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TODAY’S THE (TOTALLY UNEXPECTED) DAY! Walt Disney World’s Free Dining Offer is officially coming back for an unprecedented second time and will be offered to guests this Fall and Winter 2019! Disney World Free Dining FALL AND WINTER 2019 Travel Dates The Disney World Free Dining offer is available to guests ARRIVING most nights from September 1 through September 18, 2019 November 17 through November 27, 2019 December 8 through December 23, 2019 (That means you can extend a free dining stay over CHRISTMAS OR THANKSGIVING, my friends!). You may book NOW through September 29, 2019. Requirements: It looks like the minimum stay for this offer is 4 nights (versus Disney’s advertised 5 nights), and your package must include park hopper or park hopper plus tickets. (See below for participating resorts. Please note that the offer excludes several resorts this year, including 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.) Click here for answers to your Disney World Free Dining FAQs! Disney Resorts Participating in the Disney World Free Dining Offer If you stay at a participting Value or Moderate Resort, you’ll receive the Quick Service Dining plan for FREE. (Note that you can upgrade to the standard or deluxe dining plans by paying the difference in cost per night.) If you reserve a participating Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you will receive the standard Dining plan for FREE. (You can upgrade to the deluxe dining plan by paying the difference in cost per night.) Book These Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels To Receive a Free Standard Disney Dining Plan: Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Disney’s Beach Club Villas Disney’s BoardWalk Villas Disney’s Old Key West Resort Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Villas (sans Bungalows) Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa Book These Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels To Receive a Free Standard Disney Dining Plan Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Beach Club Resort Disney’s BoardWalk Inn Disney’s Contemporary Resort Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Book These Disney Moderate Resort Hotels To Receive a Free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Book These Disney Value Resort Hotels To Receive a Free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan Disney’s All-Star Music Resort Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only Disney’s Pop Century Resort Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will Free Dining Save YOU Money? We Break Down the Numbers For You… With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, start planning now! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Disney Food Blog highly recommends using a Travel Agent to help plan your vacation — and we LOVE Small World Vacations! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. (Why should you use a travel agent when you go to Disney? See what we think here! Or click here for a no obligation price quote today! And tell them DFB Sent You! Get the Magic started with Small World Vacations HERE. Important Details to Remember about Disney World Free Dining… The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Theme park tickets valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket Advance reservation required. Some table-service restaurants may have limited or no availability at time of package purchase. Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if available. Gratuities are not included. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. Pin it for later! Related posts: 2019 Disney World FREE DINING OFFER Now Available For Disney Visa Cardholders!! Disney World’s Free Dining Opportunity Ends February 10 — Time To Book Your Trip! NEWS: Disney World FREE QUICK SERVICE MEAL Package Now Booking! View the full article

We may be in the midst of summer, but in just a few months Santa Claus will be coming to town! Catal at night! And guess what one of his stops will be? Catal Restaurant in the Downtown Disney District! Catal is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We love to chow down on their French toast, wild mushroom omelet, and chilaquiles during breakfast. ©Patina Restaurant Group Get your Christmas sweaters ready because you’ll be able to meet Santa AND his elves. But this isn’t all that will be offered when Santa comes to Catal — attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a breakfast feast. This will include options like buttermilk pancakes, bacon, eggs, and more. As you dine, holiday music will fill the room as carolers sing an array of songs. And get this: there will also be a milk-and-cookies station, bottomless mimosas, and a hot cocoa cart! To make this entire morning even more magical, Santa will also gift each child a stuffed animal and a personalized stocking. ©Patina Restaurant Group If you purchase your tickets by July 31st, you’ll receive a $30 Bonus Card for the Patina Group Restaurants located in Downtown Disney, which are Catal, Uva Bar & Café, Naples Ristorante, and Tortilla Jo’s. Tickets are $89.00 for adults and $39.00 for children 3-10. This event is available on select dates from December 7 – December 24th. Catal will also validate guest parking for up to five hours. If you’re interested in meeting and dining with Santa this holiday season, you can purchase your tickets 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!! Have you made any holiday plans yet? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Taste of Downtown Disney Returning to Disneyland Resort in September! First Look and Review! Ballast Point in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District Holiday Eats and Sweets – and Starbucks! — in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District View the full article

Hello from the beautiful and colorful Art of Animation Resort! It’s been a minute since we dined here on something that wasn’t sweet… (Not that we’re complaining. I mean…have you seen THIS COOKIE!?) Art of Animation …so we decided to swing by Landscape of Flavors to see if one of our old favorites still stood up to our taste test! It’s time to go “Unda da Sea” — and no, we aren’t talking about visiting The Little Mermaid section of the resort. Little Mermaid Section We are talking about the Surf & Surf Burger! (Although, we did LOVE this Little Mermaid cupcake. Check out what’s inside HERE!) Landscape of Flavors Landscape of Flavors is the Resort’s food court — and it’s quite unlike any of the other Value Resort quick-service locations. The menu items are far beyond your classic pizza, burgers, and chicken nuggets (though they do have all of these things!). Tandoori Chicken In the past, we’ve tried the Build Your Own Salad bar, Tandoori Chicken, and Polenta Stuffed Meatballs. Does that sound like a typical food court? But today, our sights were set on the Grill Station. Grill Menu The Surf and Surf Burger is a seafood lover’s dream come true. TWO kinds of seafood on one bun? Yes, please. Surf and Surf Burger The Surf and Surf Burger consists of a crab cake, fried popcorn shrimp, tomato, lettuce, and cajun remoulade on a brioche bun. While it’s listed with French Fries and choice of one side, the Cast Member actually just told us to pick any two sides. We opted for homemade chips and Caesar salad. Coleslaw was also an option. Surf and Surf Burger Open Face The burger comes presented open-faced so you can see the yummy seafood and top it yourself. In addition to lettuce and tomato, pickles and onions were available upon request. We liked that you could add them yourself in case you didn’t care for an item or didn’t want your burger to get soggy before you actually ate it. Surf and Surf Burger So how was the burger? In a word: delicious. The crab cake itself was moist and full of the bright, sweet flavor you want in crab. The popcorn shrimp were crunchy and salty (in a good way), yet the breading didn’t overpower the bite. The vegetables were fresh and crisp. Finally, we loved the cajun remoulade. It had a subtle heat and lots of bold flavor — in fact, our only real complaint is that we could’ve used more of it (so order extra on the side)! Surf and Surf Burger with Sides In regards to the sides, they were good, but boring. The Caesar salad had a nice crunch and zingy dressing. Was it the best Caesar I’ve ever had? No. But it was a great side option if you’re in the mood for something more green and less fried. And speaking of fried, the homemade chips are tasty, but they didn’t blow us away. They had nice subtle spices, but truthfully we wish we would’ve asked for extra cajun remoulade to dip them in. Oh well…there’s always next time! Surf and Surf Burger Cross Section So is the Surf and Surf Burger still a winner? All signs point to yes! A unique twist on a Food Court favorite? Check. Fresh ingredients? Check. Tasty seafood? Double-check! That said, it is a rather pricey Quick Service Meal at $14.29. With the two sides, you could possibly split it between two not-super-hungry folks, or it’s an excellent use of a Disney Dining Plan quick-service meal credit. Overall, while the menu has changed a LOT at Landscape of Flavors since it opened, the Surf and Surf has remained a steady option. And today’s taste test sure showed why! See more Art of Animation Landscape of Flavors reviews and highlights here! Want to see MORE of Art of Animation Resort? Check out our thoughts about it in our Disney World Value Resorts Food Tour! What’s your favorite item at Landscape of Flavors? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Review: Landscape of Flavors at Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort! What’s New at Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort What’s New at Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts: Menu Changes PLUS Skyliner Updates! View the full article

