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2018 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Comes to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex View the full article

Introducing Augustus, a Male Baby Hippo, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

In the 1941 film “Dumbo,” the Casey Jr. train chugs Dumbo and his friends around on their circus journey. In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Dumbo and his friend, Timothy Mouse, would do if they could visit a Disney theme park. No doubt they’d look for a place to cool off during this warm time of year and what better place than the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station? View the full article

In the 2016 film “Zootopia,” Judy Hopps becomes the first “bunny cop” to ever join the Zootopia Police Department. This piece of the film’s plotline served as the inspiration for today’s Disney Doodle, in which artist Ashley Taylor imagined what Judy Hopps would do first if she visited the Walt Disney World Resort. “Disney’s Security team does amazing work to ensure the safety of cast members and guests,” Ashley said. “Judy Hopps would jump at the chance to patrol the parks and serve her community!” View the full article

Yesterday, Adventures by Disney announced their 2019 line-up of 3-night/4-day Short Escape packages, which can be booked as stand-alone vacations, or as a pre-cruise add-on to Disney Cruise Line sailings from San Diego, Barcelona, Copenhagen and, new for 2019, Rome! These three-night Short Escapes allow families to experience memorable icons in ways that few can, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like flamenco dancing and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of the region. In addition, you can also enhance select European sailings with an Adventures by Disney package during the cruise. Knowledgeable Adventure Guides ensure you experience the best of each port, helping unlock the wonders of the destination through immersive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In addition, you gain access to exclusive receptions onboard and concierge service from these dedicated guides throughout the voyage. Combining an Adventures by Disney tour with a Disney Cruise Line vacation truly offers the best of both land and sea. These Adventures by Disney offerings open for booking beginning March 8, 2018. If you’re a past Adventures by Disney guest, you can even book a day early, on March 7! Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information on other new Adventures by Disney vacations coming in 2019, including a new Vancouver Short Escape, which will be available to book later this year. View the full article

Whether you’re at Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, there’s always something to celebrate. And right now, Disney Gift Card is thrilled to offer two wearable designs to make paying for the fun even easier! While making your way through the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, have you ever wished you could take one of the flowers for yourself? The topiaries need to stay where festival-goers can enjoy them, but here are three flowers that were meant to be picked! Carry the beauty of the festival around your wrist by activating a Disney Gift Card with as little as $15. Available at festival merchandise locations throughout the park, our special-edition Disney Gift Card designs have a fresh, spring scent and are as photo-ready as ever! Be sure to follow the Disney Gift Card Instagram so you can catch our Instagram Story featuring some of the festival offerings in the coming weeks! Over at Disney California Adventure park, get ready to taste the culinary wonders of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Starting March 2, you can explore the unique flavors of California at Festival Marketplaces throughout the park. Keep an eye out for a special-edition Disney Gift Card design featuring Chef Mickey that, when activated with a minimum of $15, you can use to easily pay for everything the festival has to offer! Disney Gift Cards are reloadable and never expire. Just stop by a merchandise or food and beverage location and ask a Cast Member for assistance. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that these and all other Disney Gift Cards can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide! Learn more at DisneyGiftCard.com and we’ll see you at the festivals! View the full article

Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark image comes to us from the Westernland area of Tokyo Disneyland. Here, a peaceful scene is set on the Rivers of America, where a silent Mark Twain Riverboat closes up for the night, as the park’s Big Thunder Mountain lights up the background. Have you visited Tokyo Disneyland? What was your favorite thing to do or see? View the full article

