Disney4me

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

When Pixar Pier opens this summer, the colorful worlds of Pixar will get a new home at Disney California Adventure park, offering an exciting mix of entertainment, themed food and beverage, merchandise and attractions. Guests will find themselves immersed in four whimsical neighborhoods inspired by beloved Pixar stories—including “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out” and “Toy Story.” As we’ve noted previously, the fourth neighborhood will be a celebration of many of your favorite Pixar stories. The focal point of this neighborhood will be the Pixar Pal-A-Round! This reimagining of a guest favorite will still include the iconic face of Mickey Mouse on the Paradise Bay side of the wheel. However, each of the 24 gondolas will feature different pairs of Pixar pals, including Joy and Sadness from “Inside Out,” Lightning McQueen and Mater from “Cars,” and Miguel and Hector from “Coco.” When the Pixar Pal-A-Round opens this summer, the attraction will offer breathtaking views of Pixar Pier and beyond! View the full article

Today we have an exciting update to share with you from Future World at Epcot. Earlier this week, the concrete foundation was poured for what will soon take shape as the park’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” attraction. The attraction is on track to be one of the world’s longest enclosed roller coasters – and to house it, the attraction’s building will more than double the size of the original Universe of Energy building. Inspired by the films, this attraction will expand on the original vision of Epcot’s Future World as a place filled with new discoveries and innovations through a unique “Guardians” story that’s currently being created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Take a behind-the-scenes look at the work that’s happened onsite so far in the video above. While the “Guardians of the Galaxy” attraction is currently set to debut at Epcot just in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, guests don’t have to wait too long to get a “Guardians” fix at Epcot. “The Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” concert series, part of the Incredible Summer celebration at Walt Disney World Resort, will begin June 9 at the park. In the concert series, Star-Lord and Gamora will take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos. Shows will feature tunes from Star-Lord’s Awesome Mixtapes, the two movie soundtracks. The group will take the stage five times daily, June 9 through Aug. 19. Concerts are included in theme park admission. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for future updates. View the full article

This week we bring you the second video in the #DisneyFamilia trip video series. This time, the spotlight is on Disney Springs. And who better to talk about it than fashionista Yanira Giselle of Glam By Yanira? Together with her husband and their two kids, Yanira enjoyed shopping at some of her favorites stores at Disney Springs. The family also had lots of fun at the Disney PhotoPass Service Studio, where they did a super fun photo shoot using some of the Studio’s digital backdrops. Yanira felt like toda una diva! She also satisfied her food cravings at one of the many options that are available for dining at Disney Springs. They even had time to take lots of selfies during their visit! Talk about Insta-worthy… Let’s take a look at Yanira’s visit in this week’s video! What are your must-do’s at Disney Springs? View the full article

There are places you expect to encounter a Disney reference, and then places you don’t. Stopping by the Garden Theatre last week to check on its production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” it was a given the House of Mouse would come up. After all, the show uses songs from Disney’s animated film... View the full article

Exciting news Star Wars fans! Due to unprecedented demand for the Disneyland After Dark – Star Wars Nite event, I’m pleased to share that we have added a second celebration of Star Wars on May 9! Guests at this after-hours event will once again have special access to Disneyland park to celebrate a galaxy far, far away. You’re also encouraged to come dressed in favorite Star Wars attire! This next Star Wars-themed celebration will give you a chance to experience many of the same offerings from our first Star Wars Nite event, including: After-hours access to Disneyland park, with mix-in access beginning at 6 p.m. Special entertainment, including a galactic dance party and character encounters! Themed décor and immersive Star Wars-themed photo opportunities. Specialty food and beverage offerings. Commemorative lanyard, event credential and unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken during the event. Additionally, we will be adding new experiences for this second celebration of Star Wars, which will include: Opportunity to be among the first to purchase Solo: A Star Wars Story pins (quantities are limited). An additional Star Wars-themed photo opportunity. Acme Archives Limited artist showcase and signing. Book signing for “It’s Your Universe” (quantities are limited). 
 A limited quantity of tickets will be available starting May 1, so be sure to visit Disneyland.com for pricing and details. As a reminder, beginning May 4, all Disneyland park guests will be able to enjoy these new and returning Star Wars experiences: “March of First Order” – Captain Phasma guides a squad of First Order stormtroopers through Tomorrowland in a dramatic show of force. Encounter Rey – Meet the Resistance’s newest hero at Star Wars Launch Bay. Hyperspace Mountain – This popular transformation of Space Mountain returns! Lastly, don’t’ miss Solo: A Star Wars Story, in theaters May 25. Event elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, experiences, entertainment, characters, menu items, merchandise, souvenirs, special offerings and services are subject to restrictions, change or cancellation without notice. No refunds given for any such changes or cancellations. Disney PhotoPass is subject to the Disney PhotoPass terms and conditions. Online registration required. View the full article

