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Bibbidi! Bobbidi! BOO! Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is Disney’s own boutique for guests ages 3-12 years old. “Magical Makeovers” are provided by Fairy Godmothers-in-Training who turn guests into royal princesses or gallant knights. Currently, there are two Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques in Disney World located in Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ©Disney And it’s just been announced that a new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will open this summer in Walt Disney World. It will be located inside what is currently the Ivy Trellis Salon in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa! Additionally, the Magic Kingdom location of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will be seeing a makeover of its own. This spring, work will begin on an expansion to add more chairs, a “very special magic mirror,” and a “transformation experience” which will help guests choose outfits and accessories. Note that the Magic Kingdom location will remain open during the transformation and existing reservations will not be affected. You can read about the current packages offered at Bibbibi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney World website. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Do you have a young prince or princess that has been to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New Around Walt Disney World: December 20, 2016 Disney Food Round-Up: January 17, 2010 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 View the full article

Must See Finish Line Surprise at the runDisney Disney Princess Half Marathon View the full article

It’s a building boom for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, the little princess makeover attraction at Walt Disney World. A third location is coming to the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the original one inside Magic Kingdom theme park will be expanded soon, the company announced Tuesday. Grand Floridian’s... View the full article

Prepare to be amazed, inspired and possibly cry a tear of happiness. In 2007, Cheri Srour was a normal happy teen living in Brooklyn, NY. Normal until she was hit with an autoimmune neurological disorder leaving the then 18-year-old in a hospital paralyzed, on a ventilator and fighting for her life. For 10-years Srour has continued that fight by learning to walk again, swallow food and talk. “I basically started my life all over again,” the now 27-year old told me. Part of her recovery has included participating in the last four runDisney Princess Half Marathons at Walt Disney World Resort, including the event this past Sunday. Her brother in-law Solly Elmann providing the leg power to get her around the 13.1 mile course in a wheelchair. “Seeing the other runners run throughout the race, I am watching them move their legs, move their feet, they’re in their stamina, in their zone, and in my head, I can’t wait for that to be me,” Srour said with a smile. Following her motto, “I may not be able to do the things you do but what I can do will surprise you,” she literally took several steps on Sunday to surprise family and spectators waiting for her at the finish line. Here is the video you won’t soon forget. By the way, Srour is a Disney fanatic and loves the Disney Princesses. Her favorite is Belle and relates most to her because “she ends up looking at the Beast for who he truly is despite his appearance and I think the world does need more of that…and I think Belle teaches us to bring out the best in us.” If she can cross a runDisney finish line, we all can! Congratulations Cheri and thank you for the inspiration to keep moving forward. View the full article

We have exciting news to share today with all of you fans of Disney royalty! A new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location is set to open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa this summer in order to provide more royal transformations than ever before. The new boutique – the third of its kind at Walt Disney World – will be located inside what’s currently the Ivy Trellis Salon, which will relocate into Senses – A Disney Spa. Also based on the popularity of the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Magic Kingdom Park, work will begin this spring to expand the location, adding more chairs, a very special magic mirror, and a transformation experience that will help guests choose the perfect outfits and accessories. The Magic Kingdom Park location will remain open during these enhancements and existing reservations will not be affected. In case you aren’t familiar, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations currently exist at Magic Kingdom Park and Disney Springs, and pair up young guests age 3-12 with Fairy Godmothers-in-Training, who give them magical makeovers beyond their wildest Disney dreams, turning them into princesses or gallant knights. A variety of royal transformations are available and may include hairstyling, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more, depending on the package guests choose. View full Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique selections here, book reservations at the two existing locations by calling (407) WDW-STYLE, and stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for future updates on the new location’s opening. View the full article

The transformation of Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney District continues to move forward. And that transformation will soon include the upcoming addition of Sugarboo & Co.! Sugarboo & Co. ©Disney The family-owned boutique offers everything from home goods and accessories to art prints and paper products, candles and bath products, jewelry, and beyond! Sugarboo & Co. ©Disney The store has been a hit in its Disney World location in Disney Springs’ Town Center. The general vibe of the store and its offerings is “rustic vintage and modern sophistication.” Sugarboo & Co. ©Disney Artist and Sugarboo & Co. Owner Rebecca Puig shared, “My inspirations are my family, nature, animals, old things, children’s art and folk art. I love juxtaposing old and new, light and dark, serious with fluff and anything with a message. The Downtown Disney District will be our premier location in California. Our store at Disney Springs has received a warm welcome from travelers visiting Orlando near and far, and we’re excited to bring Sugarboo & Co. to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Our mission is that each Sugarboo piece we send into the world will add a little good!” Look for Sugarboo & Co. to open this spring in the Downtown Disney District! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Will you be visiting Sugarboo & Co. in the Downtown Disney District? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: NEWS: Ballast Point Brewing Coming to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District Sprinkles Cupcakes Commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month By Donating Proceeds From Specialty Cupcakes First Look and Review! Ballast Point in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District View the full article

Exciting plans are underway to bring the dealer in whimsy, Sugarboo & Co., to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort this spring! Simply darling and delightful, this family-owned unique boutique is cozy like home and you won’t want to leave without a few thoughtful, treasured gifts and must-haves for yourself. From uplifting art prints and charming home goods, to whimsical paper products, handmade ceramics, candles, bath apothecary and stamped jewelry, many items have inspiring sayings sure to make you smile! If you’re wondering about the word “Sugarboo,” it comes from the nicknames the artist/owner Rebecca Puig has for her children, Jake and Sophie. She and her husband Rick started their family business in 2005 with “the inspiration to create products that remind us of the ones we love.” Believing Mother Nature is the best artist, Puig is drawn to textiles: metals, jute, linens and distressed woods to curate a collection where rustic vintage and modern sophistication live together in looks you’re sure to love. “My inspirations are my family, nature, animals, old things, children’s art and folk art. I love juxtaposing old and new, light and dark, serious with fluff and anything with a message,” Puig said. “The Downtown Disney District will be our premier location in California. Our store at Disney Springs has received a warm welcome from travelers visiting Orlando near and far, and we’re excited to bring Sugarboo & Co. to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Our mission is that each Sugarboo piece we send into the world will add a little good!” Sugarboo & Co. is another terrific addition to the Downtown Disney District, where this vibrant entertainment, dining and shopping promenade has introduced many new specialty experiences, from The Disney Dress Shop, Disney Home and reimagined World of Disney, to Splitsville Luxury Lanes, Ballast Point Brewing Co. and Salt & Straw scoop shop. The Sugarboo & Co. shop will be located on the west end of the Downtown Disney District and will be Sugarboo’s first location in California. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details on the newest hot-spot to shop! View the full article

