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Hi, there! Or perhaps I should say “Aloha!” Because we’re back with another DFB Video, and today we’re taking you on a Food Tour of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort! Say Aloha to Mickey and Friends at ‘Ohana for Breakfast Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a beautiful Deluxe Resort located right on the Magic Kingdom’s Monorail Loop. And it is positively packed with some terrific restaurants, snacks, and lounges the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere in Disney World. We’re going to show ALL of them to you as we take a Food Tour of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort 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: Where is your favorite place to eat at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort? Related posts: DFB Video: Top 5 Disney World Resorts for FOOD! DFB Video: How to Master the Disney Dining Plan DFB Video: Disney World Food Tour of EVERY Restaurant in Fantasyland! View the full article

Need to help your keiki get ready to start an epic adventure, celebrate a milestone, or swim off on their own island journey at the Waikolohe pool? Come visit the newly designed Painted Sky: HI Style Studio, at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, for a magical makeover! Starting today boys and girls ages 3-12 can choose from a variety of packages, which include hairstyling, makeup, costumes and accessories – all infused with hints of Hawaii and a playful sense of Disney fun. Your keiki can transform into a mermaid, or dress for an adventure across Oʻahu, or even style in the fashion of their favorite wayfinding adventurer Moana of Montunui, who happens to drop by just outside the studio from time to time to say hello. There’s even a touch of Māui here, too, as the winding river rock floor path forms the shape of a hook! Painted Sky: HI Style Studio is located in the Waiʻanae Tower, just outside of Laniwai Spa. This relaxed-yet-sophisticated luxurious new studio embraces the Hawaiian connection to nature and explores the cultural significance of the rainbows that so frequently grace the Hawaiian skyline. There is even a rainbow inside the studio through a special touch of magic! Rainbows are seen as a blessing from the heavens, and now Painted Sky has its own good-omen constantly gracing the studio. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by visiting disneyaulani.com or calling (808) 674-6300. Listen closely as you enter the studio and you may hear the lovely sound of an ‘ukulele strumming a familiar tune. You may even find yourself humming along—something about a line where the sky meets the sea, maybe? View the full article

