the menu to celebrate the opening of Galaxy’s Edge earlier this year and it was still available during our recent visit. Galaxy’s Edge Resistance Shake The Resistance Shake is Pineapple Dole Whip and Orange Dole Whip swirl with a sugar rim and topped with a Rebel Alliance chocolate piece. We have to say the Orange Dole Whip stole the show, and it mostly tasted like a creamsicle. Our shake was notably missing the sugar rim that we saw in the official Disney promo pics, but we did get the yummy and adorable Rebel white chocolate piece! Galaxy’s Edge Resistance Shake Overall, if you’re a big fan of Dole Whip or Creamsicles, you’ll likely enjoy this limited-time shake! But TBH, we still prefer a classic like Oreo Cookie any day. Moving along to appetizers, we saw something fishy… Shrimp and Crab Fondue Dip! Shrimp and Crab Fondue This replaced the Spinach Artichoke dip on the menu — and the appetizer sampler! We quite enjoy Spinach Artichoke dip as a general rule, but we must say, this was a very worthy replacement! In fact, dare we say…it’s better! Shrimp and Crab Fondue The Shrimp and Crab Fondue is a creamy blend of Shrimp, Crab, and Cheeses, topped with Roasted Red Peppers, Fresh Dill, and is served with Corn Tortilla Chips. The crab flavor was more prominent than the shrimp, but it wasn’t overwhelmingly salty or fishy by any means. The dip was incredibly smooth and creamy as well — there weren’t any noticeable big chunks of either crustacean. Shrimp and Crab Fondue Overall, this was a really solid appetizer. It was very easily shareable, creamy, and felt like somewhat elevated comfort food. Unlike the Spinach Artichoke dip which tasted like any-chain-restaurant’s (not that this is necessarily a bad thing), the Shrimp and Crab Fondue was more unique and flavorful. It razzed our berries! Next up, entrees…and that beer cheese we mentioned earlier! As soon as we saw an entree was topped with a beer-cheese sauce, we were legally required to order it. (Ok, maybe not legally in the normal sense. But legally by DFB standards.) And what was this beer cheese on top of, you might ask? The Cheese Steak Sandwich The Cheese Steak Sandwich! This sammie was listed as “Thinly Sliced Rib-Eye Steak, Caramelized Onions, and Bell Peppers served on a Toasted Hoagie Roll topped with Provolone and Beer-Cheese Sauce.” On the side, we were given a generous serving of Onion rings (which are a $2.49 upgrade) — but you could also get french fries for no up-charge, should those be your crunchy side of choice. The Cheese Steak Sandwich Detail “Thinly” sliced didn’t quite seem to be the right description for the beef — it was more reminded us of taco meat when it came to consistency. It made the sandwich rather messy — with lots of filling coming out of the bottom when you picked it up. That said, it was rather tasty! The peppers and onions added a much-needed dash of flavor and really kicked up the beef. But HOW WAS THE BEER CHEESE? It was…fine. (Whomp whomp.) It certainly added a nice creamy texture to the sandwich filling, and it had a little kick, but we found two issues. One, there wasn’t near enough! We had to make sure there was actually cheese in our sandwich! It’s there — it’s just mixed in with the meat apparently! Call us crazy, but we want to drown basically everything in beer cheese, and there just wasn’t enough compared to the meat mixture and hoagie. And two, it didn’t have a discernible beer flavor we’ve come to love. (See: that INCREDIBLE beer cheese over at Crew Cup.) The Cheese Steak Sandwich As usual, the onion rings get five stars at Sci-fi. They are just so crunchy and golden and delicious! And as you can see, this is a HUGE sandwich — easily shareable, especially if you start with a shake and appetizer like we did. It wasn’t our favorite thing we’ve ever had at Sci-Fi Dine-In, but if you’re in the mood for something other than a burger, it’s a decent option. We also decided to give the Seasonal Specialty Burger a go! Our server let us know it’s currently a Southern Burger, and she expected it to be the specialty burger for a while. She had us at pimento cheese… Southern Burger The Southern Burger was a big juicy patty, topped with a fried green tomato, pimento cheese, and bacon. Southern Burger Cross Section Now this thing was TASTY. Just look at that insane amount of pimento cheese! The burger patty itself was cooked perfectly — nice and juicy and packed with flavor. There’s a reason Sci-Fi is known for their burgers, y’all… On the side of this one, we got a little crazy and asked our server if we could swap the onion rings or fries for something else. And dreams come, true friends because she got us… Southern Burger with Fried Pickles FRIED PICKLES. For the same price as onion rings ($2.49), you can enjoy a lovely bed of fried pickle goodness (the same Fried Dill Pickles from the appetizer menu). Turns out, it wasn’t the beer cheese that stole our heart, it was this nifty pickle upgrade. The pickles were tangy and crunchy, and came with a side of ranch. They were the perfect complement to our burger — in fact, you could say they were the real dill. After all these bites, we were too stuffed to eat dessert. But if you aren’t — we can recommend the Warm Glazed Donut. Or…another milkshake. Sci-Fi Warm Glazed Doughnut Nosh or Not? Sci-Fi Dine-In is for you if: You’ve never been! Like we said it’s a must-do at least once in your Disney World career. The theme and atmosphere are a blast, and your kids will LOVE it. You’ve got a hankering for a milkshake and a pretty decent burger. You’re on the dining plan — $22 burgers are a steep price to pay out of pocket but a solid use of a Dining Plan Credit. Skip Sci-Fi Dine-in if: You’re solely going for the burger. If you really want the best burger joint in Disney, we recommend checking out D-Luxe Burger. It’s less expensive but incredibly tasty with a variety of crafted burgers. You want a “fancy” sit-down meal. This will very much not fit the bill. You want something quick. This is designed to be an experience, and the fun comes from sitting in the cars and laughing at the old movies. If you’re eating on the go in between FastPasses, you likely won’t get the most out of your Sci-Fi experience. Overall Overall, the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant has maintained its charm year after year. We’ve said it before (twice) but we’ll say it again — you MUST come here at least once in your Disney life. Is it the best meal you’re going to eat? Probably not. But is it the most fun you’ll have dining in Disney? It just might be. And that’s the pretty far out. Want our take on more Hollywood Studios eats? Check out this DFB Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! Have you traveled back in time at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review: New Menu at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater BBQ and Vegan Eats in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Lunch at 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas at Disney World! Each park is filled with stunning decor and an insane amount of delicious treats. But the holidays in Disney World have really made us realize that 2020 is ALMOST here (holy moly can you believe it), so it’s time to page Mr. Morrow, Mr. Tom Morrow and look towards the future! Magic Kingdom Are you planning your VERY first Disney World vacation? Are you wondering where you should eat and which dining locations will give you the best first-timer experience? Then, you’ve come to the right place, because we here at DFB happen to know a thing or two about Disney dining and we’ve gathered the BEST Disney World restaurants for first-timers. Yes…the BEST! Be Our Guest Lunch If you’re looking to step inside Beast’s Castle, then you’re going to want to head to Be Our Guest! We love dining here because of the incredible atmosphere and theming. If you ever wanted to feel like you literally stepped INTO Beauty and the Beast, this is the place to do it. Entrance into Beast’s Castle While you can eat here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, our favorite recommendation is for lunch. At lunch, you’ll still have the opportunity to dine in the ballroom or even in the forbidden West Wing. But, you’ll get to do it for a MUCH cheaper price than at dinner time! Be Our Guest Ballroom The food isn’t your typical chicken nuggets and pizza found at many other quick-service locations. We’re big fans of a few things on the menu like the Braised Pork, Croque Monsieur, and the Grey Stuff (the Master’s Cupcake)…because, well, it’s delicious. Be Our Guest Braised Pork Dining here can be a tough reservation to nab, especially at dinner, but it’s SO worth it. And bonus for you Disney Dining Plan folks — breakfast and lunch here count as a quick service credit! You essentially get a quick sit down meal — no paper plates or plastic forks here! — in a beautiful restaurant for one little quick service credit per person! Crazy awesome. But we suggest placing this one on your list quick because it’s a rather popular Magic Kingdom dining location. Read our FULL Be Our Guest lunch review here! Why it’s Great for First-Timers This really is a magical dining spot for those visiting Disney World for the very first time or for those who keep coming back again and again. Be Our Guest is a great example of what Disney does best — transport guests to another world through visual storytelling. It’s a breathtaking experience to walk around the ballroom so many guests admired while watching the film. Simply put, Be Our Guest is your chance to dine IN a fairytale. And who wouldn’t want that?! It doesn’t hurt the food is pretty top-notch as well! Space 220 Since we’ve got our eyes set towards the future, we had to chat about the NEW dining location that is currently being built in Epcot — Space 220. The location is set to open this winter, so it should be ready to take travelers into outer space pretty early within the new year. Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney While Disney hasn’t shared too much about this location yet, what we do know sounds pretty stellar!! Here, guests will have the opportunity to board an elevator that will simulate rocketing into orbit in real-time. They will also experience both daytime and nighttime views from a “space station” that is hovering above the earth. Sound pretty epic, right? Space 220 VIEW! The menu will include international-inspired cuisine and more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines along with a hefty offering of craft beers. We’ve been monitoring the construction progress as Disney Cast Members work towards to goal of launching guests into outer space for a dining experience that should be worthy of a must-see list for those visiting in 2020. Space 220 Construction Read MORE about the NEW Space 220 here! Why it’s Great for First-Timers This restaurant isn’t even open yet and it’s giving us all the futuristic Epcot feels. Epcot has SO MANY dining options to choose from in World Showcase but, for first-timers, we think Space 220 is a great pick. It’s lots of the best parts of Future World packed down into one restaurant! We’re so excited to see the level of creativity put into immersing guests in this spot and think it will be a truly memorable location for first time Disney guests. Cinderella’s Royal Table Another place on our must-dine list for first-timers in 2020 is Cinderella’s Royal Table. While this location can be pretty expensive and the food isn’t our #1 fav, it’s still basically a TOTAL requirement to dine like a royal in the castle…especially if you’ve got little ones! Cinderella’s Royal Table To start your meal, you meet Miss Glass Slipper herself, Cinderella, before being welcomed into the royal dining hall where you’ll meet even MORE Disney princesses like Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White, what’s better than that?! Plus — you’re EATING IN THE CASTLE! Aurora at Cinderella’s Royal Table If you do choose to dine here you’re gonna wanna book EARLY, like 180 days in advance early, because there are LOTS of peeps trying to get in on this magical action. You will be required to pay ahead of time, but hey at least it’ll be paid for and out of the way, right? Cinderella’s Royal Table Menu and Wand See why we suggest dining like Royalty on your first Disney vacay here! Why it’s Great for First-Timers Eating. In. The. Castle. Nuff said! If you have a little prince or princess with an eye for Disney Royalty this is a slam dunk. Princesses engage with guests throughout your meal and make everyone feel like a royal. The experience is one of a kind and one you certainly won’t forget. Garden Grill Another great character dining option that we’re quite fond of, especially for first-timers, is Garden Grill at Epcot. Here, guests can meet Mickey (in his awesome dad overalls), Pluto, Chip, and Dale! Guests can not only meet these awesome pals, but they can actually do so while eating some pretty delicious food served all you care to eat family-style! The dinner menu includes turkey breast, grilled beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, mac and cheese, veggies, garden salad, fresh-baked rolls, and Berry Shortcake. Garden Grill Oh yeah, one more MEGA cool thing worth noting? This restaurant rotates (!!!) AND looks down on the Living with the Land attraction!! The restaurant is quite small and usually isn’t too crowded which leads to a more chill atmosphere and the ability to hang with the characters multiple times. Mickey Mouse at Garden Grill in Epcot See why we love Garden Grill so much by checking out our full dinner review here! Why it’s Great for First-Timers Garden Grill is one of our favorite character dining spots. You get to meet Mickey and some other great characters on top of the novelty of your restaurant rotating! Due to the small nature of the restaurant, guests receive SO MUCH attention from the characters which, for first-timers, can be a priceless experience. Takumi-Tei Foodies, this option is for you! A delicious and different type of dining location that we suggest for first-timers in 2020 just opened THIS year! Takumi-Tei in Epcot is the perfect place if you’re looking for an EPIC adventure in Japanese dining. Takumi-Tei Front Entrance While it may not be the most kid-friendly, it’s a super great dining location food fanatics. The menu options are so unique and well prepared that you may forget you’re in a theme park. This location is quite stunning on the inside as well. We love how each room follows a different theme and the overall feeling of zen that this location brings. Takumi-Tei Now, Takumi Tei is only open for dinner, so you will need to plan accordingly, but if you’re headed to Disney for the first time thinking it’s only hot dogs and burgers, this is the spot to show you how great theme park dining can be! Mozaiku Sushi Click here to read all about Takumi-Tei! Why it’s Great for First-Timers Newcomers won’t want to visit Disney World without a trip to the mini food theme park that is Epcot’s World Showcase. This spot blends quality dining with gorgeous architecture and design in an immersive experience. If first-timers are looking for a fancy, memorable meal while in Epcot, we think this is one they won’t regret booking. Homecoming or Raglan Road Now, if you’re looking for the BEST down-home comfort food, head on over to Disney Springs. Here you’ll find Homecoming and Raglan Road. Both of these locations serve up really fantastic comfort foods like Bangers and Mash, Fried Chicken, and Mac and Cheese! And there should be really good options for everyone in the group! Homecoming Sign Raglan Road’s menu features eclectic Irish fare, while Homecoming is all about good ol’ fashion Southern comfort food. Both spots are also great options if you’re looking for brunch. While this is only offered on the weekends, it’s a really great option to kick start the day. Raglan Road Read our latest Homecomin’ and Raglan Road reviews here! Why it’s Great for First-Timers Raglan Road is a blast for every age group and the food is outstanding. Adults can enjoy a pint or two while kids have the chance to hop on stage and dance with real Irish dancers. Just down the road, Homecoming’s menu is sure to please everyone in your group with its wide variety of foods ranging from fried and cheesy to sweet and boozy. If you want down home-cookin’ at its finest, this won’t disappoint. And before you go! Check out our DFB Video on 15 Fun and HELPFUL Disney World Dining Hacks! WATCH Before You Go! Are you visiting Disney World for the first time in 2020? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Should You Even Go to Disney World with All This Construction? Your Questions Answered. Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED View the full article

