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Walt Disney World will livestream the holiday lighting of Cinderella Castle on Thursday. That’s the first evening of the “A Frozen Holiday Wish” show and the first night of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom theme park. The lighting-up can be seen at 6:10 p.m. on Nov. 8 on the... View the full article

Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios this morning are in for a holiday treat: the first sights of the holiday season have just arrived in Toy Story Land! Toy Story Land, which opened at the park earlier in 2018, allows guests to explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard at Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! And as of this morning, this joyfully toy-strewn land is officially set for the season, with new holiday decor that includes oversized cranberry-and-popcorn garland, an oversized Hamm sugar cookie, Green Alien ornaments, cardboard antlers on Rex and an Angel Kitty ornament and more. Also starting today, the land’s attractions have been plussed up with new holiday audio and music. Guests will hear sleigh bells ringing on Slinky Dog Dash, while Alien Swirling Saucers will offer two holiday tracks, plus themed lighting. View the full article

Last year marked the debut of a new Holiday event in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios: a Flurry of FUN! Once again this year, the Studios has all sorts of festive fun in store this season, and it all kicks off on November 8th. Moving Billboards Coming Back to Sunset Boulevard But the FOOD that goes hand in hand with the FLURRY is slowly being announced…and we’ve got the scoop! Let’s take a look at the TREATS on the way! But remember… this is just the beginning! Stay tuned to DFB for MORE treats as they’re posted! Hot Cocoa Flight This favorite is back again at Fairfax Fare! Enjoy Baileys and Hot Chocolate, Vanilla Vodka and Hot Chocolate and Cherry Bourbon and Hot Chocolate in this year’s hot chocolate flight! Pick this one up (and we DO recommend that you do) for $12.00. Hot Chocolate Flight Strawberry Mint Also at Fairfax Fare, Strawberry Mint will offer Marinated Strawberries in Peppermint Creme for $4.99. Egg Nog Panna Cotta Over at Catalina Eddie’s you’ll find a new treat — EggNog Panna Cotta — this year! This treat is topped with Raspberry and Chocolate Creme. This can be all yours for $4.99. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party And remember, you can still reserve spots for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party. ©Disney Dates, prices, and inclusions can all be found here. Stay tuned to DFB for MORE Flurry of Fun Treats As They’re Announced! Sunset Seasons Greetings, Minnie’s Holiday Dine, Toy Story Land Decorations, and More! Sunset Season’s Greetings will bring snow, moving billboards, and holiday projections to the Hollywood Tower Hotel on Sunset Boulevard; and the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Nighttime Spectacular will make it’s return, too. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Don’t forget Minnie’s Holiday Dine for guests with Advance Dining Reservations for lunch and dinner at Hollywood & Vine! See a Minnie’s Holiday Dine Review here! And Meet and Greets with Santa Claus will also be available in the Studios this season! Minnie’s Holiday Dine Look for an extra festive Echo Lake this year, with even more holiday decorations. Holiday Gertie at Hollywood Studios! And NEW this year, Toy Story Land will join in the fun with sights and sounds for the season! Special decorations will be spotted throughout the new land, and Woody, Jessie, and Buzz will don festive gear for their Meet and Greets. ©Disney Swirling Alien Saucers will play a holiday soundtrack, and you can listen for the sound of sleigh bells on Slinky Dog Dash! Slinky Dog Dash So get ready for a Flurry of FUN — and FOOD! — at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Are YOU ready for a Flurry of FUN at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Review: Season’s EATINGS for the Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party Now Open for Booking for the Holiday Season View the full article

It may seem like Christmas has taken over Disney, but Thanksgiving has not been forgotten! We found a turkey cupcake in Animal Kingdom, and now have news of another turkey-themed treat in Disney Springs! The creative folks at Vivoli il Gelato are bringing us a brand new Turkey Sundae! (Sounds strange? Stick with us…) Vivoli il Gelato You’ve got to see this dessert to believe it! It is picture-perfect! The Turkey Sundae is made up of 3 scoops of chocolate gelato with lady fingers serving as the distinctive feathers. What we love most is the chocolate dipped cookie as the face with a candy corn beak! Turkey Sundae ©Disney The Sundae is in a waffle cone bowl and topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and whipped cream. The Turkey Sundae will be available through November 30. This sure looks like it will make the perfect dessert after Thanksgiving dinner at a Disney restaurant, or Raglan Road and STK, both located in Disney Springs near Vivoli il Gelato! Will you be in Disney for Thanksgiving? Be sure to tag @disneyfoodblog in photos of your Thanksgiving fun in Disney! Check out our video: 25 Must Do Holiday Activities in Disney World! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! 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 World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Related posts: News: Vivoli il Gelato Debuts Tiramisu Gelato for a Limited Time What’s New in Disney Springs! August 10, 2018 Switch Up Your Fall Flavors with this Disney Springs Maple Bacon Milkshake! View the full article

