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In an ever-tightening job market, Disney World is doubling its hiring bonuses for some summer jobs, even for unskilled or part-time positions – as it seeks to hire for 3,500 positions. A housekeeper hired this year at Disney World’s resorts can get a hiring bonus of $1,250 for a job that pays $10.50... View the full article

Do your summer vacation plans at the Walt Disney World Resort include traveling with a large family? If the answer is yes, Wes, of the Disney Parks Moms Panel, has some great suggestions for the perfect Walt Disney World Resort hotel. From family suites at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort to multi-bedroom Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Wes shows you options that can accommodate up to 12 guests! For more great tips on traveling with a large party or for assistance in planning your next Disney vacation, be sure to visit DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

“Illuminations: Reflections of Earth” is a must-do nighttime spectacular that fills Epcot with thrilling music, lasers, fire and fireworks each night. How well do you know “Illuminations: Reflections of Earth”? Put your knowledge to the test below. View the full article

Happy weekend! Here’s all the Disney food news this week! Disney’s Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration is happening, and we’re covering it live on Instagram and here on DFB. Check out our post here, which includes this adorable push-up cake pop! “Up” Cake Push Pop The 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is ON! We have FULL MENUS for the Epcot Flower and Garden FESTIVAL plus Photos of EVERY FOOD ITEM and most beverages! And, Pixar Fest is ON at Disneyland Resort! This fun festival runs through September 3! Click here to get a checklist for ALL the food at Pixar Fest and see our review! And it’s time to get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 e-book! Save 25% now with code wdw2018! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Check out our full day adventure over at the Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Celebration and Party for the Planet! We checked out the Peanut Butter and Jelly Eclairs at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland! Celebrate Party for the Planet and the 20th anniversary of Animal Kingdom with special eats! We have tips on how to score Free Dining when it’s announced! Check out our ultimate guide to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. We have a Pixar Fest review of the Strawberry Funnel Cake at Hungry Bear Cafe. Find out which new character is coming to Cape May Cafe’s breakfast! Celebrate Earth Day with special eats around Disney World. There’s a new, must-have cupcake at the Contempo Cafe! Get the details on the Pixar Fest root beer float served in Woody’s Boot. Free Dining for United Kingdom residents was announced for 2019! Check out the color-changing noodles at Pixar Fest! We have details on the menu at Terralina Crafted Italian in Disney Springs. We checked out Alien Pizza Planet at Pixar Fest. We celebrated Tax Day with a big sale at the DFB Store. Check out the first look at Jack Jack’s Cookie Num Num’s on Pixar Pier! We reviewed the Fruity Pebble Funnel Cake Fries at Pixar Fest. New DFB YouTube videos: 5 New and Coming Soon Restaurants in Disneyland, Best Attractions with Low-to-No Waits at the Magic Kingdom, and Epcot Candy Challenge! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. New DFB Video: Epcot Candy Challenge Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got great content going up twice a week showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re sharing our latest video – Epcot Candy Challenge! Check it out — and don’t forget to subscribe here. Deal of the Week: 50% off the Everything Bundle We’re celebrating Tax Day here at the DFB with a limited-time sale on our popular Everything Bundle. Use promo code TAXDAY and save 50% Off the Everything Bundle for a VERY limited time! A $100 Value for Under $30! To celebrate Tax Day you can get 50% off the Everything Bundle — which is already super discounted! So it’s like a sale on top of a sale! The Everything Bundle includes every DFB Guide: The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios Snacks A Pre-Order of the 2018 DFB Guide to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and the 2017 Edition for FREE as an immediate download A Pre-Order of the 2018 DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, and the 2017 Edition for FREE as an immediate download DFB Dining Adventures That’s every single book in our collection of critically-acclaimed DFB Guides — individually priced at a total of over $100! But today, you get them for LESS THAN $30!! We only do this sale about twice a year, so now’s the time to take action. To take advantage of this amazing deal, just enter Promo Code TAXDAY at checkout! DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday. One of our most popular DFB Guide YouTube videos this week was our Epcot Candy Challenge video! DFB reader Tommy Gentry let us know that he did part of the challenge at World Showcase and said it was a lot of fun! Epcot candy challenge! The Dole Whip Pineapple Upside Down Cake at Aloha Isle in the Magic Kingdom is one of our must-have snacks here at DFB. Our friend Amy Rhodes agrees and wishes she was at Disney World enjoying one right now. One of our favorite eats at the Magic Kingdom! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared this very awesome Darth Vader Toaster! WDW for Grownups shared some new must-have sweets at Disney World. Disney Parks Blog shared how Mickey Mouse Beignets are made at Disneyland. Disney Family shared a recipe for Pizza Planet Fondue. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! 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 Food News This Week – April 15, 2018 Disney Food News This Week: April 1, 2018 Disney Food News This Week: March 18, 2018 View the full article

