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A Pirate’s Life for Me | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

'Andi Mack' Stars Peyton Elizabeth Lee & Joshua Rush Aboard Disney Cruise Line View the full article

Guests getting ready to sail on one of the four current Disney Cruise Line ships will want to be aware of price increases for dining experiences at the adult-exclusive restaurants. Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream Guests sailing on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have access to both Remy and Palo, while guests sailing on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have access to Palo. No matter which ship you’re sailing on, the prices for these restaurants are the same across the Line. Palo on the Disney Magic The current prices (effective Friday, December 14 on the Magic, Wonder, and Dream and December 15 on the Fantasy) are listed on the Disney Cruise Line website as follows: Palo Palo Dinner: $40 dining charge per person Wine Pairing with Dinner: $59 charge per person, in addition to the $40 dining charge for dinner (total $99 per person) Palo Brunch: $40 dining charge per person Remy Remy Dinner: $125 dining charge per person Remy Champagne Brunch: $75 charge per person; $30 additional charge per person when adding the Champagne pairing Remy Dessert Experience: $60 charge per person; $25 additional charge per person when adding the wine pairing Petites Assiettes de Remy: $50 charge per person (includes a wine pairing with each course) Remy Wine Pairing Experience: $105 charge per person Remy Place Setting Guests who have reserved these dining experiences prior to the effective dates for the new pricing will be charged the previous rates. Bon Voyage if you are planning a Disney Cruise for the near future! Wanna know our Top Five Disney Cruise Line Secrets? Then check out our DFB YouTube Video! Have you dined at Palo or Remy on Disney Cruise Line? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Top Ten Disney Cruise Line Dining Tips Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship Menus News: Mickey Check Meals Debut on All Disney Cruise Line Ships View the full article

Some friends of mine who happen to be Disney Vacation Club Members (not all of my friends are Members – just the good ones) recently told me they were heading to Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai‘i and asked me if I had any recommendations for special things to do while they’re there. Politely ignoring the fact that I wasn’t invited to join them on said vacation to said resort and spa in said master-planned community in the great state of Hawai‘i, I pulled together a list cool perks and experiences available to Members as part of Membership Magic. As that was frankly too much effort to give friends who didn’t invite me to vacation with them in paradise, I figured I’d share the list with you. Please enjoy, and remember me the next time you head to Hawai‘i. Designated Member Check-In: Did you know that Members can breeze through the check-in process by using a Disney Vacation Club Member-exclusive check-in line? Aulani Mixology: Each Saturday afternoon beginning Jan. 5., Aulani bartenders will teach Members ages 21 or older how to make and enjoy (though the latter seems obvious) some of the resort’s signature cocktails. Learn the ‘Ukelele: About four times a week, Members may take complimentary ‘ukelele lessons at the resort. Members inspired to hone their new craft at home save 10 percent off their optional ‘ukulele purchase and receive a free set of replacement strings (which, as beginners, you’ll probably need). Exclusive wristband window: Members may visit a Member-exclusive window at Kawele Korner Elua for expedited access to wristbands required to access the pools and waterways of the resort’s famed Waikolohe Valley. Bonus time on the Menehune Adventure Trail: Using technology to solve riddles, search for details and unlock enchantment along Imagineered adventure trails is a complimentary – and uniquely Aulani – experience. Members may visit the Pau Hana community center to check out their tablets and hit the trail an hour before and an hour after operating hours for other guests. Family portrait discount: Schedule your 20-40-minute family portrait session at the resort and receive a 10 percent Member discount. As an added bonus, you’ll receive a 50 percent discount off the purchase of a Disney PhotoPass Photo Disc. Photo class discount: Prefer taking photos to posing for photos? Both the Sunset Photo Tour and Night Photography Class offer Members a 10 percent discount. The discount also applies to an optional camera rental for those who only packed the cameras that live inside their phones. Painting with Light: Painting a masterpiece becomes as easy as waving a wand in this premium, twice-weekly experience, which offers Members a 10 percent discount. Learn more about these and other Membership Magic offerings at Aulani here, and be sure to check your “Daily Iwa” publication, well, daily during your Aulani vacation for the latest schedules and updates. 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

Are you — like us! — among those who are really excited for Jaleo by Chef José Andrés to open in Disney Springs? Jaleo sign in Disney Springs Well, we still don’t have an opening date for the new location; however, a visit to the Jaleo website now results in a look at the menu full of the Chef’s famous Spanish cuisine! Jaleo website screenshot The listings are fairly extensive, so let’s dive right in! (Note that you can click on any of the images below to enlarge for easier reading.) Buen Provecho translates to “enjoy your meal.” And the main menu begins with Meal Starters including cheese and meat dishes with more and varying tapas. Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot “Slurping is allowed” when it comes to the Soups and Salads! Jaleo menu screenshot Veggies include a wide range from Stewed Vegetables with a fried egg to Canary Islands-style wrinkled baby potatoes with a green and red mojo and beyond. Jaleo menu screenshot The subtitle for the fried items — Frituras — reflect the Chef’s sense of humor with the message: “Frying is overrated, Yeah right!” Jaleo menu screenshot Sandwiches include a “Spanish mini burger made from the legendary acorn-fed, black-footed ibérico pigs of Spain and ibérico bacon.” Jaleo menu screenshot It looks like seafood fans will have plenty to choose from, too. Jaleo menu screenshot Carnes selections feature chicken, a house-made pork sausage, grilled hangar steak, rabbit confit, and more. Jaleo menu screenshot Large Plates will serve two or more guests. Jaleo menu screenshot So will the Chef’s well-known Paella and Rice dishes. Jaleo menu screenshot The Chef’s Tasting Menu is listed for availability starting at 4:00 PM and up to 45 minutes prior to closing. Jaleo menu screenshot The Kids’ Menu features primarily Spanish cuisine, but you’ll also find items like traditional chicken fritters (Criquetas de Pollo) as an option. Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Alcoholic beverages will feature a range of Cocktails, draft and bottled beer, Gin & Tonis, and, of course, Sangria! Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Sodas from Spain will be served alongside House-Made Sodas. Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot And lastly, here is a look at the Wine menu! Jaleo menu screenshot Jaleo menu screenshot Salud! We can’t wait to bring you more information about Jaleo as soon as it’s revealed, so stay tuned! 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 looking forward to welcoming Jaleo to Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News: Jaleo and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill Opening in Disney Springs in 2018 What’s New in Disney Springs This Week! February 13, 2018 What’s New Around Walt Disney World — June 14, 2016 View the full article

I love this time of year when the days grow shorter as the winter season approaches. The early sunsets in Florida come with a benefit – more time for glow props! This time of year, Disney PhotoPass Service makes light of the early darkness, coming out in full force with glowing props. All around Walt Disney World Resort, Disney PhotoPass photographers are offering props that will light up your memories! From well-established favorites like the Tangled lantern at Magic Kingdom Park to brand new offerings like the colorful lantern in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot, check out some of the glowing props you can find around the theme parks after the sun goes down. Fantasyland during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party China pavilion at Epcot Near Rivers of Light at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park Morocco pavilion at Epcot Near Mad Tea Party attraction at Magic Kingdom Park If you’re wondering how to download your photos, I can shed some light on the matter! You can purchase digital downloads of individual photos for $16.95 each, digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos taken on one day of your choice for $69 with Memory Maker One Day, or digital downloads of all your Disney PhotoPass photos taken during your vacation for $169 with Memory Maker (when purchased at the advance purchase price at least three days in advance of your visit).* Shine on! *Disney PhotoPass Service and Memory Maker are subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for Memory Maker One Day or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. View the full article

We’re kicking off another week on the Disney Parks Blog with a holiday inspired Disney Doodle. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what the Blue Fairy from “Pinocchio” would do if she had the chance to visit Walt Disney World Resort. According to Ashley, the Blue Fairy would likely seek out places she could make some magic. “The Blue Fairy is always spreading her magic for the world to see!” Ashley said. “It’s easy to imagine her wanting to give Gertie the dinosaur some holiday cheer.” View the full article