March is National Women’s History Month, an opportunity to celebrate the contribution and achievements of women throughout history … and in our day-to-day lives. With over 22,000 cast members in Food & Beverage at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, I wanted to shine the spotlight on just a few of the many talented and passionate women that make a difference each and every day for our guests and fellow cast members. On every Thursday this month, I will give you a glimpse of the breadth and depth of female talent Disney has to offer. All of these ladies perform different roles within Disney, and have varied life journeys – personally, educationally, and professionally. But they all have one thing in common: a dedication to excellence. Whether that be one plate/glass at a time in their restaurant, mentoring/teaching fellow cast members behind the scenes, or making Disney magic for our guests. Let me introduce you to the first of our Disney Women of Food & Beverage! Aimée Rivera Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 23 years Year Started with Disney: 2002 Current Role: Chef de Cuisine, Victoria & Albert’s, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Walt Disney World Resort Education/Accomplishments: Johnson & Wales University; Aimée is at the helm of the celebrated Victoria & Albert’s kitchen – the only restaurant in Florida to receive the AAA Five Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award Delicious Details: Culinary style is classic with modern influences; her mother is her biggest inspiration and taught her to make the best buñuelos; tweezers are her favorite kitchen gadget; has a passion for lipstick; black pepper is her favorite spice (it enhances almost any dish); described as energetic, passionate, and detail-oriented. What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry? Food & Beverage is a challenging industry that is very demanding. You need to be firm in what you believe and work with integrity. Alison Moore Hometown: Howell, Mich. Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: Since she was 16 … many years! Year Started with Disney: 1995 Current Role: Senior Production Manager, Food & Beverage at Disney California Adventure Park West, Disneyland Resort Education/Accomplishments: Community college; industry and operational training and experience; Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Sommelier Diploma Level Two; Spirit of Disneyland Award Delicious Details: LOVES her kitchen gadgets and always has a really sharp knife – well actually 10 sharp knives; makes a mean lasagna and her sons are partial to her stuffed shells; feels a perfect wine list has something for everyone but is not overwhelming; avid reader and a fan of murder or police mysteries; described as passionate, positive, and authentic. What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry? First of all, eat out often. Then, jump in with both feet! It’s an amazing business and there is so much potential to do so many things. Always start at the bottom and work every role so you can truly understand what you ask of others as you become the leader. Don’t let others derail you – go after what you want. Debbi Sacleux Hometown: Summerville, S.C. Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 35 years Year Started with Disney: 1993 Current Role: Proprietor, Cinderella’s Royal Table, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort Education/Accomplishments: University of South Carolina; Court of Master Sommeliers – Introductory Sommelier Diploma Level One; Walt Disney World Legacy Award Delicious Details: Started in Euro Disney (Disneyland Paris); Cherries Jubilee is her fondest food memory; creating new memories through food and beverage is her favorite part of the job; loves a bold cabernet sauvignon; best advice from mom: 99% of what we do in life is just breathing so don’t stress over things you cannot control; described as diva, funny, and energetic. What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry? It is not for everyone. It is very demanding and if you are not a person who likes to “serve” you will not be successful. You have to enjoy being a “foodie.” My advice to anyone who comes into the service industry is to be true to who you are and work hard. Hard work does pay off and really, it’s not hard work if you have fun doing what you do. Julia Thrash Hometown: St. Clairsville, Ohio Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 9 years Year Started with Disney: 2009 on the Disney College Program Current Role: Chef, Liberty Tree Tavern, Magic Kingdom Park, Walt Disney World Resort Education/Accomplishments: Le Cordon Blue (Pittsburgh) Delicious Details: Started as a music major in college but realized culinary was her passion and transferred to culinary school; Julia Child is her inspiration as she never let rejection discourage her and proved you can have success at any point in life; loves antique shopping and collecting books; described as creative, passionate, and organized. What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry? Never be afraid to ask questions. Work hard and focus on even the small task that may seem meaningless. There is always something to learn from each situation. Try to gain as much knowledge from everyone you meet and most importantly never give up. The journey will not be easy, but it is worth it. Mechelle Miller Hometown: Anaheim, Calif. Years in the Food & Beverage Industry: 17 years Year Started with Disney: 1999 Current Role: Production Manager, Ventures and Festivals, Disneyland Resort, leading a Cast of over 250 Education/Accomplishments: Cal State Fullerton; Cicerone® Program Certified Beer Server Level One Delicious Details: Started working at Disneyland at 16 years old; daughter, Ava, is the inspiration behind everything Mechelle does – teaching her the importance of balance in life; surfer; loves red wine, pizza, and making her mom’s lasagna; described as ambitious, driven, and caring. What advice would you give young women wanting to get into the food and beverage industry? Educate yourself as much as possible and never stop learning. You can learn so much from your peers and fellow Cast Members about the industry and the latest trends. Surround yourself with mentors that push you outside of your comfort zone and that you can learn from. And lastly, be very passionate about what you do as it will show with your Cast and with the guests. View the full article