Are you a fan of Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’? I’m going to go ahead and guess YES! Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Well, aside from the Chef’s Homecomin’ restaurant and bar, there will soon be another place in Disney Springs to enjoy some of Art Smith’s concoctions… and that’s along the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail! Christmas Tree Trail sign That’s right! A portabar featuring Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Holiday Beverages will serve seasonal drinks like Ole’ Smokey Shine Nog with Crop spiced Pumpkin Vodka, pumpkin puree, a splash of half and half and fresh-ground cinnamon. The returning Christmas Tree Trail will showcase 27 trees this year, including new themed trees featuring Star Wars and The Haunted Mansion, among others. Alice in Wonderland Tree from 2017 Alice in Wonderland Tree And, hey, Disney World Annual Passholders… you can enjoy early access to the World of Disney Store and the Christmas Tree Trail this Saturday, November 10th! From 9:00 – 10:00 AM, you can kick off your Christmas shopping at World of Disney, then enjoy exlcusive access to the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Are you going to stroll along the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail this year? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News: Chef Art Smith Restaurant in Disney Springs Confirmed The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail Now Open for 2017 — Now With Food! (Sort of!) Saturday Night Shine at Homecomin’ Florida Kitchen in Disney World View the full article

OK, it’s no secret that Disney World is a BUSY place during the holiday season, and New Year’s Eve is a MADHOUSE. There are plenty of events happening already, but most of them are already sold out…or well on their way to being sold out. Happily Ever After But you’re in luck! Today we’ve got a new New Year’s Eve bash to add to the agenda, and it sounds like a great one! Say hello to the Fort Wilderness New Year’s Eve Beach Dessert Party! Over at Fort Wilderness Resort (Disney World’s campground), guests will ring in the new year with their toes in the sand and a drink in their hand! This one’s a standard dessert party, with specialty desserts, fruit, cheese, and beverages including beer and wine. Welcome to Fort Wilderness! You’ll be able to see the Magic Kingdom New Year’s Eve fireworks from the beach at Fort Wilderness…which means you get to totally skip the soul- and body-crushing crowds in the Kingdom! WIN! YES! Date and Times December 31, 2018 from 10:00 PM to 12:30 AM Location Clementine’s Beach at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground Pricing $99 per adult and $59 per child (ages 3 to 9) not including tax; gratuity not included or required. Cancellation window is up to 120 hours before the event. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made NOW via the disney dining phone line ((407) 939-3463) or online at DisneyWorld.com. Check-in location is at Clementine’s Beach behind the Settlement Trading Post. Be sure to bring confirmation of your ticket for the event when you check in. 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 World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Related posts: News: Mickey’s New Year’s Eve BBQ Now Available for Booking Thanksgiving Meals at Fort Wilderness and Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Review: The New Chuck Wagon Fresh Fixin’s Food Truck at Fort Wilderness Campground View the full article

We recently announced the lineup of exclusive new and returning experiences at Disneyland Paris in 2019, including Marvel Summer of Super Heroes. Today, we’re excited to share with you that Captain Marvel will join the likes of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America and more of your favorite Super Heroes next year. Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. This and more epic Marvel Universe stories will take on their full meaning at Disneyland Paris with the return of Marvel Summer of Super Heroes, featuring thrilling entertainment across Walt Disney Studios Park. In addition to Captain Marvel, Groot will arrive to help save the galaxy during this fan-favorite event. It’s all happening starting March 23! Stay tuned for more epic details right here on the Disney Parks Blog. View the full article

We’re happy to share with all of you that the Disney Parks Blog will officially kick off the holiday season by streaming this year’s first “A Frozen Holiday Wish” castle lighting, live from Magic Kingdom Park, right here on Thursday, Nov. 8 at 6:10 p.m. EST. In the park’s nightly castle lighting show, “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” royal sisters Anna and Elsa join their friends Olaf and Kristoff for some holiday fun. Queen Elsa decides to use her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom by transforming Cinderella Castle into a shimmering ice palace, perfect for the holiday season. Trust me, this must-see show will give you chills! To tune in, simply bookmark this page or visit the Disney Parks Blog at 6:10 p.m. EST, on Nov. 8. The live stream will be at the top of the site. During our broadcast, we’d love to share some of your best Disney holiday vacation photos. Share them with us now on Twitter with the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. View the full article

