Disney4me

One of my favorite series here on the Disney Parks Blog is “Every Role a Starring Role.” If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work at Disneyland Resort, you’ve got to check out these videos. Below are a few of our favorites from years past, and you can see the entire playlist on the Disneyland YouTube channel. Learn how Disneyland Resort cosmetology lead Erin Zachary and her team ensure resort performers always have a good hair day. See how Disneyland Resort candy makers turn sweet treats into works of art. Go behind the scenes with the cast members of Disneyland Resort Laundry Production. We take you after-hours at Disneyland park to see how Disneyland Resort Horticulture Manager Luis Gomez helps maintain the landscape and creates new designs in partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering to help tell Disney stories in our theme parks. The Disneyland Railroad steam train engineers and maintenance team show you how they keep the Disneyland park locomotives running smoothly. View the full article

A 75-image preview of the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, featuring eats, treats, millions of blooms and nightly entertainment. The festival runs through May 28. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) View the full article

A 75-image preview of the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, featuring eats, treats, millions of blooms and nightly entertainment. The festival runs through May 28. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) View the full article

The Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World seems like it might be on a quest to constantly out-do itself. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Because even with awesome treats like the Donut Sundae and the All-American Sundae, this favorite Main Street, U.S.A., ice cream spot just keeps hitting homeruns. This time, it’s an Apple Blossom Sundae, and we all need to make an immediate trip to the World so we can eat it. Apple Blossom Sundae and Brownie Sundae Oh, yeah: and there’s Dulce de Leche Ice Cream to put on top. What, what?! Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Let’s take a closer look. Basically you’ve got an apple pie as the base (although, if we’re getting technical, this is more of an apple galette, but it’s apples in a crust so we’re happy), and the pie is topped with a huge scoop of ice cream (your choice!). We went with that limited-time-only Dulce de Leche because yum! Apple Blossom Sundae with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream There’s also caramel sauce, a massive dollop of whipped cream, a shiny red cherry, and two chocolate Mickey ears. Apple Blossom Sundae The pie is served warm, so the ice cream melts. The Florida sun helps it along, too. But it’s all good because #meltedicecreamandpiearewhatsup. Melty Apple Blossom Sundae The combination here is fabulous — but if you go for traditional vanilla ice cream, we won’t stop you, because that would be outrageous as well. Apple Blossom Sundae Close Up Y’all, Apple Blossom Sundae. Go get one! But note that it’s not currently on the permanent menu, so we have no idea how long it will be around! Stay tuned! 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 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition 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 BUNDLE17 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? What’s your favorite way to ice cream at Walt Disney World? Let us know 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: Review: All-American Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Disney World News and Review: DONUT SUNDAE (!!!) at the Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Review: New! All-American Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor View the full article

I literally did a double-take when I looked at my calendar this morning. How is it already March? But I’m glad it is! With spring on the horizon, it should come as no surprise that Spring Break style is already in full force here at Disney Springs. Not sure what ‘must-haves’ to add to your collection? I’d suggest a visit to Disney Springs where a walk through property will provide a look at the latest trends. Can’t make it in person? Below are the top three things on my own Spring Break wish list: New Mickey Ray-Ban sunglasses, available at Sunglass Icon on the West Side: You may recall that Sunglass Hut released a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses featuring Mickey Mouse back in December. The product was such a hit that the company has developed a NEW design, set to debut this month on March 15, 2018. The Limited-Edition glasses feature Mickey Mouse on the Ray-Ban New Wayfarer, have a retail price of $193, and are etched with “M18” to commemorate their release date. (No discounts apply and there is a purchase limit of five pairs per guest.) New flip flops from Havaianas at The Landing: With options featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Star Wars, Marvel and more, no doubt there is a perfect pair to flaunt your favorite Disney style. Havaianas are my favorite footwear for the pool or beach, but also great for a day in the Disney Theme Parks, too. Personally, I’m partial to the new line-up of princess-inspired styles, and I’m already dreaming of a pedicure to complement that Cinderella blue! Spirit Jerseys from Tren-D and World of Disney at the Marketplace: The ever-popular spirit jersey is now available in more varieties than ever before. Perfect for a breezy Spring Break evening, these long-sleeve shirts pair well with everything from jean shorts to cute skirts. I’m hoping to score a rose gold version spirit jersey soon, before it sells out! (This will likely come as no surprise, but the Disneyland design pictured below, is only available on the West Coast.) In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more on spring style, but in the meantime, follow us via Twitter and Instagram via @DisneySprings to see the latest fashionable finds from Disney Springs. View the full article

