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If you’re thinking about book the 2019 Free Dining Offer for travel dates this summer, your time is almost UP! The booking date for Free Dining closes on February 10! Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom Remember – the Disney World Free Dining offer is available to guests ARRIVING most nights from July 5-September 30, 2019. What’s So Great About Free Dining? What’s good about the free dining offer? Here at DFB we crunch the numbers for these offers every single time they come out. And what we’ve found is that Free Dining is one of the only offers that could actually save you significant money on your vacation. Usually up to $1,000 per booking. Click to find out! Is the 2019 Disney World Free Dining Offer a Good Deal? You can see more about the 2019 Free Dining Offer in the video below: If you’re going to be booking the 2019 Disney World Free Dining Offer, we recommend making your life even easier (and potentially saving even more money!) by using a travel agent to make your vacation plans! Thinking About Booking? Time to Contact The Best Travel Agents in the Business No, seriously, they’re the best. And here’s why you want to go with the best: fastpasses that need to be booked 60 days in advance dining that needs to be booked 180 days in advance, over 30 hotels on property and hundreds off property dessert parties tours, activities, and more… It’s overwhelming to try to figure it all out. Dole Whip at Aloha Isle Here at DFB we recommend the agents at Small World Vacations to plan all of our travel needs! Your travel agent can MAKE THIS EASY! They can advise you on resort choice, vacation package, and tickets that will suit your family’s unique needs. They make sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. They’ve been there and done that, and they can tell you the most stress-free way to have your best vacation ever. And remember, using a travel agent is FREE! Don’t forget to maximize the Dining Plan! If you book a 2019 Walt Disney World Vacation Package with table service dining, you will receive one FREE digital e-Book, “The Disney Food Blog Guide to Walt Disney World Dining” valued at $19.95. This guide helps you to get the most out of your Disney Dining Experience! Thanks to Small World Vacations and all of their awesome agents who are standing by to make sure your family has the best vacation ever! So let’s review: Using a travel agent takes the stress out of booking your Disney World vacation Using a travel agent is FREE, and If you book through Small World Vacations you’ll get a FREE DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2019 e-book! It’s time to get started! Simply head over to Small World Vacations and Let the Magic Begin! Remember – the deadline to book Free Dining is February 10! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book your Disney trip or cruise. Their agents compare current offers to find the best deal for you — they’ve literally saved their guests millions of dollars since 1996. Plus, their services are 100% FREE FOR YOU! (They’re DFB’s recommended travel agency, and you can see why here!) So book that trip now, then sit back and enjoy planning your Disney World Trip with a DFB-approved expert! Click here for a no obligation price quote today, and let them know DFB sent you We break down ALL the numbers for you when it comes to Free Dining and the Disney Dining Plan in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2019! You can pre-order your copy now! 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. Are you booking the Free Dining Plan offer for this summer at Disney World? Let us know in the comments. Related posts: Is the 2019 Disney World Free Dining Offer a Good Deal? 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED Disney World’s FREE DINING Offer Ends SOON! Book Now for Free Dining this Fall! View the full article

It’s time to Get Your Ears On at Jolly Holiday Bakery and Cafe on Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., where they always slay the celebration treats game! Our Disneyland correspondent Heather (cheerio, @DiningInDisney!) found sweet and savory offerings that look (and taste) awesome! Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Sign First up: the savory! The Mickey Sipper (get him while you can on both coasts!) looks pretty stoked to be enjoying this Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwich! Mickey Sipper loves Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwiches! This warm sandwich is comprised of Swiss, Jack, and Fiscalini Cheddar Cheese with crispy Bacon and Blackberry Jam for dipping. It’s served with House-Made Chips. Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwich The cheese and bacon become one in this perfectly toasted sandwich, with lots of rich, cheesy flavors. The Fiscalini Cheddar, by the way, is crafted in California, and the quality is totally there. Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwich Salty cheese and bacon sandwich + sweet blackberry jam = a Get Your Ears On offering Heather loved! Specialty Toasted Cheese Sandwich Jolly Holiday also offers up plenty of sweet treats year-round, and their Get Your Ears On pastries are great options. Check out the Mickey Sipper and his delicious treats! Mickey Sipper also loves sweet treats! We’re as happy as he is looking at these Mickey Mouse Club Hats! Look how smooth and well-crafted these are! Mickey Mouse Club Hat The outer layer is a thick chocolate ganache in which chocolate discs have been inserted for Mickey’s ears and a white chocolate medallion displays the classic Mickey Mouse Club logo. LOVE! Mickey Mouse Club Hat How’s that throwback design for giving us all the feels? We also love the chocolate sprinkles encircling the base of the Hat, which gives it some nice visual interest. Mickey Mouse Club Hat Inside the hat is a Vanilla Bean Creme Brulee center covered in a dome of Chocolate Truffle Mousse. Seriously, how beautiful is this? Mickey Mouse Club Hat The base is a thin layer of chocolate cookie crumb that does a good job of providing a foundation. But we’re alllll about that mousse and custard. So decadent. Definitely GET THIS. Mickey Mouse Club Hat Mickey Mouse Macarons are another sight to behold. Check out those Mickey-approved colors and the edible buttons! Mickey Mouse Macarons The macaron is smooth and expertly created with the distinctive macaron feel and crispy exterior. Mickey Mouse Macarons A cross-section reveals vanilla buttercream in the center surrounded by a circle of thick chocolate ganache. This is really rich and really sweet, so you might want to share this one. (Or not. We support you either way.) Mickey Mouse Macarons Jolly Holiday: always a Disneyland celebration MVP when it comes to snacks, and we love them for it! Whether you’re in it for sweet treats or savory eats, you really can’t go wrong when you Get Your Ears On at Jolly Holiday! See ALL Our Reviews in One Place! Head over to our Get Your Ears On Disneyland Food Reviews page for all the goodness! We previewed ALL the amazing Get Your Ears On treats at Disneyland! Click here to check them out! Which of these Jolly treats would you try first? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Disneyland Food Review: Maple Bacon Churro in Disney California Adventure for Get Your Ears On! Halloween Time Eats: Sweet Potato Hand Pie at Jolly Holiday in Disneyland Resort! Disneyland Food Review: All the Cheese at Disney California Adventure’s Award Wieners For “Get Your Ears On!” View the full article

