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The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has returned to Epcot, and with it, plenty of Disney character topiaries! This year’s festival includes favorite classic character topiaries of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, plus Belle and Beast in the France pavilion, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Germany pavilion, and Anna and Elsa in Norway. Gallery Topiaries at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival view all Check out the gallery above for a look at some of our favorites this year. The 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will continue through May 28, 2018. View the full article

Hot on the heels of the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival on the east coast starts the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival at Disneyland Resort on the west coast! 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival And we are taking in all of the bites and sips of California-inspired cuisine along the way! The Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival is ON for the next SIX WEEKS. So, you’ve got until April 12th to take in all of the Food Booths, Special Events, Seminars and Demonstrations, and more that make up all the Festival fun. But we’ve got plenty to share right now, because we have eaten our way through all fourteen Food Booths at this year’s Festival! You can see all of our pics by visiting our 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Menus page. (Oh, and the Festival Beer Garden is back, too!) Click HERE to check out photos of ALL THE FOOD on our 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Menus page! In the meantime, though, here is a look at our favorites so far… Introducing The BEST of the FEST (and beyond)! Best of the 2018 DCA Food and Wine Festival Petite Guac Burger at Avocado Time It was love at first sight — AND first BITE — with the Avocado & Pepper Jack Petite Guac Burger at Avocado Time! Avocado and Pepper Jack Petite Guac Burger They sure don’t skimp on the guacamole here, and the pepper jack gives this slider just a hint of kick. Popcorn Lemonade Cocktail at Off the Cob I know, I know… it sounds super weird. But the Popcorn Lemonade Cocktail (also available without alcohol) at Off the Cob should not be missed! Popcorn Lemonade with Whipped Cream and Candy Corn Garnish It’s basically lemonade with a fun hint of sugary kettle corn. And the whipped cream and candy corn garnish make it as cute as it is yummy. Jalapeno Popper Mac and Cheese at Peppers Cali-Ente We are LOVING the Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese with Bacon at Peppers Cali-Ente. Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese with Bacon But it IS super spicy… so don’t say we — or the name of this booth — didn’t warn ya! Strawberry Frose AND Float at Strawberry Patch It was difficult to pick our favorites at the new Strawberry Patch… but we finally narrowed it down to the two sips here, which include the cool and refreshing Strawberry Frose. Strawberry Frose It also includes a returning favorite from last year: the Strawberry-Pineapple Float with Strawberry Popping Pearls! Strawberry Pineapple Float with Strawberry Popping Pearls You might remember this terrific and unique float from when it was located at LA Style in 2017. Same great, fruity flavor, but with a new home at the Strawberry Patch! Compressed Asian Cucumbers at Eat Your Greens Well, they’ve done it. The new Eat Your Greens Booth actually found a way to make us want to do exactly that with the Compressed Asian Cucumbers with Green-Green Sauce, Toasted Almonds, and Sea Beans. Compressed Asian Cucumbers with Green-Green Sauce, Toasted Almonds, and Sea Beans Nope, I’m not kidding. Granted, those greens are helped with some mighty flavorful sauce and almonds… but still ! Bourbon Chocolate Whoopie Pie at I Heart Artichokes The Bourbon Chocolate Whoopie Pie at I Heart Artichokes is another winner. Bourbon Chocolate Whoopie Pie Why? Because bourbon. And chocolate. And WHOOPIE PIE. That’s why! Creamy Mac and Cheese at Garlic Kissed The Creamy Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble at Garlic Kissed is just comfort food at its finest. Creamy Mac & Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble Sometimes pictures really do speak a thousand words, so we’re letting this one that we took today do that for us. YUM. Mimosa Flight at Nuts About Cheese You’ll find the famous Mimosa Flight at Nuts About Cheese this year! Mimosa Flight Included are a Pineapple Mimosa, a Raspberry Mimosa, and a Strawberry Mimosa. Salt & Beer Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings at Cluck-A-Doodle-Moo Not only does the new Cluck-A-Doodle Moo have arguably the best Food Booth name at the Festival. It also lands on our list thanks to the Salt & Beer Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings! Salt & Beer Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings Tasty and savory, and a great portion with four wings, to boot! Meyer Lemon Ginger Mule at Citrus Grove Last year’s Lemon Grove is now the Citrus Grove. But even though the name has changed, this Food Booth has retained some terrific hits, like the returning (and still a favorite) Meyer Lemon Ginger Mule. Meyer Lemon Ginger Mule Cocktail The pucker from the lemon and the zest from the ginger make this one drink we’re especially glad to welcome back. Sweet Corn Nuggets at Off the Cob And, finally, making our list again this year are the Sweet Corn Nuggets with Beef Chili at Off the Cob! Sweet corn nuggets with beef chili, spring onions and sour cream Just like last year, it’s straight up pub grub. Also just like last year, we aren’t complaining about that in the least! Not when the spice from the chili balances the sweet and savory corn nuggets so well. And THAT’S the Best of the Fest! And for now, we’re signing off from sunny — and tasty! — California!! Click HERE to check out photos of ALL THE FOOD on our 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Menus page! 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Index 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminar and Demonstrations 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Wine, Beer, and Spirits Education and Tasting Seminars 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Passholder Information Epcot Festival Fans Facebook Page 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Menus and FOOD PHOTOS Booking Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival Events Booking is NOW OPEN for Low-Cost/Free Events, Seminars, and Demonstrations and Special Events. This year guests must register at this 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival page in order to book any reservations. Which item are you most excited to try at the Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival this year? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: NEW Food Booths For the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! News: Two More New Food Booths Confirmed for the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival News! FULL FOOD BOOTH MENUS for the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

