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Last week, we shared the story of of Leota Toombs Thomas, as one of the many legendary women who have helped shape the Disneyland Resort. Today, we’re sharing the story of designer and artist Mary Blair. Read the story below, which originally ran in the Disneyland Resort Line, a magazine published exclusively for Disneyland Resort cast members. After bringing her talents to films like “Cinderella,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Peter Pan,” Walt Disney asked artist Mary Blair to develop the environment of “it’s a small world,” a new attraction heading to the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair — with less than a year to spare. Luckily, the playful project was perfect for Mary; her creative expression led to one of Disney’s most colorful and charming attractions. The universal appeal of “it’s a small world,” and the whimsical flair of Mary Blair can be seen in interpretations of the iconic attraction at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland. Then, Mary took on Tomorrowland with two larger-than-life murals. The ceramic tile artwork, much like “it’s a small world,” evoked an optimistic look towards the future, with children of the world coming together to dance and make music. Mary’s cheery designs continue to inspire Disney artists today, including Disney artist and historian Stacia Martin. “I’d say inspire and intimidate,” jokes Stacia, who got her start nearly 40 years ago in the original Disneyana shop and has gone on to write and illustrate books. “Mary Blair went to Walt Disney Imagineering and made such a big difference by extrapolating her film work experience. … She was the first one to take her own work from blank sheet of paper all the way up to model to finished environment.” And while Stacia never got to meet Mary, who passed away in 1978, Stacia takes pride in knowing how much joy Mary got from her work — and how much joy it has brought to the world. “I certainly hope that whatever I do will continue to bring me joy and will give whoever it is that’s on the viewing or listening end of what I do, some measure of happiness as well.” View the full article

Did you catch a glimpse of this mysterious video we shared moments ago across our Disney Parks social channels? Shot in the breathtaking Valley of Mo’ara – amid the moon’s floating mountains, waterfalls and native flora – it looks like something new has emerged on Pandora. Tune in to the Disney Parks Blog tomorrow, Saturday, April 7, for a behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary on April 22, 2018. View the full article

Imagine waking up to this amazing scene! When I enjoyed the Adventures by Disney Arizona and Utah vacation last summer this was the view in Moab, Utah. Here I delighted in beautiful red rock buttes, watched from my window as people rafted down the Colorado River (and then joined in myself as part of the many active adventures included in this trip), and some in our group even awoke to the sound of horses neighing in the on-site stable. This was the perfect home base for the many outdoorsy excursions that are part of this trip, including hiking in the breathtaking Arches National Park. The whole experience is truly a wonderland for the eyes! It’s not too late to book an Adventures by Disney vacation this summer! Best of all, you can save $250 per person on select land and river cruise departures and $150 per person on select long weekend departures* if you book by Aug. 31! But hurry: For land packages, travel must be booked 30-45 days prior to applicable departure date, depending on itinerary. For river cruise packages, travel must be booked by 14 days prior to applicable departure date and not all stateroom categories are available for booking. *The per person per reservation discount is taken from the non-discounted prevailing rate as quoted on AdventuresByDisney.com on the date of booking (“Regular Rate”). Regular Rates vary by departure date and time of booking and are subject to change. Regular Rates are based on double occupancy. All Guest names required at time of booking. Courtesy holds will not be accepted without compliance with standard payment terms. The number of river cruise staterooms and spaces on land packages available for this offer is limited. Excludes river cruise suites and category E staterooms. The AdventuresByDisney.com website is not updated in real time; availability is subject to confirmation at the time of booking with Adventures by Disney. Discount not applicable to deposit. Valid on new bookings only. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or promotions. Offer is not transferable or redeemable for cash in whole or in part. Void where prohibited. Offer is subject to change without notice. Bookings subject to restrictions and Adventures by Disney’s standard terms and conditions. View the full article