We know what you guys are probably thinking — you could fill an entire grotto with all The Little Mermaid merchandise in the Disney parks right now! ©Walt Disney Studios We’ve talked about bracelets, mugs, Magic Bands, and more. But TODAY, we’re here to tell you about some new merchandise — BAGS! Yeah, that’s right! There’s a new Seashell Purse in Downtown Disney’s World of Disney! The Little Mermaid Display at World of Disney The shiny AND glittery (!!!) purse is a crossbody, so you can sail from ride to restaurant without losing your gizmos. It’s the perfect place to store all your treasure (or snacks, TBH). Shell Purse There’s even an Ariel silhouette and signature on the bag! For only $24.99, Scuttle might want one of these as safekeeping for his snarfblatt… Ariel Signature and Silhouette Mermaid leggings and a shell purse? We’re going to look fin-tastic in and out of the parks, you guys! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you picked up the Shell Purse yet? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Breakfast Cereal Cupcakes Return To Sprinkles TODAY! — See When You’ll Find Your Favorite! We Found A Disney Food DRESS You Have To SEE! What’s New in Disneyland Resort: SO MUCH! View the full article

Call up Snow White because we think that she’s going to want to try this fall-flavored dessert from Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor! Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor It’s APPLE TIME! At least it almost is. And Disneyland is getting a leg-up by bringing back a favorite from last year! The Apple Pie Sundae has made a sticky and delicious return to Disneyland’s Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor! Apple Pie Sundae Sign Previously, the dessert was called the Apple Pie a la Mode. In the past, it was served during Halloween Time, but now we get to have this confection IN THE SUMMER! Gibson Girl Halloween Time Menu The vanilla ice cream sundae is topped with caramelized apples, caramel, and a graham cracker streusel. Yes, it’s basically like eating your mom’s homemade apple pie but better (just don’t tell your mom we said that). Apple Pie Sundae Warm, cold, melty, AND crunchy?! You guys, this sundae is amazinggg! There was plenty of caramelized apple and graham cracker streusel topping to balance the amount of ice cream in the bowl. Before taking a generous bite, a Cast Member did warn us that the apples were hot. Boy, was he right…but in the BEST way! A Bite into the Sundae! The warmth from the apples blended beautifully with each scoop of cold ice cream. The only issue we ran into was how quickly this sundae melted! The heat from the apples caused the ice cream to drip, causing the texture to become muddled near the end. Still, we ate it so fast that we were left wanting more. This is a great treat you can enjoy in the summer sun or in the evening after dinner! It can be purchased for $7.99 (we’ll take 3). You may want to hurry, though. The Apple Pie Sundae will only be around until the end of July! (But fingers crossed it comes back for Halloween Time again!) Here’s a tip for the readers already racing over to Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor to get this sundae: the advertisement for the Apple Pie Sundae wasn’t out when we visited, so make sure to still ask for it, even you don’t see the sign! 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 tried the Apple Pie Sundae yet? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Review: Apple Pie a la Mode in Disneyland for Halloween Time! REVIEW: Spice Up Your Life with Disneyland’s NEWEST Dole Whip Treat! NEWS and Review: NEW Bubble Waffle Trophy Slides Into Disney Springs! View the full article

