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Young Princesses ‘Dream Big’ at Disney Springs View the full article

iNSIDE Disney Parks - Best of Halloween View the full article

#DisneyKids: Look Like a Buccaneer for a Day at The Pirates League View the full article

The sweeping refurbishment of the dining options at Caribbean Beach Resort looks to be reaching completion very soon. Sebastian’s Bistro is replacing the former Shutters as the Resort’s table service option, and Advance Dining Reservations for this new dining spot are now bookable via the Walt Disney World website! Sebastian’s Bistro Logo ©Disney Guests can now book Sebastian’s Bistro for lunch and dinner for dates starting October 8th. And we’ve also got some more scoop to share about the menu for the Bistro’s Latin and Caribbean-inspired cuisine! Options for starters will include Caribbean Pull-Apart Rolls (served with guava butter, mango chutney, and Jamaican jerk oil), Jamaican Meat Pies with Guajillo chili sauce, or Arepa with slow-cooked pork and chili-mango barbecue sauce. Sebastian’s Bistro starters ©Disney Entrees will feature Skirt Steak “Chimichurri” with crispy yuca, Citrus-Stuffed Sustainable Whole Fish with turmeric brown rice and cilantro-lime vinaigrette, and Sautéed Shrimp and Tamales with sautéed peppers and salsa verde. Sebastian’s Bistro Skirt Steak ©Disney Unique burger options will include the Crab Cake-topped Burger with lettuce, tomato, and horseradish mayonnaise or the Crispy Avocado Bacon Burger with chimichurri and pico de gallo. Sebastian’s Bistro Entrees ©Disney Vegan options feature into the menu as well, with the Island Curry “Eggless” Sandwich served on multigrain bread and the Plant-Based Bahn Mi Sandwich with cucumbers, pickled vegetables, and Miso-Sriracha mayonnaise. Sebastian’s Bistro vegan entrees ©Disney Sweet desserts will offer creative selections as well! Mile Marker Zero, for instance, presents Iced Key Lime Pops with sea salt and tropical sauce. A Banoffee Pie with banana custard and chocolate ganache will also be among the options along with the Floating Island Sundae with fresh Caribbean fruit, meringue, guava, and Guanabana sorbet. Sebastian’s Bistro desserts ©Disney Kids can choose from items such as Whole Grain Penne with zucchini and roasted tomato sauce, Jerk Grilled Chicken, Grilled Shrimp Skewer with Cilantro-Lime Cream, and a Jamaican Meat Pie with side items including options like sautéed green beans, mac and cheese, pizza biscuits, and cauli-fries with carrot ketchup. And to wash it all down will be an array of island-inspired cocktails and mocktails, both fruity and frozen. Caribbean rums will feature into the cocktails, but adults may also opt for a Rum Flight. Caribbean and domestic beers will be up for order, and wines may be chosen to complement the Latin flavors on the menu. Sebastian’s Bistro drinks ©Disney Read more about Sebastian’s Bistro here! All sorts of changes are taking place at Disney World! Take a look at all the happenings at Caribbean Beach Resort and beyond in our DFB YouTube Video!  Are you planning to dine at Sebastian’s Bistro? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: News: Spy Glass Grille Opening in Early 2018 at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort 2018 Disney World Free Dining Offer for Disney Visa Cardholders Disney World’s Caribbean Beach Resort Dining Update: New Sebastian’s Bistro and More! View the full article

Life under the sea is pretty great, so we’re bringing it to the surface and inviting you to be part of our Caribbean world with Sebastian’s Bistro at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort! This casual, family-friendly table service restaurant features a menu that blends Latin and Caribbean flavors with market-fresh ingredients served up with warm island hospitality and waterfront views. With a diverse variety of items that range from seafood and steak to salads, sandwiches, and burgers, the menu balances classic spices with tropical flavors to create bright, fresh tastes. Start off your meal with a tasty appetizer such as the Caribbean Pull-Apart Rolls (served with guava butter, mango chutney, and Jamaican jerk oil), Jamaican Meat Pies with Guajillo chili sauce, or the Arepa with slow-cooked pork and chili-mango barbecue sauce. Signature entrées include Skirt Steak “Chimichurri” with crispy yuca, Citrus-Stuffed Sustainable Whole Fish with turmeric brown rice and cilantro-lime vinaigrette, and Sautéed Shrimp and Tamales with sautéed peppers and salsa verde. You can also try the Crab Cake-topped Burger with lettuce, tomato, and horseradish mayonnaise or the Crispy Avocado Bacon Burger with chimichurri and pico de gallo. The menu also includes several vegan options such as the Island Curry “Eggless” Sandwich served on multigrain bread and the Plant-Based Bahn Mi Sandwich with cucumbers, pickled vegetables, and Miso-Sriracha mayonnaise. For dessert, tropical fruit flavors elevate these decadent dishes. Mile Marker Zero, inspired by the culture of Key West, features Iced Key Lime Pops with sea salt and tropical sauce. Then there’s the Banoffee Pie with banana custard and chocolate ganache served in a graham cracker tart with caramel sauce as well as the Floating Island Sundae with fresh Caribbean fruit, meringue, guava, and Guanabana sorbet. YUM! The kid’s menu features unique but familiar fare with entrees like Whole Grain Penne with zucchini and roasted tomato sauce, Jerk Grilled Chicken, Grilled Shrimp Skewer with Cilantro-Lime Cream, and a Jamaican Meat Pie. Sides include items such as sautéed green beans, mac and cheese, pizza biscuits, cauli-fries with carrot ketchup, and more! Looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your meal? There’s tropical island-inspired beverages for everyone in the family! From refreshing non-alcoholic fruity and frozen mocktails to island-inspired cocktails with Caribbean rums, you won’t have to look far for that perfect pairing. Customize your own rum flight or browse a selection of Caribbean and domestic craft beers, or sit back and relish wines that complement the Latin flavors of the menu. When you step into the dining room, you’ll see how Sebastian’s Bistro celebrates the natural beauty of the Caribbean, from coral patterns and kelp filigree to lure-inspired art and nautical designs. All around the restaurant, you’ll enjoy abstract artwork and underwater landscapes, and you might even see a familiar crustacean floating about! Located in the Old Port Royale area, the restaurant blends perfectly with the lush landscapes and vibrant colors that can be found throughout Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, which transports guests to a paradise full of fun and relaxation. So are you ready to try out this menu for yourself? Then I have good news! Reservations are now available for Sebastian’s Bistro for bookings starting on October 8 and can be made by visiting the Walt Disney World Resort website or by calling (407) WDW-DINE (407 939-3463). For more information on the ongoing refurbishment of Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog! View the full article

