Disney4me

Earlier this year, we were delighted to share how we’ve been working to harness pollinator power at the new solar facility near Walt Disney World Resort. The pollinator work continues today — on National Butterfly and Hummingbird Day — and a new chapter is about to emerge as we aim to help the “kings” of the butterfly kingdom. Monarch butterflies are known for their beauty and brilliant orange and black wings. Found across North America, the insects can migrate thousands of miles as they pollinate many types of wildflowers. Their presence notes a healthy ecosystem, but sadly, the North American monarch butterfly population is in steep decline due to habitat loss, climate change and pesticides. Disney Conservation Programs Manager Dr. Lily Maynard and her team have dedicated the last few years to combatting these declining populations. Most days, you can find Dr. Lily’s team out applying their research in the field, studying the behavior of local pollinators at one of the many pollinator gardens across Walt Disney World Resort. I am proud to announce all their hard work is paying off. Monarch butterflies were just designated a SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction species by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), thanks in part to the efforts of Dr. Lily. For the next three years, Dr. Lily will serve as the chair of a committee of zoological leaders focused on improving the odds for monarchs, and growing the population to serve as an ambassador for all other pollinator species. AZA SAFE combines the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZA members and partners to save animals from extinction. This is just the latest in Disney’s efforts to protect butterflies. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has provided more than $2 million in support of 26 projects across North America working to save butterflies. Together with the University of Florida, Disney has helped conservation efforts of 12 butterfly species in Florida and 31 species in California, for a total of 43 species. These conservation efforts have included reintroducing more than 2,000 Atala butterflies, over 1,000 federally endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterflies back into the wild, and assisting with efforts to re-establish the federally endangered Miami blue butterfly in the Florida Keys. As a founding member of the Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network, Disney Conservation cast members have documented more than 70 species of butterflies on Walt Disney World property in Florida. We’re looking forward to sharing more with you as the work takes flight to save our monarch friends. View the full article

Gather ‘round the cauldron, dearies, as we cast our spell upon freakishly fun experiences that everyone will enjoy during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort! As we have detailed in our previous blog posts, this is the best time of year to enjoy spook-tacular festivities, tricks, treats and endless fun to all who dare join! So what memories lie in store for you when you visit the Disneyland Resort this year during Halloween? Here’s a round-up of what everyone can experience: Try your luck with your squad on Halloween-themed attractions Haunted Mansion Holiday – Pumpkin King Jack Skellington has transformed the Haunted Mansion in Disneyland park into a wonderfully wicked, holiday-infused attraction inspired by “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Shout “Season’s Screamings!” with your group as you enjoy the scenery. Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark – Drop on by this monstrous thrill ride as the Guardians of the Galaxy continue their mission in the Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure park! Everyone will enjoy teaming up with Rocket to lure the monsters away and make their escape! Mater’s Junkyard JamBOOree – Van-pires and wheel-wolves alike are welcome to join the fun together in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. Mater’s Halloween hoedown will play delightfully dark ditties and twirl you around the dance floor for a time you’ll never forget! Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween – While you’re putting around “Radiator Screams,” make sure to join Luigi at his Haul-O-Ween scene as he and his kooky cousins give you a spirited spin in fabulous formation! Enjoy haunted twists to traditional songs and stories from the old country with your friends and family. Smile and say “Halloween” with fierce and friendly photo opportunities Mickey Mouse and Friends – Everyone will love meeting Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy and others as they show-off their Halloween-best this year! The Cars Crew – Over in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park, Lightning McQueen is ready to take photos with his fans in his super hero “car-stume” while Mater can be seen as a “van-pire.” Cruz and Red will be donning a pirate and a clown outfit, respectively. Everyone will enjoy snagging a picture with these cool cars! Disney Villains – Don’t get spooked if you see Disney villains stomping around the parks! They love adoring fans and will take a photo with you and your pack. Show off your fiercest grin and make memories with this Halloween season opportunity…if you dare! Jack Skellington and Sally – In this town of Halloween, everybody screams when Jack and Sally are near! Drag your bodies over to New Orleans Square in Disneyland park and snap photos with the “Master of Scare-emonies.” Experience devious entertainment like never before “Halloween Screams” – For the first time in almost a decade, all guests visiting Disneyland park can enjoy this supernatural projection and special effects show. The nighttime spectacular is hosted by the Pumpkin King himself, Jack Skellington, and is great fun for the whole family. On weekend nights, “Halloween Screams” goes sky high with illuminating fireworks. Villains Dance Party – Get down with your bad selves at the Villains Dance Party at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland park! Whether your tall or small, everyone is encouraged to move and groove with some favorite evil villains. You never know which villain might come up to the stage to boogie oogie oogie! Marvel at boo-tiful seasonal décor Main Street, U.S.A. – Feast your eyes on the seasonal décor on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland park and take advantage of the photo opportunity in front of the Mickey-shaped pumpkin with your friends and family! Buena Vista Street – Don’t miss the happily haunted takeover along Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure park. Spot eerie, intricate details like the swarm of black bats clouding Carthay Circle’s bell tower and the Headless Horseman statue bewitching passing guests. Cars Land – Radiator Springs transforms into “Radiator Screams” for Halloween! Take some time with everyone to notice all the “spoke-y” seasonal decorations around Route 66. Downtown Disney District – Stroll through Downtown Disney to see the gourd-geous, candy-themed pumpkin displays. While you’re there, enjoy the musical stylings of the SCAREolers, our our very own undead a-capella performers, on select nights! Taste sinful sweet treats and get whisked away by magical merchandise For all the dastardly details on Halloween foodie fun at the Disneyland Resort, check out our Foodie Guide and our Candy Guide. These treats will get everyone into the festive spirit! For more on the menacing merchandise available during Halloween, take a peek at our blog story! You don’t want to miss out on these alluring accessories and items! Need more ideas to plan your Disneyland Resort visit this Halloween season? Check out our previous guides for kids, teens and young adults: Kids Can Spell-abrate Halloween with Spook-tacular Fun at Disneyland Resort Happy Haunts and Frightful Fun Await Teens During Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort Young Adults Can Explore the Tricks and Treats During Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort View the full article

