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If you have kids who are not so little anymore, you may be wondering if a Disney cruise is the right vacation for your family. You know we have tons of activities for young ones, but what about tweens and teens? On all Disney ships, we have really cool spaces designed specifically for these age groups. Both Edge (ages 11-14) and Vibe (ages 14-17) feature high-tech entertainment and offer fun group activities hosted by youth counselors throughout the cruise. Here’s a glimpse at some of the fun your tweens and teens can expect on your family cruise vacation… Star Wars: Jedi Challenges – Tweens and teens can now have virtual Star Wars battles in both Edge and Vibe. This new augmented reality experience created by Disney and Lenovo lets you train and battle as a Jedi across six planets from the Star Wars universe. You can also compete in Holochess, the ultimate game of concentration and strategy. Using a smartphone-powered AR headset and a Lightsaber Controller modeled after Rey’s lightsaber, Jedi Challenges allows you to experience Star Wars in ways never before possible. Parents, be sure to stop by Edge and Vibe during Open House to try it yourself! Disney Dance Camp – Exclusively on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic, tweens and teens can take the spotlight on the center stage. After dancers from our Broadway-style musicals teach them a choreographed number, family and friends are invited to see the new stars perform on stage. The Lion King Experience Starring You! – Another exclusive to the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic, tweens with dreams of being a star can learn and perform selections from the Broadway musical “The Lion King” during their time in Edge. Hakuna Matata! Vibe Movie Makers – In Vibe, teens learn the skills of movie making. Whether the teens are on screen or behind the camera, they are sure to have fun making a one-of-a-kind movie based on the best of Disney. Flash Mob – Teens on the Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have the chance to learn a flash mob dance, themed to “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Frozen” or “Aladdin.” After practice makes perfect, they’ll perform it for other guests on the cruise. Descendant’s Den DJ Spin Off – Exclusively in Edge, tweens have Descendants-style fun with DJ lessons, games, singing, dancing, a photo booth and plenty of other fun. These special activities are in addition to the fun available all throughout the cruise, such as dance parties, video gameplay, movies, karaoke and other group games. Edge and Vibe are the perfect spots for teens and tweens who want a little independence. With comfy couches, large-screen TVs and other chill-out necessities, the trendy and tranquil areas offer a getaway for tweens and teens to set their own vacation agenda—whether being a part of the group fun or just hanging out with new friends. View the full article

Pixar Fest is coming to Disneyland Resort, April 13 through September 3, and I can’t wait! This first-ever celebration of friendship and beyond brings favorite Pixar stories and characters together for a limited time with special parades, fireworks and more throughout the Disneyland Resort. What’s even better is that there are some amazing dining packages available that can make your Pixar Fest experience one to remember, and I’m here to give you all of the tasty details! “Paint the Night” Parade Dining Packages Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls: A spectacular nighttime pageant of magic and imagination awaits you, with special dining packages for the “Paint the Night” parade! That’s right – this legendary parade is coming to Disney California Adventure park for Pixar Fest starting April 13, and reservations are now open for the “Paint the Night” Parade Dining Packages. With these packages, you can embark on a culinary adventure highlighted by one of the biggest and brightest parades in Disneyland Resort history. Start your journey with a mouthwatering feast from your choice of two popular Disney California Adventure park restaurants. Step into a Golden-Era movie palace where premier cuisine takes “centerscreen” at Carthay Circle Restaurant or experience Napa Valley’s passion for wine and fresh fare in an idyllic Mediterranean setting at Wine Country Trattoria. And at the end of your meal, you’ll receive vouchers that will give you entrance to special viewing areas where you can enjoy the spectacular sights of “Paint the Night” parade as it makes its way through the park. At Wine Country Trattoria, prepare to be transported to the heart of Napa Valley as you savor a three-course culinary experience with flavors of California and the Mediterranean. Start of the evening with Italian Insalata with pepperocinis, Kalamata olives, Roma tomatoes, cucumbers, shaved parmesan and a red wine vinaigrette or the Chef’s Soup Selection – Italian Wedding Soup. Then enjoy the main course with selections such as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with seasonal vegetables, arugula, tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, Tuscan Salad, Linguine alle Vongole or Fettuccine Shrimp Alfredo. And finally, top of the meal with a decadent dessert of either Trattoria Tiramisù or Chocolate Panna Cotta! At Carthay Circle Restaurant, dine in style with a four-course meal as you take in the elegance and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. For the first course, experience a delicious Crab Custard with chilled asparagus, and then move to the second course with a savory Soup of Roasted Parsnip accented with Winter Pears, Dried Cranberries and Rosemary Ham. For the main course – choose between the Sustainable Fish of the Day with Spanish chorizo, Bay shrimp and red bell pepper romesco, or Stone Creek Prime New York Steak with winter root whipped potatoes and Cabernet Essence. And finally – for dessert you can enjoy the sweet Painter’s Palatte! Sonoma Terrace “Paint the Night” Parade Reception Ignite the night with tasty treats, libations, reserved viewing and a serving of Disney magic with the Sonoma Terrace “Paint the Night” Parade Reception. If you’re looking to end your night on a deliciously dazzling note, then this unforgettable evening is for you! This dining experience welcomes kids of all ages to experience “Paint the Night” parade from reserved seating in the beautiful Sonoma Terrace. At the event, you can help yourself to charcuterie and desserts served with wine, beer and other non-alcoholic beverages. You’ll even receive a box of tasty truffles to enjoy later! Pixar Play Parade Dining Package In Disneyland park, experience Pixar Fest by dining at Plaza Inn before enjoying Pixar Play Parade, debuting April 13. Here you can savor a delicious picnic-inspired meal with a chicken breast and leg, white cheddar macaroni and cheese, lemon green beans, watermelon salad, pudding dessert and your choice of beverage. The kid’s meal will include chicken tenders, choice of side, fruit, pudding dessert and your choice of beverage. In addition, vegetarian options are available upon request. When you book this dining package, you will also receive Disney FASTPASS for special reserved viewing areas for Pixar Play Parade, where you’ll discover some of your favorite Pixar pals from “Up,” “Inside Out” with brand-new story elements. Reservations for this dining package will open early March, so stay tuned for more info! View the full article

