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There’s a hot new spot coming to Disney California Adventure park! Located at the entrance of Pixar Pier, Lamplight Lounge will be a stylish, fun place to hang out with the whole family. The lounge will be serving up playfully presented California casual gastro-pub cuisine and unique signature cocktails. Our culinary team has been hard at work cooking up a spectacular menu, and today I’m giving you a sneak peek at some of the delicious items you’ll taste when Pixar Pier opens on June 23. Starting with “Shorts” to Share – also known as appetizers – the Potato Skins will make for the perfect crunchy snack to start off your meal. Made with crispy Yukon gold potatoes, these skins come with brown butter-caper yogurt, smoked paprika aïoli, and Manchego cheese. If creative sushi is more your style, then the Carne Asada Roll will be right up your alley, with New York grilled strip steak, roasted Fresno chili salsa, escabeche, and crema. For the Bigger Bites menu, a vegetarian entrée will take the “lamplight” – the Spinach Salad! This salad consists of curly spinach with warm wild mushrooms, a soft poached egg, charred onion vinaigrette, shiitake “bacon,” and blue cheese toast. Another featured entrée will be the Chicken Sandwich. This savory, spicy sandwich comes with crispy chicken with spicy chili glaze, vinegar slaw, and pineapple butter and served on an Amish bun alongside malted fries. On the kids menu, “Budding Artists” will love the PB&J Roll! A fun twist on a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this creamy peanut butter and whole wheat “roll” comes drizzled with strawberry jelly. It’s also served with fresh fruit and a flower pot of hummus and veggies. Lamplight Lounge and Pixar Pier are set to officially open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park. This expansive reimagining will transform the shores of Paradise Bay with your favorite Pixar stories. Other exciting food and beverage locations coming to Pixar Pier include Poultry Palace, Señor Buzz Churros, Angry Dogs, and the recently-opened Adorable Snowman Frosted Treats. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more details! View the full article

Cooking in Disney Vacation Club Villas: Chorizo Breakfast Casserole View the full article

Orlando, Florida, doesn't have a lock on theme park news this summer. Sure, Toy Story Land at Disney World and a new "Fast & Furious" attraction at Universal Orlando will be getting attention. But there are lots of other exciting openings around the country. Fans of Wonder Woman can ride the first... View the full article

If you're contemplating a trip to a Disney park, you may be stressing out about the planning. How far in advance should you book? How does the FastPass work? Are restaurant reservations really necessary? A good resource for getting advice is the Disney Parks Moms Panel. The 40 panelists provide... View the full article

Walt Disney Company has said it plans to open Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Anaheim first with Orlando’s version following behind it. But on Tuesday night, the company released a more detailed timeline for the anticipated new lands. Disneyland’s Star Wars land will open in summer 2019, and then in... View the full article

I am happy to share that the Disney Channel series “Elena of Avalor” was recently recognized with a very important award – the Media Trailblazer Award – during A Place Called Home’s 14th Annual GirlPower Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles. Located in South Los Angeles, A Place Called Home (APCH) provides a safe, nurturing environment for at-risk youth, ages 8 to mid-20s. The nonprofit organization’s GirlPower Awards celebrate strong, courageous women who are positive role models in their professional and social accomplishments and who inspire young girls to develop their potential and direct their lives onto a positive path. This is the first time that an animated series and the team behind it has been selected to accept this award! During an emotional ceremony, Craig Gerber (creator and executive producer of “Elena of Avalor”) along with Aimee Carrero (voice of Princess Elena), were on hand to receive the award. Princess Elena even made a surprise appearance to meet with the GirlPower girls and the luncheon attendees. Last March, some of the girls from the GirlPower program visited the “Elena of Avalor” production office and were given a tour and behind-the-scenes look at what goes into making an animated TV series. They spoke with Craig Gerber and co-executive producer/story editor, Silvia Olivas, and met some of the artists, writers and editors who work on the series. To complete the magical and empowering visit, the girls received ‘Elena’ ear hats. You can find these beautiful Elena ear hats at all four theme parks and Disney Springs! For more Elena-inspired items, check out ShopDisneyParks.com. You can also meet Princess Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom Park! Felicitaciones “Elena of Avalor” team! Let’s keep celebrating inspiring and courageous women everywhere! View the full article

Recently the mighty Chewbacca landed at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at the Walt Disney World Resort in search of a solo rider with the knowledge and skills to join him as co-pilot on an special surprise adventure aboard a Starspeeder 1000. In “Solo: A Star Wars Story“, Chewie has fallen on hard times during the age of the expanding Empire. When fate has Han and Chewbacca cross paths, Chewbacca embarks on a long, loyal and trusting friendship that he could have never expected. While this was a special adventure for Chewbacca, Guests can meet him daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Rebel Base in Star Wars Launch Bay and be sure to catch “Solo: A Star Wars Story” when it opens in U.S. theaters on May 25, 2018. View the full article

They work for The Mouse, but since they spend countless hours crafting, they are dubbed the Blanketeers. It started out small. A few Disney World employees decided to use their talents for charity in 2007, following an initiative started by their Walt Disney Co. colleagues at Disneyland. They knit... View the full article

The upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend will feature theme-park debuts, special events and last calls at Central Florida attractions. • On Friday, Walt Disney World’s Incredible Summer promotion expands to include Donald Duck’s takeover of Dinoland U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and the Incredible... View the full article