White Water Snacks is the quick service spot at Disneyland’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. It’s designed to reflect the spirit and style of camping, and after a brief refurbishment that began in September, we’re happy to report that White Water Snacks has reopened! Here’s a look at the refreshed space and the grub we can’t wait to try! Whitewater Snacks has reopened! Our Disneyland correspondent Heather (follow her adventures @DiningInDisney) took a stroll through White Water Snacks to grab a treat from the Get Your Ears On celebration (we’ll take a second look at that in a bit!). White Water Snacks Entrance The grab-and-go area is simple and efficient, featuring contrasting design elements like wood and steel. There’s definitely still an outdoorsy vibe in White Water Snacks, and we see that here in the abundant wood paneling, stone countertops, and polished concrete floors. White Water Snacks Grab-and-Go Items The ordering and check-out area is all about that wood paneling life, and there are several quick service food offerings on display so you can see examples of what you’ll be ordering. White Water Snacks Ordering and Check Out You’ll find menus, chips and candy, and order numbers here. Notice how open it feels to the outdoors, with huge windows letting in natural light and giving views of the resort’s Craftsman-style exterior. Keep an eye out for the Disneyland kitties! White Water Snacks Ordering and Check Out Some of the food prep and assembly is done in this stylish on-stage area. We love the colorful tile, and the bear carving in the beam is kind of epic. On-Stage Food Prep The seating are still features bright green seating reminiscent of patio chairs, and there are plenty of natural materials in use here. We love the lantern lights over the banquette seating. White Water Snacks Seating Area Table tops are gorgeous with all the knots and variations in wood grain. White Water Snacks Seating. White Water Snacks food items to order vary from Poke Bowls to Nachos to Burgers, with lots of customizable options. White Water Snacks Menu You’ll find Chicken-Fried Brisket and Waffle (yes, please!), a Hot Dog of the Month (is there a club for this?), and Artisanal Pizzas. White Water Snacks Menu Some of the food items are on display, like this Beef Rice Bowl with hard-boiled eggs and a Southwest-style egg roll. Rice Bowl with Beef The Poke Bowl with tuna is packed with tasty-looking toppings including edamame and toasted seeds. Poke Bowl with Tuna Beef Nachos served with a blistered jalapeno offer some spice (we hope!). Beef Nachos The Forest Mushroom Pizza looks awesome! Other pizza options include Margherita, Classic Pepperoni, and Charcuterie (!). Forest Mushroom Pizza We have to say the Cali Grilled Angus Beef Burger looks amazing. That’s Hollandaise Sauce on top! Cali Grilled Angus Beef Burger Grab-and-Go options look to be high-quality, with the Arugula Salad coming in this sleek packaging and having lots of color. Arugula Salad Cauliflower Curry Salad is another intriguing veggie option. Cauliflower Curry Salad If you need a particular kind of sustenance to enjoy your Disneyland vacay, check out the wine and… muffins. Wine and Muffins Or grab one of these babies! S’mores Donuts and Fruit Loop Donuts were on display during Heather’s visit. Donuts and Cupcakes One of each, please! S’mores and Fruit Loops Donuts Notice the Get Your Ears On Mickey Cupcake on the bottom shelf of the pastry case. We’ll definitely be watching this space for rotating deliciousness! Mickey Ears Cupcake Blondies are also available, and they look amazing! Love the candied pecans on top! Blondies And boxed Macarons can make a great souvenir item (or a take-on-the-plane-and-eat-your-sorrows item). Macaron Box And there’s fresh fruit! Bananas, Apples, and Oranges (not Cuties!) are available. Fresh Fruit In the cooler, find Yogurt and Chia Parfaits. Parfaits The Chia Coconut Parfait is vegan-friendly. Chia Coconut Parfait Packaged snacks include Assorted Snack Bars (Kind Bars on Heather’s visit). Assorted Snack Bars Candy and Chips are available, too. Plus you can grab a Souvenir Travel Mug to fill with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa a the time of purchase. Travel Mugs, Chips, and Candy Large bags of Maui Style Chips are available. Maui Style Chips And to wash it all down: a Coke Freestyle machine! Totally cool. Coke Freestyle Machine Stay tuned as we bring you a closer look at the food of White Water Snacks soon! Want to keep up with all the Disney Parks news, including openings, closings, and new eats? Sign up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter today! Have you enjoyed a stop into White Water Snacks? Tell us what you think about the refreshed space! Related posts: Guess Where You Can Find Mickey Jell-o in Disneyland! Where To Find COOKIE SHOTS in Disneyland!!!! Disneyland Review: Mickey Ears Cupcake at Whitewater Snacks for Get Your Ears On! View the full article