Even though it’s barely October, Halloween season is in FULL SWING in Disney World. And you know what that means? Tons of Halloween and pumpkin treats. Wilderness Lodge During our visit to Disney’s Wilderness Lodge today, we discovered a NEW Halloween Donut at Roaring Fork, and y’all — it is cute! This donut is covered in glaze, decked out in festive sprinkles, and topped with a super cute white chocolate-covered pretzel. Halloween Donut We really enjoyed this donut! It was flaky and airy, just like a Krispy Kreme donut. The pretzel was a bit stale, though. While we didn’t necessarily need alll those sprinkles, kiddos will certainly love this adorable Halloween treat! You can get it for $2.19 at Roaring Fork. Halloween Donut Bottom of Halloween Donut During our visit to Roaring Fork, we also found a new Oktober Fest Cupcake — you can read our full review of it here! Are you down to try this adorable donut? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Check Out the Oktoberfest Cupcake — with Guinness Ganache — at Wilderness Lodge! REVIEW! You Won’t Beer-lieve How Good the NEW Oktoberfest Cupcake is in Disney World What’s New at Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge! View the full article

The Pumpkin King, who we’ve already seen in Disneyland this Halloween season, has made his way to Walt Disney World Resort! Jack Skellington Sipper Tha’s right my friends, he is, in fact, in attendance! Much to our surprise (and elation!!) we spotted the Jack Skellington sipper out during regular park hours at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland! Jack Skellington Sipper That’s right, folks! You don’t have to be a guest at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party to get your hands on the Jack Skellington Sipper! Jack Skellington Sipper Read more about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party here! The sipper has a capacity of 8oz. and stands 2 feet tall! (He’s mostly arms and legs, though, and not too heavy but he IS a little awkward to haul around, so plan the timing of your sipper purchase accordingly!) Jack Skellington Sipper See what we mean? Legs for days… He also comes with a built-in straw on his back! Jack Skellington Sipper The Jack Skellington Sipper can be yours for $22.99 (he’s a tad more expensive than his Disneyland counterpart, FYI). We asked a Cast Member if we could get it without the drink, and were told it basically comes with one on the side regardless. Jack Skellington Sipper Either way, it’s ours now! Will you be snagging a Jack Skellington Sipper at Disney World or Disneyland this holiday season? Let us know in the comments section! Related posts: Riverboat News, Holiday Sale Items, the Guest Experience Team, and Galaxy Fries: Everything New in the Magic Kingdom this week! What’s New at Magic Kingdom — PIZZA ROLLS, Strawberry Vanilla Ice Cream, the BEST Little Mermaid Mug Yet, and MORE! Halloween is HERE in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! View the full article