Inside the Magic, a website that showcases Central Florida theme-park news, is changing hands, founder and editor Ricky Brigante announced this week. Fan-driven sites tend to fade away as their creators choose to discontinue their efforts. But he’s been putting together a team for the past few... View the full article

Inside the Magic, a website that showcases Central Florida theme-park news, is changing hands, founder and editor Ricky Brigante announced this week. Fan-driven sites tend to fade away as their creators choose to discontinue their efforts. But Brigante has been putting together a team for the past... View the full article

The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is seriously one of my favorites, y’all! Mara Bakery The Mara From the faux canopy of trees above the seating area to the creative counter service food offerings to the awesome bakery, Mara is a great food destination in a resort that’s — let’s be honest — exploding with must-eats. Indoor Seating The Mara One of our favorite Walt Disney World desserts is found only here: the Peanut Butter Brownie. This baby is so good, we included her in our 2018 Cupcake Challenge despite it not technically being a cupcake. Yup, it’s that good. Peanut Butter Brownie So we’re always chomping at the bit to head back into Mara to see what’s occupying the bakery case, and on this visit, I discovered another delicious option. It may not surprise you to discover that it’s Carrot Cake. Mara Carrot Cake It’s visually impressive, with an (orange) white chocolate-dipped strawberry serving as the ‘carrot’ and and cookie crumbles serving as soil. It’s got an organic look that works with its location. Carrot Cake with “Carrot” on top Inside, the cake is dense and moist and full of flavor. Interior Mara Carrot Cake But you know me: it’s all about the frosting. Here, the cream cheese frosting is delicious. But there’s not nearly enough of it! Give me all the cream cheese frosting! Actually, we think most people — even if they’re not icing-insane like me — would want a little more of the sweet stuff on top to balance out the terrific cake. Close Up with the Mara Carrot Cake So this is almost a winner. And I would totally get it again even without an abundance of frosting because the flavors were awesome. But if I have to choose between this and the Peanut Butter Brownie? Apologies to the carrot cake gods but PB&B has got my heart at Mara. 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 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition 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 BUNDLE17 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? Have you tried Mara? Share with us your favorites from this tucked-away location. 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: Must-Eat Snacks at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Now Including JUNGLE JUICE SLUSH!) Review: Peanut Butter and Candy Bar Brownies at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Review: New Sandwiches at The Mara in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge View the full article

One of the most whimsical locations in Magic Kingdom Park is the Crystal Palace, a buffet with character where guests enjoy food, photos, laughs and autographs with Winnie the Pooh and his Pals. Just thinking about the Pooh’s Puffed French Toast served during breakfast makes me rumbly in my tumbly. Fans of Winnie the Pooh have something special to look forward to this summer; the willy, nilly, silly old bear will return to the big screen in Disney’s “Christopher Robin.” In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who embarked on countless adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with his band of spirited and lovable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside. Now grown up, Christopher Robin is stuck in a job where he is overworked, underpaid and facing an uncertain future. He has a family of his own, but his work has become his life, leaving little time for his wife and daughter. Christopher has all but forgotten his idyllic childhood spent with a simple-minded, honey-loving stuffed bear and his friends. But when he is reunited with Winnie the Pooh, now tattered and soiled from years of hugs and play, their friendship is rekindled, reminding Christopher of the endless days of childlike wonder and make believe that defined his youth, when doing nothing was considered the very best something. Following an unfortunate mishap with Christopher Robin’s briefcase, Pooh and the rest of the gang including Piglet, Eeyore and Tigger, step out of the forest and venture into London to return the crucial possessions…because best friends will always be there for you. Enjoy the brand new trailer below! Disney’s “Christopher Robin” will release nationwide August 3, 2018. View the full article