There is a brand new Character Dining experience in Disney World’s Wilderness Lodge! Learn About: Artist Point Disney World Restaurants Making its debut this evening, Artist Point now presents a character dinner featuring friends — and one foe! — from the beloved Disney film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy now meet and greet with guests throughout the prix-fixe dinner, which also presents a photo opportunity with The Queen! For years, Artist Point served as the the signature dining option in Wilderness Lodge with a focus on the tastes and feel of the American Northwest. But both the setting and the menu have received an entire makeover for this new meal, bringing Walt Disney’s first feature-length animated film to the forefront of the experience in every aspect. So it’s time to enter the Enchanted Forest… by way of Artist Point! Artist Point Atmosphere And so, the story begins… Storybook Dining Menu insert Cast Members are waiting to bring you right into the story! Cast Member Hosts Storybook Dining Cast Member Name Tag Enhancements Artist Point has been transformed into the Enchanted Forest from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs for this new character meal. If you’ve previously dined at Artist Point, you’ll recognize lots of elements of the decor such as the room’s signature lanterns hanging high above. Artist Point Character Meal Only now, woods of the Enchanted Forest fill the room and cover the ceiling (and it’s cool how these new elements fit in so naturally with the previously-existing earthy color scheme). Artist Point Those natural elements — also emphasized by the restaurant’s large windows capturing the Resort’s unique landscaping — expand to the table settings, where unique forest trays further set the scene. Artist Point Artist Point And the table settings present each guest with their own “enchanted apple.” (More on this to come…) Table Setting Of course, the main thing that makes up the atmosphere at any character meal is… Here come the characters! Characters and “Show” … the CHARACTERS! Snow White The fairest of them all, Snow White, will greet you at your table! Snow White So will Dopey… Dopey Dopey … and Grumpy! Grumpy Grumpy As mentioned, the three above will greet guests at their tables. But The Evil Queen is not exactly known for warmly approaching others , so she remains at her photo opportunity area where guests are welcome to pose with her. Evil Queen at Artist Point You can meet Snow White in the parks at meet and greet areas in Epcot and occasionally in Magic Kingdom, and she can also often be encountered at Disney Princess-themed Character Meals such as Akershus Royal Banquet Hall and Cinderella’s Royal Table. However, typically the Dwarfs are only present at special extra-ticket events such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The Queen can be even more difficult to find, and when she does make an appearance in Disney World it is likewise at special events such as the Club Villain party, which was previously offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Queen In fact, meeting any of the Disney Villains is a somewhat rare experience, so meeting The Queen is quite a special thing (as she will no doubt remind you ). Something to note: when guests are seated at the tables, they’ll find a character signature card at each setting (this is the “enchanted apple” I mentioned earlier). Character Signature Card Autograph seekers should note: Snow White, Grumpy, and Dopey will all still sign autographs for guests, but The Queen might not. Now that we’ve seen our way around, let’s look into the final component of Storybook Dining with Snow White… the DINING ! Eats The prix-fixe dinner for Storybook Dining at Artist Point offers guests their choice of an individual plated entree, along with shared appetizers and desserts for the table, with each course offering items themed to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. We’ll be diving into those shortly, but let’s start with a look at the drinks. Of-age guests may select a “Wickedly Refreshing Cocktail.” (For guests paying out of pocket — as opposed to using the Disney Dining Plan who will have one included — these drinks range from an additional $11.25 – $12.50.) Wickedly Refreshing Cocktails Menu The cocktails are also themed, of course, with options including The Smoking Mirror, The Antidote, the Enchanted Apple, Alchemy, Evil to the Core, and A Brew of Peaches. The Smoking Mirror adds an unexpected rosemary smoke to Johnnie Walker Black whiskey — its strong flavor given a bit of a sweet-and-tart complement with wildberry and lime. The presentation is fun on this one with the smoking glass. The Smoking Mirror The smoke effect is cool to look at and lends a bit more “magic” to the enchanted atmosphere. But its the unique blend of flavors that make the drink even more memorable. The Enchanted Apple will be a better fit, though, for those who prefer sweet/sour cocktails, as it mixes Skyy Citrus Vodka with DeKuyper Pucker Sour Apple with white cranberry juice. Enchanted Apple A Brew of Peaches is Buffalo Trace Bourbon made smoother with peach and raspberry as well as a rim of Brûlée Demerara Sugar. Brew of Peaches Non-alcoholic specialty drinks are readily available as well, and the offerings are also quite creative. And note that one non-alcoholic drink is included with the meal. (Guests on the Disney Dining Plan may also add an alcoholic drink as seen above or another non-alcoholic specialty as part of the inclusions to the Dining Plan from this year). Non-alcoholic Specialties Transformation Potion starts as a simple lemonade. Transformation Potion But along with it comes a bottle of blue “potion.” Transforming Blue Potion This, of course, is what makes the drink transform! Transformation Lemonade Kids — okay, and a lot of us adults, too — will love it! Plus, the drink comes with a sugary stirring stick! Transformation Lemonade In the Clouds is, to be sure, a total sugar rush, as it starts with a fairly substantial bunch of cotton candy. In the Clouds It’s poured over with Blueberry Monin. In the Clouds Voila! In the Clouds But now, according to the menu, the story really begins… Shared Appetizers Menu Shared Appetizers for the Table are a Winter Squash Bisque, Hunter’s Pie, and a Wicked Shrimp Cocktail. Shared Appetizers for the Table The Winter Squash Bisque is complete with a marshmallow lollipop and a bit of granola. And LOOK! Winter Squash Bisque It’s served in a black cauldron! Here you see the swirling of the caramel marshmallow lollipop into the soup. The lollipop is meant to melt in upon stirring and add its creaminess to the soup. Winter Squash Bisque The Hunter’s Pie is served in individual portions as well. Hunter’s Pie The chicken pies with black truffle have a ton of flavor, and are also served with stone fruit preserve to add some sweet to the savory goodness, if you like. Hunter’s Pie The Wicked Shrimp Cocktail comes complete with soy, miso, avocado, Thai chili, and greens. Wicked Shrimp Cocktail While the Hunter’s Pie and Winter Squash Bisque pair with each other quite naturally, the Shrimp Cocktail is a bit out there on its own. But, as the appetizers are shared for the table, it certainly does lend some variety, at least, to suit different palates and even offer some unexpected spice to the meal. Each guest chooses their own entree for the meal. Adults select from Seafood Stew, the Royal Prime Rib Roast, the Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken, Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank, Bashful’s Butter-poached Snapper, and A Stroll through Nature. Adult Entree Menu The Royal Prime Rib Roast, I’m happy to say, lives up to its title! Royal Prime Rib Roast Not only was the Prime Rib wonderfully prepared (juicy, tender, and packed with flavor), but I also loved the inclusion of a traditional Popover on the side. The horseradish mashed potatoes were a strong complement here. Royal Prime Rib Roast The carrots were extremely smokey and not something I enjoyed, but the rest of this meal is highly recommended. A Stroll through Nature is the only vegetarian option, so I’m glad to report that it’s truly a standout. A Stroll through Nature This gnocchi dish has an incredibly rich, creamy sauce, and it’s complete with butternut squash, arugula, sage, and plenty of parmesan cheese. We loved it, and have already heard from several people who dined at Artist Point tonight that they enjoyed it as well. A Stroll through Nature Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank is another great choice, honestly. It’s fall-off-the-bone tender and the jus/gravy had very concentrated flavor — truly exceptional. Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank The Celery Root Mashed was fine, but a bit watery. Magic Mirror Slow-braised Veal Shank Bashful’s Butter-poached Snapper is served atop a root vegetable risotto with wild mushroom and a citrus butter sauce. Artist Point Snapper The snapper itself was super light and buttery, but I wanted more flavor from the dish. (I guess you could say it was a little too “bashful,” in that sense.) The root vegetable risotto made up for some of those missing flavor points, though. It’s a great addition. Root Vegetable Risotto The Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken is served with confit potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts. Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken Apples and a lovely, creamy chestnut butter lend some variety to both taste and texture. This one was actually excellent, even though the chicken was in danger of being overdone (it wasn’t…not quite). I loved the confit potatoes, especially with the chestnut butter! Brother’s Grimm Roasted Chicken Though I would still recommend the prime rib and the veal over the chicken from the meat dishes, I did appreciate the more unique additions of the apples and butter to what is otherwise a fairly ordinary dish. Children have their own Entree choices as well, known here as Grumpy’s Grub! These also include a Royal Prime Rib Roast and Grilled Chicken. Additional options are a Vegetarian Steam Bun and Prince and Princess Pasta with a choice of red or cheese sauce. Chicken Tenders (as you’ll find in small print) are also available by request. Grumpy’s Grub Menu Kids can also “Color the Queen” while they anxiously await their visits from Snow White, Dopey, and Grumpy! Children’s Menu Activities But back to the food… more specifically, dessert! There’s no need to make a choice here, because — like the Appetizers — these are Shared Desserts for the Table. Dessert Menu So everyone GETS. THEM. ALL! Shared Desserts (with Dopey!) Dopey, as you can tell, is especially proud of the Miner’s Treasure. Dopey and Miner’s Treasure This potted dessert layers sponge cake and chocolate gems with buttercream icing. Miner’s Treasure Though the colors are somewhat striking (like gems in the mine), the flavors are simple and classic. The “Poison” Apple is made up of a white chocolate-apple mousse. “Poison” Apple It’s the bit of punch from the sour center that brings the “poison” here (though its definitely mellowed out by the super sweet mousse). “Poison” Apple Each guest also receives their own Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie. Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie The sweet and tart gooseberry filling is topped with plentiful meringue. Fairy Tale Gooseberry Pie So, if you’ve been keeping score, that’s three appetizers, one big ol’ entree apiece, and three desserts so far. That is to say, there is a LOT of food here. But we’re not quite done yet, with one more dessert to go. The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen is the grand finale. The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen Your server will appear with a smoking box filled with crackled maple popcorn and chocolate ganache hearts. The presentation is a fun and fantastical way to end the meal. The Hunter’s Gift to the Queen And with that… “The End” … our first Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White and friends comes to an end! Overall A few logistics: currently, Storybook Dining at Artist Point with Snow White is offered for dinner from 4:00 – 9:00 PM each evening. The out-of-pocket cost for Adults (ages 10 and up) is $55.00, and the cost for Children (ages 3-9) is $33.00. For guests participating on the Disney Dining Plan, the meal requires one Table Service entitlement. Storybook Dining at Artist Point does not currently accept Tables in Wonderland. I have dined at Artist Point many times over the years during its time as a Signature Restaurant. I had enjoyed some really good meals there, but also had some less-than-memorable dinners. But one thing I can already say with some certainty after this first experience at the new Storybook Dining at Artist Point is that it is indeed memorable. With some rarely seen characters along with well-executed food that is also creatively and well themed, you can tell a lot of thought has been put into this new experience, and it doesn’t go unnoticed. I know the original Artist Point had plenty of fans, and it’s a simple truth that character dining isn’t for everyone, so some guests will feel the loss of signature dining at Wilderness Lodge. But taken on its own, Storybook Dining knocks it out of the park as far as both character meals and prix fixe menus go. And those who are looking forward to this particular experience, I think, will be really pleased! 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 hoping to dine with Snow White and friends at Artist Point? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Snow White Storybook Dining Coming to Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge Reservations and Full Menu Now Available for Storybook Dining with Snow White at Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge New Artwork Released for Storybook Dining with Snow White at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

