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For decades, Chicago was home to daytime TV talk shows with hosts so familiar they're known by one name. View the full article

There’s a definite chill in the air across much of the country…Olaf doesn’t need his personal snow flurry in most places these days, as Winter is definitely upon us. If you’re like me, it makes me think of where I want to head on my next Disney Vacation. Maybe at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii? Or, how about a visit to a Costa Rica Tropical Rain Forest with Adventures by Disney? And, there’s nothing quite like a Disney Cruise, right? If these sound as good to you as they do to me, then this is the perfect week to be tuning in to “Wheel of Fortune.” Starting tonight, it’s the fourth annual Disney Sea & Shore Week, and you’ll get to preview all of these amazing Disney Destinations. And you can play along, as fantastic contestants solve challenging puzzles. And here’s the best part of all! Watching could even win you a pretty amazing Disney Cruise Line Vacation, as well – but, you’ll have to tune in to win! Over the past few years, Pat Sajak, Vanna White and the whole “Wheel” have traveled with us on Adventures by Disney trips, to Aulani, and on our cruise Ships – and you’ll get to experience some of those adventures during the week, too. We had a fantastic time taping these episodes at the “Wheel of Fortune” Sound Stage in Culver City, California. We wanted to share a couple of pictures, including this pretty cool behind-the-scenes shot of a slightly oversized Disney Cruise Line Life Preserver. There’s even more Disney excitement on “Wheel” this season – we’ll be sharing more on that soon. In the meantime, check your local listings for time and channel, beginning tonight. And, as always…Buy vowels! View the full article

The UCF Knights celebrated their 13-0 undefeated season with a parade down Main Street USA at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on Sunday, Jan. 7. View the full article

In our Disney Doodles blog series, Disney artists imagine what a character would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. In our first Doodle of 2018, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what the troublesome duo of Chip and Dale would do first if they had the chance to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. According to her, they’d likely head to one of the park’s most popular attractions – Toy Story Mania! “Chip and Dale love a friendly competition,” she said. “It’s easy to imagine them having the best time on Toy Story Mania!” View the full article

For a moment, there was a blackout at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Sunday. Droves of UCF football fans came dressed in black and gold gear to watch the football team’s Peach Bowl victory parade. Some came wearing T-shirts proclaiming the Knights are national champions and others brought black posters... View the full article

Earlier today, it was black and gold as far as the eye could see at Magic Kingdom Park as we celebrated the University of Central Florida Knights’ amazing football season with a magical parade at the Walt Disney World Resort. The parade for Orlando’s hometown team follows a January 1 victory in the Peach Bowl that capped the Knights’ undefeated 13-0 season. Along with University of Central Florida student-athletes, today’s Magic Kingdom Park celebration included UCF cheerleaders and The Marching Knights, the university’s official band. As you can see, the parade route down Main Street U.S.A was decorated in University of Central Florida colors, including black-and-gold balloons on lamp posts. And many guests wore UCF black-and-gold team shirts and jerseys to honor the team. Be sure to check back here on Monday for new video from the parade. View the full article