From Contempo Cafe and Roaring Fork to The Mara and Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory, there are a LOT of great counter service spots in Disney World’s resort hotels. Today we’re excited to give you a NEW review of The Artist’s Palette at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort! Artist’s Palette The menu recently got an update and we couldn’t wait to try a few items! Atmosphere Our first stop at The Artist’s Palette was the outdoor seating area. Pool-Side Entrance to The Artist’s Palette The circulating fans certainly helped to combat the summer heat, but we were ready to head inside! Outdoor Seating Area The restaurant itself uses primary colors in its decor that look like paint splotches before they’re mixed. Indoor Seating The canvases placed around the area are abstract works of art that peek into the mind of the artist who created them! We ADORED this idea the last time we were here and we still love it! Canvases and Chandeliers The lamps, chandeliers, and overall atmosphere hadn’t changed a bit! The layout was the only new modification with the tables arranged to seat more guests. It would’ve been fun to see a few more changes to the decor, but we still enjoy the unique look of The Artist’s Palette! New Booths for Indoor Seating Although we were there to sit down and have a meal, there was a grab-and-go area for those looking to grab a bite before heading into the parks or taking a dip in the pool! Quick-Service Area at The Artist’s Palette Sweets Galore for Sale! Snacks — fruit, candy, cookies — and bottled beverages were available for purchase. Bottled Beverages Fruit Rack There merchandise area to the right featured special Disney Vacation Club items and even an Imagination Pink display! The Artist’s Palette Merchandise Shop If you look closely, you can spot the Artists of the Day board, which showcases artwork from some of the resort’s youngest (and cutest!) guests. We may have some future Imagineers visiting the resorts, you guys! The Artist of the Day (Right-Hand Corner) Is a Great Way for Kids to Show Off Their Skills Now let’s dive into that new menu! Eats The Artist’s Palette has a beautifully vibrant atmosphere, so it only makes sense it has eye-catching desserts to go along with it. Bakery Menu Sign Although we, unfortunately, didn’t get a chance to try any of them on this visit (we’ll just have to come back another time!), the pastry and bakery cases always have some delicious-looking options. Pastry Case We spotted a fruit tart, cheesecake, cannoli, and the Genie’s Magical Lamp Cupcake… Bakery Case … but the best-looking treats were the Briar Rose Cupcake, Oreo Hazelnut Cupcake, and the Milk and Cookies Cupcake! Most of them are available for $5.99 or a Disney Dining Plan snack credit. Milk and Cookies Cupcake Oreo Hazelnut Cupcake Briar Rose Cupcake You can even pick up your own Mickey White or Dark Chocolate Dome Cake for $35! Mickey Dome Cake The entrance for the counter-service line was neatly sectioned by ropes. While waiting, you are able to peer in to see a few items in the display case if you have trouble deciding what you want to eat. This is a great idea for children who are picky eaters! Making a choice is much easier if you can see what the finished product looks like (at least it is for us!). Counter-Service Entrance Upon entering the line, you can take a look at a handheld menu… Handheld Menu at The Artist’s Palette … or the surrounding screens with the menu options. Menu Screen at The Artist’s Palette We spotted numerous eats on the menu, including kids’ meals and sandwiches… Menu Screen at The Artist’s Palette …salads… Menu Screen at The Artist’s Palette …and pizzas! We spotted chili and soups on the menu as well! Menu Screen at The Artist’s Palette Menu Screen at The Artist’s Palette After deciding to go with the new Reuben Sandwich ($10.99) and the Beef and Egg Thin-Crust Pie ($10.99), we checked out at the cashier directly behind the counter-service area. We’d been at Artist’s Palette not long ago to check out that change to house-made pizza dough (read all about it here!); but the Beef and Egg pie was new since then, and we knew we had to try it! We received a tracker for our table so our meals could be brought out to us in a timely fashion. Cashier at the Check-Out Counter The beverage and condiment station before the seating area has everything you might need to make sure your eats are dressed to the nines. And it even has a microwave to heat up any frozen items you might purchase in the refrigerated section of the shop. (FYI, many DVC resorts do offer frozen items in their shops since so many of the guests have freezers in their villas and cook their own meals while staying on property.) Condiment and Beverage Station After picking a spot outside, we set the tracker down in the designated spot. The Artist’s Palette Tracker We only waited a short period of time before we had our food brought to us on a tray. Beef and Egg Thin-Crust Pie While both meals were yummy, the Beef and Egg Thin-Crust Pie was AMAZING! It consisted of sliced roast beef, tomato pesto, a three-cheese blend, and a sunny-side-up egg! Beef and Egg Thin-Crust Pie The crust was crunchy and savory — just right. The sauce and cheese were evenly distributed so the pizza wasn’t soggy or greasy. Beef and Egg Thin-Crust Pie The arugula added a nice, peppery touch, but the egg was the stand-out ingredient! It melted over the pizza, providing a nice twist to each bite. Beef and Egg Thin-Crust Pie After eating the pizza first, we were happy to discover that the Reuben Sandwich held up! The bread was still crispy, despite the cheese and sauce on the bottom side. Reuben Sandwich The ingredients were all fresh and portioned well. We especially loved how much horseradish sauce was on the sandwich! Reuben Sandwich If you’re a fan of Reubens, you’ll LOVE this! It was a great tasting take on a classic. Reuben Sandwich While the sandwich was great, our favorite part was the house-made chips. The seasoning is slightly spicy, but not overwhelming. We could eat these all day, every day! Reuben Sandwich Both meals are slightly on the larger side and could easily be shared between two people. You’ll get lots of bang for your buck over at The Artist’s Palette! Overall We were pleased with the dishes we tried at The Artist’s Palette and were glad to see the additional seating. While it would’ve been awesome to see some new changes to the decor, we still love the counter-service spot’s unique look! And while it STILL doesn’t really make sense for you to trek ALL the way over to Artist’s Palette for a meal if you’re not staying at Saratoga Springs Resort (that beef and egg thing was good, but not destination-worthy), it’s a decent option if you’re staying at the resort for sure! (Especially that fun bakery case.) What is your favorite thing to get at the Artist’s Palette? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: REVIEW: A New Ingredient Makes These Disney World Limited Time Fries Even HOTTER! NEW! Caramel Chocolate Chip Cupcake —and a DISCOUNT! — at Sprinkles in Disney Springs and Downtown Disney NEW! Cookie-Filled Sundae Arrives at Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs! View the full article