Have you been longing to pick up one of the new Starbucks “You Are Here” Disney Parks mugs, but you’re not planning to visit Walt Disney World anytime soon? You Are Here — Magic Kingdom Style! Well, we have some exciting news for you (just in time for the holidays, too!): these Disney Parks Starbucks mugs and ornaments are now available online! That’s right, you can get your Disney Starbucks “You Are Here” goodies via ShopDisney without actually making a trip to Florida! In addition to the Magic Kingdom “You Are Here” mug pictured above, you’ll find a mug and an ornament for each park. How cute is this Disney’s Animal Kingdom ornament? We spy a tiger and Expedition Everest! Animal Kingdom You Are Here Ornament Epcot‘s design prominently features the World Showcase. How many countries can you spot? Epcot Starbucks Ornaments at Fountain View And the Tower of Terror, Toy Story Aliens, and entrance gates are depicted on the mug for Disney’s Hollywood Studios! New “You Are Here” Hollywood Studios Mug Get your Starbucks “You Are Here” Disney Parks mugs and ornaments right here. Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Is one of these mugs or ornaments on your Christmas list? Leave a comment and let us know which design is your favorite! Related posts: Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year View the full article

Editor’s Note: During this season’s Flurry of Fun at Walt Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular lights up the skies with festive fireworks set to holiday music and projections. But how does it stand up to Magic Kingdom’s holiday dessert party? Guest author, DFB Reader Mark Roberts, chimes in with a helpful review. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party First, it is important to know that everything is being evaluated in light of the dessert party at the Tomorrowland Terrace during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that we attended the night before. The holiday version of Wishes is simply stunning and everything about that dessert party was equal to the fireworks show. We had a fabulous time. Unfortunately, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! doesn’t measure up to its cousin over in the Magic Kingdom. Dessert Party Atmosphere For starters, the Bam! dessert party is hurried. We were supposed to check in at 7:30 p.m. for the 8:30 p.m. show. Over in MK you can be a little late and not worry about it because you eat on the Terrace and watch (in a nice chair – remember that – it’s important later) the fireworks from the Terrace. If you are late, that just means less time to grab some food before the show starts. Not so over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We arrived about 7:35 p.m. in the front alcove area of Grumman’s Chinese Theater (right where the entrance to the Great Movie Ride was). It was roped off and there were tables and a dessert buffet set up. But as soon as we were checked in and given a credential we were told that at 8:00 p.m. we would have to move because we were in a fireworks landing zone! That gave the evening a rushed feel, because — well — we were rushed! We quickly filled a plate with some chips and spinach artichoke dip while we reconnoitered the situation. There were two long dessert tables (with identical choices) filled with tiny cheesecake bites, cookies, a Yule log (dark chocolate), and more. Fresh fruit awaited a helping of chocolate fondue and the bread pudding was simmering at the end of the table. That was all great to see and it was all delicious. One of Two Dessert Tables More Holiday Sweets There was an open bar (the wife and I don’t drink so cannot comment), plenty of hot chocolate, coffee and decaf coffee as well as hot water and a Twinings box of tea. Bar Menu Beverages Best of all, there was a station where a cast member took chocolate mousse, scooped it into a ball and dropped it into a big bowl of liquid nitrogen. It froze solid, of course. Then he pulled it out, smacked it firmly with the scoop to break it, and ladled caramel or raspberry sauce over it. For me this was the hit of the evening. It was crazy good Preparing Frost Bites Liquid Nitro Bites Goofy was there in full Santa regalia so we got a picture with him too. Then a cast member came around and snapped a tag off our credential, which he exchanged for a Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Christmas ornament. By now they were moving people to the viewing area so we wolfed down our goodies. My wife has a gluten allergy so they brought her a bag of gluten free stuff, including a cupcake and some other treats. Since she had received a huge plate of gluten free desserts the night before a bag with a few cellophane wrapped items didn’t leave her any too impressed. My wife’s gluten free treat bag contained a gluten free bun in a cellophane bag that she said was passable, a gluten free chocolate muffin (bagged) that was pretty good and two decent chocolate bars. Also there was a gluten free chocolate chip cookie (in a bag as well) but she hasn’t tried it yet. Compare that to the night before in the Magic Kingdom where she had received banana bread (that was delicious), gummy bears, two chocolate chip cookies (fresh), and four mini cupcakes of varying flavors. Plus there was fruit and marshmallows on the dessert bar. It was all more than she could eat and we were there for over an hour. That is a very different experience from having a paper bag with cellophane wrapped treats handed to you! Gluten Free Treats Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Show Then it was time to go. We moved over to a saved space directly in front of the theater only to find THERE WERE NO CHAIRS. Since my wife is a cancer survivor she has neuropathy issues in her feet. Sitting down is very important to her. It is why I booked the party. Now we find ourselves sitting on the ground on cold concrete. As soon as the show started people began to stand to see better and as one row of folks would stand the next would have to stand as well… until it worked back to us and we found ourselves standing (and still not seeing well) Everything began with a ten minute salute to live action Disney films. This was enjoyable, as clips were projected in stunning color onto Grumman’s theater. However a lot of it we couldn’t see because we were so close the theater! If Disney wants to reserve prime viewing space they would do better to get us something a little further back! Even more frustrating was the standing issue. People started standing almost right away meaning it was stand to see or remain seated on cold concrete and miss a lot. We decided, after a long day theme parking, we could do without a great look at this live action short, and so we stayed seated. Jingle Bell Jingle Bam! After a brief pause the Bam! show proper began. It turns out this wasn’t a fireworks show at all. It is a show about two elves rescuing Santa who has been kidnapped (Spoiler alert: Santa is saved. There will be Christmas this year). Occasionally a rocket or two would be shot off to punctuate something happening in the story. Mostly, however, the story line set up musical numbers like Rocking Around the Christmas Tree so the elves could rock out and Disney could shoot a lot of red and green lasers over our heads. There was plenty of music but the fireworks were lacking. All in all, it was kind of fun but mostly the show was a yawner. A few fireworks, some more musical hijinks to save Santa and then finally, the grand finale, complete with soap bubbles being shot over the crowd as it “snowed” and everyone was wished a merry Christmas. The Show Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam Review Overall I don’t want this review to be harsh but in truth, the Bam! show is far from spectacular and impressive. The story isn’t that engaging, or funny, or fun. We felt particularly stung to have paid $79 to have a chair to watch the show and then be standing. [Note: I went back and looked at Disney’s website and while they promise “banquet style seating” when describing the dessert party the website only says “reserved viewing area” for the fireworks show so I guess they get off on a technicality!). Even with the chair thing dismissed, we were far too close to really see well and the show is a clunker. It wasn’t “I’m walking out” awful but it certainly wasn’t great. To finish the evening off, on our way to the parking lot we could see and hear the monster fireworks going off in the distance at EPCOT for the IllumiNations show. That was like salt in the wound. Why weren’t we there seeing a real fireworks show? The short answer is we couldn’t get a reservation but we quit trying once we booked Bam! Now we know why it was fairly easy to book the Bam! Show — it’s not even close to as good as IllumiNations. It is hard to be critical of anything that happens at Walt Disney World. But the Jingle Bam! party would rate about a 6 out of 10, if even that. The desserts were good but everything was rushed and again, there were no chairs for the actual viewing. I would strongly recommend the Tomorrowland Terrace party but if you want to see Jingle Bam! (and you need to think carefully about seeing it because if you skip it the lines at all the rides will be way down and you could do some serious riding) just bring your own treats and pull up some concrete. You’ll see the same thing the dessert party offers at likely a much better spot to and certainly at a much better price. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday moments from Disney films are interspersed with visits from Wayne and Lanny from the Prep & Landing holiday TV special. Editor’s Note: DFB reader and guest author Mark Roberts let us know that he shared his disappointment with the quality of the gluten-free food and that there were no seats for the firework show with Disney. He mentioned they sent back a nice email in which they said they were offering a one time refund. “No worries about us repeating that mistake!,” Mark says! Check out information for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party here. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Dessert Party setting The Flurry of Fun is on our list of Disney World Holiday Must-Dos! See everything else on the list in our DFB YouTube Video! How does the Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Show and/or party measure up for your family? It’s your turn to chime in now! 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! Let us know your thoughts on this dessert party! Related posts: Review: Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! — Plus ALL THE FOOD — at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! News: FOOD for the Flurry of FUN Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios 27 Must-Do Disney World Holiday Events and Eats! View the full article