We’re still newly into 2018! And tradition dictates that we ring in the New Year with some bubbly. While that’s never a bad choice when the clock strike midnight, I’ve got some ideas for ways you can celebrate with a drink in Walt Disney World no matter what time of year your visit falls in 2018! These are some of the sips we most enjoyed over the past year… and can’t wait to enjoy again in 2018! Wine Slushies at Amorette’s Patisserie Did you think Amorette’s Patisserie showcased nothing more than artful cakes and pastries? Then think again. Because this Disney Springs sweet spot is home to the vino that went VIRAL in 2017: Wine Slushies! Swirled Wine Slushie — Strawberry Shiraz and Mango Moscato Choose from two fruity flavors: Strawberry Shiraz and Mango Moscato (an Apple Cider Riesling even appeared on the menu for the 2017 holiday season). Wine Slushies — Strawberry Shiraz, Swirl, and Mango Moscato Better yet, ask for a swirl of both for one of our favorite DFB hacks! Edison Signature Cocktails at The Edison Ok, so technically we didn’t enjoy these drinks until 2018, because The Edison JUST opened in Disney Springs. But the Edison Signature Cocktails have earned a spot on this list, due to the creative mixology-based menu (plus the super fun bartenders who mix them together)! We especially liked the luxurious mix of Stoli Elit Vodka, Amaro Montenegro, and sparkling Domaine Chandon with pomegranate and lemon that makes up The Mistress. The Mistress But we also want to give a nod for the feisty kick we enjoyed from the Boiler Mule, comprised of Reyka Islandic Vodka and Ancho Reyes for some spice with cider, ginger beer, and cinnamon. Boiler Mule Peruse the full menu for the Edison Signature drinks here. We’ll definitely be doing so again on our next visit to try a few more! Guava Pink Peppercorn Margarita at Choza de Margarita Though Choza de Margarita was long overdue from its originally scheduled early 2017 opening (finally making its debut in mid-November), we’ve found that it was worth the wait. And that is in no small part due to the Choza’s Guava Pink Peppercorn Margarita! Guava Pink Peppercorn Margarita Zignum Mezcal Reposado, guava nectar, grapefruit liqueur, lime juice, Peychaud’s Bitters, and pink peppercorns combine in this hand-crafted margarita. This unexpected combo is sweet, tart, and packs a punch. (Also, here’s a tip: chew one on of the peppercorns while you sip to enchance the drink’s flavors!) While we’re here , the return of the Fiesta Margarita garners a mention, too. This frozen margarita layers Classic Lime, Wild Strawberry, and Mango with more depth of flavor than its previous incarnation at the former Margarita kiosk that used to reside in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion. Fiesta Margarita We’re so glad it’s back and even better than before! Create Your Own Beer Flight at BaseLine Tap House How about a “Choose Your Own Adventure” for your next 2018 sip? That’s exactly what you can do when you Create Your Own Beer Flight at the BaseLine Tap House, which opened in late September in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Create Your Own Beer Flight California craft ales, lagers, and a cider are among the main offerings of the Tap House (in keeping with the bar’s California setting in the new Grand Avenue section of the park), and Create Your Own Beer Flights allow you to mix and match four of your choosing. ANY Festival Slush in Epcot’s France Pavilion With the debut of the Festival of the Arts and the expansion of the Festival of the Holidays, 2017 turned Epcot into a (nearly) year-round Festival park! The France Pavilion hosts a booth at each of the four Festivals that take place throughout the year, bringing another Slush-with-a-kick to the scene every time… and they just about always make our Must-Try list for each particular Festival. France Marketplace Booth for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival Of course, Adult Slushes are by no means new to Epcot’s France Pavilion, as home to two veritable classics: the Grand Marnier Orange Slush and the Grey Goose Citron Slush. You can enjoy either (or both!) of these no matter what time of year you visit. But Spring’s Flower and Garden Festival typically brings the La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush to the Fleur de Lys Outdoor Kitchen, made with Grey Goose Vodka Orange, St. Germain Liquor, and white and red cranberry juice. La Vie en Rose Frozen Slush La Passion Martini Slush has been the offering at the France Marketplace Booth for the fall’s Food and Wine Festival, comprised of vodka, Grey Goose Le Citron, and cranberry and passion fruit juices. La Passion Martini Slush And we ADORED the Spiced Rum Punch Slush at the Alsace Holiday Kitchen, which was brand new for 2017’s Festival of the Holidays! Spiced Rum Punch Slush This frozen blend of Spiced Rum, Rhum Clement V.S.O.P., orange and pineapple juice with cinnamon is like Christmas in a glass! New for 2018, France will host L’Art du Cuisine Francaise for the Festival of the Arts. We can’t wait to stop by for the Frosé: Frozen Côtes de Provence Rosé Wine with Grey Goose Vodka and peach purée. Night Blossom at Pongu Pongu We also have a non-alcoholic sip on our list, and you’ll find it in Pandora, the newest land in Animal Kingdom which opened in May 2017. Pongu Pongu, the land’s drink station, plays host to the as-pretty-as-it-is-tasty Night Blossom. Night Blossom This frozen blend of limeade, apple, and pear puts the emphasis on the pear, which lends its unique flavor to the drink and keeps it refreshing instead of overly tart or sweet. And the passion fruit boba balls are such a fun touch! Well, hopefully that gives you an idea (or five!) for a few Disney drinks you should make a resolution to try in 2018! CHEERS!! Which of the latest Disney drinks are you most excited to try in the new year? 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: The Year in Review: Top Disney News Stories of 2017 Tips for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival: Grown-Up Frozen Drinks You’ve Gotta Try! News! 2018 Epcot Festival of the Arts Booth Menus View the full article

The 25th annual Walt Disney World Marathon was run Sunday, beginning and ending at Epcot. Nick Hilton of Tucson, Ariz., and Giovanna Martins of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were the overall champions. View the full article

One year to the day after he proposed to his girlfriend on top of the Contemporary Resort, Nick Hilton returned to run the Walt Disney World Marathon on Sunday. In the process, the Tucson, Ariz., resident snapped the streak of one of the 25th annual race’s best champions. Hilton became the first... View the full article

