Disney4me

One of our favorite places at Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort is Pineapple Lanai! It is home to Dole Whips, floats and some super unique cones! Experiment 626 Cone TODAY only, for instance, Pineapple Lanai is serving up a Stitch character cone, aptly named the Experiment 626 Cone for June 26th (6/26), of course!! Experiment 626 Cone This sweet treat consists of a blue cone, vanilla soft serve ice cream (colored blue), and white chocolate ears. Nothing too crazy is going on with this cone, flavor-wise, but it is super cute and fun, and we bet YOUR little Stitch will be thrilled! Experiment 626 Cone As you can probably tell , it melts extremely quickly in the hot summer sun! We had to get a cup for ours because it was melting all over the place, but there are a few shaded seats at the Lanai to enjoy yours. Experiment 626 Cone You can purchase the Experiment 626 Cone for $5.29 and we assume you can use a Disney Dining Plan snack credit for it as well. If you want the chance to try this limited-time cone for yourself, head over to Pineapple Lanai TODAY! What do you think about the Experiment 626 Cone? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review! NEW “Heart of Te Fiti” Lime Dole Whip Cone at Pineapple Lanai in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort What’s New at the Magic Kingdom Monorail Resorts: Grand Floridian Easter Eggs Arrive, Contempo Cafe’s NEWEST Cupcake and a Dole Whip Margarita at Disney’s Polynesian Resort! New SECRET Dole Whip Flavor (And Swirl Hack) at Pineapple Lanai in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort View the full article

“I’m brushing up on looking down, I’m working on my ROAR!” Celebrating The Lion King at Animal Kingdom The celebration of The Lion King continues at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Lion King Banners That’s where we’re at today as we take you on a tour of this one-of-a-kind park to see What’s New! What’s New on Discovery Island Discovery Island is where you’ll find The Feeding Ground, though this spot is probably better known as the Discovery Island Popcorn Stand. Lion King Drum Bucket This is one of two locations (the other being Mahindi in the Africa section of the park) where we found a new arrival: The Lion King Drum Souvenir Popcorn Bucket! Lion King Drum Popcorn Bucket So you can now work on your roar AND your drum beats with this beautiful bucket. Read more about it here! We also found out that the Bird Cupcake has flown back into Creature Comforts. Bird Cupcake at Creature Comforts Not sure how long our colorful pal will stick around before his next flight, so you’ll want to keep an eye out. Bird Cupcake You can also read all about the Bird Cupcake here in the meantime. What’s New at Pandora — The World of AVATAR Windtraders is the merchandise stop in Animal Kingdom’s lovely Pandora. Windtraders The location has received a small makeover, and on your next visit you may notice that displays have been moved around a bit. Windtraders “SIVAKO!!” Windtraders Windtraders What’s New in Asia You may recall that — as part of a series of specialty treats celebrating The Lion King — the Royal Anandapur Tea Company has been offering The Lion King latte art on select coffee beverages. Joffrey’s Lion King Latte Art Well, now you can enjoy some DONUT ART… if you order a Boston Cream Donut, it comes complete with an image of Simba! Lion King Donut Art What’s New in Dinoland, U.S.A. Restaurantosaurus in Dinoland, U.S.A. has changed up the menu a bit. Restaurantosaurus Menu You’ll now find a plant-based Spicy Southwestern Burger and Restaurantosaurus Cobb Salad among the entrees. New Entrees at Restaurantosaurus These have taken the place of the Black Bean Burger and the Grilled Chicken Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Cranberries that were previously on the menu. (A couple of sides were also removed: the Guacamole and Potato Soup.) Spicy Southwestern Burger What did we think of the new additions? Restaurantosausus Cobb Salad You can find out by checking out our review here! Oh, and note that the Bird Cupcake has made a reappearance here, too! Bird Cupcake What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Shops — New Merchandise A new Lion King crossbody purse ($24.99) will keep The Lion King celebration going for you back home. Lion King Bag Lion King Bag We spotted it at Riverside Depot. Lion King Bag The Depot also where we found the new Toy Story 4 MagicBand ($24.99). Toy Story 4 MagicBand Because even though we still have a few weeks to wait for the upcoming live-action version of The Lion King to arrive in theaters on July 19th, we can enjoy Toy Story 4 in theaters now, at long last! Toy Story 4 MagicBand Toy Story 4 MagicBand Speaking of the Toy Story gang… Space Crane You can now find your own Fully Functional Claw Machine at Chester and Hester’s in Dinoland, U.S.A. (and other merchandise locations around Disney World)! Space Crane Space Crane The Space Crane toy is $49.99. Space Crane We hope you’ve enjoyed trekking around Animal Kingdom with us to see What’s New! Before you go, be sure to check out snacks that you can ONLY find at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in our DFB YouTube Video! What’s your favorite thing in Animal Kingdom? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New in Animal Kingdom: Menu Changes, Sweet Additions, Merchandise Updates, 2019 Mugs, and More! Pics and Review! New Bird Cupcake In Disney’s Animal Kingdom Party for the Planet Eats And More for Animal Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary Celebration View the full article

Bringing your child to Walt Disney World for the first time is such a heartwarming and magical experience. Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom And Disney has launched a vacation package to make this once-in-a-lifetime experience even MORE magical: “My First Disney Getaway”! A family of three can currently book the ‘My First Disney Getaway’ package for $999! The package includes the following: 2-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort for two adults and one child (ages 3-9) 2-Park Magic Ticket, with one-day-only admission to Magic Kingdom Park and one-day-only admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom One stroller rental per day (subject to availability) One merchandise bag (includes a plush, autograph book, pen, “My 1st Visit “ Mickey ears and a reusable bag.) The package price is valid for arrivals most Sunday through Wednesday nights from August 11 through September 25, 2019. You may book through September 24, 2019. Note that pricing above is based on 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3 to 9). For more information on this package, head over to Disney World’s website. You can also contact Small World Vacations (our preferred Authorized Disney Vacation Planner) for more information and booking assistance. Availability is limited, so we’d recommend booking as soon as you can to take advantage of this offer. Are you planning your child’s first trip to Disney World? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED How To Get Your Hands on the Starbucks “You Are Here” Disney Parks Mugs WITHOUT Actually Visiting the Parks! View the full article

