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Star Wars Day at Sea this year has been yet another epic experience for Disney cruisers, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to the Disney Fantasy again next year. In honor of the last Star Wars Day at Sea in 2018, taking place today aboard the Disney Fantasy in the middle of the Caribbean, I wanted to share with you highlights of what’s been happening onboard. In this video, Cruise Director Trent showcases some of the family-favorite activities. Check it out… Those of you who have already experienced Star Wars Day at Sea, what are your tips for families who will discover the Force onboard the Disney Fantasy for the first time in 2019? View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom will mark its 20th anniversary celebration on Earth Day, April 22, and we want YOU to follow along as we kick off the park’s anniversary Party for the Planet celebration – live on the Disney Parks Blog! The park will mark its 20th anniversary with a ‘Party For the Planet’ that will stretch from April 22-May 5. During that time, Rafiki’s Planet Watch will take center stage for the celebration, which will offer backstage experiences that allow guests to learn about animal nutrition, visit the veterinary hospital, or hear how Disney promotes global wildlife conservation. The anniversary on April 22 will also mark the premiere of the brand-new show, “UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will feature Russell and Dug from the Disney•Pixar animated comedy-adventure film “UP.” And, as we previously shared, the astounding Pandora Utility Suit that will study the wildlife, collect plant samples and educate guests about Pandora will officially debut in Pandora – The World of Avatar. Our #DisneyParksLIVE team will be onsite to stream the kickoff of the anniversary festivities live, right here on the Disney Parks Blog. How can you watch? Simply bookmark this page or visit the top of the Disney Parks Blog on April 22 at 10:15 a.m. ET. Share your favorite memory of Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the comments section below! View the full article

This coming Sunday, April 22, 2018, marks the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Animal Kingdom’s Tree of Life The celebration is also the kickoff of the park’s annual Party for the Planet, which will expand to run for two weeks this year (through May 5th) to recognize the milestone anniversary. And what’s a party without CAKE? Or cupcakes, more specifically, if you’re in Disney World! Look for Earth Day Cupcakes and Tree of Life Cupcakes at counter service locations like Creature Comforts, Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Restaurantosaurus. Animal Kingdom 20th Anniversary Cupcake ©Disney The Tree of Life Cupcake at Creature Comforts and Flame Tree Barbecue will be a vanilla cupcake topped with buttercream and an edible chocolate piece celebrating the Anniversary. The Earth Day Cupcake at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus will be a chocolate cupcake topped with chocolate buttercream, white chocolate pearls, white chocolate mousse, and an edible chocolate piece. Tree of Life and Earth Day Cupcakes ©Disney Restaurantosaurus will also be serving an Impossible Burger: it’s plant-based, and will be served with avocado and tomato on a brioche bun. Plant-based Impossible Burgers ©Disney Find the same burger in slider form on the menu at Nomad Lounge. The Impossible Burger Sliders will be topped with tomato chutney and smoked onion on a brioche bun and served with yucca fries. The celebration at Animal Kingdom will also include ticketed Tiffins Talks featuring animal and conservation experts. You can find all the information (such as which day Joe Rohde is the special guest!) right here. Tiffins sign Outside of the Talks, Tiffins will also feature a special 3-course 20th Anniversary Chef’s Lunch Tasting Menu throughout the duration of the Party for the Planet! Available from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, the tasting will feature African, Asian, and South America cuisine. A special-edition Banshee will be available at Pandora’s Windtraders. And 20th Anniversary merchandise will be (and in many cases already is) available throughout the park. 20th Anniversary MagicBand 2.0 20th Anniversary Tee 20th Anniversary Tee 20th Anniversary Mug A limited edition badge will be available to all you Wilderness Explorers out there, and Pandora will also see the debut of the Pandora Utility Suit as new street entertainment. Sunday will also see the official debut of the new Up! A Great Bird Adventure show. And, of course, Animal Kingdom will host a 15-minute Welcome Celebration on Sunday, April 22nd when the park opens. All of this and more will add up to what’s guaranteed to be — as always in Animal Kingdom — a WILD time!! And in the meantime, check out ALL of the Animal Kingdom restaurants in our DFB YouTube video below! Are you going to the Party for the Planet? 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! Animal Kingdom’s Party for the Planet — NOW WITH FOOD! Special Eats and Treats for Disneyland’s 24 Hour Diamond Anniversary Celebration News: Tiffins Talks With Imagineers (Including Joe Rohde) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Now Available For Booking View the full article

Hello, there! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re sharing the best attractions with low-to-no waits in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom! Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Magic Kingdom You may be completely prepared with how you’d like to use your three alloted FastPasses in Magic Kingdom as you get ready for your vacation. But Magic Kingdom is PACKED with attractions, and not all of them require (or even accept, in some cases) FastPasses. And with summer crowds on the way soon, you’ll want to know how to experience the most rides during your Magic Kingdom day! So just watch our latest DFB video to find out about some terrific attractions that you can enjoy with little-to-no wait! 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 Magic Kingdom attraction do you choose when you don’t want to wait a long time? 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: Magic Kingdom Main Street, U.S.A. Food Tour DFB Video: Magic Kingdom VERSUS Epcot! DFB Video: Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland Food Tour! View the full article