We shared 60 ways you can #GetMoreHappy at the Disneyland Resort. Today, we’re continuing the series with 20 more! 61. You can fly when you step aboard a magical pirate ship at Peter Pan’s Flight. (Please prepare your happy thoughts accordingly.) 62. Meet up at our head salesman’s place and savor a tropical drink at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel. 63. Relax in one of the teacups in the hotel lobby. 64. Meet an original classic, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, on Buena Vista Street. 65. Get more happy with some extra dopamine (or as we like to call it, “Dopey-mine”) when you pay a visit to Snow White Grotto. 66. Enjoy a zany breakfast or dinner at Goofy’s Kitchen at the Disneyland Hotel. 67. Anyone can get a park map, but the map in Fantasy Tower at the Disneyland Hotel has a little bit of extra magic. 68. Actually, there’s another magical map. Watch as Mickey gets swept away to fantastical worlds at Mickey and the Magical Map. 69. Anyone know what time it is? Check the clock in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa lobby for Mouse Standard Time. 70. Do not touch the apple as you enter Snow White’s Scary Adventures. (Just kidding, go ahead and touch it.) 71. Make them tractors twist and twirl at Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. 72. At the Hearthstone Lounge in the Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, enjoy a drink or snack as you cozy up to the fire. 73. Immerse yourself in the tales of the Old West at Storytellers Cafe. 74. Harmonize with the Dapper Dans on Main Street, U.S.A. 75. Harmonize with some grim grinning ghosts over at Haunted Mansion. 76. Jump into your own giant clam shell and dive under the sea with Ariel and her friends at The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. 77. Take a break and take in the Great Hall Lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. 78. Try the late-night menu at the Galactic Grill. (The selections are out of this world. See what we did there?) 79. Relive one of the greatest fairy tales ever told at the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough. 80. Get a picture with Walt Disney at the “Storytellers” statue on Buena Vista Street. Check back soon for the last 20 ways to #GetMoreHappy at the Disneyland Resort. View the full article

As the only Main Street, U.S.A. vehicles that have been in operation since Disneyland park opened, the horse-drawn streetcars are an iconic attraction at the Disneyland Resort. One can almost hear the sound of horses and the clang of a streetcar bell when envisioning Main Street, U.S.A. Vehicles like these were popular in towns throughout America from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s, when motorized vehicles replaced them. Because the streetcars at Disneyland park, based on actual streetcars from the 1880s, use metal wheels and track, resistance is minimized, making even a fully loaded streetcar easy to pull for our four-legged cast members. Disneyland park guests are thrilled the horse-drawn streetcars have recently returned after new brickwork and tracks were installed on Main Street, U.S.A. In this “Every Role a Starring Role,” cast member Emily Kralick joins Bug, one of our many horses, to explain what it’s like being a horse-drawn streetcar conductor at the Disneyland Resort! View the full article

Wow. We’ve just heard that Sweet Spells — the final spot where you can get one of my very favorite snacks in Disney World, the Carrot Cake Cookie — will be closing permanently later this month to make way for a Pixar merchandise location. Quoi?!? Sweet Spells in Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sweet Spells is the main “confectionery” of Hollywood Studios, selling fresh baked goods as well as fresh candies, house-made caramel apples, and more. Sweet Spells Oreo “Whoopie Pie” The aforementioned Carrot Cake Cookie has had quite a journey at Hollywood Studios, launching its career at Writer’s Stop years ago and taking up residence at Sweet Spells permanently soon after. Its easily in my top three snacks at Disney World list. Carrot Cake Cookie at Sweet Spells But now, according to WDW Magic (usually a pretty reliable site), Sweet Spells will be closing on April 16, 2018, to be transformed into a store selling Pixar merchandise. The candy counter and production kitchen will be removed, and some fresh, non-packaged items will be available at counter service locations elsewhere in the park. We’re hoping that our favorites get shuttled over to Trolley Car Cafe, like the Butterfinger Cupcake (aka Peanut Butter Crunch Cupcake) and Napoleon from Starring Rolls. But nothing has been confirmed at this time. Stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for updates — Join Here! Get ALL of our Dining Recommendations…and MORE! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: New Whoopie Pies at Sweet Spells in Disney’s Hollywood Studios News: Starring Rolls Cafe in Hollywood Studios Closing February 5th #OnTheList: Carrot Cake Cookie in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