Helloooo October!! Are ya’ll as pumped as I am that it’s officially spooky and Oktoberfest season? Oktoberfest Cupcake Disney’s already helped us get prepared for Oktoberfest happenin’s with an adorable pretzel purse and Oktoberfest merchandise from the Germany Pavilion in Epcot. And now, you can cheers to Oktoberfest with a NEW cupcake from Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The Oktoberfest Cupcake from Roaring Fork is a dark beer chocolate cake with bittersweet cream filling and cinnamon buttercream. It’s topped with cinnamon candies, chocolate beer pretzels, and a chocolate beer bottle! Oktoberfest Cupcake Though the cake is supposed to be made with beer and stout, we thought it tasted more like a normal chocolate cake. Oktoberfest Cupcake The toppings were the star of the cupcake! We LOVED the cinnamon buttercream and the bittersweet cream filling blew us away. The flavors were just super unique, fall-like, and yummy! Annnnd we were happy to have a cupcake that wasn’t overwhelmingly sweet and that both looked good and tasted good. Oktoberfest Cupcake Most of the toppings were super yummy and fun. We enjoyed the cinnamon candies and the dark chocolate beer bottle. The only downside here was that our pretzels were a little stale…but hopefully you won’t have this issue when you give this new cupcake a try! Oktoberfest Cupcake You can find the Oktoberfest Cupcake at Roaring Fork for $5.99 or a Disney Dining Plan snack credit! Looking for more Oktoberfest goodies around the parks? Check out the filling links below! Don’t Worry, Beer Happy With THIS Oktoberfest Event at Morimoto Asia in Disney World! Review! Oktoberfest Burger and Pumpkin Pie Milk Shake for WonderFall Flavors in Disney Springs! MORE Oktoberfest and German Merch Rolls into Epcot! Your Friends May Be Salty After Seeing YOU With This NEW Pretzel Purse From Epcot!! Will you be giving this new cupcake a try? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Review: The Most ADORABLE Back-to-School Cupcake in Disney World! TWO New Locations Have Been Added to Disney World’s Mobile Order System! What’s New at Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge! View the full article

Live Your Adventure: Disney's Hollywood Studios View the full article

We’ve been covering all the latest Arendelle Aqua treats that have started accumulating at Walt Disney World in recent weeks — read our ultimate Arendelle Aqua eats list here! Arendelle Aqua Cake But today, a brand new Arendelle Aqua treat has drifted into Disney World — this incredible Arendelle Aqua Cake! The Arendelle Aqua Cake might just be the prettiest dessert we’ve seen in a while at the Disney parks! It’s super chic blueberry buttercream, edible gold paint, and sugary decoration resemble ice crystals which reminds us of the geode trend that’s been happening in cake design lately. Arendelle Aqua Cake But don’t let its dainty, delicateness fool you — this is one BIG honkin’ piece of cake! We could barely finish it ourselves, so make sure you grab an Anna or Elsa to help you finish it! Arendelle Aqua Cake The cake itself was vanilla, and when we sliced into it we saw the blueberry jam filling! We adored the addition of the blueberry jam because it added a nice POP of flavor. Arendelle Aqua Cake Hurry on down to the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for your chance to taste this awesome dessert! It cost $6.38 after tax or 1 snack credit if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan! Looking for MORE Arenedelle Aqua treats? Well, good news, we’ve got ALL the Arendelle Aqua treat reviews right here! Will you be trying the new Arendelle Aqua Cake? Let us know in the comments section below! Related posts: Food News! Even MORE Arendelle Aqua Treats Are Coming Soon to Disney World! REVIEW: New Dulce de Leche Cupcake Version at Disney World’s Contempo Cafe! The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! View the full article

Suit up, Super Heroes! Avengers: Damage Control is a new virtual reality fan experience by ILMxLAB, coming to The VOID at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim starting Oct. 18 for a limited time. Tickets are available now for this thrilling multi-sensory adventure! Avengers: Damage Control will give fans the chance to suit up, step into the action and become part of the story for the very first time, teaming up alongside Earth’s Mightiest Heroes! Fans will be enlisted by Shuri to test her latest prototype design: Emergency Response Suits, created with a proprietary blend of Wakandan and Stark Industries technology. When sinister forces intervene, guests at the Wakandan Outreach Centers will soon find themselves recruited into action. Fans will fight side by side with Avengers like Doctor Strange, the Wasp, Ant-Man and more. ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s immersive entertainment studio, produces one-of-a-kind experiences like the ones at the Downtown Disney District. Like their previous collaborations with The VOID, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire and Ralph Breaks VR, Avengers: Damage Control pairs virtual reality with walk-through experiences surrounded by 3D imagery and physical effects like heat and wind. The result is a uniquely immersive: a virtual world that guests can touch and feel, bringing some of their favorite Super Hero characters to life in a way that’s never before been possible. To book your experience, visit www.TheVOID.com. View the full article