One highlight of attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park for many guests is the “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks. This exclusive nighttime spectacular can be seen only on party nights at the park and offers a lot of spine-tingling fun! How well do you know this fireworks show? Put your knowledge to the test below! View the full article

If you love food and fun (and who doesn’t?), this fall is a terrific time to visit the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. The wildly popular Earl of Sandwich is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner in its original location, serving their famous, freshly-made sandwiches, salads and wraps. Try the Original 1762 or the Full Montagu — both sandwiches which give nods to John Montagu, the Earl who invented the sandwich in 1762. Also, every afternoon beginning at 3 p.m., a stop at the food trucks in Downtown Disney is a must! The trucks visit on a rotating basis this fall including The Habit Burger Grill, Crepes Bonaparte, Brew Wings and Mad Dumplings, to name a few. While you’re at the west end of the district, enjoy live music on the main stage beginning at 6 p.m. nightly, which is a great spot for dancing or meeting up with friends. Throughout October, it’s Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort and Downtown Disney is in the spooky spirit with entertainment, seasonal food and beverage offers and pumpkins-a-plenty stacked in stunning displays throughout the district. Take a look! It’s an exciting time at Downtown Disney, so stay tuned as we welcome Salt & Straw scoop shop, celebrate the reimagined World of Disney store and introduce Ballast Point brewery — all coming soon! View the full article

Sprinkles Cupcakes, located in Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs and in Disneyland Resort’s Downtown Disney as well as other locations all over the country, has been known to use cupcakes as a vehicle to celebrate lots of occasions, from holidays to pride month to anniversaries. And now the cupcake palace has designed a tasty cupcake to commemorate breast cancer awareness month! Sprinkles in Disney Springs Cuppy, the Good Advice Cupcake, will grace the cupcake case throughout the month of October, with $.50 per cupcake sold being donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The quintessential pink frosting is Strawberry-Champagne. Yum! Cuppy! Of course, Cuppy wants to remind women to take care of themselves in the month of October — and all year long. So if you’re in the World, in the Land, or somewhere in between, get yourself one of these Cuppy cupcakes, and spread a little good. Want to be in the know when Disney food news breaks? Sign up for the DFB Newsletter, and you’ll never miss a tasty morsel of news again! What’s your favorite Sprinkles treat? Share with us in the comments! Related posts: Black Velvet Anniversary Cupcakes at Disney Sprinkles Locations — SEE WHAT’S INSIDE! Free Sprinkles Cupcakes for Teachers (and Students!)! Ghirardelli Incredibles Sundae Available for a Limited Time at Disney Parks! View the full article

