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The fall season is always full of those beloved pumpkin-flavored drinks and dishes. As an avid pumpkin fan, I love visiting the parks and tasting all of the special dishes that our talented chefs have created for guests to enjoy. In addition to the popular Pumpkin Spice Latte, there is a variety of pumpkin-flavored offerings available at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Here’s just a few of the many dishes we’re cooking up this year! At Walt Disney World Resort, Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom Park is now serving up Mickey Pumpkin Waffles all day! Served with vanilla ice cream and spooky Halloween sprinkles, you won’t want to miss these delicious waffles, only available through Nov. 1. If you prefer pancakes over waffles, then you’ll want to try the scrumptious Pumpkin Pancakes at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Featured on the breakfast menu at Kona Café through Oct. 31, these pancakes are topped with pumpkin-flavored cream cheese and served with syrup and your choice of bacon, ham or sausage. Other unique offerings at Walt Disney World Resort include a yummy pumpkin milkshake served with almond butter cookies, available at Artist Point in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge; a pumpkin spice funnel cake in the American Adventure at Epcot; pumpkin beignets and pumpkin Bundt cakes at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory in Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter; and pumpkin cream cheese muffins at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts. On the west coast, Disneyland Resort has crafted a few pumpkin inspirations of their own. In Disney California Adventure Park, Pacific Wharf Café is serving up pumpkin raisin bread pudding; you can also mosey on over to the Cozy Cone Motel to order a special Halloween-themed pumpkin churro. Throughout Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, you’ll be able to find even more pumpkin treats, such as pumpkin fudge, pumpkin muffins, and those classic pumpkin spice lattes. Remember, these are only available through Oct. 31 at Disneyland Resort. So be on the look-out for all of the pumpkin-flavored treats we have to offer this year at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, and let us know what your favorite is! View the full article

DIY Halloween: Makeup Tips From Pandora - The World of Avatar View the full article

Voices of Liberty Celebrate Epcot's 35th Anniversary View the full article

The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is about to kick off this weekend! The 8th annual Classic takes place on October 27th and 28th, and we’ve told you all about what you can expect from The Causeway – that’s the main area of the Classic where food booths extend as far as the eye can see. The food! The drinks! The unlimited snacking (depending on your ticket)! We look forward to it every year. Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic But there are a few special areas of the Classic that are a little off the beaten…causeway. The Beer Garden, Chinatown, and Carnival Corner are fun additions to the event! And while The Beer Garden requires an add-on to your Causeway Ticket, Chinatown and Carnival Corner are included at no extra charge! Ticket holders for the event will enjoy the activities on Friday, October 27, and/or Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 5:30PM to 9PM. As in the past, there are several ticket options, which you can find on the event website. The Causeway Ticket provides unlimited access to food and drinks along the Causeway between the two resorts. The Causeway Ticket and Beer Garden ticket allows access to the unlimited Causeway offerings as well as the Beer Garden. There are also a la carte tickets, tickets for seminars, and a Sunday Bubbles Brunch. Click here for Full Causeway Menus Click here for Full Seminar Details But first, here’s why you might want to tack on that Beer Garden option… The Beer Garden This area is a ticket add-on costing attendees an extra $25. Located under the cover of trees on Crescent Terrace, The Beer Garden also offers up extra food in addition to the Garden’s several local and seasonal beer varieties and one or more hard ciders. Guests also get a souvenir plastic glass. The Beer Garden The 2016 Beer Garden offered Maeloc Ciders in a few variations. Craft Ciders in The Beer Garden And what’s a decent beer garden without golden, doughy pretzels with copious amounts of mustard?! The Beer Garden — Beer and Soft Pretzel The offerings go on from there, including lots of upscale — but not stuffy! — bar food. Terrace Beer Garden Seating It’s a beautiful place to escape the crowds on the Causeway, and if you’re making an evening of the classic and/or you’re a brew fan, the extra $25 is worth the cost for some dedicated seating and access to some unique beers. Chinatown The Chinatown area of the Classic is included with the Causeway Ticket, and while its offerings in 2016 were a little slim, we’re still looking forward to checking out this year’s Crispy Duck on a Steamed Bun. Here’s a bit of the setup from 2016… This Way to Chinatown The lighting created a lovely transition to the Chinatown area, and overall this section of the classic was themed really well! Path to Chinatown We also got to check out the chefs working on stage to create the Duck Bao. Chinatown Kiosk Several prepared Peking Ducks were on display, while piles of duck awaited their place in the bao buns. Peking Duck Lighting — Bad. Food — Great. Peking Duck and Bao Chinatown is expanding its offerings in 2017 by one: Shanghai Dumplings. But even if it was just for that incredible duck and the fun themeing, it would still be worth a visit to Chinatown! Carnival Corner Carnival Corner is also included in the price of the Causeway Ticket, and last year the Corner featured extra food “trucks” (trailers, actually) and some cute carnival decor and games. Carnival Corner Last year we enjoyed the Cabot Mac and Cheese Bar. It’s not slated to return in 2017 (sigh), but a foodie can dream, right? Cabot Mac and Cheese Stand Cabot’s Mac and Cheese Bar In 2017, Nitro Kettle Corn will return. Last year’s version was popcorn with caramel foam, sea salt, and honey roasted peanuts. Kettle Corn Description It’s just plain fun to watch it come together with all those swirls of liquid nitrogen. Carnival Corner Nitro Kettle Corn The final presentation in the cones was also a fun, festive touch. Nitro Kettle Corn Carnival Corner 2017 is expected to include corn dogs and funnel cakes! Sounds like a must-do to me if you’re attending the Classic! Sunday Bubbles Brunch Before we leave (don’t worry, we’ll be back mid-week with an actual menu preview — pictures and everything! — of this year’s Classic!!!!), just a reminder that guests looking to extend their Classic experience all weekend long can add on the Sunday Bubbles Brunch! The Brunch features J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino. The menu includes traditional and innovative dishes with cured meats and imported cheeses, and certainly can’t be a bad way to wrap up a weekend. Now, here’s an important update for the weekend: according to the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic website, Saturday Causeway tickets have sold out. But, you can still check out the site to find tickets for Friday, or maybe even book one of the Classic Seminars. Click here for Full Causeway Menus Click here for Full Seminar Details Don’t forget to check out these awesome options if you’re joining your fellow foodies at the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! What are you most excited to try at the Classic this year? Tell us 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: Review and Preview: The Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Beer Garden, Chinatown, and More! News! Dates and Details Announced for the 2017 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Review and Preview: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Beer Garden View the full article