Here at Disney Vacation Club we’re celebrating Spring by showcasing dressy looks inspired by our Resort hotels. If you missed our first post highlighting dashing and daring looks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge go check them out now. They’re truly stunning! And now I’ve got some new styles you’re sure to adore! Today’s looks are delicate and dainty in appearance, perfect for strutting along the waterfront at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas and savoring a taste of the finer things at the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Okay, now isn’t this picture just practically perfect in every way? These cuties are modeling Victorian era fashions in the lobby of the Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and it’s simply too precious. The “Newsies” style knickers and page cap on this little boy feel whimsical, while the dainty gloves, strappy dress shoes and lacy umbrella for the girl help accessorize a dress that’s perfect for nearly any dressy occasion. A “Mary Poppins” inspired fountain makes for the ideal backdrop for these adorable styles. And then there’s a look that’s inspired by my favorite time period – the roaring 20s! The delicate dress and shoes on the female model are so timeless that I’d feel at home wearing them in nearly any era, but they’re the perfect fit for the scenery found at Disney’s BoardWalk Villas. Her gentleman caller is dressed in suspenders and a vintage straw hat, and you can almost picture them sneaking off to a speakeasy (may I suggest Abracadabar?) or heading out for a night of swing dancing (perhaps at Atlantic Dance). Recreate this look during your next Disney Vacation Club Resort stay and you’re sure to be the talk of the town! It’s so hard to choose a favorite look, but stay tuned – there are more vintage styles on the way, each inspired by a Disney Vacation Club Resort! View the full article

Parts of Walt Disney World’s animatronic figure of Ellen DeGeneres, which appeared for years in an Epcot’s attraction and on her talk show earlier this year, is going up for auction in Los Angeles next month. Robo-Ellen’s head and clothing will be part of Profiles in History’s animation and Disneyana... View the full article

Several events, attractions and activities are joining the lineup at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this spring and into the summer. They include: • “Up! A Great Bird Adventure,” starring the Russell and Dug (“Squirrel!”) characters from the Disney-Pixar film, debuting Sunday. • Party for the Planet celebrations,... View the full article

Several events, attractions and activities are joining the lineup at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this spring and into the summer. They include: • “Up! A Great Bird Adventure,” starring the Russell and Dug (“Squirrel!”) characters from the Disney-Pixar film, debuting Sunday. • Party for the Planet celebrations,... View the full article

Djuan Rivers, vice president for Disney’s Animal Kingdom, has been to Mount Everest — not to be confused with Expedition Everest, the theme park’s roller coaster. He also has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and taken an African safari, which also are recreated at the park. “It was a great experience... View the full article

Greetings to our friends across the pond! It is being reported that the 2019 Walt Disney World Free Dining Offer is now available for United Kingdom Residents when you book a select Walt Disney World holiday! We are working on finalizing the details and will keep you posted right here, but here is the current information as listed on virginholidays.co.uk: Disney World Free Dining Deal For UK Residents in 2019 Disney is offering the Free Dining deal to United Kingdom residents. However you’ll need to book by November 6, 2018, for arrivals between January 1 – April 7, 2019 and April 26 – November 30, 2019. Disney Deluxe Resorts For arrivals between January 1 – April 7, 2019 and April 26 – November 30, 2019, guests at participating Deluxe Resorts will receive the Disney World Dining Plan for free. Participating Deluxe Resorts include Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach Club Resort, BoardWalk Inn, Contemporary Resort, Grand Floridian Resort, Polynesian Village Resort, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club. Disney Deluxe Villas For arrivals between January 1 – April 7, 2019 and April 26 – November 30, 2019, guests at participating Deluxe Villas Resorts will receive the Disney World Dining Plan for free. (Please note we are seeing some information reported that booking for Villas is available only through September 16, 2019.) Exclusions for the Deluxe Villas are all suites, 3-bedroom Villas, Grand Floridian Villas, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Villas and Bungalows, and Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Wilderness Lodge. Disney Moderate Resorts For arrivals between January 1 – April 7, 2019 and April 26 – November 30, 2019, guests at participating Moderate Resorts will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan for free. Participating Moderate Resorts include Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort (excluding Suites), Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Port Orleans Resort — French Quarter, and Port Orleans Resort — Riverside. Disney Value Resorts For arrivals between January 1 – April 7, 2019 and April 26 – November 30, 2019, guests at participating Value Resorts will receive Free Breakfast during their stay. Participating Value Resorts include All-Star Resorts, Pop Century, and Art of Animation (excluding Little Mermaid Rooms). Requirements and Additional Benefits We are currently working to confirm that bookings must include 5 nights minimum stay at a Walt Disney World Hotel, and guests will also receive Disney’s 14 Day Ultimate Tickets for the whole party with the “14 day tickets for the price of 7” ticket offer, and $200 Disney Spending Money per booking. Jumbo Mickey Waffle with Caramel Banana Sauce To learn more about UK Resident deals, CLICK HERE! Are you a UK Resident who is excited to hear about Free Dining? 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! 2014 Disney World Free Dining Packages for United Kingdom Residents News: 2018 Disney World Free Dining Offer for United Kingdom Residents No More Free Parking for Disney World Resort Guests?!? View the full article