This week, we shared a special holiday episode of “Inside Disney Parks” featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade on ABC-TV. We also traveled to Disneyland for a tour down Main Street, U.S.A., before unboxing five of our favorite “must-have” Disney holiday gifts. Visit our original “Inside Disney Parks” story for more details, including show notes and related links. Our holiday stories also included a visit to Disneyland park for a special look at the “trimming” of the 60-foot tall Christmas tree in Town Square. The Christmas tree includes new lighting and décor, featuring 3,500 multi-color lights, 1,500 Victorian-inspired ornaments and 100 oversized faux candles. Visit Michael’s original Trimming the Christmas Tree at Disneyland park story for more. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Holiday 360: ‘Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!’ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – This week’s 360 offers up a peek inside the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a Santa-sized spectacular that’s jam-packed with holiday music, fireworks, special effects, and dazzling state-of-the-art projections. New Fortune-Telling Fun to Experience at Disneyland Resort on the Play Disney Parks Mobile App – Two new exciting experiences were just added to the Play Disney Parks mobile app for guests to enjoy at the Disneyland Resort! Now, with the Play Disney Parks app, you can collect dozens of all-new fortunes and a series of stories as told by Esmeralda the Fortune Teller on Main Street, U.S.A., and Fortune Red in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park. Find Your #HappyPlace: Disney-Themed Manicures Are Exactly What You Need During Your Walt Disney World Vacation – If you’re visiting Walt Disney World Resort for the ultimate girls’ trip, there’s one relaxing and Insta-worthy experience you absolutely must add to your plans – a visit to Disney Spas and Salons for the ultimate Disney-themed mani-pedis! #DisneyFamilia: ‘Disney ¡Viva Navidad!’ at Disney California Adventure Park – As we ring in the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort, you and your familia are invited to partake in the vibrant seasonal celebration of Latino culture and holiday traditions during “Disney ¡Viva Navidad!” Disney Parks Best Bites: December 2018 – If you’re visiting the parks this holiday season, there’s a whole feast of new eats to fill your stomach before the new year! At both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, you’ll find new items at many restaurants across the parks and hotels from beignet burgers and lobster dishes to dino-themed cocktails and more. Entertainer John Stamos Plays to ‘Full House’ at Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – We caught up with John before his second night of performances at Epcot, where he talked of family holiday traditions, favorite “Candlelight” memories and his love for all things Disney. First Look: The Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland Park – The market stalls of The Tropical Hideaway at Disneyland park will be opening for business soon. This week, we have a first look of this Adventureland outpost! View the full article

Happy weekend! Here’s all the Disney food news this week! New Breakfast Items at Kusafiri Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays started is ON, and we have ALL the menus! Start planning what you’re going to eat before you go! And check out our BEST of the Fest here! Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays is in full swing and we have all the menus! Check them out before you go! And, check out our Best of the Fest too! This week we shared all the details on the 2019 Epcot Festival of the Arts, including FULL menus! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We shared the 10 biggest Disney news stories of the year – and how they’ll affect your 2019 vacation. We reviewed the Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios! We reviewed a new Christmas cupcake at Animal Kingdom! Harambe Market has added new items including bowls to its menu — and we have a review! We checked out the new breakfast items at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. We reviewed dinner at Trattoria al Forno on Disney’s BoardWalk. Check out the new Outstanding by the Ounce food menu at Wine Bar George. We shared what’s new at the Magic Kingdom. Check out how the gingerbread house at Grand Floridian was constructed. We checked out everything new at Hollywood Studios this week. We reviewed the new Mary Poppins desserts at Disneyland. You can paint your own holiday cookie at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Reservations are now open for the Garden Rocks Concert Series dining packages at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! We shared an updated on all things Star Wars from Hollywood Studios. Check out the menu updates from Disney World and Disneyland! Check out the construction updates from the Magic Kingdom! We shared details on the progression of the Disney Skyliner in Epcot. Check out the new Disney Dooney & Bourke collection. We talked about dining options at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. There is a pretzel update at the Magic Kingdom! We shared a first look and sneak peek at the new Tropical Hideaway in Disneyland! Wine Bar George has been nominated as one of the 10 best new restaurants in the country. Check out the new personal shopper service that’s being tested at select Disney World locations! New details were released for the Marvel Lands and experiences coming to the Disney Parks. We shared details on the Holiday Elephant Tiki Mug from Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. Check out the new holiday drinks in Disney Springs. We shared images of the Millennium Falcon at Disneyland. Disneyland is reportedly revoking some Annual Passes. New DFB YouTube videos: Six Things Disney Has to Improve Before Opening Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, 14 Treats and Eats for Coffee Lovers at Disney World, 30 Hidden Gems in Epcot’s World Showcase, and The Ultimate Guide to Doing Disney World with Large Groups. New DFB Video — Six Things Disney Has to Improve Before Opening Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got FOUR brand new videos EVERY WEEK showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re sharing our latest video — check it out — Six Things Disney Needs to Improve Before Opening Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — and don’t forget to subscribe here. Deal of the Week: Pre-Order the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining It’s time to pre-order the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2019 e-book! Pre-Order with code WDW2019 TODAY to get: 1. 25% OFF your pre-order purchase with code WDW2019! And… 2. The fully updated 2018 Edition of the Guide immediately for FREE. Just use code WDW2019 at checkout! (We’ll send the 2019 Edition directly to your inbox as soon as it’s published after the New Year.) Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price (with code WDW2019…did we mention that?), you’ll also get our 2018 Edition immediately for FREE, so you can start planning TODAY! With over 700 pages of full-color photos, tips on the best restaurants, an ENTIRE chapter on snacks — including the best snack credit values throughout the parks and resorts — and a full break-down of whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family, now’s the time to get started! What’s in the DFB Guide? The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of ALL the information you need to plan the BEST Disney World vacation. We keep ALL of our DFB Guides fully updated — which means the 2018 edition is up-to-date RIGHT NOW and the 2019 Edition will have even MORE new changes when it’s published after the New Year! This means when you pre-order the 2019 edition today you’re getting TWO fully-updated DFB Guides for the PRICE OF ONE! We want your vacation to be stress-free! The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full to overflowing with tools and features to make your trip go smoothly, including: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges WITH reviews. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! Here’s Just Some Of What We’ll Have Updated In Our 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book: Fully updated menus, prices, and restaurant info for 2019 visitors Updated details about available discounts and deals at Disney World restaurants DFB’s own 2019 recommendations for everything from table service to counter service to snacks and more Over 700 pages of updated Disney Dining advice, details, and information Disney Dining Plan Analysis — Is it right for your family? Can you really save money? NEW Disney food and restaurant photos Updated reviews of all Disney World restaurants, kiosks, bars, and lounges including all new eateries An updated chapter focused on one of the most popular Disney dining topics: Snacks in the theme parks and resorts A comprehensive section of What’s NEW in Disney Food, including new restaurants, new menus, restaurant closures, and more You can pre-order your copy today for 25% off the cover price and get the 2018 Edition immediately for FREE!! Just use code WDW2019! The 2019 Edition will be emailed to you as soon as it’s published in early 2019. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on instagram, facebook, or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday. Garden Grill at Epcot’s The Land Pavilion is one of our favorite character meals! DFB reader Chrissy O recently dined there and let us know that it was “so good!” A great meal at Epcot! There’s a lot of great holiday cupcakes and treats at Disney World right now, and DFB reader ajax3733 spotted this Egg Nog Cupcake at the Artist’s Palette at Saratoga Springs Resort! Another great holiday cupcake! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share a photo with us on instagram, facebook, or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared these awesome Star Wars Spatulas! WDW for Grownups shared a review of the character breakfast at Trattoria al Forno. Oh My Disney shared a fun Disney food-themed quiz. Disney Family shared a recipe for classic Mickey Gingerbread Cookies. Don’t Miss ANY Disney Food News! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Related posts: Disney Food News This Week: Cauldrons, Kringla, Christmas, and MORE! September 2, 2018 Disney Food News This Week: Everything That’s Happened at the Disney Parks! What’s New Around Walt Disney World: October 20, 2016 View the full article