When it comes to getting a great steak at Walt Disney World, there’s no shortage of intriguing options, including our current favorite steak on property: the Wagyu Beef at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. Learn About: Yachtsman Steakhouse Disney World Restaurants And when you visit a steakhouse in the World, you enter with certain expectations for mind-blowing excellence. Today we visit Yachtsman Steakhouse at the Yacht Club Resort. Will it live up to expectations? Yachtsman Steakhouse has a solid reputation as a place to get a reliable steak with tasty sides (and awesome pull-apart onion bread…). Located in the subtly elegant Yacht Club, with its nostalgic lobby smell and clean, nautical lines, Yachtsman is a convenient out-of-park place to grab a meal, being proximal to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. We’ve enjoyed our visits here in the past, including the Porterhouse for Two and a delightful Boneless Ribeye. Would this visit be as successful as those in the past? Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Atmosphere The decor in Yachtsman Steakhouse is understated and warm, with light colored woods and tons of craftsman-style lighting. Dining Room at Yachtsman Steakhouse The dining rooms are adorned with unobtrusive wallpaper and nautical paintings. Some of the dining rooms feature vaulted ceilings, while others are low-ceiling’d and cozy. One of the Yachtsman Steakhouse Dining Areas We do love this vaulted ceiling with massive chandelier. Chandelier And because this is a steakhouse, there’s also steak (and the butcher’s crew) on display as well. Butcher On-stage Which brings us to the food… Eats Unsurprisingly, Yachtsman Steakhouse has a menu full of fabulous steaks and great steakhouse-worthy sides — plus some less expected options like risotto. In fact, compared to other Disney Parks restaurants where menus seem to stretch for miles, this one is pretty petite. Yachtsman Steakhouse Menu Meals here start with bread service — Pull-Apart Onion Rolls and Sourdough. The sourdough is standard fare, but that pull-apart bread? It’s killer. I could come just for bread and a side or two and be perfectly content. Onion Pull-Apart Bread Bread is served with Roasted Garlic, which is a unique accompaniment that goes great with both types of bread. Roasted Garlic I wanted to try a variety of steaks, so I ordered the Braised Beef Short Ribs with Polenta Cream, Feta Gremolata, and Cipollini Onions. The saucy short ribs are rich and tender, and the toppings are done in an innovative way. The polenta cream is a necessary foil, providing some simplicity to the otherwise complex dish. Appetizer I also wanted to try the Yachtsman’s version of Wagyu Strip Loin. This portion is 5 ounces and prepared simply — as it should be. This cut of meat has a Miyazaki Prefecture Marble Score of A5 — so it’s a spectacular cut of meat. Wagyu Beef It’s not as succulent and outstanding as the Wagyu at Morimoto — or even at Teppan Edo. But it’s delicious and juicy. Worth the $125 price tag? Not when I was there. Wagyu Beef Interior The 12-Ounce New York Strip Steak is an impressive piece of meat — and big enough to share if that 32-ounce Porterhouse seems excessive for you. This is served with Potato Gratin and a Peppercorn-Brandy Sauce – both of which are excellent partners for the beef. This is a great option. 12-Ounce New York Strip Steak In addition to the Potato Gratin served with the Strip, I ordered the Butternut Squash Risotto side. It’s sizable and a a stunning color. The texture is creamy, and the garnishes of Italian Sausage, Delicata Squash, and Rapini are a lovely contrast. (Vegetarians could enjoy this without the Italian Sausage!) Butternut Squash Risotto Side Desserts at a steakhouse often tend to be a little hit-or-miss, and Yachtsman’s is no exception. The Admiral’s Cake is presented well and rich with dark Valrhona Chocolate Brownie, Sponge Cake, Bananas Foster Jam, Caramel Crisps, and Sea-Salted Ganache. It’s a great play of textures and structurally interesting. Admiral’s Cake The day’s no-sugar-added Carrot Cake was a total bust — despite being plated beautifully. The too-dense cake has a Cheesecake Frosting, and it’s served with Caramel Ice Cream and Walnuts. But it was… not good. Bland and washed out with very little going for it. Sugar-Free Carrot Cake The last dessert was by far the best: The Lexington Sundae. This confection is comprised of Salted Caramel and Popcorn Gelatos, Brown Butter Cookie triangle, Caramel Sauce, Whipped Cream, and Toasted Honey marshmallow. Aside from the sort of dubious-looking shape of the marshmallow, this was dynamite! Yes, please, all day long! The Lexington Sundae Nosh or Not? Navigate to Yachtsman Steakhouse if: You are on a mission to try all the steaks in the World. You are staying at the Yacht or Beach Club Resorts and want a reliable, nice meal. You want to eat somewhere that’s not so Disney-fied. Steer your ship for other shores if: You want to try only the very best steaks and sides in the World — which are served elsewhere. You’re not interested in dining in a steakhouse that could really be located anywhere. You aren’t interested in table service dining (especially if you have to leave a park to get it). You need a faster meal. Yachtsman service is slooooooow. Overall Yachtsman Steakhouse, while not serving my favorite Walt Disney World steak, is a good overall dining experience…IF you’re OK with your dining experience being glacial. Service here is veeeerrrrrrryyyy slow, and not always great. So heads up on that. Sides are delicious, and the steaks are cooked well. The location is also terrific, which adds to the appeal of this otherwise fairly standard steakhouse. Still, I’ll be back when I’m in the mood for the familiar warmth and good eats of the Yachtsman. See Our Steakhouse Battle And How Yachtsman Stacks Up Against Other Disney World Steakhouses Here! Are you a Yachtsman fan? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New Entrees Debut at Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review: Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort Review: Porterhouse for Two at Yachtsman Steakhouse in Disney’s Yacht Club Resort View the full article