World travelers, start your engines! Spaceship Earth We’re taking a look at the all-new immersive experience that’s just arrived in the Epcot’s Morocco pavilion in Disney World! While many pavilions in Epcot’s World Showcase are receiving upgrades (we’re talking about the France, China and Canada movies getting updated as well as new Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and La Creperie de Paris coming soon to France’s pavilion!), Morocco’s new exhibit “Race Against The Sun” is the stealin’ the trophy today! Race Against The Sun Exhibit The new immersive experience features displays about two modern-day competitions that take place in the Sahara Desert. Check out this area dedicated to the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc (Rally of the Gazelles) — an all-female off-road rally! Race Against The Sun Exhibit Climb behind the wheel of this interactive photo opportunity… Race Against The Sun Exhibit …and check out some of the uniforms, helmets, and other racing stuff on display! Race Against The Sun Exhibit There’s also artifacts showcasing Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands), a six-day ultramarathon takes place in the Sahara Desert. It’s the length of six regular marathons which is why it’s called an ULTRAMARATHON! Race Against The Sun Exhibit It may be known as one of the toughest races on the planet, but it looks like it at least includes some tasty-looking snacks! Race Against The Sun Exhibit The exhibit also shows how the Sahara’s original inhabitants, the Berbers, we able to master living in such a harsh, challenging environment! Race Against the Sun Hey, anyone who’s ever been to Disney World on Christmas Day knows a little something about being in a harsh, challenging environment! But these guys make it look so easy — plus the artifacts are really cool to look at! Race Against The Sun Exhibit So check out the Race Against The Sun exhibit next time you’re over by the World Showcase — and while you’re there, check out all the gorgeous holiday decorations around Epcot for its Festival of the Holidays starting on November 29th! Are you excited to check out Morocco’s new exhibit? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: What’s Popping? Changes To Cult-Favorite Epcot Snack What’s New in Epcot — LOTS of Construction, Halloween Merchandise, and the Return of Beverly! Tables in Wonderland Members: Check Out This Whisky-Inspired Event Coming to Disney World! View the full article

Do you have roughly a billion Disney ornaments and pins? Could you use another one? Disneyland Resort Well, Disney Parks has you covered with this new pin and ornament commemorating the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” this year. Every Christmas morning since 1983, the Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade has given those of us not in the parks on December 25th a dose of Disney Christmas magic. This year Disney starts another holiday tradition with this new must-have ornament. The new “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” ornament is currently available at China Closet in Disneyland and will soon be available at The Emporium in Walt Disney World. ©Disney For those who prefer to wear their festive cheer, there is also an exclusive pin available for $15.99, which we found in Disney Springs. Christmas Day Parade Pin Find out when you can enjoy these the 2019 holiday specials from home — here! Do you collect Disney ornaments? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Your Ultimate Spooky Guide To ALL The Halloween Popcorn Buckets in Disneyland AND Disney World! We Have A Proud Corazón Looking at the NEW Coco Pandora Charm in Disney World and Disneyland! The Stars are Out for the 2019 Disney World Holiday Specials Filming NOW at Disney World! View the full article

Exploring the Disneyland resorts this week has us saying “So, THIS is Christmas!” Grand Californian Holiday Decoration Holiday decorations have decked the halls of the Disneyland resorts and we are oh, so excited! There’s nothing that makes us feel quite as jolly as all the garland, tinsel, and lights. Add a colossal gingerbread house and we don’t want to leave the lobbies. With the Disney California Adventure Festival of Holidays in full swing, it’s positively WONDERFUL that the resorts now match the spirit of the park! Grand Californian Hotel Let’s start off by swinging by the Grand Californian which has a pretty interesting holiday fixture — a MASSIVE gingerbread house! Sure, this fixture is a lot smaller than the monolithic structure at Disney World’s Grand Floridian, but it is still super impressive! While it looks like it’s still under awaiting finishing touches, we’re still in love. Grand Californian Holiday Decoration Add in that this house features our fave chipmunk duo getting into trouble, and we’re in LOVE! Bonus: the stockings above the fireplace are themed after Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto. How CUTE! Grand Californian Holiday Decoration If you’re lovin’ the gingerbread house at Grand Californian, there’s a couple special events so that you can get in on the confectionery fun for yourself! Sign up to build your own Gingerbread House with all the necessary supplies (ingredients?) and some bonus gifts to take home! This event occurs throughout late November and December and is $70 per person. Grand Californian Holiday Decoration Orrrrr join in on a meet-and-greet with one of the pastry chefs who helped to craft such a sweet structure! There will be a member of the team hanging out in the lobby for Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season. Grand Californian Holiday Decoration And, of course, the atmosphere wouldn’t be complete if that Gingerbread house wasn’t nestled in a lobby that’s completely covered in Christmas cheer! There’s some gorgeous garland on the walls and balconies of the lobby and a towering Christmas tree! Grand Californian Holiday Decoration Disneyland Hotel Over at the whimsical Disneyland Hotel, there are some super cute and unique decorations too! Look at this adorbs holiday display with “Happy Holidays” written in a variety of languages! This could be a super cute photo op. Disneyland Resort Holiday Decoration There’s also some Christmas trees with a twist spread out in the lobby. We love the neon lighting that match the playful themes of Disneyland Hotel. Disneyland Resort Holiday Decoration The tinsel trees make for super fun decor. We definitely dig these blue ones. Check out those MASSIVE ornaments! Disneyland Resort Holiday Decoration Paradise Pier Hotel And last, but certainly not least is a super beach-y set of decorations over at Paradise Pier Hotel. The lobby is sporting a massive tree with some seriously sunny flair. Paradise Pier Holiday Decoration The tree is on a base that looks just like a sandy shore and there are surfboards and seashells tucked in between the gifts. Cowabunga! Paradise Pier Holiday Decoration All together, these three resorts really have us in the Christmas spirit! Click here to check out the holiday festivities in California Adventure! 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!! Which Disneyland resort decorations are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: 2020 Disneyland Hotel Packages Are NOW Available for Booking! News: Special Menus for New Year’s Eve in Disneyland Holiday Eats at Disneyland Resort View the full article