A little something new popped up on the Walt Disney World website this morning… Woody’s Lunch Box Concept Art©Disney These new images below are of items that are likely coming to Woody’s Lunch Box when it opens along with the rest of Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios on June 30th! Woody’s Lunch Box Square Tarts ©Disney The snacks above look like some play on a certain popular toaster tart, but with a twist. The frosting contributes to the overall “traditional” toaster tart feel. But those toppers give a little something new, don’t they? I believe I spy one topped with bits of bacon and what I’m assuming are maple or some other sort of sweet candy bits. And do my eyes deceive me, or are those rock-style candies (like Nerds®) topping the pink-frosted tarts?!? There is also a smaller image of a BBQ Brisket Melt, indicating an entree option. Screenshot of Disney World website Andy’s own lunch box will be turned on its side to create Woody’s Lunch Box. We’ve known for some time that Woody’s Lunch Box will offer Quick Service entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to all of us “toys” visiting Toy Story Land. Toy Story Land Construction Walls “Classic American fare” will be up for grabs, along with old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed items. But this is the very first glimpse of any actual items that will be served there. Though it seems far away at the moment, I think June 30th will be here before we know it! Is it June 30 yet?! And we’ll be keeping you posted of developments in Toy Story Land all along the way! Find out everything you need to know about Toy Story Land here! Are you as excited as we are for Toy Story Land to open? 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!! Toy Story Land Opens on June 30, 2018, in Disney World’s Hollywood Studios! News! Woody’s Lunch Box Quick Service Location Coming to Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios Disney Daydreaming: Toy Story Land Dining Options View the full article

Several aging toddler attractions at Disney California Adventure Park could be bulldozed in the next year or so to make way for an expansion based on some of the world’s most popular fictional characters. The new land in Anaheim will feature superheroes made famous in Marvel comic books, movies... View the full article

The Mobile Order service launched last May in several Counter Service locations around Walt Disney World, and grabbing a quick bite in the parks hasn’t been the same since! Mobile Order Pickup at Casey’s Corner Launched within the My Disney Experience app, Mobile Order allows guests to pre-order and pre-pay for their food at participating Counter Service Restaurants around Disney World. Upon arrival to the restaurant, guests using Mobile Order can then bypass the ordering queue and go straight to a designated Pick Up Counter to get their food. Electric Umbrella Mobile Order pick-up counter And soon, this same service will be available to guests in Disneyland Resort via the Disneyland app! And here’s a BIG bonus for Disneyland Annual Passholders: you’ll be able to apply your discount via the app to meal purchases! Participating locations and the debut date have yet to be announced. But in the meantime, you can learn all about how the Mobile Order system works by visiting our Mobile Order page! Find step-by-step instructions for using Mobile Order here! And check out more Disneyland Food Fun here! Are you glad to know Mobile Order is on the way to Disneyland? 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! Pre-Order Your DOLE WHIP at Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle with Mobile Order News: Mobile Order Arrives at Hollywood Studios with Backlot Express UPDATED: News: Disney World’s Mobile Order System Expands to Contempo Cafe at Contemporary Resort View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped at Disneyland Paris of the park’s iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle. This 167-foot-tall castle, built to look as if it had been plucked straight from a fairytale, features soaring spires, ornate turrets, a series of stained glass windows, tapestries, and other magical touches. What do you love most about this Disney castle? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

To celebrate Earth Month, Disneyland Resort cast members have created original works of art from recyclable items found in their work areas during the third annual Environmentality Art Challenge. The top ten finalists are featured here on the Disney Parks Blog, and in-person at the Disneyland Resort, for you to vote for your favorite! Hei Hei, Pick Up Your Trash Area: Miller Warehouse Scenic Fabrication & Art Services Materials Used: Wood, cardboard, plastic utensils, wire, artificial florals, paint, fabric, paper, packing foam, and styrene. Spirit Guided Designs Area: Disney Floral & Gifts / Amenity Design Materials Used: Tissue paper, newspaper, styrofoam, silk red rose petals, merchandise bag, cardboard, red paper plate, felt, mylar balloons, tulle, wire, various quality ribbon, card board rolls, Mickey head confetti, orange mesh, used highlighter, paper shred, string/cord, and wrapping paper Cap-TIN Phasma Area: World of Disney Materials Used: Aluminum cans, plastic utensils, plastic gift cards, plastic bags, clear plastic containers, plastic label wrapper, cardboard, and paper Adventure is Out There! Area: Disney Parks Live Entertainment, Entertainment Safety and Scenic Fabrications Materials Used: Used straws, cardboard, plastic that lines acrylic sheets, and plastic packaging Coco de la Tierra Area: Ontario Distribution Center Materials Used: Pallet wood, cardboard, wire, nuts and bolts, paper, aluminum cans, shipping labels, and all ink was supplied by re-using printer ribbons from labels Warrior Woman Area: Miller Warehouse Scenic Fabrication & Art Services Materials Used: Foam Easter egg, plastic containers, almond milk container, plastic spoons, repurposed wood, fabric, and paint Corks on a Canvas Area: Golden Vine Winery Materials Used: Wine bottle corks, plastic alcohol straws, recycled crayons, and recycled board Star Waste: A Renewable Hope Area: Animation Figure Finishing Materials Used: Scrap waste can, an old electric motor and LED’s from discarded Disney toys, sharpie pen bodies, plastic soda bottles, scrap metal, hot melt and fur from a refurbished Jungle Cruise hyena, wire, metallic foil, paper, foam board, used paint cups, and of course, Solo Cups for Han’s Stormtrooper armor. Star Spoons: BB-Ate Area: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Housekeeping Materials Used: Plastic spoons, paper towels, soda cans, balloons left behind in Guest rooms, paper plates, coffee stir straws, aluminum foil, glue, cardboard, and lamp/light bulb left over from renovation. Plaza Inn-vironmentality Area: Plaza Inn Materials Used: Photo opp buttons, gift cards, wrappers from soda and water bottles, used post it notes, wrappers from paper reams, candy boxes, cereal boxes, green bean plastic liners, chimichanga plastic liners, corn bags, sausage paper liners, and plastic lining from popcorn buckets. Fill out my online form. The unique art gallery will be on display in the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland park until April 13, and then at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventure park until April 21. On Earth Day, April 22, the gallery will be on display at the Downtown Disney District. The grand prize winner will receive apparel made from recycled content, compliments of Coca-Cola. We’ll update this post with the winning creation! View the full article