Beginning today, you can now explore Disney Parks like never before – right from your phone or computer – on Google Street View. We’ve just launched a series of 360-degree panoramas featuring Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort locations you’ll want to check out to help plan your next vacation. The new Disney Parks imagery on Google Street View includes our theme parks, water parks as well as a variety of areas at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs. As you explore our Disney parks and destinations, you may run across some of your favorite Disney characters. We spotted Goofy at Disneyland – Can you find Donald or Pluto? To create the 360-degree imagery at Disney Parks, Google used Street View Trekker, a wearable backpack with a camera system on top. The Trekker is worn by an operator and is moved through walkways and structures, automatically gathering images. Imagery is then stitched together to create the 360-degree panoramas you see today. Here’s a list of the locations that the Trekker’s captured with links you can use to start planning your next Disney vacation: Disneyland park, Disneyland Resort Disney California Adventure park Downtown Disney District Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort Disney Springs – Dining, Retail Locations Disney’s Hollywood Studios Pandora – The World of Avatar Disney’s Animal Kingdom Epcot ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park Disney Parks imagery is also being featured on Google’s Street View gallery page along with breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments below. View the full article

Oprah Winfrey is promoting “A Wrinkle in Time” heavily, but the child actors are the real stars of the Disney movie, she told “CBS This Morning” on Tuesday. Storm Reid, Deric McCabe and Levi Miller are the stars, Winfrey said. “It’s not my movie, it’s Storm’s movie,” Winfrey said. “It’s the story... View the full article