We’ve known for some time that 2019 will change the landscape of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World in major ways, once guests are able to set foot on the planet of Batuu by visiting Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And now, the opening seasons for BOTH Disneyland and Hollywood Studios have officially been announced! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Summer of 2019 will mark the opening season for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland! AAAAND…. In late fall 2019, Galaxy’s Edge will open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Star Wars Galaxy Edge Entrance in Hollywood Studios So grab your lightsabers and get ready to visit the planet of Baatu… And MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!! Find out all there is to know so far about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge right here! Want to stay informed of ALL the Disney News?? Sign Up for the Disney Food Blog Newsletter and don’t miss a thing! Click HERE to subscribe! 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: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction Flyover Video! News! Star Wars Lands — and Star Wars Cantinas — Announced for Disneyland and Disney World! News: Star Wars Galactic Nights Returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27 View the full article

While we are still hard at work creating our largest single-themed land expansions ever, I have some exciting news to share today. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in summer 2019 at Disneyland Resort and in late fall 2019 at Walt Disney World Resort, when guests will land in the middle of the action as they live their own Star Wars stories. In the meantime, take a look at this incredible sneak peek at these new immersive lands which I’m excited to share here on the Disney Parks Blog for the first time! View the full article

The sun is setting on this year’s Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival, which will close on its 25th year on May 28. Get your last bites of the festival’s spring-inspired dishes. With 15 marketplaces, there’s a lot to choose — but I’ve highlighted a few of my favorites below. Beef Brisket... View the full article

Mark your calendars for the Holiday Season at EPCOT! The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will return for the season on November 18th through December 30, 2018! Epcot Festival of the Holidays And, of course, the Candlelight Processional, returns along with it — albeit with a different start date from the Festival itself, as was the case in 2017. Candlelight Processional The Candlelight Processional is a special presentation where the Christmas story is told by a celebrity narrator while a 50-piece orchestra and choir accompany the re-telling, and — for the first time ever — it will make its 2018 debut on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2018. It’s always a fun day when Candlelight Processional Dining Packages and the list of celebrity narrators is announced for the season, and we look forward to sharing that information as soon as it’s announced! The Epcot Festival of the Holidays includes several more lovely Holiday traditions, such as special entertainment including Holiday Storytellers sharing seasonal celebrations from around the globe. Father Christmas in the United Kingdom Pavilion And we can’t wait to find out what they’ll be serving at the 2018 Holiday Kitchens! Alsace Holiday Kitchen in Epcot’s France Pavilion Even if it’s not quite time to Deck the Halls, it’s never too early to start your planning if you are celebrating the Season in Disney World! We can’t wait to keep you posted on all the festive details along the way! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney World Fun This Holiday Season! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. Pre-order The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2018 and get the 2017 edition as a free, instant download! It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2018 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Pre-order your 2018 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Will you be celebrating the Holidays in Disney World? 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: Complete List of Narrators for the 2017 Epcot Candlelight Processional Announced News! More Narrators Announced for 2016 Epcot Candlelight Processional News! 2017 Disney World Candlelight Processional Narrators and Dining Packages Announced View the full article

Recently, we shared dates for this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties at Magic Kingdom Park. And today, we’re back with another holiday update for all of you vacation planners out there! We’re happy to share that the 2018 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will return to the park November 18 – December 30. The Candlelight Processional also returns this year and for the first time, the popular holiday tradition will open for Thanksgiving on November 22 and run through December 30. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays invites guests to discover holiday cheer throughout the park and across all 11 World Showcase pavilions. Special entertainment, storytellers, seasonal favorites at Holiday Kitchens, and eye-catching holiday decor are all part of the fun. Evenings during this time are topped off with a special holiday presentation of “IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.” The Candlelight Processional, a holiday must-do for many Epcot guests, is a retelling of the traditional Christmas story read by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog in coming months for updates on this year’s Candlelight narrators and dining package information. View the full article

Between the opening of Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World next month and Pixar Fest cranking up the fun at Disneyland through September, our best toy friends are having a hey day right now. Pixar Fest fun with Toy Story! ©Disney And we’re happy about that because it means tasty treats — on both coasts! Today’s treat is inspired by Jessie — Woody’s sidekick on their program Woody’s Round-Up — who also inspired Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake! This time it’s another classic Disneyland snack getting the wild west treatment in the Yodeling Cowgirl Pretzel! Yodeling Cowgirl PretzBet A single glance was pretty much all it took for us to fall for the Yodeling Cowgirl. I mean, look at that cinnamon sugar! It’s in every nook and cranny of the twisty dough! Yodeling Cowgirl Pretzel Naturally the pretzel itself is doughy on the inside, golden brown on the outside. And we just love how the shape seems to be the perfect lasso for all that cinnamon sugar dust! Yodeling Cowgirl Pretzel Unfortunately on our visit, the pretzel stand in Frontierland where you can rustle up this beauty was out of the Cream Cheese Dip. Booooo! But the pretzel was awesome on its own — and we’ll be back to try it again with the dip, which, you know, c’mon. It’s cream cheese. We’re already in love. But, it’s good to note we’ve heard that some folks have had a different experience with this pretzel, finding it tough and too chewy. Let us know your experience! Click here to read all about Pixar Fest and print your own Pixar Fest Food Checklist! Heather Sievers is DisneyFoodBlog’s Dining in Disneyland columnist! Check out more of her adventures at @DininginDisney on Instagram! 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: Pixar Fest Eats: Carrot Cake Churro at Disneyland Resort Pixar Fest Eats: Pixar Ball and Grape Soda Cake Pop! Pixar Fest Eats: Lemon Churros at Disneyland Resort! View the full article