Twenty years ago, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park opened its gates, allowing guests to experience the magic of nature with rare animals and world-class entertainment. April 22, Earth Day, marks the 20th anniversary of the park, and we are celebrating with a Party for the Planet through May 5! This exciting party features enhanced interactions with animal care experts, family-friendly activities, character greetings, and themed merchandise. And of course, a proper celebration isn’t complete without the food! Party for the Planet will include a few new cupcakes, a mouthwatering burger, sliders, a special tasting menu at Tiffins, and the popular Tiffins Talks, a special 4-course dinner with one of the park’s conservation experts, offered on select nights. What’s even MORE exciting is that we’re not just celebrating Earth Day at Animal Kingdom, but around the Walt Disney World Resort as well! And I know you’re eager to read about these exciting offerings, so here’s everything you need to know about all the Earth Day eats at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park Starting with two celebratory cupcakes, a Tree of Life Cupcake will be available at Creature Comforts and Flame Tree Barbecue, and an Earth Day Cupcake will be available at Pizzafari and Restaurantosaurus. The Tree of Life Cupcake is a vanilla cupcake topped with buttercream and an edible chocolate piece; and the Earth Day Cupcake is a chocolate cupcake topped with buttercream, white chocolate crispy pearls, white chocolate mousse, and an edible chocolate piece. On the savory side, there are delicious plant-based burger offerings at Nomad Lounge and Restaurantosaurus. Nomad Lounge will offer Impossible™ Burger Sliders with tomato chutney and smoked onion on a brioche bun and served with yucca fries. At Restaurantosaurus, you’ll find an Impossible™ Burger with avocado and tomato on a brioche bun. Tiffins will offer a limited-time 20th Anniversary Chef’s Lunch Tasting Menu. Served daily from 11:30am to 3:30pm, this 3-course tasting menu celebrates the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and South America. Walk-ups are welcome! All of these offerings will be available during Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park through May 5. Around Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will have an Earth Day Cupcake April 19-22 at Roaring Fork. This yummy chocolate cupcake is filled with cookies and cream filling and topped with vanilla buttercream, cookies and cream crumble, chocolate rocks, and an edible garden. At Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, you’ll find an Earth Day Cupcake April 19-22 at Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass. This one is a ‘dirt and worms’ chocolate cupcake filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate buttercream, cookie crumbs, sugar flower, and jelly candy ‘worms.’ Disney’s Contemporary Resort will have an Earth Day Cupcake at Contempo Café only on April 22. This chocolate cupcake comes in an edible chocolate flowerpot is filled with chocolate pastry cream, chocolate buttercream, and chocolate cookie crumble and topped with a buttercream flower and a chocolate Earth Day sign. Over at Disney Springs, Amorette’s Patisserie will be offering up a cute little cactus on a stick April 22-28! This Cactus Macaron Lollipop consists of three French macarons filled with pistachio ganache and topped with icing. It’s even served on a stick for on-the-go enjoyment! Come on out and celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Earth Day. These treats are only available for a limited time, so get them while you can! View the full article

Bonjour les coureurs! The Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend returns September 20-23, and this year runners will have the opportunity to meet their favorite Disney, Star Wars and Marvel villains throughout the exciting event. To kick off the weekend, runners will come face-to-face with Avengers’ ultimate enemy, Thanos, during the Disneyland Paris 5K. The Disney Evil Sidekicks will join the wicked weekend fun for the Disneyland Paris 10K, while major Disney villains will make appearances throughout the Disneyland Paris-Val d’Europe Half Marathon. This year’s event will feature surprises around every corner, including a new 36K challenge that will take participants on a magical three-day run through the Disneyland Paris 5K, Disneyland Paris 10K and Disneyland Paris-Val d’Europe Half Marathon, giving runners even more reasons to celebrate with their hard-earned Disney-themed medals! Other challenge opportunities include the 31K challenge, featuring a fun-filled, two-day adventure that takes participants across 19.3 miles as they complete the 10K and half marathon races. And runners who complete the Disneyland Paris-Val d’Europe Half Marathon and any other runDisney half marathon or marathon in the same calendar year will receive the Castle to Chateau Challenge medal. In addition to a 5K, 10K, half marathon and runDisney Kids Races, the Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend also includes the runDisney Health & Wellness Expo where runners will find the latest in official runDisney merchandise and much more. Participants can also enjoy a pasta dinner at Disney’s Hotel New York on Saturday evening, where they can carb-load before taking on the Disneyland Paris-Val d’Europe Half Marathon on Sunday. Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend is sure to be an enchanting experience for every member of your family. General registration is currently available for the Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend. For more information, please visit run.disneylandparis.com. View the full article