Today’s Disney Doodle, a series that imagines what a Disney character would do or see first if they visited a Disney theme park, focuses on one of my favorite characters – Maui. In the 2016 hit film “Moana,” demigod Maui has been trapped on an island for years, waiting for his chance to get a boat and escape, because despite his amazing powers, the one thing Maui can’t do is float. According to artist Ashley Taylor, Maui would like head for a tropical setting here at Walt Disney World Resort – and Typhoon Lagoon would be the ideal place! “Not only can I easily imagine Maui having fun in the sun at Typhoon Lagoon, I can picture him trying to use Typhoon’s Lagoon’s abandoned ships to sail off on his next adventure!” Ashley said. View the full article

Guests will soon have the opportunity to encounter the Master of the Mystic Arts, Doctor Strange, at Disney California Adventure park! Doctor Strange acts as an intermediary between the real world and what lies beyond, utilizing a vast array of metaphysical abilities and relics to protect the universe. Guests will soon get a glimpse into his magical, mind-bending world when he appears for the first time at the Disneyland Resort. Doctor Strange travels great distances in an instant by opening portals between dimensions. There’s no telling where and when he might appear, so be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information! Encounter more of your favorite heroes now at Disney California Adventure park, including Black Panther, Spider-Man and Captain America! View the full article

A new mobile ordering service will soon be available at the Disneyland Resort! Mobile ordering is just one more option for guests to further customize their Disney vacations, allowing them to conveniently place orders at select fast casual and quick-service restaurant locations using the Disneyland App from anywhere across the resort. Using the new mobile ordering service, guests will be able to easily search for a participating location, select an arrival time window for pickup, choose items from the menu and place their order. As an added convenience, Annual Passholders will be able to apply their discount to meal purchases using the app. Guests notify the restaurant of their arrival on the app and within minutes, an app notification indicates the meal is ready to pick up at a designated window – without ever waiting in line to order and pay. The mobile ordering functionality is part of our continued efforts to enhance the guest experience. Combined with the recently launched Disney MaxPass, also part of the Disneyland App, guests will spend more time with family and friends enjoying everything Disneyland Resort has to offer – including the upcoming Pixar Fest celebration! We’ll share more details soon, including which guest favorite locations will be featured. View the full article

Hey…. do you wanna know a secret? I sure hope so, because we’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re explaining some Hidden Secrets of Disney World! What secret does Main Street, U.S.A hold? You’ll notice this video is titled “Part 1,” because there are many more secrets where these came from, and we’ll have more to share in this series soon! But today we’re taking on several Imagineering details around Disney World that you may not have noticed on your last visit…. but you can be sure to use these fun facts to impress your family and friends on your next one! So, huddle in as we share some Disney World SECRETS 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: Do you have any hidden Disney World secrets to share? 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: Things Most People Don’t Know About Walt Disney World DFB Video: 11 Things Disney World Pros Do, And You Should, Too DFB Video: How to OUTSMART the Crowds in Disney World View the full article

