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You know what your Walt Disney World Resort holiday vacation needs, after you create magical memories in the four theme parks? A relaxing day spent basking in the sun at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. And from Dec. 26-31, you can take that relaxation to the next level by dropping in to the Adult Cove, a limited-time hideaway for guests 18 and older. Adult Cove will have everything you need to really unwind this holiday season: food and beverage service at Hammerhead Fred’s Bar, specialty drinks, live music and – this is the best part – there will be a TV at the bar, so you can catch the big game. Doesn’t that sound amazing? We think so! After hanging out in this adults-only getaway, get back to the thrills of Typhoon Lagoon by experiencing its signature attractions, such as Crush ‘n’ Gusher, Castaway Creek, Storm Slides and the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool, which produces waves up to 6 ft. tall. Adult Cove is just here next week, so be sure to add a visit to Typhoon Lagoon to your theme park plans. It’ll be one of the best places at Walt Disney World Resort to kick back, relax, grab some yummy treats and raise a glass to the final days of 2018. View the full article

Today, December 21, is the first day of winter. To celebrate this lovely season, we’ve designed a brand-new Disney Parks Blog wallpaper for you, which feature two of our favorite friends from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction at Magic Kingdom Park – Pooh and Eeyore, who seem to be enjoying the winter weather. This new wallpaper is available in both mobile and desktop versions. 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. View the full article

What helps the medicine go down? Why, it’s a SPOONFUL OF SUGAR! And that’s exactly what you’ll find topping the new Mary Poppins-inspired CUPCAKE in Magic Kingdom’s Main Street Bakery! ©Disney This new cupcake makes its debut today in honor of the new film. And we’re not sure how long it will be available, so if you see one, we suggest you grab it… “Spit spot!” See ALL the food stops on Main Street, U.S.A. in our DFB YouTube Video Food Tour!  Will you be picking up a Spoonful of Sugar Cupcake? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: May 13, 2016 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 What’s New at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom: March 8, 2018 View the full article

The new Disney Junior Dance Party! live show, which will feature music and characters from beloved Disney Junior TV shows, will soon hit the stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The party will be held multiple times each day starting Saturday, December 22, and will feature the star of the spooktacular hit Disney Junior television show, “Vampirina.” This TV series follows the Hauntley family, friendly vampires who recently relocated from Transylvania to Pennsylvania. Viewers delight in watching Vampirina (aka “Vee”) as she experiences being the new kid in town and attending a new school in the human world. Disney Junior Dance Party! will also be hosted by Finn Fiesta and DJ Deejay, who will encourage guests to sing and dance to their favorite Disney Junior songs. Disney Junior Dance Party! features music and characters from “Doc McStuffins,” “The Lion Guard,” “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” and “Vampirina.” Interested in learning more about Vampirina at Disney Parks? Check out this previous blog post. View the full article

“Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.” — Walt Disney I recently had the pleasure of joining Disney Vacation Club Members attending the Phone Photography Workshop at Reunion Station. This workshop is one of many Membership Magic experiences offered, available as a paid, add-on option, at this relaxing retreat nestled on the shores of Bay Lake at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. With the holidays in full swing, this seemed like the perfect time to brush up on my phone photography skills and share with you a few tips and tricks, so that you, too, can capture memorable moments with your phone while celebrating with your family and friends this holiday season — or on your next trip “home.” And also a great excuse to share images of some of the amazing holiday decorations throughout Disney Vacation Club Resorts at Walt Disney World this year! The workshop, led by Disney Fine Art Photography & Video photographer Kevin O’Connell, included “classroom” work, yummy Reunion Station appetizers and drinks and even a field trip. With a strong focus on the amazing pictures we all love to take while on a Disney vacation, Kevin covered everything from capturing the emotions of a visit with a Disney character to grabbing that iconic fireworks-over-the-castle shot — no matter how many times we’ve seen that amazing spectacular! Tips from Kevin included both the obvious and the fine art of photography. Tip number one — clean your lens. I had to laugh, and yet, how often do we actually do that? Such a great tip! Kevin shared several of these and then moved into the finer points, the true craft of photography, and with a Disney lens, if you will. As Kevin spoke of the craft of filling the frame or the importance of the point of view of the camera, he shared several examples of Disney character interactions. When it comes to characters, the ones where the frame was filled, meaning there was more of the subject filling the full screen than say the floor or ceiling, the emotions of the Guests shone through, which is what we want so that years from now we can relive that magical moment again and again. Another tip — turn your camera horizontal to fill that frame. For point of view, Kevin noted how, throughout the park, the Disney PhotoPass Cast Members are always inviting us to join and stand next to them. This is because they have the perfect vantage point with the characters, the perfect lighting set up or even the best possible shot with the castle positioned just right in the background. He also noted how helpful it is to get on the level of your subject, especially with children. The Disney characters often kneel down, so dropping to one knee will also give you a better chance of capturing the faces of the children versus the tops of their heads. Such truth! When creating that picture-perfect postcard image, there were so many fun tips and tricks! Kevin talked us through everything from how to pose properly to where to not cut off a joint (elbow, knee) of a family member in a picture, avoiding that phantom hand that no one can figure out to whom it belongs! But my favorite tip was the finer rule of thirds. Kevin warned it wasn’t a “do it every time rule,” and yet it can add depth and a beautiful, asymmetrical composition that draws the eyes into the image. We all have grids on our camera (if you haven’t yet, go into camera settings and check to show the grid lines). You can achieve this rule of thirds by using those grid lines, both horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject along one of those lines or “thirds.” The beauty of digital photography is you can try it out and see the difference in real time. I’ll leave you with one final tip: zoom with your feet. We’ve learned to pinch the frame with our fingers, zoom in and grab that shot, but then we get home and it is a bit grainy. Kevin says, when you can, zoom with your feet, meaning literally walk closer, and you’ll end up with a higher resolution image that will allow you to crop as desired later. When you’re ready to sign up, please call Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Reservations are required and space is limited. Hope all of your holiday pictures are filled with magic! As a part of Membership Extras, an incidental benefit, these Member benefits are subject to change, availability or termination and may require a fee. Membership Extras are available with eligible ownership interests. Visit http://disneyvacationclub.com/memextraspolicy for more information. View the full article