Horizons | Disney Signature Experiences View the full article

Can you believe Turkey Time is almost here again?! Boatwright’s Dining Hall We can’t either! But we were reminded that Thanksgiving is just around the corner when Disney began releasing their Thanksgiving menus this week! We’ve already told you about the Thanksgiving offerings at Rose & Crown Dining Room, Terralina Crafted Italian, the House of Blues Olivia’s Cafe, and The Wave, but now Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Resort — Riverside has just released the menu of their Southern Thanksgiving Feast! We hope you’re hungry because this menu sounds super yummy! Boatwrights Click here to take a look at some of the other Thanksgiving menus at Disney World! Starting November 28th, you can enjoy Boatwright’s Thanksgiving dinner which includes slow-roasted turkey, savory stuffing, sweet potatoes, sautéed green beans, mashed potatoes with giblet gravy, and house-made cranberry sauce! Boatwright’s And for dessert, you’ll have your choice of apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie! “Life’s full of tough choices, innit?” Boatwright’s The Boatwright’s Southern Thanksgiving Feast costs $32 for adults and $12 for children. Check out our FULL Boatwright’s Dining Hall review here! We’ll keep you updated as Disney World releases more of its Thanksgiving menus! Will you be at Disney World for Thanksgiving this year? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Review: Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside – Including NEW Menu Items! 9 Best One-Credit Restaurant Values on the 2019 Disney Dining Plan The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! View the full article

Alive with Magic: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park View the full article

It’s the season of chills and frights at Disney World as the resort celebrates the Halloween season this month! Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter And guess who has just arrived to take part in the festivities? Why, it’s Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc.! The Artist’s Palette in Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort is now offering this new Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter! Isn’t it a scream?!!! Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter The two best buds are actually sugar cookies dippin’ sticks and they’re served up with a delicious cup of nilla wafer cookie butter! Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter To us, the nilla wafer cookie butter tasted more like cookie dough — which in our opinion isn’t a bad thing! We were a little worried this dessert was going to give us a sugar high, but it had just the right amount of sweetness! Plus, look at those faces! How could we resist! Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter So, snag your best monster pal and head on down to The Artist’s Palette to try the Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter. The cost is $5.99 or one snack credit if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan! Looking for more fun treats this Halloween season? Then, take a peek at our review of ALL of the snacks from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year! Are you excited to try the Mike & Sulley Cookie Butter? Let us know in the comments section! Related posts: It’s All About The Dough With This NEW Rainbow Edible Cookie Dough in Disney World! REVIEW: NEW Menu Items from The Artist’s Palette at Disney World’s Saratoga Springs Resort! What’s New Around the Disney World Resorts — Lobby Construction, Arendelle Aqua Merch, and Football Specials! View the full article