The holidays are one of the most enchanting times of the year to visit the Disneyland Resort and stay at one of three on-property hotels! Here are 10 merry and bright ways you can immerse yourself in the magic of the season: 1. Festive Decor: The Craftsman-inspired design at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa extends to the towering tree lit with Arts and Crafts motif lanterns. The midcentury Disneyland Hotel gives a wintry nod to “it’s a small world” Holiday in its lobby décor. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel has shells and starfish garland draped on an underwater themed tree for a beachy holiday setting. 2. Grand Gingerbread House and Holiday Treats: In the lobby at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is a giant gingerbread replica of the hotel. Standing 7-feet tall and 12-feet wide, it is made from 600 pounds of gingerbread, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 250 pounds of fondant, 1 pound of “pixie dust” and 25 hidden Mickeys! Nearby, purchase sweet treats from the lobby holiday cart. 3. A Grand Gingerbread House Experience: At this hands-on workshop, you can work with the resort’s pastry chefs to make a miniature gingerbread house, wear a souvenir apron and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. The class is open to the public and takes place at Storytellers Café on select dates Nov. 30 – Dec. 22, 2019. For workshop details, please call (714) 781-DINE or visit Disneyland.com. 4. Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures, Holiday Style: Share special moments with several Disney Princesses while enjoying a three-course brunch at Napa Rose. A dozen new Winter Holiday menu items include orange scones, a Tangled Ham and Cranberry Cheese Sandwich, Mini Chicken and Mickey Pumpkin Spice Waffles, Ariel’s Under the Sea Peppermint Shells and Frozen Gingerbread Cake Pops. The morning includes activities, story time, a private portrait location and premium keepsakes. The breakfast is offered year-round, 8 a.m. to Noon, Thursdays through Mondays.* The Winter Holiday menu is offered Nov. 29, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020. 5. A Very Merry Holiday Tea: Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel offers an elegant afternoon tea on select days from noon to 3 p.m., now through Dec. 31. Savor scones, tea sandwiches, desserts and more. Throughout the year, make plans to attend other themed afternoon tea events, including Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, summer and Halloween. Reservations are recommended. 6. Santa Claus and Carolers: Santa is visiting each Disneyland Resort hotel Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Meet, greet and take a seat with St. Nick! Then, enjoy the joyful sounds of the Holiday Harmony carolers strolling the Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel Dec.15-25, and The Handbell Carolers perform at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Nov. 23, 2019 – Jan. 5, 2020. 7. In-Room Holiday Celebration: Families can deck the halls of their Disneyland Resort hotel room with a little magic from Mickey Mouse. The experience begins as guests discover a holiday banner on the hotel room door, then luminaries give a warm glow throughout the room, leading the family to discover a collection of gifts for all. To arrange this surprise, call Disney Floral & Gifts at (714) 781-4438 or visit www.disneyfloralandgifts.com for details. 8. Holiday Animation Cel Class: Experience what it might have been like to be a Disney Ink & Paint artist! Paint Santa Mickey or Minnie and learn about the history of the Disney hand-drawn animation cel process. This complimentary, one-hour class at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel is for overnight guests of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and is recommended for ages 6 and older. Supplies are provided; space is limited and registration is required. 9. Extra Magic Hour: With easy, convenient access to both parks, guests staying at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort can make the most of their visit with Extra Magic Hour admission with their valid theme park ticket. Extra Magic Hour offers park admission to a designated theme park one hour earlier than the general public. Separate theme park admission is required.** 10. Seasons of Savings: Save up to 25% off select stays at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort most Sunday through Thursday nights now through December 19, 2019. Book now through December 5.*** Or, give the gift of a spring getaway! Save up to 25% off select rooms at a Disneyland Resort Hotel for stays from January 5, 2020 to April 6, 2020, when booked by March 14, 2020.**** Visit our offers page for even more ways to save on rooms! *The Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures event includes five hours of valet parking at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made, upon availability, up to 60 days in advance. For more details, please visit Disneyland.com or call (714) 781-DINE. Character appearances and offerings are subject to change. **Extra Magic Hour is valid for registered Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests for admission to select attractions at designated theme park before the park opens to the general public. Check Disneyland.com for schedule of when each park offers Extra Magic Hour. Each registered hotel Guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and attractions, offerings and services may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity, cancellation and other restrictions. ***Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights now through 12/19/19. Book through 12/5/19; travel must be completed by 12/20/19. Premium room types included in offer are Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and Artisan, Paradise, Junior and Family suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate theme park admission required to enjoy the parks. ****Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights from 1/5/20 through 4/16/20. Book from 11/12/19 through 3/14/20; travel must be completed by 4/17/20. Premium room types included in offer are Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and only Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Family suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate theme park admission required to enjoy the parks. View the full article

It’s almost turkey time in Disney World! Thanksgiving is just two weeks away, you guys! Mickey and Minnie Thanksgiving Plush If you’re like us, you’ve got your stretchy pants ready to try the delicious meals coming to the restaurants around the parks. Did you know that many restaurants offer special Thanksgiving menus? Well, they do! And we’ve gathered a bunch of em for ya! So, grab your forks, knives, and napkins, ’cause we’re checking them all out! Magic Kingdom Crystal Palace On top of Crystal Palace‘s already expansive buffet, guests can also pile up their plates with the hand-carved traditional oak-roasted turkey, hand-carved prime rib, sweet potato casserole, cornbread stuffing, and apple or pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. Crystal Palace Read more about this Thanksgiving Menu here! The Plaza The Plaza is also adding the carved-to-order traditional oak-roasted turkey served with giblet gravy as a holiday dish… The Plaza Restaurant Cinderella’s Royal Table …while Cinderella’s Royal Table is offering the Traditional Thanksgiving Plate with roast turkey breast with gravy, dressing, sweet potato mash, green beans, and cranberry jam for both lunch and dinner! Cinderella’s Royal Table Animal Kingdom Tiffins Live on the wild side this holiday with Tiffins‘ Thanksgiving Feast! For $40 per person, guests can start their meal with the butternut squash soup, Key West shrimp, and pumpkin seed-pistachio granola and then dig into their entrée featuring turkey roulade with fine herbs, garlic whipped potato, cornbread dressing, heirloom bean amandine, and cranberry-citrus marmalade. For $12 more per person, guests can end their feast with pumpkin flan, Baines Cape Mountain Whiskey butterscotch, horchata cake, or fall fruit for dessert! Tiffins Epcot Rose and Crown Dining Room Take a trip to England with the Thanksgiving Special Menu at the Rose & Crown Dining Room! For $35 per adult and $15 per child, everyone can indulge in herb-crusted roasted turkey, savory stuffing with gravy, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry relish. And, don’t forget to finish your meal with the lovely pumpkin cheesecake too! Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room Le Cellier Continue your world travels and go to the Canada pavilion for a taste of Le Cellier‘s ‘turducken’ for Thanksgiving! Available at lunch and dinner, the meal will include maple-brined turkey breast, duck confit, chicken-apple sausage, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, maple-whiskey glazed Brussel sprouts, maple-bacon sweet potatoes (!!!), gravy, and citrus-cranberry sauce. Le Cellier Steakhouse Coral Reef Turkey at a seafood restaurant?! Yeah, that’s right — Coral Reef is trying something a lil bit different with their Thanksgiving Special! At $36 for adults or $13 for kids, the feast will feature roasted turkey, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, gravy, and cranberry relish while you watch the fish swim around you! Coral Reef Aquarium Disney Springs Terralina Crafted Italian Straying away from their regularly served Italian cuisine, Terralina Crafted Italian is offering the Traditional Turkey Dinner! For $33 per adult and $16 per child, guests can enjoy herb-roasted turkey breast, whipped Yukon gold potatoes, pancetta and apple stuffing, green beans, rosemary pan gravy, and cranberry relish. Terralina Crafted Italian Raglan Road Get ready to do an Irish jig over to Raglan Road to dig into their Thanksgiving AND Christmas Menu! For $28.95 for adults and a $14 half portion for kids, guests can try the butter and herb-roasted turkey breast, served with roasted garlic mash, duck fat roasties, honey-glazed carrots, bacon-braised brussels sprouts, sausage meat and walnut stuffing, red wine jus, and cranberry sauce. Raglan Road Christmas Decorations House of Blues House of Blues is getting in the groove of the holidays with their Thanksgiving Offering for $24.95 per adult and $9.95 per child! Listen to some good music and take a bite of the roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, andouille corn pudding, green beans, and cranberry sauce for dinner and pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert! House of Blues in Disney Springs Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is getting in with the big leagues with their own Thanksgiving Offering! The three-course meal will include roasted pear and parsnip soup with hazelnut brittle, seckel pear, and cranberry as well as the Honeycrisp apple salad with rocket arugula, endive, Marcona almonds, blue cheese, and sherry vinaigrette for an appetizer, the stuffed Joyce Farms turkey leg and roasted breast with cranberry relish, brussel sprouts, leek stuffing, mushrooms, Yukon mashed potatoes, and house-made gravy for an entrée, and the pumpkin pie with cranberry compote, vanilla whip cream, and toasted pumpkin seeds for dessert! Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Wine Bar George If you’re looking to chill out for the evening, Wine Bar George has a Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for the holiday! Guests can either choose the roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, seasonal veggies, and cranberry sauce or the Santa Carota short ribs with red potato mash and caramelized vegetables for dinner and have the pumpkin apple crumble for dessert! Plus, the adults can grab an ounce, glass, or bottle of one of the 140 wines at the restaurant (sounds like our kind of Thanksgiving)! Adults can dig in for $34 (or $39 with the Santa Carota short ribs) and children 9 and under can join the fam’s dinner plans for $16. Wine Bar George T-Rex Cafe Calling all carnivores! T-Rex Cafe is stomping into the holidays with their Thanksgiving Menu! For $28.99 per adult and $12.99 per child, guests can chomp on the roasted sliced white meat turkey, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, green beans, cornbread stuffing, and cranberry sauce for dinner. And, if you’re still feeling hungry after that dino-mite meal, T-Rex has the pumpkin pie with whipped cream for dessert, which can also be substituted for an ice cream sandwich or lava mud for kids. T-Rex Cafe Disney Resorts Olivia’s Cafe Olivia’s Cafe is a fantastic place to relax at Old Key West. And, now you can gather all your family and friends together for the three-course Traditional Thanksgiving Feast for $37 per adult and $15 per child! Olivia’s Cafe Guests can choose either roasted butternut squash soup with curried coconut-ginger crema and pumpkin seed cracker or field greens with spiced Jonathan apples and toasted walnuts with cranberry-verjus vinaigrette as an appetizer. For the entrée, the Key West citrus-brined turkey breast, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread stuffing, and pan gravy sound just like your mom’s home-cooked dinner. Finishing the feast, guests can pick between pumpkin cheesecake with cranberry compote and spiced Chantilly, or a cranberry-apple pie tart topped with cheddar pie crumble, Madagascar vanilla sauce, and spiced Chantilly. Family Album at Olivia’s Cafe The Wave Dinner is served at the Contemporary Resort‘s The Wave with their Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for $40 per person! The Wave To start off the evening of conversation and laughter, guests will be able to visit the buffet featuring assorted breads with sea salted butter, caesar salad, harvest salad, bacon salad, shaved brussels sprouts, corn slaw, potato salad, tomato bisque, and a charcuterie and cheese selection. Cheese and Charcuterie Board And, they’ll even be able to have a taste of the citrus-poached shrimp with cocktail sauce, lemons, and Pommery mustard aïoli or the antipasto selection with peppadews, olives, marinated artichokes, salami, prosciutto, parmesan, manchego, marinated bocconcini mozzarella, and lavash. The Wave’s Dining Room For dinner, guests can choose one entrée out of six different options, including the Traditional Turkey Dinner, Strip Loin, Verlasso Salmon, Seared Potato Gnocchi, Braised Pork Shank, or the Tikka Masala while you celebrate Thanksgiving! Seared Potato Gnocchi Boatwright’s Boatwright’s is takin’ ya down the bayou with the Southern Thanksgiving Feast for $32 per adult and $12 per child at Port Orleans Riverside! For dinner, take a savory bite of the slow-roasted turkey, savory stuffing, sweet potatoes, sautéed green beans, mashed potatoes with giblet gravy, and house-made cranberry sauce. And, to end things on a sweet Southern note, visitors can choose between apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie. Boatwright’s Dining Hall We’re ready for full stomachs and happy hearts, how about you?? What restaurant will you be visiting for Thanksgiving this year? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! We Tried 58 Holiday Treats in Disney World and These Are Our MUST-HAVES! We’re Ready for Seconds with These Three NEW Thanksgiving Menus Coming to Disney World! View the full article