A brand new dining experience has just made its debut at Pizzafari! Learn About: Pizzafari Animal Kingdom Disney World Restaurants Plzzafari is a Counter Service restaurant in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Located on Discovery Island, this spot is best known for its unique and colorful atmosphere, as well as its primary food item as highlighted in the name: PIZZA. It’s always operated the same way you’d expect at any Counter Service location: place your order and pay at the register; pick up your food at a counter; then bring it all to whatever table you manage to find, depending on how busy it is in the moment. But now — from 5:00 – 8:00 PM daily — a new service style is available. Though daytime will continue to offer the typical Counter Service experience, the evenings now ALSO present Pizzafari Family-Style Dining! Let’s see how this works… Pizzafari Sign Atmosphere Now, if you’ve ever paid a visit to Pizzafari, things will look quite similar at first. In fact, the typical counter service operations also still take place in the evening, so guests seeking the regular meals here still have that option. Pizzafari Menu Posted Outside Outside, you’ll may notice the small update to the posted menu informing about the new Family-Style Dining available in the evenings. Pizzafari Menu Posted Outside Though not necessarily required (based on availability), guests can make Advance Dining Reservations for Family-Style Dining. Upon arrival at Pizzafari, guests opting for Family-Style will check in at a marked podium located in the corner of the ordering area. Check-in Podium There, guests are provided with a Table Number. Table Number Next, it’s over to the designated cashier (on the far left of the ordering area) to place your drink order and pay for your meal. Family-Style Dining Cashier Similar to regular Counter Service, you head to the food counter to pick up your own first course and drinks. Picking up Salads and Drink Then it’s off to find the table, where you’ll be seated in one of two dining rooms which have been specifically designated for this experience! We were seated in the Nocturnal Room. Nocturnal Room However, when there are more guests taking part, the Take Your Home Room will also be used for Family-Style Dining. Take Your Home Room In fact, one really cool part of the evening was a visit from a Cast Member who spoke to us all and shared about the room and the artwork! (Did you know the artist who painted these gorgeous rooms worked on Peter Pan and The Jungle Book?) Pizzafari Cast Member It’s hard to resist the chance to check things out no matter where you’re seated, because the painted murals surrounding you throughout the restaurant really do deserve a good look. See more of the artwork here! Before the Cast Member’s visit, though, we took our seats at our table. Each one is set with rolled silverware and plates. Table Setting Table Setting You can grab items according to your preference from the condiment station, as per usual. Condiment Station Grated Parmesan, Crushed Red Pepper, and Salt and Pepper Once you’re all set up, the second course is delivered to you via a cart, as the third is later. Delivery Cart But I’m getting ahead of myself… because I bet you’d like to know what’s coming on those carts, so let’s dig in! Eats For the set price of $19.99 for adults and $11.99 for guests ages 3-9 (or one Quick Service credit on the Disney Dining Plan), guests receive every food item listed on the menu. Pizzafari Family-Style Dining Menu Notice I said “food” . Though non-alcoholic beverages ARE included, beer and wine are an additional purchase. (The exception: of-age guests on the Disney Dining Plan are able to receive an alcoholic beverage with their meal if they wish, since those are now included on the Plan.) Beverage Menu As for the food, though, it starts with the two appetizers picked up at the food counter: a Caprese Salad and a Caesar Salad. Caprese Salad Caesar Salad The Caesar Salad is pretty much as expected: romaine, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing (but not too much of it, which I’ve always appreciated here with the side Caesar salads on the regular menu). Fresh and just fine, but nothing remarkable. Caesar Salad The Caprese Salad, though… Caprese Salad What a nice change of pace! The fresh tomatoes and rich mozzarella drizzled with balsamic is simple, but delicious. It’s all pre-cut, which also makes table sharing easier for families. Guests receive not one, but all three entrees! These include a Baked Ziti pasta, with a meat sauce that makes this dish especially hearty. Baked Ziti Though we knew the menu would feature a chicken dish, we now know that it’s Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken! Fettuccine Alfredo ANOTHER rich, decadent entree, in some part due to the protein from the chicken. Fettuccine Alfredo Personally, I could have happily had some more alfredo sauce on those noodles… because is there ever such a thing as too much alfredo sauce? Nope. Still, it’s another pretty solid offering. By this time, things were stacking up pretty well for the new experience. But if you’re like me, you are probably most curious about the Pepperoni Pizza. Would the star entree be any different from the less-than-spectacular pizza typically served not only at Pizzafari, but at Counter Service pizza locations all across the parks? Pizza In a word… YES!! Pizza The cheese? Plentiful. The toppings? They cover almost the entire pie, unlike the usual Disney counter service pizza where it’s almost half crust. My pepperoni was even somewhat crisp! Pizza Slice Will it rival your favorite New York slice? No, of course not. But, truly, I was surprised to find that it was definitely an improvement over the usual Counter Service deal. And, if you still have room (which, thankfully, we always do!)… Miniature Cannolis are the final component of the meal. Miniature Cannolis These weren’t filled with the most decadent mascarpone cream ever, but the crispy, golden shells were totally on point. Mini Cannolis Plus, they’re simply fun! I love that each member of the family gets their own cannoli (or two…). Which brings me to my next point: I noticed families of four receiving bigger pizzas, and larger pasta portions, too. So, know that the serving sizes are provided with the size of the party in mind. Case in point: a nearby family of five (2 adults, 3 children) noted that they only thing they wish they had more of was the pizza. Otherwise, they were satisfied. Complete Meal Speaking of… let’s say you want more of a particular item. You can pay one price for more of that item for your group (as opposed to being charged per person — you’re charged per item). The price depends on the item (for instance, an additional family-size pizza would be $12.00 extra). More pasta? You’re looking at $8.00. And that’s how Family-Style Dining at Pizzafari works! So… what did we think of this new experience? Nosh or Not: You may want to try Pizzafari Family-Style Dining if: You want to totally maximize your Counter Service credit from a financial perspective, since the $19.99 price tag will definitely do that for you. You kind of love the idea of not taking individual orders for your family for a Counter Service meal — it’s all decided for you and the kiddos! You enjoy the unique setting of Pizzafari, but haven’t been intrigued by the offerings in the past and want to try something new. You may want to pass on Pizzafari Family-Style Dining if: If you’re paying out-of-pocket, you’d rather put $20.00 towards a meal at a Table Service restaurant. You aren’t interested in being tied to an Advance Dining Reservation time for a Counter Service meal. Overall You know… I am pleasantly surprised by Pizzafari Family-Style Dining. The food is taken up a notch or two from the regular service, and small touches like the visit from the Cast Member and table settings offer nice touches to the experience. If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, it’s similar to breakfast at Be Our Guest Restaurant in that — if the menu appeals to you — it’s almost a no-brainer in terms of maximizing your Quick Service credit. For those paying out-of-pocket, there is more to consider. But many Counter Service entrees alone can range around $11-12 (and in some cases closer to $14), and that doesn’t include a beverage, dessert, salads, etc… so, that’s something to think about, too. I’ve long enjoyed the atmosphere of Pizzafari and have wanted to spend more time immersed in the colorful, unique ambience. But the regular Counter Service offerings just weren’t enough to lure me in too often. So I’m glad to say that this was a positive experience in regards to both setting and food. Disney did not indicate whether Family-Style Dine would be a permanent addition to Pizzafari, so we’ll be curious to see what happens from here. (At time of publishing, reservations only come up through the end of October.) In the meantime, if you give Pizzafari Family-Style Dine a try, please let us know what you think! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! Pizzafari is located in Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Island. Take a full Food Tour of the area in our DFB YouTube Video! Would you like to try Pizzafari Family-Style Dining? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Review: New Menu Items at Animal Kingdom’s Pizzafari! What’s New at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom: April 3, 2018 Party for the Planet Eats And More for Animal Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary Celebration View the full article