Actor and filmmaker Zach Braff and some of the cast from ABC’s “Alex, Inc.” visited the Disneyland Resort for a day of friendship and beyond during the first-ever Pixar Fest! Zach was accompanied by fellow actors Hillary Anne Matthews, Tiya Sircar and newcomer Audyssie James. They were so excited to check out the festivities! We first caught up with the cast in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park. Hillary, Tiya, Zach and Audyssie had to stop for a picture with the Buzz and Woody cars. The next stop was Radiator Springs Racers where the gang experienced a thrilling race through Ornament Valley. Audyssie even mentioned it was her favorite attraction at the Disneyland Resort! Enjoy Pixar Fest at the Disneyland Resort now through September 3. Be sure to watch for Tiya, Hillary, Zach and Audyssie on “Alex, Inc.,” Wednesdays on ABC at 8:30/7:30 p.m. CDT. View the full article

Here at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, it’s our turn to be party animals this month! To honor the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’re expanding our annual “Party for the Planet” celebration to two weeks, April 22-May 5. There’s going to be so much fun and excitement in the park, even our animals are eager to start the celebration with specially themed enrichment! Gallery Animals Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom view all There are many activities planned, such as Tiffins Talks, a special hard-ticket dining event on select nights April 22 to May 5, that features conservations with conservation leaders who travel the world to help reverse the decline of at-risk animals. During Tiffins Talks, you can hear from experts like Dr. Anne Savage, conservation director, who will share insights from her experiences of working with cotton-top tamarin in the rainforests of Colombia. Zoological manager Rachel Daneault will share stories about her travels to the Democratic Republic of Congo supporting GRACE, the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center. Call 407-WDW-DINE for reservations. You can also celebrate our efforts to reverse the decline of at-risk animals with special photo opportunities around the park and share them on social media with #DisneyAnimalKingdom20. Be sure to visit Rafiki’s Planet Watch for a number of new experiences offered during Party for the Planet throughout the day. Lastly, a few spots are left to experience A Path Less Traveled, a special collection of unique experiences that give guests a fun behind-the-scenes look at the magic of nature offered through May 5. Experiences include Caring for Giants, backstage tours of the state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital and Animal Nutrition Center, birdhouse nest checks as part of ongoing purple martin conservation work and VIP seating at Rivers of Light. Hope to see you there! Visit Disneyworld.com/partyfortheplanet for the latest information about the celebration. View the full article

Earth Day, April 22, is right around the corner and Disney’s Animal Kingdom is celebrating its 20th anniversary in a big way. Starting this Sunday, park guests can join in extra-special festivities with an enriching Party for the Planet celebration that runs April 22-May 5. Here are the top things you need to check out during Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 1. Rafiki’s Planet Watch is the place to be with family-friendly activities and backstage interactions with animal care experts where you can visit the vet hospital and learn more about the behavior, care and nutrition of the animals. 2. What’s a celebration without tasty treats like Earth Day and Tree of Life cupcakes at Creature Comforts, Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue and Restaurantosaurus. A delicious plant-based Impossible Burger is on the menu at Restaurantosaurus, and Earth Day Sliders (mini Impossible Burgers) are available in Nomad Lounge. 3. Guests wanting to learn more about Disney’s efforts to reverse the decline of at-risk species around the world can take part in Tiffins Talks, themed dinners hosted by animal and conservation experts at Tiffins full-service restaurant. For reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE. 4. Be sure to swing by Windtraders on Pandora – The World of Avatar and adopt a special-edition Banshee created just for the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plus, there are nature-inspired pins, plush toys, shirts and other Party For the Planet take-homes available throughout the park. 5. Get blossoming nature lovers excited about Earth Day with a chance to build up their badge collection with a limited-edition badge as part of the Wilderness Explorers program. Kids can explore the park in search of clues to learn more about nature and conservation. 6. Mark the anniversary moment with a selfie at fun photo-op locations with themed props, hand-held frames and more. 7. April 22 also marks the debut of the long-awaited Pandora Utility Suit. This new “street entertainer” will wander the land and inform park guests about the flora and fauna on Pandora. It’s a knock-your-socks-off, can’t miss experience! 8. Create an Earth Day souvenir — a lucky penny– with new Penny Press designs saluting the Disney Conservation Fund. View the full article

Pixar Fest fans, it’s time to try our luck at one of the more intriguing Fest eats: Color-Changing Noodles! When this one was announced, we couldn’t wait to make some monster magic — and we hoped they’d be as tasty as they were unusual! So naturally we headed straight for Lucky Fortune Cookery to get our scary little paws on this festival dish! Lucky Fortune Cookery Even though the start of this dish is the color-changing magic, they’re billed as Chilled Noodle Salad — and they’re inspired by none other than our friends at Monsters, Inc.! Of course the salad is more than just noodles; also included are Herbaceous Preserved Plants, Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette, Crushed and Toasted Peanuts with Mint, Thai Basil, Shredded Daikon (a type of radish), and Carrots. Chilled Noodle Salad You’ll notice there’s also a wedge of Lime — and that’s uber important to the dish! We love the combination of fresh flavors and those crunchy peanuts. And the daikon adds a little something unexpected. Chilled Noodle Salad The noodles are a pretty shade of blue — totally James P. Sullivan-approved! But what do they look like with a little spritz of that lime wedge? Blue Noodles turn… That’s right: they’re Randall Boggs-purple! The slightly translucent nature of the noodles only adds to the Monsters vibe! And we really love the color change. …purple! And thankfully, the flavors in the Chilled Noodle Salad make it a sleeper hit — even without the allure of the color-changing noodles! Get this! Click here to read all about Pixar Fest and print your own Pixar Fest Food Checklist! What do you make of these funky color-change noodles? Tell us 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: Review: Lucky Fortune Cookery in Disney California Adventure (+ Disneyland Lunar New Year Menu Details!) Pixar Fest Eats: Jessie’s Berry Jubilee Funnel Cake in Disneyland Breaking! NEW Dining Spots Coming to Disneyland’s Pixar Pier; PLUS Pixar Fest Food Sneak Peek… View the full article