Disneyland Resort’s Festival of Holidays is in full swing at Disney California Adventure! 2019 Festival of Holidays And while we’ve already sampled some of the holiday celebration’s treats — including the MASSIVE Pork Tamale, it’s time to talk MERCH! Let’s take a look at some of this year’s looks! Check out this adorable new Festival of Holidays Shirt we spotted today! It features a Mickey-shaped design with little holiday icons! We spot some Christmas stockings, wreaths, ornaments, snowflakes, a menorah, AND lots more! Festival of Holidays Shirt We also saw this sweet Gray Festival of Holidays Sweatshirt for $32.99. It has artwork that shows Minnie and Mickey holding hands surrounded by little holiday designs! Awww, so adorable! Festival of Holidays Sweatshirt And we’re loving this Festival of Holidays Hoodie! The lettering is a frosty blue hue and it has outlines of holiday icons in white! Festival of Holidays Hoodie We’re also really digging the style of this hip Festival of Holidays Pocket Shirt! It’s got a contrasting pocket detail with a little silhouette of Mickey Mouse on it! Festival of Holidays Pocket Shirt Don’t think we’ve forgotten to mention the AP exclusive stuff! Here’s this year’s Annual Passholder Festival of Holidays Shirts! We love its baseball sleeves — and the colorful Mickey designs! Festival of Holidays AP Shirt For you tech peeps, there’s even Festival of Holidays Phone Cases! There’s an Annual Passholder version in purple as well as a blue style with Mickey and Minnie on it! Festival of Holidays Phone Cases But our favorite piece of merch has gotta be this sweet Festival of Holidays Plate for $17.99! Festival of Holidays Plate Check out the new Festival of Holidays Pin! It would make a great stocking stuffer! Festival of Holidays Pin And we also spotted this charming Feliz Navidad Pin featuring Coco’s Miguel! Feliz Navidad Pin So check out this year’s Festival of Holidays merch for yourself at various locations throughout Disney California Adventure. Festival of Holidays is going on now through January 6th! And just in case you need some foodie inspiration, check out our full list of festival food booths and menus here! 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!! Will you be stopping by Festival of Holidays this year? Tell us about your holiday plans in the comments section below! Related posts: Popcorn News! The New Mickey Light-Up Tree Popcorn Bucket Has Arrived at Disneyland Resort! Here it is! Our FREE DFB Exclusive Printable Checklists for ALL The Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Holiday Treats! Here’s Our Favorite Way to Eat Around Festival of Holidays at Disneyland Resort! View the full article

My favorite time of the year is finally here! From the festive décor lining Main Street, U.S.A. to the twinkling lights that adorn Cinderella Castle, the holiday season has arrived at Magic Kingdom Park. As you sip your hot cocoa and take in all the magic of the season, we wanted to remind you about an exciting event that is sure to check a few names off of your holiday shopping list. On November 16, Citizen is hosting an event at Uptown Jewelers to celebrate the release of their new watches inspired by classic Disney Parks icons. From 12-7 p.m., Disney Parks guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park can learn about the unique features of these magical timepieces from Citizen Watch Representatives while they get a first look at the collection. Best of all, shoppers can receive a complimentary gift* with any qualifying Citizen purchase, perfect to enhance your Citizen watch gift or keep for yourself! You can find more information about this showcase on our merchandise events page here. If you are unable to visit us at Magic Kingdom this weekend, have no fear! These watches are available for purchase at several merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and on shopDisney.com. Are you planning to join in on the holiday shopping fun this weekend? Tell me in the comments below! Happy shopping! *Merchandise & complimentary gift available while supplies last View the full article

Holidays at the Disneyland Resort brings magical entertainment, sparkling décor, festive foods, specialty merchandise and of course, seasonal attractions! From now through Jan. 6, 2020, enjoy Disney magic with friends and family on attractions themed especially for the holidays. Over in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, the residents are racing to celebrate the season. Two attractions rely on holiday magic to celebrate the haul-idays: Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl – Luigi and his extended family of roadsters are celebrating the season in style. Take a seat and take a merry spin as the cars cruise to festive tunes, including “We Wish You Season’s Speedings,” “Joy To The Whirl,” “Jolly Joyous Santa Car,” “Carol Of The Horns” and “Jingle Bells.” Mater’s Jingle Jamboree – This haul-iday tractor spins through a festively decorated junkyard. Mater croons classic holiday tunes, including “Christmas In Radiator Springs,” “Mater’s Jingle Jamboree,” “Radiator Rockin’ Holiday,” “The Gifts of the Mater” and “Tractors, Tractors, Tractors.” In Disneyland park, two popular attractions also transform just for the season: “it’s a small world” Holiday – The beloved attraction takes you around the world and back as dolls and toys representing children enjoy the distinctive holiday traditions of their countries. In the evenings, the attraction’s facade twinkles with 50,000-plus colorful lights, music and video projections. AP Bonus: Annual Passholders can enjoy an extra hour at “it’s a small world” Holiday after park closing on Nov. 18-22 (Nov. 18-21 starting at 10 p.m. and Nov. 22 starting at midnight), as well as a special photo opportunity. Blockout dates apply. Haunted Mansion Holiday – ‘Twas “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and all through the Haunted Mansion, Jack Skellington and his friends are causing a collision between Christmas and Halloween. Enjoy the frightfully festive décor and familiar characters from the classic film, including Sally, Zero and Oogie Boogie.AP Bonus: Annual Passholders can enjoy an extra hour at Haunted Mansion Holiday after park closing on Dec. 9-11 (Dec. 9 and 11 starting at midnight and Dec. 10 starting at 11 p.m.). Blockout dates apply. What’s your favorite holiday-themed attraction at the Disneyland Resort? View the full article

It’s time to step out in style! ©Dapper Day It’s that time of year when we’re dressing in our Sunday best and heading to the most magical place on Earth! You know what that means… You guessed it! The Dapper Day Fall Outing has arrived at Walt Disney World! From Saturday November 16th to Sunday November 17, 2019, you can take place in this annual event that, according to the official Dapper Day website, “celebrates refined style from yesterday and today by organizing fashionable outings to Disney Parks twice a year.” ©DapperDay.com To celebrate the stylish weekend, there are TONS of events and outings planned around the parks over the next few days! To kick off the weekend of style, you can head over to Disney Springs on Friday, November 15, where the Atlantic its Boys and Will Adrian Band will be performing from 7-11 PM at the Marketplace Stage by the Marketplace Co-Op. If you’re “stepping out in style”, you may also be eligible for promotions at various restaurants and stores in Disney Springs – just be sure to let them know you’re “celebrating with Dapper Day”! For a full list of stores and restaurants that will be hosting promotion. You can also check out the official Dapper Day website here! Marketplace Co-op Of course, the fun doesn’t end on Friday night! On Saturday, November 16th, there will be a very dapper fall outing at Hollywood Studios, where you will have the change to meet Dapper Day Founder Justin J. at the Legends of Hollywood store from 10 AM-12 PM. If you miss out on that opportunity, he will also be available to meet November 14-17th from 5-7 PM each day at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs. To top off the fashionable weekend, there will be another stylish outing to Epcot on Sunday, November 17th! Legends of Hollywood Not sure what to wear for the Dapper Day celebration? We’ve got you!! This weekend there will be TWO Dapper Day collection Pop-Up Shops to shop to your heart’s content! Now through Sunday, November 17, the collection will be available at both the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs plus the Legends of Hollywood store in Hollywood Studios! Dapper Day Announcement But, you didn’t think we’d leave you without a look at some of these GORGEOUS pieces, did you?! Of course not! We’re heading over to the Dress Shop at Disney Springs to check out some of our favorites… The Dress Shop in Disney Springs We can’t think of a cuter dress to get all dolled up in than this Dapper Day Neverland Dress! To make it extra meta, it’s finished off with the most adorable Peter Pan collar! Dapper Day Dress Top this fabulous vintage look off with some pincurls and a red lip, and everyone at Dapper Day will be asking “where did you get that?!?” Dapper Day Dress We could see ourselves rocking this Dapper Day Striped Dress on Dapper Day and beyond! Such a gorgeous, classic style! Dapper Day Dress If you’re looking to REALLY bring the volume, then this petticoat will really help to deliver! Dapper Day Petticoat Racks upon racks of floral and printed gems are giving us serious heart-eyes!! Dapper Day Floral Dresses and Shirts Channel some old Hollywood glam with this fabulous Dapper Day Head Scarf and Sunglasses! Dapper Day Head Scarf Or, if green is more your color, this equally glamorous Dapper Day Head Scarf is the perfect pick! Dapper Day Head Scarf Dapper Day encourages followers to dress up a little or a lot – it’s totally up to you! If you’re looking to add just a hint of dapper to your style, there are TONS of festive pins to take a look at! Dapper Day Pins These Dapper Day Fish Pins are a swimmingly good time! Dapper Day Pins Flower power is strong with these colorful Dapper Day Floral Pins! Dapper Day Pins And what would a Disney Dapper Day be without a little bit of Disney magic? The Dapper Day Wonderland Collection offers some very fun Alice in Wonderland-inspired merch, including these amazing pins! Dapper Day Pins Along with the Wonderland Collection, there’s also a Dapper Day Neverland Collection! We would happily wear this Peter and Wendy Pin year-round! Dapper Day Pins Accessorize your Dapper Day with the smallest details – including these Dapper Day Pens and Coasters! Dapper Day Pens We’ve been known for trying ANYTHING to cool down in the Florida heat, but we think that using this Dapper Day Wonderland Fan might just be the most eloquent way we can imagine! Dapper Day Fan Oooh, but wait, there’s more! These colorful Dapper Day Fans and Purses are SO DARLING! Dapper Day Fans These amazing vintage-inspired Dapper Day Sunglasses are making us want to double (or triple) or current sunglass collection! Dapper Day Sunglasses Okay, those Heart Sunglasses are calling our name!! Dapper Day Sunglasses This Wonderland Umbrella is, in a word, wonderful! We love the colors and whimsical artwork! Dapper Day Umbrella Sunny days just got a WHOLE lot cuter! How magical is this Dapper Day Neverland Umbrella?! Dapper Day Umbrella This Wonderland Cat Tote is simply purr-fect! Dapper Day Cat Tote And, of course, for taking home your shopping spree, this commemorative Dapper Day Tote has got you covered! Dapper Day Tote BRB, we’ve got some shopping to do before heading to the parks! If you don’t have your Dapper Day look picked out already, we highly recommend checking out The Dress Shop in Disney Springs for some serious style inspo! Will you be going to this year’s Dapper Day Fall Outing in WDW? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEW! Disney Pixar Luxo Dress Rolls Into Disney Springs! SPOTTED: New Disney Vacation Club Dooney and Bourke at Disney World! What’s New at Disney Springs — The Quake Shake, A Retro Throwback, And The Spookiest Halloween Decorations EVER! View the full article

