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Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark features Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, a new classic at Disney California Adventure park. I love making pictures at Disney California Adventure park around dusk – especially when we get one of those classic Southern California sunsets, like the one we enjoyed on Tuesday. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree might be my favorite attraction in Cars Land, but no ride is more fun to shoot (as far as I’m concerned) than Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters – especially when all of the vehicles spin in unison. Have you experienced the Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters yet? If not, then get your motor running and cruise on over to Cars Land. Buckle up and get ready for a lively ride when those Italian imports roll in time to peppy tunes sung by Luigi himself. View the full article

Walt Disney World Celebrates UCF Knights at Magic Kingdom Park View the full article

A Disney cruise in Europe offers the best of both worlds – the chance for your family to experience the magic of Disney in addition to the culture and beauty of different countries. Whether you’re visiting Mediterranean, Baltic or Northern Europe destinations, there are countless opportunities for authentic family adventures. Through our Port Adventures, we take out the complexity of traveling internationally with children, giving you peace of mind that all details are taken care of while your family explores an exotic land together. Then, after a full day in port, you return to the Disney Magic where you can enjoy world-class entertainment, dining, accommodations and service. It’s a land and sea vacation unlike any other! For a glimpse at the fun your family can expect on a Disney cruise in Europe, check out this video… View the full article

Do you love polka dots? Well you’re in luck because National Polka Dot Day is just around the corner, and we’re ready to Rock the Dots with some polka-dotted treats inspired by the fabulous Minnie Mouse, herself! And while National Polka Dot Day is January 22nd, my friend Tara recently threw a polka-dotted party and invited myself and another friend Ana, and I just HAD to share these photos! When I arrived at the party, I couldn’t stop raving about this beautiful Minnie Mouse Dome Cake! It was a lemon chiffon cake with white chocolate mousse and strawberry pate de fruit jelly, and it was absolutely delicious! You can find this cake at the popular Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs, where you can also order it as a chocolate chiffon cake with milk chocolate mousse and orange pate de fruit jelly. No matter what you get, it will definitely serve as the perfect addition to any event! But the cake wasn’t the only spotted piece to this wonderful party. All of the dishes, mugs and even the tea pot were Minnie Mouse-themed, while the silverware was decorated with adorable mouse ears! If you’re looking throw a dotted party like this one, then you’ll be able to find all of these items at Mickey’s Pantry at Disney Springs as well as various merchandise locations across both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Moving on to the special polka-dotted offerings, we’ve got cupcakes galore here at the Walt Disney World Resort! Starting at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Roaring Fork will be offering a Minnie Mouse strawberry cupcake filled with strawberry preserve, topped with pink and white buttercream and garnished with pink crispy pearls and chocolate pieces. This cupcake is even served in a cute red and white polka dot liner. At all three of Disney’s All Star Resorts, there will be a Minnie Cupcake consisting of vanilla cake with strawberry filling and topped with strawberry buttercream and a chocolate bow. The Paddock Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will have a strawberry sponge cake with fresh strawberries and vanilla cream filling. Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will offer a chocolate Minnie cupcake with vanilla buttercream icing. And at Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’ll find a yummy chocolate Minnie cupcake filled with cookies and cream chocolate mousse, topped with cookies and cream buttercream and garnished with chocolate cream cookies and a chocolate polka dot bow! Another fun treat that can be found at select candy shops throughout Walt Disney World Resort is a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple – a chocolate covered apple coated with red sugar. And at Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, you’ll find a Minnie Mouse candy apple, dipped in caramel and covered in chocolate and topped with a bow. You’ll also find a yummy Minnie Mouse cake pop! The Downtown Disney District has a fun array of dotted treats this year including polka-dot milkshakes at Uva Bar and polka-dot Italian sodas at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. At Starbucks®, you’ll find the cutest red and white-dotted whoopee pies; and Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s will have polka-dot cookies! If you’re looking for something on the savory side, then you can get the polka-dot pepperoni pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels. National Polka Dot Day is officially January 22nd, but you’ll be able to find most of these offerings for the whole weekend, so come celebrate with us as we Rock the Dots with Minnie Mouse! View the full article

Disney's foray into river cruising will be taking in the City of Lights in 2019 as it adds new Seine River trips on top of more trips on the Rhine and Danube rivers. Adventures by Disney began offering river cruising in 2016 on the Danube, expanding to the Rhine in 2017, and continuing to sail... View the full article

Have you heard the news? Minnie Mouse will soon forge a milestone in Disney history by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California in celebration of her 90th anniversary. Minnie will receive the star during a special unveiling ceremony on Monday, January 22 – but before she leaves on her grand Hollywood adventure, we’re going to give her a special send-off live from Disney’s Hollywood Studios here in Florida this Sunday, January 21 at 1 p.m. ET! (BTW, Minnie hopes to see as many guests as possible dressed in her signature red, white and black polka dots at the park that day!). To celebrate Minnie, on Sunday, January 21 commemorative buttons will be given out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort while supplies last. Can’t make it to the send-off in person? Join us for a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of this milestone in Disney history. And share your Minnie photos with us on Twitter using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. Be sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog on Monday, January 22, for coverage of Minnie’s ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which will include special guest speakers Bob Iger, CEO & Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, as well as global pop icon and judge of ABC’s American Idol, Katy Perry. #RockTheDots #HollywoodWalkofFame View the full article