We all know that vacationing with toddlers can be un poquito aterrador. And I’m sure you’ve heard that there’s no perfect age to visit Walt Disney World Resort, y es cierto! At Disney theme parks there’s something for every age, and we’re going to help you plan that perfect trip with these quick tips to make your vacation inolvidable. 1. Plan Ahead ¡Rutina, rutina, rutina! If you have a pequeñito at home, you know that having a schedule is one of the most helpful tools. My Disney Experience App on your smart phone is a great tool to make the most out of your trip while keeping your toddler feliz and on schedule. The app will help keep the locations of those important places handy. Need to run to a restroom? Done! Check attraction wait times, show times, and the closest eateries for those last minute snacks. 2. Create a Wish List A list of your toddlers’ favorite characters, rides, or activities is a great way to make the most out of your visit. Select activities that are at the same location or close to each other to avoid long walks. 3. Family Time Traveling with toddlers means everyone will enjoy shows and attractions where the adult may feel a bit too tall, pero no importa! Select those attractions where toda la familia can hop on, like Mad Tea Party, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Magic Kingdom, and of course, Alien Swirling Saucers at the newly opened Toy Story Land! 4. Cool Down While outdoors activities are always an excellent recommendation, a fun indoor attraction can help you and your toddler stay cool while todos se divierten. Disney Junior – Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has all the dancing and singing your toddler needs. The classic and colorful “it’s a small world” attraction at Magic Kingdom would have your toddler singing por muchos días! The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot is an ideal combination of exhibits and rides perfect for that edad pre-escolar. 5. Nap Time? Nothing better than enjoying a nap after a busy day of playing in the sun, verdad? Not all toddlers will agree with that, but after splashing and running around at the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station at Magic Kingdom, that nap would be welcomed! Ketchakiddee Creek at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is another must-visit attraction to enjoy with 10 different aquatic activities perfectas para tus pequeñitos! Don’t forget to share your most helpful tips to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort with your toddlers in the comments below y a divertirse! View the full article

Walt Disney World doesn’t offer a behind-the-scenes tour of Epcot cranes … yet (my working title: The Wonderful World of Rebuilding Epcot Experience). But it may not be needed because we can all see bits of the construction of the future from many positions within the theme park already. I spy... View the full article

Disney put its service to the test over the weekend, rolling out a three-course prix-fixe dinner menu at Be Our Guest Restaurant that has replaced the previous a la carte menu. There will be no more references to the song in this mini-review, promise. The popular French restaurant themed after... View the full article

All aboard, Disney Parks Blog readers! In honor of Disneyland celebrating 63 years earlier this month, we will be departing on a grand circle tour to explore the Disneyland Railroad. As an opening day attraction and one of Walt Disney’s personal favorites, this iconic experience is full of rich historical details and beautiful sights. Let’s take a closer look! As guests first enter Disneyland park for the day, their first sight is the elegant, Victorian-style Main Street Station. The station is framed with a centered sign including both the elevation of 138 feet above sea level and the population of Disneyland, which is updated periodically to reflect the number of guests who have visited the park since it opened in 1955. Also, in front of the station is the Kalamazoo handcar, which sits on the former passing track. A fixture in the park since 1958, the handcar was a unique addition to Walt’s collection! Stepping into Main Street Station, guests are treated to period details, railroad memorabilia and photos demonstrating Walt’s love of railroads. In the center of the depot, you can view a reproduction of Walt’s original Carolwood Pacific locomotive, the Lilly Belle. The original 1/8-scale “live steamer” was named for his wife, Lillian Disney, and was the main engine for the half-mile track around his family’s home in Holmby Hills. When boarding your train, be sure to keep an eye out for which engine will be taking you on your journey. Each of the five steam engines on this historic line has its own personality and story—some which date back to 1895! My personal favorite is Engine No. 5 – the Ward Kimball. This train is unique in that it was named not only for a railroad icon, but also for an icon of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Legend Ward Kimball was an animator, one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” and a railroad enthusiast, whose passion for the hobby helped inspire Walt’s own love of trains and railroading. If you look hard, you may see the silhouette of a familiar cricket painted somewhere near the front of the engine, displayed in homage to one of his most beloved characters! After leaving Main Street Station, the first stop on the Disneyland Railroad is New Orleans Square/Frontierland Station. The station features a number of buildings, including a functional water tower and a loading platform. Across the tracks from the loading station is the original Frontierland depot that existed before New Orleans Square was built. The inspiration for the original Frontierland station was the wooden depot featured in the 1949 Disney live action film, “So Dear To My Heart.” Walt Disney initially wanted to re-use the actual set piece that had been built for the film, but when he learned that his friend and fellow animator Ward Kimball had already modified it into a fully functioning building for his personal Grizzly Flats Railroad—thus making it difficult to move—Walt asked his designers to build a new one just like it. Continuing along the Rivers of America, guests can take in the landscapes inspired by four of America’s majestic rivers—the Mississippi, the Columbia, the Missouri and the Rio Grande. The trains travel across the rocks on a trestle that extends out over the water, passing waterfalls, wildlife and some familiar sights of the old west. If you keep an eye out, you may even be able to see some familiar logos from a ranch that once was located around these parts. If you’ve ever thought Mickey’s Toontown Train Depot looks familiar, there’s a reason! The station is a cartoon version inspired by the original Frontierland Station. It has the same basic design with a similar roof style and a small fenced-in section for luggage and other freight. The luggage area is especially fun and colorful with humorous suitcases and crates, including one suitcase with a sock hanging out of the top and another with dog bones popping out of the sides. Before returning to Main Street Station, the Disneyland Railroad makes one more stop in Tomorrowland to drop off guests in the future before heading back into the past! As you pass through the 306-foot-long Grand Canyon Diorama, be sure to keep an eye out for landscaping, ancient ruins and various examples of indigenous wildlife. As the trains move past the Grand Canyon Diorama, they make their way to another diorama, this one taking guests to the mysterious Primeval World. The Primeval World Diorama and Audio-Animatronics dinosaurs were originally designed and built by Disney for the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair and were added in 1966 to enhance the Disneyland Railroad experience. Hope you enjoyed riding the rails with us today! To take a look closer at other Disneyland Resort experiences, check out these stories: Look Closer: Grizzly River Run at Disney California Adventure Park Look Closer: Lamplight Lounge in Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park Look Closer: Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland Park Look Closer: Indiana Jones Adventure at Disneyland Park Look Closer: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Park Look Closer: Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure Park View the full article