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, today Adventures by Disney announced a special adult-exclusive Safari to South Africa departure for Nov. 30, 2018. On this unique trip, you can explore Africa with special hosts Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, and Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, who will share their expertise on storytelling, wildlife and conservation. Throughout the trip, Joe will share his insight on this magnificent country through the lens of an artist. Learn from Joe as he leads sketching sessions (no prior art experience required!) at iconic locations in South Africa. He’ll also share the experiences in Africa that inspired him to create Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Meanwhile, Mark, a native of South Africa, will share his expertise on South African natural history. Learn about the unique species that live in the areas visited on the trip, including the birds at Cape Point; the elephants, birds and monkeys in Knysna; and the abundant wildlife found during the game drives at Kapama Private Game Reserve. Take a sneak peek at what’s in store in this video! Bookings for this once-in-a-lifetime experience begin tomorrow, and you’ll want to secure your spot right away as space is limited. Visit AdventuresbyDisney.com for more details! View the full article

Disney World’s Animal Kingdom opened on April, 22, 1998… Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life … and we’ve all been having a WILD time ever since! Pandora — The World of AVATAR Timon at Animal Kingdom View of Everest in Animal Kingdom’s Asia Entrance to Village of Harambe Rivers of Light Spectacular To celebrate this milestone 20th Anniversary, today kicks off an extended version of Animal Kingdom’s annual celebration! So, even though today is the official Anniversary with commemorative events of its own, if you visit Animal Kingdom over the next two weeks (through May 5th), you should know there is a PARTY FOR THE PLANET going on! We’re here LIVE an will be updating with pics from the celebration, so you can see what’s in store for the Party for the Planet! 20th Anniversary Celebration In honor of Animal Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary, Joe Rohde — Vice President and Executive Designer, Creative and lead designer of Animal Kingdom — shared that “Twenty years of Animal Kingdom is not just twenty years existence of a park. It’s twenty years of LIFE.” Monkeys in Animal Kingdom He spoke about what Animal Kingdom “has to say” about the value of nature, adventure, and a personal call to action. And how the magic of the animals is one that cannot be created; the “the magic of the animals is one we can only serve.” Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary This Anniversary is the start of the two-week Party for the Planet, so let’s see what’s in store if you visit Animal Kingdom from now through May 5th! Specialty Food for Party for the Planet The Party for the Planet is an annual Earth Day event in celebration of nature and wildlife. And this year, the Animal Kingdom celebration spans for two full weeks! Party for the Planet Adventure Guide Your Adventure Guide will help you find extra happenings around the park to help you “choose your own adventure”! Party for the Planet Adventure Guide Activities include interactive experiences at Rafiki’s Planet Watch, and a special limited-time badge for Wilderness Explorers. Party for the Planet Adventure Guide You can also learn more about Disney’s Conservation Fund. Party for the Planet Adventure Guide AND it will help you find the extra eats and treats are on hand over the next couple of weeks! Party for the Planet Adventure Guide Keep an eye on this post, as we’ll be updating throughout the day with pics of all the food! Tiffins Talks As an added experience for the Party for the Planet, Tiffins Talks are taking place at the park’s signature restaurant, Tiffins, on select dates throughout the duration of the Party. Guests at these ticketed Talks will listen to animal and conservation experts (including Imagineer Joe Rohde on April 25th) while enjoying a four-course meal comprised of specialty food and beverages that will complement the evening’s topics. Tiffins sign You can find information on Tiffins Talks — including topics, special guests, pricing and how to book — here! 20th Anniversary Merchandise Stop by merchandise locations throughout the park — and in particular, Island Merchantile — to check out 20th Anniversary merchandise. 20th Anniversary Tee 20th Anniversary Tee 20th Anniversary Mug Though there is no guarantee, merchandise may be available outside of the Party’s run, so keep an eye out no matter when you get to visit Animal Kingdom this year! And, remember, if you stop by Windtraders in Pandora, a limited edition Banshee is available for purchase! Limited Edition Banshee sign Limited Edition Banshee And, of course, even if your visit falls well outside the Anniversary celebration, there are always ways to celebrate during your time in Animal Kingdom. And since it’s never a celebration without FOOD, be sure to check out this tribute to some of our very favorite eats in Animal Kingdom! Do you have an awesome Animal Kingdom memory to share from the past 20 years? Please share your memory with a comment 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: Party for the Planet Eats And More for Animal Kingdom’s 20th Anniversary Celebration News! Animal Kingdom’s Party for the Planet — NOW WITH FOOD! News: Tiffins Talks With Imagineers (Including Joe Rohde) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now Available For Booking View the full article