Regular readers of the Disney Parks Blog probably don’t need any introduction to the Featured Artist of this year’s Epcot International Festival of the Arts. For more than 20 years, Greg McCullough has brought joy to the hearts of Disney fans by drawing and painting Disney and Disney•Pixar characters, starting with the then-Pixar Studios in 1995 and moving into character art and graphics for Disney Parks and Resorts in 2007. As this year’s Featured Disney Artist, Greg created the official festival poster, a tribute to Epcot’s 35th Anniversary. The masterpiece contains 13 country icons from World Showcase and – if that weren’t enough – 35 Hidden Mickeys. Can you find them all? [NOTE: Check back at the Disney Parks Blog during the last week of the festival where we’ll give you the official list] Greg’s career at Disney Parks has included such varied projects as creating the official Disney Parks “dated” logo in 2009 and official posters for Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition to being among the artists scheduled daily at this year’s festival, Greg is showing his work in displays at The Art of Disney stores around Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and on the Disney Cruise Line ships. “My goal is to create works of art that allow visitors to take a bit of the magic home with them,” Greg says. And I think he’s more-than-achieved that! For more information on the Festival, click over to disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. And keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival. View the full article

With upcoming concert series at Disney, Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, theme park goers will have more than just coasters on their itineraries. Busch Gardens’ Real Music, Real Masters series runs from January to March. Performers include rock ‘n’ roll artist Michael Cavanaugh from... View the full article

The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup for the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Concerts are on select days March 2-May 28. View the full article

After lapping up the inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts, theme-park visitors were eager for a second helping. “They just wanted more. … More everything,” says Dave Kesting, general manager of Epcot festivals. “When you find something they love, you keep doing more of it.” The park’s... View the full article

In our Disney Doodles blog series, different Disney artists imagine what a character would do or see first if they had the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. For today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor drew inspiration from the 1992 film “Aladdin,” and the scene in which Aladdin takes Jasmine on an aerial adventure aboard a magic carpet. According to Ashley, that could offer quite a sight if they took flight during “Happily Ever After” fireworks. “Aladdin taking Jasmine on a magic carpet ride is such an iconic moment,” she said. “It’s easy to imagine him taking Jasmine to see a special viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the sky!” View the full article

Have you heard the news? Our favorite fashionista, Minnie Mouse, will soon be getting her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To celebrate, Disney Springs in Florida and Downtown Disney District in California will once again host a special event to honor Minnie’s polka dot infused style and flair! Taking place the day prior to National Polka Dot Day, on Sunday, January 21, guests will be invited to participate in a variety of fun offerings, culminating in a DJ Dance Party where you can rock your dots!! Some festivities kick off as early as January 18. On that day, a new mini-makeover debuts at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on both coasts; the Minnie Dot Package includes a tutu, t-shirt bow and Minnie Mouse hairstyle and can be booked in advance via 407-WDW-STYLE in Florida or 714-781-STYLE in California. (Bonus: for guests that experience a Minnie Dot Package Makeover Jan 18 – Jan 22, 2018 at Disney Springs, they’ll be eligible for a complimentary Minnie Mouse dessert at Amorette’s Patisserie.) In addition, PANDORA Jewelry will release a new limited-time Minnie Mouse gift set featuring three Minnie Mouse-inspired charms, plus a gift with purchase – a polka dot Minnie Mouse scarf – while supplies last. IN FLORIDA: Guests can discover over fifteen retail offers from Jan 18 – Jan 22, including savings at American Threads, Basin, Arribas Brothers, JOHNNY WAS, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International, Sperry, Sugarboo & Co. and Volcom. At Alex and Ani, the first 100 guests each day will receive a free gift along with daily in-store surprises. At Coach, a free gift with any purchase is in the bag for all event guests. M.A.C. Cosmetics is also participating with a complimentary “mini” Minnie-inspired demo. A handful of food and beverage locations (Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, Paddlefish, D-Luxe Burger, The Ganachery and Sprinkles) will feature discounts and/or Minnie-themed products as well, so bring your appetite, too. On January 21, the main event showcases a DJ Dance Party in the heart of Town Center from 1 – 6 p.m. where Minnie Mouse will make frequent appearances. I’ve been told to expect a few wardrobe changes, and can’t wait to see which of her many signature looks she’ll sport. Keep an eye out for a photo backdrop sponsored by PANDORA Jewelry; Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames to ensure you strike your most stylish pose. If you want to start the party early, Paddlefish will offer a “polka dot brunch” from 12 – 3 p.m. that infuses a bit of pampering to the meal: complimentary hand massages from L’Occitane and make-up applications from Sephora are on the menu. IN CALIFORNIA: Guests at Downtown Disney District in California can also look forward to Minnie Mouse-inspired activations throughout the day on Sunday, January 21. Shoppers will be treated to polka dot and event specific product, including exclusive Minnie Rocks the Dots product at World of Disney, Minnie Mouse-inspired makeovers at Sephora, and polka dot TOMS shoes at Curl Surf. For foodies, adorable Minnie Mouse specialty apples have been created, the popular polka dot milkshake makes a return visit at Uva Bar, and fun polka dot pepperoni pizzas are available at Wetzel’s Pretzels. That’s just a small sampling of what’s in store. You’ll want to pick up a brochure starting January 18, 2018 for full discount and product details. A DJ Dance Party will keep thing rockin’ in Downtown Disney District on January 21 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. As in Florida, PANDORA Jewelry has also sponsored a photo opportunity with Disney PhotoPass photographers on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames. Plus, you never know who may stop by! The only requirement for redemption of these offers, regardless of where you enjoy the event? Dress in your polka dot best! Are you ready to rock your dots? Now is the time to start planning the perfect outfit. I attended last year’s inaugural Minnie Rocks the Dots event and recall seeming some spectacularly stylish selections on guests of all ages! (Don’t be fooled – this event is family-friendly but by no means is it a “kids only” soiree.) For more information on Minnie Rocks the Dots in Florida, follow @DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram or check out the flyer here. In California, follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter or see the full list of offerings here. No matter where you post from, be sure to use hashtag “#RockTheDots.” View the full article