Are visions of Disneyland Candy Canes dancing in your head?? I hope so… because we’ve got the scoop on the famous Hand-Pulled Candy Canes returning SOON for the holiday season in Disneyland Resort! Keep reading for all the WHENS and WHERES for 2018! Hand-Made Candy Canes in Disneyland! If you’re not familiar with this Disneyland tradition, you can learn all about the Disneyland Candy Canes by clicking here! Disneyland Candy Canes 2018 Once again in 2018, the Candy Cane making will alternate between Candy Palace on Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland and Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure. The Candy Palace Trolley Treats sign Candy Cane Tips Here’s our annual advice if you’re hoping to snag a Candy Cane: the rules state that guests are not supposed to line up prior to park open. But, we advise trying to line up about 30-45 minutes ahead of park opening anyway… and you likely won’t be alone. Then, proceed immediately to the designated shop upon opening. (Locations are specified by date below.) Wristbands will be distributed upon the shop’s opening. Based on previous years, typically 40 wristbands are distributed per batch with three batches per day, for a total of 120 wristbands. We have received feedback that more than 120 wristbands have been distributed at times, but your mileage may vary. As always, Disney simply states that “wristbands are limited.” One wristband allows the purchase of ONE Candy Cane (with a limit of one wristband per guest), and must be shown at time of purchase. Candy Cane Those with wristbands should go to the Candy Kitchen producing the day’s Candy Canes according to the batch time listed on their wristband. You may pick up your candy cane any time after your batch time, but prior to 4PM. Note that in previous years, if you didn’t pick up your candy cane by 4PM, it would be sold to someone waiting on standby. WHERE and WHEN To Get Your Candy Cane Please note that these dates are subject to change, and that additional dates may be added. CANDY PALACE at Disneyland November 23 November 26 November 28 November 30 December 3 December 5 December 7 December 10 December 12 December 14 December 17 December 19 December 21 December 24 TROLLEY TREATS at Disney California Adventure November 24 November 27 November 29 December 1 December 4 December 6 December 8 December 11 December 13 December 15 December 18 December 20 December 22 December 25 Candy Cane Dates and Purchasing Information For more information or if you want to confirm weekly dates before you go, check Disneyland’s Candy Kitchen Hotline at 714-781-0112. And be sure to brush up on what goes into making the Disneyland Candy Canes!! Candy Cane Info Happy Candy Cane Season to All… And to All, GOOD LUCK!! Are you hoping to get a Disneyland Candy Cane this season? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: 2015 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates Announced! 2012 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates 2016 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates Announced! View the full article

We can’t wait for the Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure to kick off on November 9th at Disneyland Resort! We’ll be there for all the festive fun and festive FOOD! But we’re not the only ones getting ready, because lots of the BOOTHS are now in place for Disney’s Festival of Holidays! Festival of Holidays! Twelve Festive Food Marketplace Booths are making their way to Disney California Adventure, from returning favorites to all-new locations. Why don’t we start with the new? New Marketplace Booths Merry Mashups will bring a Turkey & Stuffing Tamale and Sparkling Wine Punch to the scene! Merry Mashups Warm up with some Pumpkin Soup with Maple Cashew Cream at Winter Wonders! Winter Wonders Find a few of your favorite things (like the returning Reuben Potato Tots) at the new Favorite Things Booth! Favorite Things At Visions of Sugarplums, you’ll be seeing sweet stuff like Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with butterscotch sauce. Visions of Sugarplums Returning Marketplace Booths Brews & Bites is on its way back, where you can enjoy Chorizo Queso Fundido along with a Beer Flight, and Holiday Duets will once again feature festive food pairings. Holiday Duets Blissfully Braised returns this year, too. Blissfully Braised Spicy Celebrations will bring the heat again this year, and A Twist on Tradition will feature an all-new menu! Spicy Celebrations and A Twist on Tradition Grandma is bringing some classics like the new Beef Pot Roast on a potato roll at Grandma’s Recipes, and the favorite Roasted Turkey Sliders are coming back to Winter Sliderland. Is one of your returning holiday traditions enjoying a Mimosa Flight at Making Spirits Bright? Making Spirits Bright I sure hope so, because that one’s back, too! Click here to find out more about the 2018 Festival of Holidays! And don’t forget to check out the full menus — with prices — for the Festive Foods Marketplace Booths! Are you as excited as we are for the Festival of Holidays? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: First Look and Review! Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure SOFT OPENING!! Sneak Peek: NEW Festival Marketplace Booths for the Disneyland Festival of Holidays! News! Disneyland Festival of Holidays BOOTH MENUS AND PRICES!! View the full article

Six trailers of decorations. One 65-foot-tall iconic Christmas tree. And less than seven hours to unpack and install it all. This is a task that Holiday Services department prepares for – and looks forward to – all year long, when the team magically transforms Magic Kingdom Park from “Halloween” to “holidays” in just one night. Take a look at the video above for a behind-the-scenes peek into the Holiday Services team’s overnight installation – plus what some of the first guests think of this year’s decor. Want to see Magic Kingdom Park’s holiday decor in it’s finest? Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party returns to the park this Thursday, November 8. View the full article

Justin Turner, the third baseman for the National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers, visited Disneyland Resort this weekend. A true hometown hero, Turner was born in Long Beach, Calif. and attended California State University, Fullerton. He was at the Happiest Place On Earth to celebrate the birthday of his wife, Kourtney. The newlyweds were greeted by Mickey Mouse in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. After meeting Mickey, the happy couple were eager to enjoy all the attractions Disneyland Resort offered on a lovely Sunday afternoon. View the full article