Find Your #HappyPlace: A Day of Thrills at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Are you planning to ring in 2020 at Walt Disney World? Disney’s Contemporary Resort If so, let’s take a look at three special events — all taking place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort — returning for the occasion! Disney Countdown to Midnight Dining, dancing, music, and more will all be components of Disney Countdown to Midnight in the Fantasia Ballroom of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The New Year’s Bash Band and a DJ will set the party scene, and guests will ring in 2020 viewing the Magic Kingdom New Year’s Fireworks and raising a glass of bubbly. Champagne Disney chefs will “produce incredible ‘cheftainment’ behind animated shadowboxes.” Menu highlights will include items like barbecue-spiced wild Florida shrimp and grits with cherrywood-smoked bacon, pan-seared sablefish with leek fondue and cassis red wine reduction. And desserts will feature a white-chocolate-raspberry crème brûlée and a Florida Key lime bar with toasted meringue, raspberry and passion fruit. You can see menu highlights here. Note that guests must be 21 and over to consume alcoholic beverages, and the party runs from 8 PM to 12:15 AM. The cost is $299 per guest (tax and gratuity included). Visit the Walt Disney World event page to learn more. Disney Ink & Paint Club The Disney Ink & Paint Club offers a VIP lounge experience which can be added as an enhancement to the Disney Countdown to Midnight Party at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. View of Fireworks from the Contemporary The themed lounge will pay tribute to the Ink and Paint department of Walt Disney Animation Studios and to the era when animated legends debuted on the big screen. Mickey and Minnie will be meeting and greeting guests while a pianist performs and adds to the ambience. This special reception begins an hour before Disney Countdown to Midnight and features action stations: the Cones & Shooters Station, the Cold Tapas Station, the Hot Tapas Station, and the Action Carving Station. You can see menu highlights by visiting the Disney World website. Cocktails, Champagne, and Cordials will also be served throughout the night at the bar, and Desserts will be available during fireworks viewing. Disney Ink & Paint Club is only available as a part of an enhanced ticket that includes access to both the Disney Countdown to Midnight and the Ink & Paint Club for $499 total per guest. Visit the Walt Disney World website to learn more. Pixar Party: A New Year’s Celebration Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center –Second Level will play host to Pixar Party: A New Year’s Celebration! Families and kids at heart will be welcomed by Sarge himself and the scene will be set with vignettes inspired by Toy Story, Up, and more. Character appearances will include familiar faces from Up, Toy Story, Inside Out, Monsters, Inc., and The Incredibles. Sully and Mike Pixar face painting, balloon art and Boot Camp with Sarge will provide entertainment especially for the kiddos, while a DJ will play Radio Disney hits. A buffet dinner will be served to all (see the full menu here), and everyone can head outside as the clock strikes Twelve to see the Magic Kingdom Fireworks. The party runs from 8 pm – 12:00 am. The price is $199 per guest, both child and adult (tax and gratuity included). Visit the Disney World webpage to learn more. Booking Information While information, menu highlights, prices, times, and calendars are populated for each of the events on the Walt Disney World website as accessible through links above, online booking is not currently functional as of press time. However, we will be updating this post as booking becomes available, and interested guests may also call (407) WDW-DINE for more information. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. And you can Pre-Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2019 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2019 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Pre-Order your 2019 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! Plus! If you pre-order your 2019 guide now, we’ll automatically send the 2018 guide for FREE so you can get a jump on your planning! Two for the price of one! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Will you be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Disney World? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News: New Year’s Eve Events at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Available for Booking July 11 The 2018 Holiday Season at Disney World Includes NEW Experiences and Returning Favorites Disney Ink & Paint Club Now Open for Online Booking for New Year’s Eve in Disney World View the full article

Tropical cruises to the Caribbean continue to be one of our most popular itineraries for good reason. Actually for several good reasons… lots of sunshine, crystal clear waters and white-sand beaches! Whether you’re looking to get a taste of island life, set out on a water adventure or simply soak up the sun, you can do it year-round on our Caribbean cruises. For the first time in the summer of 2020, you can enhance your warm-weather getaway aboard the Disney Fantasy with an Adventures by Disney Cruise Package. Offered on select Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean itineraries in June, July and August, this premium experience gives you the chance to enjoy the Caribbean like never before. Enjoy Unique Excursions for the Entire Family Adventures by Disney hand-selected premium Port Adventures to immerse you in spectacular locales and fascinating cultures. Led by Disney-trained Adventures Guides and local experts, every detail of your guided group experience is thoughtfully arranged to make the most of your time in port. In the Western Caribbean, you’ll cruise the turquoise waters on a private boat, savor a Mexican fiesta on a private beach, tube down a private stretch of river, explore mangroves in a glass-bottom kayak, search for starfish on a snorkeling expedition, and much more. In the Eastern Caribbean, you’ll go island hopping in style, exploring the British Virgin Islands by private boat on a trip customized by the captain specifically for you. Then in a different port, you’ll become part of the crew on a real pirate ship, sailing into battle with another pirate vessel for some swashbuckling fun. Sail Ho, Me Hearties! Live the Private Island VIP Life When you visit our private island, Castaway Cay, you’ll enjoy the day like a VIP with priority access to disembark the ship and get first selection of lounge chairs. In addition to all-you-care-to-eat/drink food and premium beverages, you’ll have access to bikes, floats, snorkels, kayaks, paddle boats and paddle boards. After a private lunch of seafood and BBQ, you can also enjoy a massage, hair braiding and a mixology class, reserved exclusively for Adventures by Disney guests. All of this premium access, plus a day in paradise, means you’ll be living your best life! Get Exclusive Onboard Experiences Starting with a private welcome reception at Remy, the luxurious, French-inspired restaurant on the Disney Fantasy, you’ll enjoy VIP treatment throughout your cruise. Each adult will get a one-day pass to the Senses Spa Rainforest Room where you can experience the benefits of steam, heat and water therapy, relish the calming ocean views while reclining in heated mosaic tile relaxation chairs, or lounge outside in a whirlpool hot tub on the private teak deck. Other VIP experiences include a behind-the-scenes prop experience and tour of the Walt Disney Theater, being among the first off the ship in each port, plus the chance to bid your fellow adventurers and new friends a fond farewell at a private reception the last evening of the cruise. What’s more, all onboard and excursion photography are included in this Adventures by Disney package. Check out the full Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries to choose the best one for your family, and start planning next summer’s tropical vacation! View the full article

Hi, there! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re sharing ways to get into Disney parks when they’re not open to the public! After Hours in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Have you ever wanted to get into the Disney Parks when they’re not officially open to the public? We’ve got the tips and secrets to help you beat the crowds and get some extra ride time in today’s 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: Have you ever been in a park when it’s not open to the public? Related posts: DFB Video: 12 Smartphone Apps You’ll Definitely Need in Walt Disney World DFB Video: New Disney Dishes That We LOVED (And One We REALLY Didn’t) DFB Video: Unexpected Eats in Disney World! View the full article

This Fourth of July, you’re invited to celebrate with us right here, as we live stream “Disney’s Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky” live from Magic Kingdom Park on July 4. Our live stream, which you can catch right here on the Disney Parks Blog, will begin at 9:13 p.m. ET. We’ll celebrate the fun of summer before and after the show. And we’d love to share some of your favorite Disney Parks vacation pics as part of our live stream. To have your photo considered, share it with us on Twitter now using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. View the full article

Summertime is here at Walt Disney World Resort, and there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing selection of postres and bebidas. Continuing off our post from last week, we’re back with part two to help you continue the fiesta all summer long! There’s a wide variety of options for guests of all ages, and we’re bringing you the inside scoop on where to find them. Desserts Mango-Passion Fruit Panna Cotta: Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort offers a delicious must-have combination of mango and passion fruit cream mixed with tropical fruits and topped with a crispy vanilla Breton cookie. Tropical Tart: Also at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, you can find this succulent tropical key lime and mango tart that is mixes with passion fruit and topped with vanilla chantilly. ¡Delicioso! Dulce de Leche Churro Balls: At 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck in Disney Springs, indulge in this tasty cinnamon-sugar-fried-dough mixed with flavors of churro, paired with a decadent dipping sauce! ¿Quién dijo churro? Coconut Bar with Pineapple-Basil Compote and Vanilla Cream: Visiting Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in Magic Kingdom Park? Try this fluffy vanilla chiffon cake with coconut and lime-white chocolate ganache. Coconut Flan: Available at Maya Grill in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, indulge in this magnificent toasted coconut custard combined with coconut crème anglaise-caramel sauce, topped with chantilly and toasted coconut flakes. Beverages Zingiber Fizzie: Nomad Lounge in Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers this delectable combination of passion fruit purée, mint, simple syrup, and lime juice topped with ginger beer. Tropical Paradise: Try this crisp concoction of pineapple, lime, coconut and cinnamon dusted with nutmeg, available at Banana Cabana in Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Brazilian Freeze: Looking to quench your thirst at Disney Springs? Stop by Rainforest Café for coconut, pineapple and raspberry purée, blended with banana and ice! Everyone ready to enjoy this verano? View the full article