In this spookiest of seasons, you may crave some sweets served up with a side of… evil. So now through Halloween, you’ll find three Disney Villain-themed desserts at Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion in Epcot! Sunshine Seasons sign The Ursula dessert has a vanilla cake base topped with bubble gum mousse. It’s covered in a Black Mirror Glaze and completed with a fondant shell necklace and Ariel’s contract. The Cruella De Vil dessert is a chocolate and meringue cake with cream cheese filling. ©Disney And the Queen of Hearts chocolate cupcake is topped with strawberry cream cheese icing, along with a crown and a not-quite-fully-painted red and white rose . So… name your poison! Which Villain dessert would you choose? Will you be stopping by Sunshine Seasons for a Villain treat? Please let us know with a comment! Want ALL the latest Disney Food News right in your inbox? Sign up for the DFB Newsletter today! 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: Club Villain Dance and Dine Event Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Disney Strawberry Shortcake Desserts Guest Review: Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Gelatoni, Duffy’s feline friend, is now at Shanghai Disney Resort. Mickey, Minnie, Duffy, ShellieMay and more Disney favorites have welcomed him to the park with the launch of an exclusive new line of Gelatoni merchandise, as well as food and beverage offerings. In case you haven’t heard of him, Gelatoni is a cool cat with a passion for painting. He uses his tail as a brush to paint scenes of his adventures, his friends and his namesake: gelato Italian ice cream. Gelatoni first met Duffy and Mickey Mouse at the Palazzo Canals in Italy, and they became fast friends after Duffy spilled his gelato – Gelatoni saved the day by using the spilled dessert to paint Duffy a beautiful work of art on his canvas. The pair have been friends ever since. In celebration of Gelatoni’s arrival, the Whistle Stop Shop on Mickey Avenue has been transformed to include a new line of Gelatoni merchandise and a wide variety of lovable collectible items for guests of all ages. You’ll be able to find everything from home décor, accessories and pins to Gelatoni backpacks and plush toys. You’ll also be able to try themed food and beverage offerings such as Duffy, ShellieMay and Gelatoni panna cottas and cupcakes, or an ice cream cone at Mickey and Pals’ Market Café, Remy’s Patisserie and Il Paperino. I’m paws-itive that Gelatoni’s arrival is one more purr-fect reason to visit Shanghai Disney Resort! View the full article

Hey Guys! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re checking out the BEST Disney World Resorts! Disney’s Wilderness Lodge There is a LOT to consider when you’re planning your Disney World vacation… and at the top of the list is where to stay! Disney World has no shortage of beautifully themed Resorts to choose from. And while they all have their own style of Disney magic, we’d like to share our favorites with you today! 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 Disney World Resort? 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: EVEN MORE Disney Snacks! DFB Video: 7 New Things You HAVE to Try in Disney World RIGHT NOW New Video: Eat THIS at Disney’s World’s Animal Kingdom Lodge View the full article

A congressman in Peru has proposed the construction of a Walt Disney World replica in the mountain city of Cusco, a report says. Sergio Davila said such a park would complement the city’s other tourism draws, such as archaelogy, history and ancestry, according to Gestion, an economic website in... View the full article