In celebration of Spring and as part of the restaurant’s second annual Sakura Festival, Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs is hosting Rosé All Day! Rosé All Day ©Morimoto Asia Tickets are now on sale for this special event which runs from 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM on March 10th. This afternoon tasting event will feature multiple Rosé stations including eight wineries, two sakes, and food pairing stations created by Chef Yuhi Fujinaga. You can check out the menu by clicking here! Rosé All Day ©Morimoto Asia Guests will also receive a complimentary souvenir stemless tasting glass before they leave! Tickets are $55 per guest and can be purchased online. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Would you like to attend Rosé All Day? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: The Year in Review: Top Disney Food News Stories of 2015! News: Nine Dragons and Morimoto Asia Celebrate Chinese New Year with Special Menu Offerings DFB’s Top 10 Disney Food News Stories of 2016 View the full article

There are so many ways to Get Your Ears On at the Disney Parks and we just found a delicious new way! Royal Street Veranda Royal St Veranda in New Orleans Square is a simple walk-up window with a few tables but you will almost always find a long line (So don’t forget to use Mobile Ordering.) It’s known mostly for its hearty bread bowls. But to me this spot is all about the fritters! Bacon, Cheddar and Green Onion Fritter Sign You will not be sorry if you pick up these brand new Bacon, Cheddar and Green Onion Fritters. They have truly outdone themselves with this one, my friends. I was fully expecting the fritter to have an overwhelming bacon flavor. But I was pleasantly surprised when all three flavors blended together seamlessly. Bacon, Cheddar and Green Onion Fritters This one is low on the greasy scale, which for a fritter is a mighty achievement. They may be a little more brown than golden but rest assured these babies are not burned. The inside is soft and seriously flavorful. Bacon, Cheddar and Green Onion Fritter This deliciousness is good enough to be eaten without the sauce. But the smooth Lime and Cilantro Creme dipping sauce adds a nice creaminess to the fritter. So don’t be afraid to dip away! Lime and Cilantro Creme Sauce This fritter is high on the list of the Get Your Ears On goodies in the park. Excuse me while I get back into line to order more of them. See ALL Our Reviews in One Place! Head over to our Get Your Ears On Disneyland Food Reviews page for all the goodness! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Related posts: Disneyland Review: Double Chocolate Fritters at Royal St Veranda Dining in Disneyland Review: Candy Cane Beignets at the Mint Julep Bar Review: The NEW Mint Julep at Disneyland’s Mint Julep Bar View the full article

Hello from Asia in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! We got so excited seeing Kevin from Up that we worked up an appetite! Kevin from UP is now in Animal Kingdom! It’s been a while since we’ve stopped at Yak & Yeti Local Food Cafes, so we decided to swing by for a quick lunch. Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe As, the menu suggests, Yak & Yeti features “tasty food,” which, in this case, is Asian cuisine. One of the best things about this spot is the large portions — you certainly get a good bang for your buck. (or dining plan!) Yak & Yeti Menu We decided to go for the Teriyaki Beef Bowl and Vegetable Tikka Masala. We also had to stop by the awesome condiment cart, which truly is one of the best reasons to dine here. There’s a large and unique variety of sauces — from soy sauce to duck sauce. We grabbed some hot sauce, and off we go! First up, the Teriyaki Beef Bowl. This dish is Marinated Beef, Carrots, Snap Peas, Onions, and Mushrooms in a Sweet Teriyaki Sauce and served with White Rice. Teriyaki Beef Bowl Can’t you almost taste this through the screen?! These veggies were a great part of the meal – a perfect blend of marinade and spices. The teriyaki sauce is good too, and the steak is cooked nicely. Beef Teriyaki Bowl My only real complaint is that I wished I had more meat! I ran out of steak far before I ran out of the rice and veggies. However, the steak is flavored nicely and pairs well with the crisp vegetables. I also added this awesome sauce I found to kick it up a notch. This is available on the condiment bars. Did I grab an extra or two for my purse? You’ll never know… … yes. Chili Sauce Next it was time to try the Vegetarian Tikka Masala. This dish is Garbanzo beans, Zucchini, Peppers, Onions, and Tomatoes covered in a creamy yogurt Tikka Masala sauce and served with white rice. Tikka Masala Honestly, this was meh. The sauce was pretty bland — I was hoping to really be able to pick up on the Indian spices, but they weren’t very prominent. The garbanzo beans are good, and I appreciate them in the dish — just not as the main attraction. That is to say, they are fine, but honestly, I wish I had some chicken to accompany them. The vegetables add some favor, but overall, I would not order this again. If you’re a vegetarian who’s sick of salads however, this is a unique option for you to try. Overall, Yak & Yeti is still a good spot to grab a counter service meal in Animal Kingdom. It’s certainly different than burgers and fries, and you’re going to get a large portion! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Do you like the Yak & Yeti Local Foods Cafe? Pleas let us know in the comments! Related posts: New DFB Video Review: Ample Hills Creamery in Disney World 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! The Halloween Cupcake at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom is Just Right for Fall! View the full article