Jambo from Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Learn About: Tusker House Restaurant Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Time to visit one of our favorite character dining locations: Tusker House! Tusker House is located in Animal Kingdom’s African village of Harambe and offers a character buffet for breakfast and lunch and a “family style dinner buffet” (really just a buffet — no family style service), also with characters! One added element of dining at Tusker House is the opportunity to reserve the Rivers of Light Dining Package here, which saves a seat at Animal Kingdom’s newly-revamped Rivers of Life: We Are One nighttime spectacular. Generally, the price differential between the character meal and the dining package is pretty small here, so you may find it’s worth the slight splurge to score that reserved seating. We weren’t after the Dining Package this time, but we sure were excited to see if the food and experience at Tusker House lived up to its past quality. And we ended up eating TWO full meals at once, which we really didn’t expect! (Read on to find out how we did it!) We’ve got a lot of food to share with you, so let’s get going! Tusker House Entrance Atmosphere Tusker House is a charming restaurant located on your left-hand side in Harambe as you head toward Kilimanjaro Safaris. Check in is at a stand near the Dawa Bar, and you’ll be given a pager. Here you’re welcome to glance at the menu — but keep in mind it’s pretty generic because it’s a buffet! (Don’t worry: we’ll get more specific, and we have photos of EVERYTHING below!) Tusker House Breakfast Menu Once your pager buzzes, you’ll be led around the back of the restaurant, where your Safari Adventure awaits! (Is it just us, or should every meal at Disney World be called an “Adventure”?) Tusker House Sign In keeping with the safari theme, Tusker House is housed in the Safari Orientation Center. Safari Orientation Centre Sign You’ll find a lot of detailed signs and decorations around the bright restaurant that really immerse you in the story. Like this helpful guide to animal names in Swahili! Swahili Words The restaurant itself is HUGE — much bigger than it appears from the outside. There are four different dining rooms, each decorated with African textiles and artwork — like these adorable wooden animals! Tusker House Animal Figures There’s also a wall inside near the buffet designed to resemble a boma: a protective wall used as enclosures in many African communities to protect lives and property from dangerous predators. You’ll note that this term is also the namesake of Boma at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (which, incidentally, is also an African-inspired buffet)! Tusker House “Boma” The seating at Tusker House is various sized, chunky wood tables and chairs. Nothing too exciting — but they are easy to get in and out of when the characters come by or when you need to make multiple trips to the buffet. (Trust us: you’ll appreciate this.) Dining Area And now, for the main attraction: the buffet area. Tusker House Buffet Area The buffet and its surroundings are designed to look like an open air market. Isn’t it just gorgeous? We love the textiles hanging from the ceiling that give the illusion of only sky beyond. (Don’t worry — those are skylights; you’re not in any danger of getting drenched in one of those stereotypical Orlando mid-afternoon downpours.) Tusker House Buffet Area You’ll see food on several different carts and stalls — so make sure you check it all out before you grab anything. This will help conserve food waste, like Donald and this friendly sign request. Friendly Reminder! And speaking of Donald, let’s see who you can expect to see at your table while you dine! Characters Characters weren’t always at the Tusker House; in fact, Tusker House’s predecessor, Donald’s Safari Breakfast, started at Restaurantosaurus. But a few years ago Donald and the gang moved over to Tusker for breakfast, and shortly thereafter they started joining at lunch. Eventually the migrated to dinner, too, meaning you can dine with safari-attire-clad character three meals a day! They are definitely dressed to impress — what else would you expect?! Donald Duck Donald is reminding us he’s number one while wearing the cutest safari jacket and hat. And where would Donald be without Daisy!? Daisy Duck Could she BE any cuter?! My favorite thing about Daisy is while she never wears pants, she always coordinates her shoes and bangle bracelet to her outfit. (Maybe she’s just good at planning ahead for a buffet meal, come to think of it…) The Big Cheese himself also joins in on the Safari fun at Tusker House. Mickey Mouse I simply cannot handle how cute Mickey’s hat is with the ear holes cut out. Plus he’s got a canteen full of POG/Jungle juice. (We assume; Mickey was unavailable for confirmation.) And finally, the foursome is rounded out with the Goof! He’s also prepared for the Savannah with his utility vest and cargo shorts. Gawrsh, he’s cute. Goofy As you can see — you’ll need to make sure you have your autograph books out and cameras ready during your meal at the Tusker House! And now, what you’ve all been waiting for — the FOOD! Eats While the food at Tusker House is served buffet-style, you’ll still have a server to bring drinks. Non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, juices, and coffee are included. You can also order a cocktail off the drink menu if you’re so inclined. (A cocktail or other adult beverage is also included for those on the Disney Dining Plan and age 21+.) Tusker House Cocktail Menu Beer and Wine Menu And everyone starts their meal with a glass of the infamous P.O.G juice (also known as Jungle Juice here in Harambe). P.O.G Juice is a mix of Passion Fruit (in other locations Pineapple), Orange, and Guava juices. It’s always a fun, refreshing way to start off your time at the Tusker House! POG Juice The first buffet station we visited was a wonderful assortment of hot items, some of which are classic breakfast choices and some slightly more unusual for a Disney buffet. Some of the more familiar items include Tater Tots and Ham & Cheese Frittata. Ham & Cheese Frittata and Tater Tots Nearby, the Beef Bobotie is a more exotic choice. Bobotie is a traditional African dish made with a base of minced meat, egg, raisins, and vegetables. It may sound or look a little unusual — but I promise, it’s fantastic. The meat is spiced wonderfully and it’s lighter than it looks. Beef Bobotie Fried Plantains and Mealie Pap (similar to grits) provide lots of starch and long-lasting energy for your day. Plantains and Mealie Pap Breakfast classics Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, and Bacon are readily available of course. Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, and Bacon We aren’t done yet! There were also Roasted Potatoes and pre-made Omelettes. Bacon and Cheese Omelet Roasted Potatoes We also spotted a few heavier, non-traditional breakfast items that definitely had a lunch-y vibe, such as the Cape Malay Chicken Curry and Basmati Rice. Interestingly, this disappeared when the lunch items started coming out… . (More on that in a bit!) Cape Malay Curry Chicken Basmanti Rice As with any Disney Buffet, there’s a kids’ section! But don’t worry — kids of all ages are free to take from here as well. Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Waffles Let’s take a closer look at those waffles — besides classic Mickey you can also find Nala and Simba! This makes sense; we are in Animal Kingdom after all. Nala and Simba Waffles There’s also maple syrup freely flowing to top off all your breakfast selections. Syrup Station Along the wall, there are cold items such as a yogurt bar, including toppings and fruit. Yogurt Bar Yogurt Bar — including Cottage Cheese! Fruit Grapes Also on the cold bar is Lox with all the fixings! Lox Bar Lox Bar The last items on the cold bar are various cold salads. The Golden Beet Salad is piled high with arugula, red onions, and beets. Golden Beet Salad There’s also a Black Eye Pea Salad and the Trek Salad, which is made with coucous and tons of vegetables. Cold Salads And what would breakfast be without ALL THE CARBS?! There are more than a few bread options at the Tusker House buffet. Bagels and condiments for bagels are abundant. Bagel Bar You’ll also find plain white and wheat bread. White and Wheat Bread There’s a toaster nearby if you’re so inclined. Toaster My personal favorite of the savory breads is the Jalapeno Corn Bread. It’s moist and tasty, with just a bit of heat. Jalapeno Corn Bread The Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bread is a fabulous choice for a slightly sweeter carb. Raspberry Chocolate Chip Bread And the Blueberry Bread is a close runner-up. Blueberry Bread Near the breads, you’ll find oatmeal with plenty of add-ins. Oatmeal Bar There is also a small assortment of cereal and milk. Cereal and Milk Now on to sweet pastries and treats! (You didn’t think we were done with carbs yet, did you?) There are donut holes (which are literally just Krispy Kreme donuts — but still delicious of course.) Krispy Kreme Donut Holes You can also pick up a Chocolate Twist, which is similar to a chocolate croissant. Chocolate Twists Here is also where you’ll find my favorite sweet bread on the buffet — and maybe my favorite item on the buffet in general: the Zebra Coffee Cake. Zebra Coffee Cake I mean just LOOK at this beauty. It’s a layered cake with traditional and chocolate coffee cakes and a delicious crumbly topping. Honestly, I have considered booking another Tusker House reservation just for this… Zebra Coffee Cake The sweet breads aren’t finished yet — you can also snag some Banana Bread Pudding with puddles of sweet cream sauce. Banana Bread Pudding And rounding out the bread offerings is a breakfast classic: Biscuits and Gravy. Biscuits and Gravy Biscuits and Gravy These are pretty good — though the biscuit is a little on the dry side. However the sausage gravy is full of flavor, so just go ahead and pile it on to solve any crumbly biscuit problems. Rounding out the breakfast items is the carving station where a chef is serving up Rotisserie Ham. Rotisserie Ham Top it off with the Sweet and Spicy Mustard, and you’re really in for a treat. The mustard isn’t overwhelmingly spicy, but there is a subtle heat. It’s balanced nicely with the sweet ham though, so don’t be too stressed if you aren’t into hot foods. Ham with Sweet & Spicy Mustard After we got our plates, our table was, well, you could say full. Tusker House Breakfast Haul One of the real highlights was the Cape Malay Curried Chicken, which is far from a usual breakfast buffet selection. The chicken was cooked perfectly and very moist, and the curry sauce was incredibly flavorful. I don’t care if you have an 8AM reservation — you need to try this dish! Cape Malay Curried Chicken Another stand-out was the Lox. If you’re a fan of fresh salmon with all the fixings, this is pretty darn good — and not your average theme park breakfast! Lox Bite The rest of our choices were delicious as well! Everything was cooked well (as well as can be expected at a busy buffet), and everyone in our party found something to enjoy — from the most adventurous eaters to the pickiest. But now for the two-meal intrigue. How did we eat two meals in one sitting, you ask? Well, it just so happened our breakfast reservation was at 10:30AM, and breakfast finishes service at 10:55. Around that time, they start consolidating the breakfast items like so… Breakfast Buffet Items …and start putting out lunch items! Even though we had just stuffed ourselves with a filling breakfast, we knew we had to try a few lunch items, too. For research purposes, of course. So let’s stroll through the lunch buffet! On the hot bar, bacon and eggs were replaced with chicken, green beans, and mashed potatoes with gravy. Green Beans and Chicken Drumsticks Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Rotisserie Chicken The chicken was cooked perfectly and was nice and moist, while the mashed potatoes are whipped with the skins on in the style of smashed potatoes. YUM. Other new sides included Pigeon Peas and Rice, Collard Greens, and Roasted Root Vegetables. Pigeon Peas and Rice Collard Greens Roasted Root Vegetables New hearty main dishes were also available for lunch. We really enjoyed the Spicy Coconut Shrimp Curry, which had some good heat balanced by the coconut. It was great over rice. Spicy Coconut Shrimp Curry Other options were the Vegetable Tandoori and Kushri (or Kushari), which is a traditional Egyptian dish made with lentils and rice. This one incorporated couscous, too. Vegetable Dishes Kushari One of our lunchtime favorites are the Vegetarian Samosas, a traditional Indian bite served with Tzatzki Sauce. (Pro tip: the Tzatzki Sauce is good on anything — I highly recommend the chicken.) Vegetarian Samosas Tzatzki Sauce At lunch, there are new options at the Carving Station as well. You can enjoy the roasted Pork Shoulder with the Sweet and Spicy Mustard as well as the Peri Peri Salmon. Pork Shoulder Peri Peri Salmon Salmon and Pork Loin Both were cooked beautifully. The salmon was flaky and light, and the pork was moist with the mustard adding great flavor. The Kids’ Buffet also gets a lunchtime makeover. Where there were waffles and bacon, you can now find Macaroni and Cheese, a Corn Medley with carrots, and CORN DOG NUGGETS. Corn Medley Corn Dog Nuggets and Mac & Cheese And YES, the adults are free to grab off the Kid’s Buffet at lunch as well. The Mac & Cheese is a real highlight with the big curly noodles and super creamy sauce. And we highly recommend sopping up the mac and cheese sauce with the corn dog nuggs. This is always a highlight for us! Corn Dog Nuggets and Mac and Cheese At lunch time, you can also build a salad off the Fresh Salad bar. Salad Bar And, of course, they added new bread options! The Herb Focaccia Bread is to die for, as are the Cluster Oat Rolls. Herb Focaccia Bread These are super soft rolls, and the oats add a different and welcome texture. Cluster Oat Rolls Moroccan Bread is here too! This is a short leavened bread with seeds. Moroccan Bread Fresh Pita Bread joins the lunchtime carb party, although it looks a lot more like naan than pita. Either way: flatbread carbs! Pita Bread And if you’re wondering what to do with all these delicious breads — then check out the hummus spread! (Pun intended.) Hummus Near the breads and spreads, a soup crock of Cream of Corn Soup that sounds like a pretty great excuse to eat even more bread. Dunking is required, right? Cream of Corn Soup I almost passed the soup because #twomealsinonesitting, but this was the BEST thing I ate all day. Be warned — it does pack some heat, but it’s incredibly flavorful, creamy, and delicious. Cream of Corn Soup And finally — we made it to DESSERT! The Bread Pudding is still an option, along with Magic Bars (!!!), Mini Raspberry Pastries, and Chocolate Turtle Brownies. Desserts You’ll also spot mini Chocolate Cheesecakes and an array of cookies. Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Chocolate Chunk Cookies Of all the desserts, our table voted the Magic Bars and Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes the winners! PHEW! Are you full yet? It’s hard to imagine leaving hungry after a meal at Tusker House — and if you hit the buffet at just the right time, you, too, might also find yourself enjoying not one but TWO meals at once! And we actually really recommend this approach if you’re keeping a tight food budget on your next Disney World trip. You can pay for your one massive late-morning meal and easily stay fueled until dinner, thus omitting the need for a third meal of the day. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you’re only going to spend one table service credit per diner, but potentially cover two of the day’s meals. And since the food on the Tusker House buffet is some of the best buffet food in the World, it’s satisfying in more than one way! Nosh or Not? You’ll love Tusker House Restaurant if: You enjoy character dining and want to see your favorites in their safari best. You want to try new things and crave a meal a little more exotic than your average Disney buffet. You want to take advantage of the Rivers of Light Dining Package AND knock out a character meal simultaneously! You might want to skip Tusker House Restaurant if: You don’t have the time to sit and fully enjoy a lengthy meal — there are rides to ride! You have no desire to meet characters and prefer to enjoy African fare a Animal Kingdom Lodge’s buffet, Boma. You or your crew don’t dig African cuisines and would skip a lot of the options here. Overall On our last visit, we were a bit disappointed with the variety in the dishes, and it was a bummer because Tusker House had been relatively consistent in its quality and offerings. This time, the restaurant redeemed itself! We are happy to report that we loved just about everything we tried and found the selection impressive by theme park standards (and maybe even some real world standards)! There are enough “familiar” foods for the picky eaters to be more than happy, but there was also a lot of new and adventurous dishes as well. The variety and quality is superior to other character buffets like Chef Mickey’s and Crystal Palace, plus you still get to meet popular characters. There are lots of reasons to give Tusker House a try — and you know we’ll be back (for research — really). Is Tusker House a must-do for your family? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review: Crystal Palace at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED Be Sure To Make These Four DISNEY RESOLUTIONS in 2019! View the full article