It’s that time of year again – when we’re all eagerly awaiting the announcement of the 2018 Free Disney Dining Plan! The Free Dining offer is super popular – for good reason – and we’ve been talking about WHEN the Free Dining dates might be announced for a while now! The Disney World Free Dining offer includes a free Disney Dining Plan with the purchase of a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and ticket package. The “free” part of the name pulls you in, but just remember that you’ll be paying full price for your resort hotel room and a minimum number of ticket days when you book free dining. We are expecting the Free Dining dates to be announced VERY soon, and today we have five tips for how to score the Free Dining offer! In recent years, Free Dining was announced for less crowded (non-peak) times during the year – late summer, early fall, and early winter (before the holiday season). But there’s really no such thing as a non-peak season anymore, so we’re expecting the options for this year will include more summer dates. If you’re hoping to get the Free Dining offer as soon as it is announced, we recommend doing these five things! 1. Watch the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers Page The Special Offers page is where you’ll find all the current room discounts and other special offers for Disney World – including Free Dining when it is announced! As soon as the Free Dining offer is announced it’ll be listed on the Special Offers page with details on the travel dates, restrictions, and much more. Mickey Waffles! Be sure to read the fine print for length of stay requirements, what hotels are excluded from the Free Dining offer, and what dining plans are available based on which hotel you choose. Last year, guests staying at Deluxe resorts were offered the free Standard Disney Dining Plan, while guests at Moderate and Value resorts were offered the Quick-Service Disney Dining Plan for free. 2. Join the DFB Newsletter and DFB Social Media Channels for Breaking News Here at DFB we are always watching for details on when Free Dining is coming and we’ll post information AS SOON AS we hear about it! If you want to stay on top of the Free Dining Plan info and release dates, sign up for our newsletter! We’ll let you know as soon as booking is available for Free Dining. And be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates, too! 3. Look at Past Free Dining Offers You’ll want to check out past Free Fining offers to see which hotels were included in the offers and which were excluded. In 2017, campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows were all excluded from the Free Dining offer. Make sure your hotel of choice isn’t excluded from free dining! Those hotels may be excluded again this year and other hotels may be added to the list — keep this in mind when you’re thinking about which hotel you want choose! 4. Book NOW with a Travel Agent so they can update your reservation FOR YOU when Free Dining is released. Book your trip NOW with a travel agent. If you already have your trip booked when Free Dining comes out, your travel agent may be able to add free dining to your package (if applicable) without you having to lift a finger!! Our favorite people over at Small World Vacations are ready to help you save time, headaches, and best of all, money, when you book. They’re the recommended agency for me, personally, and for Disney Food Blog. There is always a VERRRRY limited number of rooms available during Free Dining — and if recent years are any indication, they’ll go very quickly! A travel agent can both discount hunt for you to make sure you’re getting the biggest bang for your buck, and be on the phone at 6AM to add Free Dining to your package when/if it comes out. Remember, too, that on Free Dining morning, hold wait times when calling the Walt Disney World Booking number can be hours. Why wait yourself when your travel agent can be doing that for you?? Remember alcohol is included in the Disney Dining Plan now! Booking your Disney World vacation with a travel agent will save you time, money, and make your vacation planning stress free – which is always a bonus! So book that trip now, then sit back and relax! Click here for a no obligation price quote today from Small World Vacations, and let them know DFB sent you 5. Look for Disney Visa Cardholder Access In the past, Disney Visa Carholders have been first to get access to Free Dining before it is announced to the general public. If you’re a Disney Visa Cardholder keep an eye on your inbox for that Free Dining email. This doesn’t happen every year, but it has happened enough that it’s still worth checking! For more tips on how to get Free Dining check out our How to Get the Free Disney Dining Package Video We anticipate 2018 Free Dining information will be released VERY soon. So stay tuned to DFB and the DFB Newsletter for details as soon as we have them. The Free Disney Dining Plan can be a good deal, but we always recommend crunching the numbers, especially when “free” dining is involved. Check out our DFB Guide to Walt Disney Dining for a full chapter on whether it makes sense for your family. Are you planning on booking free dining this year? Let us know in the comments. 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! We’ve also crunched the numbers in a full chapter on the Disney Dining Plan and Free Disney Dining Plan, so we can help you decide if the Dining Plan is right for you! 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: 2018 Disney World Free Dining: Possible Details and Dates Possible Details and Dates for the 2017 Disney World Free Dining Offer News! 2016 Disney World Free Dining Offer Now Available! View the full article