For many, Walt Disney World dining is a central part of the vacation experience, and you know we’re right there with you! And over many, many (did we mention many?) table service meals, we’ve scoped out some of the finest real estate in Disney World restaurants. These are seats that give you a little somethin’ somethin’ — like a view of something spectacular or proximity to the little details. Fireworks view, anyone? View of Fireworks from the Contemporary The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 is packed full of tips — like over 700 pages worth! And we’ve got a list of Recommended Table Requests you might want to consider on future visits. Here we’ll give you a peek into the best seats in the house! 50s Prime Time Café — TV Table Join your aunts, uncles, and cousins at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ 50s Prime Time Cafe! This retro restaurant invites guests to dine at a mid-century dining table. And to embrace the era, you’ll be surrounded by totally epic 1950s decor — including funky throwback televisions that play lots of black and white clips from years gone by! Seating at 50s Prime Time Cafe Yup, it’s a ‘big tickle’ as they say. Rose & Crown — Front Patio Table Rose & Crown Dining Room is a fan favorite for lots of good reasons, including great eats and stellar drinks (not to mention Carl, in the Pub, who’s a Disney institution!). But one of the perhaps lesser-known reasons to love Rose & Crown is the front patio (not to be confused with the side patio — which is a whole other thing). That’s because the front patio has a terrific view of World Showcase Lagoon and IllumiNations (and its 2019 replacement)! View From Front Patio at Epcot’s Rose and Crown Restaurant You can have your Sticky Toffee Pudding and eat it, too! Seriously, there’s not much better than this view with this food in this park. Sanaa –Window Table If you’ve got an animal love in your crew (or inside of you!), you’ll want to consider a window table at Sanaa, Animal Kingdom Lodge — Kidani Village‘s absolutely phenomenal table service restaurant! Because in addition to serving one of our favorite appetizers anywhere — the Bread Service! — diners can also watch the animals of Sunset Savanna right outside the windows! Sanaa bread service In addition to this friendly crane, you could also spy zebras, gazelles, giraffes, and more! But don’t worry: the windows are mirrored from the outside so your visitors won’t be eyeballing your naan. But DON’T FORGET — at night, the windows simply reflect the light from inside the restaurant back to you, so it’s rare to see any animals. The only time to safely dine at Sanaa to see the animals is for lunch. Tony’s Town Square Restaurant — Patio Table Tony’s Town Square Restaurant is a Main Street, U.S.A., classic, serving up Italian favorites in a space that’s themed to Lady and the Tramp! Located to the right upon entering the Magic Kingdom, Tony’s is adjacent to Town Square Theater (that’s where you can meet the main mouse himself — Mickey!) and across the square from City Hall. But the real draw when dining on the patio at Tony’s is a unique view of Festival of Fantasy, the daily parade that’s a true sight to be seen! Patio Seating and View You’ll want to check the parade times before making your Advance Dining Reservation (and this is an ADR you should have luck getting!), but it’ll be worth the legwork because this a must-see parade and a really cool vantage point from which to watch it. Note, however, that guests do line the street, so if you need to see everything happening on the ground and not just the floats, it may makes sense to find a spot along the parade route. Narcoossee’s — Window Table If you’re looking for a signature dining experience with a view, look no further than Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. This elegant restaurant has a lovely, lesser-known view across Seven Seas Lagoon, and when Happily Ever After Fireworks are exploding over Cinderella Castle, diners at Narcoosee’s get a unique view of the show! Fireworks and castle from Narcoossees There are lots of unique dining experiences in dining at Walt Disney World, and if you know what tables offer a top-notch meal-with-a-view, it’s that much more spectacular! But these five table recommendations are just the tip of the “perfect tables” iceberg! We’ve got plenty more recommendations — and loads of other advice!! — in the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. What’s your favorite table in Walt Disney World? Let us know int he comments (unless you’re guarding that secret with your life!). Related posts: Recommended Disney World Dining Plan One Credit Restaurant Values Five Dining Memories To Make at Walt Disney World 25 Can’t-Miss Experiences to Celebrate the Holidays at Walt Disney World This Year! View the full article

Shannon Jackson-Johnson is a costumer assistant at the Disneyland Resort and is currently responsible for the “Frightfully Fun Parade,” which is part of the after-hours, separate-ticket event, Mickey’s Halloween Party,* at Disneyland park. Shannon works with her team to ensure knowledge is being shared for new offerings within the parade and how costumes are prepared for performers each day. As a cast member for the past eight years at the Disneyland Resort, Shannon began as a third-shift custodial cast member and moved to costumer assistance where she has been for the past year and a half. In this “Every Role A Starring Role,” see behind-the-scenes and learn how Shannon works with costumes to help the “Frightfully Fun Parade” come to life for guests during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort. *Mickey’s Halloween Party tickets are subject to availability and are valid only for specific event dates and hours. Space is limited. Limit eight (8) tickets per person, per event date. Tickets are nonrefundable and may not be resold. Costumes subject to Disney guidelines at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/mickeys-halloween-party/ and should not be obstructive or offensive. Ages 2 and under: no ticket required. Entertainment may be canceled due to inclement weather or otherwise. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. View the full article

Disney Dreamers Academy (DDA) organizers recently held the first ever “100 Minutes To Empower Your Dreams” seminar at the Schomburg Center in Harlem, NY. It was a high energy night kicked off with a warm welcome from Mickey Mouse and hosted by Disney Dreamers Academy executive champion Tracey Powell. She, along with motivational speakers Jonathan Sprinkles and Brandi Harvey, who are members of the Academy’s Speakers Resource Group, along with Essence Magazine fashion and beauty director Julee Wilson delivered inspirational stories to an audience of students and parents about the importance of pursuing dreams and shared tips on how to make those dreams a reality. Kayla Jackson (class of 2013) and Avery Davis (class of 2011) also took to the stage and shared how participating in DDA changed their lives and taught them how to put their goals into action! The crowd also learned details about the Disney Dreamers Academy program which is a 4-day all-expenses-paid immersive and transformative experience for high school students held annually in March at Walt Disney World Resort. October 31st is the deadline to submit an application for the chance to be one of 100 high school students selected for a mentoring experience of a lifetime! Anyone interested in participating should visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com to submit an application. View the full article