The Plaza Restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a classic. Learn About: San Angel Inn Restaurante Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants From its prime location at the Cinderella Castle end of Main Street, USA, to its elegant decor and moderately priced menu, The Plaza Restaurant is a truly great value. And the menu is family friendly (including those bottomless milkshakes!), so it’s easy to enjoy a meal with your whole crew. But flashier dining options have relegated The Plaza to the realm of hidden gems. And, honestly, we’re kind of okay with that. Because when Be Our Guest is booked solid, The Plaza is often a gettable alternative. And with a few new menu items, my most recent visit was a total home run. Plaza Sign Atmosphere The Plaza is small, but sweetly elegant. You’ll see turn-of-the-(last)-century glamour in everything from light fixtures to wall decor to ornate moldings. Main Dining Area And by the way, the wallpaper is beyond fabulous. The Plaza decor Seating areas are bright and cheerful, giving the whole place a sort of garden party feel (without the bugs or possible downpours). Second Dining Area If you’re so inclined, The Plaza Restaurant is a lovely place to linger and enjoy the AC. I mean… the food. Eats On this visit, I was on a mission to try some new (or new-ish) additions to the menu. But first, check out that menu. Do you see the come hither stare that ice cream is giving us? (The Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is right next door!) The Plaza Restaurant menus are so stylish! The other side of the menu is just as alluring, with comfort food dishes like the killer Home-Style Meatloaf (check it out here!), a Tuna Salad Sandwich, and a Grilled Reuben. Eats! In the apps you’ll find Plaza Loaded Fries, which are basically a replacement for the beloved Figaro Fries that left Pinocchio Village Haus a couple of years ago. But while I’ve been known to enjoy a loaded fry (or twenty), this time I wanted to try something a little different. I ordered a side of fries, but I wanted to try three different sauces with them: Loaded Fries Cheese (which is basically Plastic Cheese), Remoulade (from one of the sandwiches), and White Barbecue Sauce (from another sandwich). What can I say — I can’t pass up a good dipping sauce. Y’all. All three were awesome, with the remoulade being the real stand-out. It’s about the closest thing you can get to a Pommes Frites from Cafe Orleans experience without taking a trip to Disneyland. Definitely give this a whirl! Fries and Sauces I also needed to try the Brisket Mac and Cheese. I mean, it’s brisket on top of mac and cheese, soooo… And it’s pretty good! The flavor is solid — with the meaty barbecued brisket bringing a level of smokiness to the mac and cheese. The mac isn’t particularly creamy, which is usually a requirement for really good mac and cheese, but the block-like serving is kind of a great vessel for the brisket and fried onions. And this heavy meal is definitely share-able, especially if you’re planning to go with an app and/or a dessert. Brisket Mac and Cheese As for sweetness, you can’t go wrong with one of the newly bottomless milkshakes, if shakes are your thang. The milkshake of the month (which is also bottomless) was Peanut Butter Cup. Hello, we’re DFB, and we love everything peanut butter. And this baby was ah-mazing. I feel like it was vanilla ice cream churned with peanut butter and served with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and peanut butter/chocolate chips. But actually, it’s heaven in a milkshake glass. There was NO WAY I was going to be able to get a second one (I barely made a dent in the first), but it’s nice to know I could have if I wanted to! Peanut Butter Cup Bottomless Milkshake The Carrot Cake at The Plaza is totally ho-hum, which — I know! — I almost never say! It was super sugary and basically a grocery store carrot cake slice. Carrot Cake The Chocolate Cake, on the other hand, is the bomb! I’m not a big chocolate cake fan, but this version is super moist — like almost pudding moist — and crazy good. Big yes on this one! Chocolate Cake And that’s not where the great desserts ended! The Caramel Apple Pie that’s been on the menu for a few months is being replaced by something totally spectacular: Butterscotch Bread Pudding! It’s my number three bread pudding on property (behind the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding and a fan-tas-tic bread pudding we’ll be reviewing soon from House of Blues!!), and that’s saying somethin’! It’s served in a skillet and topped with ice cream, which melts beautifully on the warm pudding. The bread pudding is not at all dry (yay) in the first place, but with the melting ice cream and warm butterscotch it’s just about perfect. Butterscotch Bread Pudding Nosh or Not? You want to stop in at The Plaza if: You’re spending your day in the Magic Kingdom and want a tasty table service meal. (This one is often available without a reservation.) You love the idea of dining in an iconic restaurant that doesn’t require multiple table service credits or fancy pants. You and your crew enjoy timeless comfort food and super desserts. You might want to skip The Plaza if: You’re hitting all the rides today and just want to grab some food on the go instead of doing a table service meal. Your momma makes really good brisket and mac and cheese and bread pudding and you know you’ll be disappointed with a restaurant version. You want to dine on more adventurous food. Overall The Plaza Restaurant really is a hidden gem (which can work in your favor!). This place is small, but is often available without a dining reservation, and is always solidly good-to-great. With delicious apps, entrees, and (especially!) desserts, I totally recommend adding it to your list of places you’ve gotta try in the Magic Kingdom! While Liberty Tree Tavern will always be my first love in Magic Kingdom, I have to say that Plaza is giving it a run for its money! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! 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. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: New Menu Items at The Plaza Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom News: Figaro Fries Return as “Loaded Plaza Fries” at The Plaza Restaurant Review: Lunch at The Plaza Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article