Get ready for Mardi Gras! House of Blues Restaurant & Bar in Disney Springs is serving up New Orleans dishes such as a Steak Po’ Boy made just for Mardi Gras. New Orleans Dishes at House of Blues ©Disney Regular offerings on the menu that also “Let the Good Times Roll” include Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Bourbon Bread Pudding! Bread Pudding at House of Blues If you don’t plan to dine-in during this spring celebration, the Smokehouse— the outdoor Counter Service component of House of Blues — is serving up the dishes above now through March 5th! The Smokehouse Live music, drink specials, and prizes will be at the House of Blues Courtyard from March 1-5. (No Advance Dining Reservation needed!) Courtyard Seating And, remember, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante has also brought back Carnevale to Disney Springs, too! Check out the info here. Enjoy! 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. Would you like to celebrate Mardi Gras at House of Blues? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: What’s New in Disney Springs This Week! February 13, 2018 Disney World House of Blues Adds NEW Sandwich Special Just In Time for Mardi Gras! What’s New Around Walt Disney World — June 14, 2016 View the full article

This Friday, March 1, 2019, is Chef Art Smith’s birthday! Chef Art Smith And there’s a celebration taking place at Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs for the occasion! According to @HomecominFL on Twitter, guests who purchase an entrée this Friday will receive a free single-layered slice of Hummingbird Cake! @HomecominFL Twitter We wish you a VERY Happy Birthday, Chef! Find out what we think you can’t miss at Homecomin’ in our DFB YouTube Video! Have you dined at Homecomin’? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: New Ugly Sweater and Matching PJ Events Announced for Disney Springs (Yeah, There’s Free Dessert) Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Holiday Beverages Coming to Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail! News: Chef Art Smith Restaurant in Disney Springs Confirmed View the full article

The end of February and beginning of March marks the time to get together with friends and celebrate Mardi Gras. While famously celebrated on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Disney Springs is offering up its own spin on this favorite holiday complete with food and entertainment that will have you “jazzed” to celebrate! First things first, you have to dress the part, right? No celebration is complete without a pair of ears and these Mardi Gras-inspired Minnie Mouse ears make for the perfect party accessory! These beauties feature all the fun colors and patterns of Mardi Gras (and remind me of a certain Disney princess from New Orleans!) Look for these in the newly renovated World of Disney store at Disney Springs Marketplace. For all you foodies out there, there’s no shortage of specialty and limited-time eats on the menu at some of our favorite restaurants. Look no further than House of Blues Restaurant & Bar for classic New Orleans favorites such as Steak Po’Boy (made special for this event!), Jambalaya, Gumbo and Bourbon Bread Pudding. (If you can only pick just one, I always suggest the Bourbon Bread Pudding. It’s in my top 5 list of best desserts you can find at Disney Springs!) The best part? You can grab all of these dishes at the Smokehouse grab and go window now through March 5. In addition to delicious bites, there will be live music, drink specials and prizes March 1-5 in the House of Blues Courtyard. With no cover or reservations required, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. Over in The Landing, Carnevale is back at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! Not familiar with Carnevale? The annual festival began in Venice, Italy and commemorates the joyous gathering of family and friends to eat, drink, dance and celebrate life together. Make a reservation by March 5 and you’ll get a front-row seat to live entertainment including singers, stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, face painters, folk dancers and more all while indulging in signature Italian cuisine. During this limited-time engagement, you can enjoy the prix fixe “Feast of Carnevale” selections or order a la carte from the regular menu. Don’t wait to celebrate! Reservations are recommended and can be made online or by calling (407) 560-8466. So grab your masks and celebrate with us! As always, tag your photos with #DisneySprings on social media so I can check out all the fun you’re having. View the full article

Singer Halsey recently visited the Disneyland Resort with her boyfriend, Yungblud. It was his first-ever visit to Disneyland and what a date night it was! We caught up with them in Fantasyland at Disneyland park, where the lovebirds took a royal spin on King Arthur Carrousel, then snapped some photos with Minnie Mouse, who was all dressed up for Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration. Halsey loves thrill rides and was excited to take Yungblud on Space Mountain and Matterhorn Bobsleds before dinner, followed by a viewing of “Mickey’s Mix Magic,” a high-energy projection show at Disneyland park, part of Get Your Ears On – A Mickey and Minnie Celebration. View the full article

March 6th is fast approaching… and, since it’s the first day of the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, that’s great news! And today, we have a look at a newly announced food addition coming to the Festival. Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival brings guests back year after year! You may remember the surprise dessert at Sunshine Seasons in honor of the Festival of the Arts — this thing stole the show! Well, Sunshine Seasons will BEE back at it for the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival when it will serve up the Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen! Take a look! Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen ©Disney And while you’re taking a look… we’ve got some updated FOOD PHOTOS on our Booth Menus Page for the 2019 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival to go along with the one above! Click here to check out the Booth Menus and LOTS of food photos for the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! It’s just a little over a week until we can enjoy all the sights, sounds, and tastes of Epcot’s celebration of Spring, and we can’t wait! How about you? Ready to Plan for Your 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Trip? Order the DFB Guide to the 2019 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival e-Book today! This 200+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable Outdoor Kitchens Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2019 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code SPRING at check-out for a $2 off the cover price! Are you looking forward to the 2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News!! Rose Gold Ears Cupcake Has Arrived at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons Every. Single. Rose Gold Snack. in Disney World This Is The Cutest Halloween Cupcake You’ll See Today. View the full article

Fasten Your Seat Belts for an Awesome Surprise from Larry the Cable Guy! View the full article

New 270-Acre Solar Facility Providing Clean Energy to Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Reusable Shopping Bags Introduced at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

#DisneyKids: Explore and Observe During Ultimate Scavenger Hunt View the full article

Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon Surprises a Young Fan at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