UPDATE: The entry period for this event has closed. Please keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future opportunities. We’re kicking off this year’s series of Disney Parks Blog meet-ups with a special advanced screening of the upcoming film Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” On March 3, 2018, we’re hosting a special viewing party especially for blog readers at the AMC Disney Springs 24 theater before the film debuts in theaters on March 9. Our “A Wrinkle in Time” meet-up begins at 2 p.m. ET (doors open at 1:00 p.m.) at AMC Disney Springs 24 at Walt Disney World Resort on Saturday, March 3. During the event, you’ll see a special advance showing of “A Wrinkle in Time” at the AMC Disney Springs 24 theater in the new Dolby Cinema theater featuring cutting edge image and sound technologies and recliners to move you deep into the story. From visionary director Ava DuVernay comes Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” an epic adventure based on Madeleine L’Engle’s timeless classic which takes audiences across dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light. You can RSVP for the event right now by clicking here. Only one guest per confirmed registrant is permitted. A limited number of attendees may attend the meet-up, so be one of the first to sign up. First come, first served. Also, here are a few things you should know: All attendees who sign up for the meet-up must be 18 years or older, but guests do not need to be 18 or older. Please arrive early. Seating is first come first seated. No one will be admitted late. “A Wrinkle in Time” is rated PG. Limit one guest per registrant. We will send an email to individuals whose valid RSVPs are received by us before we reach the planned capacity to confirm their attendance for the meet-up. If confirmed, it will be necessary for the registrant and guest to check-in in advance of the movie time. The confirmation email will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Meet-up confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person and guest. If you do not receive an email from us confirming your reservation, then your RSVP was not accepted. The meet-up is subject to change or cancellation without notice. This post will be updated after capacity has been reached. This is a pre-release screening of the movie. Captioning, descriptive video and assistive listening devices will not be available. NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (“WDSMP”) reserves the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to WDSMP, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie. REMEMBER: NO RECORDING DEVICES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION MOBILE DEVICES, CAMERAS, LAPTOPS, IPADS, ETC.) PERMITTED! Hope to see you there. View the full article

The 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival starts this week and there’s a brand new slate of commemorative merchandise items ready for you! The Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year and many of the items feature a 25th anniversary logo — including some of the coffee mugs, hats, and apparel. Let’s check out a few items! 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival merchandise ©Disney Four art collections featuring Figment, Mickey Mouse, and Minnie Mouse inspired the merchandise for this year’s Festival. The fourth collection highlights Epcot in full bloom! Fans of the Disney Dooney & Bourke handbags are going to love this year’s design! Look at how cute Minnie Mouse is with her cat Figaro! 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Dooney & Bourke bags ©Disney Check out THE FULL MENUS for the 2018 Flower and Garden Festival at our Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menus Page! If you’re an Annual Passholder you’ll find an exclusive collection of commemorative merchandise including apparel, pins, and more. 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival merchandise ©Disney Guests can also purchase limited-edition retail MagicBands, including one that features Mickey Mouse and is packaged in an orange-scented box. Both the Mickey Mouse MagicBand and the Passholder-exclusive MagicBand have limited editions of just 2,000. 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival MagicBands ©Disney Get ALL the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival information at our Main Festival Page! The merchandise for the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival will be available at select merchandise locations throughout Epcot. What’s your favorite merchandise item at the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Sneak Peek and Recommendations for the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! NEWS: Garden Rocks Concerts Announced for 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Sneak Peek! Ice Pop Frozen Cocktail Coming to the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival View the full article

The Edison in Disney Springs puts on a good show not only with its late-night live entertainment, but also with a few of its social-media ready dishes as well. Appearance isn’t everything, however, and a few items on the American cuisine-centered menu still need finessing. What I would try a second... View the full article

Ever wondered what it would be like to combine the fast-paced nature of soccer with the excitement and precision of golf? Well, Walt Disney World Golf, operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management, is proud to offer guests the opportunity to find out through the new FootGolf offering at Disney’s Oak Trail golf course! I know what you’re thinking. What exactly is FootGolf? Played over Disney’s 9-hole golf course, FootGolf provides a unique experience that requires players to kick a soccer ball into a cup, in a similar fashion to golf, by using as few attempts as possible. Since 2011, FootGolf has grown immensely in popularity and is being played at approximately 500 courses in just about every state in America. The new 18-hole course offers a fun experience for amateurs and experts alike! FootGolf makes for a perfect family-friendly afternoon activity, and at Disney’s Oak Trail golf course guests are sure to experience the magic of the Walt Disney World Golf experience. Guests can book tee times for FootGolf now. In a special promotion that runs through March 25, two guests can play for the price of one ($20) and that includes complimentary ball rental for both participants. After March 25, it’s $15 per person for Walt Disney World Resort guests and $20 per person for all others. For more information on FootGolf tee time reservations, as well as information on our three 18-hole championship courses and other golf related services, visit Walt Disney World Golf at golfWDW.com. View the full article

The expansion mode of Disneyland Paris resort will continue, and it will include areas based on “Frozen,” “Star Wars” and Marvel characters, Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger announced Tuesday. The developments will roll out in phases beginning in 2021, with an emphasis on the Walt Disney Studios Park,... View the full article

The expansion mode of Disneyland Paris resort will continue, and it will include area based on “Frozen,” “Star Wars” and Marvel characters, Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger announced Tuesday. The developments will roll out in phases beginning in 2021, with an emphasis on the Walt Disney Studios Park,... View the full article

What do you get when you mix flower petals, chia seeds, coffee beans, split peas, pomegranate seeds and a whole lot of creativity? A unique handmade wallpaper created for the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival by designer Brittany Ungvarsky is what you get. So whether you have a green thumb or not, download this wallpaper and you will be ready for Spring. Click here to download the wallpaper in the perfect size for your desktop or mobile device. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. For behind-the-scenes pics showing how we created this wallpaper, check out the Disney Parks Blog Instagram account now! View the full article