The Yacht Club’s Ale & Compass Restaurant hit the Disney World dining scene just this past November. Learn About: Ale & Compass Restaurant Disney World Restaurants But our first visit was for lunch, so it’s time to step back in for our dinner review. And since there are some fairly major menu changes from day to night at this still-new spot, it’s a great reason to check it out again. Now, before we move forward with the review, just a reminder that the Ale & Compass Restaurant is one third of an entirely new Ale & Compass dining concept at Disney World’s Yacht Club, so it’s not to be confused with the Ale & Compass Lounge and The Market at Ale & Compass (a Counter Service meets Grab-and-Go setup). The Ale & Compass Restaurant is the Table Service component of this trio, serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (each one Table Service Credit on the Disney Dining Plan). Ale & Compass Restaurant sign by the entrance And now that we’ve got the details out of the way, let’s check out the digs! Atmosphere We have a full tour of Ale & Compass Restaurant available from our first visit, and you can peruse it by clicking here. Walking Into Ale & Compass That said, the ambience does change a fair bit from day into evening, with the natural light from the nearby windows gone, and the artificial lighting in the restaurant itself greatly reduced. Central Dining Room in the evening It does lend a bit of a more elegant feel for an evening visit in what otherwise is a fairly minimalistic setting in terms of decor, which relies on a blue-gray color palette and clean lines. Central Dining Room in the evening And in this central seating area, you can steal a glimpse or two at the semi-open kitchen featuring its hearth oven. Approaching the Hearth Oven Outside of the central seating area, there are more tables lining the space, and with their higher chairs, this perimeter area leans towards a more on-trend look. Perimeter Seating Overall, it’s an entirely different feel from when the space operated as the Captain’s Grille prior to its transformation. But the changes are also fairly significant when it comes to eating here, so let’s look over the menu next. Eats The cuisine at Ale & Compass focuses on both surf and turf options, inspired by New England comfort food and gastropub eats. I had mentioned that the Dinner Menu differs from the Lunch Menu, which is true when it comes to the Main Plates available. The Starters, however, are similar to what you’ll find at at lunch, which includes options for seafood fans as well as landlubbers. Dinner Starters The primary difference with the Starters menu is that the Hearth Oven Pies, which are considered Main Plates during lunch, are covered under Starters for dinner. Again, it’s the Entrees where you’ll see the change, which are almost all different offerings compared to lunch. The Coastal Clambake is the headliner, and it’s rounded out with further seafood selections along with plenty of choices for carnivores. Dinner Main Plates A unique feature at Ale & Compass during both lunch and dinner are the vegetarian and vegan options, which are not simply afterthoughts on the menu here. (We were pleasantly surprised with the Grilled Plant-based “Bacon Cheeseburger” on our lunch outing.) Though we had tried the Parker House Rolls and Spreads before, we grabbed them again to see if they were as soft and tasty (thanks to the provided accompaniments of Bacon Jam, Pub Cheese, and Citrus Butter) as our prior visit. Parker House Rolls and Spreads The answer? Yes. These warm rolls are simply satisfying, further flavored with salt and glistening from a brush of butter. But, are they twelve bucks worth of good? Honestly, I’m already at the point where I don’t think a meal here is complete without them. And the pub cheese certainly makes them worth more than a couple of bucks. But $12…well, you’re going to have to make your own call on that one. Pub Cheese On to the Main Plates! We’ll start with the vegetarian Four-Cheese Ravioli, which comes swimming in a pool of butternut squash puree and topped with a ton of sautéed mushrooms. Four-Cheese Ravioli Wow. We’re starting off with a bang here. The plentiful ravioli are rich in both taste and texture, with the flavor of sage-brown butter coming through with every bite. The butternut squash puree lends an autumnal feel…which makes me think this particular dish will change up in the near future. At Disney, butternut squash usually means Fall menu. But you never know! Mushrooms topping the Four-Cheese Ravioli Even among pasta dishes in the Italian restaurants in Disney World, I think this really is a standout dish. Now, you know we love us a good plate of Fried Chicken and Waffles here at the DFB! Fried Chicken and Waffles Unfortunately — and I have to say it — this is not one of those good plates of Fried Chicken and Waffles. The Ale & Compass version includes two large pieces of Fried Chicken served on a large Belgian waffle and accompanied with house-made pickles and orange-honey chili. Our server asked if we wanted syrup for pouring (um….YES), so that was delivered separately. So, all the components and more are there. The trouble lies with the chicken. Fried Chicken and Waffles It looked great, I know. But it was super dry, and the batter was surprisingly bland. So don’t judge a book by its cover! But we’re back on the upswing here with the 16-oz T-Bone, which arrived topped with plenty of butter and garlic. Oh, and those Truffle Fries served on the side (along with the watercress salad)? YES, please! They were fantastic. T-Bone Steak All that butter, garlic, and herbs only complemented — rather than distracted from — the steak cooked to my medium rare request. While this didn’t crack my top 5 steaks in Disney World and isn’t a destination dish, it was a decent choice if you happen to be at Ale & Compass and are craving a steak. We’re back with the same options as lunch for the Dessert Menu (and you can check out the Twelve-Layer Chocolate Cake in our lunch review). Dessert Menu We couldn’t wait to get these puddings again. Ever since my experience with the Butterscotch Pudding at the Waldorf Astoria Orlando’s La Luce, I’ve been careful to never underestimate a pudding for dessert. And these are pretty great as well. Trio of Puddings The rich chocolate pudding is a solid offering, but it’s accompanied by a butterscotch that tastes like it has a hint of Irish cream combined with — no joke — a bit of cookie dough. It is THAT flavorful. And the fruity blackberry more closely resembles a sorbet with its bright flavor. Now, in looking over the dessert menu, I did have to ask… why is the “curd” in the Lemon “Curd” Meringue Pie listed in quotation marks on the menu? Well, because it’s really not a curd at all. Lemon “Curd” Meringue Pie This little “pie” (the quotation marks here are mine), is nearly a replica of the desserts at Satu’li Canteen in Animal Kingdom. Only, Satu’li does them better. The lemon flavor is definitely present in this dish, but the texture is closer to a cheesecake than a custard. It’t not bad; it would just honestly be better to have a nice bowl of lemon curd and whipped cream, and once I read it on the menu, that’s what I wanted. Plus, this thing is teeny. Just look at it on the plate. Inside the Lemon “curd” And the pickled blueberries? Just NO. Blueberries are not meant to be pickled. IMHO. But, just like with the Main Plates, we’re going right back up with our final dessert option: the Apple Tart. Apple Tart There are two highlights with this dish: first, the thick, buttery round of crust that makes the tart. And second, the surprisingly tasty little scoop of Apple Cider Sorbet. It’s just really enjoyable. Now, it’s definitely too small for the price, so you’ll have to tackle that issue on your own. So, that wraps up our second visit to Ale & Compass Restaurant in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. Nosh or Not? You’ll want to visit Ale & Compass if: You are a guest at the Yacht or Beach Club (or nearby BoardWalk Inn) and are looking for a nice, relaxing Table Service meal without traveling too far. You’ve got both seafood fans and landlubbers in your group and want to please both…without traveling too far. You’re in the market for a decent steak but don’t care to dine in a Signature Restaurant to get one. And you don’t want to travel too far. (Basically, there are better restaurants for all of these things; but if you happen to be IN the Yacht Club, this spot is serviceable.) You might want to pass on Ale & Compass if: You (or your kiddos) prefer immersive theming or a really lively atmosphere when you’re dining in Disney. The Yacht Club is simply too far out of your way in regards to your Disney World vacation plans. You’re not currently IN the Yacht Club. Overall As home to one of the Disney World Convention Centers, the Yacht Club found the need to step up their game with regards to offerings geared towards those convention guests, relying less on whimsical theming, and more on refined dining options that serve their purpose. But the nice thing is, the new Ale & Compass spots serve their purposes well, and also provide some terrific options for any guest, no matter what the purpose of their visit. I wouldn’t go so far as to call Ale & Compass “destination dining,” but it’s not intended to be. What it IS is a good, solid option for guests at the Yacht Club (or in the direct vicinity of the Beach Club or the BoardWalk Inn), and and there’s enough that’s decent on the menu to allow the spot to hold its own in this respect. So basically — in a nutshell — eat here if it’s convenient, but otherwise, there are likely better restaurants to suit your purposes. Did you know that Ale & Compass Restaurant is just one of several new Disney World restaurants? Check out what’s new and coming soon in our DFB YouTube video below! Have you visited any of the Ale & Compass locations? Please let us know about your experience 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: Disney World Yacht Club Resort Ale & Compass Restaurant and Ale & Compass Lounge Opening in October NEW!!! The New Ale & Compass Restaurant in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Sneak Peek INSIDE The NEW Ale & Compass Lounge and Restaurant in Disney’s Yacht Club — PLUS A New Opening Date! View the full article