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Salt & Straw ice cream!! At least, visitors to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District will be when Salt & Straw opens later this year! The family-run business (cousins Kim and Tyler Malek are the creators of Salt & Straw) is known for unique flavors featuring everything from Honey Lavender to Chocolate Gooey Brownie in their Classic Portland Flavors, and Coffee & Bourbon (YES!!), Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache, and Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese (WHAAAT??) as part of their Classic Los Angeles Flavors, as listed on the Salt & Straw website. Tyler and Kim Malek ©Disney And sign me up for a scoop or FOUR of The Great British Rhubarb Ginger Crumble! The Great British Rhubarb Ginger Crumble ©Salt and Straw And who’s up for some… Lots a’ NACHO ice cream?!? Lots a’ Nacho Ice Cream ©Salt and Straw Handmade, small batch ice cream utilizing local, organic, and sustainable ingredients will be the draw. And that isn’t the only change coming to Downtown Disney. In the wake of an announcement of several closures in the District to make way for a brand new Disneyland Resort hotel, this fun addition is certainly welcome news! Find out about all sorts of new stuff coming to Disneyland Resort with our DFB YouTube Video below! And we’re happy to add Salt & Straw to that list!! Are you excited to welcome Salt & Straw to the Downtown Disney District? Please let us know with a comment below! 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: Ballast Point Brewing Coming to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District News: Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer Coming to Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District News: House of Blues to Leave Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District View the full article

As Disney’s Animal Kingdom celebrates its 20th birthday, we reflect what an incredible 20 years it has truly been. I recall our opening day and could not be more proud of what has been accomplished in the past two decades. Not only have millions of families connected with the magic of nature through immersive experiences at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, but together through the Disney Conservation Fund we have contributed more than $70 million to support nonprofit organizations working to save wildlife, inspire action, and protect the planet in 115 countries. This year alone, Guests like you helped the DCF provide grants totaling more than $8 million dollars to support the work of 80 nonprofit organizations. These grants are part of Disney’s “Reverse the Decline” initiative, which pairs the company’s philanthropic dollars with professional expertise from Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment team and other employees to maximize the impact of conservation efforts to protect wildlife and wild places. DCF actively supports the world’s leading conservation organizations with funds and professional resources to save wildlife and habitats, inspire action, and protect the planet. This commitment is reflected through the fund’s comprehensive focus on stabilizing and increasing the populations of 10 different at-risk animals including apes, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, elephants, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks and rays, and tigers. DCF also provides grants to support conservation programs that engage communities in comprehensive solutions that serve people, wildlife and habitats. This year’s grantees are working in 34 countries to lead incredible conservation programs, including: California Condor Nest Guarding Program- Santa Barbara Zoological Foundation: In 1986 only nine condors remained in the wild. Santa Barbara Zoo and partners are working to increase California condor populations through captive breeding, careful management, education programs with local communities and research to encourage self-sustaining populations through the California Condor Nest Guarding Program. Rewilding Australia with Tasmanian Devils- Global Wildlife Conservation: Non-native species threaten the survival of many native Australian wildlife species and as a result, impact ecosystems and human livelihoods. Global Wildlife Conservation is working to reverse the decline of the Tasmanian devil on the Australian mainland and re-establish it as an apex predator, while raising public awareness about challenges faced by Australia’s wildlife. Seagrass Surveys for Education and Conservation- Marine Resources Development Foundation: Seagrass beds are diminishing worldwide, but serve a critical role in coastal ecosystems by stabilizing sediments and providing food and habitat for marine wildlife. The Marine Resources Development Foundation is leading seagrass surveys in the Florida Keys to monitor and understand ecosystem health, and engaging students and teachers from around the country in hands-on field work, data analysis and classroom curriculum to raise awareness about seagrass habitat conservation. In addition to financial support, more than 180 Disney cast members and employees are lending their time to these efforts and have participated directly in projects to save wildlife around the world. Since 1995, the DCF has: Helped to conserve more than 400 species around the world. Supported more than 2,000 conservation projects, helping more than 600 nonprofit organizations working hand-in-hand with communities to protect wildlife worldwide. Recognized 150 Disney Conservation Heroes for their efforts to protect wildlife living alongside their communities in 47 countries. The majority of funding is provided by The Walt Disney Company and supplemented by Guest contributions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and select Walt Disney World Resort locations. For a complete list of the most recent DCF grant recipients, visit www.disney.com/conservation. View the full article

Marvel fans, are your spider-senses tingling? An epic battle for the fate of the universe is looming! This Friday marks the largest on-screen gathering of Marvel characters EVER when Marvel Studios’ “Avengers: Infinity War” premieres on land and aboard Disney ships, and we’re celebrating with a look back at our own heroic feats during the largest-ever shipboard Marvel gathering, Marvel Day at Sea! Whether it’s a top-secret encounter with Black Panther, an exclusive training session with Captain America, a trip to the mystic dimension with Doctor Strange or a front-row seat for a star-studded stunt show, Marvel Day at Sea delivers all the action of the big screen to your Disney cruise vacation. Ready to join the team? You can embark on your own Marvel Day at Sea adventure when it returns in early 2019 on select cruises from Miami. View the full article

The newest ice cream scoop shop from Salt & Straw co-founders and cousins Tyler and Kim Malek will open at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort later this year. The family-run ice cream company is known for its taste-provoking, imaginative ice cream creations, which uniquely capture the spirit of classic Americana. Every ice cream flavor is handmade in small batches using the best local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Special offerings will be available seasonally, showcasing co-founder and head ice cream maker Tyler’s passion for cultivating genuine partnerships with local farmers and artisans. The arrival of Salt & Straw is a part of the ongoing, promenade-wide transformation at Downtown Disney District in 2018. Multiple new venues and refurbishments to dining and retail locations will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney remains open to guests. The result will be a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests by day and night in the greatest mix of family-friendly dining, shopping and entertainment. Construction is scheduled to begin soon. Check back on the Disney Parks Blog for more updates! View the full article