This morning, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger announced plans for a two billion euro, multi-year expansion for Disneyland Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l’Elysée in Paris. The new development will include a transformation of Walt Disney Studios Park, adding three new areas based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars, along with new attractions and live entertainment experiences. A new lake will be the focal point for entertainment experiences and connect each of the three new areas, completing one of the most ambitious projects at Disneyland Paris since its opening in 1992. “We’re very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success,” said Iger. “The resort is already the leading tourist destination in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved characters and unparalleled storytelling to create new lands, attractions and entertainment that further elevate the guest experience and drive new opportunities for tourism in this dynamic region.” The multi-year development will roll out in phases beginning in 2021, significantly expanding Walt Disney Studios Park. Each new area will bring to life some of Disney’s most popular stories and characters, including the previously announced reimagining of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith as a high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure with Iron Man. This new development will build on the success of the resort’s 25th Anniversary celebration and enhance the guest experience for millions of visitors in the years to come. We can’t wait to share more details with you soon! View the full article

Welcome back to Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge! Learn About: Geyser Point Bar & Grill Disney World Restaurants Open for just over a year now, Geyser Point is a lounge-meets-counter-service restaurant (we’ll explain how that works shortly) set outside the beautiful Lodge, making the most of some truly terrific lakeside views. It used to be that guests could grab a cocktail directly poolside at the casual Trout Pass Pool Bar. But the former Trout Pass has since been transformed into the Salon by the Springs, so Geyser Point is THE place to grab a drink near the Copper Creek Springs Pool. But there’s much more than drinks in store these days. So let’s pay a one-year-old birthday visit to Geyser Point Bar and Grill! Because even in this very first year, there are already some changes to report. And while there’s still plenty to enjoy here, I can’t say I’m a fan of some of the changes. Geyser Point Bar & Grill sign Allow me to explain… Atmosphere Geyser Point welcomes guests by presenting a rustic setting in perfect keeping with Wilderness Lodge. Geyser Point Bar & Grill In fact, before we step in and discuss what’s changed, let’s take a look at the spot in its opening days… Geyser Point still combines the Lodge’s indoor stone-and-cedar vibe with the best of the outdoors. And though plenty of the space is open to the outdoor experience, you can easily enjoy it rain or shine, thanks to plenty of cover (and even retractable walls when the elements are a bit too severe). Geyser Point Bar & Grill There’s plenty of seating to be had, too, from right at the bar to traditional tables and chairs, to cozier, comfier couches. Low Tables and Cushioned Seating Bar Seating More seating options Something rather unique to Geyser Point Bar and Grill is its dual purpose. There is a Counter Service element that operates pretty much like any other walk-up window around Disney World, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Quick Service Walkup Window But you may also decide to dine in the lounge, which features a few unique-to-Geyser cocktails, several Northwest brews, and even some small plates. Bar area And HERE’S where things get tricky. In Geyser Point’s earliest days, you could amble in, grab a table, and a server would come to greet you at the table you’d selected. Or, say you were bringing food from the Counter Service area. No problem! Just bring your grub and grab a seat. Geyser Point Bar & Grill Then just enjoy your food and the gorgeous views. The view This brings me to those changes I mentioned earlier. On my visit, I had to wait to be seated in the lounge. No more strolling in and sitting where you choose (which kinds of defeats the whole attempted “pool bar” vibe). And, I have to say it: the Cast Members I encountered who were in charge of seating that day were pretty rude about the whole thing. So, I want you to be prepared that it’s not necessarily that laid back feel you’d expect from an outdoor, partially Counter Service location. I showed up expecting the old system, so not knowing any different I continued towards a seat. Geyser Point Bar & Grill The way I was treated by the Cast Members when I was informed that things work differently now unfortunately left a bad taste in my mouth even before I placed an order. On the upside, the food at Geyser Point (and my actual server herself) were still lovely. Eats Going in, you should know I ordered from both the Counter Service options and the lounge options. Let’s start by taking a look at the lounge with the Featured Cocktails menu. Geyser Point Featured Cocktails Each of the cocktails on the menu feature a spirit from a Northwest distillery. I went with the Whippersnapper Sour, featuring Whippersnapper Whiskey with sweet-and-sour. Whippersnapper Sour The powerful pucker from the sweet-and-sour is a fun contrast to the strength of the whiskey. But there’s one thing I simply can’t resist here, and it comes from the Rustic Fare menu. Geyser Point Rustic Fare I’m talking about the Cheesy Barbecue Brisket. Cheesy Barbecue Brisket Served with house-made chips, this savory, salty, cheesy pile is much more substantial than your typical dip. It’s closer to a meal, and I’m so glad it survived the more recent changes here. And so are a lot of other people, I think, because you’ll see a dish of this on just about every table a lot of the time! This was still wonderful, if a little pricey for what you get. I do wish they’d give you more of the brisket dip — it’s a pretty small portion. And now for the Counter Service eats! Geyser Point Counter Service Menu The Bison Cheeseburger comes topped with bacon, Tillamook Cheddar, onion straws, lettuce, and tomato. The two sauces on the burger are garlic aioli and marionberry barbecue. And hooray for the side of Waffle Fries! Bison Cheeseburger with Waffle Fries Unlike your regular dry Counter Service “hockey puck” burger, the bison patty was tender and held some good flavor. In fact, I was incredibly impressed with the flavor. Bison is a leaner meat, and without that fatty marbling, you wouldn’t expect as flavorful a patty. But it was excellent — and had enough flavor for even this rib-eye fan! And I think those toppings come together just right with this one — I especially enjoyed the saltiness from the fried onions with the sweetness of the marionberry sauce. Bison Cheeseburger cross-section Marionberries are a hybrid blackberry developed in Oregon, so it’s fun to know that even the Counter Service options get a bit of the Northwest treatment. Speaking of berries… I wanted to try the Northwest Berry Whip, mostly to see if it was at all similar to our beloved pineapple Dole Whip. Northwest Berry Whip As it turns out, not really — it’s certainly sip-able as opposed to soft serve, and it packs a refreshing, cold bright berry punch. My only word of warning: I ordered mine with some black cherry vodka added in. Don’t do that — it wasn’t a good mix, and the drink is good as it is. I also grabbed a Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which comes topped with chili aioli, lettuce, and tomato, and is served on the same artisanal roll as the burger. That Tillamook Cheddar you see peeking out of the side there was added per my request . Crispy Chicken Sandwich The chicken wonderfully lives up to the “crispy” descriptor in its name (which stands in a nice contrast with that soft bun), and I loved how the aioli gave it a little kick! I would absolutely order this one again. If you need a bite of something sweet at Geyser Point, your options are currently limited to Counter Service. I grabbed the Seasonal Pie, which was Apple Pie on my visit. Seasonal Pie These pies have changed a lot since the early days, and now they’re not nearly as compelling. Instead of being unique and hearty, they’re really just tiny counter service desserts now. I wasn’t impressed with the size or the flavors. Seasonal Pie The Chocolate Brownie Mousse is garnished with toasted meringue and a solo piece of caramel popcorn. Chocolate Brownie Mousse That popcorn is a good indicator of size — this is TINY. Chocolate Brownie Mousse cross-section And boring. The cake was dry and tasteless. The mousse on top was OK — it had good flavor and texture — but the bite-size of this dessert makes it not even worth a second glance in my book. So, the food at Geyser Point is still decent — sans the desserts — but still pricey. Be prepared. Nosh or Not Plan a visit to Geyser Point Bar and Grill if: You’ve got some folks in your group who want a full Counter Service meal, and some who just want something to drink along with some pub noshes. Geyser Point fits both bills! You want to take full advantage of the gorgeous setting of Wilderness Lodge, because this spot plays it to the hilt. You’re already staying at Wilderness Lodge, it’s a nice day, and you’d like to eat outside. Skip a trip to Geyser Point Bar and Grill if: You prefer a laid back feel (from a service perspective) in your bar or counter service choices. Your better bets for that in Wilderness Lodge are Roaring Fork and Territory Lounge. You want a bit more value for your money. Wilderness Lodge (accessible via boat and bus from Magic Kingdom) is too out of the way of your park plans. Overall Geyser Point has so much potential. We’re talking about some great food in a memorable setting — from the actual space itself to its prime real estate on the waterfront. It’s all there. But the food (especially the table-service bar eats) seem too pricey for what you get, and the new seating policy has messed with the laid back feel of the spot, in my opinion. It might be a result of the unique set-up of the combination of a lounge with a counter service — or it might be because the spot is so nice that they experienced trouble with crowd control, or table turnover was too slow if guests wanted to linger. But when you’re talking about a lounge, lingering is kind of the whole point, right? Sigh. In any case, those things that are working — the food and the setting — mean that I’ll head back here from time to time. But the experience doesn’t come close to Territory Lounge when I’m at the Lodge, and Geyser Point is pretty out-of-the-way unless you’re staying at Wilderness Lodge. Overall — visiting here would be on an as-needed basis for me most likely. I won’t make any special trips this way. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Details! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Is Geyser Point Bar and Grill on your dining radar? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: DFB Video Review: The NEW Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge First Look and Review: Geyser Point Bar and Grill at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge News: Geyser Point Pool Bar & Grill Opening Soon at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