No company on earth calls on its history quite like Disney, and nobody is more responsible for enabling us to do so than Disney Legend Dave Smith. As founder of the Walt Disney Archives, Dave was hired (and invited to write his own job description) by company co-founder Roy O. Disney just a few short years after Roy lost his brother Walt. In fact, inventorying and cataloguing the contents of Walt’s untouched offices was among Dave’s first assignments on the job. In the four decades that followed, Dave led a talented team of historians (including my dear friend Becky Cline, who became Director of the Walt Disney Archives when Dave retired in 2010) charged with preserving, documenting and sharing Disney history with everyone from cast members and employees to researchers and fans. My first meeting with Dave came during my junior year of high school, when a Disney-employed news-clipping service captured a story that profiled me in my small Southern Oregon town’s newspaper, focusing on my dreams of working for Disney. Dave contacted the newspaper’s editor, who put him touch with my parents so he could invite me to visit the Walt Disney Archives. I, of course, took him up on the offer, driving my parents’ car over spring break (I can’t believe they let me do that) down Interstate 5 from Rogue River, Oregon, to Burbank, California, for a meeting that would change my life. I left that visit with a renewed belief in my Disney dream, and with a new friendship that would grow for nearly 30 years. So while my heart was heavy when Dave passed away on February 15, it was also filled with gratitude. I deeply appreciate having had this enormously impactful man in my life, and I’m equally grateful to work for a company that – thanks to Dave – preserves and honors its history in such extraordinary fashion. While I enjoyed countless conversations with Dave through the years, only one was caught on camera, and I’d like to share it for the first time as we celebrate the life and legacy of this incredible man. Filmed at D23 Expo 2017, our brief visit touched on Dave’s experience interacting with his adoring fans, as well as the Walt Disney Archives’ restoration and reopening of Walt’s office suite – an undertaking made possible by the painstakingly detailed work Dave completed during those first days on the job. I hope you enjoy these moments with Dave as much as I did, and I leave you with an idea. For years, a variety of Disney platforms have allowed fans to deepen their knowledge of Disney history by asking Dave questions through a popular column simply titled “Ask Dave.” While we’ve sadly run out of time to “ask” anything more of Dave, we can always take time to thank him. So the next time you see and share an example of Disney calling upon its storied history – whether we’re celebrating 90 years of Mickey Mouse or producing a film like “Mary Poppins Returns” – consider adding a hashtag in tribute to the man whose legacy will continue to grow: #ThankDave. View the full article