Hey guys! What’s better than dinner and a movie? Dinner, a movie and a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into this summer’s most anticipated opening at Walt Disney World Resort: Toy Story Land! This Wednesday, May 23, tune in to “Toy Story 3” on ABC from 8-10 p.m. ET to join your favorite Toy Story pals as Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang return for an all-new adventure. They join a few new faces – some plastic, some plush – including Barbie’s counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a strawberry-scented bear named Lots-O-Huggin’ Bear. Throughout the night, actors Zach Braff (ABC’s “Alex Inc.”) & Eden Sher (ABC’s “The Middle”) will give viewers front-row access to the new Toy Story Land opening June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Yeah, that’s pretty awesome. I know what I’m having for dinner on Wednesday: popcorn and gummy bears! Gallery Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios view all For the latest on Toy Story Land, check out the stories below. Ride Along With Slinky Dog Dash at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sneak a Peek at Alien Swirling Saucers at Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort Oooh! Take a First Look at Fun Merchandise Coming to Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World What’s in Woody’s Lunch Box? All in the Details: Wheezy Arrives at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios All in the Details: Woody Arrives in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort Pixar Characters will Greet Guests in Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

This summer, celebrated designer Edna Mode, from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the upcoming “Incredibles 2,” will be traveling to both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California. Edna Mode prides herself on crafting super suits that are both functional and fabulous. Disney Parks guests will soon be able to see this true visionary in person! At Walt Disney World Resort, Edna will be appearing at Magic Kingdom Park starting Memorial Day weekend. Kicking off the “Incredible Summer” celebration, guests can visit the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo to party with characters from “The Incredibles,” including the fashionista herself. Just in time for the opening of “Incredibles 2” in theaters on June 15, Edna will be jetting over to greet guests at Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort as part of the first-ever Pixar Fest. The iconic super suit designer will continue to favor us with her presence to celebrate the opening of Pixar Pier later this summer. View the full article

The best way to save money at theme parks this summer is simple. Don't go. Peak season means peak pricing. Admission discounts can be hard to find, and nearby hotels jack up their rates. Add in the always-inflated prices of food, souvenirs and parking, and you're buying a pretty expensive day out.... View the full article

Today, we’re celebrating three years of sharing images on our popular Disney Parks Blog Instagram channel with a look at some of your all-time favorites. As you can see, what started with a fun photo from one of our 500-person meet-ups at Magic Kingdom Park has led to some amazing images from all over Disney Parks. Here’s what you liked the most: 1. Millennial Pink treats at Walt Disney World Resort: Follow the Disney Parks Blog Instagram account for more photos like these. View the full article

Whether planning to get a jump start on fall 2019 itineraries or to secure staterooms aboard one (or both) of two 2019 Member Cruise charter voyages, Disney Vacation Club Members are marking their calendars for May 23 and June 23, 2018. On May 23, Members who have not previously sailed with Disney Cruise Line may use vacation points to book fall 2019 itineraries a day before the general public, getting the best choice of staterooms for voyages: from New York City to Bermuda from New York City to San Juan, Puerto Rico from New York City to Walt Disney World Resort and the Bahamas from San Diego, Calif., through the Panama Canal from Galveston, Tex., to the Western Caribbean from Galveston to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral or Miami, Fla., to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral or Miami to other Caribbean ports of call Get more itinerary details here before calling Member Services on May 23 to take advantage of this early booking opportunity. And on June 23, Member Services will begin taking reservations for two 2019 Member Cruise charter voyages: a May 15-20, 2019 sailing aboard the Disney Wonder from San Diego, Calif. (making stops in San Francisco and Victoria, British Columbia before culminating in Vancouver, British Columbia), and an Oct. 5-12, 2019 voyage aboard the Disney Magic out of New York City, with Members and their guests enjoying a port stop in Boston and a two-day visit to Bermuda before returning to the Big Apple. Like all Member Cruise voyages, the 2019 sailings will elevate the already spectacular Disney Cruise Line experience with broad lineups of special entertainment from some of Disney’s greatest storytellers, commemorative in-room gifts and more. Learn more at DVCMemberCruise.com before calling Member Services on June 23 to make your Member Cruise reservations. As a part of Membership Extras, an incidental benefit, these member benefits are subject to change, availability or termination and may require a fee. Membership Extras are available with eligible ownership interests. Visit http://disneyvacationclub.com/memextraspolicy for more information. View the full article

