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Aloha! Those of you who’ve been to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa know how fun it is to hang out at The ‘Olelo Room to grab a bite to eat with family and friends, and maybe add a fun drink as you take in the surroundings where the Hawaiian language is all around you, literally, and the beautiful Hawaiian music wafts through the air. Now, imagine that with sushi and sashimi! Yum! We are so excited to report that sushi and sashimi are now served at The ‘Olelo Room from 5-9 p.m.! Enjoy menu specialties such as He‘e (Octopus) or Papa‘i (King Crab – Kani), a plant-based Mea Ulu Roll, and a Kaleponi Roll (California Roll). There are so many ‘ono (tasty) offerings. Whether sitting inside or under the stars, I do have to admit, all of it goes well with my favorite appetizer — Popcorn Fries. Seriously, trust me on this one! E ‘ai kakou — let’s eat! Note: In printed materials, Aulani uses the contemporary spelling of Hawaiian words, which includes marks such as the kahako (macron). Because these marks do not often display correctly in electronic formats, including the text of the Disney Parks Blog, we’ve omitted them to ensure clarity. View the full article

The landscape is changing in Disney’s Hollywood Studios… and not just with the preparation for the August 29th opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Today, we are checking out the new signage for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, which will make its debut on March 31, 2019! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy The show will welcome guests into the world of Pixar’s Cars films by way of an introduction to Lightning McQueen as we prepare to join the next generation of rookie racers. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy sign You’ll find the new attraction in Sunset Showcase (near Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith), where currently the entry is blocked by planter walls while the space is still being prepared. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy sign But still… KACHOW! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Are you excited to check out Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy after it opens on March 31st? We’ll see you there, rookie racers! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Are you making plans to see Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: More Details Revealed for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Opening Date Announced for Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Disney World NEWS! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Coming to Hollywood Studios! View the full article

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Then you’ll want to be aware of the most recent ticket price increases and changes. Walt Disney World entrance These increases affect the following areas: date-based tickets (which you can read about here), multi-park tickets for select dates, water park annual passes, and additionally, a new model for optional preferred parking. Date-Based Tickets In October 2018, Disney introduced a new ticket purchasing option based on dates of visit, with more popular dates given higher pricing for a per-day ticket. Ticket pricing for March 12, 2019 at Hollywood Studios You can read all about it here; but the new pricing as of today brings a peak period 1 day-base theme park ticket (specifically from Christmas to Day through New Year’s Eve) to $159. Magic Kingdom Christmas Tree Note that some of the value dates remain at the current $109 price as of press time. Multi-Day Tickets Certain peak periods (such as those starting July 4th) have also seen a $9 per day increase for 4-day tickets. Water Parks Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach Water Park are Disney World’s two water parks. The water park Annual Pass has increased from $130 to $139. Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool Note that Annual Passes for the four main theme parks have not changed in price. Preferred Parking The preferred parking option has also seen a change. This elective option, which grants guests closer parking to park entrances, has moved to a two-tier model, also date-based. Preferred parking is $45 per day for regular season, and $50 for peak season. Standard parking is unchanged. Read more about Disney World’s date-based ticket pricing here. Source: wdwmagic.com 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. What do you think of the latest ticket news? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: COMPARISON: How Much Did Disney World Ticket Prices Increase Today? What’s New Around Walt Disney World — June 14, 2016 Disney Food News This Week: 2019 Festival Dates, New Eats, and MORE! View the full article

Girl Scouts from around the country can embrace the power of fearlessness and courage at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort in celebration of National Girl Scout Day. Beginning this spring, every Girl Scout that participates in a Disney Youth Education Series program will receive one of our new commemorative Girl Scout patches and create lasting memories making a positive impact on their future as strong women. The patches for this year’s participants feature the fearless Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy and the courageous Rey from Star Wars. The Gamora patch will be given to Girl Scouts exclusively at Walt Disney World Resort and the Rey patch will be distributed on both coasts at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Exclusively at Disneyland Resort, Celebrate Girl Scouts weekends are open to individual Girl Scouts and Troops, taking place on select dates throughout April, May, and June of 2019. While the Girl Scouts work together as teams to develop friendships, they will also have the chance to make Disney Parks their learning laboratory! Bi-coastal Disney Youth Education Series programs and Disneyland Resort Celebrate Girl Scouts weekends will give Scouts the tools to develop into young women and create friendships with each other that will last a lifetime. Girl Scouts can look forward to learning about topics such as: applied sciences, environmental studies, liberal arts and leadership development. If you and your troop are interested in experiencing the power of Girl Scouts throughout Disney Parks, check out Disney Youth Education Series programs on both coasts and Celebrate Girl Scouts at Disneyland Resort and remember to be fearless and courageous! Interested in learning more? Be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter for the latest and greatest Disney Youth Programs news. View the full article