Spring is upon us and that means the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is about to begin! Starting March 6, join us for fun, flowers, and most importantly, FOOD! This year’s festival features 17 Outdoor Kitchens and several other locations through the park that will be offering delectable festival bites and libations. Special dining packages are also available for the Garden Rocks Concert Series. This concert series runs for 90 nights and features over 270 performances by tons of popular artists. This dining package allows you to have either breakfast, lunch, or dinner at nearly any table-service restaurant in the park and grants you guaranteed seating at one of three concert performances that day. Be sure to reserve these early to savor every single minute! For more information and to make your reservations, visit the Garden Rocks Dining Packages web page. I have to say, this year’s menus are incredible and you won’t want to miss out on any of these delicious bites! In addition to the returning Outdoor Kitchens like The Honey Bee-stro, the festival has four new Outdoor Kitchens this year: Arbor, The Citrus Blossom, Trowel & Trellis, and Flavor Full Kitchen! Fried green tomatoes, tuna tataki, blood orange aqua fresca, and grilled street corn on the cob are just a few of the new mouthwatering items featured on the menus. Check out these and all of the offerings for the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival detailed below in my official Foodie Guide! The festival runs March 6–June 3, 2019. (GF) Gluten/Wheat Friendly Menu Selections (V) Vegetarian Menu Selections ARBOR (Located at The Gardeners Terrace in The Odyssey Center) Food: Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab-Fennel Salad, Remoulade, and Smoked Paprika Oil Smoked Salmon Stack with Avocados, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Caviar, and Focaccia Crostino Mixed Berry Buttermilk Cake with Apple Cider Sorbet (GF, V) Beverages: Original Sin Brewery Black Widow Hard Cider, New York, NY Florida Beer Company Caribé Strawberry Rose Hard Cider, Cape Canaveral, FL 3 Daughters Brewing Key Lime Apple Hard Cider, St. Petersburg, FL Karbach Brewing Lemon and Ginger Radler Houston, TX Seadog Brewing Company Sunfish Ale, Clearwater, FL Shipyard Brewing Company Grind the Rind Watermelon IPA, Portland, ME Cider Flight Beer Flight LA ISLA FRESCA (Located in Showcase Plaza East) Food: Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut-Lime Sauce Tropical Mousse Cake: Layers of Passion Fruit Cake, Coconut Mousse, and a Tropical Fruit Glaze with Fresh Pineapple Beverages: Tropical Freeze (non-alcoholic) Golden Road Brewing Tart Mango Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA Tropical Freeze with Mango Rum THE CITRUS BLOSSOM (Located near Refreshment Port) Food: Lobster Tail with Meyer Lemon Emulsion and Grilled Lemon (GF) Tuna Tataki with Spicy Yuzu Glaze, Mango, Avocado, and Pappadam Crisp Crispy Citrus Chicken with Orange Aïoli and Baby Greens (GF) Citrus Shortcake: Orange Chiffon Cake, Lemon Curd, Mandarins, Whipped Cream, and Citrus Crumble (V) Beverages: Orange Cream Slushy in a Souvenir Orange Bird Sipper (sipper only available while supplies last) (non-alcoholic) Islamorada Beer Company Coconut Key Lime Ale, Fort Pierce, FL First Magnitude Brewing Lemon Hefeweizen, Gainesville, FL Heavy Seas Brewery TropiCannon Citrus IPA, Halethorpe, MD Orange Sunshine Wine Slushy Beer Flight PINEAPPLE PROMENADE (Located near Refreshment Port) Food: Spicy Hot Dog with Pineapple Chutney and Plantain Chips Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream (V) Beverages: Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade (non-alcoholic) Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream with Fanta (non-alcoholic) Coastal Empire Beer Co. Coco Piña Gose, Savannah, GA Maui Brewing Co. Pineapple Mana Wheat, Kihei, HI SweetWater Brewing Company Goin’ Coastal IPA with Pineapple, Atlanta, GA Playalinda Brewing Company Violet Lemonade Ale, Titusville, FL Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Pineapple Wine, St. Petersburg, FL Pineapple Soft-serve Ice Cream with Coconut Rum Pineapple Beer Flight THE HONEY BEE-STRO Hosted by National Honey Board (Located near Refreshment Port) Food: Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey-blistered Grapes, Sunflower Brittle, and Coriander Flowers (GF, V) Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, Charred Vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream, and Micro Citrus Greens Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and Petite Lavender Shoots (V) Beverages: Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze (non-alcoholic) Goodwood Brewing Company Brandy Barrel Honey Ale, Louisville, KY Florida Orange Groves Winery Orange Blossom Honey Wine, St. Petersburg, FL Honey-Peach Cobbler Freeze with Blueberry Vodka FLAVOR FULL KITCHEN Hosted by AdventHealth (Located near the Honey Bee-stro Garden) Food: Citrus-poached Salmon with Ancient Grain Salad, Roasted Vegetables, and Citrus Greens (GF) From the Garden: Roasted Beets, Cashew Cheese, and Micro Herbs with Lemon-Oil Dressing (GF, V) Mickey Tart Peanut Butter Mousse with Strawberry Jam and Boba Pearls (V) Beverages: Blood Orange Aqua Fresca (non-alcoholic) Cookie Butter Worms and Dirt (non-alcoholic) REFRESHMENT PORT (Located near the Canada Pavilion) Coffee-rubbed Pork Poutine with Barbecue Demi-Glace, Fire-roasted Corn Relish, and Cheese Curds Stow Away Mary: Classic Bloody Mary with Vodka garnished with Pimento-stuffed Olives, Cherry Tomato, Celery, Jumbo Shrimp, and Smokehouse Jerky NORTHERN BLOOM (Located in the Canada Pavilion) Food: Seared Scallops with French Green Beans, Butter Potatoes, Brown Butter Vinaigrette, and Apple-wood Smoked Bacon (GF) Beef Tenderloin Tips, Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce, and