Star Wars: Galactic Nights, the one-night event that celebrates everything Star Wars, is set to return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 27. With less than a week to go, we’re happy to share an update on the character greetings, photo ops and other must-dos planned for this year’s event, as well as our Top Five tips on how you can make the most of your Star Wars: Galactic Nights experience. 1. Enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios Early – Although Star Wars: Galactic Nights officially begins at 7 p.m., ticketed guests are welcome to enter the park as early as 4 p.m. Get a head start on the fun and experience some of the park’s top attractions including Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. 2. Dress the Part – Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their Star Wars best for Star Wars: Galactic Nights. Check out some tips from our Disney Style partners, including an outfit inspired by everyone’s favorite co-pilot Chewbacca. Also, be sure your costume fits within these park guidelines. 3. Get Ready for Special Photo Opportunities – You’ll be able to step into some of the most iconic Star Wars scenes, which you’ll find scattered throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Maybe even coordinate your outfit to match the desert on Tattoine or the island on Ach-To! The full list for this event will include: Death Star: Emperor’s Throne Room Batuu Jedha: U-Wing and K-2SO Ahch-To: Luke’s Hut Malachor: Sith Temple Jakku: Luggabeast Tatooine: Jabba’s Palace Tatooine: Jundland Wastes 4. Prepare for Epic Character Encounters – Prepare yourself to find allies or encounter those loyal to the Dark Side. The full list of Star Wars characters for this event will include: Darth Vader Chewbacca & Rey Kylo Ren Captain Phasma BB-8 Seventh Sister Jawas Tusken Raiders Imperial Stormtroopers AWR Stormtroopers First Order Troopers 5. Experience the Galactic Tasting & Viewing Package – We previously talked about the full list of amazing food and beverage items available during the event, including the Dueling Gazpacho, which was inspired by the famous lightsaber duel between Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and Sith Lord Darth Maul. To make the most of the event, consider purchasing the Galactic Tasting Package. With this sampler package, guests can taste a selection of five items – with up to 25 different specialty items and beverages (alcohol included) to choose from. In addition, guests can also use this sampler for any Disney Dining Plan Snack-eligible items throughout the park. This package does not include items served at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and BaseLine Tap House. You can book the Galactic Tasting and Viewing Package online or call 407 WW-DINE (407 939-3463). To learn more about what to expect at this year’s Star Wars: Galactic Nights, check out the list of blog posts below. Entertainment is subject to change. First Look at Exclusive Merchandise and Special Appearances Coming to Star Wars: Galactic Nights on May 27 New details On Solo: A Star Wars Story Actor Joonas Suotamo’s Appearance at Star Wars: Galactic Nights on May 27 Celebrate The Release of Solo: A Star Wars Story at Star Wars: Galactic Nights on May 27 8 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Star Wars: Galactic Nights Foodie Master’s Galactic Guide to 2018 Star Wars: Galactic Nights Tickets Now Available For Star Wars: Galactic Nights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios May 27 View the full article

Anyone with an Instagram account knows the must-have shot at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom isn't with Mickey Mouse or in front of Cinderella's Castle. It's all about the Purple Wall. What seems like an everyday concrete wall in Tomorrowland has caught on as a trendy photo opportunity. After... View the full article