Last month, we took a closer look at Indiana Jones Adventure to see some of the immersive details that are often missed at this Disneyland park favorite. This month, let’s hop aboard the wildest ride in the wilderness! Located in the heart of Frontierland, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad was inspired by the stunning landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, and it’s full of western lore and references to Disney history. At the attraction’s entrance, a sign welcomes travelers to the little town of Rainbow Ridge. If you take a closer look, you see that the sign illustrates how Rainbow Ridge went from prosperous to a ghost town. Legend has it that when the gold-searching citizens became greedy, mysterious things started to occur around the mountain, like trains moving on their own! Continuing your way up to the train, you see a sign post pointing you to the four Big Thunder Mountain Railroad attractions around the world. Each mountain has its own unique personality and is inspired by red rock formations throughout the American Southwest. By looking at this sign, can you match the town to the Disney Park where it’s located? Since miners are a superstitious lot, there are five horseshoes placed around the mountain to help bring luck to the eerie caverns. You can find four of the horseshoes hanging right-side-up throughout the loading station which, according to western lore, will collect good luck. However, just before passengers begin their last ascent into a cavern filled with dynamite, they are forewarned of the danger ahead with an upside-down horseshoe signifying bad luck! As you finish your journey and pass the town of Rainbow Ridge one last time, try to catch a glimpse of a familiar face in one of the store fronts. Do you know who it is? Leave your answer in the comments! One of my favorite hidden reference lies in plain sight at the attraction’s entrance. There you will find a notice signed by Willard P. Bounds, U.S. Marshall. This is a tribute to Lillian Disney’s father, who was an actual a blacksmith and U.S. Marshall in Idaho. Do you have a favorite Disneyland Resort attraction or location with subtle historical references or storytelling elements? Let us know in the comments which one you think should be featured next month! View the full article

Walt Disney Company expects to roll out multi-day peak theme park tickets around the end of this year so the crowded dates cost more, the company’s CEO and president Bob Iger said Monday. Earlier this month, when Walt Disney World raised its prices, a company spokeswoman had said the Orlando theme... View the full article

Walt Disney Company expects to roll out multi-day surge theme park tickets around the end of this year as visitors buy fewer one-day tickets, the company’s CEO and president Bob Iger said Monday. Earlier this month, when Walt Disney World raised its prices, a company spokeswoman had said the Orlando... View the full article

This week for the Disney Parks Moms Panel Awards, our panelists have chosen their favorites at Disneyland Resort. The categories were extremely close, with each winner barely squeaking out on top! Let’s take a look and see what our panelists selected as their top choices at the Happiest Place on Earth. Favorite Snack Let’s start with food, because don’t all great things begin with food? This was a race to the bitter end, but it looks like the churro is the winner! These tasty snacks can be picked up at Churro Carts throughout the parks, and they can also be found at the Cozy Cone Motel. Did you know they come in all sorts of flavors? A very close second and third included corn dogs and Mickey beignets. We can’t argue with any of these top three! Favorite Disney Character Experience There were many nominees in this category, but our 2018 winner is Mickey’s House in Mickey’s Toontown at Disneyland park. Our panelists can’t get enough of Mickey Mouse and love visiting him at home. Honorable mention goes to Fantasy Faire, where guests can find their favorite princesses waiting to meet them. Favorite Restaurant This was the only runaway winner in our awards this week, and it goes as no surprise because it was also last year’s winner in this category. The honors go to Blue Bayou Restaurant. The panelists love the New Orleans theming and watching Pirates of the Caribbean passenger boats float through the restaurant. This winner should actually be no surprise as it has been a guest favorite since its opening in 1967. Favorite Disneyland Resort Attraction The winner of this category was not decided until the last vote was counted, but our 2018 winner is Space Mountain. Seasonal overlays give guests a new reason to visit this classic attraction, and the Disney Parks Moms Panelists recommend you see them all. Sliding in at an extremely close second and third were Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones Adventure. Congratulations once again to this week’s Disneyland Resort winners. Remember, if you are planning a Disney vacation and need tips from those in the know, please visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized answer from one of our knowledgeable panelists. View the full article

