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Hello, and happy Thursday! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re talking about what you can do to keep the magic going when it rains during your Disney World vacation! Rainy Day in Epcot Summer is fast approaching… and with it comes LOTS of rain in The Sunshine State! But that’s no reason to let that stop you from having fun during your Disney World vacation. So we’re sharing five ways to turn rainy days into AWESOME days in our latest DFB YouTube Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What do you do when it rains in Disney World? Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: DFB Video: How to Survive Disney World Weather (and Hurricane Season) DFB Video: 11 Things I Miss When I’m Not in Disney World DFB Video: Pros and Cons of Disney World Transportation View the full article

Earlier this year we announced that in 2019 Adventures by Disney will offer first-ever vacations to Japan! Today I’m pleased to share a sneak peek at some of the amazing, culturally rich experiences you’ll be able to enjoy on this trip next year. What would a trip to “The Land of the Rising Sun” be without exploring some of this country’s historical shrines and temples? On this adventure, you’ll travel to Kyoto, famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Here you’ll visit the magnificent Pure Water Temple and the exquisite Fushimi Inari Shrine, before traveling to Tokyo to revel in the Sensoji Temple and Meiji Shrine. You’ll also explore unique aspects of Japanese life while biking through rural Japan, surrounded by rice paddies, cruising on a riverboat through the heart of Tokyo and traversing Kyoto’s celebrated bamboo forest. Plus, take in a healthy dose of culture as you experience the wonder of time-honored samurai sword fighting and the intriguing charm of a maiko’s dance performance. And shhh … your kids won’t even know they’re learning as they soak in wisdom from local practitioners of the arts of Taiko drumming, origami and calligraphy. But there’s so much more to this amazing 11-day, 10-night itinerary and I’ve barely scratched the surface. Look for future posts here on the Disney Parks Blog where I’ll share additional details about the Adventures by Disney Japan vacation, which will be available to book beginning on May 9! View the full article

For many of us, working at the Disneyland Resort is a family tradition. My parents, aunt and uncle worked at the Disneyland Resort. For the Gerlach family, working at the Disneyland Resort is a family tradition spanning four generations and 19 people, dating back to 1956! Earlier this week, we invited the Gerlachs for a family reunion at the Disneyland Resort. Cast members Mikayla and Kaiden were joined by 10 of their family members, all former cast members, who enjoyed Pixar Fest and watched Mikayla perform in Pixar Play Parade. Mikayla and Kaiden’s great-grandparents were the first generation of their family members to work at the Disneyland Resort, followed by Mikayla and Kaiden’s grandmother, mother and several other relatives. Watch this video for a glimpse of their family reunion! View the full article

Toy Story Land is open …. in Shanghai Disneyland. It’s the first expansion for the resort, which opened last year, and the third “Toy Story” land created in a Disney park worldwide. The fourth one is set to open June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. Both the Walt Disney World edition... View the full article

Walt Disney Imagineers Talk Immersive Storytelling at Disney Parks View the full article

11th Class of Disney Dreamers Completes Prestigious Mentoring Program at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Behind the Scenes With Walt Disney Imagineering: The Iconic ‘Golden Dream’ Anthem View the full article

‘UP! A Great Bird Adventure’ Debuts at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

Pandora Utility Suit Officially Debuts At Pandora - The World of Avatar View the full article

Meet Aulani’s ‘Ohana: Storyteller at KA WA‘A Luʻau | Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

Disney Parks How-To Make A Bento Box Magical: Lady and the Tramp Topiaries View the full article

Disney’s ‘Wrinkle In Time’ Meet-Up | Walt Disney World View the full article

iNSIDE Disney Parks - Themed Resorts Make You Part of The Story | Walt Disney World View the full article

New Digital Key Feature Now Available to My Disney Experience App View the full article