Hong Kong Disneyland guests can enjoy the vibrant decorations and spectacular offerings of Carnivale of Stars for a limited time, now until June 26. The popular Disney Character Egg Hunt is back this year with more than 100 adorable Disney character-themed eggs scattered across the entire resort, including new eggs featuring Bo Peep and Slinky Dog from “Toy Story,” Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack from “The Incredibles,” Ralph and Vanellope from “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” and Marvel Super Heroes “The Wasp and Captain Marvel.” The all-new Disney Stars Springtime Celebration at the Castle Hug Stage invites guests to welcome the season with beloved Disney characters in seasonal outfits alongside talented dancers, while the center of the park and Fantasy Gardens feature exquisite landscaping which recreates scenes from Disney stories such as “Moana,” “The Lion King,” “Winnie the Pooh” and “Bambi.” Those staying at the resort’s three hotels will also discover a large-scale outdoor Easter Magicarnival from April 19 to April 28 with more than 30 themed games and activities. Families will love the Disney-themed bouncy castles, mini electric cars, large-scale inflatables games, arts-and-crafts workshop and new entertainment performance, along with meeting favorite Disney characters. The seasonal celebration features more than 50 delicacies throughout the resort – Chocolate Potato Chips Sundae, anyone? The Royal Banquet Hall inside the park now features its first character buffet with Donald Duck, while the World of Color Restaurant in Disney Explorers Lodge adds a Spring Colorful Brunch and Chef Mickey in Disney’s Hollywood Hotel offers an Ant-Man and The Wasp-themed DIY chocolate egg-making session. There are also more than 80 exclusive seasonal merchandise items, including apparel, accessories, plus toys, stationery, toys and pins. Keen collectors can look out for the new Eggstravaganza egg-shaped toy starring Mickey and friends, along with characters from “Toy Story. “Fans of Duffy and Friends shouldn’t miss Cookie’s debut in an adorable Easter-themed outfit and the all-new tea party spring-themed collections, while stock lasts.Guests are in for a treat when they visit Hong Kong Disneyland this spring – not to mention the opening of Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! in a few short weeks. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for the latest updates. View the full article

Twenty years ago Santa decided his elves needed an off-season vacation spot … Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf was born. Designer, Mike Britton, loves miniature golf. He lets you in on a little known secret with his newest wall paper – Father Christmas loves to surf! Download this new wallpaper for your mobile devise or desktop now. 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

Many people say there is nothing sure in life but Death and Taxes. I’d like to add another sure thing to the list, Disney Price Increases. Walt Disney World Increased Ticket Prices on 12 March 2019! (Updated 12 Mar 2019) – Since the Magic Kingdom opened at Walt Disney World in 1971 with an General Admission price […] The post How Disney Price Increases Affect Military Ticket Discounts appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

Check out photos from the 78th annual Daytona Bike Week. View the full article

An 11-year-old Brazilian boy on vacation had his foot and leg crushed while he rode the E.T ride at Universal Studios Florida in late January, according to a lawsuit filed by his mother. Roberta Perez sued in Orange Circuit Court in late February seeking at least $15,000 in damages for the Jan.... View the full article

There are sure signs of spring all over Walt Disney World! And while the most obvious might be the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival which just kicked off last week, another is the arrival of the Spring Milkshake at the Beach Club Resort’s Beaches and Cream. Dreamsicle Shake The Dreamsicle Shake is custom-made for fans of that orange-meets-vanilla flavor combo. Dreamsicle Shake sign And, as with the other over-the-top Shakes at Beaches and Cream, it’s accessorized… with more treats! Dreamsicle Shake In this case, these include two krispy treats made with colorful fruity pebbles that come along with whipped cream, a cherry, and marshmallow drizzle lining the souvenir Beaches and Cream plastic jar. Garnishes Fruity Pebble Treats Now, fans of Beaches and Cream may already be familiar with Frozen Sunshine, which has long been the go-to citrus shake of the house. It’s likewise made with rainbow sherbet and ice cream to make a cold, citrusy sip. Frozen Sunshine But where the Frozen Sunshine has seltzer to lighten up the texture a bit, the Dreamsicle Shake carries more of that rich, thick creaminess you associate with a shake making it even more decadent. Dreamsicle Shake Of course, the Dreamsicle Shake does come in at twice the price of the Frozen Sunshine ($14.00 for the shake as opposed to $7.00 for the Frozen Sunshine). But, keep in mind that the Dreamsicle also includes the souvenir cup, while the Frozen Sunshine does not. When you also factor in the added krispy treats, HUGE pile of whipped cream, and the obvious Instagram factor… you may very well be able to justify this springtime splurge! We sure wouldn’t argue with you . Check out more over-the-top Beaches and Cream Shakes by clicking here! Take a full Food Tour of Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts in our DFB YouTube Video! Would you like to try the Dreamsicle Shake? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: You’ve GOT to See the NEW Over-the-Top Milkshakes at Disney World’s Beaches and Cream! Disney World’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop to Close for 3-Month Refurbishment WHAT?!??!?!?: New Adult Beverage and Hard Floats Menu at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop View the full article