Last month, we told you about the non-alcoholic specialty drinks that are available with the 2018 Disney Dining Plan — a post that will keep evolving as we learn more about what does and does not count as a beverage on the DDP. Specialty drinks include such tasty gems as Artisanal Milkshakes and Fresh Smoothies! Red Velvet Cupcake Milkshake And now we’re bringing you another such evolving post — only this time, we’re tackling the grown up beverages that guests can enjoy on this year’s DDP! Officially the word from Disney is that the Plan includes one beer, wine, or cocktail for guests 21-and-older. Beer and Hard Cider But just how fancy are we talkin’, here? Signature cocktails at The Edison? Specialty cocktails at Tiffins? Beer and cocktail flights? Lambu Libation Just as we discovered with the non-alcoholic specialty beverages this year, mileage may vary a lot from location to location — or even from server to server on this one. We’ve had readers tell us that any and every cocktail was included — and some who’ve said glasses of wine only up to a certain price point are included. There are even some guest reports that it depends on whether your meal is Signature, one-credit, or quick service (where, of course, selection is pretty limited sometimes)! Jiko Wine Tasting One thing that seems consistant is that drinks served in souvenir glasses aren’t included — at least, the glasses themselves aren’t included (e.g. no Nautilus for YOU!). No Nautilus for Free! And if you’re a Lapu Lapu fan? You might now be served your drink not in the classic pineapple but in a standard glass instead. Lapu Lapu Still, this leaves us with lots of options — including some top shelf options like the Patron Lime Margarita at La Cantina de San Angel — and lots of questions! Patron Select So we’re inviting our DFB readers to chime in on this topic: Have you used the DDP in 2018 and ordered an alcoholic drink? If so, tell us about your experiences in the comments below! See our Disney Dining Plan FAQ Here for Answers to More Disney Dining Plan Questions! 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: What Specialty Drinks are Included on the Disney Dining Plan? Rumor: Will Alcoholic Beverages Be Included on the 2018 Disney Dining Plan? 2018 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants List View the full article

Evelyn Parada and Carlo Chavéz spend their days scrubbing vacation homes, but their work doesn’t end there. Late into the night, they serve steak sandwiches from their food truck to tourists and theme park workers ending their shifts. The two immigrants find joy in what they do — giving their all... View the full article

Evelyn Parada and Carlo Chavéz spend their days scrubbing vacation homes, but their work doesn’t end there. Late into the night, they serve steak sandwiches from their food truck to tourists and theme park workers ending their shifts. The two immigrants find joy in what they do — giving their all... View the full article

The Disney Springs culinary landscape continues to grow, with Maria & Enzo’s joining the bevy of options in this dining and entertainment complex. Maria & Enzo’s is carving out a niche for themselves with their aviation-themed concept and Italian fare. What I would try a second time Can you ever... View the full article

Mischief and magic is afoot at Disneyland Paris! As part of the 25th Anniversary celebration, guests can now create their very own adventure story and participate in an exciting show unlike anything before at the resort. It all starts with “Disney Pirate or Princess: Make Your Choice!” This interactive show starts at opposite ends of the park – a blossoming, colorful Disney Princesses float journeys through Fantasyland while a huge galleon boarded by scallywags sails down Main Street, U.S.A., accompanied by an acrobatic crew of pirates. Both worlds come together at Central Plaza in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle for the finale. Guests are then invited to choose a side and take part in one of two routines alongside their favorite Disney characters, all to the same playful melody for one grand ending. The entire show takes place several times a day, so guests can switch sides for a different experience later in their visit. During the Festival of Pirates and Princesses, guests will now see sequences from Pirates of the Caribbean during the new Disney Illuminations show and may even spot Jack Sparrow in Adventureland with his pirate crew. Pirates and princesses alike can take part in face painting or even create an entirely new look with transformations in Adventureland and Fantasyland, not to mention meeting their favorite pirate or princess (or both!). There’s so much to do and see at Disneyland Paris during the 25th Anniversary celebration, and Festival of Pirates and Princesses is just the beginning! Stay tuned for more on the new Marvel Summer of Super Heroes starting June 10. View the full article