The Disney Skyliner has introduced guests to a whole new World of views, efficient travel, and fun. But what about all the tasty destinations along the way? Mickey and Minnie welcome one of Disney’s newest changes! We’re talking resort hotel eats and drinks at Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and (in December) Riviera. We’re talking Epcot’s World Showcase’s international cuisine and classic sips and nibbles at Hollywood Studios. Skyliner Crawl: like a Monorail crawl but with extra stops, more bites and bevs, and much higher heights! See EVERYTHING You Need To Know About the Disney World Skyliner HERE! It’s time to climb aboard a gondola and enjoy a Skyliner Pub Crawl! Skyliner Pub Crawl at Disney’s Hollywood Studios We’re starting our Skyliner Pub Crawl at Disney’s Hollywood Studios where you can grab some drinks and snacks in between enjoying some attractions! We recommend stopping at BaseLine Tap House (conveniently located just outside the entrance of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!) for a Create-Your-Own Beer Flight and a Bavarian Pretzel with Beer-Cheese Fondue and Spicy Mustard! Sit outside, enjoy the weather, and fuel up for your next attraction! Bavarian Pretzel with spicy mustard and beer cheese fondue Read our very first review of BaseLine Tap House here! Once you’ve worked up an appetite for another drink, sidle up to a table at The Brown Derby Lounge — no reservation required! We love the Margarita Flight and the Martini Flight, so you can’t go wrong with either of those. (See why we put these two flights #OnTheList!) Hungry again? We say go all in for the Derby Sliders if you need a snack to munch on, too! If the incredible Andouille-crusted shrimp are on the menu, GET THEM. Brown Derby Lounge Margarita Flight Skyliner Pub Crawl at Riviera Resort When Riviera Resort opens on December 16, 2019, the Skyliner Pub Crawl will glide in there, too! We’re looking forward to sipping a glass of wine at Le Petit Cafe (or some European-style coffee if you need a boost of energy!), and if the Resort’s main pool bar, Bar Riva, has an open-to-the-public component, we’ll be sipping on European-inspired cocktails, too! Snack on Lemon Madeleines at Le Petit Cafe! Lemon Madeleines Click here to take a look at MORE of the eats (and a fruity drink!) coming to Disney’s Riviera Resort! Skyliner Pub Crawl at Epcot Skyliner pulls into Epcot’s International Gateway, perfectly positioning guests for a crawl around World Showcase — Drinking Around the World! We recommend starting as soon as you enter the Park with a Grand Marnier or Grey Goose Lemon Slush in France! These refreshing and slightly sweet drinks are a must-try, ideal for hot afternoons and leisurely evenings. Grand Marnier and Grey Goose Slushes in Epcot’s France Pavilion. For a beer with international flare, head to Rose & Crown Pub in the United Kingdom pavilion. Here you can get a classic Guinness or change it up with a Half & Half or a Cider and Black! Check out the pub menu to see if you’ll want to grab a bit to eat here, too! Rose and Crown Cider and Black After you’ve finished your beer (or cider) at Rose & Crown, continue clockwise around World Showcase and head all the way over to Mexico. You’ll find loads of options for drinks here, including delicious margaritas at the outdoor stand Choza de Margarita. Order one of the options on the menu, then find a spot to relax and enjoy some people-watching! Margaritas at Choza de Margarita Check out our review of EVERYTHING on the menu at Choza de Margarita here! Can’t get enough of the interior of the Mexico pavilion? We can’t either. Head on in and make your way to the right where you’ll find La Cava del Tequila! The menu here features dozens of high-quality tequilas, interesting flavor combinations, and a variety of salts you’re not going to find just anywhere. (Check out some of the options here!) We’re partial to the Avocado Margarita, but we haven’t found a drink we didn’t like here, so grab something that sounds good to you! Avocado Margarita at La Cava del Tequila Bonus: La Cava del Tequila has some of the BEST queso you’ll ever eat! Get some of that, too! See how we got it to go here! Skyliner Pub Crawl at Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts Once you’ve filled up on booze and snacks in Epcot’s World Showcase, climb back into a gondola, transfer to the Art of Animation and Pop Century Resort line, and order a (Disney) classic at The Drop Off, Art of Animation’s pool bar. We think the Pina CoLava is a tasty twist on a traditional tropical drink, but go for the trendy Frose if that’s more your speed! The Lovely Frosé You can also find a spiked Dole Whip here from time to time! Captain’s Pineapple Drink at Art of Animation Resort Walk across Generation Gap Bridge to Pop Century Resort to order one of the Petals Pool Bar’s unique drink offerings. These include the Hula Hoop and the Lava Lamp. (If you want to try more than one of these Petals drinks, you can skip the more common options at The Drop Off and go for a couple here instead!) Skyliner Pub Crawl at Caribbean Beach Resort We’re ending the Skyliner Crawl at Caribbean Beach Resort where Banana Cabana serves up delicious and creative drinks poolside! A recent refurbishment here has made Banana Cabana even more awesome than it was before (check out our first look and review of the redesign here!), and now, you can get some tasty bites to eat, too! Kraken Punch is colorful and fruity, while the Frozen Guava Colada brings the chill! Kraken Want to eat something to soak up all of the day’s booze? The Caribbean Pull-Apart Bread is a carby and flavorful way to do just that! Caribbean Pull Apart Bread If you’re looking to extend your Skyliner Pub Crawl late into the night, we recommend adding a table service meal (with a view!) at Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera when Riviera Resort opens, or head back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a full meal at the Hollywood Brown Derby (try the New York Strip with mac and cheese or the famous Cobb Salad) or Mama Melrose’s (you’ll need more carbs). You can get another drink here (if you haven’t floated away by now). Will you embark on the Skyliner Pub Crawl? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Related posts: Disney World Skyliner Gondola PRO TIPS: Here’s What You Need To Know Before You FLY! Check It Out!! Disney’s Skyliner System Testing Gondolas at Full Speed! See LOTS of Disney Skyliner Character Gondolas UNCOVERED: Coco, Toy Story, Star Wars, Haunted Mansion, and MORE! View the full article

Disney Skyliner has been open for just a few days, but guests can’t stop raving about the gondolas, their charming designs and the ease of using this new system. In case you aren’t familiar, Disney Skyliner connects Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios to four Disney resort hotels: Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (and the forthcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort set to open Dec. 16, 2019). The system treats guests to never-before-seen views of Walt Disney World Resort as they float along the treetops and waterways aboard one of the system’s 300 gondolas. Nearly half are wrapped in whimsical Disney scenes of beloved characters, fan-favorite movies, and theme park attractions Check out the video above to hear what guests are saying about Disney Skyliner. View the full article

As you may have heard, new Star Wars-themed merchandise and more will arrive at World of Disney in Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019 at 12:01 a.m. (midnight). This epic shopping event is your opportunity to be among the first to purchase new products inspired by “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” “The Mandalorian” and “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.” The wide array of new products will bring the characters to life in new and unexpected ways – spanning toys, apparel and accessories, books, gaming, tech and even home goods! Please see details below if you are planning to attend this free event at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort: Event Check-in Event check-in will take place in the North Ballroom of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa today, Thursday, Oct. 3 from 8 – 11 p.m. Parking We recommend that you park in the Simba parking lot located off of Disneyland Drive, between West Katella Avenue and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. For more parking information and rates, please visit disneyland.com. Be sure to join the social media conversation using Triple #ForceFriday! Also debuting on October 4 are new “Frozen”-inspired products, which part of #FrozenFanFest to celebrate the highly-anticipated debut of Disney’s “Frozen 2,” in theaters on Nov. 22. Swing by World of Disney and find these new items and more! While you are here, enjoy “Frozen 2”-themed photo opportunities throughout the weekend! Merchandise available while supplies last. Event information subject to change without notice. View the full article