The World of Disney food is a complex and ever-changing one, and that makes keeping track of it all darn near impossible. That’s why you have us. Here we will unravel 21 of the most prolific Myths About Walt Disney World food! Ready to Head to Disney World? 1. The kids’ menu is only for kids. Y’all, if your vacation is packed full of ADRs and tasty quick service joints, you’ll want to know that this myth doesn’t hold water. Anyone can order from the kids’ menu — and if you or your traveling companions have eyes that are bigger than your stomachs, the kids’ menu might be just right for you! Often you can find similar offerings, both common (like chicken nuggets at Columbia Harbour House) and not so common (like sustainable fish bowls at Satu’li Canteen). Kids’ Chicken Nuggets Meal Whether you’re looking to save stomach space, hate wasting food, or want to save a little money, don’t neglect the kids’ menu! 2. Only sit-down restaurants are high quality. This might have been true in the old days (okay, even in the not-so-old-days), but now, high quality eats can be found in every type of food spot: table service, quick service, and snack stalls alike. Some of our favorite snacks can be found at the small stands that dot the parks — including the killer Baked Mac and Cheese Bowls at Eight Spoon Cafe in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Baked Mac and Cheese with Sweet Chili Shrimp And counter service restaurants around the World have really stepped up their game. We love the various options at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot, where tasty fish tacos and scrumptious desserts are on the menu. And who can forget the quality eats at Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom? Sampler 3. It’s impossible to eat on a budget. A Walt Disney World vacation is an investment (in fun!) — but it’s a myth that you have to break the bank in order to eat well at the parks! We’ve discovered lots of tips over the years to help mitigate the costs of those quick service and table service meals. If the Florida heat has you sweating to the oldies, remember that counter service locations in every park will provide cups of free ice water upon request. We recommend asking for a large cup (those little ones don’t last very long). Free Water in the Fall in Magic Kingdom If you want to capitalize on a great snack bargain, buy your popcorn in a bucket! The initial investment in the refillable popcorn bucket is about $10 at popcorn stands all over the World — but the length-of-stay refills are only $1.50 each! If you’ve got a popcorn-lovin’ crew and several days of theme park fun on tap, this could be a huge money-saver! Refillable Popcorn Bucket It’s no question that the cost of meals in the Parks can be, well, shocking at times. But many of them are also shareable — and that equals savings whether you’re paying out of pocket or using Disney Dining Plan credits. At table service spots, your meal might even be split and presented on two plates. At counter service locations, just request a second plate if you need one! Vegetarian Platter at Tangierine Cafe in Epcot’s Morocco Pavilion is totally shareable! And don’t forget that Walt Disney World allows guests to bring food into the parks with them. So if you want to save money on snacks, tote in some sandwiches for lunch, or ensure that you have allergen-free eats if you need them, you can bring in your own! And we all know that grabbing grub at an off-property locale will save money. Find these beauties off-site — and save! 4. Same-day Advance Dining Reservations are impossible to find. You know we always recommend making Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) as soon as you can (180 days ahead of your arrival day if you’re able!), but that doesn’t mean that same-day ADRs are impossible to score. In fact, we’ve heard of guests getting reservations within minutes of looking for them, and some guests even enjoy the spontaneity of dining wherever they can find an ADR on the day they want one! Same-day ADRs can be had — even at Be Our Guest Restaurant! Two things are typically helpful for finding same-day ADRs: persistence and flexibility. Be persistent: check the app repeatedly throughout the day. And be flexible: if you don’t mind dining at an off time (say, late night), you might get lucky! Plans change, and guests change their ADRs all the time. You could be the beneficiary! Check out our favorite dining spots when the super popular restaurants are all full! 5. Character meals are only for kids. If you’ve experienced the magic (or misery, in some cases) of a child meeting his or her favorite character for the first time, you know what a significant memory that can be. And character meals are an awesome opportunity to meet several characters at once while enjoying some air conditioning and tasty food. But if you think that character meals are only for kids, you’ve got another think comin’! Princess Cinderella at Akershus in Epcot’s Norway Although every experience at a character meal is different, generally speaking, characters are great at interacting with guests of all ages — even if you’re dining without little ones! Check out our guide to finding out which character meal is right for you! Chef Mickey at — where else?!? — Chef Mickey’s! And while some of us might feel totally at home talking to a massive mouse and a pretty princess, others of us might be a little… unsure. No prob! We recommend coming up with a question or comment about the character’s tale or wearing a piece of clothing that’s sure to generate chatter (think: a fun tee or hat!). Then just relax and have fun! Pluto (at ‘Ohana) is always up for a fun chat! 6. You can’t bring in your own food and drinks. We touched on this one when we discussed saving some moolah in the Disney Parks, but it bears repeating again. Walt Disney World allows guests to bring food and drinks into its parks. And this is super helpful for reasons beyond cost saving, including if you have a picky eater, dietary restrictions, or a youngster who doesn’t eat enough to justify ordering a full meal. Cinderella Castle The rules here are pretty simple: no alcohol and nothing in glass containers (with the exception of baby food in glass jars). That’s it! There are no restrictions for the quantity or type of food you can bring in, so you can feel free to do what’s right or useful for your family! Be sure to read our 13 Questions and Answers about Bringing Food Into the Parks! 7. There’s nothing healthy to eat at a theme park. This one might’ve been true in years past, but the Walt Disney World Parks are really upping their game to provide healthy options for diners at quick service, table service, and snack stands all over the World. When ordering, look for healthier-for-you sides like cucumber salad or fruit. Chickpea, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad As for the kiddos, look for Mickey Check meals on the menus. These meals follow nutritional guidelines that limit saturated fat, sodium, sugar, and calories. And you can always find healthy sides for kids’ meals too! Sides for kiddos 8. Everything is frozen or processed. Good news! This myth has totally been busted in the parks of Walt Disney World! There are plenty of fresh options, including snacks and meals, plus organic snacks! We love a spear of fresh pineapple (one of our favorite spots to grab this sweet and tart snack is at Harambe Fruit Market at Animal Kingdom!) and apples served with caramel for dipping. Fresh Pineapple Spears Many of the table service restaurants at Walt Disney World pride themselves on using seasonal and local ingredients. California Grill does this exceptionally well. Heirloom TomatoesWhole fruit options For organic snacks you can grab and go, Hayden Valley and Pure Growth provide kid-friendly options like popcorn and cereal bars! Pure Growth Organic Snacks popcorn 9. The Disney Dining Plan is always/never a good deal. The Disney Dining Plan is a great value — for some guests. But for others (like those who have small appetites or those who prefer simple dishes like chicken nuggets), it might not be worth the costs. And that’s why the DDP isn’t one-size-fits-all! The Disney Dining Plan But we can help! Use our Disney Dining Plan page to learn more about the plans and to read some tips on figuring out if it’s right for you. Use our Restaurant Guide to access menus and reviews to see what you’ll be able to eat while on the DDP (which can help you decide if it’s financially viable for you!). And our DFB Guide to WDW Dining has a whole chapter dedicated to figuring out whether the Disney Dining Plan is right for you — we even crunch numbers for a whole Disney stay! Get your copy at DFBStore.com and be sure to use code WDW2018 to save 25%! Oak-Grilled Filet Mignon at Jiko is a tasty use of a DDP credit! Of course, if you’re able to snag Free Dining, you might get yourself a terrific deal! But even Free Dining has some caveats that can complicate things. The best way to bust this myth is to do your homework! 