We’ve previously shared some adorable Play Disney Parks pins to commemorate your digital achievements within the app, and now we’re excited to announce the launch of three new pins! Perfect for decorating your lanyard, backpack, hat and more, guests can now purchase these new pins for earning the following ride achievements at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort: High Seas Scallywag at Pirates of the Caribbean, Hitchhiking Ghost at Haunted Mansion and Star Tourist at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue! Featuring characters and icons from these beloved attractions, these adorable Disney pins can be found at select locations, while supplies last. To earn these achievements in the Play Disney Parks app, guests simply need to be logged in, opted into Bluetooth and Location Services, and ride the attractions featuring the achievements. Once the qualifying achievement has been earned and unlocked in the app, guests can show the digital achievement screen to a cast member to purchase the applicable commemorative pin.* Guests at the Disneyland Resort can purchase the High Seas Scallywag and Hitchhiking Ghost pin at Pieces of Eight in New Orleans Square. The Star Tourist pin is available at The Star Trader located in Tomorrowland. All of the pins can be found at Westward Ho Trading Company in Frontierland. If you are visiting Walt Disney World Resort, you can find the High Seas Scallywag pin at Plaza del Sol Caribe Bazaar and the Hitchhiking Ghost pin at Memento Mori – both located in Magic Kingdom Park. Over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can purchase the Star Tourist pin at Tatooine Traders. The entire collection is available at Frontier Trading Post back in Magic Kingdom Park. Don’t forget to download the Play Disney Parks app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store before your visit to collect your ride achievements and explore all of the exciting experiences available in the app. From specially curated playlists available through Apple Music® to interactive experiences, Disney Trivia to uniquely themed achievements across both resorts, Play Disney Parks has fun for all to enjoy together. You can even explore your Star Wars: Datapad in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, now open at Disneyland Resort and opening August 29 at Walt Disney World Resort. Whether you’ve sailed the seven seas, encountered grim-grinning ghosts or explored a galaxy far, far away, these pins are sure to help you celebrate your adventures! Commemorate your achievements and see if you can collect them all, while supplies last! Which new pin are you most excited to add to your collection? *Offer valid while supplies last, and is subject to restrictions, change and cancellation at any time. One pin purchase per applicable achievement per Disney account. Available for iPhone® and smartphones for AndroidTM. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. Music streaming feature requires an Apple Music subscription. Separate Apple Music terms and conditions apply. Subscription plan renews automatically after trial. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Some features require separate theme park admission. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. View the full article

Are you on the hunt for a good Disney discount? Do you have a Disney Visa or have you thought about applying for one? If so, we’ve got some news for you! Disney Visa Today, information for a hefty Disney Visa discount was released! So get your money savin’ notes out, because this should be a great way to keep some of your hard-earned dollars in the bank! On select nights from July 15th – September 28th, guests staying at select Disney Resorts can save up to 35% on their room. Of course, a few rules and regulations apply. One of these being that you’ve gotta stay at Art of Animation, All-Star Sports, Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Animal Kingdom Lodge, or Saratoga Springs. Animal Kingdom Lodge Discounts Available For Each Resort Art of Animation and All-Star Sports – up to 25% 0ff Port Orleans Riverside – up to 20% 0ff Coronado Springs – up to 30% 0ff Animal Kingdom Lodge and Saratoga Springs -up to 35% off (excluding 3-bedroom grand villa) Port Orleans — Riverside AND remember that new Gran Destino Tower we chatted with you guys about last week? Well, you can stay in the tower in a water view room for $199 plus tax on select nights during the dates listed above! Gran Destino Tower Your booking/travel dates must fall between July 15th and September 28th, you must book using your Disney Visa, and package restrictions may apply! When it comes to booking, be sure to reach out to our friends over at Small World Vacations! They’re a great company to help you with all your travel needs. Will you be taking advantage of this offer? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: 2018 Disney World Free Dining Offer for Disney Visa Cardholders MagicBand Upgrades for Disney World Resort Guests and Annual Passholders Now Live on My Disney Experience Celebrate Father’s Day at Disney World with Limited-Time CUPCAKES! View the full article

I’m guessing that you already know that the MENUS have been released for the 2019 International Food & Wine Festival! But, did you know that MOST of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers have been released too? Eat to the Beat! Today, another performer has been added to the nearly complete lineup! We’ve already given you a look as performers like Sheena Easton, Kenny G, and 98° were announced! And now, we’re excited to share that Tiffany will be returning to the Eat to the Beat lineup from September 13-15. Tiffany performed at the 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Series The shows take place during the International Food and Wine Festival at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot. There will be a concert each day from August 29th (which also happens to be the opening day of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) through November 19th. Sugar Ray performs during the Eat to the Beat concert series Eat to the Beat Concert Series Line-Up Though we are still missing a performer for November 12-14, you can check out the list up to this point below! Plain White T’s – August 29 through 31 Sawyer Brown – September 1 through 2 MercyMe – September 3 through 4 Grace Kelly – September 5 through 6 Zach Williams – September 7 through 8 Lauren Daigle – September 9 through 10 Jimmie Allen – September 11 through 12 Tiffany – September 13 through 15 The Allman Betts Band – September 16 through 17 Everclear – September 18 through 19 STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas – September 20 through 22 Postmodern Jukebox – September 23 through 24 Blue October – September 25 through 26 Mark Wills – September 27 through 29 Sugar Ray – September 30 through October 2 Taylor Dayne – October 3 through 4 INDIA – October 5 through 6 98° – October 7 through 9 Boyce Avenue – October 10 through 11 Southern Avenue – October 12 through 13 Kenny G – October 14 through 15 38 Special – October 16 through 17 Baha Men – October 18 through 20 Billy Ocean – October 21 through 22 Sheila E. – October 23 through 25 High Valley- October 26 through 27 Hanson – October 28 through 30 Sheena Easton – October 31 through November 1 Kris Allen – November 2 through 3 Boyz II Men – November 4 through 6 The Hooters – November 7 through 8 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – November 9 through 11 TBD – November 12 through 14 BBMak – November 15 through 16 Spanish Harlem Orchestra – November 17 through 18 D’Cappella – November 19 This happens to be Disney’s biggest lineup ever! Can you believe it? These shows take typically take place on Sundays-Thursdays at 5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, they take place a bit later at 6:30 PM, 7:45 PM, and 9:00 PM. Remember to check the Daily Schedule! Learn more about the 2019 International Food and Wine Festival here! What performer are you running to Florida to see? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Check It Out! runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Medals Revealed! Tips From the DFB Guide: Do I Need Advance Dining Reservations During the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Here’s What We Can’t WAIT To Try At The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