If you have a hankerin’ for some BBQ while you’re in Disney Springs (or for Buttermilk Chess Pie, for that matter), then The Polite Pig is your stop. The Polite Pig That said, it’s the stop for a LOT of people, because our Polite friend is one popular Pig! So, if you’re looking to bypass the lines, you can now place your order online! Take note, though… The Polite Pig Instagram screenshot This is not to be confused with Mobile Order, which is available via the My Disney Experience app. Nope, to order online for The Polite Pig, you need to visit PolitePig.com and place your order there. The Polite Pig website screenshot Another difference: you are able to set your pickup time. With Mobile Order, you show up to the restaurant, notify of your presence via the app, and you are notified in return when you order is ready. So, basically the same end result is that you can still eat whenever you want to — there are just different ways of going about it. In any case, lots of ways are popping up to make sure guests are spending less time in line at Disney World restaurants, and more time riding attractions, shopping, or — our favorite — EATING! To learn more about on-the-go ordering in Disney World, visit our Mobile Order Page! Are you a fan of ordering while on-the-go? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: The Polite Pig Set to Open Monday, April 10th in Disney Springs News: “The Polite Pig” Is On the Way to Disney Springs, Opening Spring 2017 Review: The Polite Pig (Including BRAND NEW Buttermilk Chess Pie) in Disney Springs View the full article

Blossoming again in 2018, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort from February 28 through May 28. The festival marks its 25th Anniversary this year with brilliant gardens, fresh flavors, rocking entertainment, and commemorative merchandise. The seeds of this year’s merchandise assortment were planted more than a year ago by event product developer Cathy Dawson. By collaborating with a talented art team and incorporating beloved products from Disney Parks, Cathy tells the Festival’s story from a fresh new perspective. “This year’s merchandise mixes the latest on-trend designs with products we know guests love such as headwear or home décor,” said Cathy. “Since this year is a milestone anniversary, everything has a new look and many items include a 25th Anniversary logo in the artwork. There’s something for everyone to remember a springtime visit to Epcot.” A garden of more than 75 items was created for this annual event. Cathy included little details on many products, which are best seen on the stylish accessories and easy-to-wear apparel. New headwear, such as the Mouse-eared baseball cap, contain nods to Spaceship Earth, while the flower-covered headband is reminiscent of the millions of blooms guests will see at Epcot. Cathy partnered with Disney Creative Group artists when creating four art collections that complement the Festival’s overall design. She referenced an artwork style guide during the design process so the products have a consistent look when displayed throughout the park. The “Mickey’s Grove” collection with Mickey Mouse, Pluto, and Orange Bird contains a harvested assortment of apparel, accessories, home décor, and more. The lovable purple dragon Figment “unearths the unexpected” in the “Figment Discovers” collection with apparel, drinkware, and garden statuary. The “Fresh Epcot” collection has brightly colored picks of the season from a simple pocket t-shirt to collectible pins. “My favorite collection is ‘Minnie’s Farmhouse Flower Shop’ as the adorable artwork of Minnie Mouse with her cat Figaro captures the essence of spring,” continued Cathy. Annual Passholders attending the event will find a variety of Passholder Exclusive products including drinkware by Tervis, pins, apparel, and a handbag by Dooney & Bourke. Additional Dooney & Bourke handbags with images of Minnie Mouse and Figaro will be available. Please note the wallet will be released at a future date during the Festival. When the Festival kicks off on February 28, we are releasing two limited-edition retail MagicBands. The Mickey Mouse-themed one has an edition size of 2,000 and is packaged in an orange-scented box. The Passholder Exclusive MagicBand also has an edition size of 2,000 and complements other Figment products created for the event. One additional MagicBand will be released at a future date during the Festival. Packaged in a box that smells like flowers, the Minnie Mouse-inspired item has an edition size of 1,000. These products and many others, including the new springtime scavenger hunt, Spike’s Pollen Nation Exploration, will be found in select merchandise locations throughout Epcot. For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com. View the full article

The first-ever Pixar Fest will take place April 13 through September 3 at the Disneyland Resort, and there’s no better time to connect with a friend than during this ultimate celebration of friendship and beyond! Here are 10 ways to have fun together during Pixar Fest. 1. Watch the new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” from all four iconic locations. The timeless stories of your favorite Pixar friends will come to life through dazzling pyrotechnics and immersive projections at four Disneyland park locations: Sleeping Beauty Castle, the Rivers of America, “it’s a small world” and Main Street, U.S.A. See it together at all four locations for a different experience each time! 2. Share a tasty snack. One of my favorite parts of a Disney Parks celebration is the limited-time food and beverage – and you can be sure that Pixar Fest will be no exception. Share a treat with a buddy, or better yet, grab a selection of treats and sample them with a group of friends or family! 3. Feel the rhythm of the night during “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure park. This popular parade makes its return when Pixar Fest begins April 13, and coming in June is a dazzling new float featuring “The Incredibles”! We all have that friend who got really excited when they heard this parade was returning, right? Bring them with you and experience the magic of “Paint the Night” all over again. 4. Show off your Pixar-inspired style. Are you and your buddy more Buzz and Woody or Mike and Sully? Express your friendship through character-inspired outfits! 5. Count down to fun with the return of “Pixar Play Parade.” You’ll be singing that catchy song together the rest of the day after you watch this energetic parade make its way through Disneyland park for the first time, featuring three new parade story elements! 6. Save with the Southern California resident ticket offer.* If you and your buddy are Southern California residents, check out Pixar Fest before May 24 and you can save up to 25 percent off select multi-day tickets! 7. Catch up on the classics at the Pixar Shorts film festival. Have you missed one of the amazing Pixar Shorts, or is there one you want to see again? Sunset Showcase Theater in Hollywood Land will feature rotating favorites such as “For the Birds” and “Lava” throughout most of Pixar Fest. 8. Give your buddy a token of your friendship. Pixar Fest will give you the chance to celebrate friendship with lots of new merchandise, including an exclusive Pixar Fest charm bracelet. With multiple bracelet options and a variety of charms with fun friendship messages and favorite Pixar characters, you can mix and match for yourself or a friend! 9. Discover your favorite Pixar stories at Pixar Pier. Opening June 23, Pixar Pier will be a newly transformed land at Disney California Adventure park featuring four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise. 10. Race alongside the Incredibles. Also opening June 23, the Incredicoaster will be a super combination of character figures, lighting and special effects that bring the action to life as the Parr family races alongside you in an attempt to catch baby Jack-Jack! What are you looking forward to doing with your friend during Pixar Fest? Tell us in the comments! *SoCal Resident Ticket Offer: Valid on 2-Day and 3-Day Disneyland Resort Theme Park tickets, and savings based on non-discounted price for the same ticket at the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance ticket booths. Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. Tickets expire May 24, 2018 and are not valid before January 8, 2018. Blockout days of 3/23/18 – 4/8/18 apply. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use and exclude activities/events separately priced. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice. View the full article

