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We’ve told you previously about the magical experience of Disney Dreamers Academy and how this mentoring program has inspired more than 1,000 young minds nationwide to dream big. Well, for the next group of potential Dreamers, time is running out as there is only a few weeks left to apply for the 2018 program. Applications from high school students nationwide are being accepted until the end of this month. The 100 selected students for the 2018 Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and ESSENCE magazine will receive an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World Resort where they will participate in immersive career workshops, ranging from animation to zoology. Each student is taught important skills, such as communication techniques, leadership qualities and networking strategies, and are inspired by celebrity speakers and special guests who share their success stories and provide insight on how to reach for their dreams. And the program, which enters it’s 11th year, is having a huge impact. Some participants have gone on to pursue careers as authors, pilots, doctors, entrepreneurs, journalists and engineers, and even work at Disney. Any U.S. high school student, ages 13 to 19, can apply through Oct. 31, 2017 and selected participants will be announced in the coming months. To apply, just go to DisneyDreamersAcademy.com. View the full article

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge recently welcomed the addition of a new Disney Vacation Club property, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, as well as newly enhanced pool and dining areas. And now there’s one more new enhancement at the resort, the all-new Salon by the Springs! Those of you looking for some extra pampering (I know I always am), can stop by the recently opened salon for manicures, pedicures, hair styling and other spa services. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a spa-like retreat without even having to leave the resort. Salon by the Springs is open daily from 9am-5pm, and reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-SPAS. View the full article

This year at Disneyland Paris, Halloween means more than the return of the villains! It also means a brand new celebration with Goofy’s Skeletoon Street Party in Frontierland at Disneyland Park. The dazzling Salma Hayek and Laetitia Casta know whose side they’re on! They loved seeing the wacky Goofy in his silly skeleton costume. Check out the photos. View the full article

This month, our Disney Doodles series is switching gears to take a haunting look at what some of our villainous friends would do if they had the chance to visit a Disney theme park. First up is the Hatbox Ghost from The Haunted Mansion. According to the imagination of artist Ashley Taylor, he just may choose shops over attractions. “The Hatbox Ghost has been wearing the same hat for such a long time,” Ashley said. “I’d imagine he’d be amazed at the wall of Mickey Ears in the Chapeau Hat Shoppe on Main Street, U.S.A.!” View the full article

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs challenged Orlando chefs to create a signature dish that defines Orlando and expands people’s awareness of who we are as a destination. The criteria? The dish, a dessert, must incorporate one key ingredient – local honey. (Fun fact: Florida is one of the top five honey-producing states in the U.S., producing 17 million pounds of honey last year.) Chefs Bobby Rivera Otero, sous chef at Le Cellier Steakhouse at Epcot, and Jason Stricker, pastry sous chef for Epcot, crafted Disney’s entry in the competition. So, what dish did the Disney chefs create? A Local Wildflower Honey-Mascarpone Cheesecake with Orange Blossom Honey Ice Cream garnished with Fennel Pollen Meringue Kisses and an Orange-scented Cookie. Gold-flecked wildflower honey pools in an indentation on the top of the cheesecake and is also drizzled over the ice cream and decorates the plate. After his initial research, Otero, who started his Disney career 12 years ago as part of the Disney College Program, tapped Stricker, who is also an adjunct instructor at Walt Disney World Center for Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Valencia College, to be his creative collaborator. Stricker, a 20-year Disney Cast Member, was the perfect partner for this project – he has a keen interest in beekeeping originating from his grandfather, who was a beekeeper in Texas. “The flavor profile of the different honey varieties makes it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory dishes.” Now through Nov. 9, Orlando residents and visitors will have an opportunity to vote to determine the finalists. A judging panel will select the winning dessert that will be announced Dec. 7. Be sure to dine at Le Cellier Steakhouse to get a taste of this delicious dessert and let us know what you think. To check out all the honey creations and vote for Orlando’s Signature Dish, visit www.visitorlando.com/Dish/ ⎯ and be sure to share your favorite dish on social media with the hashtag #MyOrlandoDish! View the full article