Disneyland Resort is partying with Minnie and Mickey Mouse for the Get Your Ears On celebration, and as part of the festivities, a few special limited time treats have been created for Valentine’s Day! Enter Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor, where Valentine’s Day means a Donut Sundae! Donut Sundae at Gibson Girl We’ve seen donut sundaes before — most notably at Walt Disney World’s Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor. But here, the donut adds another dimension: it’s chocolate glazed! And the ice cream? It’s birthday cake! Happy Valentine’s to us — or more specifically to our Disneyland correspondent Heather (@DiningInDisney) who got to try this! Donut Sundae Every component of this sweet treat is delicious — including the mountainous whipped cream and the brightly colored sprinkles. The Donut Sundae gets a big thumbs up! Donut Sundae Two awesome treats combined in a fun way and served in celebration of our favorite mice! But note — sometimes Disney donut sundaes can have some stale donuts…beware! See ALL Our Reviews in One Place! Head over to our Get Your Ears On Disneyland Food Reviews page for all the goodness! We previewed ALL the amazing Get Your Ears On treats at Disneyland! Click here to check them out! Would you dig into the Donut Sundae? Let us know what you think in the comments! Related posts: Review: Steamboat Willie Black and White Cookie at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure EXTRA Alert!! Strawberry Cheesecake “Funnel Of Love” Funnel Cake at Disneyland’s Stage Door Cafe! Disneyland Review: Double Chocolate Fritters at Royal St Veranda View the full article

Get Your Ears On at Disneyland Resort has given us lots of memorable eats, most for a good reason: they’re delicious! We loved the Fried Chicken and Beignets we tried at Cafe Orleans, and who could forget the decadent Mickey Chocolate Cup and Brownie? Mickey’s Chocolate Cup and Brownie Click HERE to see all of our Share Your Ears Food Reviews! But unfortunately not every special menu item is hitting all the right notes, and sadly this is true for one of the most highly anticipated items — the Share Your Ears Cheeseburger. Share Your Ears Cheeseburger We were so looking forward to trying this trio of burgers from Smokejumpers Grill in Disney California Adventure Park. It consists of one large base burger and two slider ears. Hence the Share Your Ears moniker. But even from first glance, we weren’t wowed. Share Your Ears Cheeseburger These are three straightforward cheeseburgers with no finesse. Bland, dry burger patties are topped with American cheese that barely melted. Golden brown buns are simple vehicles for the burgers. Share Your Ears Cheeseburger The large base burger has a smoky sauce on it that imparts a little flavor. But the only saving grace for the sliders is that Smokejumpers has a toppings bar, so you can add lots of things to give you some kind of flavor. Otherwise… meh on the whole thing. Share Your Ears Cheeseburger We opted for a LOT of toppings. Share Your Ears Cheeseburger The Share Your Ears Burger is perfect for sharing, and picky eaters or those who enjoy assembly line burgers will be fine with this. But as a specialty item for the Get Your Ears On celebration, this was a disappointment! It’ll cost you $14.99 ($13.73 with an Annual Passholder discount), but it’s probably not worth the price. See ALL Our Reviews in One Place! Head over to our Get Your Ears On Disneyland Food Reviews page for all the goodness! We previewed ALL the amazing Get Your Ears On treats at Disneyland! Click here to check them out! How do you Get Your Ears On at the Disney Parks? Food? Merchandise? Dressing up? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Disneyland Review: Mickey Apple Croissant Donut and Mickey Cookies and Cream Shake at Schmoozies! Review: Steamboat Willie Black and White Cookie at Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure Disneyland Food Review: Minnie Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake in Mickey’s Toontown! View the full article