Hello, there! We’re back with another DFB Video to start off your week, and we’re talking about one of my very favorite topics: PEANUT BUTTER!! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor All-American Sundae If you have a passion for peanut butter like I do, then you definitely don’t want to miss out on the 5 snacks we’re sharing with you in our latest DFB YouTube video! We’ve got snacks in the parks as well as the Resorts, because — thankfully — there’s no shortage of peanut-buttery goodness when you’re in Disney World. From sundaes, to brownies, to cookie sandwiches, to pie… well, you may want to grab a glass of milk, because there is a LOT of peanut butter coming your way once you hit play on our next video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What’s YOUR favorite peanut butter snack 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: EVEN MORE Disney Snacks! DFB Video: Eight NEW Must-Eat Disney World Snacks for 2018 New DFB Video: 20 Disney Snacks You HAVE to Try in 2017 View the full article

Atlanta Braves spring training games get underway today at Champion Stadium when they host the Washington Nationals – their National League East division rivals. First pitch for today’s game is 1:05 p.m. This year marks Atlanta’s 21st season of conducting spring training workouts at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. Atlanta’s rather impressive lineup contains several seasoned veterans and a bevy of talented newcomers, so watching this team this spring should be an exciting proposition for Braves fans. Atlanta’s spring training home schedule is an attractive one with games against perennial MLB playoff clubs like the Nationals (Feb. 26, March 1), the St. Louis Cardinals (March 3, 17), the vaunted New York Yankees (March 9, 24) and the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros (March 8). Disney character appearances and special moments such as kids running the bases after every game are some of the in-game entertainment opportunities that make Braves spring training at Disney a unique experience. From a concessions perspective, Braves fans will be able to sample several new food and beverage options this season including the new Latin Rice Bowl (chicken or pork), which is available on the third-base patio at the stadium. For those Braves fans who enjoy specialty craft beers, there are four new offerings this spring at the stadium. Chopsecutioner, the first new craft beer, is produced by the Terrapin Beer Company in Athens, GA. This beer has a citrusy, hoppy flavor which is nicely paired with the beef brisket from Barbecue Smokehouse. Bell’s Oberen Ale wheat beer from Bell’s Brewery in Michigan is available and should be paired with the chicken nugget basket from Champion Stadium’s Home Plate Grill. Una Mas Amber Lager from Left Coast Brewing in California is the third new craft beer, which goes great with the buffalo chicken sandwich at the stadium, while Dock Light IPA from 3 Daughters Brewing in St. Petersburg, Florida rounds out the new craft beer selections. It should be paired with mini-hotdogs and brats from Slider Station on the third-base patio at the stadium. Braves fans can purchase individual spring training game tickets at www.espnwwos.com/braves, through Ticketmaster outlets (800-745-3000) and at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. Tickets range from $15 (general admission berm seating in left field) to $59 (lower level reserved seats). We’ll see you all at the ball park! View the full article

Disneyland Paris has a unique exhibition for guests during Season of the Force this year: five large-scale, fan-built Star Wars vehicles! Where else can you see a model X-wing starfighter or Imperial tie fighter soar overhead? Take a look below for a glimpse at how these vehicles came to life at Walt Disney Studios Park just a few weeks ago. For more Star Wars, visit Disneyland Paris now through March 25 to experience thrilling shows and attractions based on the epic saga and encounter legendary characters from the Empire, the First Order and the Resistance. View the full article

We’re kicking off another week on the Disney Parks Blog with a look – a very early, barely sunrise – look at Spaceship Earth at Epcot. The park’s iconic attraction looks simply lovely with multicolored lighting reflecting across the attraction’s exterior, highlighting the attraction’s isosceles triangle pattern. The pink-purple sunrise clouds add even more color to the shot. Looks like a great day to visit! View the full article

In our Disney Doodles series, our Disney artists imagine what different Disney characters would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Tarzan and Jane would do if they could visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. According to her, Tarzan may seek out some place that felt a lot like his jungle home – Trader Sam’s! “I love watching the tikis come to life at Trader Sam’s,” Ashley said. “It’s easy to imagine Jane and Tarzan watching the theatrics and looking at Polynesian artifacts!” View the full article

