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#DisneyParksLIVE: Beauty and the Beast | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

In just a few minutes, you will be immersed in a fresh take on a tale as old as time during a special sneak peek of “Beauty and the Beast,” live from the Disney Dream. Join us right here on the Disney Parks Blog to see a portion of this brand-new musical production inspired by Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic. The #DisneyParksLIVE stream will begin at 10:40 a.m. EST. In the meantime, follow along on Twitter using the hashtags #DisneyParksLIVE and #DisneyCruise. View the full article

As many Disney Parks Blog readers know, we recognize and show support for the brave men and women in our armed forces with special flag retreat ceremonies at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. This Veteran’s Day weekend, we’re sharing something special from one of our ceremonies – a heartwarming video of a retired veteran whose ordinary visit to Magic Kingdom turned extraordinary. In the video, Steve Warner, a retired Master Sergeant with the United States Air Force, retells his experience of how he discovered the Power of Magic during a 2015 trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Steve and his son-in-law were visiting from Pennsylvania and showed up early to see one of our flag retreat ceremonies at Magic Kingdom Park. While waiting, Disney cast member, Bob, approached and asked if Steve would like to be part of the ceremony. Steve participated – and during the ceremony, Bob told him ‘Welcome home soldier.’ Later, Steve said the Disney cast member was the first person, outside of his immediate family, to meaningfully acknowledge his return from Vietnam. Support for the U.S. Armed Forces is a long-standing Disney tradition. And since the launch of the Heroes Work Here initiative, more than 7,500 veterans have been hired, and Disney continues to dedicate itself to the reintegration of our veterans. Thank you to all who serve today and to all who served in the past. View the full article

HOORAY!! The dates for the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival have been announced! Mark your calendars for February 28 – May 28, 2018*, when the Festival will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary throughout the 90 days of the Festival! The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival That’s the time you can expect to be enjoying Disney Character Topiaries all around Epcot, the Garden Rocks Concert Series (with Dining Packages for the Series returning for 2018), Garden Tours and other activities dedicated to gardening for all those Green Thumbs — and aspiring Green Thumbs — out there! Fresh Epcot Also returning will be the Flower & Garden Festival’s Outdoor Kitchens! Primavera Outdoor Kitchen Booth These are just like the Marketplace Booths at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival, but with an emphasis on Spring’s fresh flavors! Frushi at the Hanami Outdoor Kitchen in Japan Disney has confirmed that there will be 15 Outdoor Kitchens in 2018, and we can’t wait to hear more! *Please note: At publishing time for this post, the Disney World website currently has the end date listed as May 18th, but the Disney Parks Blog post has the end date as May 28th. Because the Festival typically wraps around Memorial Day Weekend, we believe the 28th to be the correct date. Check out our 2018 Flower and Garden Festival Page here, and keep an eye out for more updates as the Spring Festival draws near! Will you be in Disney World for the Flower & Garden Festival? 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! 2015 Epcot International Flower and Garden (PLUS FOOD!) Festival Details Announced News! FULL BOOTH MENUS for 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, PLUS Garden Rocks Concert Series, and MORE News! Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Menu Items Announced View the full article

As we continue to celebrate the cooler weather and fall holidays, we at the Disney Parks Blog can’t help but look toward spring as well, with an update on plans for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Held each day from February 28 – May 28, 2018, the Festival’s 25th anniversary event will feature fan favorites like exhibits, events and tastings including: Disney Character Topiaries 15 Outdoor Kitchens serving creative, flavor-rich cuisine that highlights spring garden offerings Garden Rocks music series – with its classic rock ‘n’ roll stars from the ‘60s, ‘70s ‘80s and ‘90s. Garden Rocks Dining packages will be available for certain Epcot restaurants – pairing a fabulous meal with reserved seating for your favorite concert Garden Tours – Including Gardens of the World Tour (spring edition); the English Tea Garden Tour; and Royal Tea Garden Tour (extra fee required) New interactive kids play areas And – of course – the millions of extra plants, trees, shrubs, flowers and themed gardens that decorate Epcot in spring. Also returning will be our Egg-Stravaganza scavenger hunt and hand-crafted and Festival merchandise to extend an already-packed day of adventure at Epcot. For more information on the Festival, check out epcotinspring.com. And keep checking back to the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival. View the full article