The Lunar New Year celebration kicks off later this month in Disney California Adventure! From January 26th through February 18th, Disneyland Resort guests can enjoy specialty food offerings at Paradise Garden Grill, as well as at three themed Marketplaces located on the north side of Paradise Pier. Lunar New Year Celebration ©Disney Check out the menus to figure out which items you’d most like to try! Korea Marketplace (In front of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure) Kimchi Bokkeumbap – Vegetable fried rice Yachae Mandu – Steamed vegetable dumpling with sesame-garlic soy sauce Yang Gaeng – Sweet red bean and raspberry jelly Banana Ooyu – Non-alcoholic banana milk Mae Shil Ju – Plum wine cocktail Hite Pale Lager Vegetable Fried Rice ©Disney China Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr) Xiao Long Bao – Pork soup dumplings with black vinegar and ginger Sanbeiji – Three-cup chicken Dan Ta – Egg tart dessert Wuxiang Huasheng Tang – Five-spiced peanut brittle Baixiangguo Lucha – Passion fruit green iced tea with lychee popping pearls (non-alcoholic) Tsingtao Lager Pork Soup Dumplings ©Disney Vietnam Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr) Banh Chu’ng – Sticky rice cake with pork Chao Tom – Sugar cane shrimp skewer with sweet and sour sauce Banh Khoai Lang Tim – Purple sweet potato macaron Ca Phe Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee (non-alcoholic) Purple Sweet Potato Macaron ©Disney The menu at Paradise Garden Grill will include the following: Ca Ro Phi Chien Gion – Whole crispy tilapia with chili-lime vinaigrette served family-style with soup, vegetables and rice Japchae – Sweet potato noodles, onions, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, spinach, snow peas, broccolini and lightly sauteed tofu tossed with sesame oil and sweet and spicy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds Galbi – Short ribs marinated and grilled Korean-style and served with steamed rice and kimchi Pho Bo: Beef noodle soup with seasoned beef stock, thinly sliced tri-tip and rice noodles with classic accompaniments of onion, jalapeno, basil-lime and hot sauce Banh Mi Thit Nuong – Marinated pork belly, pickled carrots and daikon with cucumber, cilantro, seasoned mayonnaise and jalapeno on a crispy baguette Mango Pudding Almond Milk Black Iced Tea with Pudding (non-alcoholic) Black Beer Stout And look for the Paradise Garden Cart to feature additional offerings, too! Zhurou Bao – Steamed bao filled with pork and served with sweet chili dipping sauce Xìngren Qu Qi – Three Mini Almond Cookies The celebration will also feature the return of the nighttime water show, Hurry Home, the Lucky Wishing Wall (where you can add your own wish), and Mulan’s Lunar New Year Processional. And keep your eyes peeled for Disney characters in their Lunar New Year best, with Goofy all dressed up as the God of Good Fortune! Here’s hoping you have a wonderful Lunar New Year celebration in Disney California Adventure! Will you be visiting Disneyland during the Lunar New Year celebration? 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: Booth Menu Details for Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure News: Lunar New Year Celebration Expanding With Three Marketplace Booths in Disney California Adventure Review: Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure (+ Disneyland Lunar New Year Menu Details!) View the full article

The issue, dated two weeks after Magic Kingdom opened, features 1,500 cast members on its cover, details about new resort inside View the full article

When I was visiting relatives last month, my brother-in-law presented me with an unusual Disney-oriented gift, one that he found in his basement. I’m now the owner of a 1971 Life magazine that features the opening of Walt Disney World on its cover. The image is a familiar one, with 1,500 cast members... View the full article

25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Highlights View the full article

There are few places in the world that rival France when it comes to romantic ambience and unforgettable food. Now, Adventures by Disney guests will have a new way to explore this scenic destination – aboard an all-new Seine river cruise vacation, launching in summer 2019! This 10-day, 9-night Seine adventure combines two days exploring Paris on land, followed by eight days of cruising to picturesque French destinations such as Normandy, Conflans, Vernon and more. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, the popular Adventures by Disney river cruises allow families to explore the heart of Europe in a way that’s active, immersive and easy. Along the way guests will savor unique culinary experiences; enjoy guided tours of Paris icons, including Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; visit stunning castles; delight in active excursions such as biking, canoeing, horseback riding, a ropes course and hiking; and more. Adult-only epicurean themed sailings on the Seine River will also be offered in Fall 2019. Adventures by Disney will continue to offer a mix of family and adult-only departures of their popular Danube and Rhine river cruises. In total, Adventures by Disney guests will have a record-breaking 21 river cruise sailings on three European rivers to choose from in 2019. Check out river cruising highlights from the Danube, Rhine and Seine vacations in this video! Bookings for 2019 Adventures by Disney river cruise vacations open on Jan. 25. View the full article