Just a few weeks ago we gave you a peek into construction of cabanas at the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts’ shared pool, Stormalong Bay. This stellar pool (arguably one of the best on property) is a destination for guests at the resorts, and now a day poolside can be experienced in comfort! Rentals are now open for the cabanas for dates beginning March 17! Yacht and Beach Club Cabanas The cabanas will provide services and amenities such as padded furniture (including chairs and a couch), dedicated cast members, towels, a lockable cabinet, a mounted television with cable access, and charging outlets. All the creature comforts — and then some! Yacht and Beach Club Cabanas For cabana dwellers looking for snacks, services include a mini-fridge stocked with complimentary soda and water, cocktail service, and a complimentary fruit tray. Yacht and Beach Club Cabanas The cabanas are relatively neutral in design, the styling blending with the Yacht and Beach Club colors of sea blues and gray. Retractable curtains provide privacy and shade when needed. Yacht and Beach Club Cabanas Plenty of lounge chairs remain arranged around the deck for pool guests. Yacht and Beach Club Cabanas The cabanas are only available to guests of the Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, and they can be rented by called 407-WDW-PLAY. Reservations can be half-day (with prices starting at $149 for 10 AM – 2 PM or 3 – 7 PM;) or full-day (with prices starting at $249 for 10 AM – 7 PM). Official info about Walt Disney World cabanas at select resorts can be found here. Aaaaand now we want a pool day. Want to be pampered with all the Disney Parks news? Sign up for the DFB Newsletter today! Are you a cabana fan or no? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments below! Related posts: NEWS! You’ve GOT to See This Holiday-Themed Milkshake from Beaches & Cream! (No, SERIOUSLY!) Several Disney World Pool Bars Have Expanded Menus — But For How Long? Holiday Preview: The 2017 Walt Disney World Gingerbread Displays View the full article

Shades of Green has made great strides to improve the guest experience at their Ticket Office for In Person Sales! Instead of the old queue line that you’d have to stand in while waiting you can sign in electronically and then wait in comfort. Opposite the Ticket Office counter you’ll see a small electronic podium. […] The post Shades of Green’s New Ticket Office Check In and Waiting Area appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article

I know, I know… we were just talking about new Refillable Resort Mugs hitting the shelves at a few Walt Disney World Resort counter service locations last week. BUT… Refillable Resort Mugs at Landscape of Flavors Those new Mickey Mouse Refillable Resort Mugs already have a new neighbor on the shelf — at least, that’s the case at Art of Animation Resort’s Landscape of Flavors Food Court. You see, along with the new Mickey Refillable Mugs, the bottom shelf has a new mug featuring Pixar pals! Pixar-themed Refillable Resort Mugs Lightning McQueen, Buzz Lightyear, Nemo and Dory and more can be spotted on this most recent addition. Pixar-themed Refillable Resort Mugs Pixar-themed Refillable Resort Mugs You may notice from the picture of the shelf above that Landscape of Flavors still has the previous design featuring the Fab Five arriving at Walt Disney World on hand as well (at least, for now). Refillable Resort Mugs But is this new Pixar arrival in addition to the Mickey mug a sign that even more Resort Refillable Mug designs are on the way? Mickey Mouse Refillable Resort Mug In speaking with management, they could not confirm. And as of press time, it is not yet known how many Disney World hotels have either or both of the new designs available. So we would love it if you could let us know what you happen to find if you find yourself in a Walt Disney World resort hotel anytime soon! And we’d also like to know… if given the choice between the new Mickey mug or the Pixar mug, which would you choose ? 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. What do you think of the new Resort Refillable Mug options? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: March 15, 2016 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney World Resorts: February 17, 2018 View the full article

Happy Monday! We’re back with another DFB Video to kick off the week, and we’re talking about 12 ways Disney Imagineers have blown our minds! Pandora — The World of AVATAR Imagineering is a blend of imagination and engineering — plus some Disney magic — that comes together to create amazing experiences for guests in every Disney destination around the globe. And today, we’re talking about 12 specific ways — from attractions to Lands to nighttime spectaculars and more — that Disney Imagineers have blown our minds! Check it out 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: Which ways have Disney Imagineers amazed you? Related posts: DFB Video: What’s NEW in Walt Disney World AND Disneyland DFB Video: 2018 Disney Year in Review! DFB Video: What’s Coming to Disney Parks In 2019 And BEYOND! View the full article

Disney Cruise Line has moved forward with development of a second Bahamas destination. The Lighthouse Point property on the island of Eleuthera has been purchased by Disney and the government has entered into an agreement with Disney to develop the property, according to a statement made this weekend... View the full article

Disney Cruise Line has moved forward with development of a second Bahamas destination. The Lighthouse Point property on the island of Eleuthera has been purchased by Disney and the government has entered into a Heads of Agreement with Disney to develop the property, according to a statement made... View the full article