Whipped Potatoes with Garden Vegetables Griddled Maple Pound Cake with Warm Peach Compote and Sweet Corn Gelato featuring Burton’s Maple Syrup Beverages: Maple Popcorn Shake (non-alcoholic) Unibroue Éphémère Apple Wheat Ale, Chambly, Québec Unibroue Blanche de Chambly Belgian White Ale, Chambly, Québec Unibroue Lune de Miel Amber Ale, Chambly, Québec Maple Popcorn Shake with Crown Royal Maple Whisky Beer Flight FLEUR DE LYS (Located in the France Pavilion) Food: Vichyssoise aux Concombres: Chilled Cucumber Vichyssoise Soup (GF, V) Tarte au Chévre: Goat Cheese Tart with Caramelized Onions on a Flaky Pastry Crust (V) Canard Confit à la Provençal: Braised Duck Confit with Tomatoes and Olives on Polenta Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop (GF) Beverages: La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush: Vodka, Orange Vodka, Elderflower Liqueur, and White and Red Cranberry Juice Kir Framboise: Sparkling Wine and Monin Raspberry Syrup Cabernet Sauvignon, Maison de France Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 FLORIDA FRESH (Located between the France and Morocco Pavilions) Food: Carne Guisada with Black Bean Cake and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream Spicy Blackened Shrimp and Cheddar Cheese Grits with Brown Gravy and Local Sweet Corn Relish Key Lime Tart with Toasted Meringue Beverages: Watermelon Cucumber Slushy (non-alcoholic) Tampa Bay Brewing Company Twisted Strawberry Fest Fruit Ale, Tampa, FL Big Top Brewing Company Conch Republic Key Lime Wheat, Sarasota, FL First Magnitude Brewing Monarch Milk Stout, Gainesville, FL Florida Orange Groves Winery Sparkling Key Lime Wine, St Petersburg, FL Watermelon Cucumber Slushy with Gin Beer Flight TASTE OF MARRAKESH (Located in the Morocco Pavilion) Food: Harissa Chicken Kebab with Dried Fruit Couscous Salad Fried Cauliflower with Capers, Garlic Parsley, and Chili-Ranch Sauce Walnut Honey Baklava Beverages: Casa Beer Larroque Chardonnay, Meknes White Sangria Desert Rose: Sparkling Wine topped with Pomegranate Liqueur HANAMI (Located in the Japan Pavilion) Food: Frushi: Fresh Pineapple, Strawberry, and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut, Whipped Cream with Raspberry Sauce on the side (V) Chilled Soba Noodle Salad with Pan-seared Tuna and Wasabi Dressing Chicken Karaage with Nanban Sauce: Japanese-style Fried Chicken served on a bed of Shredded Cabbage and topped with a Soy and Vinegar-based Dressing Beverages: Kirin Draft Beer Sayuri “Little Lilly” Nigori Sake “Ichigo Sun” Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail with Sake, Strawberry Purée, and Lemonade FUNNEL CAKES (Located in The American Adventure) Key Lime Funnel Cake topped with Crumbled Graham Cracker and Whipped Cream Lexington Brewing Company Kentucky Vanilla Barrel Cream Ale, Lexington, KY Short’s Brewing Company Local’s Light Lager, Bellaire, MI Dogfish Head Brewery American Beauty Pale Ale, Milton, DE Brooklyn Brewery Defender IPA, Brooklyn, NY Golden Road Brewing Pineapple Cart Wheat Ale, Los Angeles, CA 3 Daughters Brewing Hard Rosé Cider, St. Petersburg, FL Beer Flight THE SMOKEHOUSE: BARBECUE AND BREWS (Located in The American Adventure) Food: Pulled Pig Slider with Coleslaw Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue, and House-made Pickle Shredded Beef Brisket with Smoked Potato, Chorizo Fondue, and Green Tomato Relish Warm Chocolate Cake with Bourbon-salted Caramel Sauce and Spiced Pecans (V) Beverages: Frozen Simply Lemonade (non-alcoholic) Central 28 Brewing Company Sunshine Greetings Orange Hibiscus Wheat Ale, DeBary, FL 3 Daughters Brewing Phantasmas Spicy Double IPA, St. Petersburg, FL Shipyard Maple Bacon Stout, Clearwater, FL Boneshaker Zinfandel, Lodi, CA Frozen Simply Lemonade with Blackberry Moonshine Beer Flight FIFE & DRUM (Located in The American Adventure) Short’s Brewing Company Soft Parade Shandy, Bellaire, MI PRIMAVERA KITCHEN (Located in the Italy Pavilion) Food: Pizza Toscana: Rustic Italian Flatbread with Sweet Sausage, Caramelized Onion, Mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan Cheeses Pomodori Verdi e Mozzarella: Fried Green Tomatoes, Mozzarella Cheese, and Balsamic Reduction Tri-colored Cheese Tortellini, Sage Butter, and Chicken Veloute Zeppole: Ricotta Cheese Fritters, Powdered Sugar, Raspberry Sauce, and Chocolate-Hazelnut Drizzle Beverages: Peroni Nastro Azzurro Pilsner Placido Pinot Grigio Placido Chianti Villa Sandi Prosecco Montegrande Corbinello Fior d’Arancio Montegrande Moscato Bellini: Sparkling Wine and Peach Purée Frozen Italian Margarita with Limoncello and Tequila BAUERNMARKT: FARMER’S MARKET (Located in the Germany Pavilion) Food: Potato Pancakes with House-made Apple Sauce (V) Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest Ham and Melted Gruyère Cheese Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries Beverages: Stiegl Brewery Radler Zitrone, Salzburg, Austria Paulaner Original Munich Lager, Munich, Germany Köstritzer Schwarzbier Black Lager, Bad Köstritz, Germany Hugo Cocktail with Sparkling Wine, Elderflower, and Mint Beer Flight LOTUS HOUSE (Located in the China Pavilion) Food: Szechuan Spicy Red-braised Beef Shank over Rice House-made Crab and Cheese Wontons Vegetable Spring Rolls (V) Beverages: “Panda” Bubble Tea: Classic Milk Tea with Black and White Bobas (non-alcoholic) Jasmine Draft Beer Pirates of the China Sea: Dark Rum, Peach Syrup and Piña Colada Mix Kung Fu Punch: Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Syrup, and Orange Juice Plum Wine Cooler JARDIN DE FIESTAS (Located in the Mexico Pavilion) Food: Tlacoyo: Blue Corn Masa topped with Black Bean Spread, Ground Chorizo, Queso Fresco, and Mexican Cream Beef Torta: Braised Beef served on a Crispy Sourdough Roll with Queso Oaxaca, Avocado, Pickled Onions, and Jalapeños in a Spicy Habanero Sauce Tres