A new port of call for Disney Cruise Line, the island of Bonaire in the Netherland Antilles is a spectacular destination whose name means “coral reef” in Dutch. Its reef-lined coast lures water-sport enthusiasts for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Plus, this tropical haven is lined with pastel stucco houses in pinks, oranges and greens, beautiful Caribbean architecture and churches, making for an enjoyable day of exploring. Here a few of my suggestions for ways to experience the island… Samur Sail, Beach and Snorkel – This Caribbean adventure begins aboard a historic Siamese ship, the Samur. As you sail towards the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, the ship’s captain and crew will share the history behind the Siamese sailing boat and fascinating facts about the reef. Once at the island, you’ll have the chance to snorkel, swim or simply unwind on the pristine white sand. ATV East Coast Off-Road Experience – Those of you looking for excitement won’t want to miss this off-roading adventure on the island’s east coast. You’ll experience the rugged terrain of the Washikemba Reservoir, where you may see wild donkeys, goats and iguanas. After a short stop at the Spelonk Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Bonaire, your adventure continues as you explore the Bolivia Caves, one of Bonaire’s many caves. VIP Island Tour with Exquisite Beach Residence and Lunch – During this VIP excursion, experience Bonaire’s historic locales in a small group with a knowledgeable tour guide. You’ll see the island’s highlights, such as Goto Lake with its elegant flamingos, historic Rincon village, the viewpoint of Seru Largu and the impressive salt flats and slave huts. Then, relax at the beach and enjoy a light lunch with breathtaking views over the bay. The Disney Wonder will visit Bonaire for the first time on February 1 during one of our special Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

While 2018 has just begun, many forward-thinking Disney Vacation Club Members are already looking ahead to 2019, dreaming up new ways to see the world through the magic of Membership. Many of those Members will take advantage of early-booking opportunities with Adventures by Disney, securing highly coveted staterooms aboard river cruise ships before they become available to the general public. Among the voyages offering this booking advantage to Members are new sailings along France’s famed Seine River. During these 10-day, 9-night adventures (which include a 2-night stay in a Paris hotel and 7-nights aboard a river cruise ship), families will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Claude Monet’s house and garden, Normandy Beach and other iconic sites. Seine River Cruises are scheduled to set sail from Paris on June 20, Aug. 6, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8, 2019. Also available for Members’ advance booking are 8-day, 7-night Danube River Cruises setting sail from Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany on June 21, July 5 and Sept. 27, 2019 (note that, while most Adventures by Disney River Cruises are family friendly, the Sept. 27 sailing is a special Oktoberfest themed sailing for adults) and from Vilshofen to Budapest June 28 and July 12, 2019. Also available is a holiday themed sailing from Vilshofen to Budapest on Dec 22, 2019. Members interested in sailing the Rhine River, meanwhile, have numerous opportunities to do so in 2019, with 8-day, 7-night voyages scheduled to depart Basel, Switzerland on June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5, 2019, along with Food & Wine sailings for adults departing Sept. 30 and Oct. 14, 2019. While the 2019 Seine, Rhine and Danube River Cruises will go on sale to the public on Jan. 25, 2018, Disney Vacation Club Members may begin booking these voyages through Member Services on Jan. 23. Additionally, from Jan. 23 through March 23, 2018, DVC Members can save on 2018 River Cruises for travel June 17, 2019-October 14, 2019. Adventures by Disney is offering travelers up to $500 off per person on its 2019 Danube River Cruises, as well as $400 off per person for its 2019 Seine and Rhine River Cruises. While not navigating a river (unless you choose to look at Interstate 5 as a winding, concrete river of taillights), there’s another new addition to 2019 Adventures by Disney itineraries that’s right up Members’ alley: the Disneyland Resort and Southern California Short Escape. This 4-day, 3-night guided experience features a behind-the-scenes look at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (including an exclusive visit to Walt Disney’s famed apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A.), the Walt Disney Imagineering campus in Glendale, the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank (including a visit to the Walt Disney Archives) and more. You’ll even dine at one of Walt Disney’s favorite restaurants: the historic Tam O’Shanter. Departures for this trip include April 19 & 26, 2018, May 3, 2018, September 11, 16, 20, 27, 2018, and October 4 and 11, 2018. Members may begin booking this trip on Sept 25th, 2018. View the full article