If you’re looking for some of the best desserts around, look no further than Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen in the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. This Louisiana-inspired restaurant recently received a Golden Foodie Award for 2017 Best Dessert Menu in Orange County! With selections ranging from classic Beignets to Double Chocolate Bread Pudding Soufflé, these gourmet desserts are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Down here in Florida, Magic Kingdom Park is filled to the sugar-coated brim with brand new treats throughout the park. Starting at Aloha Isle in Adventureland, the popular pineapple Dole Whip has always been a staple for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort. Now, avid fans of the pineapple soft serve will be excited to know that it is now being offered on top of a Pineapple Upside-Down Cake! Moving right on down to Main Street, U.S.A., the new Baseball Brownie at Casey’s Corner is sure to be a home run! And right next door at The Plaza Restaurant, guests will find October’s Milkshake of the Month – a Chocolate-Hazelnut Milkshake. This decadent chocolate shake comes topped with whipped cream and a cherry. It looks like some villainous cupcakes are descending on Epcot just in time for Halloween! From Oct. 22-31, be sure to stop by Sunshine Seasons in The Land Pavilion to get these villain-themed desserts. The Ursula dessert is a bubble gum mousse and vanilla cake covered in a Black Mirror Glaze, featuring Ariel’s contract and Ursula’s shell necklace – both made with fondant. Next, the Cruella De Vil dessert consists of chocolate and meringue cake with cream cheese filling. Finally, don’t forget to paint the roses red with the Queen of Hearts chocolate cupcake topped strawberry cream cheese icing, and decorated with the crown of the queen herself! 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 theme park or resort. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Jack Skellington from the 1993 film, “Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas,” would do if he had the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. According to Ashley, “Jack is curious by nature, so it’s easy to imagine him taking Zero out for a walk at Fort Wilderness and running into the Headless Horseman!” View the full article

Happy Sunday and happy October! We’re back with another edition of our Disney Food Round-up for you today. Savannah Bee Company HalloweenTime is happening at Disneyland, and we’ve got reviews of the adorably spooky eats! The Savannah Bee Company is now open at Disney Springs —>! The 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is in full swing at Epcot for a few more weeks! If you’re making plans to attend the Festival you should check out our Best of the Fest post and DFB Best of the Fest YouTube video! And don’t forget, the 2017 Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic is next week on October 27 and 28! We have all the details for you! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We have a review and preview of the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic! AJ was the guest on the latest podcast from The Tomorrow Society! We checked out the Pumpkin Spice Beignets at Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory! Giant Dole Whip Magic Shot available at the Magic Kingdom. Check out our review of the Big Kahuna Sandwich at Captain Cook’s! We have the menus and details for The Ale and Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort. The Savannah Bee Company is now open at Disney Springs. We discuss whether the Party for the Senses is worth the money. New DFB YouTube videos: Even More Disney Snacks! and Animal Kingdom Restaurants Ranked! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. New DFB Video: 7 Things You Have to Try at Disney World RIGHT NOW Have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? We’ve got great content going up twice a week showcasing our adventures in Disney World and Disneyland! This week, we’re ranking the restaurants at the Animal Kingdom! Check it out below — and subscribe here. Deal of the Week: Save 20% off the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2017 Pre-Order The calendar might say “fall” but the holiday season is fast approaching and if you’re planning a visit to Disney World this year for the holidays, it’s time to check out the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2017 e-book! 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. We’ll guide you through all the special events, activities, and dining so that you can get the biggest bang for your buck! Yep — Our Holiday Guide covers everything Disney holiday-related — not just the food! And if you pre-order the 2017 Guide now, we will send you an instant download of the 2016 Guide so that you can start your planning right away! Then, you will automatically receive the 2017 Guide as soon as it’s published in early November. What’s In The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holiday 2017 e-book? Clickable Monthly Schedule of Events What’s NEW for the Disney World Holiday season this year! Holiday-themed crawls - We’ve mapped out four holiday Crawls that will take you around Walt Disney World to see the best of the holiday attractions and/or food. Customized Holiday touring strategies - Will you be visiting with extended family? Going to the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party? Want to see the holiday celebrations on a budget? We’ve developed customized touring strategies for these circumstances and more! A full chapter on where to dine without a reservation! In-depth look at Holiday snacks Disney Parks scavenger hunts And MORE! As always, we’ve made this guide instantly downloadable for your convenience, and easily installed on your mobile devices. It’s a PDF guide with ​380+ pages of detailed information about the Holidays at Disney World as well as hundreds of photographs and customized bonus items to help you get the best experience possible. ​​​​​​​ Enter discount code PreHoliday at checkout, and receive 20% off the list price of $14.95 and you’ll get both the 2016 Guide and the 2017 Guide for $11.95! Two for the price of one! Use code PreHoliday at checkout for a 20% discount. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday. Tokyo Disneyland has some of the coolest food at any of the Disney Parks! And this Jack Skellington Curry Bread that our friend Jon C. spotted on his recent trip is incredible! Thanks for sharing, JOBBER!! Super cool Jack Skellington food! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared their Top 10 Disney Halloween Goodies! WDW for Grownups shared some tips for carb–loading before a runDisney race. Disney Parks Blog shared a fun how-to for creating a Br’er Rabbit Bento Box. Disney Family shared a recipe for Zero Marshmallows inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Round-up: October 15, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: September 24, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-up: April 2, 2017 View the full article