As the holiday season draws near, the Walt Disney World Resort pastry chefs are bustling with excitement as they prepare their magnificent gingerbread displays! Each year, guests travel from around the world to see the beautifully-crafted gingerbread creations that adorn our parks and resorts. Today, I’m giving you the inside scoop on what’s in store for this year! Starting at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Tusker House Restaurant will have a 3-foot long African-inspired gingerbread marketplace on display from Dec. 10 to Jan. 2, created by Pastry Chef Amber Vega. Over at Epcot, Pastry Chefs Noah French, Jason Stricker, and Crystal Saunders will be putting together two gingerbread displays at The American Adventure featuring the United States Capitol Building as well as the Lincoln Memorial. These will be on display starting Nov. 19 and will contain over 50 pounds of gingerbread! On Black Friday, Nov. 24, Pastry Chefs Yoly Lazo and Joseph Lodato from Disney Springs will have a set of gingerbread icons that celebrate the story behind Town Center; look for a display in the window of Amorette’s Patisserie where you can enjoy a sweet treat in between shopping stops. If you’re planning to go resort hopping to see the festive holiday decorations, our deluxe resorts will be featuring gingerbread displays that you won’t want to miss. Starting Nov. 9 on the 3rd floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, you’ll find the beautiful Cinderella Castle, designed by Pastry Chef Jeff Barnes and his talented pastry team. This display recreates the castle in the style of legendary artist Mary Blair on a backdrop inspired by “it’s a small world.” With oversized gingerbread cookies depicting Cinderella and Prince Charming greeting guests from the castle forecourt, this 18-foot tall display is crafted from thousands of gingerbread blocks, rolled fondant, and a mouth-watering amount of modeling chocolate! This year also marks the 18th anniversary of the Holiday Carousel – a life-size, edible spinning carousel that’s become a holiday tradition at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. This year’s carousel is designed by Pastry Chefs Thomas Huebner, Jennifer Ladisky and Cindy Roman. The Lilo and Stitch-themed carousel will feature horses with hand-painted holiday characters and hand-crafted gingerbread snow flakes. See if you can spot all 18 hidden Mickeys on this display! There will also be a limited-edition pin featuring Lilo and Stitch available for purchase starting 11/17 at the Beach Club Marketplace. And right next door at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, you’ll also find the annual Holiday Miniature Train! These beautiful holiday displays will be in the lobbies of each resort starting Nov. 17. And for our “Grand” finale, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is celebrating the 19th anniversary of its famous life-size gingerbread house, which will be located in the main lobby of the resort Nov. 15-Jan. 1. Each year, the Grand Floridian pastry team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, spend over 400 hours baking the gingerbread and over 160 hours constructing and decorating the house, which also contains The Bake Shop. There you can find gingerbread ornaments, cookies, and gingerbread house kits, all made using a classic gingerbread recipe from Austria. On Nov. 18, there will be a pin trading event with a special limited-edition pin featuring the penguins from “Mary Poppins.” What’s more, decorating aficionados will be excited to attend gingerbread house decorating demos conducted daily in the lobby in front of the display starting Dec. 1. Note: Parking at the Walt Disney World Resort hotels is for the exclusive use of guests with confirmed rooms, dining and recreation reservations. However, bus transportation is available from each of the four parks and Disney Springs. Guests may also park at the Ticket and Transportation Center and visit Epcot, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney’s Contemporary Resort via the Walt Disney World Resort Monorail. View the full article

HOORAY!!! We’ve got all the info you need about one of the best Disneyland Holiday traditions EVER. The famous Hand-Pulled Candy Canes are on the way back for the season… and we’ve got all the WHENS and WHERES for you right here! Hand-Made Candy Canes in Disneyland! If you’re new to these legendary treats, you can learn all about the Disneyland Candy Canes by clicking here! Disneyland Candy Canes Once again in 2017, the Candy Cane making will alternate between Candy Palace on Main Street U.S.A. in Disneyland and Trolley Treats on Buena Vista Street in Disney California Adventure. The Candy Palace Trolley Treats sign Candy Cane Tips Here’s our annual fair warning for folks planning to line up to try to get a Candy Cane of their own: the rule is that guests are not supposed to line up prior to park open. But, we advise trying to line up about 30-45 minutes ahead of park opening anyway… ‘cuz everybody does it. Proceed to the designated shop upon opening (locations are specified by date below). Wristbands will be distributed upon the shop’s opening. Based on previous years, typically 40 wristbands are distributed per batch with three batches per day, for a total of 120 wristbands. We have received feedback that more than 120 wristbands have been distributed at times, but your mileage may vary. Disney simply states that “wristbands are limited.” One wristband allows the purchase of ONE Candy Cane (with a limit of one wristband per guest). Candy Cane Those with the coveted wristbands should go to the Candy Kitchen producing the day’s Candy Canes according to the batch time listed on their wristband. You may pick up your candy cane any time after your batch time, but prior to 4PM. Note that in previous years, if you didn’t pick up your candy cane by 4PM, it would be sold to someone waiting on standby. WHERE and WHEN To Get Your Candy Cane Please note that these dates are subject to change, and that additional dates may be added. CANDY PALACE at Disneyland November 24 November 29 December 1 December 4 December 6 December 8 December 11 December 13 December 15 December 18 December 20 December 24 TROLLEY TREATS at Disney California Adventure November 25 November 28 December 2 December 5 December 7 December 9 December 12 December 14 December 16 December 19 December 21 December 25 For more information or if you want to confirm weekly dates before you go, check Disneyland’s Candy Kitchen Hotline at 714-781-0112. And be sure to brush up on what goes into making the Disneyland Candy Canes!! Candy Cane Info Good luck… and let us know here if you’re able to grab one! Are you hoping to get a Disneyland Candy Cane this season? 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: 2016 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates Announced! 2015 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates Announced! 2014 Disneyland Candy Cane Dates Announced! View the full article