A former Epcot restaurant is getting a makeover that will cement its role as a flexible-use space for the Walt Disney World theme park. Odyssey, the angular building sandwiched between the park’s Mexico pavilion and Test Track attraction, will have a wide array of ever-changing purposes as Epcot... View the full article

While I know many of you are still trying to thaw out after a particularly cold winter, here at Walt Disney World Resort, spring has arrived! If you plan to join us down here in the land of flip-flops and sunshine, Disney PhotoPass Service is offering you many ways to welcome the beautiful weather with colorful photo opportunities during the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! Let’s start with the most obvious: Add some flowers to your photos! PhotoPass photographers are positively blossoming with ideas of how to incorporate the vibrant gardens and topiaries found all over Epcot into your photos. My favorite garden is at the United Kingdom Pavilion. This charming English Tea Garden Presented by Twinings of London® features plants creatively displayed in tea cups and saucers! Which reminds me, while exploring this garden, you might just spot Alice nearby accompanied by a PhotoPass photographer. Curiouser and curiouser? Check the My Disney Experience mobile app to find out when she’ll be available to meet you. Ok, ok, I know what many of you came here for: Magic Shots! Does a trip to Florida have you thinking orange thoughts? You’ll find the cheerful fellow Orange Bird enjoying the sunshine at most PhotoPass locations in Epcot through May 28. You can also transform your pictures with a butterfly or fairy wings Magic Shot, available from most photographers at Epcot, or a Magic Shot featuring the honey bee Spike at most locations in World Showcase. Be sure to ask a photographer for any of these enthrall-wing (sorry, I couldn’t help myself) Magic Shots! And as sure as perennials returning in the spring, if there’s a festival, PhotoPass will have a prop you can use in your photos. You’ll find this one near the Fountain of Nations. You can count on Disney PhotoPass Service to capture your special vacation moments at Epcot and all across Walt Disney World Resort. And with Memory Maker, you’ll get digital downloads of them all for one price! Purchase one day of PhotoPass photos for $69 (available during or after your vacation in the My Disney Experience mobile app). Or, get all of your vacation photos for $169 when purchased online three or more days in advance of your arrival.* So leave behind your thick coats and pack your sunniest smile: It’s all here waiting for you at Epcot! *Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. View the full article