A little over a year ago I set out to determine whether I could capture an entire performance of “Remember…Dreams Come True” fireworks spectacular at Disneyland park in a single exposure and it worked! I thought the final result was really interesting. With a proven photographic recipe in-hand, I recently set out to see if I could do the same thing with the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks spectacular. Every joyful holiday burst and blast is represented here. How is this possible, you ask? I’ll explain. I mounted my camera to a tripod with a 24mm lens and slapped on a 9-stop neutral density (ND) filter. For the uninitiated, just think of an ND filter as a tinted window for your lens – it limits how much light can get to the image sensor (or film) over time, which allows you to expose longer without blowing-out bright details. I also pre-set the camera’s long exposure noise reduction feature to tone-down or eliminate “hot pixels.” Hot pixels are bright dots that appear on digital pictures as the result of the camera sensor overheating during long exposures. My settings were: ISO 100, f/22, and shutter was left in bulb mode (which means the shutter will remain open once triggered until I signal the termination manually with a cable-release). I left the white balance set to auto. I triggered the shutter with the cable release as soon as the street lamps went dim and, learning from my previous experience, waited about three minutes after the finale to terminate the exposure. Last time around, I had to use Photoshop to make a slight curves adjustment to the castle mid-tones or Sleeping Beauty Castle would have looked too dark. Letting the post-show castle expose for that extra three minutes eliminated the need for any Photoshop adjustments: what you see here is the photograph exactly as it came out of the camera. My background is in photojournalism, so getting pictures right, in-camera, and with minimal or no lab work is a deeply-ingrained value that continues to shape how I do my work for Disney. That challenge and commitment to photographic ethics makes the work more fun and, in my mind, maybe a little more special. Total exposure time: 00:12:42 NOTE: Using the camera’s long exposure noise reduction feature adds about 15-minutes to the image write time on an exposure this long. So, keep in mind,if you’re going to try something like this on your own: do not turn off your camera until the image writing process is complete or you’ll ruin the photograph. Holiday magic abounds in every corner of the Disneyland Resort through Jan. 6, making this a perfect time to drop in for a visit. Don’t forget to catch “Believe…in Holiday Magic” while you’re here – it’s incredible. View the full article

If you are among those who are SUPER EXCITED about the new Potion Purple Minnie Ears coming to Disney Parks, then you’ll be glad to know that they have already arrived in Disneyland! Potion Purple Minnie Ears! Many thanks to @weknowdisney on Instagram for this purple-y pic of the Potion Purple Ears outside of the World of Disney store in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District! The Ears are due to arrive bright and early on December 26th in Disney World’s World of Disney store. But, since they were also due to arrive on the 26th in Disneyland, perhaps it’s possible they’ll be spotted early in Disney World, too. (Fingers crossed!) These are in addition, by the way, to the Plumeria Minnie Ears that just hit the Disneyland scene yesterday. Plumeria Minnie Ears The only two Disney destinations where you can find them are at The Tropical Hideaway (newly opened in Adventureland) and Disney’s Aulani Resort. So, Disneylanders… which pair will you be picking up first ? Join us on Instagram for SO MUCH Disney food — and MORE! — fun! Are you hoping to snag a pair of Potion Purple Minnie Ears? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: “What’s This?!” Jack Skellington Pumpkin Cotton Candy in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney Holiday Eats and Sweets – and Starbucks! — in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District News: Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer Coming to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District View the full article