We’re kicking off this week on the Disney Parks Blog with a Disney Doodle from artist Ashley Taylor, who imagines what Ariel and Eric would do first if they could visit the Walt Disney World Resort. According to her, the sea-loving couple would likely seek out a romantic location that reminded them of home. “Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club is the perfect blend of sailing and the shore!” Ashley said. “It’s the perfect place for Eric and Ariel to have a romantic evening!” View the full article

Walt Disney World Resort is globally renowned as the Vacation Kingdom of the World, the location of four legendary theme parks, a year-round home of top-flight entertainment, and a destination filled with every resort amenity a visitor could wish for—but its role and history as an engineering and construction marvel, and as a masterpiece of development balanced with environmental responsibility is seldom discussed. That the Walt Disney World site was swamp and scrub pine as far as the eye could see is well-known in Disney history. Although Magic Kingdom Park and the first phase of resort development opened in October 1971, site preparation began in October of 1965—and one of the first creations was not a hotel, a castle, or a monorail—it was a beautiful lagoon, surrounded by white sand beaches! Since its very beginnings, the property and its waterways have been key to the maintenance of the overall ecology of the entire property. The high water table and fragile environment of Florida demanded an enormous infrastructural preparation, including 55 miles of canals and levees for flood control, and to manage and exchange water levels without depleting the overall reserve. This remarkable control system functions automatically, without electricity, based on water levels. Detail of a vintage fun map with Seven Seas Lagoon in the spotlight. ©DisneyBay Lake is a natural body of water that was already located on-property, but it was filthy with root structures, silt, muck, and decades of debris. It was drained and cleaned to make it suitable for the millions of visitors expected to flock to Florida. Nearby, more than seven million cubic yards of earth was moved to create a man-made body of water—Seven Seas Lagoon. Site surveying had determined that the lagoon site was unstable and unsuitable for construction, so an innovative and imaginative plan for the location was to make it a sort of aquatic “red carpet”—a unique and sparkling forecourt to Magic Kingdom Park. Behind the lagoon, a nine-acre ground-level floor level for the park itself was constructed, comprised of a network of corridors and huge work and storage rooms. Called (in typical Imagineering style) “utilidors,” they provide out of sight access to all the backstage services and activities of Magic Kingdom Park. The earth removed for the creation of the lagoon was relocated to cover the utilidor level of the park. Magic Kingdom Park guests seldom realize that they are actually on the “second floor” of the park. Underneath the roots and muck of Bay Lake, tons of pure white sand was discovered. When the dredging and construction work for the waterways was completed, and the lake and lagoon filled with water, this beautiful, natural dividend was used to create the charming beaches around the lagoon—and the gorgeous tropical setting for one of the opening day resort hotels, the Polynesian Village. There are three small islands in Seven Seas Lagoon—Blackbeard Island, Castaway Cay (just like the Disney Cruise Line private island in the Bahamas), and Beachcomber Island. Castaway Cay has been used as the launching point for perimeter fireworks and is closest to Magic Kingdom Park. The island near the water bridge that connects Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake is known as Blackbeard Island. Closest to the Polynesian and Grand Floridian, covered with trees and grasses, is Beachcomber Island, once home to an unusual piece of recreation technology. A beautiful white sand beach without surfing seemed idiosyncratic to then-Vice President of Park Operations Nunis, he spearheaded the concept of surfing as a recreational activity for guests. An “artificial wave machine” was installed on the shore of Beachcomber Island (at a cost of nearly half a million dollars), and quickly proved its value—riding the waves on the Seven Seas Lagoon quickly became a favorite resort activity. But with the waves came an unexpected and negative result—beach erosion. The picturesque waves pulled the picturesque white sand away from the beach and to the bottom of the lagoon. In addition, the unpredictable wave action on the relatively placid lagoon created navigational problems for the several of the craft on the water nearby. Additionally, the wave-making machinery proved technologically temperamental, and costly to operate and maintain. After only a few years, the wave machine was shut down—but not removed. It sat rather inelegantly on the shore of Beachcomber Island, across from the Polynesian for more than a decade. In 1985, it was felt that perhaps the lagoon and beaches had been able to “settle,” and perhaps the beach damage would no longer happen. The wave machine was refurbished and started up, but the controlled waves still pulled the beach away. The wave machine was removed, but remnants of the wall to which the machine was attached can still be seen on the shoreline of Beachcomber Island today, and it’s said that the machinery out of sight, below the lagoon surface, was simply left behind, because of the huge cost to remove it completely. Luckily, the loss of the surfing beach didn’t harm the “unnatural” natural beauty of the remarkable Seven Seas Lagoon, a modern miracle of Imagineering—and luckily, there was plenty more to do on the resort waterways adjacent to Magic Kingdom Park. In another posting, we look at the widely varied watercraft that have plied the waves of Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake over nearly half a century of aquatic adventure in Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