Earlier this month we announced the Aguirre family from McAllen, Texas as the first ever winners of the Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year and now they’ve received another great honor! At a special celebration on Nov. 11, the City of McAllen recognized the Aguirre family for giving back to the community through their volunteer organization, Emily’s Meals, and issued a proclamation officially declaring Feb. 18 as Emily’s Meals Day! On behalf of the Mayor of the City of McAllen, this proclamation commemorated the family for their generosity by forever making Emily’s Meals a part of the town history. The Aguirre family started their organization after daughter Emily asked how they could help homeless people in their community. What started out as a small family volunteer project has now grown to a volunteer group of more than 100 people delivering 40 meals a day to people in need. The Aguirres were one of thousands of families who were nominated for the Disney and Point of Light Volunteer Family of the Year competition and, after a nationwide vote, were surprised live on ABC’s Good Morning America with a dream trip to Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 23. They also won $10,000 for their nominating nonprofit, Juan Diego Academy. However, when Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek heard about the work this family does each and every day, he surprised the family and added a $10,000 additional donation to Emily’s Meals. “We believe in the power of volunteerism and the ability of one person—or one family—to make a difference in their community and change the world,” Chapek said. “The Aguirres are a fantastic family, and show how the joy of giving back can help create a national movement of volunteerism.” For more information on how Disney is celebrating Family Volunteer Day around the world and how you can join in the fun, visit Disney Parks Blog next Monday, Nov. 18 for all the details!The Aguirres are an incredible example of the power of family volunteering. Find out how you can get involved in family volunteering by visiting Points of Light. To learn more about how your nonprofit or school can earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events, check out the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program. View the full article

Can you feel the holiday magic in the air? Epcot Christmas Decorations We certainly can! Especially now that Epcot hs started putting up its GORGEOUS Christmas decorations in Disney World! While Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios have already decked their halls for their holiday celebrations which started November 8th, Epcot’s been a latecomer to the holiday arena! The 2019 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival is still wrapping up (its last day is November 23rd!)… Epcot Christmas Decorations Read more about this Epcot’s 2019 Food and Wine Festival here! …and the official beginning of Epcot’s Christmastime offerings — the 2019 International Festival of the Holidays (formerly Holidays Around the World) doesn’t start until November 29th! But while Epcot undergoes its major overhaul, its also begun it’s Christmas transformation. Check out this adorable wreath we spotted at Sunshine Seasons! Epcot Christmas Decorations Read more about Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays here! It even has little hot air balloon ornaments like the ones you’ll see if you look up in the Land Pavilion! Epcot Christmas Decorations We noticed Garden Grill is celebrating Christmas with this adorable tree next to its entrance! Epcot Christmas Decorations It’s decorated with food-themed ornaments — reminds us of the Living with the Land attraction, which this revolving restaurant overlooks! Epcot Christmas Decorations Heading off to the World Showcase, Canada was getting into the festive spirit! Epcot Christmas Decorations We saw a bunch of Mickey Light-Up Tree Popcorn Buckets at its popcorn cart and a Cast Member informed us we could ’em filled with their special Maple Popcorn! Mickey Light Up Tree Popcorn Bucket at Canada’s Popcorn Cart Find out more about Canada’s Maple Popcorn here! Le Cellier’s sign was trimmed with stunning swags of garland which featured plaid ribbons and frosty-looking pinecones! Epcot Christmas Decorations And their street lights had similar decorations making for one spectacular holiday display! Epcot Christmas Decorations Northwest Mercantile was super-decked out in swags of lighted garland… Epcot Christmas Decorations The festive garland continues on the beams inside of the shop… Epcot Christmas Decorations …and it also adorned The Mill Stage next door! We can’t wait to enjoy some live entertainment at this venue now that it’s all gussied up for Christmas! Epcot Christmas Decorations On our way to Great Britain’s pavilion, we saw the flower beds had been re-planted with beautiful poinsettias! Epcot Christmas Decorations The stunning red color complemented the phone booths perfectly! Epcot Christmas Decorations Meanwhile, the streets were looking extra jolly thanks to some greenery, bows, and ornaments accenting its light posts. Epcot Christmas Decorations And the Rose and Crown Pub’s hostess stand was all aglow with special lights and lovely garland! Epcot Christmas Decorations We spotted a flurry of lighted snowflakes were hanging out at the France pavilion when we stopped by! Epcot Christmas Decorations There were also touches of the yuletide in the Impressions de France gift shop… Epcot Christmas Decorations …and the exterior of Impressions de France. Even though it’s currently closed, it’s such an icon of the France pavilion, so we’re glad it’s spreading some holiday cheer this year! Epcot Christmas Decorations On display in France pavilion’s courtyard were some giant ornaments with dioramas inside. This one depicts a Buche de Noel which is a traditional holiday dessert! Epcot Christmas Decorations We also spotted some landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe… Epcot Christmas Decorations …and La tour Eiffel! Epcot Christmas Decorations We wished we had a dining reservation for Les Chefs de France when we passed by! Epcot Christmas Decorations It looks so warm and cozy now that its holiday decorations are up! Epcot Christmas Decorations And the Cast Members who decorate umbrellas had added some new seasonal designs to their artisty — how cute are these little snowman, gingerbread cookie and candy cane, Christmas tree and Santa Claus designs?! Epcot Christmas Decorations Germany pavilion was all merry and bright with its lighted garland! Biergarten Resturant was certainly looking its holiday best! Epcot Christmas Decorations And we spied several lovely baskets of poinsettias hanging from the light posts in the Germany pavilion! Epcot Christmas Decorations Inside the shops, there was more lighted garland… Epcot Christmas Decorations …and even lighted Christmas trees on display! Epcot Christmas Decorations In the Italy pavilion, we saw some large swags of garland decorated with shiny red ornaments and beautiful gold ribbon! Epcot Christmas Decorations And the entrance to Norway’s Kringla Bakery was looking ready for Christmas with lighted garland featuring red and green ornaments! Epcot Christmas Decorations Across the way, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall looked like it came right off the pages of a fairy tale! Epcot Christmas Decorations And the street lights of Norway we also accented with decorative splays, lighting the way to Frozen Ever After! Epcot Christmas Decorations We hope you’ll get the chance to see Epcot’s holiday decorations for yourself this holiday season, but if not, we’re happy we got to show you some! We’ll be back with more updates as we spot the rest of Epcot getting in the holiday spirit! Until then, be sure to check out some of the gingerbread displays that are happening at the Epcot area resorts like the Beach Club’s Gingerbread Carousel and BoardWalk Inn’s! Are you planning a visit to Disney World this holiday season? Tell us about your Disney Christmas vacation in the comments below! Related posts: Pics and Review! NEW Rainbow Popcorn Debuts in Epcot! IT’S BACK! Green Cauldron Popcorn Buckets Are Bubbling Up in Disney World! REVIEW! Whaaaaaat?! We Found Boozy Caramels in Epcot!!! View the full article

Have you ever just really wanted to listen to some of the park tunes from Disneyland? A Christmas Fantasy Parade Well, now you can get in the Christmas spirit this holiday season with a NEW Disney playlist! The Festival of Holidays Playlist is making things merry and bright in and out of the parks. Festival of Holidays Playlist If you want to jam out to Christmas music from around the world, all you have to do is go to the Play Disney Parks app and access the playlist in Apple Music! Or you can just search Festival of Holidays on Apple Music! Then, you can jam on the way to Disney California Adventure for the festival or rock around the Christmas tree at home! 2019 Festival of Holidays While you’re listening to some great music, you can also check out the eats and treats Festival of Holidays has to offer! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you listened to the Festival of Holidays Playlist yet? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: They’re HERE! The Festival of Holidays Booths (and Booth Names!) Have Been Spotted in Disneyland!! Best of the Fest: Here’s What to Get at the 2019 Festival of Holidays in Disneyland! You’ve GOT to See One of the BEST, Most NEXT LEVEL Churros We’ve Ever Tasted in Disneyland! View the full article

Whether you love playing basketball, watching from the stands, or just shooting a few hoops, the NBA Experience has the potential to be a blast for the whole family! NBA Experience And, if you’re an Annual Passholder, you can experience all the fun with a DISCOUNT in Disney World! Listen up, Annual Passholders! (Cue whistle here.) From now until March 31st, 2020, Passholders will be able to get discounted prices on tickets for the NBA Experience! Basketball Court With the discount, adults can fake right and break left for the interactive exhibit in Disney Springs for $19 per person and the kiddos can join in for $14 per person plus tax. Combine NBA Experience In order to grab the tickets, you can either purchase them in advance, at the NBA Experience ticket window, or any Walt Disney World Resort ticket window for the discount. Just be sure to have a valid Annual Pass and photo ID if you grab them in person! NBA Experience The discount cannot be combined with any other promotion and age restrictions apply. The tickets can be purchased for the Passholder and up to 3 guests, but the entire party must purchase their tickets and enter the exhibit at the same time. Keep in mind that the tickets are nontransferable, exclude separately priced events and activities, and are valid for one admission per person through December 31st, 2020. Dunk NBA Experience Check out our full review and a look inside the NBA Experience here! Don’t dribble around this, and grab your discounted tickets!! And, you can check out all the other events happening in Disney World by subscribing to our newsletter! What’s your favorite thing to do at the NBA Experience? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: What’s New at Disney Springs — A BRAND NEW Store, Potato Chips IN A Cake, and MORE Mermaid Merch… What’s New at Disney Springs! NEW Menus, Ball Gowns, and Spooky Merch! NEWS: Get Nothin’ But Net with FREE Cast Member Entry to the NBA Experience in Disney World! View the full article