The Disney Dress Shop is now officially open in its new location at Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort! The delightful apparel and accessories collection created especially for Disney Parks has been a fan-favorite of Disneyland Resort guests since the pop-up shop opened last year in Downtown Disney. The new location next to Marceline’s Confectionary will continue to offer the whimsical collection, but in a larger environment. Guests will find retro-designed items inspired by favorite Disney characters and theme park attractions, including several recently released items inspired by Mary Poppins, Main Street, U.S.A., “it’s a small world” and the Haunted Mansion. In addition, shoppers can also find Disney Parks PANDORA jewelry. Whether you are looking to complete a frightfully-fashionable look, or turn your day of shopping into a jolly holiday, The Disney Dress Shop is filled with unique items to show off your passion for Disney style. The Disney Dress Shop opening is part of the promenade-wide transformation at Downtown Disney District in 2018, resulting in a fresh, one-of-a-kind Disney experience. Multiple new venues and significant refurbishments to marquee dining and retail locations will be completed throughout the year while Downtown Disney District remains open to guests. View the full article

Guests can soon explore Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort in a whole new way using the all-new Play Disney Parks app! Coming this summer on iOS and Android, guests can play in the parks like never before using this soon-to-launch mobile app to access exclusive experiences at both locations through activities that interact with the surrounding environment. The app will be free to download. With the touch of a button, wait time turns into play time with family and friends at certain locations. And the more you explore in Disney parks, the more there is to discover on the app. This is just the latest way we are making a visit to our parks even more fun and memorable in new and innovative ways. Since the launch of My Disney Experience at Walt Disney World Resort in 2013, we continue to reinvent digital offerings at our parks around the world. The My Disney Experience app, our guests’ go-to vacation companion, has continued to evolve – including the Get Directions feature, Online Check-In and the recently launched Digital Key. Guests are also loving the Disneyland App, Disney MaxPass and soon mobile order at Disneyland Resort – currently available at Walt Disney World – and we’re excited to bring this latest innovation to the parks! We can’t wait to share with you everything this first-of-its-kind Disney app has to offer. Keep your eyes on the Disney Parks Blog as we get closer to launch this summer. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. Apple, the Apple logo and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. View the full article

It seems an opening date for Terralina Crafted Italian in Disney Springs is soon to be announced, as evidenced by the new presence of the full menu for the spot on the Disney Springs website! Terralina Crafted Italian Construction in March 2018 The space directly next to Paddlefish in The Landing of Disney Springs formerly operated as Portobello Country Italian Trattoria. When it reopens as Terralina Crafted Italian, it will still feature the cuisine of James Beard Award Winner Chef Tony Mantuano, while Chef Justin Plank will run the kitchen. Chef Tony Mantuano ©Terralina Crafted Italian We took a sneak peek at the menu while it was in development a few months ago (the reopening — originally slated for Fall 2017 — has been a long time coming). But now, we have a full menu to peruse! And if you ever dined at Portobello, you’ll spy some familiar dishes as well as new additions. Let’s check out the Antipasti options first, of course, where the Antipasti Tower (serving four guests) is the headliner. Screenshot of Antipasti Menu Antipasti Tower ©Terralina Crafted Italian It’s accompanied by items like the Crab Crostini and Fried Olives stuffed with Herb Ricotta. (I’ll be curious to get a look at the Spaghetti Fritters, too.) Fried Olives ©Terralina Crafted Italian A selection of salads “From the Garden” will be available, along with a Seasonal Soup. Screenshot of Soup and Salad Menu The Wood-Fired Pizzas will make a return, as expected. Screenshot of Wood-Fired Pizza Menu They’ll be prepared in the spot’s open kitchen. Pizza from Portobello A few family-style options “For the Table” are priced per participating guest, and include Slow-Roasted Honey Balsamic-Glazed Beef Short Rib. Screenshot of Family-Style Menu Of course, an Italian restaurant wouldn’t be complete without plenty of Pasta, from traditional dishes like House-made Lasagna to Linguini with Clams. Screenshot of Pasta Menu The “From the Grill” section includes a Crispy Parmesan Burger and a Salmon and Jumbo Lump Crab dish. Screenshot of From the Grill Menu Sides and Enhancements will be available to round out the meal. Screenshot of Sides and Enhancements Menu Here is a look at the Kids’ Menu, which includes a Cheeseburger Pizza. Kids’ Menu Kids’ Menu ©Terralina Crafted Italian I’m not spotting the ol’ Biramisu on the Dessert menu, but rather a Traditional Tiramisu and a Cappuccino Creme Brûlée among the options. Screenshot of Dessert Menu Once it opens, Terralina will serve Lunch and Dinner. While the menu above is the Dinner Menu, the primary difference at Lunch will be a selection of Sandwiches on the menu. Screenshot of Sandwiches from the Lunch Menu So, there you go! What will you be ordering up at Terralina Crafted Italian? As always, the dining scene continues to evolve in Disney Springs… and everywhere in Disney World! Here is a look at 15 NEW restaurants all over Disney World that you can try this year! Are you planning to dine at Terralina Crafted Italian? 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: A #SneakPeek at Menu Items for Terralina Crafted Italian in Disney Springs News: Terralina Crafted Italian to Open in Disney Springs this Fall News: New Disney Springs Portobello Restaurant Concept Art View the full article