This week, we looked ahead to the holidays and shared how you can give the gift of Disney this season. We’ve made it easier than ever to give magical Disney vacations, theme park tickets or special Disney experiences as gifts for friends and family on your gift list – and it’s just one click away at our new site GiveDisneyVacations.com. At GiveDisneyVacations.com, you can choose packages and tailor experiences at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, exotic Adventures by Disney vacations, unique Disney Vacation Club destinations, and sailings aboard Disney Cruise Line. We have more details on this offering in our original story. And many of you know about a thrilling new adventure coming to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios that will place guests in the middle of an epic battle. This week, we shared an update that the exciting new sequence, inspired by the latest film in the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, will debut at Disneyland park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 17, at Disneyland Paris on November 22, and at Tokyo Disneyland on December 15. You can see the latest trailer and find more details in our original story. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. VIDEO: Join the Haul-O-Ween Fun in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure Park – The residents of Radiator Springs have transformed Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park into a Haul-O-Ween celebration! Disney Springs Welcomes Four New Retailers Just in Time for Holiday Shopping – Three of the most recent additions to property are now open for business, just in time for the holiday shopping season, with another on the horizon. New Magic Awaits Guests at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort – You may have seen in previous blog posts, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa is undergoing a “grand” transformation. In fact, it’s the most extensive refurbishment since its 2001 opening. An Inside Look at BaseLine Tap House at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – We met up with Brian Koziol, Food & Beverage Concept Development Director, to get an inside look at the brand new BaseLine Tap House at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! VIDEO: Celebrate Family at Plaza de la Familia in Disney California Adventure Park – Now at Disney California Adventure park, Plaza de la Familia, A Celebration of “Coco” and the Everlasting Bonds of Family, is an immersive celebration that includes storytelling, live entertainment with folklórico dancers and mariachi musicians, interactive experiences and a delicious new menu of Mexican dishes. A First Look at The NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort Coming to Disney Springs in Summer 2019 – As the 2017-18 NBA season tips off, we want to give you a first look at the new NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort coming to Disney Springs. View the full article

When Angela Rupp’s daughter goes anywhere near dogs, the allergies kick in that turn her eyes as red as a Solo cup. With dogs now allowed at four Walt Disney World resorts, the high school English teacher from Buffalo said she worries how dander and fur could hurt her 8-year-old. But on the other... View the full article

If you’re preparing to set sail on the Disney Fantasy, you need to know that a brand new sweet shop recently opened on board Disney Cruise Line’s youngest ship! ©Disney Sweet On You is fashioned after classic Mickey Mouse short films and features stylized Mickey and Minnie statues sharing a frozen treat. There’s even a matching table nearby where you can recreate their adorable-ness! This ice cream joint will scoop out a variety of ice cream and gelato, as well as swirl milkshakes (Caramel Waffle Cone, what?!). And they’ve got a super. darling. new Mickey Pants sundae bowl! You might want to book a cruise just for the bowl. ©Disney Seriously. Look at his little foot pushed out. IKR?!?!? Disney Cruise Line is really stepping up its sweets game. Back in July, we couldn’t wait to tell you about the Go-Kart Sundae on board the Disney Dream. Go-Kart Sundae from Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats Just like the Mickey Pants, the Go-Kart at Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats is yours to keep! We lurve a sundae that doubles as a souvenir! What’s your favorite way to snack on a Disney Cruise? Confess your cruise snack style 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: Go-Kart Sundae from Vanellope’s Sweets and Treats on the Disney Dream! NEW! Mickey Kitchen Sink Sundae (AKA The Mickey Pants Sundae) in Walt Disney World! Mickey Waffle Pajama Pants on Sale in Walt Disney World View the full article

Earlier this week, Steven Miller shared a sneak peek at colorful new Mickey Ear headwear that will hit merchandise locations at Disney Parks in just a few days. The new looks range from fun pom poms ears, interchangeable bow ear headbands and festive holiday-themed headbands coming this way for the holiday season. Steven also shared an update on the super popular rose gold ears, which flew off the shelves when they were introduced earlier this year. A new supply is set to hit shelves in November. Which pair are you looking forward to buying? Tell us in the Comments section below! View the full article

Victoria & Albert’s, located in Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, was voted the second-best fine dining restaurant in America among TripAdvisor’s 2017 Best Fine Dining Restaurants in their Travelers’ Choice awards – the only Florida restaurant to make this prestigious list. Under the helm of Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef de Cuisine Aimee Rivera, maître d hotel Israel Perez and Master Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek, this is the second time Victoria & Albert’s has received high honors from TripAdvisor. The restaurant also is a recipient of AAA’s highest achievement, the Five Diamond Award. The ultimate in fine dining, Victoria & Albert’s 50-seat main dining room allows guests to choose between a 7-course menu and a 10-course Chef’s Tasting Menu with optional wine pairing selected by the sommelier. The intimate Queen Victoria Room offers a 10-course meal with tableside presentation and wine pairings. The highly sought-after 10-seat Chef’s Table, located in the restaurant’s kitchen, grant diners a behind-the-scenes look at the Victoria & Albert’s team crafting the evening’s dishes. The restaurant’s impressive cellar boasts over 700 wines from over 35 regions. Travelers’ Choice winners are determined using an algorithm that takes into account the quality and quantity of reviews from TripAdvisor users gathered over a 12-month period. Victoria & Albert’s is among an illustrious group of restaurants. Here is a full list of the impressive top 10 fine dining restaurants: Daniel – New York City, New York Victoria & Albert’s – Orlando, Florida Charleston Grill – Charleston, South Carolina Alinea – Chicago, Illinois Chef and the Farmer – Kinston, North Carolina Halls Chophouse – Charleston, South Carolina Geronimo – Santa Fe, New Mexico Mama’s Fish House – Paia, Hawaii Restaurant Gary Danko – San Francisco, California Merriman’s – Kapalua, Hawaii Congratulations to the entire Victoria & Albert’s team! The restaurant is open daily for dinner. For reservations, visit www.victoria-alberts.com View the full article