The 25th annual Walt Disney World Marathon came Sunday morning, and Brazilian Fredison Costa’s streak of four consecutive victories went. And for the first time since 2004, an American man led all finishers across the finish line of Central Florida’s largest 26.2-mile race. A month after placing... View the full article

This week, we kicked off a new year of Disney Parks Blog storytelling with several stories featuring what’s to come in 2018 at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney destinations around the world. It’s going to be unforgettable year of anniversaries, expansions and new experiences for guests visiting Disney destinations. Visit our original 2018 story for a quick round-up. Also, check out Jennifer’s “18 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World in 2018” post for details on an amazing land set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the return of guest-favorite festivals, new dining locations and more. And don’t miss Erin’s “New Experiences and Returning Favorites Coming to Disneyland Resort in 2018” story for a look at Star Wars experiences, our Lunar New Year Festival, Pixar Fest and more. Here are some of the other stories we worked on: Moms Panel Monday: Travel Tips for Little Ones – Traveling with a preschooler or infant has never been easier at the Walt Disney World Resort thanks to FastPass+, Rider Switch and Baby Care Centers. Join Lindsey P. of the Disney Parks Moms Panel as she shares some tips and tricks for navigating a day in the parks with your little ones. 5 Things We Know About Toy Story Land So Far – One of the things we’re looking forward to most in 2018 is the much-anticipated debut of Toy Story Land here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The expansion will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them to explore Andy’s backyard, which has been delightfully scattered with toys from the “Toy Story” films. New Year, New You? Embrace the Start of 2018 at Disney Springs – With every new year comes a brand-new opportunity to start fresh. Disney Springs offers plenty of ways to help you become the best version of yourself. Mindful menu items? Fitness fun? Relaxation and renewal? Check, check and check! runDisney Announces 2018 Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon – Greetings from a galaxy far, far away. We are excited to announce that runDisney is giving runners everywhere the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon and earn a uniquely designed Star Wars-themed medal. Sneak Peek: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort – Splitsville Luxury Lanes will be opening its doors soon at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort. A lot of progress has been made to the spectacular 40,000-square-foot, two-story venue! Main Street, U.S.A., Vehicles and Dumbo the Flying Elephant at Disneyland Park to Begin Updates Jan. 8 – Two original Disneyland park attractions will close temporarily beginning Jan. 8 to receive updates. For the first time, the horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A., will be replaced in its entirety, temporarily pausing the operation of all Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles. Also, Dumbo the Flying Elephant will receive a new queue location for guest comfort and accessibility. View the full article

You know it! You love it! You have to have it! It’s Dole Whip (affectionately called Pineapple Soft Serve a lot of the time), and it’s been a staple of Walt Disney World for years. Of course you know where you can find it in Adventureland at Aloha Isle (Disney World) and the Tiki Juice Bar (Disneyland) in the shadows of the Tiki Room (you can even bring your sweet treat inside to eat during the show!). Dole Whip at Aloha Isle But over the years, the popularity of this vegan and gluten-free frozen treat has persuaded the Disney food gods to expand its availability, and now there are more places than ever to grab your Dole Whip, Dole Whip/Vanilla Swirl, or Dole Whip Float — outside of the parks! No Magic Your Way tickets required! Dole Whip at Aloha Isle We recently let you in on the Whip’s brand new appearance at Pop Century Resort, which means you can begin and end your day with Dole Whip if you so choose. You can also pick one up at Pineapple Lanai at Polynesian Village Resort, where it’s been located for a few years. (It was previously an amazing serve-yourself option at Captain Cook’s; alas, now a cast member dispenses it so no more mountainous piles of pineapple goodness.) Pineapple Lanai If you’re at Disney Springs, look no further than Marketplace Snacks for your Dole Whip fix. Marketplace Snacks in Walt Disney World’s Downtown Disney We’ve also spotted the Whip at Wide World of Sports! So if you’re on hand for any of the sporting events that go down there, you can still enjoy the refreshment of pineapple soft serve. And west coast friends, fear not! You can get your Dole Whip fix at the Disneyland Hotel Coffee Shop! Dole Whip Float at The Coffee House And of course you can find Dole Whip at Aulani — Disney’s Vacation Club resort on Oahu! What are you waiting for? Go get your Dole Whip! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! 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 pre-order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book, 2018 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2017 Edition immediately for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2017 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Where’s your favorite place to indulge in Dole Whip deliciousness? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Dole Whip Now Available at Disney’s Pop Century Resort New DFB Video: The Disney Dole Whip! Reader Question: Is Dole Whip Vegan and Gluten Free? View the full article