Are you as excited as I am that it’s finally October, which means Halloween is just a few weeks away? There are so many ways to have spooky fun at Walt Disney World Resort this time of the year – by stopping in to the Haunted Mansion, dropping in to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, greeting a Disney Villain or, of course, attending a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Over the years, our team of Disney artists have come up with dozens of spooky Disney Parks Blog wallpapers that we’re happy to share again with you again – including a new design by Jason Ratner. Wallpapers are available in desktop and mobile sizes. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers. View the full article

We’re kicking off October with a special edition of our “Inside Disney Parks” show packed with Halloween favorites from the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This time, we begin with a behind-the-scenes look at Disney Cruise Line’s Halloween on the High Seas transformation before sharing a backstage peek at how we bring your favorite characters to life at Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Also, meet the lead pastry chef behind the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread creation at Disneyland park, learn how to bring Disney Parks Halloween into your own home and more in our latest episode: Here’s a look at some of the topics covered during the show: Disney Cruise Line – Halloween on the High Seas – Disney Cruise Line creative director Christiaan Abbott takes us backstage for a behind-the-scenes look at how the ships are transformed for the season. See how our teams create the giant pumpkin-filled Halloween tree and other amazing decorations. Halloween Treats – Throughout the show, we take a look at this year’s favorite treats, including the Jack Skellington Push Pop, the Poison Apple Cupcake and Candy Corn Milkshake. Wicked Wardrobe – The Walt Disney World Resort creative costuming teams work around the clock to bring your favorite characters to life during Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Magic Kingdom Park Costumer Tracy Provo gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the magic happens. Goulish Gingerbread – Disney Parks Blog author Michael Ramirez visits lead pastry chef Edgar Urtola at the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery for an inside look at one of the most popular Halloween Time traditions – the Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread creation. Halloween Unboxed – Danielle Bellini shows us how to bring Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party into your home with new merchandise, including a special “I VANT CANDY” Mickey wall sign. You can find items seen in the show on the Shop Disney Haunted Halloween page. View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re starting this new week with another DFB Video today, and we’re revisiting a discussion we started over the weekend which asks the question: “Are these Disney World upgrades worth it?” Are hard ticket events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party worth it? Just a few days ago, we brought you Part 1 of this discussion about upgrades to your Disney World vacation (and in case you missed it, you can catch it right here). And now we’re back talking about additional upgrades such as Concierge Services, hard-ticket events and seasonal parties, Dining Packages, and more. Find out what our thoughts are on whether these additional upgrades might be worth it for your traveling party 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: Do you splurge on any upgrades for your Disney World vacation? Related posts: DFB Video: Things Most People Don’t Know About Walt Disney World DFB Video: 11 Things Disney World Pros Do, And You Should, Too DFB Video: Pros and Cons of Disney World Transportation View the full article

What do you give sisters that share a birthday 11 years apart? Probably higher ticket prices. Walt Disney World opened the Magic Kingdom on Oct. 1, 1971 and got a younger sister park that was maybe a little smarter 11 years later with Epcot on Oct. 1, 1982. Disney was perhaps smart to hone in on... View the full article

Fall fun is heating up here at Walt Disney World Resort, so for the next few weeks, our Disney Doodles will be taking on a spooky turn with a Halloween theme. Today’s Doodle, created by artist Ashley Taylor, looks at what Lock, Shock and Barrel, a mischievous trio from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” would do if they had the chance to scare up some fun at Magic Kingdom Park. “Lock, Shock and Barrel are always up to mischief!” Ashley said. “So it’s easy to imagine them roping Jack Skellington into a game of hide and seek at the Haunted Mansion pet cemetery!” View the full article

We have an update regarding the reopening of Earl of Sandwich in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District. Earl of Sandwich in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District The Orange County Register reports that the reopening of the popular sandwich shop, which was originally anticipated for October 1st, has been postponed. Main Entrance of Earl of Sandwich Also according to theocregister.com, a spokesperson for Disney shares that “We will open very soon but I can’t say yet if it will be Tuesday.” We’ll keep you posted as we learn more! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Check out more Disneyland Food Reviews Here!! Will you be dining at Earl of Sandwich when it reopens? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Review: Earl of Sandwich in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney Several Disneyland Restaurants Closing Soon to Make Way for New Resort Hotel Earl of Sandwich Reopening in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District Next Week! View the full article

Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort is a truly larger-than-life hotel with a food court that’s big on color and unique dishes. Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort Landscape of Flavors (<– click the link for info and reviews from this restaurant!) has earned its reputation as one of the better food courts among the Value Resort set because of the attention to flavors that are as colorful as the food court itself. Landscape of Flavors We also love that we can watch the chefs at work. This huge stir-frying station is always fun to watch. World of Flavors Stir Fry Action Favorites on past visits include Tandoori Chicken and the crunchy Surf and Surf Burger. Tandoori Chicken Of course, you can’t go wrong with a heaping bowl of Create-Your-Own-Pasta! Spaghetti Carbonara with Broccoli But on my most recent stay at the resort, I wanted to try some of the other items on the menus, starting with some side dishes. These were the real winners of my dining experience at Landscape of Flavors, which is to say — spoiler alert! — that the entrees didn’t impress as much as I’d hoped. But the Green Beans? You already know I love a green bean at Walt Disney World, and these were terrific. You can get them as a side at the World of Flavors station — with your meal or separately. And you totally should! They’re cooked until soft with some caramelized onions and garlic. And I could eat them with a piece of Naan and feel pretty satisfied. Green Beans Side Also at the World of Flavors station, I picked up a side of Risotto. This isn’t on the online menu at present, but you’ll want to meander over to the station to see if it’s available. This Risotto was well cooked, but NOT overcooked — a feat for risotto, especially in a quick service environment. There was lots of flavor from black pepper and garlic, and it was deliciously creamy. Risotto Side I also really enjoyed the Mac and Cheese, which you can order at the Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches Shop. This wasn’t as creamy as some of the Velveeta-esque mac and cheese you can find elsewhere in the World, but it was flavorful and satisfying. (Truth be told, we’ve also had this come out a little dry and clunky, so mileage might vary for you.) Mac and Cheese Side/Kids’ Menu I also enjoyed the Chef’s Selection Soup which was French Onion. The soup was covered in melty cheese, and there was plenty of bread on top. Does it beat a bowl of French Onion Soup at Be Our Guest Restaurant where the bread is hidden beneath a layer of crispy, broiled cheese? No. But for a food court soup, it had a lot of good flavor. We’ve also enjoyed the Vegetable Soup at Landscape of Flavors, which is packed with vegetables. Chef’s Selection Soup — French Onion Now the entrées on this visit weren’t the best we’ve had here. In fact, they get a big ol’ meh from me. Let’s take a look, and you can chime in with your thoughts in the comments. At the World of Flavors Shop, the Jumbo Stuffed Meatball comes with Parmesan Herb Polenta, Marinara Sauce, and a Breadstick. This one should be a hit! Who wouldn’t want to slice into a giant meatball covered in sauce? But this was… cafeteria-quality at best. Stuffed Meatball and Polenta The meatball itself was dry and anemic — there wasn’t much flavor to speak of, not even from the melted cheese at the core of this beast. (We wanted to zoom in on the interior for you, but it’s pretty unappetizing to look at, so you’re welcome.) The Polenta did its best to provide a little flavor, but even that needed some salt and a little love. Inside the Stuffed Meatball Also at World of Flavors is the Asian Chicken Bowl. I had some high expectations for this one for two reasons: First, you can actually watch the chefs preparing this on the stir fry griddle at this station, so one expects a level of freshness as a result. Second, it’s colorful and looks appetizing. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to these expectations. The flavors were watered down to the point of barely being recognizably Asian cuisine — or even Americanized Asian cuisine. This might work for a diner who’s picky and looking to expand a little, but for anyone who really wants flavor, it doesn’t work. Asian Chicken Bowl One way to get your veggies — and a colorful plate of food! — is to Create-Your-Own Salad. This is located at the Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches station, where a cast member will pile on whatever you’d like from the options provided. Salad Station All of the components of the salad were fresh, and I always appreciate a Create-Your-Own set up because you know you’re going to get exactly what you want (and not pay for stuff you don’t!). But do I want to rely on salad for every meal I eat at my resort food court? Nope. Build Your Own Salad And since humans can not live on salad alone (well, we can, but should we?), I also grabbed a couple of desserts to try. The Apple Tart looks yummy, but you can tell it’s not going to be extraordinary. While the tart shell was fine, the filling was standard, kind of gummy out-of-the-can apple pie filling with nothing special going for it. Pass on this one unless you’ve got an insatiable craving for something apple and cloying. Apple Tart We’d definitely opt for the Toffee Shortbread instead! Or heck — grab some Gelato. Toffee Shortbread Bar So we all know that it’s impossible for any restaurant to hit high notes every single time we dine, and this might be particularly true at food court, where the turnover rates for food and the quick service nature of the restaurant leads to even more variables. But we’re happy that some of our favorites are still on the menus at Landscape of Flavors, even if the eats on this visit weren’t stellar. Click HERE to see more Art of Animation Landscape of Flavors Reviews and Highlights! Want to see MORE of Art of Animation Resort? Check out our thoughts about it in our Best Disney Resorts video!  What’s your favorite food court bite? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: Five Things You HAVE to Eat in Disney World’s Toy Story Land! Vegan Slaw Dog Now Available at Casey’s Corner in Disney World 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED View the full article

Fish and Chips is a staple dish at Disney Springs’ Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant and Cookes of Dublin (the counter service spot that’s Raglan-adjacent!). But what if you’re visiting the shopping district with food allergies? There’s a fish and chips for you! Cookes of Dublin Our Insta-pal @LostWithLacey shared some pics of a gluten-free and dairy-free Fish and Chips (with bonus Onion Rings!), and we had to share them with you, too! First: a pic of the standard Fish and Chips, which her husband ordered. Standard Fish and Chips at Raglan Road and Cookes of Dublin And now the piéce de resistance: the gluten- and dairy-free bites! Fried golden brown and served with drool-inducing chips! Gluten and Dairy Free Eats In our experience, the gluten-free option is even crispier than the original! Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Fish and Chips Lacey also shared a pic of the Onion Rings she ordered here, and it just goes to show that there’s no such thing as too many fried foods in one meal. It’s a fact. Gluten and Dairy Free Onion Rings Thanks for sharing, Lacey! We love seeing the foods our readers are enjoying at the Disney Parks — so @DisneyFoodBlog us so we can check it out! Traveling to Walt Disney World with a food allergy? My Disney Experience’s Mobile Ordering now has allergy-friendly ordering! Read all about it here! What’s your best Disney dining tip? Tell us in the comments! Related posts: DFB Video: Where to Find Late Night Eats in Disney World 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED Disney World Mac and Cheese Gallery View the full article