With its camera-perfect setting, Hawai‘i serves as not only the perfect vacation destination, but also the backdrop for countless films and television shows. ABC filmed a portion of its newest show, “Marvel’s Inhumans,” on the leeward coast of O‘ahu, just a few miles from Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa. For a chance to travel like a Super Hero, enter Marvel’s Inhumans at Aulani Resort Sweepstakes through November 10, 2017. One lucky family will win a four-night stay at Aulani Resort, including airfare, for four guests. To enter, log into Twitter and post a tweet that includes the hashtag #AulaniInhumansSweepstakes. “Marvel’s Inhumans” explores the never-before-told epic adventure of the royal family including Black Bolt, the enigmatic, commanding King of the Inhumans, with a voice so powerful that the slightest whisper can destroy a city. After the Royal Family of Inhumans is splintered by a military coup, they barely escape to Hawaii where they are greeted with surprising interactions with the lush world and humanity around them. Now they must find a way to reunite with each other and return to their home before their way of life is destroyed forever. Be sure to check out the official sweepstakes rules. No Purchase Necessary. Ends 11/10/17. 50 US/DC, 18+ only. View the full article

It’s time to engage sight, sound, smell, and TASTE at the Party for the Senses! Party for the Senses sign Year after year, the Party for the Senses remains one of the most highly anticipated Special Events for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Boasting a huge variety of dishes created by Master Chefs and drinks along with live music and entertainment, the Party is a highlight of the season for many Festival guests. Pastry Chef Noah French presents “Donuts & Coffee” The Party for the Senses takes place at the World Showplace Events Pavilion (between the UK and Canada Pavilions) from 7:30 to 10:00 pm on select Saturdays throughout the Festival. There are two more to go this year on October 21st and November 11th. So get ready to PARTY, because we’re going inside! Seating Options and Inclusions When booking a Party for the Senses, you have a choice of three different seating levels for the event, and Epcot admission is required and not included. New for 2017, every level includes guaranteed seating (as opposed to walking around with your plate and glass all night, which was previously the case for General Admission). Party for the Senses Additionally, Party tickets holders also can enjoy Eat to the Beat Concert Series seating for the evening’s 5:30 and 6:45 pm shows. At $329, the Wine View Lounge is the Top Category, offering a private reserved table in an exclusive area (closest to the stage), early entrance into the event at 7:15 pm, a specialty cocktail toast, an artisanal cheese station, and transportation to and from the Epcot Main Entrance in one of the new Disney World “Minnie Vans.” Wine View Lounge Table Oh, that cheese station? Check out Gertrude, the Cow Cart! Gertrude, the Cow Cart Now, it’s pretty clear that Gertrude is awesome. However, she’s also on wheels. Selection on the Cow Cart So, it’s entirely possible that you may pay for Wine View, which includes this exclusive cheese cart, only to miss it when you’re up visiting the food stations. Just an FYI. Reserved Seating for $199 includes a reserved table for just your group on the main floor. Table at Party for the Senses Guaranteed Seating — or General Admission — is $179, though the seats may have an obstructed or distant view of the stage, and you will be seated with other guests outside of your group. (Table sizes throughout the room ranged from seating 2 to 24 guests.) Party for the Senses Table When you check in for the event, you receive a card with your table number (Cast Members are available to help you find your table, if needed). For our evening, going from the start of check-in to our table took about 15 minutes. Each table has place settings that include a brochure, plate, and a wine glass per seat. Place Settings We’ll check out the brochure a little later, but the Party for the Senses Wine Glasses are emblazoned with the Epcot 35 Anniversary logo this year. Party for the Senses Epcot 35 Wine Glasses You’ll want to put these to use right away . You carry around your glass for the evening to have filled at the various Tasting Stations with the pairing suggestions. They are also a souvenir to keep (as we exited the Party, we received plastic bags to carry the glasses out of the park). But while this is a fun souvenir, it’s a bad system for drinking throughout the night. When you pay this much for a ticket and, presumably, to drink good wine and several different beverages for which people have spent a lot of time getting the flavors just right, you don’t want to mix and match flavors by using the same glass over and over again. More on this later. Atmosphere and Entertainment The World Showplace Pavilion is essentially one huge room used for hosting various events throughout the year at Epcot. But the room gets “dressed up” for the party with unique lighting elements and a stage front and center featuring the evening’s entertainment (though we noticed that the ambient lighting was brighter, and therefore less dramatic, than in years past). Party for the Senses stage Femmes of Rock — an electric strings group — was the featured act for the evening. Femmes of Rock The music — essentially rock and roll performed with strings — was upbeat and fun. There were also dancers to add more visual