After Brittany Charboneau won the Kansas City Marathon in October, she hardly felt overjoyed. She was waiting to exhale. “I had put so much pressure on myself to win and to set a certain time, and I really didn’t enjoy it,’’ Charboneau said. “I kind of fell apart, so my goal today was to go out... View the full article

One of my absolute favorite things about weddings is that every single one is different. From the flowers, to the venue, dresses, food, entertainment…every element of the event is a reflection of the couple and their love story. At Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Showcase our team of dedicated Disney Wedding Consultants share with you how we create the wedding of YOUR dreams. This one day event is designed to inspire you and provide you with the resources you need to plan your fairy tale wedding – one that uniquely showcases your love story. So many incredible Cast Members are involved in creating, planning and executing the event that you’ve pictured since you were little. During this time, you will have an exclusive chance to meet with our extraordinary team who brings couple’s wedding dreams to life every day. The Showcase is split into three unique experiences. The first option lets you tour Frank’s Bridal Studio, the place where all the planning takes place! As well as, Disney’s Wedding Pavilion where you can meet one-on-one with a Disney Wedding Consultant who can answer all your Disney Wedding questions. From there, you get to enter the Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding Showcase! See beautiful floral centerpieces created by the Disney Floral and stunning décor set-ups that can be a source of inspiration for your big day. Disney Fine Art Photography will also be on hand to show you the creative Disney-style photo sessions you can take advantage of as a Disney Weddings couple. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sample a variety of specialty dishes—ones that are uniquely Disney, like a Churro and Dole Whip cake! Our other experiences include the tours and the showcase mentioned above. But, you’ll also be able to choose from a Dessert Party at Disney’s Contemporary Resort with an incredible view of the Happily Ever After Fireworks show or join the Chefs of the Contemporary Resort in the Catering Kitchen as you create an elegant five-course food and wine dinner. Join us February 3, 2018 for a very special Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Showcase at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. If you haven’t already registered for the event, be sure to sign up today! View the full article

The new, groundbreaking hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, is now open at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! During a celebratory ceremony this morning, Disneyland Resort leaders joined the teams from ILMxLAB and The VOID to welcome the first guests at the Downtown Disney location. Stormtroopers were even in attendance for the occasion! This first-of-its-kind immersive experience transports guests deep into the Star Wars universe and allows them to walk freely and untethered throughout the multi-sensory experience—through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival. Be part of the Star Wars universe during your next visit to the Disneyland Resort. Guests visiting Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida can also experience Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, which is open now as well. To book your experience, tickets are available at www.TheVOID.com. For more from ILMxLAB, check out their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ILMxLAB/. View the full article

As they have done for so many years running, Rudy Smith and Tim Romain planned to live-chat before the Walt Disney World Marathon. Not the type requiring an internet connection. No, this is the kind where two friends who have not seen each other for a year reconnect immediately through warm smiles,... View the full article

Two original Disneyland park attractions will close temporarily beginning Jan. 8 to receive updates. For the first time, the horse-drawn streetcar track on Main Street, U.S.A., will be replaced in its entirety, temporarily pausing the operation of all Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles. Also, Dumbo the Flying Elephant will receive a new queue location for guest comfort and accessibility. Refurbishment is a common practice that we perform periodically to keep our attractions fresh and up to date. While sections of the Main Street, U.S.A., track have been replaced before, this complete replacement will incorporate new brickwork that will enhance the look of the iconic thoroughfare. The pieces of original track that remain today will be salvaged and preserved, and the previously updated pieces of track will be recycled. Dumbo the Flying Elephant also will close temporarily beginning Jan. 8 to move the location of its queue and erect a new shade structure. The attraction will also be up to its “ears” in fresh paint! Main Street, U.S.A., vehicles and Dumbo the Flying Elephant will reopen in late winter and early spring, respectively. View the full article