In our Disney Doodles series, different Disney artists take turns imaging what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley imagines what Nana from “Peter Pan” would do if she had the chance to visit Magic Kingdom Park. According to her, Nana, the pup who serves as the nanny for the Darling children in the film, would likely head to Peter Pan’s Flight for a bit of fun. “Poor Nana never made it to wonderland with the darling children, so I imagine she would love to ride Peter Pan’s flight, so she could finally see what Neverland looks like!” View the full article

Today is National Pretzel Day, and I am SO ready to get my hands on some salty, twisted dough. Pretzels are among my favorite snacks and, if it’s a Mickey Pretzel, I am HERE FOR IT! Mickey Pretzels are a staple snack for any guest visiting a Disney park, and can be found in every park at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. They often come with a delicious cheese sauce but they also go well with a little yellow mustard, if I do say so myself… However, Mickey Pretzels aren’t the only pretzels you can get at Disney Parks. At Walt Disney World Resort, you can find a few pretzels around World Showcase at Epcot, like the Chocolate Pretzel at Midnattsol Bakeri in Norway. There’s also the Jumbo Pretzel in the Germany courtyard. It’s offered at the Bier and Pretzel Cart, which is where you can also find my personal favorite beverage, Schöfferhofer Pink Grapefruit Beer – it goes great with the pretzel! For the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, there’s even Toasted Pretzel Bread topped with Black Forest ham and melted Gruyère cheese, currently available at the Bauermarkt: Farmer’s Market Outdoor Kitchen in Germany. Traveling to Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Then stop by Pongu Pongu to taste a Colossal Pretzel served with beer cheese fondue or cheese sauce. Or head on over to Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs to try the Air Pirate’s Pretzels. This flight of “everything” pretzels comes with spicy German mustard and beer-cheese fondue. If you’re in Magic Kingdom Park, blast off to The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland to find a savory Pepper Jack Warm Stuffed Pretzel. And in Fantasyland, Prince Eric’s Village Market is serving up a Pretzel Royale. You can even get some Beer Cheese Sauce to go with it! At Disneyland, drive on over to the Cozy Cone Motel at Disney California Adventure park to try some yummy Pretzel Bites with cheesy sauce, or take a stroll to Bayside Brews on Paradise Pier to get your hands on a Jalapeño Cheese-filled Pretzel or a Cream Cheese-filled Pretzel. Sonoma Terrace even offers a Bavarian Pretzel for you to enjoy while lounging and sipping on refreshing beverage. In Disneyland park, cinnamon-lovers will be excited to try the Cinnamon Pretzel, available at the pretzel carts in front of “it’s a small world” and in Frontierland. Troubadour Tavern in Fantasyland also offers Pretzel Bites with cheese sauce, and you can find the Jalapeño Cheese-filled and Cream Cheese-filled Pretzels at Refreshment Corner on Main Street, U.S.A. “But wait, Alex, I’m a Mickey Pretzel SUPER FAN just like you, and I just need more ways to express my love of pretzels!” – every guest ever. WELL, do I have great news for you – you can sport a fabulous Mickey Mouse Pretzel T-shirt, like the one I’m wearing here! The kiddos can even join in on the fun with a Disney Parks “Here for the Snacks” T-Shirt. These can both be found on Shop Disney Parks. And that’s not all – there are also some items that are available in-store only, like the Mickey Pretzel Keychain and the 10-inch Mickey Pretzel Plush! HOW COOL ARE THOSE? Of course, if you’re getting hungry while you’re shopping, you can also find various kinds of pre-packaged pretzel snacks such Minnie’s Sweets Mickey Mouse Frosted Pretzels, Chip ‘N Dale Snack Co. Mickey Pretzels, and more! All of these items, including the t-shirts, can all be found at various merchandise locations throughout our parks and resorts. So put on that Mickey Pretzel T-shirt, get a Mickey Pretzel, and celebrate National Pretzel Day with us! And be sure to share any cute pretzel pics you get with the hashtag, #DisneyEats. Happy snacking! View the full article