Over the weekend, I had some friends visiting from out of town and we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. To no one’s surprise, the service was stellar and the food was fantastic. (I went with my favorite stand-by: fish and chips with a pint of Guinness; it never disappoints.) The meal got me in the Irish spirit, and even more excited about the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration that will soon return to Disney Springs. With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, the festivities will be in full force all weekend long, starting at noon on Friday, March 16, 2018. Thinking of joining the fun? Read on to see what’s in store: If you love live music, this is your chance to discover incredible Irish entertainment that rivals anything you’ll find on the Emerald Isle. The line-up includes Young Dubliners, dubbed one of Celtic rock’s hardest working bands; well-known U2 tribute band, Elevation, back by popular demand; The Maguires, a family band called “brilliant” by IrishCentral news; Briste, an inspiring all-female trio; The Byrne Brothers, featuring Dempsey (age 8), Finn (age 11) and Luca (age 13) playing alongside their father Tommy; and Reel Republic, hailing from the southwest corner of Ireland. These acclaimed musicians will be joined by The Raglan Roots Coalition and Out the Gap – the pub’s very own house bands, each talented in their own right. For those who want to step into the action, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will be performing throughout the weekend and will be teaching traditional Irish dance steps to those willing to learn – no experience necessary! (Tip: wear your dancing shoes; the moves are much more impressive in heels versus flip-flops, based on my experience.) Of course, an impressive collection of beers, spirits and craft cocktails will be available, ready to pair with exceptional pub grub and more elegant Irish fare. No green beer here, everything is authentically Irish, including the complimentary face-painting artwork … want a shamrock? … that’ll be three leaves (not four – that would be a clover). On St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations can be booked for other festival days, including brunch, by calling 407-938-0300. Here are the all the details on the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival. In the meantime, I’d suggest you gather your greenest outfit and get ready for a rollicking good time! View the full article

Last weekend, more than 300 volunteers in Anaheim, Calif., including high school students from the Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers program, helped build a new, Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground at Pearson Park. The new playground is the 10th Disney-sponsored KaBOOM! playground in Anaheim and 80th nationwide, and was inspired by children’s drawings in the neighborhood. For the first time, Shining Stars from the 2017-2018 Disneyland Resort Dreamers & Doers program participated in the build as “Honorary Disney VoluntEARS.” These 35 high school students, representing 28 high schools from across Orange County, were selected by the Disneyland Resort for outstanding achievements in giving back to their communities and schools. “It is such a thrill to see our Dreamers and Doers working side-by-side with our team of Disney VoluntEARS for this event,” said Michael Colglazier, president of the Disneyland Resort. “These two programs bring out the best in our cast and our community, and leave a lasting impression on our neighborhoods.” Together, Disney, KaBOOM!, Anaheim Family YMCA, the city of Anaheim and community volunteers built the playground in just six hours, helping more than 2,000 children in the area get the balanced and active play they need to thrive. See how they did it in this video! View the full article

Smokejumpers Grill near Grizzly Peak in Disney California Adventure Park is a fun counter service spot serving up eats like a Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, a BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich (still tastes like jackfruit…it ain’t BBQ), and Campfire Chili with bison. It’s set in a massive hangar that was used, you know, by smokejumpers! Smokejumpers Grill The space is full of industrial details like exposed duct work and rivets. Ordering Kiosk There are also personal touches, like these mugs left behind by the building’s previous occupants. “Personal” Coffee Mugs on Display Seating is both inside and outside, in metal chairs and beneath vaulted ceilings or umbrellas, respectively. Indoor Seating Outside Seating Our Disneyland correspondent Heather Sievers (@DiningInDisney) enjoyed a bacon cheeseburger and toppings bar back when the Grill first opened in 2015, but when I stopped in, I was looking for two things: the Cobbler Shake and the most epic S’more we’ve ever seen. The Cobbler Shake is so good. It’s basically a piece of Cranberry Apple Cobbler churned into a Vanilla Shake. It’s as silly and delicious as it sounds! Grab a spoon to scoop out the pieces of cobbler that won’t fit up the straw! Cobbler Shake The other treat I was after? A whopper of a S’more, y’all! This beauty has been making the social media rounds, and it’s easy to see why! It’s massive! The top is a white chocolate piece bearing the Grill’s name and logo. S’more at Smokejumpers Grill On the bottom is a Chocolate-Covered Graham Cracker. Graham Cracker with Chocolate But in between…there’s a tower of Marshmallow. Charred, sweet, pillowy marshmallow! S’more Marshmallow Tower Seriously. If you try to pull this baby apart, this is what you’ll see: layer after layer of marshmallow! S’more Marshmallow! This S’more is astounding. It’s so good that it’s almost worth the hour that it took for the busy restaurant to get it to me! An hour! For a S’more! At a counter service restaurant! And I’m saying…it’s almost worth that wait! Seriously. Get this. Where can you find your favorite S’more treat in the World or Land? Let us know! 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! Smokejumpers Grill Coming to Disney California Adventure March 20 Dining in Disneyland: The New Smokejumpers Grill at Disney California Adventure Review: Taste Pilots’ Grill at Disney California Adventure Park View the full article