Ever heard of Kokedama? Neither had we until our designer, Brittany Ungvarsky, educated us on the wonder that is a ball of moss. Inspired by her recent trip to Japan, Brittany celebrates Earth month with a true “dirt under your nails” DIY. Join us in learning how to create a Mickey Kokedama! Download the directions here. Please read our terms of use before downloading. View the full article

This week we are very excited to share with you the first video of a new #DisneyFamilia series! We recently hosted several Hispanic bloggers that visited Walt Disney World Resort to learn more about our vacation kingdom. All of them had lots of fun and we will show you some of the highlights of their trips! Today we are featuring Jessica Flores, from the blog Domesticated Me, and her beautiful family that includes her two daughters and her husband. Jessica’s favorite thing was visiting Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that will celebrate its 20th anniversary this weekend (on April 22nd to be exact!). They were able to enjoy the magic of nature and create their own family adventures and memories! They loved singing and dancing along at Festival of the Lion King, going on a safari through the African-like savanna on Kilimanjaro Safaris and exploring a new world on Pandora – The World of Avatar! Let’s take a look at Jessica’s visit in this week’s video! View the full article

Since opening in 1998, Disney’s Animal Kingdom has inspired and educated guests through the magic of nature while creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. The park will mark its 20th Anniversary from April 22 through May 5 with an expanded “Party for the Planet” celebration. For guests attending this celebration, Disney Parks has created a special “I Was There” merchandise collection releasing on April 22. Cathy Dawson, merchandise product developer for special events, shared how amazing adventures with animals, exciting attractions, and lavish stage shows inspired this limited release collection. “With so much to explore at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we created a passport stamp graphic that captures the spirit of adventure found throughout the park,” explained Cathy. Surrounded by silhouettes of an animals, attractions and icons from the park, this graphic was applied to apparel for adults and kids, a baseball hat and a tote bag. A limited release pin also includes the anniversary logo and features Mickey Mouse and friends dressed in safari attire. Annual Passholders will discover two shirts created exclusively for them. The “Party for the Planet” shirt includes the event logo, while a tank top gives a nod to the park’s 20th Anniversary. Passholders should present a valid Annual Pass at time of purchase. In addition to the “I Was There” collection, guests will find other exciting products being released for the anniversary. With colors inspired by a moss-covered wall from Pandora – The World of Avatar, a new interactive banshee is flying into the Rookery at Windtraders. This limited release banshee will be packaged with a display perch and a Certificate of Authenticity. Similar to its 10 colorful counterparts currently available, the banshee contains authentic sounds and includes three ranges of motion – mouth, head, and wings – that are controlled by hand. Other products being released include animal-print handbags by Dooney & Bourke, anniversary bracelets by ALEX AND ANI and a commemorative 20th Anniversary baseball hat presented in a decorative box. Guests can also meet Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde who created a special-edition print for the anniversary. He will be available to sign prints on April 22 from 1-4 p.m. at Discovery Trading Company. The best location to find select limited release products on April 22 is Discovery Trading Company at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The interactive banshee will be released in Windtraders at Pandora – The World of Avatar. Other select items, such as the handbags by Dooney & Bourke, will also be released via Shop Disney Parks. Please note all limited release items will be available while supplies last. View the full article