Heyyyy from Port Orleans: French Quarter and Riverside! We stopped by recently to check out the menus, and have a few updates for you! Let’s jump in, shall we? What’s New at Port Orleans: French Quarter Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory We stopped into Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory and noticed quite a few menu updates. First up, on the “Italian Station” we noticed the “Create Your Own Pasta” was gone. Sassagoula Floatworks “Italian Station” Menu Instead we found the various “French Quarter Pastas” as well as the Bayou Lasagna. Sassagoula Floatworks Pastas We sampled the Shrimp Arrabbiata Pasta and the Bayou Lasagna, you can read our full review here! Cajun Cuisine Menu We also noticed the Muffalata had been removed from the “Cajun Favorites” menu. Burger Menu The Steakhouse BBQ Burger is also gone from the Burger Menu. Bakery Menu Probably most upsetting, the Mini Pies were missing from the Bakery Menu and Case. Bakery Case …well as long as they have Beignets, right? Mickey-Shaped Beignet What’s New at Port Orleans: Riverside Riverside Mill Over at Port Orleans: Riverside, we checked out Riverside Mill Food Court. Italian Station At their Italian Station, we noticed a LOT of items were missing. The Blackened Chicken Flatbread, Chef’s Pasta, Breadsticks Side, and Create your own Pasta were all removed. However the Lasagna – Pasticcio was added. Pizza Menu We did notice a Large Pizza DINNER was added to the menu. This comes with your choice of a Large Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza, plus House-made Salad and Breadsticks. We confirmed with the Cast Members that this is still a Quick Service Meal credit on the Disney Dining Plan, and can be paired with either two desserts OR two drinks. Out at Muddy Rivers Pool Bar, we noticed the Food Sign was missing! However, after speaking with the bartender, he confirmed anything on the menu is still available — just ask! Additionally, he reminded us that you can bring anything you’d like to the pool from Riverside Mill. Former Muddy Rivers Bar Food Sign Port Orleans: Riverside Pool Well, there you have it! A short and sweet menu update from Port Orleans. We will leave you with this — the All That Jazz. All that Jazz Drink This frozen drink isn’t new, but gosh is it tasty and pretty! You can grab it exclusively at Muddy Rivers in Riverside or Mardi Grogs in French Quarter! For more of our Port Orleans recommendations check out our list here! Check out our video EAT THIS at Port Orleans Resort! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! We hope that helped as you plan your visit to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Riverside! Let us know your favorites in the comments! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! 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 Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Is Port Orleans a must-stop for you? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: What to EAT at Port Orleans Resort French Quarter and Riverside in Disney World! DFB Video: Eat This at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort! Review: The NEW Sassagoula Floatworks & Food Factory at Port Orleans Resort, French Quarter View the full article