BREAKING!! The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival FULL Booth Menus are now available! Click here to see the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Menus and Start Planning! While we anxiously await August 30th — the first day of the Food and Wine Festival — let’s take some time right now to check out some brand new Food Booths and items for 2018! Be sure to click on our individual pages from our Main Menu Page for each booth to see food photos of most of the dishes! New! 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booths and Menu Items Once again this year, the Food Booths expand into Future World and even the Festival Center in addition to, of course, World Showcase. Enjoy more than 30 different booths in all! NEW In 2018: Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar and More The new Shimmering Sips Mimosa Bar will feature of variety of Mimosas with options such as a Key Lime Mimosa, a Tropical Mimosa, a Blood Orange Mimosa, and more! Mimosa Flight ©Disney But there won’t simply be sipping at Shimmering Sips… an array of pastries such as Chocolate and Almond Croissants and Cheese Danish will be available, too, to enjoy with your mimosa of choice! Interestingly, this booth will also have a “Frozen Apple Pie,” which reminds us of the slushy of the same name at the Poland Booth a couple of years ago! Frozen Apple Pie This time it will be non-alcoholic, though! The kiddos will love it! Also new this year, they’re turning Taste Track into a booth (find some yummy specialty cronuts here!), and the Craft Beers booth seems to have turned into Craft Drafts this year! Returning Booths — With Some Surprises! Of course, there are several returning favorites we can never resist. Be sure to arrive early before the lines get to long at the Canada booth and the Ireland booth, which is sure to have even LONGER lines this year thanks to the NEW Guinness Baileys Shake on the menu!! 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Ireland Booth Of course, the fan favorite Kalua Pork Slider returns to the Hawai’i booth for the 2018 Festival. The Kalua Pork Slider from the Hawai’i Booth is a Favorite Want to see if your favorite booth or dish are returning this year? Head over to our 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth Menus and Photos page to see the full booth menus! We hope you’ll take time to click through each individual booth page to see pictures of the actual booths themselves, what’s on the menu, and actual food photos from the upcoming event! Also, don’t forget to check out our other 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Coverage; we work hard to make sure we have the most comprehensive coverage of the festival on the internet! Ready to Plan for Your 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? Pre-Order the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today and start planning now! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Pre-Order your 2018 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Be sure to check our main Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page frequently for updates, and also check out our DFB YouTube video for even more information about the festival! Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! Here’s what we know so far… 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2018 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2018 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Because Chase is no longer a Festival Sponsor, Chase Disney Visa Cardholders have no access to early booking this year. Which booths are you excited to try out during the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Tell us your thoughts in comments below! Related posts: New Milkshake May Debut at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in Disney World 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Announced Festival Center Updates for the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

Checking in to the Hollywood Tower Hotel? If you’re looking for a special keepsake to mark your… memorable stay, our spirited friends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are now offering an 8-inch by 10-inch lenticular print showing you entering the Twilight Zone! If you’re hesitant about discovering what lies beyond the darkest corner of the imagination alone, you can have other souls join you in this photo. This product is only available at Tower Photo near the exit of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, so drop by today to purchase yours for $19.95 + tax. The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc. Photos taken as part of this experience are not captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers and cannot be linked to a Disney PhotoPass account or downloaded as part of an active Memory Maker entitlement. View the full article