Ho, ho, ho, it’s here! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is here! And I went on the very first night so I could give you the scoop on all the holiday bites and sips! Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! The Magic Kingdom was bedecked in her absolute finest, Cinderella Castle was positively glowing, and there was more than enough merriment to go around! Holiday Decorations on Main Street, USA! Let’s party! Exclusive Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Merchandise One of the fun things about a holiday party event at the Magic Kingdom is the party-specific gear! And I found lots of cool tee shirt options! This hooded dancing reindeer shirt seemed to be a favorite among guests. Dancing Reindeer He is very happy to be celebrating with Mickey. And Mickey is very happy to be celebrating with Minnie! I love that this holiday shirt deviates from traditional red and green with this pretty mint color. So you can, you know, wear it all the time! Mickey and Minnie Shirt This dark green kids’ shirt has Mickey surrounded by gifts, as any kid on the nice list knows is the ideal thing to be surrounded by. :p Kids’ Shirt If you like to commemorate the major Disney events in your life by donning awesome Magic Bands, there’s a band for you! The year is clearly printed on it, and we love the little starbursts around the center icon. Note that it’s a limited edition of 3,000! Party-Specific Magic Band There are also Passholder-only party shirts and tons, tons, tons of pins! Collectors, get your wallets out! So much merch! I feel like I also have to get the Mickey and Minnie ornament. Because it’s so cute and understated. I love it! But what about the food? Friends, there’s so much. All Day Eats So first up are treats you can get even if you’re not attending the party because these are available all the live-long day at counter service locations around the park! (Well, according to Disney they’re supposed to be…but tonight they didn’t put the peppermint cupcake out until 7PM.) You might remember the Spider Mickey Cinnamon Bun that was available for the Halloween season (was that just a couple weeks ago?!). Well, the Mickey Cinnamon Bun is back — with a Christmas twist! Mickey Cinnamon Bun with Christmas Icing The bun, we’re happy to say, is great — sweet, cinnamon-y, and big enough to share. We do miss the chocolate spider web (that made the Halloween version!), but this one has a little more icing and a white chocolate snowflake, so we can live with it. The Peppermint Cupcake is tasty and has terrific cooling action from the shard of white chocolate peppermint bark on top and the Peppermint Mousse Filling. Peppermint Cupcake We love the texture of the bark, too, since it adds a little contrast to the otherwise soft cake — which is Red Velvet! — and Cream Cheese Frosting. Cream Cheese Frosting and Red Velvet Cake This cupcake was really, really good. Well, I’m not sure if it was really, really good out of context, but it was really, really good compared to a lot of the other Christmas Party eats… . Tons of Peppermint Filling Peppermint fans will want to head to Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor or Storybook Treats for the Peppermint Ice Cream Sundae. It’s basically a mint chocolate chip sundae with a sprinkle of candy cane on top, so it’s maybe not the most inventive treat of the year. But if you want some ice cream, this is yummy. Peppermint Sundae at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Party Exclusive Treats: FREEEEEEEE!!! (with admission) So there are two categories of treats available exclusively during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The first treats we want to share are complimentary to party guests — so find those Peppermint Stick Treat Markers, and load up on the free stuff! Peppermint Sticks Show the Way to Complimentary Party Snacks! In the past, these treats were the same across the board: snickerdoodles and hot cocoa for everyone! And while those are some good eats, we really appreciated when they party offered a variety of different treats all around the park last year. Snickerdoodle and Hot Cocoa If you really want the Snickerdoodles and Hot Cocoa, hit Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, where they’re serving these. Solid snack options, friends. Snickerdoodle and Hot Cocoa Nearby at Auntie Gravity’s, guests get a Santa Claus Cookie and a Snow Cone. We love an edible Santa as much as the next guy, so even though he was a little (lot) dry, he was still pleasant to munch on. Santa Cookie and Snow Cone Pinocchio Village Haus is the spot for Apple Cider and a selection of cookies. I grabbed some Allergy-Friendly Cookies from Enjoy Life. Allergy-Friendly Enjoy Life Cookies with Apple Cider I also grabbed one of each of the other cookies offered here, which turned out to be all the cookies. So if you’re at the party and don’t want to spend time going from snack locale to snack locale, it might be worth it to stop at Pinocchio’s first. All the cookies at Pinocchio’s! We loved the Peppermint Crunch Cookie and rich Nestle Chocolate Milk available at Pete’s Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus. The chocolate milk satisfied the kid inside, while the peppermint crunch was, for the second year in a row, the cookie winner of the night!! Chocolate Milk and Peppermint Crunch Cookie If you want some straight-up chocolate, you’ll find Dove Chocolates at Friar’s Nook, along with Sparkling Apple Cider. The creamy chocolates were simple but a nice departure from the several servings of cookies I ate. (Although let’s be honest: who stops at just two Dove Chocolates?) Dove Chocolates and Sparkling Cider For quintessential Christmas treats Egg Nog and Ginger Molasses Cookies, head to the Ticket Booth in Liberty Square. These were a great pair of treats, with the slightly spicy cookie contrasting well with creamy Eggnog. Ginger Molasses and Eggnog Over in Adventureland at Tortuga Tavern, we tried the Sno-Cone and Snowman Soft Pretzel. The Pretzel was a decent portion size (especially considering everything else there is to eat at the party!). Soft Snowman Pretzel Party Exclusive Treats: For Purchase Now for the Exclusive Treats that’ll cost you a little extra. You’ll recall that Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party absolutely slayed the treat game with four Haunted Mansion-inspired tarts. Yeah, those are pretty unforgettable. I was so happy that the Christmas Party pulled out all the stops!! If you follow our Instagram, you already know I was pretty freaked out by the Red Velvet Mickey Waffles at Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. Mickey Red Velvet Waffles They’re served with Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, Caramel Sauce, and Sprinkles. And they were actually pretty good! The flavor was really chocolatey, and they tasted great with the ice cream. Red Velvet Mickey Waffles And I was relieved to discover that they were a lot less electric-red than they appeared in promo shots! Red Velvet Mickey Waffles Sleepy Hollow also has a Sandy Claws Cake Push-Pop. (You might remember that we weren’t fans of the Jack Skellington Push-Pop version that was here during the Halloween Party.) Sandy Claws Push-Pop The Sandy Claws version was much more enjoyable. It’s comprised of Orange Vanilla Cake, Cranberry Cherry Mousse, White Crispy Pearls, Cream Cheese Buttercream, and holiday sprinkles. The fruity mousse was not at all like the icky panna cotta of the Halloween version, and the buttercream on top was yummy. He’s a winner! Sandy Claws Push-Pop Main Street Bakery and Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe are both serving up specialty, gluten-free yule logs! (There are several gluten free options at the party, which we love!) At Main Street Bakery the yule log has a base of Flourless Chocolate Cake, a triangular log of Raspberry Mousse, White Chocolate Mousse, and Cassis Pate de Fruit (basically a sleeve of jellied fruit!). Yule log purists might want to think of this as a spin on a yule log. Or a fruit yule log. Fruity Yule Log It’s like a fruity cheesecake in terms of consistency, and it’s pretty good…but…unexpected. The tartness of the Raspberry Mousse balances well with the sweet White Chocolate Mousse. The Flourless Chocolate Cake was dense and rich, but it did combine well with the other flavors. The Pate de Fruit was super tart. It tasted great, but completely overpowered everything else in the mix. Prepare to pucker. Interior of Fruity Yule Log Peco Bill’s Yule Log has the same base of Flourless Chocolate Cake, a swirl of Chocolate Mousse and Chocolate Ganache, and a Chip and Dale and Donald Duck White Chocolate Piece. Chocolate Yule Log The exterior has a classic yule log look, with ribbed chocolate to mimic bark and a nice nob of marshmallow and chocolate for a stump. And the white chocolate character piece is so colorful and fun! Chocolate Yule Log This yule log is a little more traditional with all the chocolate and the rolled cake/mousse, and it’s insanely chocolately!! If you’re not a HUGE chocolate lover, skip this one. Interior of Yule Log Over at Gaston’s Tavern, party-goers can purchase an Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert (another gluten free option!). Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert It’s really lovely to look at — with the White Chocolate Belle seeming to dance atop her yellow, mirror-glazed dome. Enchanted Christmas Belle Dessert Inside the dome is Flourless Chocolate Cake and White Chocolate Peppermint Mousse. These simple flavors should have worked, but while it wasn’t too peppermint-y, it left behind a weird aftertaste. This is a skip for us, unfortunately. I had NO desire to keep eating this one after the first bite. Interior Next up was the Eggnog Custard Dessert at Storybook Treats. This is simple enough: Eggnog Custard is topped with Spiced Chocolate Cake and Meringue. Eggnog Custard OK, this was just…not worth it for me. The supposed eggnog custard itself was flavorless, and the ‘meringue’ was very whipped creamy. Egg Nog Custard The best part about it is the Scrooge McDuck Chocolate Coin. Seriously. Don’t bother with this dessert. Scrooge wouldn’t like the Eggnog Custard either. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a fun and festive experience, and now that there are so many treats to try, it’s possible to spend the entire party trying them all! We definitely recommend prioritizing the desserts you want to try most — or delegating your friends and family members to gather them all! You won’t want to miss the entertainment, including character meet and greets (some in their holiday best!). The Seven Dwarfs are a major party get — but the line grows at an exponential rate. Seven Dwarfs Meet and Greet You’ll also want to catch the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, the Holiday Wishes Spectacular, and special entertainment like the dance party Club Tinsel (where you can get jingly with it)! Club Tinsel! And — of course — you’ll still have access to the Magic Kingdom’s rides and attractions! There’s so much holly jolly fun to be had! If you want to know more about this year’s parties, we’ve gathered all the info you need! And if you want to know everything there is to know about the holidays at Walt Disney World, there’s a DFB Guide book for that! Got a Disney World Trip Planned for November or December? CHECK THIS OUT! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2017 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2017 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2017 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New! Exclusive Treats and Complimentary Eats At Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! News: 2017 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Eats! Review: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Treats View the full article