The 2019 D23 Expo is sure to be filled with exciting announcements, previews, panels, merchandise, and more. ©Disney We cannot wait to see all that the weekend (which will take place in Anaheim, CA from August 23-25, 2019) has in store, especially after D23’s latest announcement for the Expo! The 2019 D23 Expo is going to be filled with magic as attendees will get to hear exciting announcements, see presentations and never-before-seen-footage from Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. They will also get to experience some pretty awesome photo opportunities and autograph signings. So, let’s dive into the details! Saturday, August 24 According to D23, at 10 AM in Hall D23, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee and Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter will be presenting never-before-seen-footage and sharing a few exciting announcements. This is also where attendees will catch musical performances and appearances by some of the talents from a few upcoming films. There will also be a sneak peek into Frozen 2, presented by the directors, Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, and producer Peter Del Vecho. They will be sharing brand new details about the upcoming film. ©D23 And…the fun doesn’t stop there as director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae will be introducing everyone to the characters from Pixar’s upcoming film, Onward. Pete Docter and producer Dana Murray will also be sharing exciting details on the new film, Soul — which you can read more about here! ©D23 Sunday, August 25, 10 AM In the D23 Expo Arena, you’ll find The Little Mermaid: The 30th Anniversary Celebration. This will be hosted by Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel) and is sure to be a spectacular “Under the Sea” experience. Sunday, August 25, 12 PM At the Walt Disney Archives Stage, you’ll find Hidden Gems of the Walt Disney Animation Research Library: Preserving and Inspiring the Disney Legacy. The Walt Disney Animation Research Library has gathered and preserved millions of pieces of original Disney Animation art. This seminar will give attendees the ability to learn about these hidden gems and more. Sunday, August 25, 4 PM On Stage 28, you will find the World Premiere: Walt Disney Animation Studios Presents Short Circuit. Here the experimental short film, Short Circuit, will be presented. It will officially debut in Spring 2020 on Disney+. At this seminar, artists and filmmakers will share their films for the first time and will give behind-the-scenes details. ©D23 All Weekend Long From 9 AM to 6 PM on the Show Floor, the studios will team up to present an immersive animation experience. This is where you will learn more about Frozen 2 and Onward. You’ll also have the chance to meet people from behind the scenes, while receiving autograph signings of exclusive art. There will also be a promotional giveaway, so be on the lookout for that! When it comes to photo ops, there is going to be a real-life version of Guinevere, the van from Pixar’s Onward. This thing is going to look just like the real deal with crescent moon windows and a “Pegacorn” painted on the sides! ©D23 If you’re looking for a sneak peek at the 2019 D23 Expo merchandise, we’ve got you covered. Click here to check it all out! Are you attending the event this year? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Disney Pixar Studios Will Release “Soul” Next Year! You’ll Never Guess Who’s Coming to D23 Expo 2019… Breaking: Disney World Switches to Date-Based Ticket Pricing. Find Out How It Affects YOU! View the full article

Morimoto Asia is one of our favorite places to dine when we visit Disney Springs. We can’t help but crave the spot’s wide array of delicious Pan-Asian eats. Morimoto Asia If you love Morimoto Asia as much as we do… listen up! The restaurant will host an educational seminar and tasting event on Sunday, July 21 called “Sea. Salt. Sake. Sharpen.” This event will be seafood-driven and will feature demonstrations and food stations so guests can learn about preparing fish while trying a few of the items as well! Sea. Salt. Sake. Sharpen According to the event website, attendees can also learn to “master the elements of maximizing the bounty of the whole fish, gain insight into the proper technique for sharpening kitchen knives, and sample a variety of flavors from Mackerel and Hamachi to Madai Snapper.” All of these items will be thoughtfully-paired with different selections of beers, sakes, and shochus meant to complement both the texture and style of each dish. Sea. Salt. Sake. Sharpen The Sea. Salt. Sake. Sharpen event will take place on Sunday, July 21, 2019, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Before tax, tickets are $50 per person (guests must be 21 or older to attend the event). Find more information and purchase tickets to the Sea. Salt. Sake. Sharpen event here! Check out our full Morimoto Asia review here! Do you plan to attend Morimoto Asia’s upcoming event? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: 36 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World! 9 Best One-Credit Restaurant Values on the 2019 Disney Dining Plan The Ten BEST Places to Eat at Walt Disney World WITHOUT a Park Ticket! View the full article