One of the incredible things about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that visitors to the planet Batuu admire is the amazing landscape and rockwork throughout the land. When we set out to make a real place in the Star Wars galaxy with its own unique geography, we came up with a planet that thousands of years ago was covered by giant trees, many of them thousands of feet tall. Although it is not quite known what happened to these trees over the centuries, over time they became the petrified spires that dominate the landscape today. Black Spire Outpost even takes its name from one such spire, darker than all the rest and located in the center of the outpost. It takes a talented team to create the more than 200,000 square feet of amazing artificial rockwork throughout the land. Zsolt Hormay is a creative executive at Walt Disney Imagineering with many years of design experience and oversees the teams that have built some of the amazing landmarks of Disney’s theme parks including Typhoon Lagoon, the Tree of Life at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Cadillac Mountain Range of Cars Land and the otherworldly look of Pandora- The World of Avatar. Zsolt and his team of talented international artists brought their level of craftmanship and artistry to Batuu. I asked Zsolt to answer a few questions about what it takes not only for his team to create this beautiful rockwork, but also about the themed finishes on the buildings in the land that give Black Spire Outpost and the rest of the planet their distinctive look. You oversee the Themed Finishes studio. What does that include in addition to creating rockwork? The Themed Finishes Art Studio consists of four major disciplines including Rockwork, Character Façade, Character Paint and Hardscape. Also, starting on Pandora – The World of Avatar, we added exterior Artificial Foliage to the Studio as well. What makes a themed finish believable? The goal is to have our guests NOT question the finishes but accept them as real for what they are in the context of the storyline. All the tricks that we have developed over the years to fool the eye – the layering of textures and paint techniques, aging, adding moss and lichens, using translucent materials to make the black spires look like gigantic pieces of obsidian, paying extra attention to the hardscape materials to support the narrative, just to mention a few – if the guests don’t question the finishes at all, then we are successful! For the rockwork creation (more than 200,000 square feet of rockwork), how big was your team and how long were you all working on this? Between the two coasts we had about 110 people working on the finishes including field art directors and artisans. I personally have been working on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both California and Florida since the very first 1:100 inch scale model was produced about five years ago. Most of my team joined the project about two years ago when the field installation began. What were some of the inspirations for creating the rockwork? We wanted to make sure that we created a landscape that is undoubtedly Star Wars and does not remind our guests of any other land that was created previously. We knew that we had to have some vertical elements as a unique description of the landscape, thus we ended up with the idea of an ancient petrified forest. The challenge was to avoid repetition between each spire but still having them look like they belong to the same forest. What are the steps in creating rockwork (from the model to the finished paint on the rockwork)? We start the dimensional design process on a small-scale (1:100 inch) model to define the layout of the land. Once that is agreed upon, we further develop the design on the next scale (1:50 inch) model that helps us to define further details and elements. The final steps of the design happen on the 1:25 inch scale model where we finalize the textures and color composition that help us to capture the final scope and the final creative intent including artificial foliage. Once the design is complete, we scan the model and create a digital mesh file that is used to drive a computer that bends the metal bars for the underlying structure. Once we have all the challenging textures/finishes sampled, we start the full-scale installation of individual pieces (which acts almost like a 3D puzzle), then add the initial coat of cement, and ultimately our artisans hand sculpt the final cement and apply the finishing layers of paint. How did you manage your team creating two sets of rockwork for two project sites simultaneously? Each site has its own unique differences that required variations in the approach – the quality of the sky and clouds, North-facing versus South-facing, how the sun travels across the landscape, etc. But we need them to tell the same story. So it was a lot of flying back and forth and a rigorous line of communication between the field art directors on the different coasts. And it was very important to regularly have the same set of eyes on both coasts to help maintain the overall creative intent. What are you most proud of for the finished rockwork in the land? I think that the fact that we could once again raise the bar in terms of the quality of the sculpting and character paint is not a small feat given all the amazing projects we had done in the past. But first and foremost, I am most proud of the incredible international team that created them! I also want to share with you a video highlighting a few of the many phases of creating the rockwork not only for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, but also for some of the many other projects that Zsolt and his talented team have created for Disney’s theme parks around the world. View the full article

Stars of Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ Surprise Guests at ‘Festival of the Lion King’ View the full article

The opening of the live-action version of The Lion King is almost here! I still can’t believe that we’ll get to see Simba and the gang back in action on the big screen on Friday, July 19th! Can you? Celebrating The Lion King To get everyone at the Disney Parks even more excited for the big release, Disney has introduced a ton of themed merchandise like the new Dooney & Bourke collection and lots of fun snacks like the Grub Burger from D-Luxe Burger. But, today, Disney introduced a new opportunity inspired by The Lion King that will soon arrive at Animal Kingdom. You just might need some explorer binoculars for this adventure! Beginning later this week, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will introduce the new The Lion King Scavenger Hunt. This hunt will allow guests to search throughout Harambe Village for some of their favorite characters, much like the Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt that takes place at Epcot in the spring. But instead of eggs, guests will search for carvings. ©Disney You can pick up a map at The Outpost Shop, Discovery Trading Company, Island Mercantile, and Mombasa Marketplace. And get this! Whether you find all the carvings or not, you can return your map to Mombasa Marketplace or The Outpost Shop for a special surprise! This fun-filled opportunity will begin on July 19th and should last until September 28th. Looking for other scavenger hunts around Walt Disney World? Then be sure to check out the scavenger hunt that allowed us to score a FREE Skyliner pin! What’s your favorite free activity at Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEWS! “The Lion King” Dooney & Bourke Collection Will Roar into Disney World SOON! New Lion King Merchandise ROARS into Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party Brings the Beat at Animal Kingdom! View the full article