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from Disney’s Hollywood Studios!!! Moving Billboard on Sunset Boulevard From now through December 31st, guests can celebrate the season with a Flurry of FUN! Highlights include the return of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Spectacular, special seasonal touches around Echo Lake, and much more. We’re starting that “much more” with the all-new Sunset Seasons Greetings — and all the Season’s EATINGS — on Sunset Boulevard and beyond! Sunset Seasons Greetings Falling snow, twinkling lights, moving billboards, and festive projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel all make for the magical transformation of Sunset Boulevard into Sunset Seasons Greetings! Projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel Just taking in the atmosphere is enough to make the season special. Unlike the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Spectacular which takes place at a scheduled time each evening, simply stroll onto Sunset Boulevard after the sun goes down (on this, the first night, things started around 6:15 pm). There you’re bound to catch the two-minute stories on the moving billboards, featuring festive moments with Disney characters like Mickey — I mean, Bob Cratchit! — and his family in Mickey’s Christmas Carol (one of my favorites every year!). Moving Billboards The Swedish Chef appears to wish you Seasonings Greetings! Seasonings Greetings from the Swedish Chef And so does the gang from Toy Story. (We’ll be seeing a LOT more of them in Hollywood Studios in 2018!) Toy Story Moving Billboard Olaf makes an appearance on screen (and in a LOT of the holiday snacks at the Studios), too! Olaf on the Moving Billboard They’re all introduced by Lanny and Wayne from Prep & Landing, who are also featured in Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! later in the evening. Prep and Landing Elves Your eyes will lift towards the Hollywood Tower Hotel (The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror) where projections will make things a lot more festive… and much less terrorizing . Toy Story Projections on the Tower of Terror By the way, you can still DROP IN on the Tower of Terror during Sunset Seasons Greetings. It’s still in operation throughout the evening. Projections on the Tower of Terror After that? Enjoy the snowfall and the twinkling stars on Sunset Boulevard as you await the next yuletide tale on the billboards! Sunset Boulevard And remember… there are LOTS of snacks in the area to enjoy while you take in the festive atmosphere. You can check out ALL the FOOD for the Flurry of Fun here, but allow us to recommend a few of our favorites right now! Find the Hot Chocolate Flight for guests 21-and-over at Fairfax Fare on Sunset Boulevard and at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner at Echo Lake. Hot Chocolate Flight That’s a Hot Chocolate Martini, Bailey’s Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa, and a Black Cherry Bourbon Hot Chocolate you’re looking at right there. YUM! And Hollywood Scoops right on the Boulevard is serving Olaf Sundaes. Olaf Sundae Everyones favorite snowman sits atop a JELLY DONUT! Olaf Sundae You can find the Red Velvet Holiday Whoopie Pies at Sweet Spells and Fairfax Fare! Christmas Tree-shaped Red Velvet Whoopie Pie And there’s plenty more where that came from… check it ALL out here! Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Cap off your festive evening with the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Nighttime Spectacular! Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Returning for the second year in a row, this projection and fireworks show follows Wayne and Lanny from Prep & Landing as they try to rescue Santa and save Christmas, sharing holiday scenes from beloved Disney films all the while. The BAM! Part :-) If you’d like a reserved viewing area for the show, the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party has returned as well. Find out more here. Echo Lake Decor Not only is Echo Lake completely full again (coming back from its refurbishment that took place throughout early fall), it’s also THE place to see the Hollywood Studios Christmas Tree, and take in all the new extra-large ornaments dotting the lake. Echo Lake This was our vantage point for catching Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! tonight. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! from Echo Lake To give you more of an idea, here is the Hollywood Studios Christmas Tree during the day. Hollywood Studios Christmas Tree Don’t forget to say “Hello!” to the one and only GERTIE of Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction while you’re around Echo Lake, especially since she is all dressed up for the season! Holiday Gertie at Hollywood Studios! Don’t forget… Gertie has some extra Holiday Offerings for you. Holiday Offerings at Gertie’s Look for Olaf Carrot Cake Push Pops and Winterberry Coolers (Vodka and Chambord with cranberry) here! Olaf Pop Minnie’s Holiday Dine If you have an Advance Dining Reservation for Lunch or Dinner at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant through January 7, 2018, then you’ll be dining with Minnie, Mickey, Goofy, Donald and Daisy for Minnie’s Holiday Dine! Minnie’s Holiday Dine The gang is dressed in their festive best, and you’ll have the chance to grab pictures with every single character at this yuletide buffet! Mickey Mouse Donald Duck Daisy Duck You can read our full review of Minnie’s Holiday Dine here! Visit Santa Need to tell the Big Guy what you want most for Christmas? Stop in the Once Upon a Time store back on Sunset Boulevard to greet and get your picture taken with SANTA CLAUS! Meet Santa Claus Here!! Of course, he’ll have to take his annual sleigh ride on Christmas, so his last day at the shop will be December 24th. Santa Meet and Greet Location After that, Santa GOOFY will greet guests from December 25th through the 31st! Santa Goofy It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Until next time… Moving Billboard Joyous Tidings to you!! Got a Disney World Trip Planned for November or December? CHECK THIS OUT! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2017 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2017 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2017 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! Will you be enjoying the Flurry of Fun at Hollywood Studios? 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: FOOD for the Flurry of FUN Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Review: Season’s EATINGS for the Flurry of Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! First Look: NEW Disney’s Hollywood Studios Holiday Decor!! View the full article

