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There has been much anticipation around the opening of Jaleo by Chef José Andrés, which celebrates traditional Spanish cuisine in a festive atmosphere. I am happy to announce the wait is over – Jaleo at Disney Springs West Side is slated to open for dinner on March 17, 2019. This will be the fifth Jaleo location in the U.S., the first in Florida and the largest location to date. With a menu showcasing the rich regional diversity of traditional and contemporary Spanish cuisine, Jaleo popularized tapas dining in the U.S. starting with its first Washington D.C. location which opened in 1993. Jaleo at Disney Springs will feature an extensive menu of tapas, the traditional small plates of Spain, as well as savory paellas, sangrias, and a selection of Spanish wines and sherries. The celebration of these flavors in an inviting, vibrant atmosphere is a hallmark of all Jaleo restaurants. Jaleo offers an excellent selection of embutidos (cured ibérico ham, pork chorizo, and spreadable cured sausage) and quesos (cheese from cow, goat, and sheep’s milk). The Queso Massimo, an Asturian raw cow’s milk cheese made exclusively for Chef José Andrés and Jaleo, is cured for four months with the pulp from Asturian apples. A variety of authentic paellas cooked over a wood-fired paella pit are a highlight and are available by the plate or pan. Select specialty paellas are available each night with entire pans prepared to order for eight or more guests and presented tableside. Ensaladas y Mas options include Gazpacho estilo Algeciras, the classic chilled Spanish soup made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers; Ensalada de coles de bruselas con albaricoques, manzanas y jamón serrano, a delicious dish of warm Brussels sprouts salad with apricots, apple, and serrano ham; and Ensalada de remolacha con citricos which is a salad of red beets, citrus, Valdeón cheese, and pistachios with sherry dressing. Perfect for sharing will be traditional chicken fritters (Croquetas de pollo) and Aceitunas modernas y clásicas – ‘Ferran Adrià’ liquid olives and gordal olives stuffed with piquillo pepper and anchovy. A traditional Spanish omelette with potatoes and onions (Tortilla de patatas clásica) is also offered for the table. This incredibly impressive and varied menu also includes seafood dishes such as sautéed baby squid from southern Spain with white beans (Puntillitas salteadas con alubias); seared scallops with pine nut sauce, raisins, and PX reduction (Vieiras con salsa de piñones); and Gambas a la Zahara – buttery, garlicky head-on shrimp prepared tableside for guests. On the restaurant’s front corner adjacent to the Jaleo entrance will be Pepe by José Andrés, the first brick and mortar location of the chef’s popular Spanish food truck. Pepe will be open for lunch and dinner beginning March 17. Check out Sarah Domenech’s blog post for more information. Jaleo at Disney Springs will be open for dinner starting March 17 with lunch service beginning later in the month. Make reservations for Jaleo at Disney Springs here or call (407) WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). View the full article

Cast members and the project teams responsible for bringing the new TRON attraction to life at Magic Kingdom Park celebrated a major milestone this week — signing their names on one of the first steel support columns for the new attraction. Magic Kingdom Park’s TRON attraction, which is currently being constructed in Tomorrowland, is based on the guest-favorite attraction TRON Lightcycle Power Run at Shanghai Disneyland. This coaster-style attraction will allow riders to board a train of two-wheeled Lightcycles for a thrilling race through the digital frontier. The TRON attraction is set to open at Magic Kingdom Park in time for Walt Disney’s World’s 50th anniversary in 2021. View the full article

A favorite Irish proverb of mine is “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover, hard to find and lucky to have.” Grab this wallpaper and celebrate the spirit of the Irish and St. Patricks Day with two of the best friends ever, Pooh and Piglet. Download this wallpaper for your desktop or mobile device. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