A respected actor, director and producer, Blair Underwood brought a bit of Hollywood panache to Walt Disney World Holidays last week as one of the celebrity narrators participating in this year’s “Candlelight Processional,” part of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. A veteran of the event – and a fan favorite – Underwood has participated in the “Candlelight Processional” off and on throughout the last two decades. The Disney Parks Blog caught up with him during some down time before a performance where he shared thoughts on why he loves the event so much and how his family celebrates while they are at Walt Disney World Resort. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays Holiday traditions from around the world come to life at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, featuring the new Holiday Cookie Stroll and new food and beverage at Holiday Kitchens. Through Dec. 30, Epcot brims with holiday magic, as guests will be able to sample international seasonal delicacies, delight in live entertainment, and enjoy festive decor. Guests discover a festival like no other, featuring the joyous holiday traditions of our 11 World Showcase nations. Epcot International Festival of the Holidays surrounds you in the wondrous sights, sounds and flavors of the season, as celebrated by cultures near and far. Guests also savor some of the most delectable holiday dishes from across the globe at 13 specialty kitchens set around World Showcase. New items this year include black forest roulade with cherry whipped cream at the Bavaria Holiday Kitchen in the Germany Pavilion and sofrito-marinated beef with sweet plantains and olives at the Feast of the Three Kings Holiday Kitchen. At the “Candlelight Processional,” the story of Christmas is powerfully told by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a full choir and a 50-piece orchestra in a performance that inspires joy and holiday spirit. New narrators this year include the voice of Moana, Auli’i Cravalho and Joey Fatone. Returning favorites include Pat Sajak, Cal Ripken Jr. and voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson. Guests can add more magic to their holiday celebrations with a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner followed by reserved seating at a performance of the “Candlelight Processional.” Dining options include some of the tastiest restaurants in Epcot and the adjacent Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. Limited dates for the Candlelight Dining Packages are still available; please visit www.Epcotholidays.com for more information or call (407) WDW-DINE. For more information about the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays or all holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort, check out http://www.disneyworld.com/holidays. View the full article

We’re changing Taco Tuesday into Taco Thursday this week with a stop at the Springs’ Street Tacos Food Truck in Disney Springs! Springs’ Street Tacos While it’s pretty obvious what’s on the menu from the name Springs’ Street Tacos, there’s actually more to it. In fact, our visit this week was to check out the new Bowls on the menu which are in keeping with one of the latest food trends in Disney World. Springs’ Street Tacos Menu Your choice of bowls is between Steak, Fish, Chicken, and Vegetarian. Accompaniments vary slightly, as you see on the menu. For instance, the Fish Bowl is complete with a tropical fruit salsa and red cabbage among the ingredients, and the Vegetarian Bowl comes with black beans, roasted corn and peppers in the mix. It was a Steak Bowl for us which, like the Chicken Bowl, is served with yellow rice, avocado crème, pico de gallo, queso fresco, jalapeño, cilantro, radish and lime. Steak Bowl Steak Bowl What stands out at Springs’ Street Tacos — and this is typical from our visits to the Disney Food Trucks — is the super fresh quality of the ingredients, giving everything a nice, bright flavor and zip. The Steak Bowl is no exception. Steak Bowl And the meat was nice and tender, too. Steak Bowl Of course, we couldn’t leave Springs’ Street Tacos without a taco (or two), could we? Taco Combo For the Taco Combo, you get your choice of any two from the same options as the bowls: Steak, Fish, Chicken, and Vegetarian. We ordered up a steak taco and a fish taco. Fish Taco Steak Taco The funny thing is, the ingredients don’t really vary from the bowls to the taco (save for the soft tortilla shell, of course). But the ingredients just seem to come together better in the tacos. Plus, there’s the obvious bonus that you can try two of the four varieties, if you like. Springs’ Street Tacos You’ll typically find Fantasy Fare Food Truck and Springs’ Street Tacos in Exposition Park on the West Side of Disney Springs (though they can move around, of course). And, by the way, you can still see the beautiful artwork on the Springs’ Street Tacos Truck from when it operated as Namaste Cafe . Taco Combo and Truck Artwork No matter the truck, there are two pretty consistent things we’ve noticed with nearly every visit. One, there are hardly ever any long lines to speak of. Due to the lack of lines, we think, there’s no need to have dishes prepared in advance, so dishes are made to order which is one of the things (aside from the ingredients themselves) that lends to some really fresh-tasting food. Fresh ingredients Fresh ingredients The flip side of that brings us to our second point: we’ve also noticed a fairly long wait after placing our orders as well. Since the wait usually results in a tasty, fresh dish, we haven’t minded too much. But if you’re hoping to catch a movie at AMC at a certain time or just get back to shopping ASAP, you’ll want to know in advance. For now, we’re signing off from Springs’ Street Tacos! Happy Taco THURSDAY to you!! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! 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 pre-order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2018 Edition for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2018 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you tried any of the Disney Food Trucks? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Disney Pixar’s ‘Coco’ Family Celebration Now At Disney Springs 4 Rivers Cantina Barbacoa Food Truck Ribbon Cutting in Disney Springs New DFB Video: EAT THIS at Disney Springs Part 1 View the full article

The rainy, cool weather camped out in Florida prompted the closure of area water parks and some other attractions Thursday. Closed to visitors were Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay water park; Aquatica, SeaWorld Orlando’s water park and Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World. (Disney’s Blizzard Beach... View the full article

From collecting Toys for Tots and decorating the homes of military families to throwing holiday parties for patients at CHOC Children’s and the elderly, Disneyland Resort is spreading the spirit of the season in the community. For the sixth year, the Disneyland Resort parade maintenance team brought holiday decorations to Camp Pendleton for Operation Sparkle. “We go down to the Marine base and help families in need of holiday cheer,” said Mike Montero, manager of Parade Maintenance at Disneyland Resort. “We decorate their homes and wrap Christmas presents and get their houses ready for the holidays.” Disney VoluntEARS also brightened the spirits of seniors at Walnut Manor Care Center in Anaheim by dropping off gifts to residents with Mickey Mouse. For the 18th consecutive year, patients and families at CHOC Children’s in Orange enjoyed a Disney-sponsored holiday party with Mickey Mouse and his friends, games, cookie decorating and one of Orange County’s longest yule logs! And more than 8,000 toys were collected at the Disneyland Resort for Toys for Tots. “Disneyland Resort cast members are focused on making the holiday season as bright as possible, for as many people as possible,” said Josh D’Amaro, president of Disneyland Resort. “Giving back to the community has always been part of our culture, and I am proud of our cast members and the impact they make throughout Anaheim and Orange County.” Watch our Disney VoluntEARS in action this holiday season! View the full article