We spotted some must-have, too-cute, OMG look-at-this merchandise in Hollywood Studios this weekend! In fact, you’ll get *stuck* on this merchandise because it is a new line of magnets and sticky notes! #dadjoke Disney Snacks Sticky Notes Of course, the first item we were drawn to was the Disney Snacks sticky notes — this is perfect for notes for the kiddos in their lunches, or makes everyday work reminders a little more fun. Snacks aren’t the only Disney classic getting the sticky note treatment. You’ll also find Orange Bird has his own notes, as well as the gang from Splash Mountain. Orange Bird Sticky Notes Splash Mountain Sticky Notes Not one to be left out, Peter Pan is included in this line along with some other classics; the Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Peter Pan Sticky Notes How about this set with park essentials including Minnie Mouse ears and popcorn! Disney Parks Sticky Notes Finally, you can find Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and that troublemaker (and elf on the shelf) Stitch represented in this ear hat collection. Disney Ear Hats Sticky Notes Each of these collections is $9.99. Disney Sticky Notes As if the sticky notes weren’t enough we also found these must-have magnet sets that remind us of paper dolls. Yes, it’s a Haunted Mansion magnet set that you get to mix and match right on your fridge! Haunted Mansion Magnet Set Haunted Mansion Magnet Set We can see ourselves spending hours in front of the fridge playing with these sets. We might need two of each, one for our kiddos and one for us! “it’s a small world” Magnet Set Look at this set! You can mix this up however you want! Plus the “it’s a small world” good-bye flowers are in this! “it’s a small world” Magnet Set OK, we have to get all of these — look at the Pirates of the Caribbean one! That puppy with the keys just stole our hearts. Pirates of the Caribbean Magnet Set Pirates of the Caribbean Magnet Set The magnet sets are $19.99 each. Disney Mix and Match Magnet Sets Confession time — which of these items are you buying and are they for you or your kiddo? Disney Sticky Notes and Magnet Sets Pretty much every one on our shopping list is getting one of these! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our video 25 Must Do Holiday Activities in Disney World! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Related posts: Our Favorite Disney’s Hollywood Studios Restaurants Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery Disney FOOD CHALLENGE! Can You Eat All 19 Of Our Favorite Mickey-Shaped Foods?!? View the full article

That was fast! It was just last week we updated you on the status of what we could see of the construction going on at Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater as it becomes home to a new ride! Now, just four short days later, the construction walls are down around the Chinese Theater! Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater Construction Progress In 2019 the Chinese Theater will be home to a brand new ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. We don’t know an exact opening date yet, just sometime in 2019. So what’s different on the Theater? Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater Construction Progress Hollywood Studios’ Chinese Theater Construction Progress We can see some of the more decorative items have been removed including the gold figure seen below above the doors. We can also see the signs on the door read they are “Imagineering Something New”. Chinese Theater Before Construction Changes in 2018 We are excited to see these walls come down since the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party is usually held in this area and we anticipate it being there again this year! The Show is Underway And, that’s not all! Flurry of Fun starts in Hollywood Studios this week! That means yummy treats, a decorated Toy Story Land and festive Woody and Buzz, the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam show, plus SNOW in Florida! Be sure to get all latest holiday news this week! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our NEW video 25 Must Do Holiday Activities in Disney World! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 now! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Related posts: Hollywood Studios Construction Update: Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Transformation of Pixar Place What’s New in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios: 11-4-18 NEW Eats, Merch, and Construction Updates: Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

There’s nothing quite like the spending the holidays in the merriment and magic of Disneyland Resort – and making the most of it by staying in one of three on-property hotels. Here are seven sparkling ways you can make memories with your family and friends this holiday season, Nov. 9, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019: Christmas Trees, Décor and More: The Craftsman-inspired décor at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa extends to the holiday decorations, from natural garlands to the towering Christmas tree lit with “arts and crafts” lanterns. The midcentury Disneyland Hotel receives a retro-holiday look with silver trees and bright colors. The nautical theming at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel features blue, green and silver holiday décor—along with shells and starfish garland—to create a seaside holiday setting. “Grand” Gingerbread House and Holiday Treats: A highlight at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is the giant gingerbread replica of the hotel, right in the lobby. Standing 7 feet tall and 12 feet wide, the structure is created from more than 600 pounds of gingerbread, 600 pounds of powdered sugar, 250 pounds of fondant, 1 pound of “pixie dust” glitter and features 25 hidden Mickeys! Nearby, you may purchase sweet treats such as Mickey snowflake cookies from the lobby’s holiday cart. Santa Claus and Carolers: This year, Santa will visit each hotel from November 22 through December 24. Hotel guests are encouraged to meet, greet and take a seat with St. Nick! Also delightful are the joyful sounds of vocal performers and holiday carolers strolling throughout the holiday season at each resort hotel.* Extra Magic Hour: With easy, convenient access to both parks, guests staying at the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will make the most of their visit with Extra Magic Hour admission with their valid theme park ticket. Extra Magic Hour offers admission to a designated theme park one hour earlier than the general public, and is only available for guests who stay at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. ** Christmas Trees Delivered In Room: Parents, you can enlist Santa’s secret helpers to bring the spirit of the season right to your hotel room, surprising the kids with a 4-foot, pre-lit Christmas tree, holiday décor and gift baskets with candy canes, gingerbread-flavored popcorn and frosted pretzels. Afterward, the family’s tree—including all the ornaments—can be shipped home.*** Holiday Shopping: Gift shops at each hotel offer unique Disney treasures. Additional shopping is just steps from the hotels at the Downtown Disney District, a destination of its own with dining, entertainment and retail options. A must-visit site for Disney fans is the newly reimagined, 40,000 square-foot World of Disney. This store was redesigned to make shopping even easier and more entertaining with touches of pixie dust in the displays and merchandise collections. Other favorite boutiques are the Disney Home store and The Disney Dress Shop, which opened in 2018. Other shopping destinations include Sephora, PANDORA Jewelry and Curl Surf. Vacation Values: It’s a season of savings with up to 25 percent off select rooms at Hotels of the Disneyland Resort for select Sunday-Thursday nights through December 20, 2018. Guests can save up to 20 percent on standard rooms and 25 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa; up to 15 percent on standard rooms and 20 percent on premium rooms at Disneyland Hotel, and up to 10 percent on premium rooms at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. Book through December 16, 2018. To find out more, please visit disneylandresort.com.*** The holiday festivities at the Disneyland Resort take place Nov. 9, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019. *Check Entertainment Guide for performance times. ** Extra Magic Hour valid for registered Disneyland® Resort Hotel Guests for admission to the designated theme park before the park opens to the general public. Check Disneyland.com for schedule of when each park offers Extra Magic Hour. Each registered hotel Guest (ages 3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and attractions and services availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to capacity, cancellation and other restrictions. ***Additional costs apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room at the same hotel for most Sunday through Thursday nights through 12/20/18. Book through 12/6/18; travel must be completed by 12/21/18. Premium room types included in offer are Premium, Deluxe and Woods/Garden/Courtyard rooms; select Concierge rooms; and only Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Excludes applicable fees and taxes. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation, and occupancy restrictions apply per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Separate Theme Park admission required to enjoy the Parks. View the full article