'Solo: A Star Wars Story' Actor Joonas Suotamo Explores Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Shanghai Disney Resort welcomed its first official guests to Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land today, the first major expansion at the resort since its grand opening in 2016. “We’re incredibly proud of the success of this one-of-a-kind, world-class destination, and we are thrilled to give our Chinese guests even more to explore and enjoy at the resort with the addition of a spectacular new land based on Pixar’s beloved Toy Story characters,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Based on the Disney·Pixar film series, Shanghai Disneyland’s seventh themed land is a high-spirited, colorful world where guests will feel as if they’ve been shrunk down to the size of their favorite Toy Story toys. Gallery Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land at Shanghai Disneyland view all Woody, Buzz and their Toy Story pals come to life and play in this fully immersive land, which features three new attractions: Slinky Dog Spin, Rex’s Racer and Woody’s Roundup. Guests can also interact with their favorite characters at Meeting Post, shop at Al’s Toy Barn and dine at the Toy Box Café. Shanghai Disney Resort is home to the Toy Story Hotel – the only hotel in the world themed to the popular franchise – as well as the popular Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue at Shanghai Disneyland which features the most advanced Buzz Lightyear targeting system at any Disney park. With the opening of Disney·Pixar Toy Story Land, guests can share even more laughter and fun with family and friends this summer and beyond! Tell us in the comments below what you’re most excited to see and do in this new themed land. View the full article

Memories of Marvel Day at Sea With Disney Cruise Line View the full article

The Refreshment Port in Epcot at Walt Disney World is a convenient spot to grab a snack — including Canada’s famous Cheddar Cheese Soup and Poutine! Refreshment Port And it’s also the place to grab a fun cocktail + snacks: the Stow Away Mary. This refreshing drink is a classic Bloody Mary made with Absolut Vodka and topped with Bleu-Cheese-Stuffed Olives, Celery, a grape Tomato, and Chicken Nuggets! Refreshment Port Menu Yup — we said Chicken Nuggets. The garnishes make the drink here, folks. So while the Bloody Mary itself is standard — not watered down but not mind-blowing — it’s still super fun and photo-worthy. Stow Away Mary The long stick of Celery provides a not-soaking-in-Bloody-Mary spot for the nuggets, while the tasty Stuffed Olives and Tomato lay suspended across the cup. Stow Away Mary Everything really works together well, here, and on a hot day in the World Showcase, it’s kind of a great drink/snack combo. Stow Away Mary Plus, you know, Chicken Nuggets! It might seem a little funky, but we’re into it! Stow Away Mary Chicken Nugget The Stow Away Mary was a temporary drink while the Refreshment Port tested its popularity, but now it’s made the jump to the regular menu! For $12.00 it’s not the cheapest drink you can get in the World Showcase, but the garnishes make this one special. Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE18 at check out to get the discount. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Do you want a little nugget with your Bloody Mary? Tell us what you think in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News and Review: Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and Poutine Debut at Epcot’s Refreshment Port! Spotted: A Practically Perfect Mary Poppins Mug Grand Launch: Disney Food Blog Mini-Guide to Epcot Snacks e-Book View the full article

As a part of Walt Disney World’s “Incredible Summer,” Star-Lord and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot. Guests can catch “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” five times a day from June 9 through August 19. It is included with theme park admission and is part of Walt Disney World’s lineup of “Incredible Summer” offerings. Check out the list of blog posts below for more Incredible Summer fun. Save the Date: Incredible Summer Begins May 25 at Walt Disney World Resort Walt Disney World Resort’s ‘Incredible Summer’ Will Bring New Experiences to All Four Parks Tickets Now Available for Disney H2O Glow Nights, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party & Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Save 20% or More at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels this Spring and Summer View the full article