We’d like to introduce you to two of our newest friends in Disney Springs: Maria & Enzo! Learn About: Maria & Enzo's Ristorante Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante is the table service component of a trio of brand new Italian eateries in Disney Springs, along with Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar (which will open soon) and the already open Pizza Ponte. These three restaurants, run by the Patina Restaurant Group, are part of the complete complex of The Edison. Though the three are bound together by location, atmosphere, and story, each presents its own take on Italian cuisine. We were able to attend a Sneak Peek Media Event, which included a dedication for Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. Dedication of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante The Ristorante will be open to guests soon (a full opening is anticipated by January 10th, though soft openings may precede). But just after the Media Event, the full menu was open for the evening. So today, we’re excited to bring you both a First Look AND a full review! Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante According to the aforementioned story, Maria & Enzo’s is set in a 1930s abandoned airline terminal in a Florida waterfront town (that’s Disney Springs, of course). Lending a hand to Maria and Enzo these days is Chef Theo Schoenegger, Executive Chef of the Ristorante and Ezno’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar. Known for his culinary work at San Domenico in New York City and more recently for Sinatra in Las Vegas, Chef Schoenegger brings the spotlight to Sicilian cuisine at Maria & Enzo’s. Let’s see what Maria and Enzo have to offer… Atmosphere Maria and Enzo, an immigrant couple from Italy, ran a bakery in what was once the Air Terminal for Disney Springs. When the terminal closed, Maria & Enzo opened a pizza-by-the-slice shop by the name of Pizza Ponte. That business venture was so successful in the town of Disney Springs that it allowed Maria and Enzo to purchase the closed air terminal and transform it into Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante The couple clearly decided that “air terminal” was the look they were going for, because the space still celebrates the Golden Age of Travel — beginning with the “Passenger Check-in”! Passenger Check All Gates! The grand staircase leads to the main dining room which continues to showcase the the 50-foot ceilings of what was formerly the terminal lobby. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Grand Staircase as seen from Main Dining Room Grand Staircase According to the story, these are the same windows that Clippers (large sea planes) flew into during the heyday of the Golden Age of Travel, and they still make the most of the Lake Buena Vista views. Windows with Lake Buena Vista views Only these days, you can watch the Aerophile ballon take flight! Waterfront Views Prosecco with Aerophile Balloon in background The Art Deco style remains intact, and elements of the former terminal still exist (you can still see the gate numbers surrounding the main dining room). View of Gate Number 1 and future upstairs seating area The circular ceiling continues to display an Art Deco mural that highlights various cities in celebration of travel. Destinations Mural In the center hangs a silver globe which offers a bit of Disney whimsy by highlighting the geographic points for Disney World, Disneyland, and Marceline, Missouri (Walt Disney’s childhood home and inspiration for Main Street, U.S.A.). Globe and Mural The entire Ristorante brings to mind a bygone era when traveling was an occasion to be marked with dressing up in the finest clothes. (But don’t worry — theme park gear is welcome here.) Destination Prints Destination Prints Of course, Maria and Enzo did need to make a few additions; among them, seating for the diners! Table Seating Mixed Table and Booth Seating Booth The tables and booth settings include bright red napkins, which nicely accent all the color in the room. Table Setting Up the stairs from the main dining room is the First Class Lounge. First Class Lounge You can make a request to be seated there if you’d like. First Class Lounge But — and this is pretty sweet — just like in real life, some guests may be “bumped up” to First Class from time to time! First Class Lounge First Class perks include a complimentary glass of Prosecco for adults, and Wings pins for the kiddos! The Ristorante really is stunning, making the most of the 1930s travel theme and combining it with the views and setting of modern-day Disney Springs. Eats Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante serves Southern Italian cuisine. Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante Menu The Media Event gave us the opportunity to view the menu and sample some of the Sicilian cuisine of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. We’ll be interspersing those offerings from the event as we show you the full menu. (Scroll down to see full restaurant portions ordered and paid for by the DFB.) Disney fans may know the inspiration behind the quotes on some of the artwork on the menu! “Dream It, Then Do It” Below is the Antipasti (small plates) and Zuppa (soup) menu for starters. Antipasti and Zuppa Menu Rice and Goat Cheese Ball The Salumi e Formaggi offerings feature Prosciutto di Parma. Salumi E Formaggi Menu The Prosciutto may be ordered individually or as part of the Chef’s Selection of 3 cured meats and cheeses for dinner (or 2 of each at lunch). Prosciutto Prosciutto The housemade Paste choices include Rigatoni alla Norma. Pasta Menu Rigatoni alla Norma And, just for fun, check out the GIGANTIC bowl of Spaghetti in honor of both the new restaurant and National Spaghetti Day, which just so happened to fall in line with the day of the dedication! Giant Spaghetti Here is a look at the Steaks, Chops, and Fish menu, along with the Parmigiana. Steaks, Chops and Fish and Parmigiana Menu The sweet Dolci options include Cannoli. Dolci Menu Cannoli And we also got to enjoy some Tiramisu. Tiramisu The apertif and cocktail offerings include a selection of variations on Negroni cocktails. Cocktail Menu Negroni Classic Cocktails include a