#DisneyParksLIVE: A Frozen Holiday Wish 2017 | Walt Disney World View the full article

As many of you just heard during our #DisneyParksLIVE coverage of “A Frozen Holiday Wish” castle lighting at Walt Disney World Resort, we’re kicking off the holiday season by offering readers a chance to be one of 50 winners to receive a Disney Parks Blog logo T-shirt. You can enter now to win one T-shirt right now. “A Frozen Holiday Wish,” features the royal sisters Anna and Elsa. Along with their friends, Olaf and Kristoff, Queen Elsa uses her incredible powers to present a gift to everyone in the kingdom – transforming Cinderella Castle into a glimmering ice palace for the holidays. You can enter for a chance to win one T-shirt 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 11/09/17 at 8:15 p.m. ET and ends 11/09/17 at 9:15 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

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped by Photographer Mark Willard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where the new Sunset Seasons Greetings is adding holiday cheer to Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Tower Hotel. This new holiday experience features projections of Mickey, Minnie and other beloved Disney characters sharing their favorite Christmas stories as a snowy Sunset Boulevard twinkles with stunning holiday decorations. Holiday magic brings billboards to life and transforms the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel into scenes of the season – a giant pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland. This fantastic and heartwarming experience will run continuously throughout the holiday season. View the full article

One day, I may be sick of Walt Disney World’s fondness for putting shows up on the sides of iconic theme park buildings. Doctors will call it “projection rejection” or the Latin equivalent. But don’t call the ambulance yet. I have survived and thrived after the latest round, just for the holiday... View the full article

I told you it was coming… . Check out the Starbucks 2017 Holiday Disney Parks Mug! 2017 Holiday Starbucks Disney Parks Mug As a taller mug, it’s a bit of a different style, but the snowed-upon Gingerbread Castle and whimsical swirls make it just as fun as previous versions of the Starbucks Disney Parks Holiday Mug. 2017 Holiday Starbucks Disney Parks Mug I found it at Main Street Bakery, the Magic Kingdom Starbucks location. You may have already seen the recently updated version of the Magic Kingdom “You Are Here” Mug, but just in case, here it is again. New Magic Kingdom “You Are Here” Mug New Magic Kingdom “You Are Here” Starbucks Mug But now the teeny, tiny tree ornament version is available, too! Itty Bitty “You Are Here” Mug Ornament It’s SO CUTE! Magic Kingdom “You Are Here” Mug Ornament Be on the lookout for these mini mug ornaments at the other parks, too. You’ll find them at Creature Comforts in Animal Kingdom, Fountain View in Epcot, and The Trolley Car Cafe in Hollywood Studios. So, there’s the latest news in Disney Parks Starbucks Mugs… until they change them again . Will you be adding to your Disney Parks Starbucks Mug collection on your next Disney vacation? 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: Spotted: New Disney Parks Starbucks Tumblers and New Magic Kingdom Ceramic Tumbler Spotted: 2015 Starbucks Disney Parks Holiday Souvenir Mug Spotted: Disney Parks Exclusive Starbucks Mug and Cup Ornaments View the full article

Hurricane Irma took a $100 million swipe at Walt Disney Company’s operating income, although the success from its international theme parks fueled growth in the division, the company disclosed Thursday in its latest earnings report. The theme park division’s revenue grew in the fourth-quarter,... View the full article

Hurricane Irma took a $100 million swipe at Walt Disney Company’s operating income, although the success from its international theme parks fueled growth in the division, the company disclosed Thursday in its latest earnings report. The theme park division’s revenue grew in the fourth-quarter,... View the full article