Last night, the top 10 contestants on “American Idol” performed in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland park. Following their emotional performance, the group snapped a photo with Joy and Sadness from the Pixar film, “Inside Out.” These Pixar pals can be seen daily at Disneyland park in the beloved “Pixar Play Parade,” part of the limited-time Pixar Fest celebration at the Disneyland Resort. Pixar Fest is bringing guests together to celebrate friendship and beyond, from now through September 3. Catch the top 10’s magical group performance from the castle and solo performances of their favorite Disney songs during Disney Night on “American Idol” this Sunday, April 29 at 8 p.m. EDT on The ABC Television Network. Also, for the first time in the history of American television, a reality-competition series will allow viewers to watch and vote from both coasts simultaneously as “American Idol” is simulcast in all time zones across the country over a three-week span, starting with this Sunday’s episode! Viewers will be able to vote by text, via AmericanIdol.com/vote or on the American Idol app. Results will be revealed at the end of each show in real time across all time zones. View the full article

Does the date June 23, 2018 mean anything to you? If it rings a bell, it might be because THAT’S the OPENING DAY for Pixar Pier coming to Disney California Adventure! Pixar Pier Incredicoaster And guess what?!? It’s ALSO the day that NEW SNACKS will make their debut for Pixar Fest — the celebration of all things Pixar going on right now through September 3rd all over Disneyland Resort! Pixar Fest ©Disney Click here to read all about Pixar Fest and print your own Pixar Fest Food Checklist! That’s right!! We’ve got updates for your Pixar Fest Food Checklist including some brand new items coming your way! But be sure to take note of the dates, because some treats will rotate! And consider yourself warned, because these things are getting CUTER all the time… Buttercup Caramel Apple Up Grape Soda Cake Pop dipped in white chocolate and covered in purple sugar — Candy Palace and Pooh Corner, Disneyland; Trolley Treats, Disney California Adventure; Marceline’s Confectionery, Downtown Disney District — Available NOW Grape Soda Cake Pop Dug Cake Pop (available starting June 23) — Candy Palace, Disneyland Russell Cake Pop (available starting June 23) — Candy Palace, Disneyland Up-themed Pops ©Disney Toy Story Buttercup Apple (available through June 22) — Candy Palace, Disneyland Alien Apple (available through June 22) – Candy Palace, Disneyland Alien Caramel Apple Cars Lightning McQueen Apple (available through June 22) — Trolley Treats, Disney California Adventure Tow Mater Apple (available through June 22) — Trolley Treats, Disney California Adventure Nemo, Dory, Tow Mater, and Lightning McQueen Apples ©Disney Pixar Pixar Ball Apple (available starting June 23) — Disneyland Resort Candy Kitchens Pixar Ball Apple ©Disney Make sure you check out ALL of the food (‘cuz there’s A LOT of it!) at Pixar Fest before your visit! Click here to read all about Pixar Fest and print your own Pixar Fest Food Checklist! Are you heading to Pixar Fest? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Everything You Need to Know about Disneyland’s Pixar Fest! PLUS a Printable Pixar Fest Food Checklist! Breaking! NEW Dining Spots Coming to Disneyland’s Pixar Pier; PLUS Pixar Fest Food Sneak Peek… The Best Disneyland Pixar Fest Nosh So Far: Cocoa Churro View the full article

Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort is in the midst of a major renovation, which will ultimately result in a new fifteen-story tower featuring rooftop dining complete with fireworks viewing. Oh, AND 500 new resort rooms, refurbishments to current rooms, and a new Concierge Club-Level Lounge to name just a few enhancements. Artist’s Rendering of the New Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort © Disney While the transformation won’t be complete until 2019 (big year for Disney: see Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge ), this new rendering provides a look at the upcoming Concierge Lounge. Concierge Lounge Concept Art ©Disney But you won’t have to wait until 2019 to enjoy one of the new features on the way to Coronado Springs. Currently in testing at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the new digital key feature in the My Disney Experience app will allow guests to unlock their hotel room via their mobile device, even allowing guests who check in online to bypass the front desk and go immediately to their room. A new boardroom, three multi-purpose meeting rooms, and new pre-function space will also be part of the transformation, of particular interest to convention guests. Meeting Space Concept Art ©Disney Now, in the past, Coronado Springs has not made our list of Top Resorts for dining. Though the Pepper Market is a pretty great Counter Service restaurant, table service options such as Maya Grill and Las Ventanas have not been standouts — primarily serving their purpose of providing food options to convention and resort guests, but that’s about all. But will the new additions, especially considering that rooftop dining, change that? We shall see. In the meantime… Find out all about the enhancements coming to Coronado Springs Resort here! And if you’re curious about which Resorts DO top our choices for dining, you can check out our DFB YouTube Video below! Are you planning a stay at Coronado Springs Resort? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! Dining Updates and MORE Coming to Disney’s Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach Resorts News! Rix Lounge Announces Tequila Tasting at Coronado Springs Resort News! A la Carte Menus at Pepper Market in Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort View the full article

At Disney, we are proud to have talented and passionate cast who strive to make magic in creative ways. Morgan Richardson, an Imagineer with a passion for art and wildlife conservation, has worked on theme park attractions like Pandora – The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Rivers of America at Disneyland park. In addition to his everyday job, Morgan seeks opportunities to partner with other teams like the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) and use his artistic talents to benefit wildlife around the world. We chatted with Morgan to learn more about how he has helped animals and where he finds his inspiration: How did your role as an Imagineer allow you to follow your passion and support wildlife conservation? Having worked in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, I feel very connected to the intrinsic value of nature and the stewardship of wild creatures and places- themes celebrated throughout the park. Through that project, I met other Imagineers, conservationists and animal care cast members who share my passion for wildlife and connected me to projects with the DCF. As an Imagineer, I am proud to work with amazingly talented people and work on incredible projects that truly make a difference in the world. Although my primary role is to help design theme park attractions and experiences, I am thankful that the Walt Disney Company also supports my love of wildlife and allows me to support conservation through my work. What inspired you to use art to help wildlife? I was always interested in wildlife growing up. In second grade, I found a book about the extinct passenger pigeon, and it made a huge impression on me. I wanted to help prevent other species from disappearing. I started sketching endangered and extinct animals and as I got older, I looked for ways to leverage my artistic skill set to catch the attention of folks who might not initially be interested in conservation. Of the conservation projects you have supported, what has been most meaningful to you? I have worked on conservation projects all over the globe benefiting everything from pangolin to okapi, but I think my work with the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) has had the biggest impact. As part of its work to Reverse the Decline of Sumatran rhinos, Disney support recently helped IRF host a charity art show and auction in Jakarta, Indonesia, to benefit Sumatran rhino conservation. Imagineers Joe Rohde, Zsolt Hormay and I each contributed art for the show. I’ve also designed Sumatran rhino and Sumatran tiger characters for Disney’s Indonesian Donald Duck comic book, Donald Bebek. These characters are raising awareness among Indonesian communities of amazing animals that live in their own backyard and encouraging people to take pride in protecting the biodiversity of their country – I’m honored to be part of a message like that. Have you been working on anything lately to help animals? Definitely! I recently created new designs for the Disney Conservation Fund “Conservation Hero” buttons featuring two of Disney’s Reverse the Decline animals. One button celebrates the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the first Sumatran tiger cubs to be born at the park, the second features a vibrant illustration of a sea turtle*. My personal work is very bold and colorful and I hope my art will inspire guests and cast members to learn more about these animals and take action to protect them. What advice would you give to others who want to get involved in wildlife conservation? You don’t need to be a conservationist or an artist to make a difference for wildlife. Utilize whatever skills come naturally to you – write a blog, raise awareness on social media… get creative! You can also make the world a better place by volunteering for conservation projects in your own community to benefit parks, mountains, oceans or wildlife where you live! *The DCF buttons will be available at select locations at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line. View the full article