Start making your foodie plan of attack by perusing the newly released menus for this year’s Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. The event will be held from Aug. 30-Nov. 12. Park admission is required. This year’s festival doesn’t have as many new marketplaces as last year: the Shimmering... View the full article

I'll be upset if this makes its way to DVC

Walt Disney World appears to be making a pilot program to allow dogs in some of its hotels a permanent offering, a Disney blogger is reporting. The policy will become permanent in October at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and... View the full article

Hopefully you’ve had a chance to check out the “incredible” new float in “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure park. The Parr family and their pal Frozone appear in this electrifying parade, bringing all of the fun and excitement of “The Incredibles” to life with high-tech, pop-art effects. While this innovative float was being built, we had a chance to document it along the way. The video below shows the progression of the float over several months, along with some super fun facts. Here are a few more incredibly impressive fun facts: The “art wall” around the rear base of the float uses 134 fixtures, all exactly nine inches apart to create the “sine wave” curve effect. 123 individual LED Panels make up the 13 buildings; only 2 of these are exactly the same size and shape. The penthouse floor of of one of the buildings has 112 individual windows, each with its own miniature LED light source. Nearly 200 individually programmable lights are embedded in the buildings, The Underminer’s drill and Frozone’s ice trail. View the full article

The votes have been tallied! We’re thrilled to share that Cruise Critic members have recognized Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay, as the “Best Cruise Line Private Island” for its 2018 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards, making this the third year in a row! But that’s not all! Castaway Cay was also voted the Top Rated Overall island in all of the Caribbean. What makes Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards so exciting is that the awards are given based exclusively on consumer ratings and reviews posted to the Cruise Critic website over the past year. One Cruise Critic member said: “They have done such a nice job of making the island a special place for everyone. It was our first time over at the adult-only beach, and that was even more awesome.” Castaway Cay is a tropical island paradise exclusively reserved for Disney Cruise Line guests. With activities for everyone in the family, from animal encounters and snorkeling, to bike rentals and private cabanas, your family will have countless ways to create amazing vacation memories. Luckily, the year-round Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, all include a full day at Castaway Cay! For more information about Castaway Cay, click here! View the full article

Sometimes it’s hard to tell with Florida’s heat breathing down our collective necks, but the start of school is coming and summer is starting to wind up. So, too, are some theme-park activities that were especially designed for this peak period. Here’s a list of the last calls for several events... View the full article

Sometimes it’s hard to tell with Florida’s heat breathing down our collective necks, but the start of school is coming and summer is starting to wind up. So, too, are some theme-park activities that were especially designed for this peak period. Here’s a list of the last calls for several events... View the full article

Celebrate National Dance Day With Disney Performing Arts View the full article

As Remy in Pixar’s “Ratatouille” muses, “Good food is like music you can taste.” And with the return of Rendez-Vous Gourmand at Disneyland Paris, everyone’s taste buds are sure to sing with the flavors of new sweet and savory treats, now through September 30. Guests can stroll down Rue de Paris to Place de Rémy in Walt Disney Studios Park for a chance to try mouthwatering options from six chalets representing French regions from Alsace to Savoy and Brittany to Provence. In addition to the rich French flavors, this year’s “feast”-ivities will also celebrate the West Indies, Italy, Spain and Belgium. Scrumptious options include the Alsatian sauerkraut and Savoyard tartiflette, plus sweet tooth indulgences like kouign-amann, tropézienne and pineapple cakes. Pairings of champagne, wine, beer and cider are available. This year’s gastro offerings also feature vegan options. And to bring the magic home, guests can stop by “La Petite Boutique” chalet to purchase a special souvenir mug, bowl, apron or glass. It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we invite guests to discover a second helping of French fare during this truly unique dining experience, only at Disneyland Paris! View the full article