Experiencing the thrill of Mission: SPACE at Epcot is a must-do for many guests visiting the park. The attraction allows guests to step into the shoes of an astronaut for NASA-style training on a thrilling ride. But how well do you know this Future World attraction? Put your knowledge to the test below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-200739 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Mission: SPACE at Epcot What planet do you travel to as part of the Orange Mission? Mars Pluto Saturn What's the name of the vehicle you board for your mission? P-7 Cosmos Shuttle D-3 Galaxy Explorer Shuttle X-2 Deep Space Shuttle Which is NOT a role you can assume on Mission: SPACE? Navigator Captain Commander What is your mission if you choose the Green Mission? Orbit Around Earth Slingshot Around the Moon Venture to Venus Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="200739" data-site-url="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. View the full article

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival has returned – now through April 12! In addition to California-inspired tastes and sips live music and entertainment, guests will find new merchandise collections for cooking and wine enthusiasts—California style! The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival merchandise assortment features Chef Mickey with artwork colors inspired by the vineyard. Apparel features textured fabrics, interesting back details on the ladies’ fashion tee, and a zip hoodie perfect for cooler California weather. Home entertaining products include glassware, coasters, an apron and pot holders. A specially designed bottle opener, created for the event, features a hidden magnet which catches bottle caps. Annual Passholders will find items with unique art designs and new silhouettes. For the first time, we are offering a 20-ounce aluminum Tervis tumbler for Annual Passholders. The art has a raised texture that adds dimension to the character design and features a beautiful ground color. There are two collectible Disney pins, including a limited edition pin for Annual Passholders and a limited release pin logo pin. You can find these items at the following Disney California Adventure park merchandise locations: Studio Store, Art Pergola near Studio Store, and Paradise Carts near Seaside Souvenirs. View the full article

Two weekends ago, Disney Parks Moms Panelist Lori L. ran in the Disney Princess Half Marathon. She is not new to this as she has run seven Princess Half Marathons. She has traveled with other panelists, best friends and other female family members. However, what was different about this weekend from previous race weekends was the traveling companions she brought with her…four teenage boys! That’s right, Lori and her sister-in-law decided it would be fun to bring their sons along for a mom and son race weekend. Sure, they had their doubts if this was the right weekend for this trip, but when all was said and done, the party of six made lifetime memories they will all treasure. Here is what the weekend looked like from Lori’s perspective. “For background, the boys are 17, 16, 14 and 13. Two sets of brothers that are first cousins. They’ve been to Walt Disney World a few times together, but this was the first where they could make their own schedule and go out on their own. I love that I feel comfortable enough at Walt Disney World for them to be able to have that freedom,” she exclaimed. “We stayed in a two-bedroom villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, which was perfect for them to use the living room, kitchen and second bedroom. My sister-in-law and I used the king room/bath. First perk, they were able to come and go without bothering our sleep that we needed for the race. Second, the boys loved the room they had to play their Xbox and card games. And lastly the most important feature to our resort? The kitchen! Remember we are talking about teenage boys! Also, our villa was in Congress Park, which is only short walk into Disney Springs. So, perfect location!” “We arrived late Friday evening and while we headed off to bed, the boys made the short walk over to Splitsville Luxury Lanes where they bowled until 2 AM,” Lori explained. “Upon their arrival home, they then played games in their room pretty much all night!” Lori said Saturday the foursome ventured off to Magic Kingdom Park to eat and burn up their FastPasses+ while the moms headed over to the race expo. The boys were able to use Walt Disney World transportation to get themselves back to the resort where they enjoyed a quick afternoon nap. For dinner, they all loaded up and enjoyed an incredible dinner at ‘Ohana. “Our server commented that the we might just hold the record for the most noodles eaten by a party our size,” laughed Lori! Soon it was time for the runners to go to bed, but the boys were just getting started. They enjoyed seeing a movie at AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres, more bowling at Splitsville, of course more food and then a walk back to Saratoga Springs. Yes, they arrived back around 2 AM, about 20 minutes before the moms had to get ready for their big race! Sunday, as you might expect, the boys slept late, waking only when the moms arrived back from the half marathon. “Once the boys were up we all enjoyed breakfast at Artist Point. When we were done, we (the runners) napped and the boys headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Once they were done there, they made a quick park hop over to Epcot where they ended the weekend shopping at their favorite store, Mitsukoshi Kiosk.” Lori said the weekend was definitely one she will never forget, and neither will her boys. They are already asking when is the next race weekend! For more tips on planning your mom and son weekend, or to ask questions about planning your next Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