Are you spending this Thanksgiving at Walt Disney World Resort? Don’t miss out on the Orlando Invitational! Offering a completely unique way to celebrate Thanksgiving, this year’s tournament will take place from Nov. 28, 29 & Dec. 1, 2019 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Orlando Invitational is one of the most highly respected early-season college basketball tournaments in the country and features some of the biggest NCAA teams in the nation. Keep reading for five reasons why you and your family should attend. 1. Spend Quality Time With Your Family Watching sports is an important holiday tradition for many families – including my own! Instead of watching from your couch this Thanksgiving, why not catch all the games live at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex? The Orlando Invitational lets you spend quality time with your family and experience the exciting gameday atmosphere. 2. Visit the Beer Garden Do you love trying local brews? Make sure to stop by the Beer Garden in the HP Field House. Unique to the Orlando Invitational, the Beer Garden will feature beers on tap from your team’s college hometown. 3. Cheer on Your Favorite College Basketball Team Every long-distance basketball fan knows that when you live far away from your favorite team, it can be a challenge to attend games. The Orlando Invitational is your chance to cheer on eight NCAA teams in person. This year’s tournament includes Davidson, Fairfield, Harvard, Marquette, Maryland, Temple, Texas A&M and USC. Which team are you rooting for? 4. Feast at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree that eating snacks is an essential part of spectator sports. From nachos to hamburgers – and beyond, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex offers a variety of classic gameday concessions. Looking for a sit-down restaurant experience? Head over to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill on Nov. 28, 29 & Dec. 1, 2019 during the tournament. 5. Enjoy Everything Walt Disney World Resort Has to Offer There is nothing more magical than visiting Walt Disney World Resort during the holiday season! One of the huge advantages of attending a sporting event at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is its close proximity to the many theme parks and resorts at Walt Disney World Resort. Choose to soak up the Florida sun at the Disney Water Parks, shop for holiday gifts at Disney Springs or fly the Millennium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Orlando Invitational is the perfect complement to any Disney vacation itinerary. Ready to purchase your tickets to the Orlando Invitational? Visit ticketmaster.com for pricing and tournament ticket packages. View the full article

Just in time for holiday shopping Ron Jon Surf Shop celebrated its official grand opening today at Disney Springs! This new 10,000 square-foot store marks Ron Jon Surf Shop’s 12th location and is located in the heart of Town Center just near the Lime Garage. Never visited a Ron Jon Surf Shop? You’re in for a beachgoers shopping paradise because this shop is two stories and filled with your favorite beach essentials including but not limited to: apparel for the whole family, swimwear, home goods, games, and souvenirs commemorating “60 years of surfing.” You’ll also discover other recreational swag like skateboards, GoPro cameras, and of course, surfboards. A fun favorite store detail of mine? The door handles are shaped like surfboards! Don’t miss out on all the grand opening fun this weekend as we celebrate in beach style! Swing by November 15 and 16 from 6-8 p.m. and jam out with an in-store DJ with trivia and prizes (who knows, you might walk away with an awesome new t-shirt or surf gear!) There will also be free family fun activities including face painting and balloon animals on November 15 and 16 from 1-5 p.m. and on November 17 from 12-4 p.m. Will you be celebrating with us this weekend? Share your photos on social media with #DisneySprings and #RonJonSurfShop. Surf’s up! View the full article

The force is strong for teens visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. From out-of-this-world snacks to galactic experiences, here are five things teens will enjoy in a galaxy far, far away. 1. Build an intergalactic side kick at Droid Depot Every space traveler needs a trusted companion and at Droid Depot, teens have the opportunity to build their own indispensable sidekicks: droids. Choose between a BB or R2 unit, receive your blueprints, choose the individual parts and build your droid! Teens can even add a personality chip and other accessories to customize their droid to their exact specifications. Once complete, the droid will be paired with a remote control and they can watch as their trusted companion comes to life. 2. Send taste buds into hyperdrive with stellar treats Teens should check out Ronto Roasters for delicious on-the-go snacks. Ronto Wraps are great for a quick and easy food option, and they taste galactically great! After ordering, take time to see former smelter droid 8D-J8 turn the meats on the spit, ensuring perfect tenderness for each traveler on Batuu. Over at Kat Saka’s Kettle, teens should prepare their taste buds for takeoff as they taste the new chocolate popcorn with red salt. They can wash everything down with a refreshing cup of blue or green milk from the Milk Stand. The vibrant colors of the milk make for creative pictures with the unique landscape of Batuu. 3. Explore the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace The marketplace on Batuu is filled with a number of unique items that can only be found at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The Creature Stall features exotic creatures and critters from around the galaxy that will make for the perfect souvenir for any teen. From the sassy Kowakian monkey-lizard to the adorable porg, teens can take home a new friend! At Black Spire Outfitters, teenage padawans will find all of the outfits they need to train in the ways of the force. Whether they are ready to be a Jedi or a Sith, this apparel shop has the robes and accessories for any intergalactic mission. 4. Interact with members of the First Order and the Resistance Teens should get their camera phones ready because Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is filled with characters to encounter and take photos. From the Resistance, Chewbacca and Rey can be found walking around the land looking for new recruits. But watch out! Resistance Stormtroopers are on the lookout for rebels and their leader Kylo Ren may make an appearance to show the power of the First Order. 5. Soar through space aboard Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run After gazing at the jaw-dropping Millennium Falcon parked in Black Spire Outpost, climb aboard to take control on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Teens can be a pilot, gunner or engineer and race through the galaxy on a special mission for Hondo Onaka. This hunk of junk is the fastest in the galaxy so buckle up and get ready to activate hyperdrive. Every teenage Jedi-in-training will love exploring this new land and creating out-of-this-world memories. Coming soon is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which opens on Dec. 5, 2019 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida and Jan. 17, 2020 at Disneyland park in California. View the full article

It’s a marshmallow world at Disneyland Resort with tons of yum-yummy treats made just for you! Our talented team of candymakers have once again outdone themselves with this year’s array of festive holiday sweet and treats. You’ll find these items through Jan. 6, 2020 at Pooh Corner and Candy Palace at Disneyland park, Trolley Treats and Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Disney California Adventure park, and Marceline’s Confectionery at the Downtown Disney District. Candy Apples Minnie Santa Apple – Granny Smith apple dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with red sugar, green candy-coated chocolates, and a white chocolate Minnie Santa hat Jack Skellington Apple – Granny Smith apple dipped in white chocolate and decorated with dark chocolate accents Mickey Snowman Apple – Granny Smith apple dipped in white chocolate and decorated with dark chocolate, a sour belf scarf, and a chocolate top hat Mickey Elf Apple – Granny Smith apple dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with colored sugar and a chocolate elf hat Snowflake Apple – Granny Smith apple dipped in white chocolate and decorated with blue sugar and a white chocolate snowflake Crispy Treats Gingerbread Mickey and Minnie Crispy Treats – Crispy treats dipped in chocolate and decorated with colored sugar and chocolate Holiday Minnie Crispy Treat – Crispy treat dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with red sugar, green candy-coated chocolates, and a chocolate holiday bow Haunted Mansion Holiday Wreath Crispy Treat (only available at Candy Palace and Hunny Spot at Disneyland Park) – Crispy treat dipped in green chocolate and decorated with a red chocolate bow Snowman Crispy Treat – Crispy treat dipped in white chocolate and decorated with red sugar and a candy cane chocolate piece Cake Pops Holiday Tree Cake Pop – Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate and decorated with chocolate accents Snowflake Cake Pop – Chocolate cake pop dipped in white chocolate and decorated with blue sugar, dark chocolate ears, and a white chocolate snowflake Holiday Mickey Cake Pop – Vanilla cake pop dipped in milk chocolate and decorated with red sugar and candy-coated chocolates Snowman Cake Pop – Vanilla cake pop dipped in white chocolate and decorated with a jelly bean button nose, dark chocolate eyes and smile, a sour belt, and candy-coated chocolate ear muffs Other Candy Items Harvest Brittle (available through November) – Made with sugar, butter, almonds, cashews, pecans, cranberries, and cinnamon Pecan Brittle (available starting in December) – Made with sugar, butter, and pecans Peppermint Marshmallow Wand – Marshmallows dipped in dark chocolate and rolled in crushed candy canes Churro Marshmallow Wand (only available at Trolley Treats and Marceline’s Confectionery) – Marshmallows dipped in white chocolate and rolled in graham crackers, cinnamon, and sugar Pumpkin Fudge (available through Nov. 28) – Vanilla fudge made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice Peppermint Fudge – Chocolate fudge with peppermint oil and sprinkled with crushed candy canes Abuelita Fudge – Chocolate fudge made with Abuelita chocolate, and mini marshmallows Peppermint Bark – Peppermint dark chocolate drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes Churro Toffee – Almond toffee dipped in white chocolate and covered in cinnamon and sugar Holiday Cupcakes – Chocolate, vanilla, and red velvet cupcakes topped with buttercream and sprinkles In addition, each year the Disneyland Resort features the popular hand-pulled candy canes we’ve all come to love!* These special treats are delicious and make for the perfect gift or even the perfect snack. Measuring a whopping 18 inches long, these hand-crafted peppermint sticks will be available starting Nov. 29 at Candy Palace and Nov. 30 at Trolley Treats. Here are the dates they will be offered throughout the holiday season: Candy Palace: Nov. 29; Dec. 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 24 Trolley Treats: Nov. 30; Dec. 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 25 The Holidays at Disneyland Resort run through January 6, 2020. To learn more about all of the holiday celebrations happening around property, visit the Disneyland Resort website. And be sure to check out all of my recent Foodie Guides to the 2019 Holidays at Disneyland Resort: Foodie Guide to Holidays 2019 at Disneyland Park Foodie Guide to Holidays 2019 at Disney California Adventure Park Foodie Guide to Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park *Note: A limited number of candy canes will be available for each release while supplies last. Wristbands will be distributed accordingly at park opening. Wristbands are limited, available while supplies last. Limit ONE (1) wristband per guest. Wristband entitles bearer to purchase ONE (1) candy cane at designated location. Wristband must be shown at time of purchase. Information subject to restrictions and change without notice, including but not limited to release dates, prices, etc. No discounts apply. No exchanges or refunds. View the full article