HOORAY!! Its official! ThinkFoodGroup has announced the opening date for Jaleo by Chef José Andrés in Disney Springs. Jaleo Jaleo will begin serving dinner on March 17th. (Lunch service will begin later in the month.) To make a reservation at Jaleo, you may call (321) 348-3211. OpenTable reservations will be accepted for Jaleo on opening day. Jaleo Pepe — the counter service component of Jaleo — will be open for lunch and dinner on March 17th as well, with no reservations needed. We’re looking forward to welcoming Jaleo to the Disney Springs dining scene! How about you? Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: Pre-order of The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining PLUS a free, instant download of the 2108 edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE19 at check out to get the discount. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Are you looking forward to dining at Jaleo? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Take a Sneak Peek at the Menu Coming to Jaleo in Disney Springs! When Will Jaleo By Chef José Andrés Open in Disney Springs? What’s the Latest on Jaleo’s Opening Date in Disney Springs? View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is busy getting ready to welcome otters to their new otter grotto. Plus, we found some new chocolate donut holes, a new Disney World Parks tumbler, and more on this week’s visit to the park! Animal Kingdom Otter Grotto Construction Progress There are some new signs up in the under construction otter grotto area. And that isn’t all we spotted in this area. It looks like the otters will have a structure of some sort in their grotto. Animal Kingdom Otter Grotto Construction Progress What’s New on Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island Creature Comforts has the new Disney Parks tumbler in stock. This tumbler is decorated with icons from both Disney World and Disneyland. Read about the new Disney Parks tumbler here! Disney Parks Tumbler Disney Parks Tumbler We noticed the older version of this tumbler was also in stock, at least for now. Disney Parks Tumbler Our visit to the Isle of Java was quite rewarding with a brand new discovery — Chocolate Donut Holes! Yep! Donut holes covered in rich fudge-y chocolate. Read our review of the Chocolate Donut Holes here! Chocolate Donut Holes Have you ever walked by the Nomad Lounge without even noticing it? Now it will be harder to do that since they have started displaying their menu outside the lounge. Be sure to read our latest review of Nomad Lounge here. Nomad Lounge Nomad Lounge What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Asia We noticed some “foliage on wheels” near the Upcounty Stage, which is used for the new Bollywood Beats show. The “foliage on wheels” is usually used to obscure views into construction areas in Disney. We are not certain why the foliage is here at this time, but we’ll be sure to update you on our next visit to Animal Kingdom. Upcountry Stage Area Upcountry Stage Area Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the weekly updates in the parks with our What’s New posts. Catch up on Epcot’s latest news here — which is jam-packed with construction updates and more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our video 12 Times Disney Imagineers Have COMPLETELY Blown Our Minds!! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! 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. Related posts: What’s New in Animal Kingdom: Construction Updates Plus New Snacks, Drinks, Bars, and Merchandise! What’s New in Animal Kingdom: Bars, Cupcakes, Popcorn Buckets, Merchandise, and More! What’s New in Animal Kingdom: Menu Changes, Sweet Additions, Merchandise Updates, 2019 Mugs, and More! View the full article

There is so much to see and do at Walt Disney World Resort, from exhilarating rides and attractions to spectacular shows and parades and more. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind-the-scenes to bring all that magic to life? During the Adventures by Disney Backstage Magic Tour, Disney fans can get an up-close look at the artistry, technology and wizardry behind Disney’s world-famous theme park entertainment. And beginning in June, Adventures by Disney will offer a brand-new experience as part of this tour: behind-the-scenes access at Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s nighttime spectacular, “Rivers of Light“! This exclusive daytime visit takes guests backstage to visit a hidden marina where the animal and lotus barges are prepared for the evening performance. These Backstage Magic guests will be among the first to see the inner workings — and learn the mechanical and technological secrets — behind this incredible attraction! Guests will also enjoy a new private lunch at Tiffins Restaurant, featuring a special menu and fascinating insider stories about the creation of the park, starting in June. If you’re a fan of Animal Kingdom, then this is officially a “must-do” for you! But what is the Backstage Magic Tour? Expertly led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides, this immersive Adventures by Disney experience allows guests to witness first-hand the magic and hard work that goes on behind-the-scenes at the theme parks. Highlights include backstage visits to… Epcot: Explore the inner workings of The American Adventure attraction as your guides reveal the feats of engineering and attention to detail behind this inspiring Audio-Animatronics stage show. (I don’t want to give anything away, but the only way to describe the technology here is “WOW!”) Creative Costuming: Observe the talented professionals who design costumes for character, show and parade performers at Walt Disney World Resort. Spoiler alert: It’s not all needles and thread! Central Shops: Explore the facility where engineers, mechanics and artisans develop and maintain all of your favorite attractions, including Audio-Animatronics, ride vehicles and elaborate stage sets. Not even the tiniest details go unnoticed here! Magic Kingdom: Become immersed in the story that started with Walt himself as you navigate the “utilidor” tunnels, a network of underground passageways constructed beneath the theme park so Disney Cast Members can move around undetected – right beneath guests’ feet! Textile Services: “Unfold” an experience like no other within one of the world’s largest laundry facilities. Yes – at Disney, even the laundry is pixie-dusted! Don’t miss your opportunity to see this fascinating facility in action, an experience only available during the Backstage Magic Tour through the end of May. Ready to get your own VIP pass to see the magic backstage? Call 407-939-8687 or contact your travel agent to book! For more adventures follow along Adventures by Disney on Facebook and Instagram. View the full article