More than 35,000 runners indulged in an exciting menu of races this past weekend during the eighth annual Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT. Among them was Hayley Brown, 23, from San Diego, Calif., whose remarkable story of survival and resilience is an inspiration for all of us. In June 2012, Brown was a high school student on a volunteer trip to a medical clinic in Sinaloa, Mexico when her four-seat Cessna plane hit a power line, ripping off the wing and plunging the aircraft into the river below. Two fishermen in a rowboat rescued Brown while other locals helped transport her to a nearby hospital. Brown suffered internal injuries, broken bones, lacerations and a head injury that required her to be placed into a medically induced coma for a week. After several months of recovery, she returned to school and a more normal life with the help of her family and friends. And thanks to a newfound love of running. Running became almost therapeutic for her. Every time she crossed a finish line, she felt a little stronger and the memories of the incident felt more distant. To date, she has completed countless half marathons, three marathons and an ultramarathon. This past weekend here she added three new medals to her collection by completing the Disney Two-Course Challenge – running the 10K and the half marathon on consecutive days. Check out the video below to see Brown’s inspiring journey during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend. Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend was the first of four runDisney race weekends at Walt Disney World Resort for the 2017-2018 season. Next up is the 25th anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna. If you have an inspirational or extraordinary runDisney story, we would love to hear it! Please send your story submission for consideration to WDPR.DisneySportsStories@Disney.com. And don’t forget to share your experience using the hashtag #WineDineHalf on runDisney’s social media channels! Twitter: @runDisney Instagram: @runDisney Facebook: @runDisney YouTube: @runDisney View the full article

The excitement of the holiday season will return to Disney’s Hollywood Studios tonight, as the park’s Flurry of Fun celebration debuts to include the return of the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” show, new Sunset Seasons Greetings projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel, fresh holiday decor and more! Starting tonight, the Sunset Boulevard area of the park will come alive with Sunset Seasons Greetings. The billboards will come alive with motion and tell a tale, courtesy of iconic characters sharing their love for the season. Hollywood Tower Hotel will also transform into a pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house and a frozen winter wonderland throughout the night. Be on the lookout for appearances by the Swedish Chef from The Muppets, Toy Story friends, Olaf from Frozen and more! Holiday Services also just unveiled new holiday decor around Echo Lake section of the park. The park’s signature Christmas tree has been repositioned to Echo Lake, for all to enjoy. Even its Dino Gertie has dressed for the season this year! The nighttime show “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” will also return tonight. Follow Prep and Landing on their spirited yuletide adventure to get Santa back to the North Pole in time for Christmas Eve. The show combines state-of-the-art projections, fireworks, special effects and holiday music that’s capped by a special message from Santa himself. Santa Claus will also make his debut return to the Once Upon a Time shop nightly through December 24 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Santa Goofy will step in after Old Saint Nick returns to the North Pole December 25 – 31. Planning a visit? Don’t forget to check out Disney Parks Blog author Alex Dunlap’s foodie guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! View the full article

Vietnam Veteran Honored at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

CELEBRATION, Fla. – A tale as old as time takes the stage with “Beauty and the Beast,” a brand-new musical production inspired by Disney’s live-action adaptation of the animated classic. The show expands upon the most imaginative elements of the highly anticipated live-action and classic films to delight Disney Cruise Line guests aboard the Disney Dream. Audiences once again fall in love with the enchanting fairytale as they embark on a sweeping journey to discover the power of transformation through true love and courage. This new production of “Beauty and the Beast” celebrates the romance, adventure and magic of the live-action film, weaving in the charm and nostalgia of the award-winning animated feature. “Beauty and the Beast” brings the timeless fable to life like never before, featuring a style of theater that interlaces classic storytelling elements with cutting-edge technology, to create a unique, theatrical experience in the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. An innovative take on the story transforms renowned songs into spectacular, show-stopping numbers, and lavish costumes and puppetry bring a fresh perspective to beloved characters. Re-imagining a tale as old as time Drawing inspiration from the live-action film, the stage musical uses the scenic motif of a music box to guide spectators through the story. Set designer, Jason Sherwood (“Paint Your Wagon,” “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular”), worked in concert with video designer, Aaron Rhyne (“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular,” Broadway’s “Anastasia”), to create a transforming set that takes audiences on a magical journey through the music box, from Belle’s provincial French town to the Beast’s mysterious castle. To bring “Beauty and the Beast” to the stage, Disney assembled an all-star creative team, led by director and choreographer Connor Gallagher (“Tangled: The Musical,” “Found”). Gallagher collaborated with writer Sara Wordsworth (“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular,” Broadway’s “In Transit”) and a talented collection of Broadway artists to create an imaginative, new approach to this iconic story. Through a combination of high-definition projections, dynamic scenery and a little bit of Disney magic, this new interpretation of “Beauty and the Beast” creates a visual panorama that reaches beyond the stage and into the audience. Complementing the immersive set, lighting design by four-time Tony Award-nominated, Japhy Weideman, punctuates the powerful emotions of the classic tale. Orchestrating a song as old as rhyme “Beauty and the Beast” features songs from the original animated film’s award-winning soundtrack by acclaimed composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. Complementing the score, the show also includes two of the new songs created for the live-action film by Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, “How Does a Moment Last Forever” and “Days in the Sun.” Enchanting arrangements and orchestrations by Matt Castle and Frank Galgano (“Into the Woods”) bring a unique musical identity to the production. Beloved songs like “Belle,” “Something There” and “Beauty and the Beast” received a musical makeover that reflects the show’s stylized approach, while songs like “Gaston” and “Be Our Guest” leap to the stage as joyful and exuberant production numbers. One of the most iconic songs in the Disney canon has been completely re-imagined for the stage. “Be Our Guest” is a multi-course French dinner rooted in imagination and fantasy, as rousing choreography and dazzling visual effects fill the stage during this full-fledged spectacle. Unveiling the magic of the enchanted objects Blurring the line between costuming and puppetry, costume designer Sarah Cubbage (Broadway’s “Skylight”) and puppet designer Jeff Conover joined forces to give life to the enchanted objects of “Beauty and the Beast.” Beloved characters like Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth are realized in an unprecedented way, using innovative puppetry and elaborate costumes to bring these characters to life in their true scale. “Beauty and the Beast” debuted during the Disney Dream voyage departing Nov. 6, 2017, joining an incredible lineup of Broadway-style stage productions aboard the ship, including “The Golden Mickeys” and “Disney’s Believe.” The Disney Dream sails three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Fla. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent. View the full article