IT’S TIME to step inside… THE EDISON. Learn About: The Edison Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Officially announced in May of 2015 (and rumored long before that), The Edison’s Disney Springs debut has been a long time coming. Of all the dining additions that have come to Disney World’s shopping, dining and entertainment district since the beginning of the enormous expansion of the area formerly known as Downtown Disney, The Edison was — from the start — one of the most highly anticipated of the new offerings. (Originally slated to open in 2016, it has also been one of the most long delayed.) After all, with the passing of Pleasure Island, options for adult nightlife in Disney Springs have been pretty much non-existent, even with all the terrific new places to dine. But the announcement of The Edison — inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles and a collaboration between Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran — brought the promise of a space geared towards adults, offering classic American food, craft cocktails, and live late night entertainment including cabaret, music, and palm reading in a lavish, “Industrial Gothic” setting. And, what, exactly, does that mean? Well, we showed you much of that in our First Look at The Edison. The Edison But now that we’re back with our full review of both Lunch AND Dinner, it’s time to take a closer look… Atmosphere Approaching The Edison, you are entering a building that once served as a power plant providing electricity to Disney Springs during its earliest days as a growing town (according to the backstory). “Power & Light”: The Edison with Outdoor Patio In fact, a working clock tower still stands as the very first thing you see when you step inside. Clock Tower at the Entrance It sets the scene for what awaits you: a celebration of the “Golden Age of Innovation.” The Edison atmosphere In other words, it’s steampunked to the hilt! The Edison atmosphere Much of what surrounds you were once functional working pieces. Wherever possible, the designers used authentic pieces (as opposed to trying to “age” new items). Edison Lighting The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere The upstairs area (which is the floor in which you enter the building) is primarily made up of standalone tables and chairs. Upstairs at The Edison — Entrance Level Upstairs Seating Though there are a few booths and comfy chairs along some of the perimeter. Upstairs Seating More Upstairs Seating Downstairs, there is even more seating. Downstairs Seating Plus, a few more cozy nooks. The Edison atmosphere No matter whether you’re upstairs or down, there are four things you can see from just about every vantage point. First, the Grand Staircase, which stands as the centerpiece. The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase Second, you can also see silent film reels playing on the walls (from back in the day before those “talkies” became all the rage). Silent Film Silent Film in the background Third, from most spots you can check out what’s going on on the other floor, so even if you’re on the top floor you might be able to see the entertainment from above. (The restaurant is not divided into sections or “labs,” as was originally anticipated.) Upstairs and Downstairs And, fourth and finally, you can always spot a bar! You have your choice of three, with two downstairs and one up. The Breaker Bar The Breaker Bar Bar Area Nearest to Dance Floor And chatting about the bars is probably a good a segue as any to lead into… Late Night Entertainment It’s best to note that The Edison offers distinctly different service styles from the day into the night. The Edison is a family-friendly location for lunch and into the early evening. Though entertainment is not the focus, you may encounter a strolling entertainer or hear some live music in the evenings. Rory, the Strolling Entertainer However, once that clock tower strikes 10:00 pm every night, The Edison becomes an adults-only location open to guests 21-and-over. Edison Dancers ©The Edison A few other changes take place at that hour. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, a $10 cover charge kicks in promptly at 10 PM. A dress code is also enforced. Though it’s not super strict, there are no ball caps or flip-flops allowed. Men may not wear sleeveless shirts (jackets are optional), and slacks, jeans, or dress shorts are required. It’s much like the dress code when dining at a Signature Restaurant. And these tables you see? They are cleared away to become a dance floor. Downstairs Tables Cover What Becomes a Dance Floor Floor Cleared for Dancing Just Before 10 PM The biggest change of all, though, is the nightly entertainment, which may include anything from live music and DJs to live cabaret, aerialists, contortionists, palm readers, and more. Aerialist ©The Edison According to our server, some adult entertainment costuming at night may “leave little to the imagination.” This only takes place once it is verified that all under-age guests have left for the evening, but it’s still good to know for your group’s comfort level and preference. As far as food is concerned, the anticipated Late Night menu hasn’t been released yet (our server informed us it’s still being tweaked). So, let’s take a look instead at BOTH meals we tried at The Edison! Lunch Eats and Drinks Classic American food (with a twist), and craft cocktails are on the menu day and night at The Edison! Catalog of Parts — The Menu Though there are differences between the Lunch and Dinner Menus, many of the items available during Lunch (including all the dishes we chose) are also available for Dinner. Lunch options are divided into Shares & Nibbles (Appetizers), Entree Salads, and Burgers & Bites (Entrees). Lunch Menu The Drinks menu begins with Edison Signature Cocktails, including shareable sizes for 8 – 10 guests (to the tune of $100). Edison Signature Cocktails During our First Look, we particularly enjoyed The Mistress, a fruity-yet-mature cocktail with Stoli Elit Vodka, Amaro Montenegro, and Domaine Chandon with lemon and pomegranate. The Mistress Classic Cocktails include a Negroni and Sazerac, and Mocktails are also listed below. Classic Cocktails