Mickey Mouse is headed for his next milestone – 90 years of nonstop entertainment! To celebrate, Disney Parks will kick off the World’s Biggest Mouse Party later this year in honor of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, with special festivities held at each resort around the world. The party is so big, it’s happening all the way into 2019! Disney Parks will also mark Mickey’s birthday, November 18 – in honor of the release of his first theatrical film, Steamboat Willie on November 18, 1928 – with commemorative merchandise, treats, photo locations and more. But that’s not all! Disney will keep the party going with a star-studded celebration on ABC dedicated to Mickey Mouse, an extended-length birthday episode of Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse animation shorts and dozens of new books, arts and crafts and comics from Disney Publishing as part of Mickey’s 90th birthday celebration. A new show, Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Special Celebration, will also begin touring throughout the Asia Pacific region this July. To top it off, legendary Disney animator Mark Henn will paint Mickey Mouse’s official 90th portrait, which will debut on the cover of Disney twenty-three in the fall. D23 will also host Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World Resort this November for two days of panels, presentations and entertainment. So join us in celebrating the big cheese as he reaches the big 9-0 this year, and keep an eye out as we reveal more surprises at Disney Parks leading up to the big day! View the full article

From experiencing a new attraction before it opens in a Disney Park to seeing a new Disney movie before it opens in a theater near you, getting a jump start on the fun has long been part of the “Membership Extras” that form the proverbial icing on the cake of Disney Vacation Club Membership. Now, for the first time, those “extras” include an early-booking opportunity with Disney Cruise Line, allowing Members to secure staterooms aboard just-announced voyages to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and beyond beginning at 8 a.m. on March 7 – a full day before these summer 2019 itineraries become available to the general public. Explore the summer 2019 options here – including unprecedented visits to Sweden and Denmark, special sailings between Barcelona and Rome, explorations of majestic Alaska, and sun-drenched sailings to Aruba, Barbados and The Bahamas (including, of course, Disney’s private-island paradise, Castaway Cay!) – before calling Member Services (at 1-800-800-9800 for booking using Reservation Points or a combination of Reservation Points and cash) or Disney Cruise Line (at 1-866-325-6348 for booking using cash only) on March 7 to take advantage of early booking. The general public will begin booking summer 2019 itineraries on March 8. Wherever your early booking takes you, all of us at Disney Vacation Club wish you happy travels and remind you to not sound too smug in your social media posts as you brag about the many advantages of being you. (Oh, and should you decide to include #DVCMEMBER in those mildly smug posts, we wouldn’t be mad at you.) Bon voyage! As a part of Membership Extras, an incidental benefit, these Member benefits are subject to change, availability or termination and may require a fee. Membership Extras are available with eligible ownership interests. Visit http://disneyvacationclub.com/memextraspolicy for more information. View the full article

Announced today, in summer 2019 we will sail a first-ever round-trip cruise from Rome and visit seven new destinations in Europe. Plus, we’ll return to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including new cruise lengths aboard the Disney Fantasy. Here are the highlights… New round-trip sailing from Rome For the first time, you can experience the rich history of Rome as a bookend experience in a single Disney cruise, giving you more time to explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican. First-time visits to seven new ports in Europe As part of the Disney Magic’s tour of Europe, we’ll call on seven new ports for the first time in 2019, including Gothenburg and Nynashamn (Stockholm), Sweden; Toulon (Provence) and Brest, France; Cartagena, Spain; Fredericia, Denmark; and Belfast, Northern Ireland. I’ll tell you more about these locales in later posts. Return to Alaska The Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the 2019 summer season. A variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries will depart from Vancouver, Canada, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, plus Victoria, Canada. Special Disney Fantasy itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas In addition to seven-night Caribbean cruises, the Disney Fantasy will embark on special itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, including three-, six-, eight- and 11-night cruises. All cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy in the summer of 2019 include a stop at our private island, Castaway Cay, in addition to multiple tropical destinations. Castaway Cay: More opportunities to explore Disney’s exclusive private island In 2019, the Disney Dream will sail a series of four- and five-night cruises that include two stops at Castaway Cay. These special itineraries are in addition to three- and four-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral that visit Nassau and Castaway Cay. Guided Experiences with Adventures by Disney In the summer of 2019, Disney Cruise Line guests can enrich their experience by combining a Europe or Alaska cruise with a package from Adventures by Disney, a leader in family guided group vacations. New pre-cruise Short Escapes New in 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer pre-cruise guided experiences in Rome and Vancouver. These three-night Short Escapes, also offered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Barcelona, allow you to experience memorable icons in ways that few can, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like ziplining, flamenco dancing and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of the region. Guided group excursion packages for select Europe cruises You can also enhance select European sailings with an Adventures by Disney package during the cruise. Knowledgeable Adventure Guides lead travelers to experience the best of each port, helping you unlock the wonders of the destination through immersive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In addition, you will enjoy exclusive receptions onboard and have access to concierge service from these dedicated guides throughout the voyage. These Disney Cruise Line itineraries and Adventures by Disney offerings open for booking beginning March 8, 2018, with the exception of the Vancouver Short Escape, which will open for booking later this year. Check out the Ports and Itineraries for 2019 page of disneycruise.com and adventuresbydisney.com for more details. View the full article