You may already be familiar with — or perhaps have even attended — Disney After Hours in Magic Kingdom. This extra-ticket event takes place for three hours after park close on select nights, and the limited guest access means little-to-no-wait for popular attractions (with event guests allowed to enter the park as early as 7 PM). The event also includes snacks like ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select beverages. Cinderella Castle at Night Disney has revealed today that not only are more dates being added for After Hours for Magic Kingdom, but Disney After Hours is also being expanded to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios! Disney After Hours Animal Kingdom Disney After Hours at Animal Kingdom will offer access to the Tree of Life Awakenings, Pandora attractions, and more. Select Counter Service locations will remain open throughout the night. Pandora at Night Dates for Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019. Disney After Hours Hollywood Studios Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios will offer access to Toy Story Land attractions (Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania!), Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, and more. Select Counter Service locations will remain open throughout the night. Slinky Dog Dash Dates for Hollywood Studios are: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019. Disney After Hours Magic Kingdom Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom offers access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Spaice Mountain, Haunted Mansion, and more. (Find the full list of attractions and inclusions here.) Seven Dwarfs Mine Train The currently scheduled dates for Magic Kingdom are Nov. 26; and Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019. Disney After Hours Booking Information Tickets for Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios will go on sale on November 15th, and interested guests may book by calling 407-939-7795 starting on that date. All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 plus tax for advance purchase, and $129 plus tax for day-of. Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders are eligible for a discounted price of $95 plus tax. Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! 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. Would you attend a Disney After Hours event? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Spotted: More Disney Snack Magnets at Disney Parks What’s New Around Walt Disney World — June 14, 2016 Disney World FREE DINING For Kids Package Is HERE! View the full article

Disney After Hours events have been such a huge hit among Disney fans and we wanted to share this good news with you first: not only are more event nights set for Magic Kingdom Park, but for the first time, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will join in on the fun! In case you aren’t familiar with Disney After Hours events, these evening events are your opportunity to experience the magic of a Disney theme park for three hours after regular park hours, which means little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings! You can even enter the park early – at 7 p.m. on your event night – before Disney After Hours begins. Ice cream, popcorn and select beverages are also included in your Disney After Hours admission, which is a separately priced ticket from daytime park admission. Here’s what to expect at each park: Magic Kingdom Park Enjoy classic favorite attractions from Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain as well as newer favorites like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, plus many more. Event nights will run on: Nov. 26; and Dec. 3, 10, 2018; and Jan. 7, 17, 24 and 28, 2019; Feb. 7, 14, and 28, 2019; and March 7, 2019. Tickets are currently available for Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park at DisneyWorld.com/DisneyAfterHours. Disney’s Hollywood Studios Imagine having little-to-no wait for newly opened Toy Story Land attractions, including Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! Rockin’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror and other attractions will also be available. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will also stay open for purchases throughout the night. Event nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be: Dec. 8, 15 and 22, 2018; and Jan. 5, 12 and 19, 2019; Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 2019; March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2019; and April 6 and 13, 2019. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Enjoy the best Disney’s Animal Kingdom has to offer at night, including heart-tugging Tree of Life Awakenings, the adventures within Pandora – The World of Avatar and more. Select quick-service food & beverage locations will remain open throughout the night for purchases. Dates at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are: Dec. 4, 12 and 18, 2018; and Jan. 8, 16, 22 and 31, 2019; and Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 26, 2019; and March 5, 20 and 27, 2019; and April 3, 2019. Tickets for Disney After Hours events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be on-sale November 15 through the Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-939-7795. All Disney After Hours event tickets cost $125 + tax for advance purchase and $129 + tax for day-of purchases. Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders do receive a discounted price $95 + tax. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates and information. View the full article