Sicilian Mule and a Manhattan via Milano. Additional Drink Selections The Giardino Punch and Roman Sangria are family-style drinks serving three to five guests. The Wine List is both impressive and extensive. It represents Italy’s wine regions and offers over 100 selections. And you may be interested to know that Maria & Enzo’s has acquired the sommelier from Epcot’s Tutto Gusto. White Wine First are the By the Glass selections. Wines by the Glass And, of course, the By the Bottle. (As with all the menu pictures in this post, click on the image to enlarge for easier reading.) Wines by the Bottle Red Wine But it’s not just all wine at Maria & Enzo’s… here’s the Birra list! Beer Menu Non-alcoholic beverages are available as well. I love that the Mocktails include a Seasonal Limonata, though I would probably opt for the blood orange Sicilian Blush. Drinks Smaller aviators (shout out to Soarin’!) can enjoy a fun presentation for their menu. Kids’ Menu They can see their choices after unfolding the paper. Kids’ Menu And their meals are served on trays, in keeping with the theme! Food shown above was part of a Disney World Media Event. You can see more in our Full Portion Meal — Ordered and Paid For by DFB Again, after the Media Event, we were able to return to Maria & Enzo’s to select from the full menu. With the regular meals (Maria & Enzo’s will be open for lunch and dinner), bread service is included. Bread Service It’s continually distributed around the room throughout the meal, so you can always ask for more, if you like! Bread Service The crusty Italian bread is meant to be enjoyed with the Olive Oil sitting on the tables. Olive Oil Bread and Olive Oil Even so, we chose an appetizer: the Caciocavallo Fritto. Caciocavallo Fritto These balls of fried Sicilian cheese are served with a spicy tomato and pomodoro sauce. Caciocavallo Fritto sauce We really enjoyed the Caciocavallo Fritto. The dry, but still very creamy, cheese had a really unique flavor, and the spicy sauce put it over the top. My recommendation? See if you can request a side of it to dip your bread in, even if you don’t order the Caciocavallo Fritto! I also ordered a Green Gin Smash from the Classic Cocktails. Green Gin Smash Hendricks Gin is paired with Ancho Reyes Verde and lime, simple syrup, basil, and cucumber for a spicy-meets-fresh flavor. Green Gin Smash I chose my entree — the N’Casciata al Forno — from the Pasta menu. N’Casciata al Forno This layered baked pasta dish is made with a meat ragu, peas, LOTS of zucchini, and the same caciocavallo cheese from our appetizer. N’Casciata al Forno The zucchini layered on the top led me to think the dish would be really heavy on the veggies, but upon digging in the dish is quite meaty and savory. I appreciated the zucchini more as I ate, as it added a nice texture, giving the lasagna a little crisp. And here is a look at the varieties of pasta inside. Pasta noodles in the Lasagna It’s definitely a heavy dish (in a good way), with a bit of zest to it, and I really enjoyed it. Finally, for dessert, I went with the Cassata Siciliana, a traditional Sicilian ricotta layered sponge cake, only with a colorful twist. Cassata Siciliana Cassata Siciliana Mildly sweet and with a light texture, it’s served with a dollop of cream nicely dotted with vanilla beans. Cassata Siciliana And it was a lovely way to end our first meal at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! Nosh or Not? You might want to fly into Maria & Enzo’s if: You want to experience the Table Service component of this new trio of Italian eateries. You are a fan of any of the following: cool theming, good Italian food, or a solid wine list. You are taken in by terrific waterfront views. (Granted, you can get those in a lot of Disney Springs dining spots these days, but the windows in here are pretty killer.) You might want to pass on visiting Maria & Enzo if: You prefer other Disney Italian restaurants and would like to return to them rather than try a new one. You’re fine with Italian food but have limited time and would rather explore Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar or grab a quick bite at Pizza Ponte. You are already overwhelmed by all the great dining choices that have already come to Disney Springs and are having a hard time narrowing your choice down as it is. Things sure have changed around here, my friends! Overall I must admit… I had the same thought I mentioned above in the “Not” section. I was pretty confident that there were enough Italian eateries in Disney World as it is (with more coming yet to Disney Springs), so when I heard the original concept for Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, I was skeptical. But the theming is good here and we enjoyed the meal. Is it our new favorite? Not yet. We’ll probably visit a few more times and see how we feel then. Stay tuned. Again, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante is not yet fully operational, and our understanding is that they are aiming for January 10th to be entirely open to the public. But you can make reservations via OpenTable for dates on or after January 15th now, in case you like what you’ve seen here and wish to experience for yourself. And don’t forget… this isn’t Enzo’s only gig in town. So… Check out our First Look at Enzo’s Hideaway and Tunnel Bar here! Let us know what you think so far! Are you adding Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante to your list of Must-Try Restaurants in Disney Springs? Please let us know with a comment! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by a company to attend a preview as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Today, we were invited by Disney World to attend their media preview of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event/food on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event/food favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Reservations for The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney World Now on OpenTable Confirmed: Maria & Enzo’s — Plus Pizza Ponte and Enzo’s Hideaway — Coming to The Edison Complex in Disney Springs A Hard Hat Tour Inside The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte! View the full article