Did you know you can bring the magic of a Disney Parks holiday vacation into your home this season, thanks to special Apple Music®* playlists? Seasonal offerings at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts have inspired new Apple Music® playlists that can help you create the perfect seasonal soundtrack for your holiday gathering, party, Christmas morning, holiday road trips and more. Here are some must-listens for any Disney Park fan: The Disney Holiday Hits playlist features seasonal tunes from both Disneyland park and Magic Kingdom Park. The “Festival of the Holidays” playlist, inspired by the Disney Festival of Holidays celebration at Disney California Adventure park. Epcot’s official “Candlelight Processional” album, featuring songs and narration from the show, can also be played. Apple Music® subscribers will be able to add these festive new playlists directly to their Apple Music® library and many new users can sign up for a free three-month trial** through the app and listen to the playlists in full. *Trial or Subscription Required **Plan automatically renews after trial View the full article

When you’re anticipating all of the fun you’ll have on your first Disney cruise, dinner may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But when you’re anticipating all of the fun you’ll have on your second Disney cruise, mealtime is likely top of mind. In true Disney fashion, dinner on a Disney cruise is an experience in itself, one the entire family will enjoy. Chances are, mealtime will be a favorite part of your Disney Cruise Line vacation. Here are five reasons why … 1. You dine in elaborately themed restaurants with a full course of fun. Watch your drawing come to life on the big screen or have a friendly conversation with Crush, the sea turtle from “Finding Nemo,” at Animator’s Palate. Step into an era of southern charm and street parties at Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder. Visit the kingdom of Corona for a festive celebration with live musical performances at Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic. Each ship offers a unique dining experience you won’t find anywhere else. 2. You are treated to a delicious three-course meal. Each restaurant serves a variety of world-class cuisine featuring market-fresh ingredients, and every meal includes a unique selection of hot and cold appetizers, delectable entrees and rich desserts. The best part? There’s never an up-charge for sumptuous menu items, like Wild Alaska Salmon, in the family dining rooms. 3. You’ll have a different experience each night. With our innovative rotational dining concept, you get to enjoy all three of our family dining rooms. On cruises longer than three nights, you can dine in some of the restaurants a second time but with a new menu. You can also opt to eat at one of our adult-exclusive fine dining restaurants or dine on your own schedule at our casual dining restaurant, Cabanas. 4. You can expect the same great service every night. Since your servers accompany you to the different family restaurants, you know you’ll have friendly, familiar and personalized service when you sit down for dinner. Not only will they know you by name, they’ll learn your dietary preferences, food allergies, likes and dislikes. Don’t be surprised if your beverage of choice is waiting for you when you arrive. 5. Your kids will love it, too. With kid-friendly menu items, servers who perform magic tricks and restaurants sprinkled with a dash of pixie dust, your little ones will feel in their element. And happy kids equal happy parents, am I right? The perfect equation to make memories that last for a lifetime. View the full article

Hi, there! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re sharing 37 Hidden Gems in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom! Banshees in Windtraders… and where else? Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a unique and beautiful park, and it’s got some great headliner attractions like Avatar Flight of Passage and Kilimanjaro Safaris which are both really well known. But I think you’ll be surprised at how many hidden gems this park has to offer — from interactive activities and animal encounters to some lesser known (but great) places to dine. And we’re sharing 37 of those gems with you today 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’s your favorite hidden gem in Animal Kingdom? Related posts: DFB Video: Food Tour of Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland, U.S.A. DFB Video: Food Tour of Animal Kingdom’s Asia DFB Video: How to Survive Disney World Weather (and Hurricane Season) View the full article