The time has arrived for the Third Annual Disney Parks Moms Panel Awards. Each year we look forward to awarding some of our panelists’ favorite snacks, attractions, hotels and events, and this year is no different! The votes have been compiled from more than 170 current and former panelists, and we can’t wait to share the winners for all things Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line. First up this year is Walt Disney World Resort! We know everyone has their favorites, but here are a few of our panelists’ top picks: Category: Favorite Snack For the third year in a row, the winner is the Dole Whip. As in previous years, the Dole Whip was a clear front runner. Others receiving nods were Mickey Premium Bars, popcorn and churros. Category: Favorite Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Every resort hotel on property received at least one vote, but in the end, the undisputed winner was Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! Honorable mentions go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Category: Favorite Seasonal Event This year we have a NEW winner and it goes to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Apparently, our panelists love cookies and hot chocolate in the park, and snow on Main Street, U.S.A. is a definite bonus. However, our previous winner, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was an extremely close second! Honorable mentions go to Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival and Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. Category: Favorite Disney Springs Activity For the second year in row, dining has claimed victory as our panelists’ favorite thing to do at Disney Springs. However, shopping was second by only a few votes. And honestly, who doesn’t love a great afternoon filled with these two activities? We highly recommend you check out both at Disney Springs. Congratulations to this week’s winners and stay tuned for our next award presentations. Remember if you are planning a Disney vacation and need tips from those in the know, please visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized answer from one of our panelists. View the full article

Happy weekend! Here’s all the Disney food news this week! The 2019 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival kicked off March 1 and we have the FULL MENUS here! Oh, and we’ve also got SECRET menu info and reviews for you! The 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival started March 6, and we have the menus! And be sure to check out our BEST of the Fest! AND – the opening dates for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge were announced for BOTH Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios! From the Garden Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese and Micro Herbs with Lemon-oil Dressing We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We talked about what’s NEW at the Magic Kingdom. We checked out what’s NEW at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We shared details on the Burger of the Month at The Edison. When will the passholder-exclusive Steamboat Willie Popcorn Bucket return? We talked about the 5 Disney restaurants we can’t wait to try in 2019! We shared our BEST of the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Will these special events return for the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Check out the new ‘Coco’ live show in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. We shared details when Aunt Polly’s is open in the Magic Kingdom and what’s on the menu. Check out the first look of an unwrapped Disney Skyliner gondola. We shared new concept art for Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and the Milk Stand in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Check out the details for the March Smuggler’s Series at Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney Springs. New Mickey Mouse refillable mugs were spotted at the All Star Movies Resort. We reviewed the new “Honey Bee” Earl Grey Tea Cake at Sunshine Seasons. We shared even MORE details on guest access, Fastpasses, and more for Galaxy’s Edge. The opening dates were announced for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We checked out what’s NEW at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this week. And we have more of what’s new here. A Disney Family of Wines Weekend is coming to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade dining package is coming to Disneyland’s Plaza Inn. The Wonderful World of Wine is coming to the Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club. We checked out the Chinese Cotton Candy at Lotus House at the Flower and Garden Festival . We reviewed the NEW Chicken and Mushroom Pie at Yorkshire County Fish Shop in Epcot. We were live at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival on opening day. Check out the can’t-miss treats at Disney World this month. New Captain Hook’s Pirate Crew is coming to Disney’s Beach Club Resort. We reviewed lunch at 50s Prime Time Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We reviewed the new Philly Cheesesteak Spring Rolls in the Magic Kingdom. The 20% off merchandise offer appeared on quick service dining receipts at Hollywood Studios. We shared details on what to eat at Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter. Check out the merchandise for the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. We shared a guest review of Carnevale at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante in Disney Springs. We shared what’s new at the Grand Floridian and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Check out the newest princess cupcake at Disney World. Sprinkles is celebrating Women’s History Month with a special limited edition cupcake. We reviewed the World of Color dining package at Wine Country Trattoria. Disneyland celebrated Mardi Gras with special eats at several locations. Check out the new cake flavors and more from the Disney Weddings Showcase. A new Mac & Cheese Truck is coming to Disney Springs. Cinderella Castle Minnie Ears have arrived at Disney World. We spotted secret menu items at the 2019 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. Disney Cruise Line bookings for the summer of 2020 open soon. We shared a time saving tip for the 2019 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. We shared what’s NEW right now at the Magic Kingdom. We shared the DFB exclusive printable checklist for the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. New DFB YouTube videos: 18 Things You Can NOT Do in Disney World, Exclusive Animal Kingdom Snacks, The MOST Outrageously Expensive Things in Disney World, and What I Wish I’d Known Before Cruising with Disney, Part 2. New DFB Video — The Most Outrageously Expensive Things in Disney World Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got FOUR brand new videos EVERY WEEK showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re sharing our latest video — check it out — The MOST Outrageously Expensive Things in Disney World — and don’t forget to subscribe here. Deal of the Week: Daylight Savings Sale – Save 40% off Every DFB Bundle in the DFB Store This weekend we’re celebrating Daylight Savings with a HUGE sale at the DFB Store! Check out the Everything Bundle! If you’ve been thinking about getting one (or more) of our bundles, now’s the time to do it! HUGE savings and some extra time to drool over Disney food pictures, tips, deals, and discounts sounds like the perfect way to spend your weekend. Just use promo code DAYLIGHT at checkout, and save 40% off of every Bundle in the store. You SAVE EVEN MORE with one of our best-selling Bundles. We’ve bundled our books together into the ideal package to save you the most money possible. Since our bundles are already highly discounted, the extra 40% off makes them a steal. And, we have a bundle for every need. Looking for our DFB Guide, plus a more in depth look into the snacks in each park? Then our best-selling DFB Guide PLUS Snacks Bundle is for you. Looking for ALL of our DFB Guides in one Bundle? Check out our DFB Everything Bundle! Also, keep in mind, when you pre-order our DFB Guide to the 2019 Epcot Food and Wine Festival (or our 2019 Holiday Guide), we’ll send you the new guide as soon as it is published — and you’ll receive the 2018 edition for FREE as an immediate download! Enter promo code DAYLIGHT at checkout to receive 40% off of any BUNDLE at the DFBStore.com. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on instagram, facebook, or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday. We are huge fans of the Grilled Cheese and Tomato Basil Soup at Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery and Cafe. And we love this portrait of that combo from DFB reader AmyLynn. She understands our love for this combo, sharing: “When you take a portrait of grilled cheese and tomato soup from Jolly Holiday’s. Disney Food Blog would understand.” Oh we understand! ;-D Such a great combo! Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion is home to SO many great eats, and DFB reader PaulTravels247 enjoyed this lovely Berry Cream Puff! Almost too pretty to eat. Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share a photo with us on instagram, facebook, or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds. On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared this adorable R2-D2 Ceramic Tea Pot! WDW for Grownups shared 5 reasons why you should eat at Tusker House in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Disney Parks Blog shared a guide to Food Bowls at Disney World. Disney Family shared a recipe for Winnie the Pooh Sugar Cookies. Don’t Miss ANY Disney Food News! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Related posts: ALL the LIMITED TIME TREATS Coming to Disney World and Disneyland for MICKEY’S 90TH BIRTHDAY Celebration!! Disney Food News This Week: New Eats, Holiday Treats, and More! DFB’s Top 10 Disney Food News Stories of 2016 View the full article