Now, more than ever, it’s a great time to be at Walt Disney World Resort, with fabulous new entertainment experiences in all four parks. One of my favorites is going on right now at Magic Kingdom Park – Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration! Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration honors those true originals, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, with new entertainment, merchandise, and specialty food and beverages. The party starts at Celebration Central, located inside Town Square Theater on Main Street, U.S.A., where you can sign the Celebration Guest Book and pick up a fun checklist of ten ways to celebrate Mickey and Minnie during your day in the park. Also at Town Square Theater, the world’s most famous mice are in a rehearsal room, preparing for a big show, and you’re invited to head backstage for a visit. Mickey and Minnie have asked their closest pals and co-stars to come together for “The Celebration Revue,” but they’ll gladly take time out of their busy schedule to meet with friends while wearing their snazzy new party outfits. The celebration really kicks into high gear several times daily when the “Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It!” Street Party rolls into the Central Plaza in front of Cinderella Castle. The Disney Parks Live Entertainment team has pulled out all the stops to make this the most spirited, high-energy party you’ve ever seen! A pair of energetic, singing party hosts keeps things hopping with the new celebration song “It’s a Good Time,” along with contemporary arrangements of classic melodies. According to Choreographer Cindy Wilson, “The ‘Move It! Shake It! MousekeDance It!’ Street Party is a throwback to the Mickey Mouse Club, with wonderful music that everybody’s going to want to get up and dance to, and it’s contemporary at the same time. I think when [the characters] all come off the floats, guests are going to want to just jump in.” Those characters include favorite Disney pals like Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, Max, Pluto, Chip ‘n Dale, Clarice, Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar, José Carioca and Panchito – and of course, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse! And this is a MousekeDance party after all, so get ready to do the twist, the swim, the pony, the shimmy, the cool jerk, and the bird. And if you don’t know how, that’s okay. All the party peeps will show you! Of course, this is a Surprise Celebration, so anything can happen! All along Main Street, U.S.A., the Dapper Dans, the Casey’s Corner piano player, the Main Street Philharmonic and the Citizens of Main Street get into the fun with special, musical surprise moments. Special guests are stopping by each day, too. In the past week, we’ve spotted Phineas and Ferb, Robin Hood and Little John, Nick and Judy from “Zootopia,” and more. You never know who you’ll see! You’re all invited, so come join the party at Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration, now through September 30, 2019. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re sharing some technology hacks that you NEED to know while you’re in Walt Disney World! Mobile Order sign at Woody’s Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios There are more ways than you might realize to improve your Disney World vacation with technology that will save you time and money and generally enhance your experience. From recommended apps to fuel rods to various ways to score dining reservations, we’re sharing several of our favorite tech hacks with you in our latest DFB YouTube Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What is your top tech hack to use in Disney World? Related posts: DFB Video: Pros and Cons of Disney World Transportation DFB Video: Disney World Bathrooms! (Volume I) DFB Video: Things You’d NEVER Think You’d Need in Walt Disney World! View the full article

Descendants Star Booboo Stewart Explores Alaska With Disney Cruise Line View the full article

Last month we shared that refurbishment walls had been put up around the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland. Walls up around Sleeping Beauty Castle We already knew that Sleeping Beauty Castle would maintain its classic color scheme of warm pink and bright blue while it underwent some needed repair work. But Disney has revealed that the Castle will also receive a subtle sprinkling of “pixie dust.” Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle The Castle refurbishments are part of Project Stardust which will involve “a number of enhancements” to the entire Disneyland Resort — and in particular Disneyland park– in an effort to “continue to deliver a world-class guest experience.” These will involve beautification of the park to maximizing the comfort level for guests. This is intended to result in greater enjoyment of the classic Disneyland experience while simultaneously preparing the park for “its next phase of significant growth, starting with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where tradition meets a new frontier.” ©Disney from @DisneyParks on Twitter Parts of the project which are underway or already completed include curbs on Main Street U.S.A. enhanced with slow inclines to improve guest access upon entering the park, new brickwork, and a full replacement of the horse-drawn streetcar track. In Fantasyland, queues have been reconfigured for Matterhorn Bobsleds, “it’s a small world” and Dumbo the Flying Elephant. The recent addition of The Tropical Hideaway is also a part of the efforts, welcoming guests “to a brand new area that was previously underutilized.” Disneyland’s Matterhorn Additional work includes the adjustment of planters and outdoor vending cart placements to create more walking room and more efficient stroller parking. More overall seating will be added around the park, too. To cap off this discussion of Project Stardust, Disney has shared a video about the work being done on Sleeping Beauty Castle. Note that Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine shares that during the refurb, guests will be able to take pictures in front Herb Ryman’s first rendering of Sleeping Beauty Castle. What do you think of the enhancements coming to Disneyland? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Disneyland Annual Passholder Program Sees Two BIG Changes Millennium Falcon Has LANDED at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Disney Shares Ground View of Millennium Falcon in Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge View the full article