Hello from a rainy Animal Kingdom! The rain might have kept a few people away… but not us ! Umbrella in hand, we explored the park and found all the new items, changes, and more for you! Hello from Animal Kingdom! Here’s everything we found including new sweets, menu updates, new merchandise, and the arrival of the 2019 Walt Disney World mugs! What’s New on Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island Our first stop of the day was Creature Comforts (the Animal Kingdom Starbucks) for a nice, warm coffee… but we ended up with something else entirely! We tried the new Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cupcake. You’ll also find this picture perfect sweetie at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus. Christmas Tree Gingerbread Cupcake Read our review here! In addition to welcoming the cupcake above, Pizzafari has also expanded the hours for the Family Style Dinner. It now begins at 4:30 PM (from its previous 5:00 PM start). Pizzafari Family Style Dinner Hours Pizzafari Sign What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Africa Remember the non-refillable holiday mugs which arrived in the Magic Kingdom a few weeks ago? Well, now there is an equally adorable holiday mug featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Mahindi and Cornivores in Dinoland, USA! Snow White Holiday Mug Snow White Holiday Mug These are available for all guests to purchase (just note that they are not refillable, like those at the Resorts). Snow White Holiday Mug Tamu Tamu Refreshments has made some spirited additions! You can now add Dark or Coconut Rum to your Malva Cake, or you can add Rum to your Dole Whip Float. Yep, they’ve also added Dole Whip Floats to their menu as well as a Warm Brownie Sundae. To make room for these new treats the Mickey Ice Cream Sundae has been removed from the menu. Tamu Tamu Menu They have been also busy at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery. We tried their new breakfast items: a Pistachio Honey Croissant (also available at Creature Comforts and other in-park Starbucks locations), a Guava Cheese Danish, the Spinach and Feta Quiche, and Sausage, Egg and Cheddar Biscuit. Read our review here! New Breakfast Items at Kusafiri Changes to lunch options at Kusafiri include the new Hot Roast Beef Sandwich served on toasted herb foccacia replacing the Roast Beef and Cheddar Panini on ciabatta, and the removal of the Ham and Cheese Panini. Plus, Cranberry Mayo now comes on the Smoked Turkey Sandwich. You’ll also be able to grab the Guava Cheese Danish and Pistachio Croissant during lunch hours. Kusafiri Menu The wandering Shave Ice Cart has another new home! We spotted it outside of Harambe Market on the way towards Asia on our last visit. Shave Ice Cart Shave Ice Cart After locating the shave ice cart, we found, and tried, some new items in Harambe Market. Read our review on the new Ribs, Chicken, and Roasted Vegetable Bowls. Plus, there’s a new Chicken Gyro at this location. Bowls at Harambe Market Note that the Entrees which used to come with Black Eyed Pea Salad now come with African Coleslaw. (We were informed by a Cast Member that the African Coleslaw is actually the same Papaya Slaw that was available here before.) Harambe Market Menu What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Pandora It seems the Satu’li Canteen menu is still undergoing some changes. Along with the recent removal of Cheeseburger Podsfrom the adult menu we’ve spotted some other changes. Chili Garlic Shrimp has replaced the Sustainable Fish Filet on the adult menu as a Protein option for the bowls, and the Sustainable Fish Filet has been removed from the kids’ menu. A change to the Base options is that Noodles have replaced the Mixed Whole Grain and Rice. Satu’li Canteen Menu The Shrimp and Noodle Bowl has also been removed from the listing, but both are now options in the Create-Your-Own menu, so you can still have that dish. A stop in Pandora’s store, Windtraders, yielded some cool ornaments. If you’re still working on your Christmas shopping list, this may be a place to stop for you, because you can now add a Banshee to your Christmas Tree! Banshee Christmas Ornament Banshee Christmas Ornament You might recognize this from the Na’vi River Journey ride. Pandora Ornament What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Asia Well, this is interesting… Wonder what’s going on here in Upcountry Landing? (Are those stones a hint? Let us know in the comments below!) Upcountry Landing Upcountry Landing If you’re enjoying (or would like to try) the Joffrey’s 90th Annivesary Blend which honors Mickey’s 90th, then you can hop over to Royal Anandapur Tea Company for a cup of that honorary blend! Royal Ananapur Tea Company Menu What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Dinoland, USA If you are craving something spicy, Restaurantosaurus has your solution. Enjoy the new Jalapeno Poppers with Petal Sauce along with a “Cocktailosaurus” (also known as a margarita). Restaurantosaurus Menu Restaurantosaurus Jalapeno Poppers What’s New in Animal Kingdom’s Merchandise Shops At first glance you may say “Hey DFB Team, those Donald, Goofy, and Pluto caps aren’t new… they’ve been around FOREVER!” But take a closer look… Character Hats It looks like these character hats received an update, which includes a shorter bill. (We don’t think Donald is too happy about that last bit!) New Donald Character Hat Previous Donald Character Hat Goofy’s bill is also shorter, but he seems more content with the change. New Goofy Character Hat Previous Goofy Character Hat Pluto isn’t left out of this update. Take a look. What do you think of the changes to this classic hat? Let us know in the comments below. New Pluto Character Hat Previous Pluto Character Hat Look who showed up on a new MagicBand… the main man, Walt Disney. And he’s serving as the engineer on the Walt Disney Railroad. Walt Disney Railroad MagicBand Fox and the Hound’s Todd and Copper are also playing around on their own new MagicBand. Fox and the Hound MagicBand Finally, get ready for your first cup of tea or coffee in 2019 with a brand new 2019 dated mug! We spotted two different 2019 mugs in the shops on our visit. 2019 Mug 2019 Mug Which mug are you going to add to your collection? 2019 Mug 2019 Mug Whew! Speaking of coffee or tea, it’s time to warm up after another rainy day in the parks! A Rainy Day in the Animal Kingdom Check out our video 5 Ways To Turn Rainy Days into Awesome Days at 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 Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2018 Edition for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2018 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you noticed anything new in Animal Kingdom? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: New Merch, Menus, and More in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom What’s New in Animal Kingdom: Everything We Found This Week 11-30-2018 Whats New in Disney’s Animal Kingdom – New Food! New Merch! Seasonal Treats and More! View the full article

Much to our delight (and hopefully yours, too!), we just found some new sweet and spirited treats at Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu Refreshments in Africa! Tamu Tamu Refreshments That’s right, our spot to grab a Dole Whip in Animal Kingdom has added something special to the classic Disney treat, as well as to its own unique Malva Cake Sundae! First of all, you can now order your Malva Cake Sundae with Dark or Coconut Rum! The Malva Cake Sundae is already a delicious treat in its own right. Malva Cake Sundae And even though it’s available year round, the warm spiced cake topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel hits the spot especially well during these cooler months. Tamu Tamu Menu And now, it can also be made into its own version of rum cake thanks to this new option of adding dark or coconut rum. It just keeps getting better! Since we just showed you the menu, those of you with sharp eyes for any-and-all Dole Whip news may have already noticed that the Dole Whip Float has been added to the menu here! Dole Whip Float You could grab your Dole Whip with dark or coconut rum from the moment pineapple soft serve made its debut at Tamu Tamu… but the pineapple juice Float option is new here, and many will find spiking the Float with rum more appealing than the simple pour-over. (Think Trader Sam’s Spikey Pineapple at the Tiki Terrace, only in Float form!) The last sweet addition to the menu here is a Warm Brownie Sundae. Ahhh, decisions, decisions ! Of course, with good news comes some bad news. The Mickey Ice Cream Sundae has been removed from the menu to make way for these new items. Mickey Ice Cream Chocolate Cookie Sundae Guess there’s nothing more to do but drown our sorrows in a spiked Dole Whip Float ! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available 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. Which sweet or spirited treat will you be indulging in on your next visit to Animal Kingdom’s Tamu Tamu? Let us know in the comments below! Related posts: #OnTheList: Dole Whip at Disney World and Disneyland DFB’s Top 10 Disney Food News Stories of 2016 News! Dole Whip Arriving at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

You may be familiar with Sunshine Day Cafe in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Or, you very well may not. You see, even if you’ve visited Hollywood Studios over the past couple of years, this seasonal Counter Service spot — which replaced Toluca Turkey Legs, Co. on Sunset Boulevard — has been closed far more often than it’s been open. Sunshine Day Bar But if you have a trip to Hollywood Studios planned for the near future, you may just well find it open during this busy holiday season under a somewhat new name: the Sunshine Day Bar! Sunshine Day Bar For now, it’s festive cocktails at Sunshine Day Bar with the menu made up of drinks like the tropical Christmas on the Beach and the Holiday Mule (which you may also spot at pop-up bars around the park as in years past), along with a selection of beer. Sunshine Day Bar menu And the Hollywood Studios classic Gum Drop can be found here as well. Gumdrop Cocktail Note that all three cocktails are served with a souvenir glow cube for some extra festive fun! So, keep your eyes peeled to see if Sunshine Day Cafe is open on your next visit in case you’d like to try a cup of cheer right here! 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! Would you like to try one of the festive cocktails at Sunshine Day Bar? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Alien Popcorn Buckets, a New Dessert, and More Star Wars Updates: Everything New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Week! What’s New Around Walt Disney World: August 18, 2016 News! Sunshine Day Cafe, Fairfax Fare One-Pound Baked Potato, and PizzeRizzo Updates in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Happy National Cupcake Day! Yep, that’s TODAY (December 15th), and we couldn’t resist stopping by Sprinkles in Disney Springs to celebrate! Happy National Cupcake Day! Sprinkles is marking the occasion with a VERY limited edition cupcake… as in TODAY ONLY! (But don’t worry — we grabbed another cupcake to show you in case you’re aren’t in Disney World to celebrate today!) Limited Edition Cupcake for National Cupcake Day The limited edition Strawberry Sprinkle cupcake for National Cupcake Day is chock full of — you guessed it! — SPRINKLES! Limited Edition Strawberry Sprinkle Cupcake You’ll find them throughout the cake base and rounding the frosting on top, too, and the whole thing is topped off with a heart… which basically sums up how we feel about cupcakes! Limited Edition Strawberry Sprinkle Cupcake We also couldn’t resist trying one of the current seasonal specialty cupcakes! The Christmas Cookie Cupcake is available now through December 26th. Christmas Cookie Cupcake You may think the whole “cookie” part is taken care of with the super cute homemade mini sugar cookie topping the cupcake… and it is, but only in part. Christmas Cookie Cupcake You see, the sprinkle-style vanilla cake itself is also lined with cookie crust! Christmas Cookie Cupcake So you don’t even have to choose between cupcakes and cookies for your preferred festive treat — you can take care of both in one! Though the vanilla flavors of the cake and the buttery cookie crust are simple and classic, the unique combination of two-in-one makes this a truly unique treat. No matter where you are on National Cupcake Day, we hope you get to celebrate accordingly with a cupcake of your own ! 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 celebrating National Cupcake Day today? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: First Look and Review! Sprinkles Cupcakes in Disney Springs Town Center What’s NEW At Disney Springs? A WHOLE LOT! Check it out…. Review: Salted Oatmeal Cornflake Cookie, Brownie, and Cap’n Crunch Ice Cream Sandwich at Sprinkles in Disney Springs View the full article