It’s getting closer! The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts in ONE MONTH! This year’s Festival runs for 75 days from August 30 until November 12! The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival This means it’s time to start making your plans for your visit to this year’s Festival — and we have the BEST tool for planning that Food and Wine Festival visit: the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! And TODAY, the Guide is on sale for 50% off the cover price! Shop NOW! Get the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival for 50% off the cover price with promo code DFB50! What’s In the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Full Daily Schedule of Events The Guide is full of insider tips and advice, a FULL daily schedule of events, FULL booth menus, PLUS all of the other essential information you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. See the full daily schedule of events! The 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival runs for 75 days – and every day has a full slate of Special Events, seminars, Eat to the Beat Concerts, and much more. The DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival gives you the full daily schedule of events right at your fingertips. This schedule is EXCLUSIVE to the DFB Guide — you won’t find it anywhere else, and it’s insanely useful. Marketplace Booth Menus, Recommendations, and Food Pictures The centerpiece of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival is the food, and the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival includes all the booth menus in addition to food photos from every single booth at the Festival! Australia Booth from the 2017 Food and Wine Festival Having all the booths menus and food photos on your smartphone or tablet while you’re at the Festival makes planning what to eat and drink SO EASY! But, don’t forget to check out the menus before you go so that you’re not trudging around the World Showcase in 90+ degree heat and humidity without a plan. Also, your plan should ALWAYS include air conditioning! All the Info You Need to Plan Your Visit! The DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival also includes information on the Low-Cost and Free Seminars and Demonstrations including the Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! Hands-On Workshops, Back to Basics, and more. Get all the details for Low-cost Seminars at the Festival! You’ll also find detailed information on on EVERY Special Event including Party for the Senses, seminars, food and beverage pairings, and more! Other fun and useful sections in the Guide include a full list of performers for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series, Booth Crawls — a fun way to experience the Food and Wine Festival booths, Celebrity Chef Spotlight where you can learn about many of the celebrity chefs coming to the festival, Frequently Asked Questions, how to avoid the crowds, and much more! Find a touring strategy that fits your needs! The DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is the BEST tool for planning your visit to the Festival no matter if you’re going for just one day or for a full week or longer! Use the Guide to plan what food to eat, what Special Events or low-cost seminars to experience, and so much more. Purchase the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival now – and save 50% off the cover price when you use promo code DFB50. PLEASE NOTE: We have already released a preliminary guide edition this year, which includes all special events, the Full Daily Schedule of Events, and more details for the 2018 Festival. You will receive this edition automatically when you purchase, and we’ll send the FINAL edition directly to your inbox when Disney releases the final details of the festival! We always like to keep our customers informed and up to date, which is why we release several editions as Disney slowly announces details. As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with ​250+ pages of detailed information about the Festival as well as hundreds of photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. ​​​​​​​ This guide is guaranteed to help you better plan a rewarding Food & Wine Festival tour, or your money back! Whether this is your first festival or your 23rd, you’ll appreciate knowing what you are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Ready to Plan for Your 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip? Order the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book today, and start planning your visit! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2018 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code DFB50 at check-out for a 50% off the cover price! Are you making plans to attend the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Let us know with a comment what you’re looking forward to at the Festival. Related posts: The BEST Way To Plan Your Epcot Food and Wine Festival Trip! Peek INSIDE… BREAKING!!! 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival NEW Events, Eats, Booking Dates, and More! It’s a Super Bowl of Savings! Save 30% off the DFB Guide to the 2018 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

Well, would you look who has the place of honor on an EXCLUSIVE Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card?! Orange Bird Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card ©Disney Why, it’s our favorite pal from Sunshine Tree Terrace… the Little Orange Bird! Little Orange Bird Plush Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom is an interactive game in which players use spell cards to thwart the plans of Disney Villains in magic portals placed throughout the park, and all guests are welcome to play by picking up free card packs at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A. anytime. Main Street Pumpkins in Autumn But there’s only one way to get the upcoming Orange Bird card… and that’s by attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! BOO! from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Yep! Party guests can pick up the Orange Bird’s Juice-o-Lanterns Spell Card as part of the party’s inclusions, which also feature trick-or-treat stations throughout the park, the Boo To You Parade, the HalloWishes fireworks spectacular, and so much more! Check out ALL the Party fun to be had in our DFB YouTube Video!  Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Pre-order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 and get the 2017 edition as a free, instant download! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Pre-order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Are you going to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Snack Series: Orange Bird Souvenir Cup at Sunshine Tree Terrace Secret Menu: Disney World Citrus Swirl…JUST THE CITRUS!!!! New Additions to Disney World’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Announced for 2018! View the full article

We are wrapping up our month-long Christmas in July series at the Happiest Place on Earth! Yes, the Disneyland Resort is our final stop in our holiday tour that began at the Walt Disney World Resort and has ended where it all began! The seasonal magic will begin November 9, 2018, and run through January 6, 2019. This festive season includes the return of favorite holiday experiences and entertainment, including Festival of Holidays and the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” Fireworks Spectacular. The Festival of Holidays, which honors the sights, sounds and tastes of Christmas/Navidad, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa and Three Kings Day, will remain at Disney California Adventure park for an additional two days, running through Jan. 8, 2019. Disney Parks Moms Panelist, Linda M., can’t say enough about the holiday season in her favorite place. “The holidays bring all sorts of good times and good cheer to the parks, including nightly lightings of the Christmas trees in both parks, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, and the façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday. Additionally, there are usually special Christmas Day meals at the restaurants located in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. In years past, these included buffets full of traditional holiday fare and even a few special character appearances. Check the Disney Parks Blog in the fall for announcements on special meals during the Holidays at the Disneyland Resort. Also at Disneyland park, “A Christmas Fantasy” parade will take place daily and will feature Mickey Mouse and his pals in their festive attire. The parade is complete with floats, music and marching “tin soldiers.” Guests will be in awe of the 60-foot tall Christmas tree in Town Square, Main Street, U.S.A. Filled with nearly 1,800 ornaments, the tree is the perfect holiday spot to take a photo with family and friends. At Disney California Adventure park, be sure not to miss walking into the holiday-themed Cars Land. “Snowcar” will greet guests as they make their way to Radiator Springs and each address along Route 66 will be decked out in its holiday best! Once again, this year holiday overlays will take place at two attractions transforming them into Luigi’s Joy to the Whirl and Mater’s Jingle Jamboree. Young and old will want to visit with Santa Claus at Santa’s Holiday Visit at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail and take a moment to gaze at the spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree on Carthay Circle along Buena Vista Street. The Downtown Disney shopping, dining and entertainment district also joins in the holiday festivities with twinkling lights and ornaments, holiday displays, special entertainment and holiday-inspired eats and treats. But if you are planning on dining in the district during the holidays, Linda M. reminds Guests to make sure they make a reservation beforehand. That wraps up our Christmas in July series and what a joyous month it has been. With only 151 days left until Christmas, do you think it’s too soon to play Christmas music? What we do know for sure is now is the perfect time to begin planning your Disney vacation for the upcoming holiday season. For answers to your Disney vacation planning questions, please visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personal answer from one of our panelists! Happy Holidays! View the full article