entertainment to the mix. Femmes of Rock Femmes of Rock For moments when the band took a break, an MC and DJ provided pop and rock tunes, so the atmosphere was always alive with music for something of a club-like experience. Guests were even welcome to dance (though I didn’t really see the dance floor being used until close to the end of the night for the DJ’s last few songs). Taken purely on its own, the music was good, and the Femmes of Rock were great. Femmes of Rock Femmes of Rock But it is difficult not to compare the entertainment with previous years, which in the past has included acts from Cirque du Soleil. And even when the entertainment changed from Cirque in 2016, there was more of a variety present (for instance, last year’s Disney Springs-themed Party featured music and dancers from Raglan Road), which — frankly — I missed. Another thing to note: the music was very, very loud (again, adding to the whole club vibe). If you were hoping to have an easy conversation with friends at your table, it was challenging. That said, entertainment can and does change throughout the Festival. The previous Party featured a jazz guitarist with a more mellow sound, so you can’t be certain of the general feel for your event until you get there. As mentioned, this year was the first year when all Party guests received seating. This definitely had an impact on the space, making the room feel much “busier” than in years past. So, it’s a pro-and-con situation. Party for the Senses One the one hand, having a seat for everyone is terrific for obvious reasons. On the other, it contributed to my primary word to describe the general feel of the whole event: CROWDED. Party for the Senses Party for the Senses Party for the Senses And, of course, this had an effect on the food lines as well, which were likewise quite long. In particular, the lines for the meat items were wrapping around the tables for about the first hour; and the dessert lines were crazy for the last 30 minutes or so. But that’s enough talk about food… let’s SEE it, already! Eats and Drinks The Tasting Stations, of course, are the highlight of the Party. Tasting Stations Tasting Stations Tasting Stations They are spaced throughout the room, and the table brochure I mentioned earlier maps out where you can locate the various items. Party for the Senses Map Luckily, that cryptic map does have a legend. Offerings can vary based on Chefs in attendance and their featured dishes, so take the items below as examples of what you may enjoy at a Party for the Senses (click the image below to enlarge). Party for the Senses Tasting Station Items Party for the Senses Tasting Station Items A few favorites of the evening included this huge hit… Chef Jennifer-Booker Hill hosting her Tasting Station The Southern Chicken Pot Pie in a Brioche Conewich (!!!) is brought to you by Chef Jennifer Hill-Booker of Your Resident Gourmet in Lilburn, Georgia. Tasting Station Menu Southern Chicken Pot Pie The Mediterranean Style Braised Mangalitsa Pork Belly by Chef Javier Pareja of Disney’s BoardWalk Inn was another standout. Tasting Station sign Mediterranean Style Braised Pork Belly The Pumpkin Fig Pierogi by Chef Norm Curka of the Grand Floridian was in keeping with the fall season. Tasting Station Menu Pumpkin Fig Pierogi “Donuts & Coffee” by Epcot’s Chef Noah French sounds simple enough, until you take in the Maple-Pecan Baked Donut with Espresso Cremeux. Tasting Station Menu “Donuts & Coffee” Speaking of coffee… Tasting Station Menu Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company served up some caffeinated options, including Nitro Cold Brew. Joffrey’s Representative But remember… even if you don’t attend the Party for the Senses, you can still grab a Mickey or Minnie-topped beverage at Joffrey’s Tea Traders Cafe in Disney Springs! Joffrey’s Coffee with Minnie and Mickey Thankfully, no event is too fancy-schmancy for MICKEY Waffles! Mickey Waffles Verlasso Representative These were incorporated into Chef Jennifer Bushman’s Verlasso Salmon and Waffles with maple syrup, onion glaze, and maple butter sauce. Tasting Station Menu Verlasso Salmon and Waffles Again, those were some of the highlights, but here’s just a few more glimpses to give you a… taste. Check out the Assorted Cheese table… Assorted Cheese And don’t forget those suggested pairings! Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Selection Cote des Roses Rose Bottom of Cote des Roses Terlato Wines Representative Just don’t try so much that you forget to carry your souvenir wine glass on the way out! Party for the Senses Wine Glasses Overall — Is it Worth The $$$$$? Party for the senses has been a “maybe” for us in terms of value for many years now. Straight up: you’re laying down some serious bucks to attend… especially if you’re forking over the $329 for the Wine View Lounge (and at $179, General Admission is a pretty penny on its own). So, is it worth it? Party for the Senses Here are our takeaways based on this year’s Party. Our Thoughts There really is a LOT of food with several interesting and well-executed items (along with all the beverages) at this event. If you’re looking for a Festival splurge on a unique dining experience that includes a lot of variety in what you’re receiving, then I think the Party for the Senses could be worth it if — and this “IF” is quite important — you could actually get around to all or at least most of the food. I mean, there were so many options to try — which in and of itself is a great feature of the Party — but with the crowds you had to rush