Last week, we announced our 2019 summer itineraries, including our return to Europe. We’ll be visiting seven new ports throughout Europe, which I’ll share more about soon, but today I want to showcase three ports in Norway we’ll be returning to in 2019. These destinations are in addition to Kristiansand, Stavanger, Alesund and Oslo, the Norwegian ports I featured recently. Geiranger This storybook village is located at the end of Geirangerfjord, and traveling through the fjord to get there is sure to be a favorite part of your cruise. The setting is a nature lover’s paradise with lush farms, snow-capped mountains and cascading waterfalls. Go kayaking, hiking or mountain biking for adventure, walk to the edge of Flydalsjuvet for spectacular views or dine at a charming café for traditional Norwegian fare. Olden Olden sits on the southern edge of Nordfjorden, a 66-mile-long fjord. This peaceful village, home to only about 500 residents, is an idyllic place to relax and enjoy the surrounding mountains, glaciers and lush farmland. Visit Briksdal Glacier, the largest glacier on the European mainland, or enjoy a photo opp from Nos Viewpoint, 1,640 feet above the fjord. For adventure, go fishing, sailing or wild-water rafting. Bergen The enchanting city of Bergen is rich in art, medieval history and natural beauty. Nestled between seven mountains on the western coast of Norway, it’s considered the gateway to the fjords with fishing, boating and hiking popular for adventurers. In town, stroll along cobblestone streets lined with colored wooden houses, art galleries and Hanseatic relics. To see some of the other destinations we visit in Europe, check out my past posts: Cruising Europe with Disney: Adventures in Italy Cruising Europe with Disney: Adventures in France Cruising Europe with Disney: Adventures in Spain Cruising Europe with Disney: Adventures in Norway View the full article

We love the epically-themed world that is Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park. From the street lights to the vistas of Radiator Springs to the neon, it’s totally immersive and totally fun. Flo’s V-8 Cafe Neon in Disney California Adventure Flo’s V-8 Cafe is straight out of the film franchise, and it’s proven to be a great location for eats since the park opened in 2012. We’ve loved dinner here, which includes yummy grub like Roast Beef and Cheddar and a Veggie Tater Bake! But honestly, even if the food was mediocre (or worse!), we’d still come for the ambiance. Check out the details! First there’s the spot-on exterior with retro styling. Outside View Inside, the retro, auto feels continue! Car seat booths abound, with gorgeous upholstery. And there are three main sections of Flo’s — the tribute to the Motorama Girls (Flo’s old band)… Mural and Vintage Carseat Booths The metal chairs and checkerboard floors of Doc’s Car Hospital… Long View of Additional Seating …and finally the tribute museum to Doc himself and his racing career. Indoor Seating in Doc tribute room The ordering area has lots of neon and metal — with lighted display cases providing a serious throw-back to decades past. Ordering Area Patio seating is gas pump-adjacent when available on warmer days. Motor Oil and Gas Pumps on the Patio The breakfast menu here hasn’t changed much since our Disneyland correspondent Heather (@DiningInDisney) stopped in for a bite nearly six years ago. And that’s a good thing because it’s a simple but well-done menu. I had to dig once again into one of the more unique items: Brioche French Toast. Brioche French Toast This sweet breakfast is topped with Salted Caramel Banana Sauce and is baked into dense, carbohydrate-happy pieces… kind of a bread pudding/monkey bread kind of feel to this one. The bread itself was tasty and packed with cinnamon, while the topping was seriously dessert-like. Definitely not too dry! Salted Caramel Bananas For a more traditional option, order the American Breakfast. This plate of satisfying food is comprised of Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Breakfast Potatoes, and a Biscuit. The potatoes are really good,with tons of peppers and onion mixed in and tiny little potato cubes. The biscuit was a little meh, but overall, it was delicious and comforting. American Breakfast at Flo’s V-8 Cafe The kids’ menu offers three options, including this: Waffles. Mater Waffles, people! These are served with Turkey Bacon and Fresh Fruit. T Mater Waffles We love the thoughtful option of turkey bacon, and who can resist the charms of Radiator Springs’ resident tow truck? A surefire hit for the kiddos! Note that they also have Lightning McQueen waffles here, we just weren’t served any on this particular morning. McQueen waffle Oh, and FYI — my super picky kiddo (who regularly doesn’t eat…well…anything that isn’t french fries) totally went for these. So, there’s hope for your kid, too! Flo’s still killin’ it, travelers! This is the perfect place to fuel up before or after hitting the streets for some of Cars Lands’ awesome rides. Ka-chow! What’s your go-to breakfast when visiting Disneyland or California Adventure? Let us know 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: Review: Dinner at Flo’s V-8 Café in Disney California Adventure’s Cars Land Guest Review: Breakfast and Lunch at Flo’s V-8 Cafe in Disney California Adventure Sneak Peek! Cars Land Food in Disney California Adventure! View the full article