Bud Luckey, an Oscar-nominated animator who crafted hand-drawn, two-dimensional characters for more than three decades before using new digital tools to create Woody, the pull-string star of Pixar's "Toy Story," has died. Luckey died Feb. 24 at a hospice center in Newtown, Conn. He was 83 and had... View the full article

The 90th Oscars will air live on ABC this Sunday, March 4. If you are an Oscar-lover like me, you may remember “Frozen” won Best Animated Feature Film four years ago today, and we are thrilled to share this story with our guests through a theatrical adaptation at Disney California Adventure park! Entertainment Stage Manager Austin Sarti helps bring “Frozen” to life several times a day in the Hyperion Theater. “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” takes audiences along Anna and Elsa’s heartwarming journey, with all the excitement of live theater. In this episode of “Every Role a Starring Role,” Austin talks about his role as a stage manager at the nearly 2,000-seat theater. With a custom, 2,200-square-foot onstage video screen and precision mapping technology, the Hyperion Theater helps audiences travel from Arendelle to the North Mountain and beyond. See how Austin helps Disneyland Resort performers “break a leg” in this video! View the full article

Something Big is Coming… | Walt Disney World View the full article

Imagine: You and your family are on a magical, happy vacation at a Disney park. Perhaps you're racing through the Matterhorn at Disneyland or you're on a terrifying elevator ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In the middle of your park day, you get a little grumbling in your tummy and you decide... View the full article