It’s time to trade Pumpkin Spice for GINGERBREAD at Walt Disney World for the Holiday Season! 2017 Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display The Pastry Chefs are putting the final touches on the brand new 2017 Gingerbread Display at the Contemporary Resort. Putting the Final Touches on the Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display The new display, which has featured our friends from Frozen for the past few years, is an adorable gingerbread version of Cinderella Castle in “it’s a small world” style inspired once again by the artwork of Mary Blair. 2017 Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display As always, you can find out exactly how much goes into creating the impressive displays each year by reading the ingredients sign. Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display Also new this year is the location of the display. You’ll find it by the large A-frame window on the fourth floor as opposed to its previous spot just outside of Contempo Cafe and Chef Mickey’s. (Though you’ll probably smell it before you see it!) New Display Location Cinderella and Prince Charming are already in place to greet you! Prince Charming and Cinderella And so are the TREATS that accompany the Gingerbread Displays in every resort! At each Resort Gingerbread Display location, you’ll often find snacks specific to the location. (Remember the Five-Legged Goat Krispy Treat at the Contemporary a few seasons back?) Of course, you’ll find the classic Gingerbread Cookies and Gingerbread Shingles at the Contemporary, similar to those you’ll find at the other displays. Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread Cookies Gingerbread Shingles And various Holiday Cookies, including Linzer Cookies, are available in abundance. Linzer Cookies Linzer Cookies Holiday Cookies Holiday Cookies No Sugar Added Holiday Cookies But at the Contemporary, specialty treats this year include Candy Cane Gelato, Gingerbread Gelato, Frozen Apple Cider, and Frozen Hot Chocolate. Holiday Treats sign at the Contemporary Gingerbread Display We checked out Candy Cane Gelato and Gingerbread Gelato at the BoardWalk Inn Display a couple of years ago. Candy Cane Gelato Gingerbread Gelato So we went for the new Frozen Drinks this year. Frozen Hot Chocolate and Frozen Apple Cider The flavor of the Frozen Apple Cider is pretty much straight apple juice, only frozen. There are no autumnal spices to be found. Basically, if you like LeFou’s Brew at Gaston’s Tavern, you’ll likely enjoy this, too. Frozen Apple Cider The Frozen Hot Chocolate is… well, it’s not exactly what comes to mind when I think of Frozen Hot Chocolate. Most versions attempt to provide some sort of creamy element to help give it that milky consistency. The emphasis here is fully on the ice over any creaminess, so it really is like your typical Disney World slush, in that respect. Frozen Hot Chocolate The emphasis is also on the CHOCOLATE. It’s suuuuper chocolatey, really rich, and even more prominent than all that ice. My advice would be to opt for the Frozen Apple Cider over the Frozen Hot Chocolate, and say “Cheers!” to the happy couple while you’re at it! Frozen Apple Cider at the Contemporary Resort Gingerbread Display So, what’s the first stop on your Gingerbread Tour this year? Got a Disney World Trip Planned for November or December? CHECK THIS OUT! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World® Holidays 2017 is a one-of-a-kind resource that will help you get the most out of your holiday vacation at Walt Disney World. It includes over 400 pages of must-have information, including: A full What’s New!! chapter for the 2017 Holiday Season A full Monthly Schedule of Events for the Holiday Season How to avoid the crowds on Disney World’s busiest days (and when Disney World closes their parks due to capacity!) ALL of the events, activities, and holiday additions in Walt Disney World. ALL. OF. THEM. And of course we’ll tell you where to eat! ;-D Order your 2017 Guide now and get 20% off with code PEPPERMINT! As always, our e-Books are 100% guaranteed! If you don’t love it, you get your money back! What do you think of the new Contemporary Resort Gingerbread display? 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: New “Frozen” Gingerbread Display Debuts at Disney World’s Contemporary Resort 2011 Gingerbread Holiday Display Pins 2011 Gingerbread Displays at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary Resorts View the full article

Mikololohua means eloquent. As you may know by now, I have a passion for sharing the Hawaiian language and culture with people from all over the world. In my last blog post, I discussed the winds and rains of Hawaiʻi. This time I would like to shoot the breeze about the importance of storytelling here at Aulani Resort, and how we do it in a mikololohua—or eloquent—way. Walt Disney was a prolific storyteller, and that became the foundation for everything our guests experience at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts today. Here at Aulani Resort, there are many ways to be immersed in the beauty of Hawaiʻi’s stories. Come to Uncle’s Moʻolelo Storytelling at the Circle of ʻAlae ‘Ula firepit where Uncle will share tales of the district that we reside in. Perhaps you will hear about the ‘Alae ‘Ula for which the pit is named, and how they divulged the secret of fire to the demi-god Maui. Or, you might learn about the shark goddess Kaʻahupahau who resides at Pearl Harbor. While you are enjoying Aulani, you may even have the opportunity to hear about Moana’s journeys around the Pacific ocean first-hand from the adventurer herself! However, the best kept secret about Aulani is that all of our cast members are mikololohua and excited to share stories about life in Hawaiʻi. On your next visit, ask us to tell you a story! You may be surprised at the magical responses that await you. 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

In our Disney Doodles blog series, our team of Disney artists imagine what a character would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Pocahontas would do if she had the chance to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. According to her, Pocahontas’ “explorer” spirit would guide her to find the perfect experience. “Pocahontas is always wondering what’s around the riverbend,” Ashley said. “It’s easy to imagine her canoeing around the ‘Fantasmic’ mountain to see what’s on the other side.” View the full article