The Little Green Men from Toy Story have taken over Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland’s Tomorrowland… Little Green Aliens …and have transformed it into Alien Pizza Planet — “A Better Place”! Alien Pizza Planet — “A Better Place” This transformation — also referred to as an overlay — will be in place throughout the duration of Pixar Fest (if not beyond! Remember the “temporary” overlay of Fantasyland’s Village Haus into Red Rose Taverne in honor of the Beauty and the Beast live action film release? Yep, it’s still there.). Heather Sievers (“a stranger, from the outside,” as she might be referred to by our green friends, but known as @diningindisney to us!) paid the aliens a visit when Pixar Fest kicked off, and you’ll have at least until September 3rd to catch them, too! Alien Pizza Planet So let’s take a peek at what the little green men have in store… Atmosphere Everywhere you go in Alien Pizza Planet, you’ll spots signs of the aliens landing… Alien Pizza Planet … including the aliens themselves! Little Green Aliens Tomorrowland attraction posters previously in place at Redd Rockett’s have been replaced by travel posters for locations that the aliens themselves would find appealing. Posters Inside Alien Pizza Planet Posters Inside Alien Pizza Planet Even the trash cans have received Pizza Planet makeovers (of course! this is Disneyland, after all). Pizza Planet Trash Can As always, don’t forget to look up to spot more fun! Look Up at Alien Pizza Planet! Meal components are still gathered cafeteria style. Alien Pizza Planet setup So let’s take a look at what’s up for grabs! Eats Now, it should be said that the menu itself has not been quite so transformed as the space itself when considering the offerings available when the space functions as Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port, but there are some new options. Pizza, pasta, and salads still make up the main menu options. And the spotlight item remains — of course — PIZZA! Lunar Cheese Pizza by the Slice The new Cheeseburger Pizza is topped with all the makings of a cheeseburger with the works: a slider patty, ketchup, mustard, American and cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, diced tomato, pickles, and burger sauce. This is all placed on top of a sesame-seed crust with pizza sauce. Cheeseburger Pizza Heather much preferred the Cheeseburger Pizza that they served at Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta a LOT better, since the beef topping was ground beef as opposed to the patties used here, and she wasn’t into the mustard so much. The idea is decent and fun, but the execution with that whole patty cut in half and placed on top? Not so much. It’s just kind of awkward. Look for Venus Vegetarian, Lunar Cheese, Mega Pepperoni, and Pepperoni with Green Pepper and Mushroom among the other pizza by the slice options. Venus Vegetarian Pizza A Family Meal (made to serve four) is also an option and includes a whole pizza, family-style salad, garlic bread, cannoli, and four drinks. Family Meal sign The salads, on the other hand, are a bright spot — in particular the Edamame Noodle Salad, topped with grilled chicken, edamame, sweet green beans, mint, cilantro, red cabbage, shredded carrot, and cold soba noodles in a ginger-lime vinaigrette. Edamame Noodle Salad Fresh and unique, this one’s a standout! Edamame Noodle Salad The Antipasto Salad is an even heartier option with plenty of pepperoni, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, mozzarella, roasted red pepper, artichoke hearts, roasted onion, balsamic vinaigrette and parmesan. Antipasto Salad This thing is PACKED. And Celestial Chicken Caesar Salad is still available — it remains your basic Caesar. Celestial Caesar Chicken Salad As for the Pasta options, the popular (with good reason!) Countdown Chicken Fusilli is still available in the transformation. This really is one of the best reasons to ever visit Pizza Port. Count Down Chicken Fusili Heather tried the Green Miso Pesto Pasta: gemelli pasta tossed in spinach and miso pesto topped with bacon, sweet peas, and sprinkled with parmesan. Green Miso Pesto Pasta Of course the bright green is especially thematic, but it’s the unique combination of intense flavors that make this one memorable. Green Miso Pesto Pasta Green Miso Pesto Pasta Now… who’s up for dessert?? Alien Pizza Planet Desserts and Slush Sweet options include Alien Macarons and Alien Parfaits. And, though not technically a dessert, specialty drinks include the Sour Apple Slush pictured above. The Alien Macarons — despite their bright green appearance — are a lot like your traditional macaron with a light and airy texture. Alien Macarons Alien Macaron But the inside gets pretty fruity! Inside Alien Macaron The Alien Parfaits are — like the Alien Macarons — $5.99 a pop. Alien Parfaits These blackberry and lime parfaits feature brightly colored layers. Alien Parfait Alien Parfait Heather found both dessert options to be almost as tasty as they are cute! Alien Parfait All things considered, the Alien Pizza Planet overlay is a terrific enhancement to the food options at Pixar Fest — and to Tomorrowland, in general! Personally speaking, I don’t think I’d be disappointed one bit of this temporary Toy Story theming extended well past September 3rd (the last day for Pixar Fest). How about you? Until our next visit, we quote one of our little green pals: “Farewell, my friends… I go on to A Better Place…” Check out ALL the Pixar Fest food fun here! Are you planning to visit Alien Pizza Planet? 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: Menu Revealed for Pixar Fest’s Alien Pizza Planet! Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port to Become Alien Pizza Planet for Disneyland’s Pixar Fest Pixar Fest is ON in Disneyland Resort! View the full article

Get ready vacation planners! Tickets are now on sale for Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Parties and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. Earlier this month, we shared the exciting details of the new Disney H2O Glow Nights offering at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. As part of Walt Disney World’s Incredible Summer celebration, “Toy Story” pals will throw glow parties on select summer nights, starting June 21, inspired by the awesome party in the Pixar short, “Partysaurus Rex.” Disney H2O Glow Nights will take place only at Typhoon Lagoon on Thursdays and Saturdays from June 21-August 11, from 8-11 p.m. Tickets cost $55 for adults and $50 for children ages 3-9 (plus tax). Grab tickets here. Tickets are also now available online for guest-favorite fall events. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party fills Magic Kingdom Park with spooky delights on select nights beginning August 17. Returning party “treats” include the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular” stage show in front of Cinderella Castle, Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks spectacular, candy and much more. Dates for this year’s event are: August 17, 24, 28, 31; September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30; and 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 tickets start at $75 in advance or $85 at the gate, if available. Guests can also grab tickets now for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties. Returning favorites for the holiday party includes Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade; “Holiday Wishes” fireworks spectacular; “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” in which Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to transform Cinderella Castle into a sparkling, icy centerpiece for the celebration; and the jubilant show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration.” This year’s party dates are: November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30; and December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party tickets start at $95 in advance or $105 at the gate, if available. View the full article