The Spring Roll Cart in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland has delivered an unexpected variety of Spring Rolls this year! First, there was the return of the Cheeseburger Spring Rolls. Next, Reuben Springs Rolls hit the scene. And now? Housemade Spring Rolls in Adventureland Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Spring Rolls are in the house!!! Well, except when they aren’t in the house… as was the case today when we went to try them. They were all sold out within the noon hour. Current Spring Rolls in Adventureland — Cheeseburger and Bacon Mac and Cheese But, here’s the scoop if these are suddenly on your list to try: the Spring Rolls are two for $7.50, and you get your choice of the two currently featured Rolls. So, you can get one Cheeseburger and one Bacon Macaroni and Cheese, or two of your top pick. Those Cheeseburger Springs Roll, we can totally vouch for. The Bacon Mac and Cheese? We’ll let you know what we think as soon as we get ‘em. And if you grab some in the meantime, we’d love to hear what you think! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Take a Food Tour of all the Adventureland eats in our DFB YouTube video! Would you like to try the Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Spring Rolls? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: The Return of Cheeseburger Spring Rolls in Disney World!! News and Review: Reuben Spring Rolls Debut in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland! Secret Menu: Disney World Citrus Swirl…JUST THE CITRUS!!!! View the full article

Remember when Santa set sail on a Disney cruise for his summer vacation? As we welcome him back to our ships for this year’s Very Merrytime Cruises, we thought you might enjoy this throwback video of his tropical getaway. Who knew Santa has such great dance moves?! #TBT This week, all of our ships are getting a holiday makeover with festive décor from bow to stern, and we’re excited to have Santa back onboard for our magical winter celebrations. Joining him are Mrs. Claus, Dickens-inspired carolers, and of course, Mickey and friends dressed in their holiday best. Each cruise through the end of the year will be decked out with holiday cheer and special stem-to-stern holiday events, such as “Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic” and “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball.” Those of you escaping the winter chill won’t want to miss our “Deck the Deck Holiday Party.” You haven’t celebrated the holidays properly until you’ve done the limbo under a giant candy cane and mastered the “Yuletide Slide!” Even if you aren’t able to join us onboard for the festivities this season, you can still spread holiday cheer by giving the gift of a Disney cruise to your family. The best part about watching your kids open that present? Knowing you get to enjoy it, too! View the full article

If you have not yet attended Epcot International Food & Wine Festival this year or have been thinking of returning to explore the over 30 global marketplaces, you better hurry and make plans because the festival ends Nov. 12. This fall Florida weather is perfect for strolling through the Festival, so get out there and ENJOY! Here’s a quick video to remind you of all the Festival has to offer. Thanks to photographer David Roark, producer Mark Drennen, and the Yellow Shoes Team for creating this fun and fast-paced video … and Bryan Smoker for his clever editing! View the full article

Hey, there! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re talking about how hidden Disney holidays can affect your trip! How might a Park Anniversary play into your vacation? Clearly, we’re already kicking off the holiday season in Disney World… Christmas trees, garlands, and wreaths can suddenly been seen in various corners throughout the Resort. (Magic Kingdom is already decorated!) But what about hidden Disney holidays? I mean, sure, you’ve heard of Halloween, but have you heard of Dapper Days? How about the four theme park anniversaries? And what takes place the day after the Super Bowl? We’re talking about the Hidden Calendar of Disney World, and how these events may affect your Disney World vacation! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: Have you ever visited Disney World and been surprised by a hidden holiday? Related posts: DFB Video: Things Most People Don’t Know About Walt Disney World DFB Video: 11 Things Disney World Pros Do, And You Should, Too DFB Video: How to Survive Disney World Weather (and Hurricane Season) View the full article

Oh boy! It’s time to celebrate the True Original himself, Mickey Mouse! As part of the festivities to commemorate 90 years of Mickey, we’re inviting you to #ShareYourEars for the third year of this fantastically fun campaign benefiting Make-A-Wish! From now until November 17, 2018, take a photo showing off your “Mickey Mouse ears” – or any creative “ears” – and upload it to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. For every public post with the hashtag #ShareYourEars, Disney will donate US $5 to Make-A-Wish, up to US $2 million to grant even more wishes. Robin Roberts kicked off this year’s campaign during the “Mickey’s 90th Spectacular” last night on ABC, where the stars turned out to celebrate Mickey with song and dance, and even took their own #ShareYourEars photos! Disney fans already know how special a wish can be, and now you can help wish kids make magical memories. Get creative! Show us your unique “ear” style. And go global! This year, we’re excited to bring you #ShareYourEars opportunities around the world. Throughout the campaign, guests at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Paris can strike a pose in front of uniquely themed “ear walls” created exclusively for #ShareYourEars by Walt Disney Imagineering. At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort find photo frames along Main Street USA! Sailing away? You can also #ShareYourEars on Disney Cruise Line, with special photo ops that you can only find on Disney cruise ships! You can also stop by your local Disney store* through November 17 to decorate your own pair of paper Mickey Mouse ears. Show them off in the #ShareYourEars frame and post your pictures! Find your local Disney store here. “It is a tremendous honor to support children whose wish is to come to Disney. Wish granting exemplifies the magic our 160,000 cast members and Imagineers create for guests all over the world every day,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “With this third #Share Your Ears campaign, we’ll get to make a difference in the lives of even more children and families.” Since 1980, Disney has helped Make-A-Wish grant more than 130,000 wishes. This extraordinary relationship has helped wish kids around the world replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Currently, more than 10,000 Disney wishes are granted every year and we are so excited to help this number continue to grow! So grab your favorite ears or surprise us with a new creation, and #ShareYourEars to celebrate Mickey’s birthday. We can’t wait to see what ears you’ll share to make wishes come true! #ShareYourEars is part of the Disney Team of Heroes philanthropic initiative, which launched in March 2018 with a $100 million commitment to transform the children’s hospital experience and provide comfort and inspiration for kids and families. Learn more at ShareYourEars.org. *Disney stores in U.S. and Canada only; excluding outlets. View the full article