Leches: Milk-soaked Sponge Cake topped with Cajeta Whipped Cream and Almond Powder Beverages: Cerveza: Allende Golden Ale Craft Beer served with a Liqueur Floater Damiana Flower Margarita: Damiana Flower Liqueur, Blanco Tequila, Agave Nectar, and Citrus Juices served on the rocks with a Black Ant Salt Rim Oaxacan Gin & Tonic: Smokey Gin, Black Currant Liqueur, Vermouth, Lime Juice, and Tonic Water Rosé Sangria: Withers Rosé Wine, Tequila Blanco, Elderflower and Ginger Liqueur, Pineapple, Cactus Pear, and Ginger Juices TROWEL & TRELLIS Hosted by IMPOSSIBLE Foods (Located near the Mexico Pavilion) Food: Grilled Street Corn on the Cob with Savory Garlic Spread (GF, V) Farmhouse Meatball with Lentil Bread, Spinach, Marinated Vegetables, and Creamy Herb Dressing (V) Chocolate Pudding Terrarium with Avocado Cream, Matcha Crumb, Pomegranate, and Baby Herbs (GF, V) Beverages: suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Noon Greens (non-alcoholic) suja Organic Cold Pressed Juice: Vibrant Probiotic (non-alcoholic) Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London (non-alcoholic) Playalinda Brewing Company Tropical Wonderland Wheat Ale, Titusville, FL Bloomin’ Blueberry Lemon and Ginger Tea featuring Twinings of London with Vodka served in a Mason Jar TASTE TRACK (Located in Future World East) Violet Blueberry Vanilla Croissant Doughnut Berry Tea Mint Julep (non-alcoholic) Berry Tea Mint Julep with Bourbon Sunshine Seasons (Located in The Land Pavilion) Earl Grey Tea Cake with Orange-Honey Filling topped with Honeybell Tangelo Buttercream, Honeycomb, and Bee Pollen JOFFREY’S COFFEE & TEA (Located throughout the park) Future World East – Pedal to the Meadow: Frozen Cappuccino topped with Vodka and Kahlúa Liqueur Near Canada – Cold Clover: Cold Brew Coffee with Irish Cream Syrup and topped with Irish Cream Liqueur Near Disney Traders – Goose on the Loose: Frozen Passion Fruit and Vodka topped with Iced Tea The American Adventure – Bee’s Buzz: Frozen Lemon and Coconut Syrup topped with Pineapple Rum For more information, check out the 2019 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival website. 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Your resort reservations are made. Flights are booked. Dining reservations and FastPass+ reservations were taken care of months ago. And now you are only left with perhaps the toughest item left on the checklist … preparing for your upcoming Disney vacation. What to pack, what to wear, what to bring and how to keep the kids from going crazy before the big day arrives. Relax, the Disney Parks Moms Panelists are here to help take away the stress in preparing for your upcoming Disney vacation. The countdown has begun and your kids have not stopped asking when the big day will arrive. With Eean’s countdown tool, ticking off the days is fun for all! “I found a Mickey Ears template on Pinterest that I printed out and placed in a 4” x 6” frame,” she explained. “When we get 100 days out, I use a dry erase marker on the glass of the frame to write the number of sleeps remaining until our next Walt Disney World trip. This originally was meant for my kids, but now that they are older, I’m the one that gets the most enjoyment seeing those days count down to the single digits!” Bedtime stories are part of Rayna’s countdown, and who doesn’t love a good Disney story? “We’re growing a crop of little readers, so starting a week before our trip, we pull out a favorite Disney bedtime story each night,” she said. “It’s a great way to get us all excited to greet our old friends!” Magical surprises are how Ashley P. prepares her kiddos for their departure date. “The closer we get to our Disney vacation, “Mickey Mouse” (shhh, don’t tell them it’s me) starts sending my kiddos little gifts to let them know he’s looking forward to seeing them soon. T-shirts, snacks and activities for the plane, and sunglasses are fun little surprises to wake up to and totally build excitement as we prepare for our trip!” And if your kids love the coin press machines, you do not want to miss this tip from Missy! “Every time you listen to or sing a Disney song, with great songs available through apple.co/DisneyParks* and the Play Disney Parks mobile app, add a penny to a jar. For every Disney movie you watch, add a quarter. When your vacation rolls around, your fun Disney experiences will have led to a nice collection of change to use in the pressed coin machines!” And lastly, so everyone has exactly what they might need in the parks, Jodie brings out “the bag!” “I always bring out a large Disney tote a few weeks prior to our vacation in order for everyone in the family to place their must-have items in the bag as they think of them. This helps to prevent disappointment upon arrival, and it includes everything from MagicBands, Minnie Mouse Ears, autograph books, Disney-themed attire and other park touring essentials are placed in this large Disney tote to ensure everyone has a magical trip!” The tips are endless, and if you are a Florida resident you want to make sure you take advantage of the Discover Disney Ticket offer. Florida Residents can now purchase a 3-Day Discover Disney Ticket for only $175 plus tax for a limited time ($59 per day plus tax), valid for admission to one theme park per day. Residents can also add a 4th day for just $20 more plus tax (4 days for $49 per day plus tax or $195 total plus tax). Disney World tickets can be purchased now through June 27, 2019, and Florida Residents can visit any day through June 30, 2019. For more great tips on planning your next Disney vacation, or for general planning questions, visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for an answer from one of our panelists. *Trial or subscription required Panelists receive compensation for their participation on the Disney Parks Moms Panel. View the full article