We’re in Epcot checking out what’s new this week! The restaurants are busy adding some seasonal treats as well as fall flavors! Construction is moving forward on a variety of attractions! Let’s take a closer look… Welcome to Epcot What’s New in Epcot’s Future World Our stop in Fountain View (Starbucks) was rewarded with a new “Fall Beauty” being added to the seasonal drinks menu. The Iced Maple Pecan Latte with Cold Foam joins the Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino and classic Pumpkin Spice Latte. Fountain View Seasonal Drinks We stopped at the Gourmet Popcorn Stand and are glad to report the flavored popcorn has returned! You can choose from Cheddar Cheese, Buffalo Bleu Cheese, or Sour Cream and Chive flavors. Gourmet Popcorn Gourmet Popcorn Stand There’s always something happening at Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion. On this visit we found a Vegan Coconut Pineapple Cupcake that looks like a perfectly scooped ice cream sundae! Vegan Coconut Pineapple Cupcake This vegan option joins the growing list of vegan options in and around the parks including Casey’s Corner in Magic Kingdom and ABC Commissary in Hollywood Studios to Whispering Canyon Cafe in Wilderness Lodge and Epcot’s Rose and Crown. Vegan Coconut Pineapple Cupcake The Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake is still available and still DELICIOUS. Each one is different with varied edible flowers on top. Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake We also found the Belle Dress and Rose Gold Cupcakes in the case. You can never have too many options when it comes to specialty cupcakes here! Belle Dress Cupcake Rose Gold Cupcake If you’re looking for some seasonal flavors, the bakery case has slices of Pumpkin Bundt Cake. These look so moist and yummy. Pumpkin Bundt Cake Slices Pumpkin Bundt Cake Slices Time spent at Sunshine Seasons is always rewarding, especially with so many desserts to choose from! Sunshine Seasons Dessert Case The Wreck-it-Ralph Play Zone that was installed for the Food and Wine Festival, then briefly closed, is open now. Cast members let us know they are routinely checking the temperature of the equipment to be sure it remains safe for the kids. Wreck-it Ralph Play Zone Progress is moving along with the demolition of the Universe of Energy building to make way for the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride opening in the Fall of 2021. Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Guardians of the Galaxy Ride Lastly, all around the park in both Future World and World Showcase, the Joffrey’s kiosks have added Halloween frosted Donuts to their donut selection. Joffrey’s Halloween Donuts What’s New in Epcot’s World Showcase Canada’s popular Le Cellier Steakhouse has been working on their menu! They have added a Montreal Breakfast Poutine to their poutine offerings – fries topped with Canadian Cheddar, Montreal Smoked Beef Brisket, 62°C egg, and Sauce Choron (think tomatoey Bernaise). Count us in! They have also added Maple Whiskey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Sauteed Canadian Lobster Tail to their sides menu. Plus they added Cornbread Stuffed Half Chicken, Ratatouille Cavatelli Pasta, and Brown Butter Basted George Banks Scallops as entrees. And if that isn’t enough, you’ll also find the Loaded Mashed Potatoes have been updated to Boursin Mashed Potatoes! THAT SOUNDS AMAZING!!!! Le Cellier Menu To make room for all of these additions and changes some items had to be removed including the Chipotle Spiced Wild Boar Meatballs, Le Cellier Signature Poutine, Lobster Mac and Cheese, Seared Hokkaido Scallops, Maple Brined Kurobuto Pork Porterhouse, and the Spring Cavatelli Pasta. Japan promised us a new dining location – and now the construction walls are up on the building that is home to Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining heading towards the Morocco Pavilion. Japan Construction for New Restaurant Japan Construction for New Restaurant We don’t know many details yet, including a name, style, or opening date. Be sure to follow us for updates! We do know that the restaurant will be run by the Mitsukoshi company, who also runs the other restaurants in the Japan pavilion. Japan Construction for New Restaurant Japan Construction for New Restaurant The Pumpkin Spice Funnel Cake is back for its seasonal engagement at the American Adventure Pavilion’s Funnel Cake Stand. America Funnel Cake Stand Italy’s recently re-opened pizza window, Pizza al Taglio has updated their menu to correct the mistakes on it. Originally, the menu had the pizzas and alcoholic drinks as Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Eligible even though they never were. The menu now correctly reflects that Coke, Diet Coke, and Water are only items that are Disney Dining Plan Snack Credit Eligible at this location. Pizza al Taglio Menu Germany’s Karamell Küche is where we found the new, yummy Caramel Squares — read our full review of these creamy, chewy, caramely squares in Coconut or Caramel Macchiato flavors! Karamell-Küche Coconut Caramel and Caramel Macchiato Squares We loved to see this addition — cast members walking around giving out free cups of water. Stay hydrated! Free Water in Disney Remember, all counter-service locations in the Disney Parks provide these free cups of water. The water is either self-service or just ask for it! Be sure to stay hydrated. Stay hydrated! Free Water in Disney One tradition that we all love at the Food and Wine Festival is when the little train village in Germany is decorated to be celebrating their own Food and Wine Festival. We check on every visit this year, but still no booths or flags have been added to this town square. No Food and Wine Festival in this Miniature Village Last week we let you know that Anna’s Birthday Cake Cupcake was chocolate at Norway’s Kringla Bakeri og Cafe. It looks as though that change is permanent since the menu has been updated to reflect the change. Kringla Bakeri og Cafe Menu We also saw the construction walls are still up between the Norway’s store and the Bakery, but rest assured, the Bakery is 100% open. Kringla Bakeri og Cafe Construction Walls La Hacienda de San Angel in Mexico has added Pork Empanadas to their appetizer menu. La Hacienda de San Angel Menu We always enjoy our time in Epcot between the updates and Food and Wine Festival. We can’t wait to see what we find on our next visit! Epcot Check out our Ranking of Epcot Restaurants! When you’re done – check out all of our Food Tours on You Tube!  Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! Ready to Plan for Your 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? Order the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today, and start planning your visit! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2018 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Related posts: What’s New in Disney World’s Epcot! August 6, 2018 What’s New in Disney World’s Epcot: Food, Merch, Kidcot, and Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster Updates NEW! Coconut and Macchiato Caramel Squares in Epcot’s Karamell-Küche View the full article