Welcome, fellow Explorers and Adventurers, to The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland’s Adventureland! The Tropical Hideaway! This new counter service location will officially open to Disneyland guests on Friday, December 21st. But it’s in soft openings now, which means that if you’re currently in Disneyland you may be able to catch it open beforehand. The Tropical Hideaway But we were able to attend a Media Preview to bring you into this new tropical location boasting ADVENTURE! The Tropical Hideaway The Tropical Hideaway MYSTERY! The Tropical Hideaway The Tropical Hideaway And DOLE WHIP! Dole Whip, I Presume Dole Whip Float and Loaded Whip And MUCH more! You’ll find The Tropical Hideaway tucked between Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise, and both the atmosphere and the global cuisine take their adventurous cues from these truly classic attractions. Atmosphere The Tropical Hideaway is nestled on the waterfront of the Jungle River. There are two ways to reach the new destination: by crossing its main bridge through Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room or by way of “Skipper’s Walk” coming from the Jungle Cruise loading dock. Skippers Walk During the day, the open-air setting allows for soaking in the “tropical” California sun, though plenty of tables are also available under awnings to provide shade for those who prefer it. The Tropical Hideaway In daylight hours you’ll also be able to more easily see all of the references to both of the beloved neighboring attractions. These include Rosita the Cockatoo! Rosita In fact, Rosita will be a constant presence for visitors to the Hideaway! Keep your eyes — and ears! — peeled for her at the loading dock as she waits for her boat which will take her on her way to begin her solo career after her performing run with the bird mobile chorus in the Tiki Room. We mention your ears because Rosita has some laughs to share! This beautiful audio-animatronic has a full repertoire of jokes you can catch if you stop by the loading dock to see and hear what she has to say. Rosita As you continue in your wanderings, you’ll want to be sure to check out the paddles lining the wall which represent member of the Society of Explorers and Adventures. (You can learn more about S.E.A. by reading about the Jungle Skipper Canteen in Walt Disney World here.) Paddles lining the walls Looking at the paddles you’ll spot names such as H. Hightower known to fans of DisneySea’s Tower of Terror. H. Hightower Paddle Other names also may be familiar to you from other Disney destinations around the globe, like Lord Henry Mystic from Mystic Manor in Hong Kong Disneyland. H. Mystic Paddle And here’s one for good ol’ Albert Falls… Dr A. Falls Paddle We’re told some paddles also provide some clues for future attractions… The Tropical Hideaway We told you there was mystery here! Once the sun sets, torch lights will flicker throughout the evening, adding to the romantic and mysterious Adventureland atmosphere. Tiki Torch The outpost also displays goods from artisans among the decor. Lamps “for sale” Exotic Lamp Sales You’ll also find a couple of unique merchandise items at the Hideaway that aren’t just for display! In particular, there is only one other place where you’ll find the Plumeria Minnie Ears, and that’s at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii. Plumeria Minnie Ears Plumeria Minnie Ears And finally, the scene is further — and always — set with friendly Cast Members! Cast Members Eats The marketplace is ready for guests to come in and experience global cuisine! “Fresh Off the River” It’s the best of the Jungle! “Best of the Jungle” Let’s take a look at the first part of the menu (with more to come). The Tropical Hideaway Menu Warm steamed Bao Buns are served in three flavors: Spiced Vegetable Bao, Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao, and Bulgogi Beef Bao. Bao Buns: Spiced Vegetable Bao, Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao, and Bulgogi Beef Bao The Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao is also filled with butternut squash, lime, and even a little spice from fresh herbs. Kaffir Lime Chicken Bao Bun The Spiced Vegetable Bao is indeed spiced, but it’s done so with curry instead of a hot spice, so there isn’t a ton of heat — just a hint. These tasty buns are filled with garbanzo beans (chickpeas) and cauliflower. Spiced Vegetable Bao Bun The Bulgogi Beef Bao is finished with sweet chilis and potatoes. Bulgogi Beef Bao These soft buns are truly excellent, and clearly unique from what you’ll find at most counter service spots in Disneyland. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavorful fillings. That said, you’ll still see a Skipper’s Tip on the menu: “Want it spicy? Ask for the sauce!” From the Steamer Menu We highly recommend the delicious sauce — which is Kogi Salsa Roja — not only for the Boa Buns. We also mixed it in with our next item, the chilled Ramen Shaker Salad. Chilled Ramen Shaker Chilled Ramen Shaker Salad The spicy sauce was a good mix-in, but the tasty onion vinaigrette that the salad is served (and subsequently shaken) with is great on its own, too. Chilled Ramen Shaker Ramen, carrots, zucchini and cilantro make up the rest of the super fun shaker salad. And the option of spicy togarashi cashews give the whole thing a terrific kick. Chilled Ramen Shaker Chilled Ramen Shaker and Rosita For sweets, there is the Sweet Pineapple Lumpia! Fresh Arrivals Menu Disney World guests who have visited Pongu Pongu in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora will recognize this egg roll filled with sweet cream cheese and pineapple. Sweet Pineapple Lumpia Only here at The Tropical Hideaway, the presentation of cream cheese with roasted pineapple is a bit different with an emphasis on the sweet cream (which for many, I think, will actually be the preferred texture). Plus, they’re rolled in sugar lending an extra crispy texture to the roll. Sweet Pineapple Lumpia The presence of pineapple is upped instead with a Dole Pineapple Dipping Sauce served on the side. Full serving portion with dipping sauce Delicious! But we’re not done yet!! That Adventureland staple, Dole Whip, is also on the menu! Dole Whip, I Presume Welcome to the Dole Whip bar at The Tropical Hideaway, “you lucky people, you!” Preparing the Dole Whip Forever and always, we will have a soft spot in our hearts for the Tiki Juice Bar, first home of the Dole Whip in Disneyland. But Dole Whip fans should note the bragging rights that The Tropical Hideaway has earned for several reasons. The first is flavor variety. You can get a Dole Whip in Pineapple, Orange, or Raspberry. Dole Whip Menu closeup And, of course, you can swirl and choose Pineapple & Orange or Pineapple & Raspberry. Pineapple and Raspberry Dole Whip Swirl You can also enjoy your Dole Whip in Float form. Dole Whip Float Dole Whip Float and Loaded Whip But what’s that next to our Dole Whip Float? Say “hello” to Loaded Whips! Loaded Whips The Twisted Ambush takes Dole Whip and places it on “exotic fruit” (mostly mandarin orange and pineapple) to deliver even more citrus flavor and punch. Twisted Ambush Crystallized hibiscus is sprinkled all over. And sticking out of all sides? Why, those are Pocky! (Not familiar with Pocky? Check it out here!) Twisted Ambush Here, the Pocky are the “spears” which are ambushing you! We also tried the Loaded Whip with Raspberry and Pineapple swirl, too. Twisted Ambush Before you head off for the rest of your time in Adventureland, it’s good to know that “Extra Provisions” are available as well, in the form of grab-and-go goods like trail mix, chips, fruits, and veggies. Grab and Go Grab and Go Hippeas Chickpea Puffs and Salted Plantain Chips Bottled drinks are up for grabs, too, alongside the other chilled selections. Bottled drinks Bottled drinks and fruits And with that, we’re refreshed, refueled, and ready to tackle any adventures that come our way! The Tropical Hideaway is SO much fun! Plenty of hidden gems for Disney fans — and not only those who appreciate Adventureland, but even for fans of the Disney destinations worldwide — all within a seriously beautiful tropical-inspired setting which mixes that whimsy with a touch of romance. And the fact that the food is so tasty with unique and creative items you can only find here (in regards to Disneyland)… well, that ups the ante, too. And for those who don’t care for the global cuisine on the menu? Well, who doesn’t love a Dole Whip?! The Tropical Hideaway is a win for everyone, and we can’t wait for our next getaway to the Hideaway! We’ve been following the development of The Tropical Hideaway from the moment it was first announced… you’ll hear about its initial announcement and more new Disneyland Resort dining options that are new to the scene AND some that are still on the way in our DFB YouTube Video! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. We were invited by Disney to experience the new Tropical Hideaway location. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ and the DFB Team Are you looking forward to exploring The Tropical Hideaway? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: FIRST LOOK! Welcome to The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland’s Adventureland — Grand Opening Friday! The Tropical Hideaway to Open Later This Year in Disneyland (Plus a Sneak Peek at the Menu!) Look Who’s Coming to The Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland Park! View the full article