It’s that time of the year when everyone starts planning out their Christmas gifts for the holidays! Christmas Tree at Disneyland Park And, you might want to pop into Disneyland because a NEW spirit jersey just might make your wish list this Christmas! The Disneyland Spirit Jersey Sweater has been spotted at World of Disney, Elias & Co, and the Emporium in the parks! Holiday Decorations in World of Disney The long-sleeved, navy blue sweater will give you that warm and fuzzy feeling only Disney during the holidays can bring. And, you’ll look super cute for all your Christmas parties! ©Disney If you’re looking for another cozy spirit jersey option, you’ve gotta see the white fluffy spirit jersey! It’s available in both Disneyland and Disney World! Sooo, who’s getting us one of these for Christmas this year? And don’t forget to take a peek at our ultimate guide to ALL the merch around the Disney parks this year! Check out our Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you picked up the new Disneyland Spirit Jersey Sweater? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: What’s New at Disneyland Resort — Light-Up Alien Ears, a Fluffy Spirit Jersey, Fuzzy Crocs, and MORE! What’s New in Disneyland Resort — Spicy Hot Dogs, Star Wars Bags, Spooky Ornaments, and MORE! What’s New in Disneyland Resort — Halloween Goodies, Haunted Mansion Merch, and a Refreshing New Drink! View the full article

Greetings, world travelers! France Holiday Decorations We’re reporting in from Epcot today to give you a few updates from around the park! We’re dreading the end of Epcot Food and Wine Festival on November 23, but we are anxiously awaiting the beginning of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays on November 29. So, we’ve been keeping an eye out for updates related to the upcoming festival switch! Read on to check out everything new in food, construction, and merchandise in Epcot. Epcot Food Updates Future World We’re headed to Future World first to check out a surprising menu change at Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion. About a year ago, we spotted the Deep Dish Pizza on the menu at Sunshine Seasons, and though it wasn’t a true deep dish it stood the test of time. Well, the Deep Dish Pizza is NO MORE in favor of a thinner, more standard slice of pizza. Cheese Pizza World Showcase Over in World Showcase, we spotted that supah-cute Mickey Tree Popcorn Bucket at the Canada Popcorn Cart. You know what that means??? You can get it filled with MAPLE POPCORN!!! Popcorn Mickey Tree Bucket With a quick skip over to France, we saw that Les Vins de France had a new prepackaged snack offering. You can now get Laughing Cow Mini Crepes at the wine shop. We didn’t even know this was a product that existed but miniature crepes? We can get behind that. Wine Shop Laughing Cow Mini Crepes Epcot Construction Updates Multiple Locations Do you see what I see? That’s right, Christmas decorations! France Holiday Decorations We spotted the signs of new decorations popping up all over the park today and it’s really putting us in the Christmas spirit. Canada Holiday Decorations Plus, that means we’re one step closer to all the new eats at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. The Land Holiday Decorations Future World As usual, we checked in on the construction over at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. There’s another construction barrier up so it’s difficult to see from guest areas but construction seems to be moving along. Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Construction We wonder if they’re working as much on the inside as they are one the outside! The Guardians coaster is set to open sometime before Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021. Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Construction Just around the bend near Mission: SPACE, we’ve seen external developments at Space 220. It’s been a WHILE since we’ve seen work being done on the outside, so the fact that external painting is going on has us really excited. Could this mean that we’re nearing the completion of construction? We sure hope so! Mission Space Restaurant The upcoming space-themed restaurant set to open this winter — read all about it here! We also spotted some other construction along the pathway into the World Showcase. There’s some barriers up between Refreshment Port and the Hawai’i Festival Booth and it looks like they might be finishing up with the rumored new restrooms. Future World Walkway Restrooms Construction World Showcase You might have heard about the new Race Against the Sun: Ancient Technique to Modern Competition exhibit in the Morocco Pavilion. We dashed over to check it out for ourselves. This exhibit is super informative and has immersive elements too! It’s a great way to learn about two extreme competitions that take place in the Sahara desert! Race Against the Sun Exhibit Read more about the Race Against the Sun Exhibit here! Epcot Merchandise Updates World Showcase There’s not much in the way of new merchandise in Epcot but we did HAVE to check in on the WILD parasol we spotted recently. You might remember it… It had princess heads on animal bodies. Yeah…THAT one. Epcot princess parasol Read all about this parasol here! Well, there’s no sign of that interesting parasol (did someone buy it??), but we did see a cute Christmas one… France Parasols … and a Disney snacks parasol. We’re digging this snack one, y’all! France Parasols And there you have it, folks! Allllll the new updates at Epcot today. We’re sure to see a lot of changes for the upcoming festival switch so we’ll be sure to keep you updated! Click here to check out some other Epcot Christmas decorations! Are you getting pumped about the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: What’s New in Epcot — Space 220 and Guardians of the Galaxy Construction Progress, Swarovski Jewelry, and MORE! Here’s the MOST IMPORTANT News Disney Announced This Week! What’s New in Epcot — Construction Updates, Arendelle Aqua Treats, and MORE! View the full article

Disneyland might be in the Christmas swing with decorations and treats galore, but Disney California Adventure is already making its New Year’s Resolutions! California Adventure Christmas Tree And, this year’s resolution is to give a GREAT restaurant a lil bit of extra love with a few updates! Carthay Circle Restaurant will be closed for refurbishment starting January 6th, 2020. Carthay Circle Closure Notice The old Hollywood-themed restaurant on Buena Vista Street features delicious items like their House Biscuits with white cheddar, bacon, and jalapeño (!!!). Carthay Circle The refurb will be fairly quick with the restaurant expecting to open back up on January 31st, 2020. While Disney has yet to share details about what will take place during the refurbishment, we’re excited to see the outcome! Carthay Circle Restaurant So, if you’re really craving some of that celebrity glitz and glamour, you might want to visit Carthay Circle before it closes in January! After all, who doesn’t want to be treated like a star?? Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram! What’s your favorite thing to eat at Carthay Circle? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: What’s New at Disneyland — Magic Way’s Grand Opening, TWO New Menus, And Halloween AND Arendelle Aqua Treats! First Look! Grandma’s Recipes Returns to Festival of Holidays with NEW Eats in Disneyland! Best of the Fest: Here’s What to Get at the 2019 Festival of Holidays in Disneyland! View the full article

While Disney World has been taping segments of it’s ABC Christmas special for the last few weeks, crews have also been hard at work filming segments of their annual holiday production throughout Disneyland! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming The stars were out in broad daylight as we spotted this year’s MCs in front of the cameras on Main Street, U.S.A.! Here are some highlights of the filming that’s been happening at Disneyland Resort that we’ve witnessed over the last few days! Lights! Camera! Action! The entrance to Disneyland was aglow with special lighting and brightly shining stars for this year’s Christmas special recording! We saw the production team filming portions with the MCs on a special stage set up just for the special next to the Emporium! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming Meanwhile, this year’s broadcast will also include segments from Disneyland’s “A Christmas Fantasy” parade. Unlike Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party’s “Once Upon a Christmastime” parade in Disney World, you don’t need a special separate ticket to watch it! It’s a daily event including in your regular park ticket! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming And when this year’s special airs on ABC — you’ll be able to see parts of it right from your home! One of our favorite moments — the marching toy soldiers, obvi! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming There’s always a bunch of Disney characters at “A Christmas Fantasy”, too! Here’s Lady Tramaine along with Anastasia and Drizella dressed in their holiday finery! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming And we noticed Anna and Elsa were wearing their special, new Frozen 2 outfits for the Christmas filming!! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming This is the first time we’ve seen them sporting their new looks for a Disneyland parade! Anna’s costume is black with gold accents and includes her signature magenta cape! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming While Elsa’s Frozen 2 is looking especially cool! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming Prince Phillip along with Princess Aurora were onboard for the filming… Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming …as well as Prince Eric and Ariel… Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming …and Prince Naveen with Princess Tiana! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming Snow White and Prince Charming were followed by a lovely royal processional… Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming …and Beauty and the Beast stole the show — and our hearts! They’re just so adorable together! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming But it wouldn’t be a Disneyland parade without an appearance by the big cheese, Mickey Mouse. Mickey was manning Santa’s mailroom along with Minnie in their adorable Christmas sweaters! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming We also saw the giant Christmas tree float decorated with lanterns, ribbons, and ornaments! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming And Santa’s charming reindeer were out as well! Along with the toy soldiers, these guys are a holiday parade essential for us! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming Santa Goofy was sitting perched WAY up high in his sleigh! It looks like he’s got a lot of toys to deliver this year! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming But Main Street wasn’t the only spot we saw teams filming this year’s holiday special — check out the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge segments we saw them taping! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge There was a large production crew on-hand along with special lighting effects over in Batuu! This year is the first time Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will make its appearance in Disney holiday special — so the team was working hard to get the Black Spire Outpost looking its best! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge And when taping concluded in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle amidst the flurry of snowflakes, (or should we say snoap bubbles!), we were even more excited about watching this year’s production when it airs! Disneyland 2019 Holiday Christmas Special Filming We’ll def be tuning in to ABC on November 28th for “The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” and again on Christmas Day for the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade.” 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!! Will you be tuning in for this year’s Christmas special? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: SPOTTED! Disney Galaxy’s Edge and Black Spire Outpost Phone Cases! NEW! Oogie Boogie Sipper Gambles Its Way Into Disneyland Resort NEWS!!! Disneyland’s Tomorrowland Transitioning To Paperless FastPasses! View the full article

The holidays are a very merry time of year at Walt Disney World Resort, and this year is no different with the stunning holiday decorations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom featuring an extra special touch of magic this year. The beautiful, white snowflakes woven into garland hanging on the shops and buildings in Discovery Island were handmade by artisans from the Augusta Training Shop, a nonprofit organization in Augusta, Georgia that employs adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, enabling them to discover their abilities and create rich and meaningful lives. We recently had the chance to meet the inspiring artisans who made these snowflakes and hear their stories of the care and attention they put into making each and every one. And because the holidays are all about coming together, we knew we had to bring them to Walt Disney World Resort to personally see their one-of-a-kind snowflakes hanging for all to see at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The impact of Walt Disney World Resort reaches communities beyond our own here in Central Florida, and we’ve been honored to work with the Augusta Training Shop and showcase the amazing and inspiring talents of their artisans. It goes without saying that this holiday season at Walt Disney World is one to feel good about. We hope you love admiring these beautiful snowflakes just as much as we do! View the full article