Now is the time to “Get More Happy” at the Disneyland Resort with the Southern California resident ticket offer!* With flexible options for two or three days of magic and adventure at special prices, this ticket provides the ideal way for Southern California residents to enjoy the Disneyland Resort, including these three big experiences. 1. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – Expanding to six weeks this year, the popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival will offer more days for guests to enjoy the flavors of the Golden State. More than a dozen Festival Marketplaces will feature California-inspired tastes and sips, and guests can experience presentations and demonstrations with celebrity chefs such as Robert Irvine; food and beverage tastings; winemaker dinners; beer, wine and spirit seminars – all in addition to live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the park. 2. Pixar Fest – Beginning April 13, this first-ever celebration of friendship and beyond will bring an all-new fireworks spectacular plus the return of the popular “Paint the Night” parade and Pixar Play Parade. Pixar Fest will also feature special treats and merchandise as well as even more limited-time experiences throughout the Disneyland Resort. 3. Star Wars experiences at Disneyland park – Tomorrowland at Disneyland park is your destination for all things from a galaxy far, far away. Travel to Batuu aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and put your younglings’ lightsaber skills to the test at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. Visit Star Wars Launch Bay to encounter some of your favorite characters and explore an epic exhibition of themed displays that takes you behind the scenes of Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Southern California residents may purchase tickets at www.Disneyland.com/SoCal and at Disneyland Resort ticket booths. Guests who purchase tickets online may print their tickets at home. Proof of residency is required for purchase and theme park admission. With these tickets, guests may also purchase Disney MaxPass, a digital tool for guests to maximize their experience with unlimited Disney PhotoPass photo downloads and the convenience of mobile Disney FastPass while in the parks through the Disneyland App.** For restrictions, visit www.Disneyland.com/SoCal. *SoCal Resident Ticket Offer: Valid on 2-Day and 3-Day Disneyland Resort Theme Park tickets, and savings based on non-discounted price for the same ticket at the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance ticket booths. Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. Tickets expire May 24, 2018 and are not valid before January 8, 2018. Blockout days of 3/23/18 – 4/8/18 apply. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use and exclude activities/events separately priced. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice. **Disney MaxPass: Disney PhotoPass® Service is subject to the PhotoPass® terms and expiration policy found at https://disneyland.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions/. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass® photos captured during the day your Disney MaxPass is used must be linked to your Disney account. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Guests are strongly advised to check the day’s FASTPASS® ticket availability and other Park details before purchasing Disney MaxPass as your preferred attractions may not be available at the time of purchase. FASTPASS® tickets are limited and availability is not guaranteed. FASTPASS® tickets for entertainment are not available through Disney MaxPass. Disney MaxPass is nonrefundable and is subject to restrictions and change without notice. Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first. View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is approaching the big 2-0, and Walt Disney World is planning special events and activities to mark the occasion, starting with two weeks of Party for the Planet festivities. Visitors will be able to attend conservation talks by animal-care experts and have enhanced interactions... View the full article

Sorry kiddos - you might not see cheeseburgers on the Happy Meal menu anymore as of this summer, but McDonald's toys are about to get a magical makeover. The fast food chain just announced a new multi-year contract with the Walt Disney Company driven by the Golden Arches' initiative to improve... View the full article

Exciting news for Disney Parks Blog readers who are passionate about conservation – Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney’s Animals Science and Environment, has just published an article on the National Geographic Voices online blog. Cick here to read Dr. Penning’s take on Connect to Protect at Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Through the Connect to Protect program, guests used the My Disney Experience app to learn about conservation efforts and partake in interactive missions that connected them with the local animal and plant life on Pandora. After completing one or more missions, guests unlocked a contribution, up to $10, from Disney Parks through the Disney Conservation Fund. They could then choose how that contribution would help protect or restore habitats important to one of 10 threatened categories of animals: apes, elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks & rays and tigers. Thanks to the support of more than 300,000 guests who participated in Connect to Protect, we reached our $1 million commitment which unlocked grants of $100,000 to each of 10 projects committed to protect habitats for at-risk wildlife. Make sure to check out Mark Penning’s National Geographic Voices blog post. You can also learn more about Disney’s conservation efforts at Disney.com/conservation and DisneyAnimals.com. View the full article

The popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns today through April 12 with more than a dozen Festival Marketplaces featuring California-inspired tastes and sips, in addition to live music, entertainment and special activities throughout the park. The festival’s signature events are can’t-miss experiences that open your senses to delicious California cuisine in new ways and include new experiences such as Celebrity Chef LIVE! at the Hyperion, as well as returning favorites like Disney Family of Wines Dinner, Sweet Sundays and the Winemaker or Brewmaster Dinners. Be sure make your reservations now! Additional fees required for the signature events and certain seminars. Separate admission to Disney California Adventure Park is required and is not included with the cost of such events. Space is limited for all ticketed events; advance reservations are recommended. Guests must be 21 years of age or over to consume alcohol and to participate in some events; valid photo ID required. Events and demonstrations are subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice. View the full article

Cooking in Disney Vacation Club Villas: Island Style Grilled Cheese View the full article