You already know that Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant is the place to go for innovative and classic takes on Irish cuisine. And that you can listen to rocking tunes while chowing down on fish and chips. And that there’s an extensive drinks menu here, making it a terrific night out for the grown ups. Raglan Road But when St. Patrick’s Day rolls around each year, Raglan Road is the center of the Irish universe at Disney Springs! Every year, the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival brings killer bands and awesome energy to the popular restaurant, and this year, the celebration is three days long: March 16, 17, and 18! Raglan Road Dancers Perform as Creel Plays in the Background Award-winning bands and performers keep the St. Patrick’s love alive on multiple stages — indoors and out! — from 12PM to 1:30AM on March 16 and from 10AM to 1:30AM on March 17 and 18. Acts include: Young Dubliners Elevation (U2 cover band) The Maguires Briste The Byrne Brothers The Raglan Roots Coalition Reel Republic Out the Gap The Raglan Road Dancers In addition to the live entertainment, guests can also get complimentary face paint on each festival day. And Raglan Road’s brunch, lunch, dinner, and bar menus will all be available to diners — including some new dishes like Guiness-braised pulled pork! The Byrne Brothers Performing at Raglan Road Note that on March 17, guests will all be seated first come, first served, and there is a $10 cover charge on that day for guests 18 and older. To make reservations for March 16 or 18, call (407) 938-0300. Cheers, all! Have you celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at the Disney Parks? Tell us about your favorite memories in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! March Signature Dining Events Highlight the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road News: 2017 Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival at Raglan Road in Disney Springs News: The Mighty St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant Starts TODAY! View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’ve got a pretty fun topic… because who doesn’t like free stuff?? Ghirardelli’s Chocolate Square in Disney Springs More specifically, we’re talking about free FOOD… in Disney World! From samples to chocolate squares to colas, there are treats around Disney World property that you are more than welcome to try and enjoy! But you’ve got to know where to find them. And today’s video is here to help you do just that. 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 your favorite free treat in Disney World? Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: DFB Video: Things Most People Don’t Know About Walt Disney World DFB Video: How to Make Your Disney Trip Stress-Free DFB Video: All the Mac and Cheese in Walt Disney World! View the full article

Disney’s newest batch of MagicBands includes a customized version that salutes the plain — but Internet famous — purple wall in Magic Kingdom. The flat surface between Tomorrowland Terrace and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor has become a popular background for Instagram photographs. Park visitors line... View the full article

Walt Disney Pictures has finally given a look at what the “Wreck-It Ralph” sequel is going to look like as it released a teaser trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” It starts with the premise of the arcade where characters Ralph and Vanellope from the 2012 hit gets access to the Internet via... View the full article

Walt Disney Pictures has finally given a look at what the “Wreck-It Ralph” sequel is going to look like as it released a teaser trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” It starts with the premise of the arcade where characters Ralph and Vanellope from the 2012 hit gets access to the Internet via... View the full article

Staying at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai’i, means you’ll enjoy many of the comforts of home, including a full kitchen in the 1- and 2-bedroom Villas, as well as the breathtaking Grand Villas. Inspired by these special accommodations, and the beauty of Aulani, food blogger Jenny Flake recently created several delicious dishes that are perfect for family vacations at this magnificent resort. Among her Aulani-inspired culinary creations is a sweet and savory island style grilled cheese that’s sure to be a crowd pleaser! Below is the recipe, which you can recreate at home. Or, if you’re a Disney Vacation Club Member, this is the perfect meal to make part of your annual tradition while staying in your own Villa! Island Style Grilled Cheese Ingredients 8 slices sourdough bread
 1⁄2 stick softened butter
 8 slices ham
 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained 4 slices Swiss Cheese 4 slices cheddar cheese Directions Place bread slices onto parchment paper and spread butter on tops of each. 
 Heat large skillet over medium heat. In batches, place a buttered side piece of bread face down into skillet then layer with 2 slices of ham, 2 tablespoons of crushed pineapple, a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of cheddar cheese. Place another slice of bread on top buttered side up. Grill each side of bread until golden brown and cheese melted. Continue until all sandwiches have been made. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm with a green salad. Makes 4 servings. View the full article