BREAKING NEWS! Captain Marvel has hit movie screens and now you can find her at the Disneyland Resort! Captain Marvel has her very own Meet and Greet Experience at Disney California Adventure Park. And we have the scoop! Captain Marvel Meet and Greet Fans can come face to face with the woman herself, Captain Marvel! Until Marvel Land opens in California Adventure in 2020 you can head to Hollywood Land and you never know what superhero you may run into! Captain Marvel Meet and Greet Construction They are still putting the finishing touches on it but soon you will find Captain Marvel at Hangar 12 in Hollywood Land. This will probably open on Tuesday, and you can catch Captain Marvel there from 9:25 AM to 3:00 PM. But in the meantime……you can find her right now at another location in Hollywood Land! Captain Marvel at Disney California Adventure So don’t forget to pick up the latest Captain Marvel gear and jewelry before you head to Hollywood Land to meet your new favorite Marvel Hero! After be sure to hit up the Food and Wine Festival! Are you going to go meet Captain Marvel? Please let us know with a comment! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Related posts: Review: BBQ Crunch Dog and Fried Bananas at Award Wieners in Disney California Adventure MARVEL-LAND Coming to Disneyland!! News: Cars 3 Eats Now Available in Disney California Adventure View the full article

Kona Cafe at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort has always been a guest favorite spot to grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But with a big menu change, is it still as crave-worthy? Learn About: Kona Cafe Polynesian Resort Disney World Restaurants Located in the Great Ceremonial House that serves as the centerpiece of the resort, the restaurant is airy and open…but still relatively boring when it comes to decor and theme. But since the Polynesian is on the Monorail, Kona Cafe is relatively easy to access even if you’re not staying at the resort. And, of course, the food has been fairly consistent over the years: good with moments of greatness. Now the recent menu change has guests wondering whether Kona Cafe should stay on their must-get Advance Dining Reservation list or whether they should head elsewhere. We reviewed lunch shortly after the menu change, and overall, we were impressed by the offerings! In particular, we thought the sushi was a terrific value, and we enjoyed the Hawaiian-Style Reuben sandwich. Even dessert had some pleasant surprises with Key Lime and Tiramisu cups bringing good flavor. See our full review of lunch at Kona Cafe here! Kona Cafe But I wanted to get back to dine from the Dinner Offerings portion of the menu, which is where you’ll find Steak and Seafood that isn’t available for lunch. The All Day Offerings include the items we reviewed previously and some other items I wanted to try. Kona Cafe All-Day and Dinner Offerings But first: Lapu Lapu. This refreshing tropical cocktail is a staple of the Polynesian. Diners and visitors to the resort can also order a Lapu Lapu at ‘Ohana and Tambu Lounge. It’s easy to spot this iconic Polynesian Village Resort drink because #pineapple. (FYI: If you order this on the Disney Dining Plan, you’ll receive it in a glass — no pineapple!) Lapu Lapu The meal begins with soft dinner rolls and macadamia nut butter. This butter is a popular addition to the breakfast menu at Kona, where it’s served with the Macadamia Nut Pancakes (see our review of the pancakes here!). At dinner, it’s a unique addition to the warm rolls. Dinner Rolls with Butter For this visit, I went with two All Day Offerings, one Dinner Offering and a side. The menu is fairly eclectic here, with some dishes having subtle touches of island flavor and others being very island-forward. Sampling the Kona Dinner Menu The Duck Fried Rice with Confit Leg is one such island-forward dish. Fried rice is dotted with peppers, onion, shitake mushrooms, small bits of duck, and egg. A fried spring roll on top also contains duck. Bok choy provides a bit of color. Overall, the fried rice was sweeter than expected, and delicious. The star of the dish, though, is the confit duck leg, which is succulent and savory. The sweet togarashi is the dominant spice here, so if you’re familiar with and enjoy the ubiquitous Japanese spice, you’ll enjoy this dish. Fans of duck will also appreciate its use here. Duck-Fried Rice with Leg Confit The Big Kahuna Burger is little messy