It’s hard to believe that the holidays are JUST FIVE MONTHS away! (But they totally are. You DO realize, that, right?) And that means now is the perfect time to get started on all things Disney + Holidays by pre-ordering the DFB Guide the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019 e-Book! I KNOW! I’M EXCITED, TOO!!!! Cinderella Castle all lit up during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! This is going to be the most incredible Holiday Season EVER at Walt Disney World — with NEW Animal Kingdom additions, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge OPEN FOR BUSINESS, and more additions and extras being added each day! So if you’ve got a holiday Disney trip on the horizon…then it’s REALLY TIME TO START PLANNING! We want you to have all the info you need…and to get it at a DISCOUNT! Pre-order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2019 NOW! Use code PEPPERMINT and get 20% off the cover price today when you pre-order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019! Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2019 and Save! We’re busy as elves (HA!) updating the 2019 guide with all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks and resorts this November, December, and January! We cover EVERYTHING in this one — not just food! With over 300 pages of detailed information, over 300 color photos, and multiple bonus extras, this e-book WILL save you time and money during the busiest season in Walt Disney World! Pre-Order the 2019 Holiday Guide today for 20% off the regular purchase price for a limited time! How? Use code PEPPERMINT at the check-out! The best part? When you pre-order the 2019 Guide right now, you’ll get the 2018 Guide immediately for FREE, so you can start your planning! And don’t worry. As soon as we have all of the nitty gritty details in the 2019 Guide we’ll have it out to you automagically via email (probably around November 2nd). So Why Do I Need This Book?! I’m so glad you asked!! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2019 e-Book provides you with all the info you need to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season. The fully-updated 2019 edition will include: Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting! A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2019” events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Seasons Greetings, Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, and more! A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants. Updated chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations. Updated chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season. A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you. Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season. Updated Scavenger Hunts for every theme park A Preview of the 2019 Holidays in Disney World And more! And when you pre-order it now, you’ll save 20% with promo code PEPPERMINT AND get the 2018 guide immediately, for FREE! Bundle and Save Even MORE! For a great deal, visit the DFB Store and check out the DFB Holiday Bundle which includes the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2019 and the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2019 pre-order! Save more with the Holiday Bundle! And, when you order the Holiday Bundle now you’ll get the 2018 Holiday Guide as a FREE instant download! Wanna know more before you commit? See what other readers just like you are saying about our collection of DFB Guide Books at the DFB Store Testimonials Page! Start planning your Disney World holiday season visit today! Bring Them With You Wherever You Go! As always, we’ve made all of our e-books instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. Take them with you into the parks to get easy access to all the info you need…WHEN you need it! Use code PEPPERMINT and get 20% off the cover price today when you pre-order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! Related posts: Start Planning Your Next Disney Vacation with A BIG Sale on the DFB Everything Bundle! Today is THE DAY! Pre-Order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2019 E-book Now! It’s Black Friday! And We’re Having the BIGGEST SALE OF THE YEAR at the DFB Store! View the full article

We’re singing “Hakuna Matata” at the top of our lungs since the live-action version of The Lion King opens in just a few days on Friday, July 19th! The Lion King Celebration In preparation for the exciting film release, Disney has introduced themed merchandise, shows (like the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party), and delicious treats. But now, Disney has announced that even MORE fun stuff inspired by The Lion King is on the way to the parks. We’re talkin’ about a new Dooney & Bourke Collection, people! Oh yeah, an all-new Dooney collection has been created and it features some of our favorite characters from The Lion King like Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa. ©Disney This new collection includes a satchel, crossbody, and tote and can be found at Mombasa Marketplace and Discovery Trading Company in Disney’s Animal Kingdom beginning July 19th. As far as we know, this collection will only be available at Animal Kingdom but we’ll let you know if it shows up elsewhere! Other unique Lion King offerings around Walt Disney World include The Lion King Collection at Uniqlo, The Lion King Petit Cake at Amorette’s Patisserie, The Lion King snacks around Animal Kingdom, and the opportunity to help save the lions by riding a popular Animal Kingdom attraction. Lion King Petit Cake Looking for other new Disney Dooney & Bourke collections? Then, be sure to check out the links below! NOW AVAILABLE on shopDisney: Toy Story 4 Dooney & Bourke Collection! New Dooney & Bourke Cat Collection Spotted at Disney Springs New Aladdin-Inspired Dooney and Bourke Collection Puts the Spotlight on Jasmine How will you celebrate The Lion King‘s 25th Anniversary and live-action film release? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party Brings the Beat at Animal Kingdom! New Lion King Merchandise ROARS into Disney’s Animal Kingdom! One Year In, These Are The Best Snacks in Disney World’s Pandora, The World of Avatar! View the full article

It’s FINALLY TIME!!! We’re so excited to share this news about such a highly anticipated new transportation system in Disney World! Disney’s NEW Skyliner Transportation System! We’ve finally got an official OPENING DATE for the Disney Skyliner gondolas in Disney World! The ski-lift-esque transportation system will connect Epcot and Hollywood Studios to Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney’s Riviera Resort. Since all of these resorts (except Riviera, which isn’t open yet) previously only had bus service around the parks, this is SUPER exciting. And we can ALL start riding in our very own gondolas on September 29th, 2019!! Which skyliner gondola are you hoping to ride in? For me, I’m waiting for the Hitchhiking Ghosts from Haunted Mansion, but I’ll settle for the 7 Dwarfs. ;-D Related posts: How Do The 10 Biggest Disney News Stories This Year Affect Your Disney Trips in 2019? Find Out! FIRST LOOK!! Unwrapped Skyliner Gondolas Testing in Disney World! The Year in Review: Top Disney News Stories of 2017 View the full article

Disney Skyliner Takes Flight on Sept 29, 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

The dawn of a new era in Disney transportation is right around the corner! On September 29, Disney Skyliner gondolas will take flight and officially begin transporting guests around Walt Disney World Resort. As many of you have seen, this state-of-the-art transportation system offers a new way to experience the resort with amazing views only available from the sky. Disney Skyliner connects Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot to four resort hotels- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and the new Disney’s Riviera Resort scheduled to open in December 2019. Some Disney Skyliner cabins feature graphics based on Disney films, attractions and characters. We previously featured a few of the character cabins on the Disney Parks Blog, including those with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pluto and Chip & Dale. Other Disney stories taking flight with guests include: “Coco” Goofy, Pete, Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow “Finding Dory” Haunted Mansion “Monsters, Inc.” Pirates of the Caribbean “Ratatouille” Before you know it, Disney Skyliner will be floating guests across Walt Disney World Resort! Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more details in the coming weeks. View the full article