Can you believe it’s almost 2020?! Spaceship Earth We know there are a few Disney World restaurants that ALWAYS seem to be difficult to grab a reservation at (we see you, Be Our Guest!), but what NEW dining spots coming in 2020 should you be ready to pounce on? We’re giving you our look at what we think will be the toughest spots to get that Advance Dining Reservation you’re looking for so you can plan ahead! So here’s the Advance Dining Reservation drill if you’re unsure or need a refresher: If you’re staying at a Disney World Resort: 180 Days out from the FIRST day of your Disney World hotel reservation, you can make dining reservations for the length of your stay or 10 days out. If you’re NOT staying at a Disney World Resort: You can book 180 days from the day you intend to eat at a particular location. Booking opens up online at 6AM EST. If you want those hard to get spots, you best be at your computer ready to click at that time! Many popular locations fill up FAST or may already be booked solid by the time you try. So which NEW restaurants are already on our “set an alarm and get up early to make Dining Reservations” list? Space 220 – Epcot When people think of eating in Epcot, World Showcase is the golden child for good reason — there is SO MUCH to choose from! Future World isn’t winning many awards in the fine dining catagory. Coral Reef and Garden Grill are the only table service spots and, while both good in their own ways, they’re not showstoppers in the world of Disney dining. But as of this Winter, the front half of the park will have its first table service restaurant in a YEARS! Space 220 is perhaps the most highly anticipated restaurant to open in Disney World in the next year or so, and rightfully so! This looks like it will be an OUT OF THIS WORLD dining experience the likes of which we have yet to ever see in Disney World. Space 220 Just GETTING to the actual restaurant will be an adventure! Guests will board an elevator that will rocket you a whopping 220 miles above Epcot – thus the name Space 220 – offering panoramic views of space. Once you enter the restaurant itself, the sweeping views of our galaxy continue. Space 220 All we know so far is that the menu will feature more than 1,000 bottles of wine and a huge selection of craft beers. We can only speculate beyond that, but hopefully we see some exquisite food offerings as well! If you are looking for the newest offering when it comes to fine dining, Space 220 is the reservation you will want to book first. Space 220 Concept Art ©Disney Between the cool “launch” into the restaurant, the awesome space views promised, and what we’re hoping will be a top-notch menu, we think this is going to be on the top of many guests’ dining wish list. Learn more about Epcot’s newest restaurant by clicking here! Alternatives We’ll be honest, we were hard-pressed to come up with alternative dining experiences if you run into trouble finding a reservation for Space 220. It is truly unique and will be unlike any other restaurant Disney World has ever created. Plus — NEW Future World restaurant! Yaaaaayyy! That said, other options that truly excel in both theming and taste are Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom and Sanaa at Animal Kingdom Lodge. World Showcase in Epcot also has endless opportunities for unique dining experiences, be sure to consider immersive locations like Biergarten, Restaurant Marrakesh, and San Angel Inn. Oga’s Cantina – Hollywood Studios This watering hole is a unique location you’ll want to carve out time for if you’re in Hollywood Studios. With SO much to look at, some boppin tunes, and tasty beverages on tap, Oga’s Cantina is an experience unlike any other in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Oga’s Cantina Star Wars fans will love the atmosphere and the attention to detail, and there’s something on the menu for everyone, including those above and below 21 years of age! We think the most unique drink on the menu is the Fuzzy Tauntaun, which (spoiler alert!) makes your mouth GO NUMB! You can definitely tell Disney spent a lot of time focusing on not just the flavors of these drinks, but the full experience of enjoying these beverages as well. Jet Juice at Oga’s Cantina Speaking of overall experience, between the music and overall liveliness, Oga’s Cantina is just a really fun spot to take in the sights and sounds. Watching DJ R3X spin some beats (and work his way through some glitches along the way) is one of the coolest aspects of Oga’s Cantina and we could watch him for hours…err…maybe more like 45 minutes. Guests are asked to enjoy Oga’s for a limited time of 45 minutes per reservation. DJ R3X While Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios came in like a lamb and less like a lion in terms of insane crowds that were expected, it’s fair to assume that many guests are holding out on visiting until the flagship attraction, Rise of the Resistance, opens in December 2019. Once that happens, it’s possible that crowds will rise considerably in Hollywood Studios in 2020. Oga’s Cantina is ALREADY tricky to get reservations for, but the further out you book dining, the more likely you are to snag a reservation! Oga’s Cantina NOTE that while reservations might be easier to grab as time goes on, you are still required to have a reservation to even enter Oga’s Cantina, so if you want to look around and take in all the scenery, you DO need to book a reservation time to go inside. Occasionally when crowds are light, they’ll allow guests to wait on stand-by for a turn to enter, so be sure to check. DRINKS at Oga’s Cantina Also note that this is not a full-service restaurant – it is a bar/lounge that primarily serves alcoholic beverages, in addition to non-alcoholic drinks and a couple of bar snacks to munch on. While there are some interesting options and even a secret menu charcuterie, this might not be the droid you are looking for when it comes to good eats. Batuu Bits at Oga’s Cantina Remember, in Walt Disney World (unlike Disneyland) guests can have their drinks served to-go if you wish to sip and stroll on a Jedi Mind Trick or other out of this world drinks. Get all the deets on our full review of Oga’s Cantina here! Alternatives Thankfully, great food can be found elsewhere in Galaxy’s Edge — we heartily recommend picking up a nearby Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters to munch on! They also serve a few alcoholic drinks we’re fans of, like the Surly Sarlacc, on the menu there. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is Galaxy’s Edge’s main spot to grab food while “on planet” and it features a number of unique food and drink options. Takodana Quencher Read more about our love of Ronto Wraps HERE! The Milk Stand also serves up alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of that infamous blue or green milk. And really, if you don’t drink the milk in Galaxy’s Edge, did you even REALLY Galaxy’s Edge in the first place?? Milk Stand Coolers in Disney World Ch-ch-ch-check out the boozy milks here! Looking for an actual sit-down bar or lounge nearby instead? Baseline Tap House is located right outside the entrance to Galaxy’s Edge (AND there are no reservations required! AND they actually have an awesome charcuterie!) Read more about Baseline Tap House here! If you want to experience other truly unique bars and lounges, venture outside of Hollywood Studios and check out Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Disney Springs, Nomad Lounge in Animal Kingdom, and the classic Trader Sam’s at the Polynesian Village Resort. All of these spots have really fun environments, awesome drinks, and great food as well! Roundup Rodeo BBQ at Toy Story Land – Hollywood Studios There aren’t a ton of details available about this new dining spot coming soon to Hollywood Studios, but what we DO know is that Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a much-needed addition to Toy Story Land, and frankly, Hollywood Studios in general. Toy Story Land Currently, your only dining option in that area is Woody’s Lunch Box, which has limited seating and an even more limited menu. Both Hollywood Studios and Toy Story Land have been in need of another table service option for a while now and we’re hoping this fits that bill. While no opening date has been set, we expect to see this new family-friendly restaurant open in 2020. Toy Story Land Concept Art ©Disney We expect this restaurant to be a big hit with families, especially those with young kiddos. From what we’ve read and seen, guests will dine in a ‘cardboard box’ setup (built by Andy, of course), and while the rodeo/Western toy theme will be apparent throughout, you’ll find an assortment of other random toys as well as your favorite Pixar characters in toy form, creating an immersive dining experience. Needless to say, if you have any Toy Story fans in your household, you will definitely want to book this reservation as soon as you can! Toy Story Land Concept Art ©Disney With limited dining options in Hollywood Studios, a new sit down location will likely be a HUGE hit in the park, so we’re bracing for crowds. Alternatives Other unique family-friendly options in Hollywood Studios include Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant (you get to eat in a CAR!), 50’s Prime Time Cafe, and character dining at Hollywood & Vine. Check out our review of Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant HERE! If you’re looking specifically for good barbecue, a great option would be to check out Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort. The Old Favorites There’s a number of dining locations at Disney World that just ALWAYS seem to be tough to snag that Dining Reservation for. If you haven’t been to Disney World, or haven’t been in a while, we wanted to share popular restaurants you’ll DEFINITELY want on your 180-day radar if you’re looking to eat there on your trip! We don’t want you to miss out!!! Inside the Parks The big locations to keep on your watch list in Magic Kingdom are Cinderella’s Royal Table (because obv eating IN the castle is the COOLEST!) and Be Our Guest. Both are notoriously difficult to get a reservation at, but Be Our Guest, in particular, is many guests’ white whale restaurant. Snow White at Cinderella’s Royal Table If you can’t score a dinner reservation, try breakfast or lunch. Prices are much lower (if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, breakfast and lunch count as a quick service meal as opposed to 2 (!!!) table service credits for dinner!) and the meals are served more casually on top of being slightly easier to get a reservation at those times. Be Our Guest Ballroom In Epcot, the tricky Dining Reservations are all about timing. A few restaurants sit on the water of World Showcase Lagoon and, if you time your reservation right, offer prime viewing of the fireworks on the lagoon each night. These include Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room, Spice Road Table, and La Hacienda de San Angel. The View from La Hacienda de San Angel Be sure to log on 180 days out to get your reservation if you’re looking to enjoy dinner at these spots from roughly 7:30PM til close — they book up FAST! If checking out the fireworks is your goal, shoot for an 8-8:30PM reservation to guarantee you have plenty of time to enjoy your meal! Outside the parks Disney’s resorts are bursting with great dining options, but most are relatively pain-free to get a reservation at. A few you may have to keep an eye on though? ‘Ohana in the Polynesian Village Resort, Chef Mickey’s in Disney’s Contemporary Resort, as well as (for all you big spenders or if you’ve got a special occasion to celebrate!) Victoria and Albert’s in the Grand Floridian Resort. So if you want into these hard to nab spots, be ready! Mickey Mouse at Chef Mickey’s With ALL the great restaurants and so many new options heading to Disney World, we want you to be ready and prepared to pounce and get ALL THEM REZZIES you and your family are dying to eat at. Want even more restaurant tips to stay ahead of the crowds? Check out our video below! What are your MUST DO restaurants at Disney? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: 2019 Disney Restaurant ULTIMATE GUIDE: What You Need To Know About EVERY Restaurant Opening In Disney World and Disneyland in 2019! The Most Popular Disney World Restaurants (and Alternatives When They’re Full) NEWS: Who Ya Gonna Call? Maybe NOT the Disney World Dining Reservation Center! View the full article