When Brittany Charboneau ran in high school and college, she never won. The distance didn’t matter. The conditions didn’t matter. Simply, nothing mattered. Charboneau was not coming in first. The Denver native finally broke through with a victory in a half marathon in Chicago two years ago, and... View the full article

#DisneyParksLIVE: Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary | Walt Disney World View the full article

As we just announced during our special #InsideDisneyParksLIVE coverage of the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re offering readers a chance to be one of 125 winners to receive a special Disney Parks Blog water bottle. As you can see, the bottles feature a giraffe design and are inspired by the park’s Tree of Life. It’s the first time we’ve offered this unique product. You can enter for a chance to win one Disney Parks Blog water bottle here and follow the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 4/22/18 at 10:01 a.m. ET and ends 4/22/18 at 12:01 p.m ET. Open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law. View the full article

The new “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” show officially debuts today, April 22, Earth Day, to coincide with the start of 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The 25-minute show features Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug, from the Disney•Pixar animated film “UP,” as they discover bird species from around the world. Led by senior Wilderness Explorer Anika, “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” features a close-up look at various bird species from around the globe – including the marabou stork with an impressive 10-foot wingspan. Take a sneak peek inside the show in the video above. Be sure to check the Times Guide or the My Disney Experience App on the day of your visit for show times and information. View the full article

The 4.2-ton Pandora Utility Suit officially debuts at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom today, just in time for the park’s 20th anniversary celebration. Perched ten feet high, a human pilot straps into the cockpit of this exo-carrier and controls its powerful, yet agile movements. The giant walking suit was designed with articulated hands and a shoulder span of more than five feet. It also bears claw marks and battle scars from a Thanator – an alpha predator on Pandora. But the Pandora Utility Suit was actually designed for restoration, while the film’s AMP suits were created for infantry missions of destruction. Its streamlined structure and technical upgrades make it the perfect tool to collect plant samples, study flora and survive Pandora’s wild terrain. Like all the lands at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora is rooted in nature and the Pandora Utility Suit showcases that in dramatic fashion. As the suit’s pilot traverses the land daily, he’ll interact with guests, sharing details about the land’s otherworldly landscape, and highlight the importance of preserving nature. Check out the video above to hear what guests have to say about this amazing addition the Pandora. You can encounter the Utility Suit pilot in Pandora – The World of Avatar daily. Be sure to check the Times Guide or the My Disney Experience App the day of your visit for the latest information. View the full article