Just last week, the Disney Magic arrived to New York City to kick off our special season of fall cruises to Bermuda, Canada and the Bahamas. This week, the Disney Magic is sailing to Canada and New England, and it couldn’t be more magical. From the picturesque coastal seaports to the beautiful autumn colors beginning to arrive, it is truly a sight to behold! Yesterday, guests aboard the Disney Magic enjoyed a day in Bar Harbor, Maine, where they had the opportunity to experience this quaint destination’s historical locations and many museums. Today in Saint John, New Brunswick, guests can explore through whale and wildlife watching, hiking and kayaking, or just walking the streets and taking in everything the history-rich town has to offer. Throughout October, guests sailing on the Bermuda itinerary will get to spend two days on this stunning island. On one special Bahamian cruise departing at the end of the month, guests will enjoy a day on our private island, Castaway Cay, and can visit Walt Disney World Resort when the ship calls on Port Canaveral, Florida. In addition to these exciting destinations, most cruises sailing from New York City this fall celebrate Halloween on the High Seas! These cruises include extra special entertainment options alongside the incredible entertainment you can find on every Disney cruise like Broadway-style stage shows, deck parties and activities for the whole family. But the fun from the Big Apple doesn’t stop this fall. In October 2020, Disney Cruise Line will return to New York City with cruises to Bermuda, Canada and Puerto Rico. Click here to find the New York City sailing that’s perfect for your family. View the full article

It’s plant time!! Disney Plant-Based Cuisine Guide A few weeks ago we shared that Disney would be introducing plant-based items at ALL of their Quick Service and Table Service locations beginning TODAY. And folks, they have done just that! In order to help guests better navigate all of the new menu items, Disney has also introduced a new one-stop-spot so that guests can see all of Walt Disney World plant-based items Disney has to offer. AND THERE’S A TON! Plant-Based Cuisine Website You can find this master list by searching disneyworld.con/PlantBased. This website organizes all of the plant-based menu items by park, resort, water park, or location. This is a really great resource for those who have a plant-based diest to check out if when trying to figure out where to make a reservation. Every Table Service Restaurant now has a plant-based appetizer, entree, and dessert. And we had the opportunity to try out a few of these new menu items! So, let’s check out a few of ’em. Oak Fired Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower Rice Risotto We were SHOCKED that there is no dairy in this rice because it was soooo creamy. The Cauliflower Rice Risotto was a bit chunkier than a regular risotto, but the taste was stellar. Oak Fired Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower Rice Risotto The Oak Fired Brussel Sprouts were a great addition and were made well. We really think this is a great side option and you should enjoy them if you’re a fan of brussel sprouts. Oak Fired Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower Rice Risotto You can find this at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom! Spaghetti and Mushroom Meatballs These were our favorites because we could hardly tell that it wasn’t meat. There was a LOT of flavor and we loved the use of Italian herbs. Spaghetti with a mushroom meatball The meatball is very juicy and we weren’t weirded out by the texture. We honestly think that people who aren’t on a plant-based diet would enjoy this one! You can now find these at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant in Magic Kingdom. Spaghetti wit a mushroom meatball Dark Chocolate Banana Bread One of our favorite plant-based desserts that we had the opportunity to try was the Dark Chocolate Banana Bread from The Plaza Restaurant. Dark Chocolate Banana Bread The bread is served with non-dairy ice cream! The texture of the bread was a little chewy, but the chocolate chips help it out by adding a bit of crunch. The banana isn’t overwhelming, but if you aren’t a banana fan then this probably isn’t the dish for you! We were kind of shocked by the ice cream since you couldn’t realllllly tell that is wasn’t made from dairy! Overall, this was super yummy and a great addition to the menu! Dark Chocolate Banana Bread When on the hunt for these items, also be on the lookout for the new plant-based logo. Disney has been updating the menus at both Quick-Service and Table-Service locations throughout the park! Try out a few of the new options and let us know what ya think! Looking for more plant-based reviews? Then, be sure to take a look at the NEW plant-based Mickey Waffles here! Are you excited about these new plant-based additions? Let us know in the comments below! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Plant-Based Items at Walt Disney World. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ Related posts: Review!! You’ve Gotta See the INSANE Minnie Milk Shake in Magic Kingdom Photos and Review! Is Cruella’s Halloween Hide-a-Way Wonderfully Wicked…Or A Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Mishap? DFB Video: Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A. Food Tour View the full article