In our Disney Doodles series, different Disney artists take turns imaging what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Thomas O’Malley and Duchess from the 1970 film “Aristocats” would do if they had the chance to prowl around Epcot. “I love the scene in Aristocats where Thomas O’Malley and Duchess are sitting on the rooftops!” Ashley said. “I can easily imagine them having a romantic night in the France Pavilion gazing at stars and waiting for Illuminations to begin!” View the full article

Some say Florida doesn’t have an official “Spring” season, but I beg to differ. Spring most definitely begins in Florida when the more-than-30-million blooms come alive at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This year is the Festival’s 25th year, and the park again will be overflowing with the brightest plants, flowers, trees and topiaries adorning both Future World and World Showcase. Here are some of the top things you shouldn’t miss at the Festival: Gardens, Gardens and More Gardens: In addition to all the natural flora throughout the park, the Walt Disney World horticulture squad has curated some truly breathtaking gardens for our guests this year. New garden destinations this year include “The How-To Garden” and “The Imagination Play Garden” which are perfect for adults and kids to enjoy together. Returning favorites include “The Goodness Garden Butterfly House” and “The Water Wise Garden,” which showcase environmental responsibility as well as just being fun! Outdoor Kitchens: What would an Epcot Festival be without fun food and drinks? 15 Outdoor Kitchens this year grace World Showcase, with the newest being “The Honey Bee-Stro,” which features Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Purée; Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese; and Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses. These dishes were created to showcase multiple honey varietals in creative and exciting ways. Returning Outdoor Kitchen favorites include “The Berry Basket” (featuring a lamb chop with quinoa salad and blackberry gastrique) and “THE SMOKEHOUSE: Barbecue and Brew” (featuring a pulled-pork slider and warm chocolate cake with Bourbon-salted caramel sauce and spiced pecans). YUM! Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration: One of the beloved characters from Disney animated short cartoons, Spike the honeybee, has been “pollen-nating” throughout the Festival. In this springtime scavenger hunt, gardeners of all ages can follow Spike on his pollination trail around World Showcase, where he will “bee” busy collecting nectar and pollinating gardens at Epcot. To get started, purchase your map and stickers at Port of Entry. Available while supplies last. Garden Rocks Concert Series: Each Friday through Monday of the Festival (what we like to call a “Disney Weekend”), favorite artists from the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and 2000s will rock out at the America Gardens Theatre. Night Ranger kicks off the series March 2-5, and Rick Springfield, Survivor and Lonestar are just some of the popular rock and rollers in the lineup. Each night, there will be three performances – 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – and guests can pair a wonderful meal at several of our Epcot restaurants with reserved concert seating in a nice package. Click here for Garden Rocks dining package availability or call 407-WDW-DINE. Character Topiaries: Locations throughout the park feature some of the most beloved Disney and Disney•Pixar characters including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and The Tramp and Buzz Lightyear. Merchandise: Guests will find a wealth of hats, T-shirts, mugs and other fun Festival merchandise throughout Future World and World Showcase. I can’t resist anything with Figment on it; so you KNOW I’ll be buying some. Tours: One of the great ways to get the “inside track” on the Festival or the latest in gardening techniques is to take one of the tours offered during the Festival. There are tours of The Land pavilion greenhouses and the “Gardens of the World – Spring Edition.” There is also the daily Royal Tea Garden Tour at the United Kingdom pavilion that includes a tea tasting. Guests can find out more about the tours here or call 407-WDW-TOUR. If you’re coming out to this year’s festival, plan on more than one day to see, smell, hear, touch and taste everything. You surely can’t do it all in one! For more information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, check out epcotinspring.com or call 407-W-DISNEY. And continue to check back to the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival! Happy gardening! View the full article