June 21 was International Yoga Day. To celebrate, we hosted thousands of cast members for cast-exclusive yoga events at special locations across Disney Parks and offices around the world. Today we’re excited to share a global look at the celebrations and the magical moments that took place! Here at Disney we have a rich history of creating magical, memorable experiences, and not just for our guests, but for our cast members, too! From watching the sun rise over Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort, to stretching out at Aulani beach at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, our cast members found their inner balance at the start of their day– and with some beautiful views! These International Yoga Day events continue our commitment to deliver unique experiences for cast. With events like this, Disney continues to encourage healthy living and self-care, while supporting cast member balance and wellness. Now let’s take a trip around the world to see the incredible sights of how cast members celebrated International Yoga Day. At Disneyland Resort, cast members gazed at Sleeping Beauty Castle during a calming yoga session before welcoming guests for the day. In Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, more than 1,650 yoga mats were rolled out in front of Cinderella Castle for an exciting event complete with fireworks! Disneyland Resort cast members practiced their poses with fitness instructor and social media influencer Meagan Kong, while Walt Disney World Resort cast members found their zen with social media influencers Abby Corkins and The Castle Runner. After the event, cast members at both locations refueled with a special giveaway from GoGo Squeeze! At Disneyland Paris, cast members collected at Walt Disney Studios park for a peaceful session at Production Courtyard in front of Tower of Terror. At Tokyo Disney Resort, cast members gathered in office sessions where they worked through some moves to get moving for the day ahead. At Hong Kong Disneyland, Tomorrowland set the stage for cast members who enjoyed a relaxing morning of yoga in the park. Cast members at Shanghai Disney Resort stretched out at Enchanted Storybook Castle for a mindful yoga session. In Burbank and Glendale, cast members partook in relaxing flow sessions to kick off their Friday morning. Cast members at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, said aloha to their morning session that was paired with a Hawaiian sunrise and the tranquil sounds of breaking waves and swaying palm trees. What a view! We’re proud to have hosted these experiences for cast members and to share the celebrations with you! Did you tune in for our livestream or see our special around the world takeover on the @DisneyParksBlog Instagram? You can revisit our Disney Ambassadors showing you their favorite yoga poses on our “Yoga Day” highlight on Instagram and check out the livestream via our Disney Parks Blog replay! View the full article

Greetings from Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, where we escaped a recent rain storm by popping into Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. Of course, one does not just pop into Jock Lindsey’s and not eat something, so we’re bringing you a review of some seriously fun tacos! Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar If it feels like we were just here, well… we were! Last week we brought you the brand new Temple of Bacon, and it. was. EPIC. You can read our full review here! Temple of Bacon During our storm hide-out, a new dish caught our eye: the “Shrimp, Why’d It Have to be Shrimp!” tacos! This, of course, is a play on Indy’s famous “Snakes! Why’d it have to be snakes!” quote in Raiders of the Lost Ark. It also happens to be a seriously tasty snack! Jock Lindsey’s Menu Tacos, comin’ right up! These tacos are served as a trio and made with fresh Florida Rock Shrimp in a jerk marinade, Florida Watermelon pico de gallo, cilantro, and jalapenos. Fresh lime is served in a juicer to add a hint of acid, and the tacos are served in tortillas that land somewhere between crunchy and soft. Shrimp! Why’d It Have to be Shrimp! Tacos One of the coolest things about this dish (and something I’ve never seen at Disney) is this fresh lime juice presentation. We were literally given a half a lime with a juicer so we could squeeze it ourselves! It was fun, and the fresh citrus really elevated the tacos. Lime Juicer The shrimp were plentiful and perfectly cooked, with a little bit of heat from the jerk marinade. The fresh jalapenos also added some heat, which was a welcomed addition! The dish isn’t overwhelmingly spicy, but if you don’t care for hot dishes at all, then I would recommend asking for the tacos without jalapenos. Shrimp! Why’d It Have to be Shrimp! Tacos The cilantro flavor is also rather prominent, so if you’re one of those who think cilantro tastes like soap, I would recommend removing it or ask for it to be served without. The watermelon pico de gallo was flavorful and a surprising element, but the watermelon gets lost in the other ingredients. Still, you can tell it was fresh, and it added texture in the form of crunchy raw onions. Shrimp! Why’d It Have to be Shrimp! Tacos Overall, these were really good tacos made with fresh, bright ingredients. The dish is on the healthy side, too, if you’re looking for a flavorful, lighter meal. Ultimately, Jock Lindsey’s food continues to be a relatively consistent, delicious choice and a step above standard lounge fare. Between the tasty food, incredible theming, and hand-crafted cocktails, Jock Lindsey’s is a winner. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Be sure to check out our video on the Best Disney World Bars and Lounges below for more great recommendations!  What do you think about Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar? Is it a must-stop for you? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: 36 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Walt Disney World! Review: Poison Apple Glow Cube Drinks at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs! Jaleo is Open in Disney Springs — But What’s Up with the Disney Dining Plan Here? View the full article

Star Wars: Datapad on Play Disney Parks | Disneyland & Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

If you’ve ever been to Disney World with little ones, you likely have experience with renting strollers. Stroller rental is a service that’s long been offered at Disney World parks. Animal Kingdom Test Strollers But as of today, guests in Disney’s Animal Kingdom may find some additional rental options available, as the park has begun testing NEW strollers! Animal Kingdom Test Stroller The single and double test strollers both feature padded seating and pouches for carrying small items. They look and feel quite a bit different from the usual plastic Disney World strollers — pictured below — which are also still available. Current Disney World Strollers The test strollers do appear more streamlined and comfortable, but they might be a bit more difficult to clean. Test Stroller The cost to rent a test stroller is the same as the price to rent a normal Disney World stroller, but there were limited quantities available when we were there. Also, we learned that — for at least this first day of testing — the new strollers were not available until 9:45 AM (after the usual morning 9:00 AM park entry crowds went through the gates). If you want to rent a test stroller for multiple days, it will cost $13 per day for a single stroller and $27 per day for a double stroller. Stroller Rental Fees We’re not sure how long the test strollers will be around, but a Cast Member we spoke with mentioned they’d be around for at least a few weeks. Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more updates! What do you think about the new test strollers at Animal Kingdom? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: What’s New in Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Merchandise, Cupcakes, and Otters! What’s New at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Less Monkey Business than Usual! Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Menu UPDATES! What’s New To Eat?! View the full article