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs is an Indiana Jones-inspired bar where creatively-applied movie references are part of everything they do. From our first visit, we loved the cool space and the funky menu. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar And Jock’s not just in it for the clever names. Come the holiday season, they’re also in it for the seasonal drinks! During Halloween we loved the spooky drinks and the Poison Apple Glow Cubes that came with them. And for the Christmas season, Jock Lindsey’s offering two holiday libations. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar Holiday Drink Menu Jock Frost and Jock’s Holiday Nog both pay homage to the winter season, but they couldn’t be more different, really. Jock Frost is icy blue with a wheel of lemon. Jock’s Holiday Nog is creamy white with floating peppermint candies. Jock Frost and Jock’s Holiday Nog Some of Jock’s drinks come in elaborate souvenir cups, but these are served more simply than that. Holiday drinks! Jock’s Holiday Nog celebrates the season with a combination of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Frangelico Liqueur, Rumchata Caribbean Rum, and Vanilla. The creamy drink isn’t overly sweet, but the vanilla makes it go down easily. And while you might not be hit with the alcohol right off, it’ll definitely hit you after. Jock’s Holiday Nog Jock Frost is a wintery drink in name and appearance only (minus that lemon garnish); otherwise it’s wondefully fruity. Jock Frost is a combination of Malibu Rum, Rumchata, Blue Curacao liqueur and Pineapple Juice, making this more at home on the beach than the slopes. But that’s okay with us! Jock Frost I enjoyed two appetizers along with my drinks: Incan Tuna Tacos and Nang Tao Spicy Popcorn Chicken. Appetizers The Nang Tao Spicy Popcorn Chicken lived up to its moniker (plus how ’bout that popcorn holding up the skewers? It’s also tossed with the spices!). The chicken nuggets were tangy and slightly spicy due to the spicy Togarashi Seasoning and Korean Pepper Sauce. Nang Tao Popcorn Chicken These are essentially spicy chicken nuggets — definitely bigger than typical popcorn chicken. And if you’re looking for a tasty counterpart to the sweet and creamy drinks, these are a great fit! Nang Tao Popcorn Chicken For something a little lighter, take a look at Incan Tuna Tacos! This trio of tacos features Seared Ahi Tuna with Ancient Spices, Lettuce, Guacamole, Sour Cream, Pico de Gallo, Cilantro, Jalapeno Pepper, and Toasted Lime in a Flour Tortilla. These were flavorful owing to the ‘ancient spices’, and the toasted lime in a squeezer means you can add lots of acid to the layers of flavor already in the tacos. Incan Tuna Tacos Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is such a fun and clever spot to hang out in Disney Springs. Whether you’re fueling your shopping or eating your way through the Springs, a stop at Jock Lindsey’s is worth it. Don’t forget to sit in the diving bell!  What’s your favorite place to relax at Disney Springs? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review: Poison Apple Glow Cube Drinks at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs! 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! Disney World Splitsville Cast Member Special Offers View the full article