If you watched the Oscars awards ceremony last night on ABC, you may have seen our new, three-part commercial series that allowed viewers to #FollowTheBall and trace the Pixar Ball’s journey across the United States to Toy Story Land here at the Walt Disney World Resort. Check out the first of these spots above. As a reminder, Toy Story Land will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018. To join in on the conversation on Twitter, let us know what you’re excited to do or see in this new land with the hashtag #ToyStoryLand. For more about Toy Story Land, visit the posts below: Toy Story Land to Open at Walt Disney World Resort June 30 5 Things We Know About Toy Story Land So Far Jessie & Rex Arrive in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios All in the Details: First Look at Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land Toy Story Land Model & More Now on Display at Walt Disney Presents All in the Details: Slinky Dog Dash Track Completed in Toy Story Land View the full article

Hope your week is off to a great start! We’re back with another DFB Video, and we’re sharing 9 Rookie Mistakes to avoid in Disney World! Cinderella Castle If you’re planning your first Disney World vacation, we think we’ve got some tips that will help you save some time and money to make the most of your trip. We’ve also included some ideas that you may not consider when making your vacation plans. But even if you’ve planned many a Disney World vacation, we’d love it if you would check out this video, too, then chime in with your top tip for Disney World vacation planning! 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’s something you wish you had known before your first Disney World vacation? 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: What I Wish I’d Known BEFORE I Went to Disney World DFB Video: Disney World vs Disneyland — Which One Is Best for YOU? New Video: BIG Disney World Dining Mistakes (We Don’t Want You to Make!) View the full article

It’s a lovely morning at Disneyland Paris! This week’s “good morning” shot was snapped of the Disneyland Hotel at the resort. This Victorian-style hotel offers close access to Disneyland Park (Paris), as well as a host of amenities that include Inventions character buffet, California Grill restaurant – and as you can see, a smiling Mickey Mouse-inspired garden. Have you stayed at this charming hotel? What was your favorite part? Tell us in the comments section below. View the full article

In our Disney Doodles series, our Disney artists take turns imaging what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit Walt Disney World Resort. Inspired by the scene in the film in which Eric takes Ariel on a tour of his village in his carriage, Ashley imagined what vehicle they may seek out at the park for some fun. “I love when Eric takes Ariel for a tour around the kingdom in his carriage!” she said. “It’s easy to imagine Prince Eric and Ariel having a romantic dinner in own of the cars at the Sci-fi Dine-In Theater at Hollywood Studios!” View the full article

While celebrating the best of film from the past year, the Oscars also gave a sneak peek at the upcoming " Mary Poppins Returns" during a commercial break Sunday night. In the clip, a storm blows through the streets, catching a kite and sucking it up into the skies. Lin-Manuel Miranda's Jack, a... View the full article

Toy Story Land – Opening this Summer at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article