If you’ve been keeping tabs on ALL the Holiday-themed goodies coming to Disneyland Resort for the season, then you know there is all sorts of merry snacking on the way! And with all the specialty snacks coming to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure PLUS all of the eats and drinks for the Festival of Holidays, how can you possibly keep track of everything you’d like to try? Disney California Adventure Christmas Tree We’ll show you how… with DFB’s Exclusive Holidays at Disneyland Resort Printable Snack Checklists! That’s right! Since so many DFB readers found our Printable Snack Checklist for Halloween Time in Disneyland to be helpful, we’ve got three here for you for the Holidays at Disneyland Resort! Roasted Turkey Slider Coming Back to Festival of Holidays We’ve prepared three DFB Printable Disneyland Holiday Snack Checklists to help you track all your snacks! Be sure to print out your lists by clicking the images below to make sure you don’t miss any of your top picks! Happy Holidays… and Happy SNACKING!! Holiday Snack Checklist for Disneyland Park Holiday Snack Checklist for Disney California Adventure Holiday Snack Checklist for Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Which item do you want to cross off your list first? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: MENUS for the 2018 Disneyland Resort Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure! Menus Updated with Prices for Disneyland Resort Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure FULL LIST of the Season’s Treats for the 2018 Holidays at Disneyland Resort! View the full article

If you are fan of ESPN, then ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will be the place to be today. ESPN Radio’s signature morning program – Golic and Wingo – will be broadcasting live from the sports complex from 6 to 10 a.m. Fans who come out to the sports complex will get to experience a live, national sports talk radio broadcast hosted by ESPN radio personalities Mike Golic, Trey Wingo and Mike Golic, Jr., during the fourth stop of their annual Fall Football Tour. There is no admission charge to attend the event at the sports complex. The broadcasters will break down the biggest sports stories currently dominating headlines in professional and college football and offer their expert opinions on which Major League Baseball teams will emerge as championship contenders as the “hunt for October” begins Oct. 2. For more information about upcoming events taking place at the sports complex, please visit www.espnwwos.com. View the full article