Heading to Magic Kingdom? Coming back from Epcot? Wherever you’re going, you can travel in STYLE! Mickey Bus They’re here, you guys! The Sensational Six Buses are rolling out around Disney World. While we gave you a little sneak peek into what to expect before, we can now take you INSIDE with us!! Although we’ve already seen what the Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto buses look like… Minnie Bus Pluto Bus … We were thrilled to spot Daisy, Donald, and Goofy out on the roads as well! Donald Bus Goofy Bus Blue, red, yellow, pink — color us happy!! The vibrant palettes make driving to the parks that much more exciting. Each color scheme perfectly match its character. Seriously, how cute is the pastel purple and teal on Daisy’s bus?! Daisy Bus But the inside has had a little update as well! Inside the Sensational Six Buses! The laminate floors have a wood-look finish, and the plastic blue and gray seats hide a little surprise!! New Bus Interior Hallelujah, my friends! Between each set of seats, there are two USB ports for guests to use!! What an awesome way to keep our phones charged so we can give you all the exciting DFB news on Instagram! USB Ports The Sensational Six Buses are going to all the Disney parks currently. So sit back, relax, and feel as fabulous as your transportation looks! Have you taken a ride on any of the new buses yet? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: NEWS: Sensational Six Buses Set To Debut in Disney World…And Wait ‘Til You See What’s INSIDE! NEW! Caramel Chocolate Chip Cupcake —and a DISCOUNT! — at Sprinkles in Disney Springs and Downtown Disney Ride in Style with These Fun NEW Magnets in Disney Springs! View the full article

Disney World’s Riviera Resort is slated to open THIS YEAR and we can hardly wait! The new Disney Vacation Club resort is expected to open December 16 and will offer views of the Epcot and Hollywood Studios’ nighttime shows, Disney Skyliner access, AND a highly-anticipated new restaurant (with a character meal!), Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera. Disney’s Riviera Resort Logo ©Disney Today, we got another sneak peek at the European-inspired resort! ©Disney Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels to the Mediterranean coast. The resort’s architecture and design will blend French and Italian styles for a modern, yet classic European look. Sounds like the perfect vacation from your vacation! ©Disney According to Disney, the resort’s “articulated stone base and smooth stucco façades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region.” The center building will be the focal point of the resort, while the additional wings are supposed to act as layers of architectural history, according to Disney. The buildings will vary in height from eight to 10 stories, so if you’re planning to dine at Topolino’s Terrace, you’ll have wonderful views of the whole resort! ©Disney Features such as “porticos, towers and terraces” and a “coastal-inspired color palette” will allow each building to have a unique exterior style, reminiscent of the varying architectural styles of the 20th century. Window styles will also vary throughout the resort, and you just might see motifs of Mickey and Minnie Mouse! ©Disney Disney’s Riviera Resort and Topolino’s Terrace are currently available for bookings beginning December 16. We can’t wait to see you at the Riviera later this year! Read more about what to expect at Topolino’s Terrace (and see some menu items!) HERE! Are you excited to visit the Riviera Resort? 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! General Sales Now Open — And Introductory Membership Offer Announced — For Disney’s Riviera Resort Spotted! Merchandise for Disney World’s Upcoming Riviera Resort View the full article

Hello friends! We’re back with another DFB Video, and today we’re exploring The Secrets About Disney World’s Magic Bands!! Farewell IllumiNations MagicBand In our latest video, we explore the history of MagicBands and debunk a few myths and rumors about MagicBands! But beyond this, we explore discounted upgrades, MagicBand use, and disconnecting your MagicBand after your trip. You can learn all this and more in our latest DFB video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know what myth you’ve always believed about MagicBands. Related posts: DFB Video: How Disney Is Tracking You with Technology DFB Video: Food Tour of Disney World’s BoardWalk Resort DFB Video: Are These Disney World Upgrades Worth It? Part 2 View the full article

The holidays are quickly approaching, my friends! And with that will come fun-filled holiday events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, a NEW Animal Kingdom holiday celebration, Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, and Hollywood Studios’ Jingle Bell Jingle BAM as well as its Flurry of Fun (and FOOD!). Hollywood Studios is ready for the Holidays! TODAY we have fun news — this year’s DATES for Jingle Bell Jingle BAM in the Studios! Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM will officially return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 8, 2019, and will run each night until January 5, 2020. The Chinese Theatre will come to life as scenes from films like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Mickey’s Christmas Carol are projected against its walls. Guests will have the opportunity to feel the magic of the holiday season as they sing along to songs with Minnie, Mickey, Olaf, and more! Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM 2018 Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM will light up the Hollywood Studios streets and skies with its outstanding laser effects and fireworks! And, did you know that it actually can snow at Disney World? Well, during the holidays it does all the time! And you can experience this “snow” first hand during the show’s finale. Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun Now, we don’t officially have dates for Jingle Bell Jingle Bam’s celebration sister, Flurry of Fun, but we’re hoping it comes back at the same time this year! In the two previous Flurry of Fun years, we loved the Spiked Hot Chocolate Flight! You can read our full Spiked Hot Chocolate Flight review here. Hot Cocoa Flight A few other holiday favorites that we hope make their way back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season are the Eggnog Panna Cotta and the Holiday Shortbread Cookies from the Flurry of Fun menu! Eggnog Panna Cotta Are you headed to Disney World for the holidays?? What show or event is your favorite? Will you be visiting Disney World this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Oasis Canteen Is No More! PLUS Jessie’s New Meet and Greet Location and Forky’s Photo Opp… Disney Skyliner Construction Update: Rescue Barge, Restroom Construction, Signage, and More!! What’s New in Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Menu Updates, Merchandise, and Missing Skyliner Gondolas! View the full article

This summer, we’ve been celebrating the upcoming release of Disney’s “The Lion King” on the Disney Parks Blog with a variety of stories. Now, we’re offering the opportunity to be among the very first to see it at a special opening night showing of the film on July 18, 2019, at the AMC Disney Springs 24! “The Lion King” Disney Parks Blog Meet-Up begins at 5 p.m. ET (doors open at 3:30 p.m.) at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort on Thursday, July 18. During the event, you’ll see a special 5 p.m. opening night showing of Disney’s “The Lion King.” Disney’s upcoming film journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, and utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way. You can RSVP to join us at this exciting meet-up right now by clicking here. Only one guest per confirmed registrant is permitted. A limited number of attendees may attend the meet-up, so be one of the first to sign up. First come, first served. Also, here are a few things you should know: All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older. Please arrive early. Seating is first come first seated. No one will be admitted late. “The Lion King” is rated PG. Limit one guest per registrant. We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up. If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check-in in advance of the movie time. The confirmation email will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted. The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice. This post will be updated after capacity has been reached. View the full article