New cruise from Rome and seven new ports in Europe, plus Alaska and Caribbean sailings, take center stage CELEBRATION, Fla. (Mar. 1, 2018) – In summer 2019, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to seven new ports in Europe, including a first-ever round-trip cruise from Rome and first-time visits to destinations in Sweden, France, Spain, Denmark and Northern Ireland. Disney Cruise Line takes guests on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean in early summer and northern Europe in late summer. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including new cruise lengths aboard the Disney Fantasy. Bookings open to the public on March 8, 2018. More details on 2019 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2019 page of disneycruise.com. New round-trip sailing from Rome For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience the rich history of Rome as a bookend experience in a single cruise. In Rome, families can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and sample authentic local cuisine. On June 14, 2019, the Disney Magic will sail an eight-night cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome). Ports of call include Salerno (Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii) and La Spezia (Florence, Pisa), Italy; Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice) and Marseilles, France; and Barcelona, Spain. First-time visits to seven new ports in Europe Disney Cruise Line will call on seven new ports in Europe for the first time in 2019, including Gothenburg and Nynashamn (Stockholm), Sweden; Toulon (Provence) and Brest, France; Cartagena, Spain; Fredericia, Denmark; and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Belfast is a new destination on a seven-night British Isles cruise departing from Dover, England, near London, on Sept. 8, 2019. In Belfast, Disney Cruise Line guests can explore the stunning Giant’s Causeway, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the United Kingdom, and enjoy breathtaking vistas along the Antrim Coast, including the dramatic cliff-side ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle. Throughout the summer, the Disney Magic’s tour of Europe includes engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean. Return to Alaska In 2019, the Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season, opening up a world of breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife. A variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries will depart from Vancouver, Canada, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, plus Victoria, Canada. Special Disney Fantasy itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas In addition to seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, the Disney Fantasy will embark on a variety of special itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas throughout the summer of 2019. The special itineraries include a three-night Bahamian cruise departing Aug. 7, a six-night western Caribbean cruise departing June 30, an eight-night southern Caribbean cruise departing June 22, and an 11-night southern Caribbean cruise departing July 27. All cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy in the summer of 2019 include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, in addition to multiple tropical destinations where Disney Cruise Line guests can dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Castaway Cay: More opportunities to explore Disney’s exclusive private island In 2019, the Disney Dream will sail a series of cruises that include two stops at Castaway Cay so guests can have twice the fun in the sun and enjoy even more of Disney’s award-winning pristine island paradise. On June 19, July 3 and July 17, 2019, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral on four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. On June 14, June 23, June 28, July 7, July 12 and July 21, 2019, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral on five-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. These special itineraries are in addition to three- and four-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral that visit Nassau and Castaway Cay. Guided Experiences with Adventures by Disney In the summer of 2019, Disney Cruise Line guests can enrich their experience by combining a Europe or Alaska cruise with a package from Adventures by Disney, a leader in family guided group vacations. New pre-cruise Short Escapes New in 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer pre-cruise guided experiences in Rome and Vancouver. These three-night Short Escapes, also offered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Barcelona, allow families to experience memorable icons in ways that few can, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like ziplining, flamenco dancing and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of the region. Guided group excursion packages for select Europe cruises Families can also enhance select European sailings with an Adventures by Disney package during the cruise. Knowledgeable Adventure Guides lead travelers to experience the best of each port, helping them unlock the wonders of the destination through immersive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In addition, guests will enjoy exclusive receptions onboard and have access to concierge service from these dedicated guides throughout the voyage. These Adventures by Disney offerings open for booking beginning March 8, 2018, with the exception of the Vancouver Short Escape, which will open for booking later this year. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