As we snack our way around Disneyland Resort to try the specialty items for “Get Your Ears On” — A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, our stops include more than counter service locations and snack carts and kiosks. They also include Table Service restaurants like River Belle Terrace in Disneyland. River Belle Terrace Because when you hear that one of your favorite restaurants in serving something called Cookie Butter Monkey Bread… well, you make it happen! River Belle Terrace Specialty Items The Cookie Butter Monkey Bread isn’t the only specialty item you’ll find at River Belle Terrace, though. A Mickey Jumbo Pretzel is also available as part of the Get Your Ears On offerings. And now through February 18th, you’ll also see a Chocolate Lava Cake in honor of Valentine’s Month. Spread at River Belle Terrace The Mickey Jumbo Pretzel isn’t a large version of the regular Mickey Soft Pretzel you’ll typically find around the parks. Mickey Jumbo Pretzel Instead, this truly JUMBO pretzel is a hand-crafted Bavarian Pretzel twisted into a classic Mickey shape! Mickey Jumbo Pretzel Gorgeous, right? Grain mustard and cheese sauce come alongside for dipping, and the soft, golden pretzel works equally well with both. Mickey Jumbo Pretzel with cheese sauce You get some sweetness from the mustard sauce along with all the gooey, savory yumminess you’d expect with the cheese dip. And now onto that Cookie Butter Monkey Bread we were talking about! Cookie Butter Monkey Bread I mean, Monkey Bread on its own is already pretty awesome, with the buttery, super soft bread coated in cinnamon-sugar. Cookie Butter Monkey Bread But the shell of speculoos cookie butter sauce generously poured over a scoop of vanilla ice cream further sweetens the deal, sitting atop a cookie butter cream anglaise with a butter cookie for garnish (or another dessert ) sticking out of the top. Creamy and buttery, sweet and saucy… it’s all here. We LOVED these additions! So Get Your Ears On and then get to River Belle Terrace! We previewed ALL the amazing Get Your Ears On treats at Disneyland! Click here to check them out! And keep an eye on our Get Your Ears On Disneyland Food Reviews page for all of the full reviews in one place! Would you like to try either of the Get Your Ears On eats at River Belle Terrace? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: “Get Your Ears On” EATS! Steamboat Willie Caramel Apple in Disneyland Resort “Get Your Ears On” EATS: Fried Chicken and Beignets and More at Disneyland’s Cafe Orleans Get Your Ears On — A Mickey and Minnie Celebration Coming to Disneyland Resort! View the full article

A new Disney Vacation Club resort slated to open later this year has started taking reservations. Riviera Resort, which will be the 15th Vacation Club property for the theme park giant, this week began booking stays at the site for December and beyond. The site, which will open adjacent to the... View the full article

It was recently announced that Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy will be opening in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on March 31, 2019. The show will welcome guests into the world of Pixar’s Cars films by way of an introduction to Lightning McQueen as we prepare to join the next generation of rookie racers. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Today, Disney has released a video featuring Jay Ward, Creative Director for the Pixar Cars Franchise sharing about what guests have to look forward to when the show makes its spring debut! KA-CHOW! Are you excited to check out Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Guest Review: Star Wars Dine-In Galactic Breakfast at Walt Disney World Disney Daydreaming: Toy Story Land Dining Options YUM! Onion Petals at Rosie’s All-American Cafe in Disney World View the full article