Happy Saturday! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re sharing the ultimate guide to visiting Disney World with large groups! What are some of the best Resort options for large groups? Disney World can be a great destination for special occasions for large groups such as family reunions or school trips. Or maybe you’re simply planning a trip with a large extended family. There are definitely some unique logistics to consider when planning a Disney World trip for a large group, so we’re sharing lots of tips for these special trips 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: Have you ever traveled to Disney World with a large group? Related posts: DFB Video: Pros and Cons of Disney World Transportation DFB Video: Disney World Bathrooms! (Volume I) DFB Video: 5 Super Fun Rainy Day Activities in Disney World! View the full article

Not too long ago we were telling you about Disney’s obsession with push pops, but now it seems the trend train has moved on to another station: BOWLS! Yup, the plate is, evidently, overrated, and the Disney Parks restaurants are all about the bowl now! Let’s take a look at a few of the locations where we’re seeing the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and customizable bowl take over menus in Disney parks and resorts! Create Your Own Satu’li Bowls Satu’li Canteen, Disney’s Animal Kingdom First up, the undisputed Home of the Bowls: Satu’li Canteen in Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom. The customizable bowls have been Satu’li’s main menu items since day one, so it’s not so much a trend at Satu’li as it is a lifestyle. Slow-roasted Sliced Grilled Beef Bowl The Satu’li bowls are customizable, so diners elect their base, protein, and sauce to make it just right. We love the Grilled Beef, but you can’t go wrong with the Grilled Chicken, either…and everyone’s got their favorite. Better yet: get the Combination Bowl and enjoy a little of both! Combination Bowl at Satu’li Canteen is great for sharing! Harambe Market, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Harambe Market got in on the bowl action this month, offering three varieties: chicken, ribs, and vegetable. The Roasted Vegetable was the best of the trio, with the vegetable mixture including flavorful squash, cauliflower, and chickpeas. Roasted Vegetable Bowl See our full review of the Harambe Market NEW Bowls Here! Centertown Market, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort When Centertown Market opened at the reimagined Caribbean Beach Resort this fall, the menu included a Create-Your-Own-Bowl! We ordered up Banana Leaf-Wrapped Fish with rice and beans and chimichurri sauce. We didn’t love the fish — but the sauce was dynamite! We look forward to trying the other combinations, too! Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish Bowl Centertown also offers a Breakfast Bowl for which the diner selects a base, a protein, and a sauce. Sounds like a protein-packed way to start the day! Caribbean Beach Resort’s Centertown Market Menus Woody’s Lunch Box Leave it to Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land to bring us a Breakfast Bowl! This tasty concoction from Woody’s Lunch Box includes tater tots, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, and green onion. It’s hearty and filling — sufficient to keep you going while you wait to ride Slinky Dog Dash! Breakfast Bowl Intermission Food Court, All-Star Music Resort Intermission Food Court was early in the bowl game, and we were there to try the first iteration of the Southwest Bowl. We… did not love it. But the menu has been updated to a build-your-own style instead, which we think likely improves on this one! Southwest Bowl Friar’s Nook, Magic Kingdom Even though these dishes don’t technically have the word ‘bowls’ in the title, we love the Pub Cheese Tots and the Fiesta Mac and Cheese (served in bowls, sooo…). These dishes are hearty, flavorful, and convenient. Plus we kind of love the idea of putting a whole bunch of tasty things on top of tater tots. Friars Nook Bowls Bowls are a great addition to menus around Walt Disney World, particularly when they’re customizable. We also appreciate that they usually include lots of healthy ingredients like greens and lean proteins, filling a definite need in the theme park food world. We’re HERE for this trend! Where have YOU seen bowls in Disney World, and have to tried them? Let us know your experience in the comments! And see a few more Disney trends in our youtube video here!  Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! With more than 750 pages, the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to pre-order your copy of the 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2019 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2019 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2018 Edition for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2019 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2018 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Have you been bowled over by Walt Disney World’s food trends? Tell us about your favorite in the comments! Related posts: Five Things You HAVE to Eat in Disney World’s Toy Story Land! What’s New at Animal Kingdom (Satu’li Menu Updates!) and the All-Star Resorts?? News and Review: Unique New Dishes at Disney World’s All Star Music Resort View the full article