REALLY quickly to attempt to try most of them. Which, in essence, defeats the purpose of having a seat for everybody. Many of the seats went unused throughout the evening, which I’m assuming was due to the time it took to get around to everything. The variety and amount of food is central to this event, so I’m certainly not recommending fewer options. But I am saying there is definitely room for improvement. Also, I would have liked to have the option to use a different glass for each drink. If I’m drinking a bold red and then switch to a sweet white, that could compromise the flavor if the glass isn’t washed in between servings. Also, if I didn’t want to finish a particular drink, it would have been helpful to have a way to get rid of that leftover drink before I refill the glass with something else. We saw guests washing out their glasses at the complimentary drinking water stations, and pouring old wine into coffee cups so that they could go refill their glasses with a new beverage. It’s just bad form for an event that costs so much to not at least offer a fresh glass when needed. Personally, we would buy a general admission ticket for a date night, anniversary, or birthday celebration. But only if the lines are little less long and the room a little less crowded. And they fix that glass situation. Our Suggestions Here are some of our ideas on how this event could be improved, based on our 2017 experience: There either needs to be some sort of organized system so guests are sure to be able to try more things, or the duration of the event (currently 2.5 hours) should be lengthened to make it worthwhile. Though there are a couple of themed nights (such as Disney Springs Chefs and Disney Parks Chefs), guests are otherwise going in without knowing the featured chefs and dishes for the event. It might be helpful for Disney to provide a list for the event’s features so guests can decide which Party they’d prefer. Ditto for the entertainment. As it stands currently, you could get anywhere from club-style to mellow jazz, and it might be best to know in advance which vibe you’ll experience — again, for preference. Offer fresh glasses when needed. It just looks bad to have people who paid over $300 washing out their glasses at glorified drinking fountains and pouring leftover wine into coffee cups. The top tier tickets need to have better perks. Currently, general admission is the only ticket we consider to be worth the cost to purchase. (Gertrude is great, but did you see the size of that cheese table that everyone has access to? It’s plenty.) Wine View Lounge would be MUCH more worth the cost if guests didn’t have to get up to get their own food, and wait in the subsequent lines. Perhaps consider introducing servers into the Wine View Lounge so that guests could stay seated throughout the evening and have their food brought to them. True, the above suggestion would take away the interaction with the chefs, so in that case, consider having separate lines for Wine View Lounge guests — like VIP lines at the airport — so they aren’t waiting in such long lines and would have more time to interact with the chefs. Nosh or Not? You may want to attend the Party for the Senses if: You want to try lots of unique and yummy food and drink items in one fell swoop at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. You are a foodie who enjoys a party atmosphere, and the chance to greet several Chefs. You’re cool with attending on the General Admission level. Because now that everyone gets seating we have to say that the Wine View Lounge and the Reserved Seating levels don’t offer enough perks to justify the price at this point. Based on our 2017 experience, you’ll want to skip if: You’re not a fan of crowds. You prefer to savor your food over rushing. You like knowing more of what you’re paying for prior to attending the event with regards to food and entertainment. So, that’s our take. How about yours? If you attended a Party for the Senses this year, we’d really love to hear about your experience! Want to read more about the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? We have ALL of the Details — including every food photo from the World Showcase Booths — on our Epcot Food and Wine Festival Page! Is the Party for the Senses on your Must-Do list during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know with a comment! Disclosure: In nearly all circumstances, Disney Food Blog writers and photographers pay full price for their own travel, hotel, food, beverage, and event tickets. We do this because it’s important to us as journalists to ensure not only that we give you unbiased opinions, but also that you can trust us to do so since we’re paying our own way. On rare occasions, when we are invited by Disney World to attend an event as media, and when we choose to accept that invitation, we will always make you, our readers, aware of that situation. Note that when we attend events as media we are 1) Not required to review that event on any of our channels, and 2) Not required to review that event favorably. You can always count on DFB to give you a 100% unbiased and honest review of any event that we attend, food that we eat, or beverage that we drink. You can see more in our Disclosure Policy. Thank you for reading. — AJ 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: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Party for the Senses Epcot Food and Wine Festival Review: Party for the Senses Review: Epcot Food and Wine Festival Party for the Senses View the full article