Earlier this month, we revealed a sneak peek at Adventures by Disney’s 2020 river cruise vacations. Now the wait for more details is over, and I’m excited to give you the inside scoop on our incredible line-up for next year! In 2020, Adventures by Disney will embark on more European river cruises than ever before, including a brand-new vacation through southern France on the Rhone River! Plus, we will launch three new Short Escape itineraries in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest, Hungary, which can be added to river cruise vacations or booked at standalone trips. The expanded season of river cruises includes a record-breaking 27 departures along the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Rhone rivers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive vacations allow families to explore the heart of Europe in a way that’s active, immersive and hassle free. What’s more, we’re doubling the number of adult-exclusive departures in 2020, giving our adult guests even more opportunities to experience the sophistication, variety and adventure of a river cruise in a fun, comfortable setting with Adventures by Disney. Bookings for 2020 river cruise vacations open to the public on Jan. 31, 2019. Read on to find out more about our newest itineraries, and visit adventuresbydisney.com to learn more. New Rhone River Sailings Through Southern France During the new eight-day, seven-night Rhone River itinerary onboard AmaCello, our guests will sail through southern France, including the renowned region of Provence, for the first time. To bring the rich history, charming culture, distinguished art and distinctive cuisine of this diverse region to life, we’ve curated engaging, authentic experiences in every port-of-call. Here are the highlights: Active sightseeing adventures include exploring enchanting towns and villages by bike; kayaking beneath the famous 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard; and taking in the magnificent scenery of the Gorges du Doux by steam train and rail bike. Interactive culinary experiences celebrate the region’s local flavors and world-famous cuisine. The menu of activities includes a private truffle-hunting experience and tasting; cheese and jam making at a goat farm; and an immersive tasting experience at a family-owned olive oil farm near Les Baux-de-Provence. Guests will also enjoy curated tastings featuring Rhone Valley wines, chocolate and more. Engaging art-focused excursions draw Adventurers into a world of color and imagination. Among the highlights are a walking tour of Roussillon’s colorful Ochre Trail followed by a painting class; a demonstration in the art of silk-weaving in Lyon; and a visit to the Carrieres de Lumieres, a former limestone quarry where famous impressionistic paintings come to life. Immersive historical tours are bolstered by signature Disney storytelling as guests step into the stories of the Palais des Papes, a breathtaking palace that was once the seat of papal power; the Roman ruins of Lyon and Nimes; the historic hilltop villages of Gordes and Les Baux-de-Provence; and the 12th-century Abbaye de Senanque, where tales of medieval Cistercian monks unfold. New Short Escape Itineraries in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest Beginning in 2020, our guests can enhance their European river cruise vacations with three-day, two-night stays in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest. These guided group itineraries are designed to maximize vacation time, highlighting each city’s most well-known attractions while also uncovering unexpected hidden gems. The Paris Short Escape can be added to Seine and Rhone sailings to round-out vacations in northern or southern France. In Paris, not only will guests come face-to-face with one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, but they’ll also enjoy spectacular views of the “City of Lights” from their seats at dinner on the structure’s first floor. Other activities include a private walking culinary tour and a bucket-list visit to the Louvre Museum, which features a local expert guide and a special art detective activity for Junior Adventurers. The Amsterdam Short Escape can be added as a post-cruise stay following Rhine River sailings to complete the cruise’s four-country journey. This itinerary is comprised of a number of hands-on activities, like a painting workshop following a visit to the Van Gogh Museum and a tile glazing activity at an earthenware factory. Adventurers will also visit quintessential Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk, embark on a canal cruise and taste their way through the trendy Jordaan neighborhood. The Budapest Short Escape can be added to Danube River sailings as the perfect land complement to the Central European tour by water. The itinerary combines enriching cultural excursions — guests will indulge in homestyle Hungarian cuisine at a historic bistro, ride in a tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) and revel in a performance at the Budapest Opera House — with visits to the city’s must-see locales, such as Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. For more information or to book a vacation, visit adventuresbydisney.com, call 1-800-543-0865 or contact a travel agent. View the full article

The adrenaline is building up for the March 31 opening of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. The new show experience, taking you inside the world of Disney•Pixar’s Cars films, will speed into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we can’t wait! Let’s take a look at what Jay Ward, Creative Director, Pixar Cars Franchise, has to say about Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Remember, the opening of Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is on March 31! Be sure to keep checking Disney Parks Blog for updates on this experience that is part of the overall transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, immersing guests like you into worlds where you can have amazing adventures! View the full article

The 2019 Epcot Festival of the Arts kicked off on Friday celebrating the Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts. The Disney on Broadway Concert Series is terrific part of the celebration, featuring performances by some of Broadway’s most accomplished actors and actresses singing some of Disney’s most beloved songs at the America Gardens Theater. Ashley Brown Performing During the Epcot Festival of the Arts The performances take place nightly with three shows throughout the evening (5:30 PM, 6:45 PM, and 8:00 PM) at the American Gardens Theatre. And Disney Vacation Club members will want to keep in mind that the are eligible for a 10% discount off of Disney on Broadway Dining Packages which pair a meal at a participating Epcot restaurant with guaranteed seating at one of the evening’s concerts. Disney World Annual Passholders are eligible for a discount on the Disney on Broadway Dining Packages, too. Visit our Disney on Broadway Concert Series Page to find out more about the Disney on Broadway Dining Packages! And if you’re planning a visit to the 2019 Epcot Festival of the Arts, you’ll want to check out some of the best things to eat at the event’s Food Studios in our DFB YouTube Video! Are you attending the Epcot Festival of the Arts this year? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: 2019 Epcot Festival of the Arts Dates and Details Announced! Disney on Broadway Concert Lineup AND Dining Packages Announced for 2019 Epcot Festival of the Arts! News: Disney on Broadway Dessert Party Announced for Disney Vacation Club Members During the Epcot Festival of the Arts View the full article

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series puts a musical exclamation point at the end of each day of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts (now underway through Feb. 25), and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members enjoy a 10 percent discount off dining packages that include guaranteed seating for these show-stopping performances in the America Gardens Theatre. The now nightly concert series (a weekend offering at previous years’ festivals but expanded in 2019 to a nightly performance schedule) features a rotating array of Disney on Broadway stars performing beloved Disney songs three times each evening. Dining packages include a variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options – from three-course meals to all-you-care-to-eat buffet experiences – each paired with guaranteed seating at one of that day’s star-studded concerts. Participating Epcot restaurants include Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room in World Showcase, and Coral Reef Restaurant and The Garden Grill Restaurant in Future World. Click here to learn more before calling Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to book your discounted dining package. As a part of Membership Extras, an incidental benefit, these member benefits are subject to change, availability or termination and may require a fee. Membership Extras are available with eligible ownership interests. Visit http://disneyvacationclub.com/memextraspolicy for more information. View the full article