Hey, guys! We’re back with another DFB Video and today we’re ranking the BEST and WORST Disney World changes that have taken place this year. Skyliner sailing to Epcot A TON of changes have happened around the parks this year, so it’s time to chat about the ones that work and the ones that don’t. With transportation upgrades, Mobile Order takeover, and more free dining, we’ve got a lot to cover. Find out where the changes rank in our latest DFB Video!  And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: Your least favorite Disney World change! Related posts: DFB Video: The Latest Disney News!! DFB Video: The Hardest Things to Find in Disney World DFB Video: FastPass+ Tips The DISNEY PROS Use And So Should You! View the full article

In a world where Halloween parties start in August and Christmas trees rise before the last pumpkin disappears, it’s never too early to get a jump start on the holidays. That’s why Disney Vacation Club has already created winter-holiday virtual backdrops to help Members capture their holiday photos at Walt Disney World Resort. You’ll find them at the Disney PhotoPass Studio in the Marketplace neighborhood of Disney Springs. Reservations aren’t required, so stop by any time in your ugly Christmas sweater or whatever you wear during “that time of year” to add a bit of Disney magic to your holiday photo. You can even purchase a card with your photos, making it easier than ever to make your card recipients envious of your Disney lifestyle. (That’s what holiday cards are about, right? Am I doing this wrong?) You may purchase photos individually at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com, or you can purchase “Memory Maker One Day” to digitally download all Disney PhotoPass photos linked to your account from that Walt Disney World day.* “Memory Maker One Day” is available in the My Disney Experience app once you’ve linked at least one photo to your account from the day to which you plan to apply the entitlement. You can also purchase “Memory Maker One Day” at the Disney PhotoPass Studio at Disney Springs. Disney PhotoPass Service at Walt Disney World Resort is subject to the PhotoPass terms and expiration policy available here. Online registration required. Downloads are restricted to personal use by Disney account holder only and may not be used for a commercial purpose. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate theme park admission required for certain photo locations. *Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here. View the full article

Have you ever wondered how Disney villains like Ursula, Maleficent, Cruella, and the Evil Queen maintain their signature red pouts? ©Disney Well, wonder no more! We’re about to reveal ALL of their best-kept beauty SECRETS! Funko Pop! (makers of those adorable vinyl toys that we all say we don’t collect even though we easily have like 20 of them, but who’s counting) is releasing a new Disney Villians Makeup Line! @Disney The collection includes a variety of eyeshadow palettes, lip glosses, eyeliners, and brush sets all with our favorite baddies who’re as notoriously glamorous as they are VILLANOUS! ©Disney These ladies know how to make bad look GOOD! We love how the products feature Funko POP!’s signature style, because why can’t you have a little fun with your makeup? ©Disney While she may be an evil sea witch, Ursula’s mean mug looks pretty adorable on this highlighter palette and lip gloss. ©Disney And check out these cute dalmatian spots on the Cruella De Ville makeup brushes! We think Cruella would highly approve of THIS fashion statement! ©Disney This new Villian-inspired makeup line should have you looking your best, but feeling your worst — because of the whole evil thing, ya know? JK! You can currently purchase this collection at Ulta! Check out all of the items here. What do you think of the Funko POP! Disney Villian makeup line? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: This ICY Danielle Nicole Frozen 2 Bag is Giving Us Major CHILLS!! Disney+ Update: What We Learned at the D23 Expo! New Original Content Coming to Disney+! We’ve Got the Details! View the full article

Do you ever just smell apple pie or turkey and immediately think of Thanksgiving dinner? (‘Cause we do!) Disney’s Contemporary Resort And, while we’ve already spotted Thanksgiving menus at Rose & Crown Dining Room, Terralina Crafted Italian, the House of Blues, and Olivia’s Cafe, there’s something new being cooked up at this Disney World Resort! The Wave at Disney’s Contemporary Resort has released its own Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for guests to enjoy during the holiday season. The Wave Entrance Starting November 28th, visitors will be able to start their meals at 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 You can even try 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 Buffet Line Guests will then be able to choose one entrée out of six different options. Take a bite of 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 Adults can dive into The Wave’s Thanksgiving Dinner Menu for $40 per person and leave the restaurant satisfyingly full. You can check out the rest of the menu details here! Just be sure to wear your stretchy pants! Will you be going to The Wave for Thanksgiving Dinner? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: We’re Ready for Seconds with These Three NEW Thanksgiving Menus Coming to Disney World! The 31 Things To Eat In Disney World If You’re Obsessed With CHEESE!! Don’t Worry, Beer Happy With THIS Oktoberfest Event at Morimoto Asia in Disney World! View the full article