10. Alcohol isn’t served in Disney Parks. When Walt Disney conceptualized the Magic Kingdom, he decreed that it (and Disneyland over on the west coast) should remain dry, with no alcohol served on the premises (except for Club 33 in Disneyland). But that tradition ended in 2012 when Be Our Guest Restaurant in new Fantasyland began serving adult beverages at dinner. Chimay Blue at Be Our Guest Restaurant Now, alcohol can be found in all four of the Walt Disney World parks, at table service, quick service, and snack stands all over the parks. And now that the 2018 Disney Dining Plan includes an alcoholic drink for guests 21 and older, drinking at the World is part of the experience for many. Beautiful drinks abound! 11. There’s nothing but burgers and fries. How wrong this myth is! Of course, you can find burgers (really good ones at places like D-Luxe Burger!) and fries (we love us some French fries, y’all! Check out our French Fry Crawl in Disney World!) at most restaurants — quick and table service alike. But by no means are these classics the only options! Pulled Pork Cheese Fries at FlameTree Barbecue because if you want to eat fries, they might as well be amazing! Walt Disney World is packed with alternatives to burgs and fries, like the absolutely astounding food at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs! There’s nothing ordinary about a plate of glossy Peking Duck! Peking Duck For seafood lovers and those seeking seasonal dishes, Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian and California Grill at the Contemporary Resort are shining stars. Key West Shrimp and Garganelli Pasta And if you want adventurous eats, look no further than Tiffins at Animal Kingdom or any of the restaurants (Boma, Jiko, and Sanaa) at Animal Kingdom Lodge! Tiffins’ Whole Fried Sustainable Fish — Another View Bye-bye, burgers and fries! Hello, just about anything you can dream up! 12. There aren’t any Romantic Disney restaurants Ooh, la, la: you want a romantic getaway with your sweetie while on vacation — but where in the World of cartoon characters and giggling kids can you find a romantic restaurant? So. many. places! For the absolute height of fine Disney dining, splurge on a meal at Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian. Victoria and Albert’s Main Dining Room Want your romance with a stunning view? Book a late dinner at California Grill, and watch the fireworks from the resort’s balcony! Fireworks from the California Grill For a meal that you’ll both be talking about for a long time, try Jiko or Sanaa, which feature African- and Indian-inspired dishes sure to tantalize the taste buds! Sanaa bread service While children are allowed in all of these restaurants (Victoria & Albert’s is restricted to diners 10 and up), you’re more likely to find a quieter dining experience than at some of the other, less sophisticated locations. 13. There are no good bars/lounges in the Disney World. Say what?! Okay, this myth was true in the past — but Walt Disney World has come a long way in providing options for those who enjoy a pub, bar, or lounge. From the authentic Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant to the quirky Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto, there’s a watering hole for every Disney drinker! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto For awesome margaritas, guests (and the DFB!) love La Cava del Tequila. The Avocado Margs are refreshing in the best way possible! Avocado Margarita And for some awesome dueling pianos action, you have to check out Jellyrolls, located at the BoardWalk Inn! This is raucous and totally fun entertainment! Jellyrolls at Disney’s Boardwalk And the newly-opened The Edison brings two stories of drinks, eats, and entertainment to Disney Springs — complete with three bars and lots of variety on the main stage! Aerialist ©The Edison 14. Table service restaurants are too stuffy for kids. If you’re looking for a stuffy table service experience where kids are persona non grata, you’ll have to look pretty hard at Walt Disney World. In fact, you’re much more likely to find table service locales that have special activities or engagements that appeal specifically to littles! Blueberry Mickey Muffin ‘Ohana is one such place (thank goodness because we wanna go to there all the time). Here you’re likely to see a parade of kids shaking maracas (along with their new character pals at breakfast!) or a coconut race where kiddos run around the restaurant with small brooms in pursuit of a rolling coconut! Coconut Races At Whispering Canyon Cafe, kids may be able to participate in a stick horse race or be tasked with delivering ketchup bottles to other tables. And let’s not forget the fun they might get to have at their parents’ expense! (Recently Whispering Canyon said they were going to tone down the antics, but it’s still a fun and totally-not-stuffy place to dine!) Dining Room During Morning Races Cinderella’s Royal Table and Trattoria al Forno’s Bon Voyage Breakfast offer character interactions at their snazzy table service locations, and kiddos are always encouraged to interact with the characters. Meeting Rapunzel is part of the fun! Meet and Greet at Cinderella’s Royal Table 15. Dining with allergies is too hard. We know that going on vacation while dealing with food allergies can be a tough — and sometimes dangerous — experience. But Walt Disney World has made a lot of strides over the past several years in providing options for guests with food allergies. This attention to allergens even finds a place at special events — like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, where allergy-friendly snacks and small activities were available for guests who require them. Teal Allergy-Friendly Trick or Treat Bag But dining with special diets is possible just about anywhere in the World, with quick service, table service, and food carts all required to have binders of ingredients for food items, allergy menus, and chefs who can provide one-on-one dialogue about the guest’s needs. Plus there are lots of packaged treats and eats that feature nutritional information on the label, letting guests stay informed. Snacks With Character Allergy Friendly Snack The most important tip we can offer is to be vocal about what you need — and to check out our Dining with a Special Diet page for even more tips! 16. It’s too hard to visit Disney World with a baby. Walt Disney World is a place for families — with members young and old. If you’re planning a trip with really little one, don’t fret! There are places designed with you in mind: Baby Care Centers are located in all four parks, and they are terrific, quiet spots to take care of your little one. Magic Kingdom Baby Care Center Baby Care Centers have private rooms for breastfeeding; bottle warming capabilities; changing tables; feeding areas with highchairs; and baby formula, food, juice, diapers, etc. available for purchase. In addition to the Baby Care Centers, baby and toddler food is available for purchase throughout the parks, including the in the gift shops of Walt Disney World Resorts Hotels. Polynesian Gift Shop Baby Section Disney also offers a ride-switch program, where you and your spouse or other caregiver can both ride an attraction separately (while the other watches the child) without waiting in line twice. 