The most beautiful time of the year kicks off this week at Epcot when the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival begins February 28! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Festival, which runs through May 28! Throughout the Festival, Epcot guests can enjoy Disney-themed topiaries throughout the park, special exhibits and seminars, and the Garden Rocks Concert Series (and Dining Packages). And, there are also FIFTEEN Food Booths. Much like the Food Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the Flower and Garden Festival Booths are serving up small plates and beverages, but with a Spring focus on fresh-from-the-garden ingredients. Don’t forget to visit our 2018 Flower and Garden Festival Menu Page to see the full booth menus and food photos from this year’s Festival! Bauernmarkt Booth in Epcot’s Germany We can’t wait to try EVERY dish this week when the Festival opens, and today we’re sharing some of the must-eat dishes this year! Let’s check out a few of our returning favorites, and some highly anticipated new additions. Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions and Herb Sour Cream, Bauernmarkt Farmer’s Market Bauernmarkt is the German-themed Farmer’s Market at the festival. One of our favorite dishes last year was the savory Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream. Potato Pancake with Caramelized Ham, Onions, and Herb Sour Cream The shredded potato pancake and savory toppings looks to be a winner again this year! Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries, Bauernmarkt Farmer’s Market You’ll want to save room for dessert at Bauernmarkt! The Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries is great! Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries The flaky pastry is filled with a rich, sweet Cheese Filling, and the Berry Topping is the perfect complement. Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepper Berry Gelato, The Berry Basket The Warm Wild Berry Buckle with Pepper Berry Gelato was one of our favorite dishes last year – although last year’s version was served with Pepperberry Sorbet. Warm Wild Berry Buckle from The Berry Basket The warm cake was SO good but the Pepperberry Sorbet is what took the dish over the top! We can’t wait to try it with the Gelato this year. And, if you love it as much as we do you can make it at home! Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños, The Smokehouse The Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños at The Smokehouse has been one of our Flower and Garden Festival favorites for a few years! Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash with White Cheddar Fondue and Pickled Jalapeños from the Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen You’re going to love this dish – so much that you’ll want to make it at home! Lucky for you, we have the recipe! Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue and House-made Pickle, The Smokehouse We love the original Beef Brisket Burnt Ends Hash at The Smokehouse, but we can’t wait to try the new Beef Brisket Burnt Ends and Smoked Pork Belly Slider with Garlic Sausage, Chorizo, Cheddar Fondue and House-made Pickle! THOSE ARE ALL MY FAVORITE WORDS IN ONE SENTENCE! The Smokehouse This is just one of the new menu items we can’t wait to try this year! Here are a few more… A New Menu at Fleur de Lys Fleur de Lys has been home to some of our favorite Flower and Garden Festival dishes over the years, and this year there’s a new menu and we can’t wait to try it all! We’re excited to sample this year’s dessert — a Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop! Macaron au Chocolat en Sucette: Large Chocolate Macaron Lollipop ©Disney The menu at Fleur de Lys also includes Tarte à la Tomate Provençale: Provencal Tomato Tart with Sautéed Onions, Fresh Thyme and Rosemary on a Flaky Pastry Crust and Canard Confit Aux Gnocchi à la Parisienne: Braised Duck Confit with Parisian Gnocchi. The Honey Bee-Stro Hosted by National Honey Board New to the Festival this year, The Honey Bee-stro features all-natural food and drink infused with honey! The Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses sounds sweet and delicious (and it looks pretty too)! Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses ©Disney The Honey Bee-stro menu also features two savory dishes: Roasted Cauliflower with Buckwheat Honey Carrot Puree, Wild Rice Pilaf, Asparagus, Honey Blistered Grapes and Sunflower Brittle and Honey Tandoori Chicken Flatbread with White Cheddar Cheese, charred vegetables, Clover Honey Sour Cream and Micro Watercress. A New Menu at Primavera Kitchen Primavera Kitchen has been hit-or-miss in years past, but this year the booth features an all-new menu and we can’t wait to sample it all! Primavera Outdoor Kitchen Booth New items this year include Asparagus Frittata, Mixed Greens and Citrus Dressing; Fritto Misto: Crispy Shrimps, Zucchini, and Spicy Sauces; Maine Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce; and Cantaloupe Panna Cotta. Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade, Pineapple Promenade The Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade has been a favorite here at DFB for several years! This non-alcoholic frozen beverage is delicious and beautiful! Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade The Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade isn’t too sweet or too floral, making it one of our must-have items. Frushi, Hanami Frushi – a creative and fruity twist on sushi – has been a Flower and Garden Festival favorite for years! It’s definitely a must-have dish and it’s great for the kiddos too! Frushi at the Hanami Outdoor Kitchen in Japan Frushi is Pineapple, Strawberry, and Melon rolled with Coconut Rice, sprinkled with Toasted Coconut, and topped with Whipped Cream, with Raspberry Sauce on the side. If you leave the Festival wanting more Frushi in your life, we have the recipe! Remember, you can see menus and photos of ALL THE FOOD by visiting our 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menu Page! Start planning your trip now! What are you looking forward to eating at the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival? Let us know in a comment. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News! FULL FOOD BOOTH MENUS for 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival NEWS: Garden Rocks Concerts Announced for 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival NEWS: New Honey Bee Scavenger Hunt Coming to the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival View the full article