Happy weekend! Here’s all the Disney food news this week! Monte Cristo Sandwich at Cafe Orleans The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is happening NOW!! Find out EVERYTHING you need to know about the festival on our Epcot Food and Wine Festival pages! PLUS – check out our BEST OF THE FEST! TOY STORY LAND IS OPEN at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!!! Click here to see ALL of our coverage!! Halloween Time is happening right NOW at Disneyland and we have details on ALL THE FOOD! And it’s time to get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 e-book! Save 25% now with code wdw2018! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We have entertainment updates and more news about the 2018 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. We reviewed Food and Wine Weekends at the Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Bonnet Creek. Discover where you’ll find Pumpkin-Filled Churros in Disney Springs. We have new details about the Millennium Falcon attraction coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Earl of Sandwich is reopening at Disneyland next week! Try a Thanksgiving Monte Cristo in Disneyland on Thanksgiving Day! Check out the Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2020! Get the details on the Halloween Soirée at The Edison! Rafiki’s Planet Watch is coming back! Joffrey’s Coffee celebrated National Coffee Day at Disney World. Check out the newest Caramel Squares in Epcot’s Germany Pavilion. Dockside Margaritas is serving “throwback” drinks all weekend in Disney Springs! We checked out what’s new at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! We reviewed the new Apple Cider Donut Holes at Animal Kingdom. We have an update on the family-style dining at Pizzfari. We answered all your questions about the new date-based ticketing at Disney World. Check out all the Princess Cakes coming to Amorette’s Patisserie. You have to see the BEST. CAKE. EVER. in Disneyland. Vegan Skillet spotted at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Check out what’s new at Disney Springs this week. Check out the new offerings coming to Early Morning Magic. We have details on the Play, Stay, and Dine vacation package! Check out the new Oktoberfest Cupcake at Roaring Fork Cafe! More narrators announced for the Candlelight Processional, plus more holiday details. The walls are down at the Magic Kingdom’s Club 33 location. We reviewed the new Poison Apple Glow Cube drinks in Disney Springs. Check out the Maple Bacon Milkshake in Disney Springs. Booking is now open for Thanksgiving Dinner at the Disneyland Hotel! We reviewed lunch at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom. Check out these Mickey and Minnie Whoopie Pies at Everything Pop. We reviewed the Oktoberfest Poutine at The Daily Poutine in Disney Springs. New DFB YouTube videos: 25 Must-Do Holiday Activities at Disney World, Food Tour of Disney’s Boardwalk, Are These Disney Upgrades Worth It, Part 1, and Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Biggest Changes. Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. New DFB Video: Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Biggest Changes Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got great content going up twice a week showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re sharing our latest video — check it out — The Ultimate Guide to Disney World’s Biggest Changes — and don’t forget to subscribe here. Deal of the Week: Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2018 It’s hard to believe that the holidays are JUST around the corner! (But they totally are. You DO realize, that, right?) Now is the perfect time to get started on all things Disney + Holidays by pre-ordering the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 e-Book! We’ve been busy as elves (HA!) updating the 2018 guide with all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks and resorts this November, December, and January! Use code Peppermint to get 20% off the pre-order of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2018! We cover EVERYTHING in this one — not just food! With over 300 pages of detailed information, over 300 color photos, and multiple bonus extras, this e-book WILL save you time and money during the busiest season in Walt Disney World! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2018 e-Book provides you with all the info you need to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season. The fully-updated 2018 edition includes: Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting! A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2018” events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Hollywood Studios’ Sunset Seasons Greetings, Epcot’s Festival of the Holidays, and more! A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants. Updated chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations. Updated chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season. A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you. Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season. Updated Scavenger Hunts for every theme park A Preview of the 2019 Holidays in Disney World And more! And when you pre-order it now, you’ll save 20% with promo code PEPPERMINT AND get the 2017 guide immediately, for FREE! We’ll send the 2018 guide as soon as it’s published this fall! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! Visit the DFB Store today and use promo code Peppermint to get 20% off the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2018! DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday. We love the specialty hot dogs and more on the menu at Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom, and DFB reader Linda Iacono says she LOVED the Mac and Cheese Hot Dog on her last visit! TWINSIES, Linda! Mac and Cheese Hot Dog at Casey’s Corner We recently checked out all the eats at Halloween Time in Disneyland, including the delicious Apple Pie a la Mode at Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlour! DFB reader Magic Whitney says she’s glad she was able to enjoy the treat! Apple Pie a la Mode at Halloween Time Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared this super cute Mickey Mouse Cheeseboard! WDW for Grownups checked out the Boardwalk Pizza Window. Oh My Disney shared a fun food quiz! Disney Family shared a recipe for Scrump Avocado Toast! 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 Post Round-Up: December 10, 2017 Disney Food News This Week: July 15, 2018 Disney Food News This Week: August 12, 2018 View the full article