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns to Magic Kingdom Park Friday, August 17, and this year, Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans can pick up an event-exclusive game card inspired by Orange Bird! As the storyline behind the card goes: During one of his walks through the Adventureland, Merlin met the adorable Orange Bird. Merlin was so taken with the little fellow, that he created a brand new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom spell in his honor. On this new “Orange Bird’s Juice-o-Lanterns” spell card, Orange Bird celebrates Halloween in his own, sunny way by creating “Juice-o-Lanterns,” drawing funny faces on the oranges that grow near the Sunshine Tree. In case you aren’t familiar with Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, it’s an in-park interactive quest that allows guests of all ages to join Merlin’s mission to stop Disney Villains from taking over the park. Guests search for villain hideouts throughout the park, and visit magic portals where they use these spell cards to stop a villain’s plan. The fun begins at the Firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A., where guests can pick up everything they need to play. This special event card will be distributed separately (and in addition to) the regular Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card packs guests are given at this location. Guests must register to play with their party ticket and event wristband in order to get one. Excited to grab this year’s card? Share your excitement in the comments section below. View the full article

On a really hot day in Central Florida, there’s not much that seems more refreshing than an icy, frozen beverage. Though you can find varieties like Blue Raspberry, Cherry, and more all over the parks, the most popular options are typically Frozen Lemonade and Frozen Coke. And the Little Mermaid’s Price Eric has found a way to add a little something different to those drinks. Prince Eric’s Village Market At Prince Eric’s Village Market in Magic Kingdom’s New Fantasyland, you’ll now see some rather interesting flavored syrup options on the menu listed under Frozen Coca-Cola. Prince Eric’s Village Market Menu You can add your choice of Green Apple, Vanilla, Cherry, Watermelon, Toasted Marshmallow, or Red Passion Fruit. We checked to see if you could add these syrups to Frozen Lemonade (even though the choices are just listed under Coke), and the response from the Cast Member was “Absolutely!” Frozen Lemonade This is an especially fun option since Columbia Harbour House discontinued offering flavored syrups a couple of months ago, and it’s just in time for the warmest days of the summer. Take a complete Food Tour of Fantasyland in our DFB YouTube Video!  Will you be trying a flavored frozen drink this summer? Please let us know with a comment! Related posts: Review: ALL! THE! CHEESE! at Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom Review: Sweets Eats at Gaston’s Tavern in the Magic Kingdom! Another Change in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Snack Game: The Mint Julep Slushy! View the full article

Sometimes the only way to make a Disney food even better than the original is to make it mini. We submit mini Mickey Waffles as irrefutable evidence. And now Golden Horseshoe in Disneyland Resort’s Frontierland is providing another piece of proof for this theory. The Golden Horseshoe Ready to see our favorite new “mini” option in Disneyland?!? Here they are! Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches! Okay, please: how fun are these? Ice cream sandwiches, but mini! And drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce? The awesome is oozing out of these! Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches Thanks to a tag from our Insta-friend @krthedizneynerd, we got a look at this duo of cookie/ice cream joy! Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches!! Yup, that’s four small chocolate chip cookies, two generous scoops of vanilla ice cream, and sauces. For $6.49, these make an irresistible snack. If you decide to share them (What? Who are you?!), they could be a great deal, too! Wanna share your Disney food pics with DFB (and the world!)? Tag us @DisneyFoodBlog on Instagram and Twitter! What Disney food would you miniaturize? Daydream with us in the comments! Related posts: Pixar Fest Eats: Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake in Disneyland The Best Disneyland Pixar Fest Nosh So Far: Cocoa Churro Pixar Fest Eats: Woody’s Boot with Root Beer Float View the full article