Earlier this week, New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, and his family had a chance to celebrate with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse during Get Yours Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration at the Disneyland Resort. Drew, his wife Brittany, and their children (seen from left to right Rylen, Callen, Bowen and Baylen) are no strangers to Disney Parks. In fact, Drew mentioned they just visited Walt Disney World during his appearance in the 2019 Pro Bowl held in Orlando in January. Monday’s visit was very special, as it marked the first time Drew and Brittany’s youngest child, Rylen, had been to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Drew confessed they had surprised her, not letting her know the day’s destination until they arrived. The big smile on Rylen’s face says the secret preparations were more than worth it! View the full article

The one and only Captain Marvel makes a triumphant arrival in Disney California Adventure park! As her jet fighter is being readied for a special mission at Hangar 12 in the northeast corner of Hollywood Land, Captain Marvel lines up a gathering of recruits for a Heroic Encounter and inspires them to go Higher, Further, Faster. Check out the video below! Now in theaters, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure that follows the journey of ace Air Force pilot Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the most powerful heroes in the universe. When Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. View the full article

Right now is a really good time to book your next Disney World vacation – specifically for dates this spring and summer! It’s time to book your Disney World vacation! What makes spring and summer a good time to visit this year? Yesterday we shared a ticket price increase for dates later this year, and a booking window for a room-only discount is ending soon! Ticket Price Increases First, the ticket price increase brings a peak period 1 day-base theme park ticket (specifically for dates from Christmas to Day through New Year’s Eve) to $159! Visiting the Magic Kingdom at Christmas is going to cost more! And while some value dates remain at $109, booking that vacation package for dates this spring and certain dates this summer will help you avoid those higher ticket prices! (You can read all about Disney’s date-based ticket pricing here). Certain peak periods — such as those starting July 4th — have also seen a $9 per day increase for 4-day tickets. Room Discounts at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels If you need more of an incentive to book that spring or summer Disney World vacation, you can save up to 30% for stays most nights May 28 through September 30 when you book by March 24! That means you could book a vacation for the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – happening on August 29 – and save some money! Galaxy’s Edge Concept Art © Disney You can also save up to 25% for most stays from April 28 to May 27 when you book through May 27! Thinking About Booking? Time to Work With The Best Travel Agents in the Business No, seriously, they’re the best. And here’s why you want to go with the best: fastpasses that need to be booked 60 days in advance dining that needs to be booked 180 days in advance, over 30 hotels on property and hundreds off property dessert parties tours, activities, and more… It’s overwhelming to try to figure it all out. Here at DFB we recommend the agents at Small World Vacations to help you navigate the Disney maze! Your travel agent can MAKE THIS EASY! They can advise you on resort choice, vacation package, and tickets that will suit your family’s unique needs. They make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They’ve been there and done that, and they can tell you the most stress-free way to have your best vacation ever. And remember, using a travel agent is FREE! Don’t forget to maximize the Dining Plan! If you book a 2019 Walt Disney World Vacation Package with table service dining, you will receive one FREE digital e-Book, the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining valued at $19.95. This guide helps you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Experience! So let’s review: Using a travel agent takes the stress out of booking your Disney World vacation Using a travel agent is FREE, and If you book through Small World Vacations you’ll get a FREE DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2019 e-book! It’s time to get started! Simply head over to Small World Vacations and Let the Magic Begin! Remember: These room rate discounts must be booked by EITHER March 24 (for 30% off stays from May 28 to September 30) or May 27 (for 25% off stays from April 28 to May 27)!! 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. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you Related posts: Wanna WIN Christmas this year? We’ll show you how… Celebrate Walt Disney’s Birthday with a Special Vacation Offer! Book Your Disney World Trip Before This Discount DEADLINE! View the full article