In our Disney Doodle series, different Disney artists take turns imagining what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. Today, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Ray, the firefly from “The Princess and the Frog” would do if he could visit Magic Kingdom Park. In the film, Ray is enchanted by the Evening Star, which he believes is the spirit of his former firefly love, Evangeline. It’s only natural that Ray would be drawn to spectacular skies at our parks. “Ray is always gazing into the sky at Evangeline!” Ashley said. “It’s easy to imagine him watching the sky light up with Disney fireworks in pure amazement!” View the full article

The gateway to Fantasyland—and the symbol of all the magic of Disneyland park—is Sleeping Beauty Castle. An opening day landmark since 1955, Sleeping Beauty Castle has the distinc­tion of being named after a Disney her­oine nearly four years before Sleeping Beauty appeared in her title film role 60 years ago in January 1959. In fact, “Sleeping Beauty” was still in its early stages of produc­tion when Disneyland park opened. Over the years, the colors and finishes on Sleeping Beauty Castle have been refreshed and updated since Disney Legend and Imagineer­ing Artist Herbert Ryman first created the concept illustration of the castle. Today, 60 years after the film “Sleep­ing Beauty” debuted, Sleeping Beauty Castle is undergoing another refurbishment through spring in preparation for this summer’s open­ing of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The refurbishment is part of Project Stardust—a number of enhancements to the Disneyland Resort, specifically Disneyland park, to continue to deliver a world-class guest experience. The enhancements will range from overall beautification of the theme park to maxi­mizing guest comfort and access. When Project Stardust is complete, Disneyland park will remain the beloved icon and international treasure it is today, while preparing the theme park for its next phase of significant growth, starting with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where tradition meets a new frontier. A number of efforts are already un­derway or completed. On Main Street, U.S.A., for example, curbs are being enhanced with slow inclines to help improve access when guests first enter. New brickwork adds to the storytelling of the iconic thoroughfare, and for the first time, the horse-drawn streetcar track was replaced in its entirety. In Fantasyland, reconfigured guest queues for Matterhorn Bobsleds, “it’s a small world” and Dumbo the Flying Elephant have improved guest access and comfort, while Tropical Hideaway in Adventureland now welcomes guests to a brand new area that was previously underutilized. Throughout Disneyland park, the lo­cations of planters and outdoor vending carts are being adjusted to make room for additional walking space and new, more efficient stroller areas. There also will be more seating in Disneyland park than ever before when Project Stardust is complete. We look forward to sharing more about these efforts and carrying forward Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland park, while preparing it for future generations. In this video, Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine talks about the beautification of Sleeping Beauty Castle. View the full article

Walt Disney World has revealed two more entertainment offerings that will arrive at Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park this year. And their start dates are relatively specific. On June 14, “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” will begin an encore engagement at Epcot’s America... View the full article

Walt Disney World has revealed two more entertainment offerings that will arrive at Epcot and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park this year. And their start dates are relatively specific. On June 14, “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” will begin a encore engagement at Epcot’s America... View the full article

The premise of Disney’s Family Magic Tour is fairly simple. Disney villains tried to take over Magic Kingdom the night before, but Disney heroes and heroines managed to thwart them. In the process, many characters lost some very important items. Merlin had tried to summon everything back to its... View the full article

The Overtakers — Disney villains — tried to take over Magic Kingdom the night before, but the Kingdom Keepers — Disney heroes and heroines — managed to thwart them. However, in the process, many characters lost some very important items. Merlin tried to summon everything back to its rightful place,... View the full article

There are many advantages to staying at the Beach Club Resort in Disney World — one being super easy walking access to Epcot for all the Festivals! But now we’ve found another advantage — a new Premium Coffee Bar! Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar The new Premium Coffee Bar is located in the Beach Club’s Solarium, which is just off the lobby, outside the Marketplace shop and quick service/grab and go dining location in the resort. In the past, this location has served tea, been a craft space, and more. Now? It’s coffee time. The Coffee Bar has been open for a few weeks, and is in test mode. Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar The Solarium offers comfy seating if you’re waiting for your resort room to be ready, waiting for a bus or Minnie Van, or just need a few quiet moments away from crowds. The Beach Club Solarium The Beach Club Solarium Currently, at the Coffee Bar you’ll find an assortment of baked goods and espresso-based coffee drinks. Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar Menu The baked goods are in a small serve yourself style case, and offer some variety over and above the baked goods available in the Marketplace. Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Baked Goods Coffee drinks are freshly made to order. There’s a limited selection of Ghirardelli syrups available for your drinks. Currently, you can choose from Caramel, Chocolate, or White Chocolate syrups. Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar We tried out some Lattes along with a Chocolate Twist and Blueberry Scone. Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Baked Goods We enjoyed the coffees and baked goods at this location, and also the setting. The baked goods are your standard coffee shop baked goods, and what you’ll find in most pastry windows. It was a pleasant surprise to enjoy a latte at the resort, as we’ve had to walk to the Yacht Club Market at Ale and Compass for our morning lattes in the past. The only thing we missed was some more variety in flavor options for our lattes. If this becomes a permanent location we hope to see more flavor options added for drinks! Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar Breakfast The Premium Coffee Bar is open daily from 5:30 am – 12:30 pm. Beach Club Resort Premium Coffee Bar Have you tried out the Beach Club’s Premium Coffee Bar? Would like to see this become a permanent addition to the resort’s dining options? Let us know in the comments below. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out our video The Yacht and Beach Club Food Tour! When you’re done – check out all of our Videos on You Tube! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is now available! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Related posts: Holiday Preview: The 2017 Walt Disney World Gingerbread Displays The 2017 Gingerbread Carousel at Disney’s Beach Club Resort Easter Eggs and Eats around Disney World! View the full article