If you’ve been distracted by world events more than Walt Disney World events lately, you can be forgiven. If you need catching up, in the span of a week, Walt Disney World confirmed that it was closing Rafiki’s Planet Watch at Disney’s Animal Kingdom .. and then days later said, nope, it’s just... View the full article

This week, we looked ahead to the holidays and shared an exciting update on the celebrity narrators for the highly anticipated Candlelight Processional during the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Nov. 22-Dec. 30. As Disney Parks Blog readers know, the Candlelight Processional is one of the most beloved events at the Walt Disney World Resort. And this year, for the first time, performances of the Candlelight Processional begin on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22. The event is just one of many ways to experience holiday magic at Epcot. Visit our original Candlelight Processional Narrators, Food & Merchandise story for more information. And to plan your visit, check out DisneyWorld.com/Holidays. Did you catch our #DisneyParksLIVE stream reveal of where Disney Cruise Line is sailing in 2020? If not, you can watch the replay this weekend. We announced that in early 2020, Disney Cruise Line will be setting sail from New Orleans for the very first time! And we also announced a highly anticipated return to the Hawaiian Islands, along with tropical cruises from Puerto Rico, Florida and California. Visit our original Disney Cruise Line story for more details. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. 13 Festive Photo Moments During Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort – To make your Halloween time visit picture-perfect, add these essential 13 photo moments to your checklist! Walt Disney World Resort Sweet Treats: September 2018 – As September comes to a close, Alex has some yummy sweets to share with you in this month’s edition of Sweet Treats! World’s Biggest Mouse Party Coming to Shanghai Disney Resort – There’s no party like a Mouse Party, and nobody knows how to throw one like the “leader of the club that’s made for you and me!” Double the Attractions, Double the Fun at the Newly Expanded Early Morning Magic – Early Morning Magic at Magic Kingdom Park is a blast. And we’re excited to share with you that starting on Dec. 2, Early Morning Magic will be bigger and better than ever! Celebrate Halloween with Play Disney Parks’ Spooky New Experiences and Wallpapers – Halloween spirits have cast a spell on the #PlayDisneyParks app, giving it a frightfully fun look for the season along with some new treats and tunes! Spectacular 32,000-Piece Domino Maze Celebrates Disney’s Toy Story Land, Pixar with Exclusive Tricks, Classic Toys – To continue our celebration of the new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we decided to “PLAY BIG” with an elaborate, one-of-a-kind maze of dominoes you must see to believe. View the full article

Great news for anyone who was disappointed to hear that Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Disney World’s Animal Kingdom would be closing in late October. Rafiki’s Planet Watch sign The spot will indeed begin a refurbishment after October 20th. However, Orlando Sentinel is reporting that a Disney spokesperson has confirmed that Rafiki’s Planet Watch will be reopening in the Spring of 2019 after all! Train Service to Conservation Station sign The Orlando Sentinel also shared that more details are to come, according to Disney. As the Sentinel also states, “It’s unusual for a confirmed-to-public closure to get a reprieve at Disney World.” But we are thankful that this is the story for Rafiki’s Planet Watch! Source: Orlando Sentinel 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 Details! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Are you excited to hear that Rafiki’s Planet Watch will be reopening? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Rafiki’s Planet Watch in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Closing in October News: Pandora — The World of AVATAR Opens May 27th in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News: Tiffins Talks With Imagineers (Including Joe Rohde) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now Available For Booking View the full article

Happy Weekend! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re asking (and answering) some questions: “Are These Disney Upgrades Worth it?” Minnie Van There’s no shortage of ways to upgrade your Disney World vacation. For instance, should you buy park tickets that allow you to visit one park for one day, or should you spring for Park Hoppers to visit more parks? Will your family be satisfied with the Quick Service or Standard Disney Dining Plan, or would the Deluxe Dining Plan be a better choice? These are just two of several of the topics we are covering when we ask, “Is this Disney World upgrade worth it?” Find out our thoughts 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: Are there any upgrades you prefer to add to your Disney World vacation? Related posts: New Video: Our Disney Dining Plan Recommendations for One-Credit Restaurants! Avoid Making These Five BIG Disney Dining Mistakes 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food DEBUNKED View the full article