and Mocktails The next two pages are devoted to Beer and Hard Cider. Beers and Ciders Beers and Ciders And next up is the Wine List. Wines by the Glass Wines by the Bottle The extensive Spirits list includes Bourbon, Rye, Whiskey, and Scotch. Spirits Followed by Vodka, Gin, Tequila, and Rum. Spirits Now we’ll look at how you might soak some of that up, starting with our Appetizers, which include the Dancin’ Corn Dogs. What makes them “Dancin’”? Dancin’ Corn Dogs Edible silver “spray paint” is sprayed on the corn dogs to give them a glistening appearance. The spray paint doesn’t add any flavor, but it’s not meant to. It’s basically for kicks. But despite the unique appearance, they’re just your basic Corn Dogs when it comes down to it. (Note that when Edison first opened, these doggies were totally covered in the spray paint. So we’re making progress?) Dancin’ Corn Dogs And hot dogs stuffed into fried corn batter are never a bad thing. But while these would serve a fun purpose for an easily shareable snack on a late night out with friends, they aren’t particularly memorable. Next up, I had to take a second shot at the already famous/infamous DB ‘Clothesline Candied Bacon, dripping with maple glaze, seasoned with black pepper, and served with sour pickles and mostarda (jam with candied fruit and a mustard base). It’s famous for being bacon hanging on a clothesline; infamous for running $13 for four strips of bacon. DB Clothesline Candied Bacon For that reason alone, I wanted to hate it. Well, that and the fact that it kind of looks like a horror movie. I did want to hate it. I tried really hard. It’s $13 for four strips of BACON? But I just can’t. This is SERIOUSLY good, thick cut, just slightly sweetened bacon, and I kid you not when I say it melts in your mouth. Just bite the bullet and get the clothesline. Hawkers’ Box of Balls, on the other hand, is not something I would recommend spending the money on. The box contains lamb meatballs and comes with a side of tzatziki sauce, and the dish itself isn’t a star — I enjoyed the tzatziki sauce more than anything. Hawkers’ Box of Balls And of course lamb always costs a bit more, but $14 for such a small portion just didn’t cut it for me, and if you’re really looking to share with your group, this isn’t the dish. Hawkers’ Box of Balls The Electri-Fries are definitely a shareable portion, though. The plentiful fries are topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, green onion and “Edison Special Sauce,” which is similar to a Thousand Island dressing. Electri-Fries It’s a good, addictive dish, and there’s plenty to it. Again, not particularly memorable, as you can find loaded fries pretty much anywhere. Here’s the thing, though: if your entree comes with fries, skip the Electri-Fries altogether. I actually preferred the fries without toppings, because they’re really good just on their own. Under Burgers & Bites (the entrees), I wanted to give The Edison burger another chance since it’s the signature. And I’m glad I did… but not for the reasons you might think. The Edison Burger This huge burger (a blend of sirloin, shortrib, and brisket) is topped with cheddar, onions strings, bacon, housemade pickles, lettuce, tomato, and more of the Special Sauce. (The side of fries is what convinced me of their quality more than the loaded version — good stuff.) The Edison Burger So, the toppings are tasty and solid. But unlike our first experience, when the patty was great, this particular patty was flavorless. Even though it was prepared to my medium rare request, there was very little taste to it. The Edison Burger My usual picks at D-Luxe Burger top it by a mile. I don’t know what was up with the beef blend that day, but it just didn’t work on my lunch visit. There’s a bright side with the Organic Tomato Soup & Gooey Grilled Cheese. Now, the tomato soup was slightly spicy (we were informed it had recently been toned down, but it still has plenty of kick). But the texture was off. That Gooey Grilled Cheese, tho… Organic Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese A four cheese sandwich with fontina, muenster, gruyere, and Alpine Swiss, it really is wonderfully gooey. Plus I love grilled cheese on sourdough due to the way it keeps its crunch. Winner! Gooey Grilled Cheese But know this: this dish is $16 for lunch, but $20 at dinner. I can’t imagine it’s that much different of a portion — you’re just paying the premium for having it at dinner. You’ll see the same Dessert Menu for Dinner, so we grabbed three for lunch. Dessert Menu Casey’s Apple Cobbler is topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Casey’s Apple Cobbler The fresh apple and crumble give this one a really enjoyable homemade quality, but if you prefer your crumble to have a gooey texture, you should know that this version is less buttery, presenting more crisp and crunch than moistness. The Bittersweet Chocolate “Mile High” Cake is served with just a touch of raspberry coulis and dollop of whipped cream. Those layers of frosting you see carry a hint of mocha flavor. Bittersweet Chocolate “Mile High” Cake But all you see of it is all there is. I think “Mile High” is something of a misnomer. And you guys know how I feel about my frosting. Basically, I WANT LOTS OF IT! And while the cake itself was fine, there weren’t any super remarkable qualities about it. Bittersweet Chocolate “Mile High” Cake Meh. It is the Lollipop Tree that really stood out among our sweets, and not simply due to its fun presentation. These chocolate-covered pops aren’t simply cake pops… they’re CHEESECAKE pops. And that cheesecake is sweet, creamy and decadent. Lollipop Tree It’s served with bubblegum whipped cream for dipping. Sounds weird, right? And it totally is, yet… it works. The flavor isn’t even remotely subtle — we’re talking straight-up Bazooka Joe in whipped cream form. I didn’t love it for dipping the pops, but I totally dug in to just enjoy it on its own. Bubblegum Whipped Cream Remember how I mentioned that the Corn Dogs fulfilled their purpose of being a fun shareable, but not particularly memorable? Lollipop Tree Well, the Lollipop Tree accomplishes both: it’s both easily shareable and totally tasty and memorable. But wait… we’re