It’s nearly time to celebrate the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park! The celebration of the Lunar New Year begins on January 25, 2019, and the food booths are out with menus and prices! Lunar New Year 2019 This year’s booths are a bit different from past years when each was dedicated to a particular country’s cuisine. Instead, this year’s booths (called Lunar New Year Marketplaces) are inspired by the spirit of the festival. Red Dragon Spice Traders will offer Firecracker Three Cup Chicken, Steamed Short Rib Shumai, and a Purple Yam Macaron. Red Dragon Spice Traders Three Cup Chicken returns in 2019 after a successful presence at the China Marketplace in 2018! Three Cup Chicken at China’s Lunar New Year Booth in 2018 Prosperity Bao & Buns takes traditional and playful takes on handheld eats. Try Char Siu Pork Bao, a Mickey Chinese Hot Dog Bun, and a Mango-Pineapple Pastry as well as a Winter Plum Blossom Gin Mule. Prosperity Bao & Buns At Lucky 8 Lantern, guests will find Crispy Shrimp Fried Rice, Stir-Fried Vegetables & Pineapple with Soy Protein, and a Mandarin Orange-Green Tea Tart. Lucky 8 Lantern is also serving Lucky Buddha Beer and Vietnamese Iced Coffee. Lucky 8 Lantern Mandarin Orange Green Tea Tarts coming to Lucky 8 Lantern The fourth booth, Longevity Noodle Company, offers two noodle options: Pan-Fried Wheat Noodles and Vegetable Egg Roll and Chilled Sesame-Garlic Noodles. This is the spot to get a popular Egg Tart, too! Longevity Noodle Company We loved the simple, delicious Egg Tart in 2018! Egg Tart We can’t wait to try all the Lunar New Year offerings this year — and you can bet we’ll be bringing you all the highs, lows, and in betweens! Check out all the menus of this year’s Lunar New Year here! Which Lunar New Year Marketplace food booth sounds the most delicious to you? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: Review: Anti-Vampire Pizza for Halloween Time at Disney California Adventure Park Check Out the Menus for the Lunar New Year Marketplaces at Disney California Adventure! Pumpkin Spice Paradise at Flo’s V-8 in Disney California Adventure! View the full article

We are big fans of Sanaa at Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village, with its delicious Bread Service, awesome entrees, and great ambiance. And for Valentine’s Day, this popular one-credit table service restaurant is serving up two special desserts that sound a little familiar! Welcome to Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village! The first Valentine’s offering is called Cupid’s Candy Bar and the description is super close to the Spice Trade Candy Bar that we loooooove. Both Cupid’s Bar and the Spice Trade Bar feature coconut, apricot, caramel, pistachio, and cashew covered in milk chocolate and topped with chai cream. But Cupid’s will be further accented with hibiscus crystals rather than the usual pistachio crumb and apricot gelee. We have no doubt Cupid’s Candy Bar will be crazy delicious! Spice Trade Candy Bar at Sanaa Triple Chocolate Mousse Hearts sounds very similar to the usual African Triple Chocolate Mousse. The only differences seem to be the omission of a chocolate biscuit base (although we suspect they may simply have omitted this from the description) and that it appears this dessert will be heart-shaped rather than rectangular. African Triple Chocolate Mousse Either way, if you think Valentine’s Day is incomplete without chocolate, this will fit the bill nicely! And, of course, you get to enjoy a meal at Sanaa, too, which we think is always an act of love. Click here to see some of the 2019 Valentine’s Day merchandise available in the parks! Where would you celebrate Valentine’s Day at Walt Disney World? Share with us in the comments! Related posts: Does Disney World’s Sanaa Restaurant Still Got IT? Tips From The DFB Guide: The BEST Tables To Request at Disney World Restaurants! Here Are Your Must-Get Disney World Dishes For 2019! View the full article