What’s new at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World this week? We’re glad you asked! From updated menus to holiday sale items and Guest Experience kiosks to new merchandise, Magic Kingdom has it all! Let’s take a walk through the park, shall we? What’s New on Main Street, USA The Plaza Restaurant has updated their menus and added a new-ish dinner menu! The Plaza Restaurant Dinner Menu The kids’ menus now feature art from Mary Poppins Returns, too. How cute is that? Mary Poppins Returns Art on Kids Menu Click here to read the full story about The Plaza’s updated menus. Guess what? A new Magic Kingdom tumbler has arrived at the Main Street Bakery! Magic Kingdom Starbucks Tumbler Read all about it right here. The 12 Days of Christmas Dogs is in full swing at Casey’s Corner! The Aztec Hot Diggity Dog was the hot dog of the day during our visit. Did you miss out on any of Casey’s Corner’s specialty hot dogs this year? Check out our 12 Days of Christmas Dogs post see which day you can get your hands on the hot dog you want! Casey’s Corner 12 Days of Christmas Dogs – Aztec Dog Disney’s Guest Experience Team is here to help you make the most of your visit! They have kiosks set up on Main Street, USA and in Tomorrowland and will have representatives present throughout the park. Tomorrowland Guest Experience Team Kiosk Click here to read the full story. Remember the fun Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Collection from Harveys? Well, they’re back with a Sorcerer’s Apprentice collection! Find it at Uptown Jewelers. Read all about the Harveys Sorcerer’s Apprentice collection here. What’s New in Frontierland Remember the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs holiday mugs we saw at Animal Kingdom last week? The same mugs are now available at Westward Ho Refreshments! Snow White Mug at Westward Ho What’s New in Liberty Square According to the Magic Kingdom‘s times guide, the Riverboat is scheduled to be open to guests on Saturday, 12/22! Check out the full story here! What’s New in Tomorrowland Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe has some new seasonal offerings! Loaded Galaxy Fries, which were previously only available via Mobile Order, are now available to pair with any entree. Loaded Galaxy Fries at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Cosmic Ray’s is also featuring a Double-Bacon Cheeseburger! Double-Bacon Cheeseburger at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe Meanwhile, under the watchful eyes of Roz (we assume), the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor got a brand new sign! New Sign at Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor What’s New with Disney Merchandise A few Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party-exclusive items are on sale! And nope, you don’t have to have a party ticket to be able to purchase them. Find mugs, ornaments, tees, and more. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Items on Sale Check out all of the holiday sale goodies here. We still have a few more weeks of 2018 left, but the 2019 merch has arrived! 2019 Mikey and Minnie See photos of all of the 2019 merch right here. We also spotted some Dumbo and it’s a small world layette sets and they are SO CUTE. Dumbo Layette These would make such a sweet gift for the little ones in your life! it’s a small world Layette Ready to get crafty when it comes to Disney attractions? Diorama sets are now available! We saw diorama designs for the Haunted Mansion: Haunted Mansion Diorama it’s a small world: it’s a small world diorama Splash Mountain: Splash Mountain Diorama and the Mad Tea Party! Mad Tea Party Diorama The premiere of Mary Poppins Returns is happening this week, and Walt Disney World has plenty accessories for Mary Poppins fans! This Practically Perfect ball cap is a new arrival. Mary Poppins Practically Perfect Cap Need to take a little Disney magic back to the office? This pen set features quotes from beloved Magic Kingdom attractions. Walt Disney World Quote Pens Or maybe this set of Magic Kingdom attractions-as-businesses pens is more your style! Walt Disney World Attractions Pens That’s everything new we spotted in Magic Kingdom this week! Stay tuned for more updates from Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you seen something new or fun on your Disney adventures? Be sure to tag us @DisneyFoodBlog on instagram! Related posts: What’s New in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom?: April 10, 2018 Review: ALL! THE! CHEESE! at Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom News and Review: New Trail Mix Available Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

In the ever-changing landscape of Disney Springs, there is another new experience on the way in the summer of 2019. NBA Experience — developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in partnership with the NBA — will present guests with “hands-on activities that highlight the action and excitement of professional basketball.” NBA Experience Concept Art ©Disney Along with the new concept art above, Disney provided a list of experiences which will be available in the immersive environment. NBA Experience Artwork These include: A photo moment that re-creates the atmosphere for a basketball player at the NBA Draft The chance to track and improve jumps shots and passing in a replicated NBA Combine challenge (complete with a scouting report of their stats!) “Step onto the court and hear the roar of the crowd” Execute “the perfect slam dunk…” with the moment captured by cameras! Work with an interactive trainer to test ball-handling skills Access a team locker room Test knowledge of both the NBA and WNBA past and present in a trivia game And more! Guests will also be able to shop at a retail store which will feature NBA-themed merchandise designed by Disney. We’ll keep you posted as the summer 2019 opening of the NBA Experience approaches! The NBA Experience is just one of MANY new experiences coming to the Disney Parks in the not-so-far-away future! Find out more about all the BIG CHANGES in store for Disney World in our DFB YouTube video! Are you excited about the NBA Experience coming to Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New in Disney Springs! August 10, 2018 What’s NEW At Disney Springs? A WHOLE LOT! Check it out…. 2019 Disney Restaurant ULTIMATE GUIDE: What You Need To Know About EVERY Restaurant Opening In Disney World and Disneyland in 2019! View the full article

It’s not easy being blue — or filling Robin Williams’ genie shoes — and the internet isn’t going to let Will Smith forget it. Entertainment Weekly published first-look photos from Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of the animated classic “Aladdin” on Wednesday, featuring Smith in character... View the full article

Are any of you spending the weekend putting up the last few holiday decorations at your home? That’s the activity that served as inspiration for today’s Disney Doodle, by artist Ashley Taylor, who imagines what Merlin would do if he had the chance to visit a Disney theme park. According to Ashley, Merlin just may use his magical skills to bring holiday cheer to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “Merlin is always looking for more efficient ways to do chores.” she said. “It’s easy to imagine Merlin using his magic to put up the holiday decorations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.” View the full article