Disney World offers a wide variety of Tours for guests to explore the Resort in a unique way. But this brand new tour was one we simply couldn’t miss: the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour! Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Food Tour Lanyard This tour allows guests to have unprecedented access to backstage kitchens and working areas in Magic Kingdom and hear stories and food history of the parks from Chefs and Cast Members behind the production. Tastings of beloved menu items is a unique feature of this tour, and guests are even invited to “taste the future” by sampling an in-development item. Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Food Tour While tour options are greatly varied by location and topic, one way we can categorize them is that some offer onstage access around general public areas (i.e. The Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour), while many provide unique backstage access to rarely seen areas. Cast Members Only The Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour is one that offers backstage access. And a rule for backstage access is that photography is prohibited in backstage areas. However, Disney does allow and encourage photo-taking in general public areas, so we’re sharing everything we can today so you can know what this tour involves in case it’s of interest to you! We will also be sharing facts we learned along the way, just as a spoiler-alert heads up in case you’d rather save those for your own tour. Let the tour begin! Check-In The tour — which Disney hopes to keep around 30-35 guests at a time — begins with check-in at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant on Main Street, U.S.A. Tour begins at Tony’s Town Square Restaurant Before you go, it’s important to know that guests are required to wear close-toed shoes on this tour, as it involves going into kitchen areas. They’re pretty serious about this, so — no flip flops! Coffee and tea are available for guests during the waiting time (an early arrival of 15 minutes prior to tour start is recommended). Hot beverages And Mickey Cinnamon Rolls are available, too! As of press time, these treats are dressed up in Mardi Gras colored sprinkles. Mickey Cinnamon Rolls However, our Guide suggested not finishing the entire large roll because there is a lot more food on the way… Guests are also welcome to grab a bottle of water to carry along on the tour. Bottled Water The official welcoming begins with two Cast Member Tour Guides sharing some favorite Disney food memories, recognizing how food continues to become more and more of an important part of a Disney vacation. (As we say here at the DFB, “food IS a theme park,” after all!) Cast Member Tour Guides It is fitting to start the tour at Tony’s Town Square since it was also open on the first day of Magic Kingdom park as Town Square Café, sponsored by Oscar Meyer with a focus on Walt’s favorite hearty midwestern fare. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant After the welcome, it’s off too… Casey’s Corner Heading down Main Street, U.S.A., the tour moves to Casey’s Corner, with a look at the small kitchen (where no pictures were permitted). Casey’s Corner It only takes about 15 steps to cover the full kitchen ground, with typically 8 Cast Members working in that area. As it turns out, Disney was not anticipating the crowds that line up at Casey’s when the kitchen was designed, so much of the food is actually cooked in Tomorrowland Terrace. We also learned that the featured Hot Dog of the Month has been very popular with guests, so those will be continuing for the foreseeable future. Next, off to… Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen Time for a stop at the Jungle Skipper Canteen to start our time in Adventureland! Jungle Skipper Canteen entrance area A discussion of the Skipper Canteen naturally involves some discussion of the Jungle Cruise, including how Walt originally had hoped to feature live animals in the attraction. We also dove a bit into the backstory of the Canteen, which you can read about in our first review of the spot. Jungle Skipper Canteen entrance area This visit includes a stop in the kitchen as well, where we viewed the expo line and the screens that keep the operation going. Unlike Casey’s, the Canteen features a much larger kitchen, providing food for four other restaurants plus Adventureland food carts. You can also just spy a glimpse of the Liberty Tree Chandelier from the kitchen. Chef Alfredo, who has been with Disney for over 15 years, spoke while we enjoyed some Adventureland items: the Buffalo Chicken Spring Roll and the Schweitzer Falls Slush. Buffalo Chicken Spring Roll and Slushy Schweitzer Falls Slush He shared that his favorite entrée at the Canteen is the Char Siu Pork, and you can rarely beat a recommendation from the chef! Chef Alfredo He shared that creating Disney dishes is a very interactive process, working with several chefs across different levels for feedback and ideas. Also, Chefs move to different locations around Disney World to become acquainted with various cuisines. Chef Alfredo also answered guest questions. And, hey, the next time you’re in the Canteen, be sure to at least walk by this special booth in the S.E.A. Room. S.E.A. Room Here you’ll see some butterflies displayed from Lillian Disney’s collection! Butterflies (Just as a side note, this stop also includes the first restroom break on the tour, just over an hour in.) Aloha Isle It’s “Aloha” next to Aloha Isle, featuring a taste of the Magic Kingdom classic… Dole Whip … Dole Whip! You may recall when Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace had a location swap several years ago. Moving through Adventureland Our Guides discussed how it was a necessary move to better accommodate the crowds in the area. Tortuga Tavern A stop at Tortuga Tavern includes a taste — and also some information — about another cult classic snack: the Jumbo Turkey Leg! Tortuga Tavern Tour Setup Thankfully, water bottles are also presented with the salty Tom’s Turkey. Turkey and Water The way it’s prepared with a salt grind and hickory is what leads many guests to mistake the tasty turkey for ham. Turkey Fun fact: the Cast Members are not allowed to eat these onstage because there is not really a dignified way to do so! Stop at Tortuga Tavern A brief stroll through Frontierland leads to… Liberty Square Popcorn Cart The Liberty Square Popcorn Cart served up the iconic Disney Popcorn to tour guests. Liberty Square Popcorn Stop on the tour Of course, it’s not just tour guests being served. We learned that the amount of popcorn served in Disney World in a year could fill 1.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools or the entire Tower of Terror! Popcorn With this volume of just one food item, it’s of interest to learn that there are 15,000 Food and Beverage Cast Members to keep things moving! Gaston’s Tavern In Fantasyland, we were lead backstage to see the mouth of the Utilidors where Cast Members enter and food is delivered (just a reminder, this tour does not include access to the Utilidors). We ultimately arrived at the backstage door for Gaston’s Tavern and were served The Grey Stuff from Be Our Guest Restaurant! Serving The Grey Stuff The recipe for The Grey Stuff, by the way, is so secret that even the Cast Members don’t know it! The Grey Stuff There was also a discussion for how Disney addresses food waste, stating that cooking and frying oils are used for fueling busses, and a lot of unused food is donated to Second Harvest. Prince Eric’s Village Market A visit to Prince Eric’s Village Market served up the Mermaid Donut to all participants. (Did you know that the candy pieces topping this very sweet confection are hand-painted?) Mermaid Donut This particular treat led a to discussion of the importance of Instagram and making social media-friendly food. Speaking of social media… Purple Wall Photo Op A stop at the famous Purple Wall gave guests the opportunity to pose with food-themed and social media-themed props. Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe There is a very brief stop outside of Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, where we were informed that it is one of the top three most efficient restaurants in the world. Outside of Cosmic Ray’s And there is one more final stop… Future of Flavors A Flavor Lab is located behind Port Orleans Resort where in-development items are tested. And an item from the Lab is brought to guests on the final stop on the tour! Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Food Tour Lanyard No pictures of the tasting of this in-development item were allowed at the tasting (which took place at Tomorrowland Terrace), nor are tour guests supposed to speak about it to protect the enjoyment of future guests. Tour participants are surveyed to share their thoughts on the item. Overall The new Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour features, as noted, backstage access, tastes of iconic food items in the park, talented and thoughtful Cast Member Tour Guides, interesting tidbits of info, and more. However, we can’t help but thinking, unfortunately, that this one falls a little flat. We would’ve appreciated more details than were presented, and portions of the tour seemed to lull a bit (for example, we sat at Tortuga Tavern a little longer than perhaps necessary). We noticed this a few times throughout the tour. Sitting Inside Tortuga Tavern It would also be nice to learn more about the actual processes in the kitchens. The focus was more on the expo line and kitchen screens, which we didn’t find as interesting as it would have been to learn more about what goes on behind-the-scenes. Some more potential improvements? Headsets (which are provided on several Disney World tours, but not this one) would be a nice touch. Since the tour requires a fair bit of walking from location to location, it would be cool to hear some more stories and insights along the way. Walking along the Tour route All of the ingredients — no pun intended — are here for a great Tour. With more details on the current ways of doing things plus more digging into the food history of the parks, in addition to our other suggestions, the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour could live up to its full potential, and we hope it soon does! Booking Information The price for the Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour is $99 per guest, plus tax. Park admission is required, but not included. Currently, the tour is offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and interested guests may book online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Note that guests must be at least 12 years old to participate, and you can find more information on our Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour Page and the Disney World website. 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. Would you like to take the Taste of Magic Kingdom VIP Tour? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: NEW Taste of Magic Kingdom Park VIP Tour Now Open for Booking! Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED View the full article

Disney released its latest trailer for this summer’s live-action version of “The Lion King” during the Oscars, and it shows scenes of one of the most iconic moments from the original 1994 version: the Circle of Life. The gathering of animals on the African plain as the sun rises shows off the digitally... View the full article