17. There’s no good, high-end food. Oh, friends, how wrong this is! If you’re looking to splurge on high-end dining at Walt Disney World, there are lots of options for you. The highest of the high-end is Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian, where diners don their finest, and the restaurant serves course after course of five-star cuisine. Berkshire “Porchetta”at Victoria & Albert’s For high-end that isn’t quite as posh, make an ADR for California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort or Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs. While California Grill offers an upscale dining room and food to match, the exquisite design of Morimoto Asia is surpassed only by its stunning dishes — including the highest grade of Wagyu Beef in the world. Seared Wagyu at Morimoto Asia 18. Disney’s just for kids with no places for an adults-only group. While Walt Disney World is known for being exceptionally kid-friendly, there are ways to create adults-only memories. The most obvious way is to take advantage of the ever-expansive nightlife at Walt Disney World. The dining and bars of the BoardWalk Inn offer late-night fun, while newly-opened The Edison promises to raise the bar even more, with three bars and a stage ripe with cabaret and live entertainment. The Breaker Bar at The Edison Another way to enjoy (almost) adults-only time at the World is to dine in some of the World’s more romantic restaurants. California Grill is a good bet (although not a guarantee), while Victoria & Albert’s has a no-diners-under-ten rule. Other quiet(er) locations include Citrico’s and Narcoossee’s at the Grand Floridian, Flying Fish Cafe on the BoardWalk, and Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Citricos For a wild time sans really young kids, try a unique safari offering at Animal Kingdom. The Wild Africa Trek is open only to those eight and older, as is Savor the Savannah: Evening Safari Experience. Both offer special access to Animal Kingdom’s savannahs and safari animals and tasty eats and drinks. Eats on the Savanna 19. There’s always a line for everything. Well, this is sort of true for a lot of things a lot of the time in the World, but with pre-ordering meals, fastpasses, great kiosk eats, and Mobile Ordering, Walt Disney World has given guests some options for cutting down on the amount of time they have to spend in line waiting. Recent Wait Time for Frozen Ever After Pre-ordering at Be Our Guest Restaurant is one of our favorite ways to save time. And if you’ve waited in the regular ordering line amongst those chattering suits of armor, you know what we mean. Guests with ADRs are able to pre-order up to 30 days before their reservations, thus eliminating the need to stand in line. With your magic band, those pre-ordered eats will find you! Another way to beat the lines at quick service locations is to make a meal of yummy kiosk and snack stand eats. One of our favorite places to do this is at Animal Kingdom, where kiosks like Eight Spoon Cafe serve up stellar (and filling!) eats like Pulled Pork Baked Mac and Cheese! But you can pull this off at any park. Use our Restaurant Search Tool, and narrow your search by Snack Cart and whatever park you’ll be enjoying. Then, check out the menus to find just what you want. You’ll find shorter lines and get to try several smaller bites! Mr. Kamal’s Kiosk is another tasty spot! Mobile Ordering is another way to beat those quick service lines. Simply place your order in the My Disney Experience app, paying with a card or your Disney Dining Plan entitlements, and then click to announce your arrival once you’re present and ready to eat. You can even customize your order in the app, so if you prefer a different side or need to remove a topping from your burger, you can do that, too! We’ve even found this is an efficient way to get our hot little hands on a cool little Dole Whip! Dole Whip at Aloha Isle And don’t forget to use your My Disney Experience app to book your fastpasses ahead of time! 20. All Parks pizza is created equal. There are lots of unusual eats to be found in the Parks of Walt Disney World, but sometimes, you just want pizza. And we do, too. But not all pizza in the World is created equal! You know all about our love of Via Napoli, with it’s authentic take on the pizza of Naples, Italy. It’s always a winner! Pizza at Via Napoli But there are also some dynamite flatbreads in the World as well! California Grill has a reputation for awesome flatbreads that use fresh ingredients like heirloom tomatoes and chili-coffee rubbed pork! Chili Coffee Rubbed Pork Flatbread But if you prefer your pizza frozen before it hits the oven, you can do no better than Pizzerizzo! Yup, that’ll hit the spot, too. Closeup on Vegetable Pizza 21. There’s nothing for vegetarians to eat. Our final food myth is one that a lot of our readers fear: there’s nothing for vegetarians and vegans to eat. But this myth is totally busted! Signature dining like Jiko features an awesome vegetarian menu, while quick service spots like Satu’li Canteen have stepped up the game for plant-based diners as well. Satu’li Bowl with Tofu We’ve also assembled some info for vegetarians on our Vegetarian Dining in Disney World page and created a video for our YouTube channel covering this topic! We often hear from guests looking for plant-based diet options, so rest assured, we’ll keep bringing you the vegetarian and vegan hits! That’s it! Our 21 Myths About Walt Disney World Food and all the myth busting we could muster! Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe! 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: DFB Video: 5 Disney Dining Myths Debunked News: New Dining Discounts for Disney World Annual Passholders for 45th Anniversary Year Best Restaurants for Thanksgiving and Christmas in Walt Disney World View the full article

Since opening its doors a few months ago, Splitsville Luxury Lanes has welcomed guests to its vibrant venue in the heart of Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. Visitors have not only enjoyed Splitsville’s unique combination of dining, drinks, bowling and entertainment, but also its eye-catching artwork! Custom murals—which take inspiration from its Southern California setting—cover most of the interior walls. The ground floor mural features a picturesque orange grove setting with a larger-than-life “orange” bowling ball. Upstairs, a postcard mural sends greetings from sunny Orange County while another large-scale mural features a California grizzly bear rolling its bowling ball. The murals were hand painted by the late artist and longtime partner of Splitsville, Matt Callahan. Check out one of the murals being created in the video below! Splitsville is a lively, comfortable venue for guests of all ages to enjoy. The 40,000-square-foot, two-story venue houses 600 dining seats, two craft cocktail bars, 20 bowling lanes and an outdoor patio with live entertainment 365 days a year! The delicious menu includes sushi, rice bowls, burgers, pizza and more! Visit Splitsville on your next visit to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! For reservations, please visit disneyland.com. View the full article