Do you love delicious snacks? Do you love caramel? Do you love national food holidays? Well have I got good news for you, because National Caramel Day is today! And what better way to celebrate than with delicious caramel snacks at the popular Karamell-Küche in Epcot? Located in Germany in the World Showcase, this cozy shop is constantly filled with the aromas of Werther’s Original hand-crafted caramel treats. Take a bite out of a crisp caramel apple or snack on a Mickey-shaped Crispy Treat dipped in chocolate and drizzled with Werther’s Caramel. Other scrumptious snacks include a Caramel-Filled Chocolate Cookie, Caramel and Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries, Werther’s Caramel Butter Bars and more! You can also find classic Werther’s Original Gourmet Caramels such as Dark or Milk Chocolate Caramels with Sea Salt, Caramel Chocolates, Caramel Rolls with Marshmallow Cream, and Caramel Squares. The snack that Karamell-Küche is most known for, however, is their yummy, sweet and savory caramel popcorn. This hand-crafted caramel snack is made fresh each day and comes in a large or small bag that you can take home with you (if you resist the urge to eat it all in the park, that is!). Whether you’re strolling around World Showcase or taking home an edible gift for a friend, Karamell-Küche has a caramel treat for everyone and every occasion. And if you come visit the shop, you may just get a taste of Disney Magic just for stopping by! So come on out to the Germany pavilion in World Showcase at Epcot, and celebrate National Caramel Day with us! View the full article

Just in time for Pixar Fest launching April 13 at the Disneyland Resort, the Disneyland Monorail has received a special, Pixar-themed enhancement! The orange and blue Mark VII trains feature characters from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and “Finding Nemo,” respectively. On the orange train, Mr. Incredible and Mrs. Incredible, along with Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack can be spotted on one side, while Frozone makes a cool splash on the other. Meanwhile, the blue train has been creatively wrapped with a curvaceous wave. Crush can be seen surfing alongside pals Marlin, Nemo and Dory. Our chief photographer captured the Disneyland Monorail in action this week. Hope you enjoy this first look! The red train is also expected to join in on the fun soon. Which Disney•Pixar story would you like to see depicted on the Disneyland Monorail? View the full article

“The Animatronicans,” Jeff Jones’ award-winning comedy that took the 2016 Orlando Fringe Festival by storm, will return with an updated version this Saturday, April 7. The show, which won the Critics’ Choice award for best comedy at the Fringe, follows the adventures of theme-park animatronic characters... View the full article

Every once in a while, a cookie comes along that demands its own immediate news post, and this — this is one such cookie. It’s from Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies, and it can only be found in one Disney World location: The Polite Pig. The Polite Pig Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies is Orlando famous, y’all, with lines out the door and cookies selling out rapidly every day. These cookies aren’t your grandma’s cookies (sorry, grandmas!) — they’re half-pound cookies packed with buttery, chocolate-y heaven. Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies — Chocolate Chip The Polite Pig — which is itself part of a family-owned, superstar local restaurant company — is the only place you can get Gideon’s Bakehouse aside from the bakery’s location in downtown Orlando. With exclusivity like that, you know they’ve gotta be good! And holy chocolate chips, Batman! Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies The half-pound cookie is dense, rich with butter and chocolate and a perfect cookie bite! At present you can only find chocolate chip at this location, but once you try them, you won’t need anything else. (Although, you know, if they offer other varieties, we’ll eat those, too!) Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookies — Chocolate Chip Seriously, you’ve got to try these. At least one. Probably half a dozen, actually. And grab a few for us! I’ve already had two in 12 hours, so… . Gideon’s Bakehouse Cookie Want to know more about our favorite Disney Parks cookies? Check out our listing of the Best Cookie Snacks! Will you make a special trip for a special snack in Walt Disney World? Tell us which snack you’ll travel any distance to get! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: The Polite Pig Set to Open Monday, April 10th in Disney Springs News: “The Polite Pig” Is On the Way to Disney Springs, Opening Spring 2017 News: The Polite Pig in Disney Springs Introduces Online Ordering View the full article

If you’ve been to the Disneyland Resort during the last few weeks, you may have encountered the king of Wakanda himself — Black Panther! Guests of all ages have been inspired by T’Challa, also known as Black Panther, the heir to the Wakandan throne. Meet Black Panther — accompanied by his Royal Guards, the Dora Milaje — for a limited time in the Hollywood Backlot area at Disney California Adventure park! View the full article