It’s no secret that we love Disney food. Let’s be real — we love all food. We also love saving money. Monorail Cupcake So, we’ve discovered a thing or two that may transform the way you eat while visiting the parks. These little hacks help you save time and money so you can have the best trip possible! What’s better than that? From brunch to toppings bars, there are plenty of simple ways to protect your pocketbook while filling your belly at Disney. 1. Purchase a Tables in Wonderland Discount Card If you spend a lot of time in Disney World, you may want to look into purchasing a Tables in Wonderland card. Tables in Wonderland is a discounted dining program that costs $150 for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members and $175 for Florida residents. Tables in Wonderland Membership Card The program provides a 20% discount on food and drinks — even alcohol! Sounds great, right? It TOTALLY is, but the catch is you’re only able to purchase a Tables in Wonderland card if you fall into one of the three aforementioned categories. If you’re eligible, we think it’s a great deal. Sometimes it’s even worth it for one person in your party to become an Annual Passholder in order to take advantage of discounts like this. Crunch those numbers, though… . Find more information about Tables and Wonderland here! 2. Share Quick-Service Meals A great way to save money is to share quick-service meals, especially with the little ones. Two or three quick-service meals could be enough to feed a family of two adults and two littles. If people are still hungry, you can always order another meal or grab a few snacks! Snacks are the best part anyway, right? Chicken Pot Pie at Columbia Harbour House 3. Visit Locations with Toppings Bars A toppings bar is like a mini buffet for “side items” like pickles, onions, salsa, and cheese. Locations with topping bars offer more for your money because you can load up on sides, adding plenty of yummy extras to your meal for no additional charge! All the Toppings! Adding toppings to your meal is sure to satisfy your appetite for a long period of time! Pecos Bill and Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe are two of the most popular spots with toppings bars in Magic Kingdom. But remember, you can no longer get guac as part of the toppings bar at Pecos Bill. 4. Book a Fireworks Dessert Party Just about everyone loves fireworks, but what about an array of desserts to go with one of Disney World’s spectacular nighttime shows? We can highly recommend the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party in Epcot. For $79 per adult and $47 per child ages 3-9, guests are entitled to reserved viewing of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth (soon to be replaced by Epcot Forever), a dessert and beverage buffet, AND an evening ride on the super popular (and fastpass tier 1) Frozen Ever After. Frozen Ever After Dessert Party These parties are pricey, but they might be right for your family. If you don’t want to wait in the long line for the Frozen Ever After ride and you weren’t able to get a FastPass+ for it, that can be enough of a benefit on its own. Add in unlimited desserts (and alcoholic beverages for those of age), it can really be worth it. These parties may not be the best idea for all groups, but they may very well be great for yours. Blue Velvet Cupcakes at the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party Learn about all the Disney World fireworks parties here! 5. Take Advantage of Mobile Order Using Mobile Order can potentially save you SO much time. Mobile Order is a feature of the My Disney Experience app that allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at participating locations throughout Disney World. ANYONE can use it — it’s not exclusive to special affinity groups. Aloha Isle on Mobile Order The best part? Guests using Mobile Order don’t have to wait in the normal line! Instead, they go straight to a designated pick up area to get their food. Aloha Isle Mobile Order Pick Up Area You can conveniently pay through the app with your credit card or with your Disney Dining Plan! And then bypass those LONG counter service lines! Talk about a game-changer, right? Learn more about Mobile Order and participating restaurants here! 6. Enjoy Brunch to Save on Lunch Costs A hearty brunch or late breakfast will likely hold you over through lunch, and you won’t have to purchase as many meals throughout the day. If you choose to eat a later morning meal and an early dinner, you’ll likely be able to spend less than you would if you ate three meals. Grand Floridian Cafe Fried Chicken and Waffles An added benefit of this is that breakfast almost always costs less than lunch or dinner, so you could save some serious cash! So, maybe try eating at 10:30 or 11:00 in the morning and then again at 5:00 in the afternoon. House-made Donuts during Homecomin’ Rise & Shine Brunch Brunch seems to be the HOT new topic around Disney World. Check out these awesome brunch reviews: Rise ‘n Shine Southern Brunch at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs and Grand Floridian Cafe Brunch. Wine Bar George has even introduced Dole Whip mimosas for brunch. 7. Research Disney World Menus and Our Reviews We’ve eaten at EVERY Disney restaurant — many multiple times — and pride ourselves on our unbiased reviews of our experiences. Our reviews give insight into food, pricing, and atmosphere so you can make informed dining choices before you go! A few of our most recent reviews include Lunch at Be Our Guest Restaurant and a review of the NEW Jaleo by Chef José Andrés in Disney Springs. Aceitunas Modernas y Clasicas at Jaleo Read even more of our Disney restaurant reviews here! 8. Read the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining and Our In-Depth Snack Guides Our DFB guides are extremely detailed and provide info about each and every food item on property. Is the Pineapple Dole Whip really all it’s cracked up to be? Is Garden Grill worth your money or Disney Dining Plan credit? You can find the answers to those questions and so many more in our DFB guides! From a FULL CHAPTER detailing all of our personal Disney snack recommendations (spoiler alert — there are A LOT OF SNACKS IN HERE) to comprehensive chapters about Disney dining discounts (some we promise you’ve NEVER heard about), special event tips and secrets, the Disney Dining Plan (breaking it down for you so you can determine whether it’s right for YOUR family), and so much more, our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is well worth a look. Pineapple Dole Whip The best part? It’s got a no-questions-asked, 100% money back guarantee if it’s not for you. See more information about the DFB Guides at DFBStore.com! What other dining tips do you have? How have they transformed the way you eat while visiting Walt Disney World? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Review: Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot! Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery Review! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Treats (with Haunted Mansion Portrait Desserts!) View the full article

“We’re all mad here…” because Classic Afternoon Tea at Steakhouse 55 at the Disneyland Hotel has turned into A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party! A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party Though you may experience the traditional Afternoon Tea depending on when you visit, themed Afternoon Teas often reflect the various seasons and celebrations around Disneyland Resort throughout the year. Previous themed Teas include last summer’s Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea and Mickey’s Tea Party Celebration as part of “Get Your Ears On.” A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party is the current theme from now through September 1, 2019! A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party Our friend Heather (@diningindisney on Instagram) was there for all the topsy-turvy fun, and shared pictures of what happens when Afternoon Tea takes on an Alice in Wonderland-themed twist. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party As always, guests can choose from either the Classic Tea Party or the Premium Tea Party which includes sparkling wine, salad, and a Farewell Truffle in addition to the Classic inclusions of scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts. (A Kids Tea Party is also an option.) Afternoon Tea Menu Your choice of tea is also included with each package, of course! Afternoon Tea Menu Fun tip from Heather: you can choose to have your tea hot or iced! She went with the refreshing iced Organic Pear Tree Green Tea. Iced Tea Lovely themed floral arrangements on each table help to set the scene. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Arrangement A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Arrangement But the main theming comes by way of the FOOD! Bright colors straight from Wonderland fill the plates from the top to the bottom of the tiers. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Traditional scones are served with orange curd (a little twist from the usual lemon), Devonshire cream, and strawberry marmalade. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Scones And it looks like the crew from Wonderland aren’t the only characters represented. Hi, Mickey!! A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Scones The course of Tea Sandwiches feature a golden Beet Infused Egg among the offerings. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Sandwich Course Check it out!! A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Sandwich Course The course also features Blueberry Pancetta Bacon and Mushroom, a Bocconcini Tart, and Duck Prosciutto and Mascarpone. These present unique twists on the standard egg and cucumber sandwich assortments not just in flavor, but also in appearance well in keeping with the theme. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Sandwich Course A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Sandwich Course A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Sandwich Course The bites continue well into the Desserts with the Chocolate-covered Strawberries resembling the Cheshire Cat and Tweedle Dee… A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course … OR Tweedle Dum! Take your pick . A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course No need to be “late for a very important date” like the White Rabbit thanks to the Rabbit’s timepiece on the Banana Macaron! A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course The Caterpillar’s mushroom perch is represented with the Pastry Cream Mascarpone. A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course And the fun design of the Chocolate Pot de Crème delivers even more teacup fun to the Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party! A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Dessert Course Interested guests should note that the Premium Party (which features all of the inclusions above plus sparkling wine, salad, and a Farewell Truffle) is $65 per guest, while the Classic Tea (with the inclusions above) is $52 per guest. A Kids’ Tea is $39 per child ages 3 – 9. Prices do not include tax and gratuities. Afternoon Tea is offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, and is available for booking on the Disneyland website or by calling (714) 781-DINE. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Would you like to go to A Very Merry Unbirthday Tea Party? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: A Very Merry Holiday Tea Party Coming to Disneyland Hotel “Get Your Ears On” with Afternoon Tea at the Disneyland Hotel Dining in Disneyland: Afternoon Tea at Disneyland Hotel’s Steakhouse 55 View the full article