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Disney Springs (The Landing, to be more specific!) is a longtime favorite of guests (and DFB!). Learn About: Raglan Road Irish Pub Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants And this reputation is well-earned. The whimsical menu is full of innovative takes on Irish classics. And the pub itself is owned and run by two partners from Ireland who have a long history in the pub and food-service business on the emerald isle. So you can be sure — before you even get there — this place is the real deal. Add to that terrific menu and atmosphere some equally terrific entertainment (live music adds tons of energy to the restaurant every evening and night!) and special events like the Great Irish Hooley, and — of course! — the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival being held March 16-18, 2018, and you’ve got yourself a dynamic and exciting dining experience! And we know, we know: Disney Springs is chock full of new dining spots you want to check out. But Raglan Road is pretty foolproof. Raglan Road Let’s pop into the pub! Atmosphere Raglan Road has all the makings of a classic Irish pub — from the design of the menu to the design of the building. The details outside include stately columns and lots of glass for some great natural light inside. Raglan Road — Outside The pub offers several seating areas, which aids in making a rather large restaurant seem quaint and cozy in each individual dining room. One of these is stage-adjacent, so if you want some great music (and sometimes some energetic dancing!) with your meal, this is the place! A high ceiling and upper windows create and open and bright space. Dancing Podium and Stage Raglan Road also offers some elegant seating perfect for a romantic dinner out. Romantic Dining at Raglan Road And the wood paneling and thoughtful decor (like the bars that were actually imported from Ireland) really give diners the feeling that this pub has been here forever. It’s cozy and familiar. Raglan Road Seating Now that you’re seated, you’ll want to peruse the truly entertaining menus. Eats Raglan Road has ten thousand menus. Okay, maybe not quite that many. But depending on when you visit, you might see a few. Drinks are prolific, with something for everyone. Seriously. Every. One. Drink Menu The Brunch Menu features all the breakfast and lunch options you could possibly want. Raglan Road Brunch Menu Then there’s the Pub Grub — it’s small and delicious, with favorites from wings to burgers to fish and chips. Raglan Road Pub Grub The Lunch Menu echoes some of the Brunch options and adds a few others as well. Raglan Road Lunch Menu Finally, the Dinner Menu offers even more delicious meals. I mean, you might need an appetizer just to get through the menu and make your selection. Raglan Road Menu Raglan invited me in to sample some of the new items, including one of the newer drinks on the menu. First up was PJ’s Poison. This is a bright combination of Gunpowder Irish Gin, muddled orange, rhubarb bitters, lemon juice, orange whiskey marmalade, and fever tree tonic with an orange twist. The fruity flavors are refreshing and the bitters and Gin give a bit of a bite. PJ’s Poison The Hot Whiskey is a classic drink, featuring a floating lemon slice and cloves. It’s Paddy’s Irish Whiskey, brown sugar, cloves, and lemon. Hot Whiskey Hot Whiskey is a classic warming drink, and even though central Florida isn’t exactly known for cold temperatures, this winter has seen some chilly days and this helped on one of them! Hot Whiskey You know I’m a sucker for all things cheese, so I couldn’t wait to try the Dub Schpuds from the Pub Grub menu. These are herb-roasted potato wedges with a Smithwick’s and Dubliner cheese dip. WHAT?!? I know!! The dip was kind of an “Irish Queso” situation — with a little bit of spice to it. It was smooth and delicious, and is now a serious contender for my favorite cheese dip, up agains the vintage bacon and cheese! Raglan Road Pub Menu Dub Schpuds Serious Steak is on the Dinner Menu, and it’s seriously good. This ten ounce sirloin is served with mashed potatoes, battered onion rings, and whiskey peppercorn sauce. The presentation is cool. Who doesn’t want a tower of steak and onion rings? Raglan Road Serious Steak From above, you can see the variety of greens on top, and the tower of food below is hearty and flavorful. I loved the ideal texture of those potatoes, and the steak was salty and savory — just how I like it. That whiskey peppercorn sauce offers even more flavor, if needed. Serious Steak It’s a Porker is a grilled lollipop pork chop with root vegetable mashed potato, pork crackling, and a port and cider jus. This is a classy dish, y’all. The pork was awesome — grilled to get that crispy outer layer of flavor — and tender, moist, and flavorful. Pork is difficult to prepare in restaurants it seems — like chicken, it’s finicky, and you don’t want to under- or overcook it; but the line between the two is very hard to walk. This version was perfect. It’s a Porker at Raglan Road The presentation was, again, cool. And the proportion of meat to sides was good. Speaking of sides, the root vegetable mash is super fun. A mixture of turnips, potatoes, and more, the flavors were still familiar, but still unique. One of the owners of Raglan mentioned that this was the mash of his youth — it’s what lots of kids in Ireland grow up eating at home. Raglan Road The Proud Porkie is Guinness-braised pulled pork with apple chutney and pork crackling on a homemade bun. The crackling adds such a fun crunch to the sandwich. Proud Porkie has everything to be proud of; it’s meaty and flavorful. The chips on the side are also terrific. I could have used a touch more moisture in the pork, but that’s my only complaint. Proud Porkie at Raglan Road Now before we talk about Gnocchi Sea, Gnocchi Do, can we just please pause to appreciate these clever names? It’s one of the fun touches that gives Raglan Road so much personality! Okay, back to this bowl of yumminess. Gnocchi Sea, Gnocchi Do is comprised of handmade potato gnocchi, seared Georges Bank scallops, crispy pork belly, tomatoes, and kale in a white wine butter sauce. Gnocchi Sea, Gnocchi Do at Raglan Road Every component of this is beautiful — not just to look at but also to taste. The scallops were cooked perfectly, and actually have some great flavor to them. The gnocchi texture was great, but the true stars for me here were the pork belly (natch) and the sauce! Gnocchi Sea, Gnocchi Do Close-Up Dessert was the Chef’s Dessert Flight, featuring four small portions of the restaurant’s desserts. These selections can vary, so your server will let you know what’s on the flight during your visit. On my visit I received Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding, Chocolate Heaven, Fluffy Lemon Clouds, and Apple Crumble. All were delicious, but the fluffy lemon clouds is the pick for this lemon curd fan. Chef’s Dessert Sampler at Raglan Road One of my main criticisms of Raglan Road (and there aren’t very many), is that the Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding — a guest favorite and a classic on the menu — is dry. If you order the large portion, you’ll get two sides of sauce, and I highly recommend dumping the whole thing out on a plate and pouring the sauces over the entirety instead of trying to get the sauce where it needs to be in the service cup. But in this mini-portion, there’s not nearly enough sauce served on top, and so you end up with mostly dry bread pudding. Which is basically just bread. So…here’s hoping they fix that and get a version that looks more like House Of Blues’ Bourbon Bread Pudding or ‘Ohana’s Banana Bread Pudding, both of which are truly epic. Ready for St. Paddy’s Day?? DON’T FORGET! If you’re anywhere near Raglan on St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll definitely want to make your way there on March 16, 17, or 18, 2018, for the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival. There will be tons of live entertainment on multiple stages — indoors and out! Plus you can order from multiple menus — so there will be no shortage of satisfying eats and festive cheer! Stay tuned for a DFB post all about this year’s festival, coming up soon! Nosh or Not? You’ll want to navigate to Raglan Road if: You love a lively dining experience. You’re a comfort food fan — especially if it’s done really well with unique elements. You want to see Irish food done right. You want a guaranteed good experience in Disney Springs. You might want to make your way elsewhere if: You don’t care for Irish food. You’re not planning to spend much time in Disney Springs. You want to try one of the many new dining options in Disney Springs. Overall Raglan Road has such a terrific vibe — like you’re hanging out in a cozy Irish pub where the servers and staff are some of your good buds. And the food is seriously good. Master Chef Kevin Dundon’s recent departure has not interrupted the quality of the food or the service, and I’ll be back (even with the zillion new dining experiences in Disney Springs). Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to dine complimentary as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Raglan Road to try some of their new and popular offerings. Note that when we attend as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ 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: Dishes to Try at the Great Irish Hooley Starting TODAY at Raglan Road in Disney Springs News: Raglan Road Celebrates National Lager Day With Blagger! News: Great Irish Hooley, Plus New Menu Options at Raglan Road in Disney Springs View the full article