Higher. Further. Faster. With the success of Captain Marvel’s opening weekend it’s no surprise she’s soared into the dessert cases at Walt Disney World! Captain Marvel Tart We found this tart at the Intermission Food Court at All-Star Music. Officially called the “Hero Passion Raspberry Tart,” it’s $5.29 or one DDP Snack Credit. Captain Marvel Tart The bottom layer is a crumbly tart crust filled with a raspberry filling, and topped with the blue mousse — which is actually chocolate! The tart is topped with a white chocolate Captain Marvel accent. Captain Marvel Tart Cross-Section But there was a surprise waiting for me as I bit into the tart — the raspberry jelly is actually filled with Boba Balls! Disney is STILL going all-in with the Boba my friends. Captain Marvel Tart Bite Overall, this was sadly not my favorite dessert I’ve had from the spectacular treat cases at the All-Stars. I wish there had been more of the raspberry filling to balance out the mass amount of blue chocolate mousse. However, it’s a very pretty dessert and certainly something different and fun to try! Two things are for sure though — the All-Star dessert cases will always surprise us and it doesn’t look like Boba Balls are going anywhere anytime soon! 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. Are you going to try this Captain Marvel Tart during your WDW trip? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: DFB Photos and Review: NEW! Luck O’ the Irish Caramel Baileys Cheesecake at Walt Disney World! What’s New at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom and Resorts! June 21, 2018 The Best Cookie In Disney World. And You Don’t Even Have To Pay for a Park Ticket! View the full article

A Spring Break “hello” from the Magic Kingdom! Just in time for beach time we found a new must-have beach towel, fun new character-inspired gear, a brownie honoring the cutest elephant, and more on our latest visit to the Magic Kingdom! Hello from the Magic Kingdom! Let’s start out with the construction progress on the Tron attraction. What’s New in Magic Kingdom’s Construction No matter where you are in the park, you can see signs of the work being done to add the Tron attraction to Tomorrowland. We saw the crane being used on the Tron work site from Main Street, U.S.A. Tron Construction Progress The Tron attraction is opening in 2021 as part of Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Read about the Tron attraction here. Tron Construction Progress The construction for Tron has caused the temporary closure of Tomorrowland Speedway and the Walt Disney Railroad. Tron Construction Progress What’s New in Magic Kingdom’s Fanstasyland We found a new brownie at the Storybook Snack Cart that celebrates everyone’s favorite flying elephant! Take a look at this Dumbo-themed peanut butter-swirled brownie that is topped with chocolate ganache, roasted peanuts, and a white chocolate feather! Read our review of Dumbo‘s Magic Feature Brownie here to see if it flew into our hearts or not! Dumbo’s Magic Feather Brownie Dumbo’s Magic Feather Brownie What’s New in Magic Kingdom’s Shops and Stores — New Merchandise! Just in time for Spring Break there’s a new beach towel in the D-Lish Disney Snack inspired collection. Take a look at this! It’s a Dole Whip Float! Dole Whip Float Beach Towel We admit it, there are a ton of times we’ve been at the beach or pool and dreamed of a cool and refreshing Dole Whip Float. Now we’ll have one with us! Dole Whip Float Beach Towel We love the paper umbrella with it’s not-so-hidden Mickeys. Dole Whip Float Beach Towel If looking at this Dole Whip Float is making you thirsty there are some new Disney Snack cups in a four-pack. Disney Snack Cups Disney Snack Cups If Tink is your favorite fairy there’s a new Dooney and Bourke collection just for you. This just-released collection includes a tote, satchel, and crossbody. Tink Dooney and Bourke Collection Tink Dooney and Bourke Collection Detail This will be fun in the spring and summer — and may help clear the winter blues and remind us spring is around the corner with its colorful flowers! Tink Dooney and Bourke Tote Tink Dooney and Bourke Satchel Which one will you be adding to your Disney Dooney collection? Tink Dooney and Bourke Crossbody We have definitely thought a Disney Villain was messing with our WiFi reception at times — now we know it was Jafar with this new shirt! Jafar Tee Shirt Tomorrowland’s Mickey Star Traders has a new collection of Disney classic inspired shirts and clothes. We spotted characters from The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, The Fox and the Hound, Oliver and Company, Dumbo, Pinocchio, 101 Dalmations, and Aristocats on this new merchandise. See the full Disney classics clothing line here! 101 Dalmations Tunic Fox and the Hound Jacket Which movie is your favorite? We can’t decide which ones to add to our closet — maybe all of them! See the full Disney classics clothing line here! Figaro Purse! Marie Purse We’ll close with a reminder it is Spring Break in Disney World, so be prepared for some longer than usual lines! Spring Break Crowds Spring Break Crowds Be sure to stay up-to-date on all of the weekly updates in the parks with our What’s New posts. Catch up on Epcot’s latest news here — which is jam-packed with construction updates and more! See all of Hollywood Studios’ news here — including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction progress! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our video 12 Times Disney Imagineers Have COMPLETELY Blown Our Minds!! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! 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. Related posts: What’s New in the Magic Kingdom: Celebration Sweets, Meet and Greets, Construction, and more! What’s New in the Magic Kingdom: Lots of New Eats and Construction Updates, Plus New Dooneys, Shirts, and More! What’s New in the Magic Kingdom: Everything we Found So Far in the New Year! View the full article

Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and we are starting to see appropriately themed desserts pop up around Walt Disney World — like this ADORABLE cheesecake! Luck O’ the Irish Caramel Baileys Cheesecake We found this cutie in the dessert case at the Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. It’s $5.29 or one Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit. Luck O’ the Irish Caramel Baileys Cheesecake It’s a mini cheesecake, topped with a caramel and baileys whipped frosting, and drizzled with chocolate. Atop the cake is a sugar rainbow, and a chocolate pot of gold! Be forewarned the “gold” is actually lemon flavored which took me by surprise. Luck O’ the Irish Caramel Baileys Cheesecake Cross Section This was actually quite tasty. The mini cheesecake was perfect — a nice light bite with that crumbly graham cracker crust. And the toppings were sweet but not too over the top. The caramel flavor definitely shines through more than the Baileys, but it’s still something I would order again! The only thing I didn’t like was the lemon “gold.” While it was probably chosen for it’s color, lemon just didn’t fit with the rest of the dessert. That said, it was awfully cute, and Disney certainly struck gold with this cheesecake! Get it while it’s available! 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. Will you be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the Disney Parks? Please let us know with a comment below! Related posts: What’s New at Animal Kingdom (Satu’li Menu Updates!) and the All-Star Resorts?? Get It! Dole Whip Cupcake at Disney World’s All Star Music Resort Review: Merida Cupcake at Intermission Food Court in Disney World’s All Star Music Resort View the full article

Hey, there! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re talking about how Disney is tracking you with technology. Flight of Passage MagicBand entrance Through various forms of tracking and data gathering, Disney is able to amass lots of information about their guests. We’re talking about that today — from MagicBands to where you’re sitting in a certain popular restaurant to find you with your food — in our latest DFB YouTube 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 are your thoughts on the various ways technology is used in the parks? Related posts: DFB Video: How to Survive Disney World Weather (and Hurricane Season) 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) View the full article