not done yet. The Edison begins offering its Dinner Menu around 5:00 pm. Dinner Eats You’ll find the primary difference of the Dinner Menu is under The Patented Specialties (entrees), which include both surf and turf with Lump Crabcakes and Scottish Salmon listed among Fried Chicken, Prime Rib, and Meatloaf and Gravy. The Edison Dinner Menu Patented Partners (sides) like Mashed Potatoes, Mushrooms, and Creamed Spinach may be purchased a la carte, though some of the entrees do come with sides included. But first we’ll pick up with a few more drinks, both of which are under the Classic Cocktails on the drinks menu we showed in the previous section. The Blinker — Knob Creek Rye, grapefruit, lemon, and raspberry — is enjoyable, and even a little spicy. Blinker I give them credit for not just doing a “basic” drink with this. The rye adds something here, for sure. The Lightning Rod Margarita is made with Maestro Dobel Reposado, Montelobos Mezcal, lime and thai chili honey. This one has a super spicy finish and the Mezcal made it VERY smokey. So, be warned: it’s not at all what you typically expect from a margarita, and you’ll want to skip it if you don’t like smoky drinks. But I loved it! Lightning Rod Margarita It’s very good and quite complex; you just need to be prepared for it. After my first sip, I think I audibly gave a “Whoo!” ‘cuz that spicy finish was SURRIOUS. I’m going to start our Entrees with a bang: the 28 Day Dry-Aged Prime Rib. Prime Rib Beautifully prepared and bold with flavor, it was just awesome — and definitely THE thing to order if you are at The Edison for dinner. It’s complete with a wonderfully soft and airy Cheddar Popover for sopping up all of that juice. Cheddar Popover I also ordered some Gratin Potatoes on the side (these typically come with the Centennial Steak). Gratin Potatoes The goat cheese here gives these a different flavor than you’d expect, but — as someone who doesn’t like goat cheese — these were still very good. Everything about this meal was right. On the other hand… The Crisp Fried Chicken is just weird. Let’s start with the odd presentation: the drumstick is a complete piece, but everything else is off the bone and kind of smooshed together into two other pieces. The batch is tempura batter fried. Plus, the chicken itself was really dry, and — except for the skin on the drumstick — was rather tasteless. Crisp Fried Chicken Now, the plate looks pretty plain, doesn’t it? That’s because the mashed potatoes that come with it were served on a separate plate from the chicken. When I asked, I was told the mashed potatoes on the plate mess up the presentation of the chicken; but, frankly, that was lacking anyway. Mashed Potatoes It’s just a strange dish overall that I would NOT recommend. Coming in smack in the middle of the other two entrees is the Old Fashioned Meatloaf and Gravy, which came highly recommended. Old Fashioned Meatloaf and Gravy It was fine, and I do believe they’re still playing with the recipe. It wasn’t as good as the Prime Rib, but the flavor was there and I would recommend it as my second favorite. The Desserts at Dinner are the same as Lunch. You may remember the Black Cherry Cream from our First Look (if not, check it out here). Black Cherry Cream And, of course, our selections from above. LOLLIPOP TREE!! Three Edison Desserts And NOW… we’re ready to wrap it up . Nosh or Not? You might want to dine at The Edison if: You can’t resist the whole steampunk vibe, especially when it’s done as well as it is here. You want a taste of the new Disney Springs night life, including some creative drinks and not-your-typical-Disney entertainment. You can’t not go after all the hype! You might want to pass on The Edison if: You’d rather dine at a spot where food is more of the focus over entertainment and vibe. (In which case, I’d recommend Morimoto Asia if you’re looking in Disney Springs… or anywhere, really.) You or someone in your group is uncomfortable with burlesque-style entertainment (applicable to late night only). You’re not into crowded nighttime spots. We learned that crowds start kicking in around 5:30 each night and so far — at least in this honeymoon stage — the weekend nights have been pretty packed. Overall Okay, let’s talk setting, then let’s talk food. Even beyond the late night entertainment, for which this spot is vying to be known, a daytime or early evening visit still has a vibe of its own, thanks to the cool atmosphere of the restaurant itself. The obvious comparison in the Orlando area is Universal’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, which also presents a steampunk theme. While both spots execute the style really well, everything in Toothsome appears sparkly, new and whimsical…and even a little mysterious; whereas the decidedly sophisticated Edison feels like a genuine trip back to an era based on setting alone. But after years of anticipation (this place was announced in 2015, remember? ) I have to say… I wasn’t blown away by the food. And based on that fact I wouldn’t call The Edison “must-do dining.” Now, the drinks are creative; I’ll definitely give them that. I would make a visit to the bar (or bars, as it were) for a couple of those. And if you’d really like to experience the nightlife (along with fun servers and bartenders), then by all means, grab a cool cocktail and enjoy. But they haven’t quite figured out the food yet, in my opinion. So I’ll be curious to see what future visits yield. Cost-wise, it’s NOT insane. I was expecting it to be a lot more expensive than this. So while it IS a pretty penny compared to off-property dining locations, it’s middle of the road for Disney — especially for a place with great live entertainment and that will potentially be a 2-credit restaurant. Just a note: on our visit they had not yet confirmed the Disney Dining Plan situation just yet, as it was still to-be-determined whether the spot would require one or two Table Service credits. But hey… did you know The Edison is part of a new Complex of restaurants? Also newly open are Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Pizza Ponte, and you can check out each review by clicking on any of those links! 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