I will always remember the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Picture a brand-new Cast Member on her first media rep assignment. It was so exciting! Fast forward to today and excitement is building once more. Our “baby” park is celebrating a momentous anniversary. In honor of the milestone, Brittany Ungvarsky, has illustrated a beautiful wallpaper. Her love for animals led her to incorporate the Tree of Life into a savannah scene filled with many creatures from the Disney family. Click here to download the wallpaper in the perfect size for your desktop or mobile device. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. View the full article

Disney Star Wars Half Marathon -- The Dark Side weekend concluded with the 13.1-mile signature race on Sunday, April 22, 2018. View the full article

Jolly Holiday Bakery is the place to go for bakery treats at Disneyland Resort. We love everything about it, from the styling of the building to the classic and trendy treats within. To join in the Pixar Fest fun, Jolly Holiday Bakery has a colorful and tasty addition to the Pixar Fest Food Checklist! Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe The Specialty Eclair is inspired by Up! and features some spot-on images from the movie! But this isn’t your typical éclair. Oh, no — it’s loaded with Peanut Butter Cream Filling and grape jelly! Specialty Eclair at Jolly Holiday You know about our documented obsession with all things peanut butter, so it should come as no surprise that we were pretty excited to give this specialty item a try! Specialty Eclairs all lined up in the pastry case! This is also a visually impressive pastry, starting with that gorgeous purple icing on the top! It’s not carrying any special flavor — just adding sweetness to the éclair. But we’re okay with that! So colorful and fun! This is a sizable éclair, too — no skimping just because it’s a specialty item. It’s got that classic éclair shape and golden brown color. Specialty Eclair What makes the exterior really stand out are the iconic Wilderness Explorer badges and Grape Soda bottle cap. We think Russell would approve! Perfect for Wilderness Explorers! And we know he would approve of the thick Peanut Butter Cream Filling — and the thin layer of grape jelly as well! (We certainly do!) The filling is relatively light — not sticky and thick like peanut butter proper but full of peanut butter flavor! Interior of the Specialty Eclair You’ll want to travel via a bunch of balloons to get this one, folks! Or you could, you know, just walk into Jolly Holiday and ask for one. Whatever you prefer. Click here to read all about Pixar Fest and print your own Pixar Fest Food Checklist! Will you seek out the Specialty Eclair at Pixar Fest? Let us know what you think in the comments! 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: Disneyland Snack Series: Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pie at Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland Park Pixar Fest Eats: Strawberry Funnel Cake at Disneyland’s Hungry Bear Restaurant Pixar Fest Eats: Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake in Disneyland View the full article

Hey, friends! We’re back with another DFB Video this weekend, and we’re showing you five dining spots that are new — and coming soon — in Disneyland! Greetings from Disneyland Splitsville Luxury Lanes! There is plenty of food fun to be had all over Disneyland Resort right now during Pixar Fest! But while that event runs through September 3rd, there are several dining spots that are either new on the scene or coming soon that are built to stay for the long haul. Find out all about some brand new spots coming to Disneyland Resort — including some recent additions you can enjoy right now — in our latest DFB YouTube Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: Which new Disneyland dining spot are you most excited about? 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: Hidden Gem Dining Spots in Disneyland DFB Video: Disney World vs Disneyland — Which One Is Best for YOU? New Video: Hidden Gem Dining Spots That May Surprise You! View the full article