As regular readers know, we’re celebrating “The Lion King” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with current offerings such as Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, photo opportunities featuring dimensional backgrounds and “Rivers of Light: We Are One,” the reimagined show introducing additional, stunning imagery and familiar animal characters from Disneynature films, along with a colorful tapestry of classic moments from Disney animation. And today, we have a first look at new merchandise and a unique experience starting on July 19 inspired by the animated classic that we all love! A new Dooney & Bourke collection will be available at Mombasa Marketplace and Discovery Trading Company. The collection includes a satchel, crossbody and tote with a pattern featuring beloved characters such as Simba, Nala, Timon and Pumbaa. These handbags will be available to guests on July 19 while supplies last. In addition to merchandise, starting on July 19, all guests will be able to experience a new scavenger hunt in Africa themed to “The Lion King.” Some of your favorite characters are hidden around Harambe Village. Each time you spot one, add the corresponding sticker to your map. The map will be available at Outpost, Discovery Trading Company, Island Mercantile, and Mombasa Marketplace. Whether you choose to hunt for all the carvings or not, return your map to Mombasa Marketplace in Harambe or The Outpost Shop in the Oasis by September 28, 2019 or while supplies last for a savanna surprise. *Maps and stickers available while supplies last. Limit one surprise per map. Separate admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom is required and the experience is subject to change without notice.* From plush to headbands, you can find an array of roar-tastic items right now! Guests can visit locations such as Mombasa Marketplace, Island Mercantile and Discovery Trading Company to purchase new “The Lion King” merchandise inspired by the animated classic. Also, be on the look-out for a whole pride of eats and treats to celebrate some of your favorite characters and moments with our “The Lion King”-inspired foodie guide. View the full article

For centuries, the European Riviera has inspired visitors to relax, rejuvenate and play along the Mediterranean. At Disney’s Riviera Resort, projected to open December 2019, the history and charm that enchanted Walt and Lillian Disney, and so many others, will be yours to experience. In each meticulous detail and around every turn, you’ll see how Imagineers are creating a resort that celebrates the elegance of a modern European retreat blended with a touch of old-world glamour and a uniquely Disney twist. Here’s a closer look at the careful planning and thoughtful features that make Disney’s Riviera Resort so special. The overall design of Disney’s Riviera Resort is inspired by the elegant, early 20th century hotels situated along Europe’s Mediterranean coast. Like the region itself, Disney’s Riviera Resort will convey classic European designs mixed with modern expressions. Its articulated stone base and smooth stucco façades will be accented with decorative metalwork and colorful awnings. French mansard roofs and Italian style arches and loggias will intermingle with other architectural styles found along the coastal region. The center building, or tower, with expressive roofs and ornamental details, will be at the heart of the resort. Adjacent wings are designed as if added progressively to accommodate more travelers. The resort itself is a layered story, inspired by the buildings and architecture in Europe that grew and evolved over time. Each wing of the resort will grow in height, from eight to 10 stories, allowing for sweeping views of the resort to be seen from the rooftop restaurant, Topolino’s Terrace – Flavors of the Riviera. If this sounds tantalizing, I should mention that bookings are now open for Topolino’s Terrace, with reservations available beginning on December 16. Porticos, towers and terraces, as well as a unique, coastal-inspired color palette, will give each resort wing an exterior style all its own – a visual representation of the changes in design styles that influenced regional resorts throughout the century. The window styles will vary across the façade of the resort, with variations in size, shape and mullion designs. Continuing the inspired architectural details, the iconic window awnings of the region will be married with shutters of varying colors and arrangements. A variety of decorative railings throughout the resort will feature a subtle Disney twist, with motifs of Mickey Mouse and his leading lady, Minnie. By incorporating these detailed differences into the design, Imagineers captured the progressive feeling of European architecture, imparting a sense of history and story that developed over time. Under construction and projected to open December 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World Resort will be inspired by Europe and imagined by Disney. From the resort, you will be able to stay just a gondola ride away from all the excitement and experiences via the new Disney Skyliner system when it opens this fall. Bookings for Disney’s Riviera Resort are open now so get ready to create your own Disney story in the middle of the magic. For more information or to make hotel reservations, visit the Walt Disney World Resort website or call 407 939-7762 or your travel agent. View the full article

If your dreams include more sugar plum fairies than beach balls and sunscreen, then you’ll want to join us as we prepare for the most magical time of the year at Walt Disney World Resort. Yes, it’s Christmas in July, and it’s the perfect time to begin planning your Disney holiday vacation. Perhaps one of the most beloved events of the season is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park. The magical party will begin on November 8 and run through December 22, 2019, on select nights. Brand new this year is Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show. The holiday nighttime spectacular will include some of your favorite seasonal songs such as “Joy to the World,” “Deck the Halls” and even “We Wish You A Merry Christmas.” Make new memories with your family as you reminisce about the holidays of the past all while enjoying this festive event, hosted by Minnie Mouse. This enchanting, special ticketed event will also allow guests to meet some of their favorite Disney Characters decked out in their holiday best. Special character experiences have also been known to take place during the party, including Jack Skellington dressed as the one-and-only Sandy Claws. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays is another holiday tradition not to be missed. The 11 World Showcase nations will proudly display their country’s magical decorations, and of course they will be serving up their delectable food at the expanded Holiday Kitchens. Guests will also enjoy live musical productions featuring costumed performers that will bring time-honored holiday traditions to life. “Candlelight Processional” is another joyous event that takes place in Epcot. Join celebrity narrators, such as Neil Patrick Harris and Whoopi Goldberg, as they tell the Christmas story accompanied by an amazing orchestra and spectacular choir. This year guests will not want to miss the brand-new holiday entertainment and decorations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. From Discovery Island to Pandora – The World of Avatar, festive holiday lights and celebrations will transform every land into an extra magical location. In DinoLand, U.S.A., you won’t want to miss rockin’ around Truck-O-Saurus at the Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip ‘n Dale! And don’t forget the popular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” that is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 8, 2019. The holiday spectacular will run through January 5, 2020. Moms Panel Tip: Should your holiday plans include a need for a Christmas dinner, check out the great dining suggestions from Rayna. For more information on holiday events at the Walt Disney World Resort, or for general Disney vacation planning tips, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. Panelists receive compensation for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. View the full article