Mickey’s Star Traders in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World has a slew of new character apparel items, and most of them feature some of Disney’s four-legged friends. Except for one: this guy! Jafar Tee Shirt But let’s just say he’s a two-legged animal, though definitely not a friend! Still, Jafar is looking delightfully evil here — as he shuts down the wifi? Not cool, evil villain, not cool. Jafar looking evil as ever! This Jungle Book Sweatshirt features Baloo in the foreground with red, blue, and black racing stripes in the background. The stripes give this shirt a bit of a vintage feel — which is the vibe of many of the new apparel options. Baloo and Friends Sweatshirt Some design elements to note: thick black hoodie pulls and the same black pull at the waistband of the shirt to cinch it. It’s a look! Also note that Kaa is waiting to strike on the right sleeve! Jungle Book Sweatshirt This Cinderella Tank Top celebrates some of the princess’ special friends — Jaq, Gus, and Perla! In the upper part of the tank, two sweet birds sew a stylized heart. Cinderella’s animal friends The 101 Dalmations are captured on this retro-trimmed 101 Dalmations Tunic. Pongo and Perdita snuggle in the lower part, while at the top… 101 Dalmations Tunic Puppies! Five rather than 101, but see how happy they look? Pups! Figaro is up to some mischief in this long-sleeved, striped Figaro Tee. Notice the ties at the wrist and Cleo just out of Figaro’s reach! Figaro striped tee Meanwhile this Figaro Purse is insanely cute. The little pink tongue! The soft furry white face! Those pointy ears! Meow! Figaro Purse! More of a fanny pack person? Disney’s got you covered with this Marie Fanny Pack — complete with paw prints! Marie Purse This Oliver Tee captures the spirit of a beloved furry pet that’s “Always by your side” (unless, of course, they’re not because #cats). Oliver tee shirt This Fox and the Hound track-style jacket is giving us all kings of retro feels. It’s similar to a windbreaker fabric and uses bold graphic design. Fox and the Hound Jacket But the best part? Paw prints on the back! Back of the Fox and the Hound Jacket More graphic design makes a statement on this Robin Hood Tee Shirt. It looks like Alan-a-Dale is on the sleeve, too! Robin Hood Tee Shirt And finally, a shirt that captures how we feel about our DFB readers: we’re “Nuts about you!” Timothy Mouse sits on a peanut on this striped shirt that’s giving us serious middle school flashbacks. Timothy Mouse There’s no shortage of ways to show your Disney love (or rock some Disney style!) at the parks and beyond, and we love that these new designs feature some characters not typically seen on Disney merchandise! Plus, they all make a fashion statement, whether we’re ready for it or not. Want to stay in style with all the Disney Parks news? Subscribe to the DFB Newsletter today, and we’ll always keep you fresh! Which of these designs appeals to you most? Let us hear it in the comments! Related posts: Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery DFB Disney Dining Tips: How to Eat Keto at Walt Disney World Riverboat News, Holiday Sale Items, the Guest Experience Team, and Galaxy Fries: Everything New in the Magic Kingdom this week! View the full article

Niki Alexander has been promising her 12-year-old son, Byron, for months that he would be one of the first visitors to Walt Disney World’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. So when the theme park giant announced last week that the intergalactic playground would open its doors in Orlando on Aug. 29, she... View the full article

Here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re all going wild over the news of our giraffe calf, Jabari, joining the rest of the tower on the savanna. Join us as we celebrate this momentous occasion with limited time in-park offerings: Climb aboard a safari truck at Kilimanjaro Safaris and see if you can spot the new calf experiencing his new environment on the savanna. Our drivers are eager to tell you all about him! Savor this sweet occasion with a limited-edition cupcake available at Tamu Tamu in Africa, featuring a photo of Jabari and mom Mara. Strike a pose at the entrance to the Harambe bridge with a Disney Photo Imaging photographer – they’ve got special birth announcement props for you to hold. Get spotted! Add a few spots to your face with new giraffe-themed face-painting options just outside the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris in Harambe. There’s also a giraffe-themed pair of Mickey ears available next door in Mombasa Marketplace, as well as some cuddly plush and giraffe-themed Tervis Tumblers. Take the beauty of nature home with you. Also available at Mombasa Marketplace are some beautiful works of art, including soapstone and wood carvings and artwork by William Silvers and prints by Larry Dotson. View the full article