It might be starting to feel like summer where we are, but we’re already daydreaming about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 2018. And why not? Tickets are officially on sale, and we almost can’t wait for fall in the Magic Kingdom! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a fun and festive, specially ticketed event that includes rare character meet-and-greets, awesome party treats, stellar Halloween entertainment, and loads of candy! Here is our Ultimate Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party so you don’t miss a thing! BOO! from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Buy a Separate Ticket Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is a specially ticketed event, so you’ll want to buy your ticket ahead of time or when you arrive at the park on the night you’re planning to attend the party. Fall in Magic Kingdom Only 20,000 tickets are sold for each night of the party, so beware: if you want to attend a party close to Halloween proper, definitely buy your ticket ahead of time because those parties do sell out. Dates and Times Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party officially starts at 7PM on party nights — with regular park guests being ushered out around 6PM. In the past, those with Halloween Party tickets/wristbands were typically allowed to enter the park at 4PM. However, we’re hearing things might be different this year, so don’t rely on that 4PM entry. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will run on the following dates in 2018: August 17, 24, 28, 31 September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30 October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Dressing Up in Costume Guests attending the Halloween Party are allowed — and encouraged — to dress up. But for guests 14 and older, there are some rules. You’ll want to check party details for specifics, but some of those rules include no masks, no layers, and some character-specific limitations. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party = Costumes Galore! Otherwise — have fun! We’ve seen families with themed costumes, couples representing famous Disney duos, and plenty of cute kids evoking their favorite characters! Rides and Attractions Magic Kingdom rides and attractions do run throughout the party, but your Halloween Party time might be better spent on the party-exclusive entertainment and activities rather than enjoying rides you can jump on any day. Evening at the Party! If you do enter the park before the start of the party, you can use those hours to ride some of your favorites, thus freeing up your party time for party things! Halloween Party Eats and Treats Food is available throughout the party all over the park — at table service and quick service locations as well as Trick or Treat locations! Trick or Treat! That’s right: you can Trick or Treat during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party — and you’ll definitely want to! When you check in, you’ll get a treat bag, and all you have to do is hit up as many candy spots as you desire. Cast members will load you up with quality candy like M&Ms, Skittles, Milky Way Bars, and more! (It’s not unheard of to fill your bag with just a few stops; cast members are very generous with the candy!) Trick-or-Treat in the Magic Kingdom When you’re not snagging that candy, grab specialty party eats! These are pastries and desserts made exclusively for the party, and they’re not your average cupcakes, y’all! In 2017, Haunted Mansion Tarts were all the rage with good reason! Click here to see EVERY Halloween party Treat in 2017! Chocolate and peanut butter and stretching room: oh my! There are also Halloween treats available all day long — not just during the party hours — like the delicious Halloween Cinnamon Roll (which we loved!). And of course, you can always find holiday-specific treats at popular spots like the Main Street Confectionery and the Emporium. Halloween-inspired cinnamon roll! Allergen-Free Treats One of the great things about partying at the Magic Kingdom for Halloween is the availability of allergen-free treats in various park locations. These locations will be marked on your party map, but they’re usually at Town Hall and in the Liberty Square. Allergy-friendly treats token Those in need of alternative treats will receive tokens, which they then turn in for lots of specialty candies, cookies, and non-food items. It’s a terrific way to make sure that every member of your party can enjoy themselves! Allergy-friendly trick-or-treat spot Entertainment Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is known for its world-class, only-available-here entertainment. You’ll definitely want to check out the Boo To You Parade that runs at 9:15 and 11:15 — and stake out your spot before the parade begins! That’s how you can guarantee you’ll see the infamous Headless Horseman, who opens the parade by taking a ride on horseback through the parade route! The Horseman is followed by the Gravediggers with their clanging shovels and lots of Disney Villains! Headless Horseman Rides in Magic Kingdom (c) Disney — See Him Up Close and Personal! You’ll also want to catch the Hocus Pocus Villain Spooktacular in front of the castle at 8:15, 10:45, or Midnight. This musical extravaganza features the sisters of Hocus Pocus and even more villains! Hallowishes Fireworks is a classic 360-degree fireworks show with a Halloween-worthy soundtrack. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Guests can dance with their friends from Monsters, Inc., in Tomorrowland at the Monsters Scream-O-Ween Ball, where Sully shakes his furry groove thing! And all around the park, characters are out in their spookiest Halloween attire. Find rare characters like Jack and Sally (whose line is enormous!); Tweedle Dee, Tweedle Dum, and the Queen of Hearts; and Winnie the Pooh friends! (Peruse your Party Pamphlet for character locations!) Merchandise Finally, don’t forget to browse that party-exclusive merchandise, including tee shirts, pins, and limited-edition Magic Bands (2017’s smelled like chocolate!). Passholders will find even more exclusive merch! These make great souvenirs and reminders of your spook-errific night in the Magic Kingdom! So much merchandise! So Happy Halloween, Disney friends, and don’t miss any of the fun at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party! And if you just can’t wait to see what it’s all about, check out our footage from the 2017 Party! What’s your favorite park of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party? Tell us 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: Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Trick-or-Treat Map, and Special Diets Treat Exchange A Candy-Lover’s Guide to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party New Treat Trails at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party View the full article