Have you ever wanted to just be able to walk onto popular Hollywood Studios attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster with no wait? How about being able to do that while eating all of the popcorn, soda, and Mickey bars you can possibly hold? Hollywood Boulevard Sounds like a dream, right? Well, guess what: it’s actually exactly what happens at After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We’re here to tell you all about it, including our thoughts and how to determine if these events are a good investment for you. Ready? As Slinky Dog says, “hold on!” How After Hours Events Work After Hours events are currently offered at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These special ticketed events started at Magic Kingdom a few years ago, but they’re new for Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios For three hours after the park closes, After Hours guests enjoy nearly empty parks, short wait times for popular attractions, and unlimited popcorn, ice cream novelties, and select non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $125 each if purchased in advance or $129 each if purchased on the day of the event. (Disney Vacation Club members and Annual Passholders may be eligible for a discount, bringing the ticket down to about $99 including tax.) See our full review of Animal Kingdom After Hours here! Getting There After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios officially runs from 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM, but guests are able to enter the park as early as 7:00 PM. Hollywood Studios Entrance Upon check-in at the park entrance, you’ll receive a wristband and a guide that lists the attractions, entertainment, and food available for the night. The wristband is important, because you’ll need to show it to move around the park and to pick up your complimentary snacks and drinks. Sunset Boulevard Attractions During our After Hours experience at Hollywood Studios, the following attractions were open: Star Tours — The Adventures Continue Slinky Dog Dash Alien Swirling Saucers Toy Story Mania! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror At Star Tours, the wait was never more than five minutes. Star Tours Wait Time We had only three people in our Starspeeder 1000 for the trip to Tatooine and Geonosis. (We may or may not have been the Rebel Spy, too!) Star Tours Over in Toy Story Land, the wait for Slinky Dog Dash was just TEN MINUTES. Slinky Dog Dash Wait Time Alien Swirling Saucers, another attraction in Andy’s Backyard, had a five minute wait time the entire evening. Oooooh! Alien Swirling Saucers Wait Time Wait times for the popular Toy Story Mania attraction ranged from 5 – 10 minutes. Toy Story Mania Wait Time We literally walked through the Toy Story Mania queue without encountering another human! Empty Toy Story Mania Queue Meanwhile, over at Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you’d have to wait no more than five minutes to hop in a car and experience the streets of Los Angeles. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Wait Time And at Tower of Terror, the wait time was an appropriately-spooky 13 minutes. Tower of Terror Characters and Entertainment Character Meet and Greets During our visit, Hollywood Studios had a great variety of characters available to meet, and the waits were never longer than five minutes. Olaf Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse Toy Story Pals, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie BB-8 Chewbacca Kylo Ren Olaf happily showed us his bottle of summer sunscreen. Olaf Wait times to see Sorcerer Mickey and Hollywood Minnie can often reach 60 minutes or more on a regular day in the park. But at After Hours? We met ’em both in under 5 minutes. Mickey Mouse It was so fun to see Minnie and Mickey in these picture-perfect costumes! Minnie Mouse At Star Wars Launch Bay, Chewbacca posed for a photo and then greeted us with the best Wookiee hug. Chewbacca BB-8 was impossibly cute. BB-8 Kylo Ren, not surprisingly, tried to convert us to the Dark Side. Kylo Ren Entertainment Sunset Seasons Greetings – complete with faux snowfall! – played throughout the night on Sunset Boulevard. Since Sunset Boulevard can sometimes get a bit crowded with guests during normal evening park hours, it was magical to be able to experience this show on a practically empty street multiple times throughout the night. Sunset Seasons Greetings The film at Star Wars Launch Bay was also available to experience approximately every 10 minutes throughout the evening. Wait Times at Star Wars Launch Bay Food and Beverage One of the major perks to the After Hours events is that unlimited select snacks and drinks are included with the price of your ticket! Complimentary Snack Stand At Hollywood Studios, the following complimentary snacks and drinks were available at popcorn carts and snack stands throughout the Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard areas: Popcorn Ice cream novelties, including Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars, Mickey Premium Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Edy’s Fruit Bars Bottled drinks, including Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Dasani Water The snack stands were plentiful and we never had wait in line. Just walk up, ask for what you want, and enjoy! Empty Toy Story Land Normal pricing is $5 for popcorn, $5.75 for Mickey bars and sandwiches, and just under $4 for bottled sodas and water, so depending on how much you plan to snack, this could work out to offset the cost of your ticket quite a bit — especially if you’re choosing to do After Hours in place of a day in the park, which costs a similar amount, but doesn’t include unlimited snacks and drinks. Sunset Boulevard If you’d like a more substantial meal or an adult beverage, there are plenty of other food and drink items available for purchase. Woody’s Lunchbox in Toy Story Land, Anaheim Produce on Sunset Boulevard, and KRNR The Rock Station outside of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster were open and serving their full menus. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith There was also a drink stand offering a special themed After Hours Midnight Margarita. This adult beverage was available for purchase outside of Sunshine Day Cafe. Midnight Margarita Merchandise While most of the merchandise locations in the park were closed, there were still plenty of opportunities to shop in practically empty stores. Mickey’s of Hollywood, Rock Around the Shop, Tower Hotel Gifts, Tatooine Traders, Launch Bay Cargo, and stands throughout Toy Story Land were all open for After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Tatooine Traders Our Thoughts This reviewer had never attended an After Hours event before and was admittedly skeptical, but we honestly had a great experience. No lines. Tasty snacks. Cute characters. A nearly-empty park. Chinese Theater with no crowds! As an added bonus, After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios felt especially magical to experience during the holiday season. The Christmas decor, carols, and falling snow on Sunset Boulevard were absolutely magical, and being able to have an unobstructed view was such a treat. Sunset Seasons Greetings Check out all of those wide open spaces! Empty Hollywood Boulevard Back in the Muppet Courtyard, it really felt like we were alone in the park. Muppet Courtyard Even better? Every Cast Member we encountered was especially cheerful, kind, and helpful, which made After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios even more fun. Is After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Right for You? If you want to experience popular attractions with no wait while stuffing yourself with delicious popcorn and Mickey bars, then yes. We think these After Hours events would be particularly good for adults or families with older kids. Hollywood Boulevard Little ones might not enjoy After Hours as much due to the late night schedule, absence of Disney Junior characters (Sofia the First, Vampirina, and Jake from Jake and the Neverland Pirates were already asleep for the night), and lack of kid-oriented shows (no Frozen Singalong or Voyage of the Little Mermaid). Also, tickets for kids are the same price as tickets for adults. Empty Toy Story Land We get it: at $125 per ticket, these events are not cheap. So here are a few things to consider as you make your decision: After Hours costs about as much as a day ticket to the park on a busy day. If your goal is riding popular rides as much as possible, booking an After Hours event instead of purchasing a Magic Your Way ticket for that day may make more sense for you. It’s a similar cost, but more access to rides without the hassle of booking fastpasses or dealing with crazy crowds; PLUS you can offset the cost with complimentary snacks and drinks. If you can’t stand crowds and lines or are traveling with a guest who has sensory processing difficulties, this could be a decent solution for you. Some After Hours events — especially those at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom — are probably not a good deal for small children. Most child-oriented rides, attractions, and shows in these parks aren’t open for After Hours. This is not necessarily the case in Magic Kingdom, where fantasyland rides are available. While After Hours only officially runs for three hours, guests have reported being able to get into the park at 7PM with their After Hours ticket. Depending on the official closing time for the park that day, that could get you an extra 1 to 3 hours in a park during its regular operating hours to take advantage of rides and attractions that might be closed during After Hours. At around $125 a pop, After Hours can get very expensive if you’re traveling with a large group or big family and are planning on also paying for a regular park ticket on the day you’re attending the event. So if you are into popular rides, want to accomplish a lot in a just few hours — or just really enjoy eating heaps of ice cream — checking out an After Hours event at Walt Disney World might just be worth it for you. But crunch the numbers and make sure it’s right for YOUR family before pulling the trigger. PS: Don’t forget to check out our review of After Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, too! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Have you experienced After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ Related posts: Disney World’s Toy Story Land: What YOU Need to Know BEFORE It Opens! We’re LIVE at TOY STORY LAND in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios!!! What’s New at Hollywood Studios This Week: Skyliner Progress, Tatooine Traders Construction, and More Holiday Fun! View the full article

Christmas cookies are one of the best traditions of the holiday. They are time spent together creating sugary delights and then eating the delicious results. What could be better? Brittany Ungvarsky shares the secrets of her sugar cookies so that you can enjoy this DIY with someone you hold dear. My daughter, Raven and I, have made many a cookie (though not quite as beautiful as Brit’s). Be sure to check out the terms of use about for the DIY before downloading it. View the full article

What Disney character represents the joy of finding the holiday spirit more than Scrooge? In the 1983 film “Mickey’s A Christmas Carol,” Scrooge reconnects with the meaning of the Christmas season, which turns his miserly attitude into a spirit of giving. So when thinking about what Scrooge may seek out if given the opportunity to visit Walt Disney World Resort, artist Evan Peltier thought holiday shopping at Disney’s Days of Christmas shop at Disney Springs would be the perfect place to start. View the full article