but flavorful. It’s a burger (more on this in a moment!) topped with sauteed pastrami, corned beef, pepper jack cheese, mustard aioli, and tangy cucumber. Big Kahuna Burger The toppings are generous, and the pastrami and corned beef bring lots of flavor. Subtle heat from the pepper jack is a nice addition as well. The aioli adds some much-needed moisture. Big Kahuna Burger The burger, though, was probably the least exciting thing we ordered overall. The flavors were fine, but the patty was a bit overdone and there were definitely more enticing things on the menu. That said, if you’re in a burger mood, this and the Crispy Cheese Burger we discussed in our lunch review are decent options (click here for that lunch review!). Big Kahuna Burger The big ticket items at Kona Cafe are found on the Dinner Offerings where the 20-oz. Bone-In Black Angus Ribeye comes in at $55! (If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, this is a big value for you… except you’ll likely need to order a side.) The ribeye is a beautiful cut of meat, and the grill marks and visible seasoning are really compelling. Arugula and a braised cipollini onion are the only accompaniments, and they’re definitely more garnish than side dish. 20oz. Bone-In Black Angus Ribeye The meat was cooked perfectly (I ordered it medium-rare), and it carried great flavor from the grill and seasonings. I was honestly impressed. 20oz. Bone-In Black Angus Ribeye If a big slab of meat is all you need for a meal, you might not be too concerned about a side; but like a lot of steakhouses, Kona Cafe offers a number of sides that pair well with the steak. Roasted Heirloom Carrots are an intriguing option, as is the Lobster and Crab Mac and Cheese (already a guest favorite), but I went with a true classic: Creamy Mashed Potatoes. These were very good — creamy as per the description and a generous portion definitely share-able. The flavor was spot-on! Mashed Potatoes Side I was also stoked to try a couple of options from Sauces! You know I love a good sauce, and these were delicious! Togarashi Hollandaise is a bright fusion of two powerful flavors, and the Horseradish Cream Sauce was potent enough to really hold its own. (A little of this added to the Big Kahuna might’ve helped things along, too…) Togarashi Hollandaise and Horseradish Cream Sauce Desserts here also had a makeover recently, and we tried them during our lunch visit when the new menu first came out in January. The five options — all served in small glasses — include Tiramisu, S’mores, Tapioca Pudding, Bananas Foster, and Key Lime. Presented Dessert Tray Each dessert is $5.00, and the ones we tried were all delicious, with Key Lime slightly nudging out Tiramisu as our favorite. Tapioca Pudding was great, too! Kona Cafe Desserts Kona Cafe is still a good option for table service — particularly if you’re unable to find a table service ADR to your liking in Magic Kingdom and want something nearby. The Monorail ride over to the Polynesian is a nice escape from the park, and the decent menu offerings at Kona are a tasty way to fuel up for a night of fireworks and fun. That said, it currently seems to me that Kona Cafe is being presented as a “stand-in” for an absent signature dining experience in the deluxe level and every expensive Polynesian Village Resort. The steakhouse additions to the menu and high-end ($$$) options are clearly a move to show guests that they don’t have to go to Citricos, Narcoossee’s, or California Grill to get signature-level dining when they’re staying here. But the atmosphere here is still that of a moderate-level dining location, so I think they have a way to go to convince high-paying guests that this is the date night they deserve. However, in the meantime, those who are dining on the standard Disney Dining Plan are going to be able to get some expensive options for their one-credit payment here…so make hay while the sun shines. Kona Cafe made our list of the Best 9 One-Credit Disney Dining Plan Values of 2019! Click here to check out the rest of our recommendations! Have you enjoyed a meal (or not!) at Kona Cafe? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Related posts: Review: Limited Time Drinks and Classics at Walt Disney World’s Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto 9 Best One-Credit Restaurant Values on the 2019 Disney Dining Plan Review: Dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Jiko View the full article