This weekend, we have an adorable bunch of images to share with you in honor of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s 20th anniversary, which takes place tomorrow, April 22, 2018. Gallery Residents of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Celebrate 20 Years view all This week, the animal residents of the park celebrated in their own way, with special food and enrichment treats in the shape of a “20.” My favorite picture is definitely this sweet kangaroo! Which is yours? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #DisneyAnimalKingdom20. Don’t forget to join us tomorrow for our #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the 20th Anniversary Celebration Moment live from the park. The fun starts at 10:25 a.m. ET. Full details here. View the full article

Kukui means Candlenut. If you’ve ever been to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, you know that Hawaiian language plays a huge role in everything we do. One beautiful thing about the Hawaiian language is that many words have layers of meaning. Take the word kukui, or candlenut, for example. Kukui nuts can be found throughout the resort in our light fixtures, or strung up in a lei. But when you delve into the layers of the word, you’ll discover that kukui has an even larger reach at Aulani Resort than you ever imagined. The kukui nut comes from a tree with silvery leaves that, according to Hawaiian mo’olelo (stories), are said to have two forms: a pig and a fish. Kukui leaves are tri-tipped, so when the outer two tips are more prominent, the leaves resemble the face of a pig. Pigs play a major role in Hawaiian culture and they are celebrated in artwork throughout the resort including the Makaʻala lobby and our restaurants. To learn more stories like this you might enjoy our Mākaʻikaʻi Art & Culture tour, or check out the Menehune Adventure Trail at Pau Hana Community Hall on your next visit! When the outer two tips of the kukui leaf are smaller, they resemble our state fish: the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. If you haven’t had the chance to meet this trigger fish, you may want to venture out into Rainbow Reef to swim with all of our finned friends. Or, you may run into one while you are stand-up paddleboarding in our lagoon! On your next visit to Aulani Resort, ask some of our Cast Members where our kukui trees are. You may hear another story or two about them. You will never look at a tree in Hawaiʻi the same way again. A hui hou, until we meet again. Note: In printed materials, Aulani Resort uses the contemporary spelling of Hawaiian words, which includes marks such as the kahako (macron). Because these marks do not often display correctly in electronic formats, including the text of the Disney Parks Blog, we’ve omitted them to ensure clarity. View the full article

Starting today, the Stave Church Gallery in the Norway Pavilion will showcase a brand-new exhibit called “Gods of the Vikings.” Celebrating the legendary Norse gods and goddesses that inspired the ancient Vikings of Scandinavia in their daily lives, guests can stop in to learn more about the popular Viking gods Thor, Odin, Freyja, and Loki through displays of authentic Viking artifacts. Historically, Norse gods and goddesses were as real and as important to the Vikings as the air they breathed. Through this exhibit, guests will discover how Norse mythology helped the Vikings live their lives and understand the world around them. View the full article