Hello, there! Or should I say, “Bonjour!”? Because we’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re taking a FOOD TOUR of Epcot’s France Pavilion! Macarons from Les Halles So get ready to settle in… because when it comes to food options in Epcot’s France Pavilion, it’s almost an embarrassment of riches! Tucked into the beautiful Pavilion is a Signature Restaurant with Monsieur Paul and a Table Service restaurant, Chefs de France. But it’s also home to its very own housemade ice cream and sorbet shop, Slushes just for adults, and one of the most extensive and delicious snack offerings anywhere in Disney World at Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie… and that’s not even everything! So get ready to check it ALL out in our latest DFB 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: What’s YOUR favorite thing to eat in Epcot’s France Pavilion? Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Les Halles Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France Pavilion DFB Video: Epcot’s Germany — Nosh or Not? Food Tour! DFB Video: Epcot’s Mexico — Nosh or Not? Food Tour! View the full article

Three words: Buttermilk Chess Pie. Learn About: The Polite Pig Disney World Restaurants And three more: The Polite Pig. That’s where you’ll find it! The Polite Pig is a fast-casual dining location serving up “modern barbecue” in the Town Center neighborhood of Disney Springs. It’s got a fantastic pedigree, being owned and operated by James Beard-nominated James and Julie Petrakis and James’ brother Brian — all of whom own restaurants in Winter Park and Orlando. One of their restaurants — The Ravenous Pig — is The Polite Pig’s hungry older sister. And the reputation earned by that restaurant followed to the smaller Disney Springs location. And if you’re wondering where the politeness comes in, it’s everywhere. The Polite Pig Insists Even on the walls! Atmosphere The Polite Pig decor story is an eclectic mix of polished subway tile, industrial lights and rails, and colorful wood. It’s definitely the kind of place where you feel like you can kick back and relax. Order here. Seating varies from chairs to booths to hightops. There’s plenty of room here — space for 200 diners! So finding a seat is rarely an issue. (We’ll see how this holds up through the busy holiday season!) Seating There’s also seating at the indoor bar. Seating And even more at the outside bar and on the patio. Outdoor Seating and Bar You need to know that the paper towels on every table are not ornamental. Nope. You’re gonna need ‘em. Because The Polite Pig is known for — among other things — its selection of seven sauces. Take a gander at the descriptions… The Sauce Bar Then dispense at will! It’s fun to test a few and see what works best with your meal. So experiment! Just be polite about it, you know. Please. Thank you. Excuse me, please, I need a napkin because I have sauce in my lap. Mmm. Sauces. You can also find Spiced Vinegar and Hot Sauce varieties at the sauce bar. So you might spend a little time here gathering your condiments. Hawt Sauce You’ll also want to hit up the ice cold drinks, including Blue Sky sodas. Drink up! But what are all those sauces for? The EATS. Eats The Polite Pig kindly serves up meats that come from their smoker. (You can watch a little of that smoker action while you wait, too!) The menu includes some unusual sides, including BBQ Cauliflower. The Polite Pig Menu We tried the The Southern Pig on our last visit, but I’m always looking to sample new things. So on this visit I ordered up the Barbecue Cheddar Sausage with Bourbon Glaze. Barbecue Cheddar Sausage It was very flavorful and very dry. I’m a big fan of cheddar sausage barbecue where I live in Texas (admittedly one of the barbecue capitals of the country), so I had high expectations — and Polite Pig didn’t meet them with this one. The dryness of the sausage couldn’t be overcome by the good flavors — even with the melted cheese inside — and I had no incentive to finish the serving. I did enjoy the Bourbon Glaze, but, again, if the sausage itself is dry, no amount of sauce is going to save it. I also had to try the Mac and Cheese again, since I’ve been so underwhelmed with mac and cheese in Disney World recently. This time…meh. It’s made with aged cheddar and breadcrumbs (the first iteration of this dish back when Polite Pig opened included cottage cheese and parmesan, so there were more interesting flavors going on). This time it fell flat. The top was overcooked. The bottom wasn’t creamy at all. It was okay to eat, but I didn’t feel compelled to keep digging into it. Mac and Cheese I also had to get the Brussels Sprouts. Yes. You read that correctly. Why? Because they were crispy and delicious the first time we tried them. But this time, much like the Mac and Cheese, these fell flat. The whiskey caramel added some sweetness, and they were certainly crispy. But nothing in the flavor profile made them sing. Brussel Sprouts But just when I was about to give up on the Polite Pig, I decided to get dessert. And I’m happy to say that the visit wasn’t a total bust, because the brand new-to-the-menu Buttermilk Chess Pie was seriously incredible. Chess pie is basically pecan pie without the pecans. So, pretty much just butter, eggs, and sugar — which is, by definition, amazing. The buttermilk lightens up the traditional filling , while you still get some oat-y, nutty goodness on the top for texture variety. It was killer. The one item in the whole meal that I really wanted to keep eating. Buttermilk Chess Pie !!!! FYI — If you’re in the Tampa area, this pie is actually made by Mike’s Pies. So, conveniently, you also can buy me a whole pie and send it just in time for the holidays . For now, I’m just glad I got to try it here. Nosh or Not You’ll want to kindly stop by The Polite Pig if: You want to try someplace new in Disney Springs. You are a sauce connoisseur and want to sample several here. You listened carefully when I told you to try the Buttermilk Chess Pie. If so, good job. You passed! You might want to pig out somewhere else if: You’re not a big meat eater, and the vegetarian sides don’t interest you. You have limited time to dine in Disney Springs and want to try some always-good options. You don’t like awesome desserts like Buttermilk Chess Pie and aren’t afraid to disappoint me by skipping this one. Overall The ingredients (no pun intended) are all there with The Polite Pig: cool vibe, and a strong menu with traditional BBQ along with more creative choices, including a lot of options for vegetarians with the sides. Unfortunately, on this visit Polite Pig fell really flat for me. This may be a case of “just having a bad day,” or it could be that since it’s successful opening, Polite Pig has been resting on its laurels and not trying as hard. As always, we’ll be back — we always come back — to check it out another day. And, if nothing else, we’ll be getting more of that Buttermilk Chess Pie. What hidden gems have you discovered in Disney Springs lately? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: 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 First Look and Review: The Polite Pig in Disney World’s Disney Springs! View the full article