Yesterday, January 4, was National Spaghetti Day and I can think of no better time to officially welcome three new Italian venues to the neighborhood! Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway and Pizza Ponte are ready to serve guests at Disney Springs, following the successful New Year’s Eve debut of The Edison. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse joined executives from Patina Restaurant Group and Disney Springs to mark the milestone in a special dedication ceremony. After having had the opportunity to enjoy a test meal at Maria & Enzo’s, I can’t wait to try the others! (Planning your own visit to Maria & Enzo’s? Here’s a tip: order the Chicken Parmesan – Petto di Pollo – it was huge and every bite was more delicious than the one before.) For more insights on this trio of new locations, check out my previous story on The Disney Parks Blog and keep an eye out for additional details on the menu, coming soon from my fellow author, Alex Dunlap. View the full article

Five things to know about the Edison, a new eatery at Disney Springs. • The theme for Edison, as it fits into the Disney Springs schemes, is that this is a repurposed power plant. There’s a lot of mechanical décor, including giant clocks and boiler room equipment. We’re told everything on the walls... View the full article

Walt Disney World is offering a January promotion again for Florida residents to buy multi-day tickets. The Florida Resident Discover Disney special is a three-day ticket for $159 plus tax or a four-day ticket for $179 plus tax. It is a 14 percent increase from the previous January offers in 2017... View the full article

Five things to know about Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, a fresh addition to Disney Springs, the shopping/dining/entertainment complex at Walt Disney World. • Entering is an a-ha moment. Diners arrive on the upper level and look down on the dining room. It sports a 50-foot-high ceiling. The room is... View the full article

Coming soon, we’ll have a new escape in Disney Springs… Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar & Restaurant! Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant And we got to check it out at a Media Event which began with a dedication for Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! The Edison Complex including The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte Actually, perhaps I should say we’ll have an old escape once the Hideaway opens… Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar You see, Enzo is the husband of Maria, and together — as the story goes — this immigrant couple from Italy used to operate a small bakery in the Air Terminal for the town of Disney Springs in the 1930s. Once the terminal closed, they opened Pizza Ponte. The residents of Disney Springs loved the pizza-by-the-slice shop so much that its success gave Maria and Enzo the opportunity to purchase the entire closed terminal, transforming it into Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar While transforming the terminal, Enzo made a discovery: a network of former rum-running tunnels underneath the Ristorante and Pizza Ponte, which served as a bootleggers hangout during the dry years of the Prohibition era. Inside Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Enzo decided to bring back this former hot spot of Disney Springs for those in the know so we can enjoy it today! Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar He also chose to retain much of the original decor of the place, which includes signage and detailed graffiti on the walls from the old bootleggers that used to haunt the spot dating back to 1919. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Decor Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Graffiti Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Graffiti Though there are some modern-day touches as well . Check-in Area The spot is so richly detailed — right down to the aged appearance of the flooring — that it really does seem as though you are stepping back in time. Pretty incredible. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar decor and seating Decor around Enzo’s Hideaway Lighting elements and underground fixtures Once open, the Tunnel Bar will boast unique craft cocktails and a bar featuring the largest selection of “antique” and specialty rums on property. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Bottles lining the walls Bottles lining the walls But even though the Hideaway is indeed a lounge, food will play no small part. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant In fact, the “and Restaurant” was added to the name of Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant after it was announced, indicating that the Roman-inspired menu will offer more than small bites. You can even make reservations to visit Enzo’s via Opentable.com for dates starting January 29, 2018. Chef in action Special Events will present additional opportunities for culinary enjoyment with Enzo’s Sunday Supper. Large Group Table The Supper will be hosted at a large built-in table where guests will be able to bring their own wine with no corkage fee! Seating inside Enzo’s Hideaway Table Setting And once a month, the hard-ticketed Smugglers Series will have its own menu and creative cocktails. Bar Inside Enzo’s Hideaway Bar Inside Enzo’s Hideaway Tickets will be released online at enzoshideawayfla.com once available. We’re still awaiting more information regarding the regular menu at Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant, as well as the official opening date (which, whenever it happens sometime this month, will likely be preceded by soft openings). But what I’ve seen so far makes me really hopeful for this new lounge and restaurant in Disney Springs. How about you? See Our FIRST LOOK at another brand new restaurant in Disney Springs — The Edison! What do you think so far about Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant? 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: Reservations for The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and Enzo’s Hideaway in Disney World Now on OpenTable Confirmed: Maria & Enzo’s — Plus Pizza Ponte and Enzo’s Hideaway — Coming to The Edison Complex in Disney Springs A Hard Hat Tour Inside The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte! View the full article