The Disney Parks are always changing, and that means loads of Disney news! Every single day, we’re tracking Disney news (food and otherwise!) so we can bring you the latest. (If you join our DFB Newsletter, you’ll get all the newsy details FIRST!) Here we’re gathering TEN of the biggest Disney news stories from 2018…ICYMI! Count Down Disney’s Biggest News Stories With Us! Disney World Ticket Date-Based Pricing Introduced When the announcement was made that Disney World’s tickets would go to a date-based pricing model, our readers had a lot of mixed reactions. On the positive side, readers said they were looking forward to seeing which dates would be lower and using that information to plan their trips. And if you’re a person who enjoys the growing complexity of planning a trip to WDW, we totally feel you on this! Date-based ticket pricing announced But plenty of our readers let us know they were not fans of the Date-Based Ticket Pricing change. Many of you felt like it complicated already-difficult trip planning, making it harder for you to find a good time to go and potentially increasing the cost of tickets. Others didn’t like the idea that the new model meant less flexibility on which days they could use their tickets (going from a 14-day window to much smaller ones). And still others of you were frustrated that the traditionally slower weeks would become busier. Yeah, this was a hot topic, y’all! We answered your Date-Based Ticket Pricing Questions here! Toy Story Land Opened No doubt: the opening of Toy Story Land was one of our favorite news stories of the year! We loved exploring the new land, riding the new rides, and — of course — eating the new food! We took you to Woody’s Lunch Box for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because YUM! We even narrowed down the delicious options by sharing Five Things You Have to Eat in Toy Story Land! toy story land! And you know we couldn’t help ourselves when it came to the video. Here’s our FULL TOUR of Toy Story Land, direct from the DFB Guide YouTube channel!  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Progressed Yeah, even as we were going gaga over Toy Story Land, we were trying to peek over the walls (literally and figuratively) to catch a glimpse of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Of course, this epic themed land will be opening on both coasts and details have come out at a snail’s pace — usually announced at fan events like D23 and Destination D. That’s where we heard more about the attractions coming to the land! Galaxy’s Edge Concept Art Annnnnnd lots of readers chimed in about the upcoming, fully immersive Star Wars-themed resort at Walt Disney World. We took a closer look at what we already know about it here! New Hotels Announced In addition to the new, immersive Star Wars-themed hotel that will be adjacent to Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy’s Edge, Walt Disney World announced three new resort hotels coming in the next few years. Gran Destino Tower is a 545-room tower that is adding considerable occupancy to Coronado Springs Resort. Gran Destino Tower © Disney In addition to the Tower’s 545 rooms (50 of which will be suites), Gran Destino will also boast a rooftop restaurant: Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood. (You know we can’t wait to get in there!) Reservations for the resort opened this fall, with the first guests staying at the resort on July 9, 2019! Disney’s Riviera Resort is a brand new Disney Vacation Club resort that is currently under construction right next to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. Riviera will be Walt Disney World’s fifteenth DVC resort, and one of its biggest draws will be on-site access to the new Skyliner with a direct connection to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. With Galaxy’s Edge opening in fall 2019, Riviera — which is expected also to open next fall — will be a hot property. Disney’s Riviera Resort © Disney Finally, Walt Disney World has announced plans to construct Reflections, a deluxe resort intended to blend into its surroundings. Those surroundings include Fort Wilderness Campground and Wilderness Lodge. Reflections is expected to include 900 rooms and DVC accommodations in the form of villas. Reflections — A Disney Lakeside Lodge No opening season has been specified for Reflections, so we’ll keep watching for more news! Sign up for the DFB Newsletter today so you never miss the breaking Disney news! Big Restaurant Announcements on Both Coasts Some of the most exciting Disney food news came in the form of new restaurants and snack stands! In Disney World’s Disney Springs, Chicken Guy! opened in August, bringing celebrity-chef Guy Fieri’s fried and grilled chicken (and 22 sauces!!) to the World. Chicken Guy! Terralina Crafted Italian opened as well, introducing yet another Italian option to guests in the Springs. We still think about these Spaghetti Fritters… Spaghetti Fritters Other grand openings included Wine Bar George, The Edison, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar! You could say there was a lot of news out of Disney Springs! The opening of Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park meant a handful of new (and reimagined) spots to grab a snack or two! The Adorable Snowman brought frozen goodies, Buzz rustled up some churros, Angry Dogs introduced a new spin on hot dogs, and Lamplight Lounge generated lots of interest! But the sweetest new spot? Jack Jack Cookie Num Nums! Jack-Jack Cookie Num Num And let’s not forget one of the more intriguing Disneyland Resort openings: Salt & Straw opened its doors in Downtown Disney Anaheim, bringing creative (and delicious!!) small-batch ice cream to the masses! Chocolate Gooey Brownie and Roasted Strawberry Coconut In addition to new restaurants, two Walt Disney World guest favorites saw major changes this year. Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland changed to a two-credit signature meal (for dinner only!). The change came with a brand new prix fixe menu (that included the beloved Grey Stuff!) Be Our Guest Dessert Trio The second restaurant change was at Wilderness Lodge’s Artist Point. Previously a two-credit signature restaurant, the restaurant is transforming into Snow White’s Storybook Dining this weekend! The new character meal allows diners to interact with Snow White, the Dwarfs, and the Evil Queen while dining on an entirely new menu. Storybook Dining with Snow White artist rendering ©Disney The meal will also change to a one-credit experience for those on the Disney Dining Plan, and is Wilderness Lodge’s only character meal. Pixar Pier Opened — and Pixar Fest Ruled Even with all those restaurant openings, one of the tastiest bits of west coast food news was Pixar Fest at Disneyland — all leading up to and celebrating the opening of Pixar Pier! We even created a Pixar Fest Snack Checklist and a guide to help visitors make the most of this resort-wide food fest! (You all loved this so much, our DFB Checklists are becoming a MUST for allllll the festivals and food events!) Pixar Pier opened with a flourish — and we were live to bring you the fun! Plastic Straws and Bags Removed, Single-Use Toiletries Replaced When we first shared the news that Disney World was working to reduce plastic waste at its parks, the response from readers was fast and furious. Pretty much everyone agreed that reducing plastic was a good thing — but the majority of you didn’t love that banning plastic straws was the method. Single-Use Plastic Straws to be Eliminated We had lots of questions from folks who were concerned about their children or special needs visitors requiring plastic lids and straws, and several of our readers were concerned about the removal of plastic bags, too. (We’ve since seen inexpensive reusable bags on display at various merchandise locations.) Mickey Reusable Shopping Bag Still others of you expressed concerns about the addition of refillable toiletries in the Walt Disney World resort hotels, citing cleanliness and safety issues. (Plus, you know, how will we horde bars of soap to sniff when we miss the World?!) This saga is still unfolding, with plastic straws available by request (and available for the taking in many locations), and the plastic bags and lids still generally used everywhere. And we’ve heard from a handful of readers who are happily carrying their own reusable straws and bags into the parks. It remains a contentious topic — and you can bet we’ll keep following it. Mickey Mouse Turned 90 In November 2018, Mickey Mouse turned 90-years-old! Raise your hand if you don’t think he looks a day over 25! Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort celebrated the main mouse with a birthday bash full of specialty eats and treats, celebratory merchandise, and Mickey in colorful birthday attire! MICKEY MOUSE!!! We were live at Magic Kingdom bringing you all the fabulous birthday party treats, like cupcakes galore and a huge Krispie Treat! Giant Mickey Krispy Treat Mickey’s Birthday Cake Cupcake at Contempo Cafe Mickey’s 90th Birthday Cupcake at Gasparilla Grill See more of Mickey’s Birthday Cupcakes in our 25 FAVORITE Cupcakes of 2018! Transportation Woes and Wows This year was a roller coaster of emotions when news about Disney transportation broke. Things started off a little rough with the announcement that Disney resort hotel guests would be charged per-day fees to park at their resorts for reservations made on or after March 21. Many (many!!) of our readers expressed disdain for the change, while a small percentage of readers brushed it off as just the cost of doing business. Updates on the progress of Disney’s Skyliner were welcome throughout the year, with the most recent information in November including a mock-up of the gondola itself. Disney Skyliner Gondola Skyliner will connect stations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot and several resorts (Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation/Pop Century, and upcoming Riviera Resort). The gondola system is not without controversy, and many questions still remain. But we’re loving the progress we’re seeing on the stations! Epcot Skyliner Station Progress We’ll be watching for more information as the Skyliner comes to fruition in fall 2019! Walt Disney World’s Minnie Van program expanded this year, with the private transportation now carrying guests to and from Orlando International Airport and (soon!) to and from the Disney Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral! Minnie Van Pricing for the Lyft-based service changed in 2018, from a flat fee of $25 to prices based on trip mileage. But many readers still promoted the service as a convenient way to travel across Walt Disney World’s vast property. We take a look at the pros and cons of the Minnie Vans here! Prices Raised on Everything You guys, we were just as blown away by this new piece as you were — believe me! When Disney Parks on both coasts began raising prices on just about everything, the news really stirred some emotions in our readers. And we heard you loud and clear! Especially when prices started going up on Epcot’s International Food and Wine Festival while the festival was in progress! Croissant Doughnut with Chocolate Hazelnut Cream and Gelato Disneyland Resort did not escape the sudden price hikes! For example, we saw the price of fountain drinks leap forty cents overnight! Look, the whole thing was a mess, and we didn’t like it, either. Woo! What a year in news — and these are just the really energized topics! Here’s to a 2019 with lots of amazing park openings and way less pricing drama! Thanks for following along! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2019 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available 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. What was your favorite Disney news piece of the year? Let us know in the comments! Related posts: What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Coronado Springs Resort: May 26, 2018 News: Disney World Toy Story Land MAP Added to My Disney Experience App! Ghirardelli Incredibles Sundae Available for a Limited Time at Disney Parks! View the full article

There’s been no shortage of adorable cupcakes popping up at Walt Disney World this holiday season, like this whimsical Rainbow Unicorn Cupcake or this incredibly detailed Snowman Cupcake. We’ve got another new cupcake review for you today: the Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake! Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake So where can you find this super-cute sweet treat, and how does it taste? First, you can find the Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake at Creature Comforts, Pizzafari, and Restaurantosaurus in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It’s $5.99 or one Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit. Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake The Christmas Tree Cupcake features gingerbread cake, cream cheese frosting, crunchy sugar snow, and a buttercream Christmas tree topped with chocolate Mickey ears. Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake How CUTE are those chocolate ears!? Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake We’re happy to tell you that Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake tastes as good as it looks! The cake was super flavorful and very heavy on the gingerbread spices, which we loved. But take note — if you don’t want your gingerbread spice strong, this one isn’t for you. Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake This festive dessert will be available throughout Disney’s Animal Kingdom during the month of December. (Pssst: If you’re in the mood for a gingerbread cupcake but you’ll be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios instead of Animal Kingdom, don’t forget to check out our review of the Prep and Landing Cupcake!) 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! Have you tried the Mickey Christmas Tree Cupcake at Animal Kingdom? Let us know what you thought in a comment below! Related posts: Disney World’s Animal Kingdom Menu UPDATES! What’s New To Eat?! 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED Party for the Planet Eats And More for Animal Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary Celebration View the full article

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Jambo from Harambe Village in Animal Kingdom’s Africa! More specifically, Jambo from Harambe Market! Harambe Market gate A menu change has come to this Counter Service spot. The latest update brings a variety of Bowls to the scene, along with a Chicken Gyro to complement the Beef and Lamb Gyro option. Harambe Market menu Your choices for the Bowls are Ribs, Chicken, and Roasted Vegetable. Bowls at Harambe Market No matter which you order, they’re all served with cilantro rice, salad greens, and salsa. Cilantro Rice Salad Greens Of the two meat options, the Chicken Bowl’s grilled chicken stood out the most in flavor with its pleasant seasoning. Chicken Bowl This was surprising in that you typically don’t expect ribs to be bland. Ribs Bowl But, unfortunately, the Ribs Bowl was exactly that. Ribs Even the salsa doesn’t do much to bring a punch to either dish. Salsa The Roasted Vegetable Bowl is the tastiest of the three thanks to the variety of veggies in the mix which included cauliflower, squash, chickpeas, zucchini, and onion and the refreshing dressing. Roasted Vegetable Bowl That said, the previous way Harambe Market served roasted veggies was the Roasted Vegetable Stack, which was simply a better dish. Roasted Vegetable Bowl The current plating relies too much on the light sides, where the Vegetable Stack put the emphasis on getting lots of those veggies. And while we’re comparing… it’s really hard not to compare the Bowl entrees here at Harambe Market with the Satu’li Bowls at Satu’li Canteen. And those Satu’li Bowls win over the Harambe versions by a mile. Not only are they customizable (with your choice of base and sauce), but the meat at Satu’li Canteen is much more flavorful. So, unfortunately, we’re going to have to give the new Bowls at Harambe Market a pass. But all was certainly not lost on our visit to Animal Kingdom’s Africa today. Be sure to check out the new breakfast items that have arrived at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery by clicking here! And don’t forget to take a complete Food Tour of Animal Kingdom’s Africa in our DFB YouTube video!  What do you think of the new menu at Harambe Market? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Photo Tour and Review: The New Harambe Market in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: Tiffins Prix Fixe Menus! Plus: Review of Two New Eats in Pandora! Review: New Breakfast Items at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom View the full article