To borrow a phrase from some alien “Toy Story” friends, we are “eternally grateful” for all of the nonprofits in the Central Florida community, and are especially thrilled to celebrate the 2018 Disney Grant recipients. This week, we took a traveling “Toy Story”-themed tailgate-style party to five different nonprofit locations to celebrate their hard work and award $500,000 in Disney Grants. These nonprofit organizations continually go to “infinity and beyond,” to bring lasting and significant change to Central Florida through these unique and compelling projects. From providing nutritious, complimentary food to Central Florida high school students who need it the most, to helping connect homeless teens to much needed services, Disney Grants support collaborative efforts that inspire significant and solutions-driven change around Central Florida. These special Disney Grants are part of more than $34 million in-kind and cash support Disney plans to invest in the Central Florida community throughout 2018. We can’t wait to continue the journey alongside our Disney Grant recipients, checking in with them over the year to see their projects come to life. View the full article

I love to go exploring – touring a new country, walking a new city, or even just having a new experience. We will all soon have the opportunity to join an adventure, watching the newest show at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – “UP! A Great Bird Adventure.” Inspired by the show, designer, Jeff Maurer, created a wallpaper featuring Russell and Dug. Let’s explore! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers. View the full article

On the day that arguably the most iconic movie franchise premiered in theaters in 1977, Carrie Nugent cried. It didn’t take much for Nugent to cry then. That’s what babies on their fifth day on Earth do. In good time, Nugent developed a true emotional attachment to Star Wars, one that is real,... View the full article

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort has quickly earned a reputation for being a hub of creative churros — we’re talking Cocoa Churros and so many more. But these portable, cinnamon-sugar sticks of fried dough deliciousness aren’t the only classic Disneyland snack to get the Pixar treatment! Pixar Fest ©Disney We’ve already given you a heads up about Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake, and today we’re giving you a peek at another funnel cake with a Toy Story spin — and this one’s a tongue-twister. It’s the Lots-O-Straw-Bear-Y Funnel Cake — and it’s as vibrant as it’s kooky name! Strawberry Funnel Cake This fruity funnel cake starts with the classic fried dough squiggles you know and love from quick service spot Hungry Bear in Disneyland’s Frontierland. But then things get a bear-y wild: Strawberries in syrup, thick syrupy Cherries, Strawberry Butter, Streusel, and a Spiced Syrup Drizzle. If this sounds like a lot of sweetness for you, that’s because it is! Strawberry Funnel Cake The dark cherries pull you in, and they provide a little tartness to counteract all that sweet. Cherries There are loads of strawberries on there, too. Plus, you know, strawberry butter! What?! It’s awesome! And it compliments the streusel topping, too, which we always think benefits from a good amount of butter. Strawberry Funnel Cake Overall, the flavors work well, with the sweetness balanced out a bit by the tart cherries and the slightly salty butter. And we kind of appreciate that it’s being billed on signage as the Strawberry Funnel Cake because Lots-O-Straw-Bear-Y Funnel Cake is a mouthful! Ooh — and while you’re at Hungry Bear, don’t forget to check out their Featured Cold Brew Coffee! Specialty Coffee We grabbed one on this visit, and it was fabulous: creamy, sweet, and rich. (It didn’t mind sharing the pic with the funnel cake. What a wonderful coffee.) Specialty Cold Brew Coffee Pixar Fest — and the many, many, many themed treats that come with it — continues all summer long. Don’t miss the fun — or any of the Pixar Fest food! We’ve put together a handy Checklist to help you keep tabs on all the goodies! Click here to read all about Pixar Fest and print your own Pixar Fest Food Checklist! If you could create your own funnel cake, what would you put on it? Daydream with us in the comments below! 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: Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake in Disneyland Review: Blueberry Lemon Funnel Cake at Hungry Bear Restaurant in Disneyland Dining in Disneyland: Churro Funnel Cake from Hungry Bear Restaurant View the full article

Disney Cruise Director Talks Star Wars Day at Sea View the full article

Recent structural reorganization at the Walt Disney Co. has created a new umbrella for Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney along with a new president. Jeff Vahle has been named president of the new entity, Disney Signature Experiences, which oversees the cruise line,... View the full article