Cupcakes and donuts and floats, oh my! I’ve got bunches of new sweets to share with you in this month’s Sweet Treats, and first up are the cutest little donuts you ever did see – MICKEY BEIGNETS! That’s right, you can now get Mickey-shaped Beignets at Walt Disney World Resort. Just head on over to Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter for this sweet and iconic treat. They come covered in powdered sugar and served with your choice of dipping sauce: caramel, strawberry, or chicory coffee ganache! Right next door at Scat Cat’s Club, guests over the age of 21 can also nosh on the Baton Rouge Beignets, jazzed up with your choice of one of two cream liqueurs or coffee liqueur. And if you haven’t heard yet, there’s a whole new menu at Scat Cat’s Club – check out my recent story to learn all about it! At Epcot, the Blueberry Grass Band has been bringing French and English Canadian hits to the Canada pavilion this summer, and we’ve got a couple blueberry frozen drinks to celebrate! Found at the Canada Popcorn Cart, the Blueberry Frozen Drink is made with white cranberry juice and blueberry infusion. Guests over 21 can even add a little acai-blueberry vodka to the mix. Pair it with some Maple Popcorn, head over to the Canada Mill Stage, and you’ve got yourself a snack and a show! The Blueberry Grass Band will be performing daily through August 26. If you’re a fan of the Bubble Milk Tea at Joy of Tea in China, then you’ll love the new Milk Cap Tea. It’s Lychee tea topped with a creamy milk cap and sprinkled with Himalayan salt. At Fountain View, there’s a new Boston Cream Cupcake. This white cake comes with cream filling and a chocolate ganache topping. And over at Sunshine Seasons, you’ll find some yummy Chocolate Mousse with cookies and cream crumbles and chocolate crispy pearls. Do you love COOKIE DOUGH? Well guess what? Disney’s All Star Resorts are now serving up delicious cups of Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough at Intermission Food Court, End Zone Food Court, and World Premier Food Court. I can definitely say it’s DELICIOUS! For a limited time only at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort – if you love that little blue Experiment 626, then you’ll love this cupcake! Stitch’s Blue Raspberry Cupcake is made with yellow cake with chocolate-raspberry filling and topped with blue raspberry buttercream. Find it at the End Zone Food Court, and be sure to grab one before he escapes! You won’t have to fly off to Neverland to try this next treat! Just stop by Storybook Treats at Magic Kingdom Park to get the Peter Pan Float. It comes with lime soft-serve, sprite, and a chocolate feather, and it is SO CUTE! There’s also a Peter Pan T-shirt that goes perfectly with it. You’ll feel SO FLY wearing it and sipping on this float – find the shirt on Shop Disney Parks or at various merchandise locations throughout our parks and resorts. And keep an eye out for some of the other cute Peter Pan-themed merchandise like the Peter Pan Bangle Set by Alex and Ani or the Peter Pan MagicBand! And of course I can’t forget about those monthly ice cream treats! At Plaza Ice Cream Parlor, the August Ice Cream of the Month will be Chocolate Fudge, and the August Milkshake of the Month at The Plaza Restaurant will be Extreme Cookies and Cream. At the Disneyland Resort, you can find some unique and tasty donuts at the Main Street U.S.A. Coffee Cart in Disneyland park. These donuts are made fresh twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, and the flavors are always changing. You never know what you might find! Right now, one of those flavors is the Pineapple-Filled Donut with Meringue! This tropical treat is the perfect way to start your day in Adventureland. But remember – these donuts are quite popular, so come on out and get yours before they run out! For a fun frozen sandwich in Frontierland, mosey on down to The Golden Horseshoe to try the Mini Ice Cream Sandwiches! These cookie sandwiches come with vanilla ice cream and are drizzled with your choice of chocolate or caramel sauce. Over at Disney California Adventure park, take a trip to the recently-opened Bing Bong’s Sweet Stuff at Pixar Pier. Here you’ll find all sorts of sweet treats, like the Memory Refreshers – frozen drinks that come in all colors and flavors! One of the drinks is the Rainbow Unicorn, with grape soda, blue raspberry soda, lime, cherry, lemon-lime and rainbow candies. Another one is inspired by Bing Bong himself, Imaginary Pal, which will be made with pink lemonade and grape soda with rainbow cotton candy, topped with a marshmallow flower. And last up, did you know that August 6 is National Root Beer Float Day? Well if you’re looking for a tasty treat to toast it with – why not try an Ice Cream Float at Clarabelle’s Hand Scooped Ice Cream? Also located in Disney California Adventure park, this ice cream shop serves up root beer floats with scoops of vanilla ice cream. And guests over 21 can even enjoy a Hard Float with your choice of ice cream bar served in an alcoholic hard soda or dark beer! So come on out to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort to try one of these sweet new treats this summer. Whether it’s a pineapple-filled donut or a tasty float, you’re sure to satisfy that sweet tooth at Disney Parks! View the full article