Looking forward to the fresh flavors that come with spring? You’re in luck! Spring has already sprung at Walt Disney World Resort with the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. My favorite part of the festival is definitely the topiaries you can find all over Future World and World Showcase, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy a snack or twelve on my journey! And, as with any festival, there’s no easier way to pay than with a mini festival-themed Disney Gift Card you wear around your wrist! Activate a special-edition Disney Gift Card for as little as $15 and scan at Outdoor Kitchens, merchandise locations, or anywhere else the Disney Gift Card is accepted to make paying refreshingly simple and fun. This year Disney Gift Card is offering two designs and invites you to “pick” your flavor: a radiant strawberry or the classic Florida orange. The orange design option offered this year might remind a few of you of the orange-shaped Disney Gift Card design offered in 2016, but this year’s designs are not scented. Instead, each festival-themed gift card comes with a removeable tag with implanted wildflower seeds. Take the tag home with you, plant it in a pot or your garden, keep it watered well and you can have your own Flower & Garden Festival right at home! Plus, in alignment with Disney’s green initiatives, these special tags are made from 100% recycled paper. You’re welcome to keep the tag on as you explore the festival, but if you want to remove it, either pull it swiftly off the keyring, or open up the keyring and slide it off. Note that because of the plant-able nature of the tag, one of Florida’s signature rainstorms might compromise the integrity of the tag, so pop it off, keep it in your bag or pocket and ensure that you have a living souvenir from your trip! Disney Gift Cards are reloadable and never expire. Just stop by a merchandise or food and beverage location and ask a cast member for assistance. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that these and all other Disney Gift Cards can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide! If you want to purchase a traditional Disney Gift Card in advance, choose from hundreds of designs at DisneyGiftCard.com, otherwise, we’ll see you at the festival! View the full article

This week, we shared an exciting announcement many of you have been waiting to hear – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening ahead of schedule on May 31 at Disneyland Resort in Southern California and August 29 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. That’s right – it’s debuting early because of high guest interest in experiencing this new, immersive land. Visit our original Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge story for important information you should know before you go and begin your own Star Wars adventure in a galaxy far, far away. We also celebrated this week’s kick-off of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with a special spring episode of “Inside Disney Parks” featuring a backstage look at this year’s character topiaries – and shared a look at the topiary that just may be the surprise hit of the event! Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Disney Celebrates Cast Members Around the World on International Women’s Day – Friday was International Women’s Day—a global celebration of women’s achievements and an opportunity to explore how everyone can help create a more gender-inclusive world. Foodie Guide to Food Bowls at Disney Parks – Food bowls have become the newest sensation at our parks and resorts across the country. With so many yummy options, including tons of build-your-own bowls, there’s something for everyone! Book New Pirate & Mermaid Experiences at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels – A variety of new experiences – from art classes and fishing excursions, to pirate experiences and mermaid schools and more – are already, or will soon be, available to book at Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Dance All Night with ‘Mickey’s Mix Magic’ at Disneyland Park – Get ready to dance all night and join in on the fun with “Mickey’s Mix Magic” at Disneyland park. As part of Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, we’re celebrating 90 years with the one and only Mickey Mouse. Bring Your Celtic Spirit To the Annual Raglan Road Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Disney Springs! – We’ve got the highlights you can expect for the annual Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival, which will be held March 15-17 this year! Disney Parks Best Bites: March 2019 – It’s time for another Best Bites! This month, we’re highlighting a NEW food truck coming to Disney Springs, the Neighborhood Bakery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Mardi Gras offerings at Disneyland Resort, and more. Every Role a Starring Role – Project Manager, Costuming at Disneyland Resort – Transport yourself to the land of Batuu with Brenda Mercure, Project Manager, Costuming at Disneyland Resort. She’ll give us a sneak peek of the much-anticipated cast member costumes for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, featuring distinct and iconic looks. View the full article

A Disney vacation is the perfect place for a military family to spend time together and think of nothing else. It’s the ideal location for a pre-deployment getaway, for reconnecting after a deployment, or for a special treat for the kids while mom or dad is away. Planning a Walt Disney World vacation can be […] The post Top 8 Reasons to Use an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner appeared first on Military Disney Tips Blog. View the full article