New Images of The Star Wars-Inspired Resort Planned for the Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Cooking in Disney Vacation Club Villas: Hawaiian Snack Foods View the full article

Colon Cancer Survivor Celebrates at the 10th Annual Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend View the full article

Disney Performing Arts Group Students Receive Surprise From Cast of Disney's 'The Lion King' View the full article

New Images of The Star Wars-Inspired Resort Planned for the Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Toy Story Lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios & Shanghai Disneyland Are Set to Amaze Guests in 2018 View the full article

Assembling the Fan-Built Star Wars Vehicles on Display at Disneyland Paris View the full article

2018 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Comes to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex View the full article

Introducing Augustus, a Male Baby Hippo, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom View the full article

In the 1941 film “Dumbo,” the Casey Jr. train chugs Dumbo and his friends around on their circus journey. In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Dumbo and his friend, Timothy Mouse, would do if they could visit a Disney theme park. No doubt they’d look for a place to cool off during this warm time of year and what better place than the Casey Jr. Splash ‘N’ Soak Station? View the full article

In the 2016 film “Zootopia,” Judy Hopps becomes the first “bunny cop” to ever join the Zootopia Police Department. This piece of the film’s plotline served as the inspiration for today’s Disney Doodle, in which artist Ashley Taylor imagined what Judy Hopps would do first if she visited the Walt Disney World Resort. “Disney’s Security team does amazing work to ensure the safety of cast members and guests,” Ashley said. “Judy Hopps would jump at the chance to patrol the parks and serve her community!” View the full article

Yesterday, Adventures by Disney announced their 2019 line-up of 3-night/4-day Short Escape packages, which can be booked as stand-alone vacations, or as a pre-cruise add-on to Disney Cruise Line sailings from San Diego, Barcelona, Copenhagen and, new for 2019, Rome! These three-night Short Escapes allow families to experience memorable icons in ways that few can, such as a private, after-hours visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in Rome. Plus, activities like flamenco dancing and preparing local cuisine immerse families in the culture of the region. In addition, you can also enhance select European sailings with an Adventures by Disney package during the cruise. Knowledgeable Adventure Guides ensure you experience the best of each port, helping unlock the wonders of the destination through immersive excursions and off-the-beaten-path adventures. In addition, you gain access to exclusive receptions onboard and concierge service from these dedicated guides throughout the voyage. Combining an Adventures by Disney tour with a Disney Cruise Line vacation truly offers the best of both land and sea. These Adventures by Disney offerings open for booking beginning March 8, 2018. If you’re a past Adventures by Disney guest, you can even book a day early, on March 7! Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information on other new Adventures by Disney vacations coming in 2019, including a new Vancouver Short Escape, which will be available to book later this year. View the full article

Whether you’re at Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, there’s always something to celebrate. And right now, Disney Gift Card is thrilled to offer two wearable designs to make paying for the fun even easier! While making your way through the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, have you ever wished you could take one of the flowers for yourself? The topiaries need to stay where festival-goers can enjoy them, but here are three flowers that were meant to be picked! Carry the beauty of the festival around your wrist by activating a Disney Gift Card with as little as $15. Available at festival merchandise locations throughout the park, our special-edition Disney Gift Card designs have a fresh, spring scent and are as photo-ready as ever! Be sure to follow the Disney Gift Card Instagram so you can catch our Instagram Story featuring some of the festival offerings in the coming weeks! Over at Disney California Adventure park, get ready to taste the culinary wonders of the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Starting March 2, you can explore the unique flavors of California at Festival Marketplaces throughout the park. Keep an eye out for a special-edition Disney Gift Card design featuring Chef Mickey that, when activated with a minimum of $15, you can use to easily pay for everything the festival has to offer! Disney Gift Cards are reloadable and never expire. Just stop by a merchandise or food and beverage location and ask a Cast Member for assistance. If you don’t spend it all at the festival, know that these and all other Disney Gift Cards can still be used for practically all things Disney from theme park tickets to Mickey merchandise at Disney Destinations nationwide! Learn more at DisneyGiftCard.com and we’ll see you at the festivals! View the full article