In our new production of “Beauty and the Beast, ” set to premiere aboard the Disney Dream this November, one of the most iconic songs in the Disney canon has been completely re-imagined for the stage. “Be Our Guest” is becoming a multi-course French dinner rooted in imagination and fantasy, with rousing choreography and dazzling visual effects that will fill the stage during this full-fledged spectacle. For a glimpse at how this song will leap to the stage as a joyful and exuberant production number, check out our next behind-the-scenes video… Keep following along on the Disney Parks Blog as we go behind the curtain of a tale as old as time, and check out my past posts to learn more about this amazing new production-in-the-making: Bringing the Enchanted Objects to Life in “Beauty and the Beast” Aboard the Disney Dream First Look at The Beast in “Beauty and the Beast” Aboard the Disney Dream Dressing a Tale as Old as Time: An Exclusive Interview with the Costume Designer of Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Opening the Music Box of “Beauty and the Beast” Aboard the Disney Dream Behind the Scenes of the New ‘Beauty and the Beast’ Musical Coming to the Disney Dream View the full article

Care to join us for some honey, Honey ? Then check out Savannah Bee Company with us! Savannah Bee Company Located near The Ganachery in The Landing of Disney Springs, Savannah Bee Company is an eco-friendly store selling all-natural honey! Honey Bottles Honey Straws You can also find honey bath and body products, but we’re checking out the artisanal bottled honey to — as they say on the sign — “see what the buzz is all about.” Honey Bar Currently on the Honey Bar Menu are Tupelo, Sourwood, Acacia, Black Sage, Lavender, Orange Blossom, Palmetto, Honeycomb, and “The Bee Cause Project.” Honey Bar Menu Available sizes are all listed per honey bottles on the Honey Bar. Sample Honey Bottles You’ll find descriptions and qualities of each selection on the Bar as well. But what if you’re still confused as to which you might like best? Sample Honey Bottles Well… they’ve got CHEESE for that in the tasting area! Try some cheese to sample the honeys… Cheese and Honey Tasting Area … then you can BEE on your way with your new bottle! Savannah Bee Company Let’s face it… it’s almost time to start making that Holiday Shopping List and checking it twice, and what better place to do that than in all the new (and old favorite) shops in Disney Springs? Will you be stopping by Savannah Bee Company? 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: Coca-Cola Store Orlando Opens July 2nd at Disney Springs Review: Christmas Treats at Goofy’s Candy Company in Disney Springs Studio Catering Company Re-Opens With New Menu View the full article

The 2017 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT is right around the corner and runners are packing their bags for the race events all around our world. All you need is one little spark of inspiration for this race day outfit, just in time for the event weekend! Letting our imagination run wild, we chose Figment from the classic Epcot attraction, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, and one of the current characters featured throughout the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, as inspiration for this running ensemble. Highlighting the beloved dragon’s famous “royal purple pigment”, we’ve paired a runDisney athletic top from Champion with coordinating shoes, reminiscent of another Epcot attraction Spaceship Earth, from New Balance. Add these fun Chef Figment ears, available as part of the Festival merchandise, for an added spark to light up your outfit. Don’t forget your MISFIT wearables to keep track of your race performance. For a few other additions to complete your Figment-inspired running costume, take a look below for some quick instructions: Be sure to celebrate your own journey into imagination by snapping a photo with your 2017 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend medals in front of the Figment topiary, available during this year’s Festival! What is inspiring your running style for the weekend? Let us know using the hashtag #WineDineHalf on our social media channels! Twitter: @runDisney Instagram: @runDisney Facebook: @runDisney
 YouTube: @runDisney Check out this link to learn more about other runDisney events. View the full article

Here at Disney Parks, everything we do is about you! From transportation to resort hotels to immersive experiences and more, we want to help you make memories that last a lifetime. That’s why we were proud to share earlier today that Disney Cruise Line was named the No. 1 “Large Ship Line” by Condé Nast Traveler readers as part of the 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. We’re also pleased to announce that several Disney resort properties were nominated by guests just like you for their magical moments: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Disney’s Contemporary Resort Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa Collectively, these properties have been entertaining guests for more than 150 years. That’s a lot of memories in the making! So thank you to every traveler who voted for a Disney destination, and thanks to our cast members who help deliver unforgettable vacation experiences day after day, year after year. We’re proud to be a part of your favorite moments. View the full article

Halloween is almost here and to help you make the most of it, we’ve compiled a list of our Top Five Halloween TIps, Tricks & Tutorials that will help you add Disney magic to your holiday. Check out our list below for tips on creating Halloween-themed treats, costuming, makeup and more. 1. Disney Pumpkin Carving Templates – Here are some not-so-scary Halloween pumpkin-carving templates that feature some familiar Disney faces. 2. Make Mickey Ghost Apples – These spooky treats are sure to delight. Check out the video above for a look at how to make these tasty and adorable treats. 3. Make Witch Minnie Candy Apples – One of the most popular treats guests snap up at Walt Disney World Resort this time of year is the Witch Minnie Candy Apple. Check out the video above for step-by-step directions on how to make one for yourself! 4. Make a Haunted Mansion Butler Costume – In need of a spooky costume for this Halloween? Check out our tips on how to make an amazing (and affordable!) Haunted Mansion Butler-inspired costume. Step-by-step directions are above. 5. Disney Mermaid-Inspired Makeup Tips – Take your Halloween look to the next level with these tips from our Cosmetology team. These makeup application tips would work for any princess or mermaid look this year. View the full article

We've already told you about some of Disneyland's spectacularly spooky Halloween treats. There's the bat-wing sundae, the Mummy Macaron Ice Cream Sandwich, and plenty of other wonderfully Instagrammable treats. But now, there's another stunning dessert that may just take the cake. Literally. It's... View the full article

I have some great news to share with you! Condé Nast Traveler readers have once again recognized Disney Cruise Line as the “Top Large Cruise Line” in the magazine’s 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The reader survey honors the best travel experiences from around the world. This marks the 15th consecutive year that Condé Nast Traveler readers have recognized Disney Cruise Line in the annual survey. It’s always such an honor for Disney Cruise Line to be recognized with awards that come directly from travelers themselves, who we know have countless vacation choices. We’re humbled to learn that more than 300,000 readers cast their votes in this year’s survey, submitting millions of reviews. Since we first set sail in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has delivered incredible family vacation experiences that combine the magic of Disney with the wonder of exploring different parts of the world. From Broadway-style productions inspired by classic Disney tales and dedicated spaces for kids and adults to signature dining and spa experiences, Disney Cruise Line offers something for every member in your family. We’re so excited to celebrate this award with you, our guests, and our many Cast and Crew Members who are committed to providing the most magical vacations at sea. For a full list of this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards, visit www.CNTraveler.com/rca. View the full article