You might remember back in May, we announced the exciting news that the search was on to find the first ever Disney and Points of Light Volunteer Family of the Year, and now is your chance to help find the winners! Disney and Points of Light, a global nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change, teamed up to scour the country for a special family who embodies the selfless traits of volunteerism – service, inspiration, courageous spirit and teamwork. After thousands of submissions from schools and nonprofits registered with the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program, five amazing families have been chosen as the competition finalists, and it’ll be up to YOU to vote for who you want to win! Each day, starting next Monday, Oct. 7 until Friday, Oct. 11, Good Morning America will feature one of the Top 5 families sharing the story of their incredible volunteer work, before officially launching a nationwide online vote on Oct. 11 to find out who will be the winners! The winning family will be announced on GMA on Nov. 1 and will receive a dream vacation to Walt Disney World where they will be the guests of honor at a special event to celebrate Family Volunteer Day on Nov. 23. The nonprofit or school who nominated the family will also receive $10,000 to continue their important work in the community. Make sure to tune into GMA next week to meet the incredible Top 5 families and keep visiting Disney Parks Blog for more updates on the competition! If you and your family would like to get involved with family volunteering, you can visit Points of Light to find opportunities in your area or search DIY projects that cover a variety of issue areas. Nonprofits and schools in the U.S. can join the Disney Family Volunteering Reward Program and earn Disney Parks tickets by hosting volunteer family events. View the full article

I live near Walt Disney World Resort, don’t have much culinary competence, and enjoy trying new cuisine. During the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, this is the perfect recipe for making me a very frequent park guest! My many visits to the festival so far this year have not only helped me to taste my way around the world and avoid eating the unappetizing food I cook in my own kitchen, but they’ve also allowed me to feast my eyes on all of the Disney PhotoPass opportunities available around the park. The festival-exclusive photo ops paired with the year-round offerings have created a delightful menu of capture opportunities. To take home all of your Disney PhotoPass memories captured during your vacation, purchase Memory Maker. Think of it as an all-you-can-eat approach to your photos: With it you’ll receive unlimited digital downloads of all your easy-to-share Disney PhotoPass photos and videos taken during your vacation.* Make your visit to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival unforgettable with Disney PhotoPass Service! *Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. View the full article

October is here and the countdown to Halloween is on! In honor of the month’s thrilling, chilling holiday, our Disney Doodles series is making a switch – a witch switch – to showcase the best spell-casting, plan-spoiling witch and sorcerer characters that Disney films have served up over the years. Starting off our spooky series is Magica De Spell, the meddling witch you may remember from “Ducktales,” who was always trying to get a hold of Scrooge McDuck’s lucky Number One Dime, certain that it would make the ideal lucky charm. According to Ashley Taylor, if Magica could visit a Disney Park, she’d likely choose Magic Kingdom Park, where she’d head to Memento Mori for some magical guidance on how to obtain that Number One Dime. “Magica is always looking to cast spells on Scrooge McDuck in order to obtain his number one dime!” Ashley said. “I’d imagine she’d be inspired to shop around Madame Leota’s former abode at Memento Mori.” View the full article

A Thanksgiving Feast will be served once again at the Disneyland Hotel on Thursday, November 28th. ©Disney Booking is NOW AVAILABLE for times from 11 AM to 4 PM. The Disneyland Hotel Grand Ballroom will transform into an all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet filled with gorgeous autumn decor. Disney pals will also stop by for a few photos while you dine. Disneyland Hotel Ballroom You’ll want to leave room for seconds because the buffet will feature Thanksgiving favs and a few other specialty items. Starters and Salads will include artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, chilled poached jumbo shrimp and crab legs, market-fresh greens and composed salads, and smoked salmon. There will also be Carved-to-Order Meats which will include roast turkey and prime rib or beef. Pull out the stretchy pants because fixings and sides include homemade stuffing, sweet potato soufflé, fresh cranberry-orange relish, fall harvest vegetable medley, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy. Turkey Breast at the Feast Desserts will include a create-your-own sundae, pumpkin pie, chocolate mousse, cookies, and seasonal tarts. In case you’ve got little ones tagging along, the Children’s Buffet options include chicken nuggets, deconstructed chicken pot pie, mac and cheese, corn, and dessert. “One specialty cocktail or nonalcoholic specialty drink is provided with the buffet. In addition, a full bar selection is available for purchase, including wine by the bottle.” Please note that all menu items are subject to change. The price for Disneyland Hotel Thanksgiving is $180 (which is up quite a bit from last year) for adults and $70 for children ages 3 to 9, plus tax and gratuity. Interested guests may book online, with payment in full required at time of booking. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Are you planning to spend your Thanksgiving Holiday at The Disneyland Hotel? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Save Big on Hotels With This NEW Disneyland Discount! 2020 Disneyland Hotel Packages Are NOW Available for Booking! Calling All Haunted Mansion Lovers! Disney Introduces a Haunted Mansion Tea Party View the full article