This year’s Epcot’s International Festival of the Arts will stretch from January 12-February 19, allowing guests to experience “art in action” events, art seminars, professional workshops, culinary delights, and much more. Artist Will Gay will be one of the featured artists at this year’s festival. Once a month, Will heads into a Disney theme park to draw, sketch or paint a unique piece of artwork on the spot. We recently followed along as he headed out to the Japan Pavilion at Epcot for an early morning watercolor painting. Check out the video above to see how the painting turned out – and don’t forget to start planning your visit to this year’s festival now. View the full article

All right, friends… we’re going in. Welcome to THE EDISON! The Edison The new, highly anticipated spot is currently in soft openings in Disney Springs. (If you’re hoping to visit on or after January 15th, you can make reservations via OpenTable now.) And while the location is meant to provide some long-awaited adult nightlife to Disney’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district, it will be open throughout the day and family-friendly until 10:00 pm. Working Clock Tower When the clock strikes 10… Working Clock Tower at The Edison … it turns into a 21-and-over space only (with a $10 cover charge on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights kicking in at that time) with specific entertainment just for grown ups. Aerialist Box Awaiting Later Hours But no matter when you visit, here’s what you’ll find… The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere The Industrial Gothic theme (a/k/a Steampunk) is expressed in ever corner of the establishment. The setting is rich and lavish, with true antique pieces making up much of the decor (as opposed to the designers “aging” new items). The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere There is plenty of seating to go around, from cozy couches to open tables. The Edison seating The Edison seating The Edison seating And that’s a good thing, because the whole “highly anticipated” thing is already bringing in BIG crowds! Waiting to Get Into The Edison Did I mention there are bars? There are. Three, to be exact. For instance, there’s the Boiler Bar… Boiler Bar Boiler Bar Boiler Bar Seating Around the Boiler Bar And the Breaker Bar! Breaker Bar Breaker Bar Breaker Bar Breaker Bar I have to admit… it’s pretty gorgeous. AND that third bar is upstairs! Heading Upstairs Upstairs Views Upstairs Bar Wanna know what they’re serving? The Edison Menu DRINKS Below you’ll see The Edison’s unique craft cocktails known as Edison Signatures. The steampunk theme is further played out in the names of drinks like Gears & Cogs, The Flying Apparatus, and the Boiler Mule. Edison Signature Cocktails Here is a look at the Classic Cocktails, still with themed names. Classic Cocktails and Mocktails Don’t forget to check out the Mocktails, too! We’ll be sure to take a look at the entire (extensive!) drinks menu in our full review coming soon. But for now, let’s see the food you can order to soak up some of those beverages. You can click directly on the image below to enlarge it and fully check out the options, which include Deviled Eggs, the Dancin’ Corn Dog, and Hawkers’ Box of Balls (lamb meatballs) among the appetizers. The Edison Menu And let’s waste no time, because I know you noticed it on the menu: the DB “CLOTHESLINE CANDIED BACON.” DB Clothesline Candied Bacon You gotta love this wonderfully unapologetic celebration of BACON! DB Clothesline Candied Bacon Served with sour pickles and mostarda (like a jam with candied fruit and a mustard base), it’s also straight up delicious. I couldn’t get over it. So, here’s one more look! DB Clothesline Candied Bacon Entrees offer even more American eats with a twist including comfort foods like Old Fashioned Meatloaf and Gravy, Crispy Fried Chicken, and an Organic Tomato Soup & Gooey Grilled Cheese (to the tune of $20. Still, I’m intrigued.) Oh, and remember how I said this place was family-friendly for lunch and dinner? Well, here’s a look at the menu just for the Kiddos… otherwise known as Junior Scientists! Kids’ Menu We’ll be back VERY soon with our full review of The Edison! For now, though, we’re signing off. But please do stay tuned! Because next we’ll also be taking our First Looks at The Edison’s next door neighbors: Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante and Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant! The Edison Complex So, sit tight, because we’ll be right back from The Landing at Disney Springs! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available for Pre-Order! 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 pre-order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! But there’s MORE! Just like all DFB pre-order deals — when you pre-order your DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book, 2018 Edition today for 25% off the cover price, you’ll also get our fully updated 2017 Edition immediately for FREE immediately, so you can start planning TODAY! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price, AND get the 2017 edition for free! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Will you be joining the line to step inside The Edison? 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: Disney Springs News! Details About The Edison and the Opening of Vivoli Gelateria News: Mario and Enzo’s Restaurant — Plus Rum Running Tunnels!! — Coming to The Edison in Disney Springs INSIDE the Edison and MORE — Opening SOON at Disney World! View the full article