On March 31, 2019, a new show will make its debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Lightning Mcqueen will be teaching us rookie racers in the audience with help from his friends Cruz Ramirez, Tow Mater and more. Disney shares that the show will feature many of the original voice talents from Disney-Pixar’s “Cars 3” and other films in the franchise. While Larry the Cable Guy presents the voice of Mater, it’s been revealed that John Ratzenberger — playing McQueen’s closest companion and official transport truck, Mack — will also be featured in the attraction. John Ratzenberger recording for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy ©Disney This is especially fitting given that John Ratzenberger has contributed his skills to every Pixar Animation Studios feature film. Disney also shared the following video of John Ratzenberger back in the studio recording for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. “When you enter the theater, Mack and Sally Carrera welcome all the rookie racers and test your knowledge of Lightning McQueen as you take your seat and get ready for the show. Fuel up and rev your engines, because the fun starts when Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opens on March 31 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!”  Are you excited to become a rookie racer at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Preparing for Lightning McQueen’s Arrival With Updates To The Park! What’s New in Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Construction Updates, New Drinks, Signs, Merchandise and More! More Details Revealed for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Serve up a slice of flavorful fun! In celebration of Pi Day (3.14), Disney Youth Programs shows you how science plays a major role in baking a pie! Science and math are an important part in everything we do in our daily lives, even with fun activities like baking. Pi is a number that represents the circumference of all circles and is also used to measure the circumference of pie. Not only that, but the number “pi” is a number that goes on forever, just like the infinite deliciousness of a baked apple pie! Trade in your textbook for a cookbook and check out this video showcasing how the science behind baking can be both informative and tasty: Are your students hungry to learn? Exclusively at Disneyland Resort, Disney Culinary Arts takes students on an exploration of the senses to discover the secrets of Disney’s savory storytelling and the ingredients needed to fulfill their culinary career aspirations. And on both coasts, Disney Youth Education Series programs make our parks your student’s living laboratory with programs covering everything from S.T.E.A.M. to leadership! Click here to learn more and be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter for the latest news and updates on all things Disney Youth Programs. View the full article

Jabari the baby giraffe that Disney employees and visitors witnessed being born in January has joined the herd at the Animal Kingdom. Disney made the announcement Thursday on its park blog. In a video, the 7-foot-tall baby with a heart-shape spot on his neck galloped confidently around the savanna... View the full article

Jabari the giraffe is making himself at home at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park, and visitors can now spot the young one on the Kilimanjaro Safari savanna there, Walt Disney World has announced. The calf, born at Animal Kingdom on Jan. 14, has been backstage bonding with his mom Mara. Aside... View the full article

The upcoming Disney’s Riviera Resort released booking availability in January for dates starting December 16, 2019. That release came accompanied by information regarding the restaurants that will be part of this resort inspired by the Walt and Lillian Disney’s travels along the Mediterranean coastline. Riviera Resort Concept Art ©Disney Today brings more information about Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, which will be the signature rooftop restaurant for the resort. It “draws inspiration from the cliffside restaurants along the European Riviera… with beautiful vistas, cliffs, islands and the Mediterranean Sea.” Topolino’s Terrace concept art ©Disney The new restaurant will provide a setting with “stunning visual aesthetics of modern interpretations of Italian and French textures, colors, and carvings mingled with stonework that harkens to what can be found in ancient European villages along the coastline.” Topolino is Mickey Mouse’s name in Italian, and it was previously revealed that breakfast at Topolino’s Terrace will bring a character meal to the Resort. Though we await information on the morning meal (including which characters will be in attendance), dinner will present the opportunity to dine inside and then step out onto the terrace for a great views of Walt Disney World and — if the timing is right — enjoy the fireworks from Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney’s Riviera Resort Concept Art © Disney Indoors, the onstage kitchen will feature a wood burning grill for preparing meats and seafood. ©Disney Artisanal pastas with fresh pressed olive oil will also be featured along with a gourmet selection of cheeses from France and Italy. ©Disney Desserts will likewise “reflect the tastes and flavors of the Riviera.” ©Disney Wines will be sourced throughout the South of France and Coastal Italy. And cocktails made by mixologists will feature “citrus, delicious figs and vanilla tones.” ©Disney Additional dining options at Disney’s Riviera Resort will include Le Petit Café, Bar Riva, and Primo Piatto. Click here to find out more about all of the new dining options coming to Disney’s Riviera Resort! 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. Are you looking forward to the opening of Disney’s Riviera Resort? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Disney’s Riviera Resort Now Open for Booking — Topolino’s Terrace Restaurant and More Revealed 2019 Disney Restaurant ULTIMATE GUIDE: What You Need To Know About EVERY Restaurant Opening In Disney World and Disneyland in 2019! Sneak Peek: New Concept Art and Logo for Disney World’s Riviera Resort View the full article

At Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, the high-octane show debuting later this month as part of the overall transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll come face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen and also see and hear from his friends Cruz Ramirez, Tow Mater and more. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is the result of a close collaboration between the teams at Disney Parks Live Entertainment and Pixar Animation Studios, creating an all-new story set in the world of “Cars.” The show features many of the original voice talents from Disney•Pixar’s “Cars 3” and other films in the franchise. During his latest visit to Walt Disney World Resort, we caught up with Larry the Cable Guy, who performs the role of Mater. Today, we’re getting a look inside the recording session with another star of “Cars,” John Ratzenberger, who plays McQueen’s closest companion, Mack. Ratzenberger is considered Pixar’s “lucky charm,” having contributed his talents to every Pixar Animation Studios feature film. He was recently back in the studio to once again give voice to Mack for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. When you enter the theater, Mack and Sally Carrera welcome all the rookie racers and test your knowledge of Lightning McQueen as you take your seat and get ready for the show. Fuel up and rev your engines, because the fun starts when Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy opens on March 31 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

If you grew up in Italy, the name Topolino is as familiar to you as Mickey Mouse — because Topolino is the Italian name for Mickey Mouse! Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera, the new, signature rooftop dining experience coming to the proposed Disney’s Riviera Resort draws inspiration from the cliffside restaurants along the European Riviera, much like this image of Walt and Lillian Disney dining in just such a setting with beautiful vistas, cliffs, islands and the Mediterranean Sea. A wonderful setting for fine dining. Photo courtesy of Walt Disney Archives Imagine with me how amazing it will be when we are able to walk into this new restaurant atop the 15th Disney Vacation Club Resort surrounded by stunning visual aesthetics of modern interpretations of Italian and French textures, colors, and carvings mingled with stonework that harkens to what can be found in ancient European villages along the coastline. Now imagine with me taking in a deep breath and smell the remarkable aromas that will come from the onstage kitchen featuring a wood burning grill showcasing finely prepared meats and seafood. The culinary team will be handcrafting artisanal pastas tossed with fresh pressed olive oil. A gourmet selection of fromage from France and Italy will be featured. Decadent desserts will reflect the tastes and flavors of the Riviera. I’m salivating just imaging this! Want a nice wine pairing with this food you’re sure to crave? No problem, Topolino’s Terrace — Flavors of the Riviera will also have an impressive collection of wines sourced throughout the South of France and Coastal Italy. Mixologists will be shaking cocktails featuring citrus, delicious figs and vanilla tones. This signature restaurant will also be home to a unique evening dining experience — you can dine indoors and then step out onto the terrace for a grand view of the resort’s stunning vistas and maybe even enjoy the fireworks of the nearby nighttime spectaculars at Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. And for those longing for breakfast with a view, you can start your morning off with an exclusive Disney character dining experience inspired by the Riviera. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting opportunity! Are you as hungry as I am right now? Can…not…wait! View the full article

Can you spot our latest addition to the Kilimanjaro Safari savanna? He has a heart-shape on his neck and is so very close to celebrating his two-month birthday. Ever since his birth on the savanna at Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Jan. 14, our male Masai giraffe calf has been bold, curious and courageous… and to celebrate his spirit, he has been given a very special name – Jabari, which means “brave one” in Swahili. Now standing at seven-feet-tall, Jabari has spent the past few months bonding with his mom Mara in a backstage habitat. True to his name, Jabari has quickly reached all his key developmental milestones, so today he is returning to Kilimanjaro Safari savanna to officially join the rest of the giraffe herd. Here’s a look at Jabari’s debut. Our animal care team typically is given the honor of naming baby animals but this time the naming choice went to our safari drivers because they played such an important role in keeping Guests calm during the Jabari’s birth. Several of the drivers were on hand this morning to see Jabari in stride, which left them smiling and beaming with pride. Jabari’s parents, Mara and George, were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding of threatened and endangered species, thereby ensuring healthy, future generations. Jabari is following in the hoofsteps of his sisters Amira and Aella, two young female giraffe calves who were born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom last year.  The Masai giraffe, found primarily in Kenya and Tanzania, is one of nine types of giraffe and is a vulnerable species. There are believed to be roughly 32,000 Masai giraffes left in the wild, and their population continues to decline due in part to poaching and habitat loss.  In our next Wildlife Wednesday, we’ll highlight some of our giraffe conservation efforts in Africa. View the full article

Shades of Green the military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property offers many dining options. Both those staying at Shades and those stopping by for a visit* (perhaps to buy Theme Park tickets or shop at the AAFES Store) are eligible to dine at any of the resort’s restaurants. Dining Options at […] The post Dining Options at Shades of Green – Disney World’s Military Resort appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article