Does your Fourth of July celebration include a trip to Disney Springs? Upper Level Patio Dining at STK Orlando Then, listen up because STK Orlando is offering a great special to celebrate the 4th of July… but not only on Independence Day. This special will run all week long! STK will be offering a $25 dining credit towards dinner when you book a reservation through their website, inviting you to “Make It A STEAKcation.” ©STK This is only being offered for a la carte dinner reservations from Monday, July 1st – Sunday, July 7th. Additional specials are also being offered! They will also be offering $17.76 Red, White, and Blue STEAK Toppings. There will also be an ALL DAY happy hour on July 4th, which will feature $2-$8 bites, 1/2 off of Specialty Cocktails, and $10 Justin Cabernet and Vievite Rose. To book your advance reservation so you can snag that $25 dining credit — click here. Or call (646-624-2400) and mention “STEAKcation25”. Be sure to check out our review of STK Orlando by clicking here! What are your 4th of July plans? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery Feel the Love: Valentine’s Offerings at STK Orlando in Disney Springs! News: Free Pastry with Purchase of a Caricature at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs! View the full article

One of the things you can always count on when sailing with Disney is the opportunity to taste a variety of wine and spirits, including inventive cocktails, rare vintages of wine, craft beer and exclusive Champagne labels. Indulging in an adult beverage is an experience on its own, one that often matches the venue you’re enjoying. Located inside The District on the Disney Dream, Pink is an elegant and upscale cocktail bar serving top-shelf liquor, wine and Champagne. Pink’s menu is inspired by the Disney classic film “Dumbo,” but despite the bar’s name and theming, not all of the drinks are pink or bubbly—though if that’s your thing, you have plenty of options! One of the guest-favorites at Pink is the Prestige, a hand-crafted cocktail with spiced rum, amaro liqueur, Coca-Cola, hibiscus sugar and lime. So refreshing! If you’re inner mixologist is eager to come out, take a look at this video to see how it’s made. View the full article

Yesterday, runDisney released the 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend themes! So slip off your glass slippers and step into some sneakers: it’s time to run! 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend As is always the case with the Princess Half Marathon Weekend, a few of our favorite royals are being celebrated! See how far you’ll go when running the Moana-themed Disney Princess 5k. (Dress? Animal sidekick? Yup, she’s a princess!) Dress up in fun Disney gear, and join in on this 3.1-mile run, which is perfect for the whole family. 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Chase the colors of the wind as you run 6.2-miles with the Pocahontas-themed Disney Princess Enchanted 10K. 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Registration Note: Though regular spots are no longer available for the 5k and 10k races, you can still participate by running with a participating charity group or through a travel provider. Click here for more information. I guess this gal is used to running in heels… but feel free to go with sneaker instead when you dash your way around Walt Disney World before the clock strikes midnight with the Cinderella-themed 13.1-mile Disney Princess Half Marathon. 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Spots are still available for the half-marathon as of press time — so click here for more information! Get ready to rock your pink or blue tennis shoes as you run in the with three fairies in the Sleeping Beauty-themed Disney Fairy Tale Challenge. According to runDisney, “Participants of the challenge, completing both the Disney Princess Enchanted 10K and Disney Princess Half Marathon for a total of 19.3 miles, will have their fairy-tale ending and earn the prestigious challenge medal.” Spots are still available for the Fairy Tale Challenge as well, so click here to sign up today! 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Do you wanna be where the racers are? Well, your little humans can with The Little Mermaid-themed 2020 runDisney Kids Races. Spots are still available for these as well. Click here to learn more! 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend The runDisney princess events will be held at Walt Disney World February 20 – 23, 2019. If you plan to run, be sure to register ASAP as these races tend to sell out! Will you be participating? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: Review and Tips: Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom New Disney Princess Mugs Spotted at Walt Disney World — And They’re AMAZING! News: Two NEW Challenges Join the Wine and Dine Half Marathon in 2016! View the full article

Beaches & Cream Soda Shop fans — we have some great news for you! Beaches & Cream Milkshakes While it previously appeared that Beaches and Cream would close for a refurbishment beginning August 6, it now looks like the Beach Club Resort’s popular restaurant will close on August 26 instead. On the Disney World website, we see restaurant hours currently posted through August 25th, so you’ll have a bit more time to tackle the Beaches & Cream Kitchen Sink! Note that the website does still state that a refurbishment is still anticipated, and — as of press time — it is slated to take place “through winter 2019.” Beaches & Cream Availability Again, we currently can’t see any availability past this August 25th, but stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for more updates on Beaches & Cream’s refurbishment! Do you love Beaches & Cream as much as we do? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Disney World’s Poutine Obsession: 15 Ways To Get Your French Fry Fix Could This Be The Closing Date for Disney World’s Beaches and Cream? #OnTheList: The Kitchen Sink Sundae — and Chocolate Lovers’ Kitchen Sink! — at Beaches and Cream View the full article

Yesterday’s opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Resort could not have gone more smoothly! Guests are already making the most of their visits to Batuu by taking advantage of the innovative digital planning tools put in place. As we’ve shared, guests can join a virtual queue and get a boarding group to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge if the system is implemented the day of their visit. Yesterday, shortly after the first guests entered Batuu, boarding groups were activated and all guests who opted in were able to access the land! The wait in the virtual queue—which allows guests to enjoy other experiences throughout the resort until they enter the land—averaged only an hour and 20 minutes, and boarding passes were not required by late afternoon, after which guests could enter at their leisure. Once inside the land, guests waited an average of 45-60 minutes for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and wait times elsewhere in the land were minimal. All in, it was an awesome day on Batuu. Check out some of the comments from yesterday’s guests: “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was all this life-long Star Wars fan could have hoped for. I cried when I did Savi’s Workshop — one of the best theme park experiences. Waited 25 mins for the Falcon.” “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge virtual queuing system has been working great. I can’t believe how well they’ve handled crowds today.” “The wait time at Disneyland right now is blowing my mind. Everything is so short.” Plus, given the additional 20% capacity that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge brings, there was a positive impact on wait times throughout the resort. That, coupled with all of the new and exciting experiences across the Disneyland Resort, makes now a great time to visit! View the full article

Bringing your little one to the Walt Disney World Resort for the first time is a magical experience filled with heartwarming Disney memories that you’ll remember for a lifetime. And now, more than ever, is the perfect time to plan that unforgettable first vacation to the Happiest Place on Earth! Beginning today, for $999, a family of three can share the magic of Disney with the “My First Disney Getaway Package” that includes: 2-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort 2-Park Magic Ticket, with one-day-only admission to Magic Kingdom Park and one-day-only admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom One stroller rental per day (subject to availability) One merchandise bag (includes a plush, autograph book, pen, “My 1st Visit “ Mickey ears and a reusable bag. Before you visit with your little one, be sure to check out our special preschool page filled with helpful tips and magical experiences designed for younger children. You can learn more about the new “My First Disney Getaway Package” (which can be booked through September 24, 2019) on our Walt Disney World page. Price valid for arrivals most Sunday through Wednesday nights August 11 to September 25 2019. Price based on 2 adults and 1 child (ages 3–9). The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited and offer is valid only for standard rooms at select Disney’s All-Star Resorts. Ticket is valid for one-day only admission to Magic Kingdom Park and one-day only admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Ticket is valid beginning date of check-in and must be used within 4 days of check-in. One merchandise bag per room. Stroller rental includes two (2) 1-day rentals valid only at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park during stay. The initial voucher provided must be presented at Magic Kingdom Park or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park stroller rental location to initiate rental and then a receipt will be provided for the remaining rental day. Type of stroller (single or double) will be provided based on availability. Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Advance reservations required. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package. View the full article