Epcot’s World Showcase at Walt Disney World is home to so many interesting restaurants serving high-quality food from around the (actual) world that it can be hard to decide which to choose. Learn About: Nine Dragons Restaurant Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants And frankly, Nine Dragons in the China Pavilion has been one that we’ve decided to skip much of the time. The setting is lovely and worth exploring, but in the past, the food has been lackluster, no better than most of the Americanized Chinese restaurants found in strip malls around the country. But we give second chances (and third and fourth and fifth) here at the DFB, so I made a reservation and hoped for something to love in this table service spot. And while I won’t say Nine Dragons has clawed its way up too far in the rankings of table service restaurants at Epcot, I will say that my most recent visit was the best I’ve had here. While I encourage you to take that with a grain of salt, I also want to acknowledge that plenty of you do enjoy eating here, and I will always cling to optimism that even the least palatable of Walt Disney World dining locations will be in a constant state of flux, striving for better. But let’s start with what we already love about Nine Dragons: its magical decor and warm atmosphere. Welcome to Nine Dragons! Atmosphere Nine Dragons is located at the front of the China Pavilion, on your left as you enter the beautifully landscaped and colorful area. Whether you’ve realized it or not, you’ve likely walked past Nine Dragons on your way to explore the House of Good Fortune store or made your way to Reflections of China. The China Pavilion The exterior of Nine Dragons maintains the overall design of the pavilion with its curvaceous roofline, exquisite wood work, and bright colors. Nine Dragons Restaurant The interior is equally beautiful, with rich wood tones, lights fashioned in the style of paper lanterns, and an ornate ceiling. Seating and Decor The details in the dining room are stunning. Take some time to admire them up close if you can. Woodwork Glass Dragon Glass etching in entrance Most seating is at tables with minimalistic design. If you can get a table with a view, go for it! We love watching the World go by during our meals. Seating and View From Restaurant There are some booths, large circular ones that seat six (or more, maybe, if you’ve got little ones in tow). Booth Seating with Round Table Place settings are simple, with paper placemats, a square white plate, and utensils. Nothing fancy or unique here, but it’s functional. Place setting Place Setting The mood in Nine Dragons isn’t particularly transportive — not in the way that spots like Restaurant Marrakesh and Le Cellier are — but it’s comfortable and provides many nods to Chinese craft traditions. Yet we all know that decor does not a terrific restaurant make. Let’s eat! Eats Nine Dragons features dragons throughout the restaurant, including in this message included on the menu. And while we think the “sacred pearl of wisdom and immortality” is all well and good, we’d also chase the sacred pearl of good eats. A Nine Dragons Message The Drink Menu at Nine Dragons features some Chinese specialties as well as plenty of wine and a few beers. Drinks at Nine Dragons I went with the Jade Beauty, as I did on my visit in 2012, and this time the drink was more balanced between the lemon, lime, and melon. It was sweet and enjoyable. Jade Beauty The menu at Nine Dragons hasn’t changed a tremendous amount over the years, which is great news if you are a fan of the dishes here. You can always find a version of a dumpling and favorites like spring rolls and bao buns on the apps menu, along with popular entrees like Kung Pao Chicken and Fried Rice. There’s also a Nine Dragons Family Dinner which might be economical if you’re planning on enjoying three courses anyway. Nine Dragons Dinner Menu There are also Chef Selections, which can vary from day to day (except they usually don’t). Chef’s Selection As you can see, I tried a whole bunch of stuff. If you dine here with a large group, getting a selection of items and sharing can be a ton of fun. Nine Dragons Spread First up: Sichuan Chicken Dumplings. These were awesome — flavorful and slightly spicy with a good texture on the wrappers. Garnishes were fresh red onion, carrot, scallions, cilantro, and daikon radish. These were a great foil to the savory dumplings. Sichuan Dumplings My second appetizer was the worst item of the day: Pork Belly Bao. Yeah, that combination of words should be a homerun, but this pork belly was not prepared well. While the flavor was there, the melt-in-your-mouth texture of a good pork belly preparation was missing. Such a bummer because it had potential! Pork Belly Bao Buns The Spinach Noodles are on the menu as a side dish, but they’re certainly filling enough to be a meal. The spinach flavor is not pronounced (although the color is!), and the real flavor comes from the garlic dressing. I actually loved this — it was understated enough in flavor for pickier kiddos to enjoy (no, your child who will ONLY eat noodles will butter won’t like it, but maybe your kid who isn’t sure about Chinese food, but willing to try, will enjoy it) and offered a good side to some of the more flavorful dishes. Spinach Noodles For main dishes, I went with Typhoon Shelter Shrimp, which features fried shrimp, shallots, garlic, jalapenos, and a side of sweet chili aioli. Typhoon Shelter Shrimp This dish is flavor explosion, with tonnnnns of flaky garlic. The best thing about this dish is that it’s not saucy (thanks to that side of aioli), so the various components keep their various textures. And while this isn’t going to win any awards for innovation, the “fried thing with spicy aioli” that I love so much is coming through here with flying colors. So, if that’s your thing, you’ll enjoy this dish. The sweet chili aioli was great. Typhoon Shelter Shrimp The Chef’s Selection was Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken, and this was a great dish. Inventive? No. But tasty and satisfying, owing to that big serving of fried, glossy chicken. Also, on the spicy heat meter it was about a 5 out of 10, so not a problem if you’re not a huge spicy heat fan. Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Real talk, desserts at Nine Dragons aren’t making it a destination any time soon, and unfortunately, the one I chose on this visit was among the worst I’ve had. Dessert Menu Banana Cheesecake Eggrolls are a clever food mash-up on paper. But the reality on this visit was gray, mushy banana in a crispy wrapper. Gray. Mushy. Banana. I didn’t see where the cheesecake came in at all. It was downright unappetizing. Banana Cheesecake Eggrolls I’ve had these before and found them to be not so bad, but on this visit, they were a hard pass. Sorry, Dragons. This one should be torched. Banana Cheesecake Eggrolls If I had stopped at the entrees, this visit would have been a (surprising) win! I’m not saying I’ll be swapping out my Via Napoli or Spice Road Table ADRs for Nine Dragons, but I enjoyed myself, and I even look forward to going back again! SEE? CHANGE CAN HAPPEN! Nosh or Not? Get your dumpling on at Nine Dragons if: You love Chinese food, whether it’s authentic or Americanized authentic. You want to try something a little off your beaten path, and this is the least intimidating option in World Showcase. All the best ADRs are already taken and you need a table service restaurant in Epcot. Ride your dragon to another spot if: You’re not looking to eat food you can get at a decent Chinese place closer to home (and cheaper!). A table service restaurant doesn’t fit with your Epcot schedule. You want to try something a little more unusual. Overall This visit to Nine Dragons was the best I’ve had, but that’s not to say that it’s suddenly become a stellar, drop-everything-and-get-there kind of place. Still, it was delicious (save for the Pork Belly Bao and that dessert!), satisfying, and appropriate for all kinds of diners, from the adventurous to the somewhat picky. The service was polite and efficient, and one of the highlights of the experience. So if you’ve got an open meal time and want to give it a try, stop in or make an ADR. It just might surprise you! Want to get lost in some fun Disney menus and food reviews? Check out our Disney World Restaurant Guide! Have you enjoyed a meal at Nine Dragons? Let us know what you thought! Share your experience in the comments. Related posts: 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED Recommended Disney World Dining Plan One Credit Restaurant Values Review: Unique Eats at Epcot’s Spice Road Table in Walt Disney World! View the full article