New cruise from Rome and seven new ports in Europe, plus Alaska and Caribbean sailings, take center stage CELEBRATION, Fla. (Mar. 1, 2018) – In summer 2019, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to seven new ports in Europe, including a first-ever round-trip cruise from Rome and first-time visits to destinations in Sweden, France, Spain, Denmark and Northern Ireland. Disney Cruise Line takes guests on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean in early summer and northern Europe in late summer. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas, including new cruise lengths aboard the Disney Fantasy. Bookings open to the public on March 8, 2018. More details on 2019 itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2019 page of disneycruise.com. New round-trip sailing from Rome For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience the rich history of Rome as a bookend experience in a single cruise. In Rome, families can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and sample authentic local cuisine. On June 14, 2019, the Disney Magic will sail an eight-night cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome). Ports of call include Salerno (Positano, Amalfi, Pompeii) and La Spezia (Florence, Pisa), Italy; Villefranche (Monte Carlo, Cannes, Nice) and Marseilles, France; and Barcelona, Spain. First-time visits to seven new ports in Europe Disney Cruise Line will call on seven new ports in Europe for the first time in 2019, including Gothenburg and Nynashamn (Stockholm), Sweden; Toulon (Provence) and Brest, France; Cartagena, Spain; Fredericia, Denmark; and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Belfast is a new destination on a seven-night British Isles cruise departing from Dover, England, near London, on Sept. 8, 2019. In Belfast, Disney Cruise Line guests can explore the stunning Giant’s Causeway, one of the most impressive natural wonders in the United Kingdom, and enjoy breathtaking vistas along the Antrim Coast, including the dramatic cliff-side ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle. Throughout the summer, the Disney Magic’s tour of Europe includes engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean. Return to Alaska In 2019, the Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season, opening up a world of breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife. A variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries will depart from Vancouver, Canada, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point, Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska, plus Victoria, Canada. Special Disney Fantasy itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas In addition to seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral, near Orlando, Florida, the Disney Fantasy will embark on a variety of special itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas throughout the summer of 2019. The special itineraries include a three-night Bahamian cruise departing Aug. 7, a six-night western Caribbean cruise departing June 30, an eight-night southern Caribbean cruise departing June 22, and an 11-night southern Caribbean cruise departing July 27. All cruises aboard the Disney Fantasy in the summer of 2019 include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, in addition to multiple tropical destinations where Disney Cruise Line guests can dive into charming island cultures, sunbathe on golden beaches and revel in local marketplaces. Castaway Cay: More opportunities to explore Disney’s exclusive private island In 2019, the Disney Dream will sail a series of cruises that include two stops at Castaway Cay so guests can have twice the fun in the sun and enjoy even more of Disney’s award-winning pristine island paradise. On June 19, July 3 and July 17, 2019, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral on four-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. On June 14, June 23, June 28, July 7, July 12 and July 21, 2019, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral on five-night Bahamian cruises to Nassau, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. These special itineraries are in addition to three- and four-night Bahamian cruises from Port Canaveral that visit Nassau and Castaway Cay. Guided Experiences with Adventures by Disney In the summer of 2019, Disney Cruise Line guests can enrich their experience by combining a Europe or Alaska cruise with a package from Adventures by Disney, a leader in family guided group vacations. New pre-cruise Short Escapes New in 2019, Adventures by Disney will offer pre-cruise guided experiences in Rome and Vancouver. These three-night Short Escapes, also offered in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Barcelona, allow families to experience memorable icons in ways that few can, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like ziplining, flamenco dancing and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of the region. Guided group excursion packages for select Europe cruises Families can also enhance select European sailings with an Adventures by Disney package during the cruise. Knowledgeable Adventure Guides lead travelers to experience the best of each port, helping them unlock the wonders of the destination through immersive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In addition, guests will enjoy exclusive receptions onboard and have access to concierge service from these dedicated guides throughout the voyage. These Adventures by Disney offerings open for booking beginning March 8, 2018, with the exception of the Vancouver Short Escape, which will open for booking later this year. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-325-2500 or contact a travel agent. ### View the full article

Kringla Bakeri og Kafe is one of the most popular spots to grab a snack or treat in the World Showcase at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. And now the home of School Bread is closed until summer. BOOOO!!!! Kringla Bakeri og Kafe sign We first reported this news back in January, when it was announced that the Bakeri would be closing for a renovation that will expand the seating and improve the overall flow. And we heard your cries, loud and clear: But…but where can we get our Troll Horns? Troll Horn And our Lefse? Lefse And our School Bread?! School Bread Fear not, bold Vikings! Midnattssol Bakeri is a temporary kiosk located in the Norway Pavilion, and it will soon be the current home of some of our beloved Norwegian eats! Midnattssol Kiosk in the Norway Pavilion Phew! That was a close one! The kiosk isn’t quite open yet, but it’s coming soon. And in the meantime, guests in need of sustenance (or sugar!) can find a savory sandwich, Lefse, a festive Frozen-inspired cupcake, Troll Horns, and School Bread at the beer kiosk in Norway. Midnattssol Kiosk and Offerings We know: some of your beloved treats are missing. We feel your pain. But hopefully the new kiosk will stock a bit more than the few items currently available. Plus — the renovation will make it easier to get those treats in the future. And we’re glad there’s a way for us to get some of them in the meantime! What’s your go-to Norwegian treat? 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: News: Kringla Bakeri in Epcot’s Norway Closing Soon for Refurbishment Review: New Items (and a Classic) at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion Review: Troll Horn and Rice Cream at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Epcot’s Norway View the full article