Harveys, the California-based company known for their seat belt bags, is at it again! Earlier this fall, they released a fun, Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Collection. And, in the Magic Kingdom this week, we spotted THIS: Harveys Sorcerer Mickey Tote That’s right – it’s a Sorcerer’s Apprentice collection! What does the collection include and where can you find it? We’ve got the answers! This tote, the largest bag in the collection, features a star background with Sorcerer Mickey on one side and the enchanted broom on the other. Harveys Sorcerer Mickey Tote The collection also includes a backpack, a messenger bag, and a wallet. Harveys Sorcerer Mickey Display in Uptown Jewelers Check out this pattern on the messenger bag – isn’t it cute!? Harveys Sorcerer’s Apprentice pattern close-up You can find the Harveys Sorcerer’s Apprentice collection at Uptown Jewelers on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom. If you’re at Disney Springs, Ever After Jewelry Co might also be a good place to check! Harveys Sorcerer’s Apprentice Pouch It’s so hard to choose a favorite! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! What do you think – are you planning to pick up anything from the Sorcerer’s Apprentice collection? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Disney Parks Halloween Merchandise for 2018 is HERE! And It’s SUPER FUN. Nightmare Before Christmas 25th Anniversary Harveys Totes Spotted In The Parks! These Disney Journals Are Your New Must-Have Merch. Believe Me. View the full article

Back in September, we reported that IllumiNations, the beloved laser, water, and pyrotechnics show nightly seen on Epcot’s World Showcase Lagoon, will be replaced in the second half of 2019. Illuminations, Reflections of Earth And now there’s construction happening over at World Showcase Lagoon! Possible construction of Illuminations replacement We spotted this construction equipment in World Showcase Lagoon today. It appears to be a construction barge, some piping, and a crane. We have NO idea if this is for the new Fireworks Show coming to Epcot next year, or if it’s just run-of-the-mill maintenance. Cast members that we asked weren’t sure. Possible construction of Illuminations replacement The forthcoming show is described as bringing “new thrills” to the crowds who gather to watch Epcot’s nighttime spectacular, but we can only watch as it unfolds, as details about the show have not yet been released. Possible construction of Illuminations replacement But you can bet we’ll be watching — and we’ll let you know what we see! Want to stay on top of all the construction news — and everything else that’s newsworthy in the Disney world? Sign up for our newsletter today! What do you hope to see in Epcot’s new nighttime show? Let us hear your thoughts in the comments! Related posts: Join Us on the Cookie Stroll at Epcot’s International Festival of the Holidays! Epcot’s IllumiNations Fireworks Being Replaced By A New Disney World Nighttime Show in 2019 Guest Review: The NEW Tea Experience at Epcot’s Rose & Crown Dining Room! View the full article

This time next month, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex will be buzzing with professional football action as Walt Disney World Resort hosts the NFL Pro Bowl Experience for the third straight year. And now, there’s even more to be excited about because the NFL has officially announced the 2019 AFC and NFC Pro Bowl teams! The Los Angeles Chargers placed an NFL-best seven players on the AFC Pro Bowl roster, while the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints led the NFC with five players each. Among the Pro Bowl players announced were New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, New England Patriots QB Tom Brady, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Kansas City Chiefs phenom QB Patrick Mahomes and New York Giants rookie sensation Saquon Barkley. Pro Bowl Week begins Monday, Jan. 21 and end Sunday, Jan. 27, with the majority of the festivities taking place at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. NFL fans can check out AFC and NFC team practices, participate in activities such as the always popular 40-yard dash and take in the revamped NFL Skills Showdown, featuring several new events for the NFL’s top skill players, including the 40-yard Splash, a Gridiron Gauntlet obstacle course and a Precision Passing contest. Other NFL Pro Bowl Experience activities include the Long Snap Accuracy Challenge, where fans can test their aim by snapping footballs through a variety of obstacles and the NFL Family Football Zone, an interactive area for families to participate in a variety of football and tailgate-themed activities. NFL Pro Bowl week at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is open to the public, with no charge to guests. So, if you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort January 21-27, the NFL’s Pro Bowl Week is an experience you don’t want to miss! Tickets for the NFL Pro Bowl game are still available at nfl.com/probowl where you will also find the star-studded rosters of the AFC and NFC teams. For more information on NFL Pro Bowl Week, visit espnwwos.com or nfl.com/probowl. View the full article

Hundreds of Disney Parks Blog readers recently gathered at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort for an early screening of “Mary Poppins Returns.” In the film, an all-new original musical and sequel, Mary Poppins is back to help the next generation of the Banks family find the joy and wonder missing in their lives following a personal loss. Emily Blunt stars as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any ordinary task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure and Lin-Manuel Miranda plays her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London. Check out the video above to hear our guests’ raving reactions to this new film. “Mary Poppins Returns” will hit theaters December 19. Grab tickets to see it now at Disney Springs. View the full article

After being sued last week over property assessments for the solar farm at Walt Disney World, Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh’s office acknowledged a mistake had been made and it was fixed Wednesday. The land is being leased for the solar farm, which automatically triggered the system... View the full article