Top of the World Lounge, the exclusive space atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, has added dates to its weekly Beverage Tasting Series, including a new menu of holiday-themed sessions. Presented on Thursdays as part of Membership Magic Ever After and priced at $40 a person, the 4:30-5:30 p.m. experience for as many as 20 participants (maximum of four people in a party) shifts its focus each week – from beer to wine to bourbon to the art of mixology – with each session delivering expert insights and small-plate food pairings with every round of featured beverages. Upcoming events include beer tastings on Oct. 26 and Nov. 30, bourbon tastings on Nov. 2 and Dec. 7, wine tastings on Nov. 9 and Dec. 14, and mixology experiences on Nov. 16 and Dec. 21. For a more seasonal take on the tasting experience, check out the new holiday-themed sessions on tap for November and December. Presented on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Top of the World Lounge, these festive gatherings feature seasonal beverages. The holiday slate includes tastings on Nov. 7 (spiced or mulled cider), Nov. 14 and 28 (Thanksgiving cocktails), Dec. 5 (chocolate-inspired holiday drinks), Dec. 12 (hot holiday beverage) and Dec. 19 (coffee-inspired holiday drinks). As an added bonus for any of these tasting events, attendees are welcome to remain in the lounge after the session, or even return to the lounge later in the evening. Call Member Services for more details and reservations. You should not purchase or add on real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. These offers may only be available to Members at various times and may or may not be renewed or extended. These offers are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Reservations are required and cancellation policies apply. Please visit Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort for additional information. View the full article

The Latin-inspired marketplaces at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are crowd favorites, inspiring guests to explore exotic treats full of South American flavors. Enjoy wine pairing at its finest at Patagonia, where you can try the beef empanada along with a taste of the Malbec from Bodega Noemía “A Lisa”, straight from Río Negro. The combination is perfección pura! Fans of the popular Brazil marketplace, tranquilos! The famous crispy pork belly with tomatoes and black beans is back, along with the Pão de Queijo (cheese bread). Make sure to try the Frozen Caipirinha featuring LeBlon Cachaça. And la fiesta continues at the Mexico marketplace. This year, the Rib Eye Taco and the Tequila Chipotle Shrimp will test your senses while the Mexican-style drinks will be the perfect thirst quenchers. Try the new Spicy Apple Margarita, or the classic Mexican sangria! The 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs through November 13th, with 35 global marketplaces celebrating 35 years of Epcot around the theme park. For more information visit epcotfoodfestival.com. View the full article

The cast of “Club Mickey Mouse” recently visited the Walt Disney World Resort and at this time of year, attending a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party was a must-do on their wish list. In case you haven’t seen the show yet, “Club Mickey Mouse” follows the journey of eight new Mouseketeers as they create new music and choreography, and build friendships. You can follow the program via “Club Mickey Mouse” on Instagram and Facebook, and can expect to find a unique musical performance and a marquee music video posted each Thursday. Check out the video above for a peek inside their Not-So-Scary experience! View the full article

The “Star Wars”-inspired virtual-reality experience set for Walt Disney World will open at Disney Springs on Dec. 16. Tickets are now on sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, officials said Wednesday. The 30-minute attraction, originally announced in early August, will include groups of four... View the full article

The “Star Wars”-inspired virtual-reality experience set for Walt Disney World will open Dec. 16 at Disney Springs. Tickets are now on sale for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire, officials said Wednesday. The 30-minute attraction, originally announced in early August, will include groups of four participants... View the full article

We have exciting news today for Star Wars fans! Tickets are now available for a new hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire by ILMxLAB and The VOID, an offering that will debut at Disney Springs at the Walt Disney World Resort December 16, and at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, January 5, 2018. Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport guests deep into the Star Wars universe, walking freely and untethered throughout the multisensory experience with friends and family. In groups of four, teams will go undercover as stormtroopers to capture Imperial intelligence vital to the budding rebellion’s survival. Check out the video above for a first look inside the Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience. Find ticket information and more for Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire now at www.thevoid.com. View the full article

There’s a new seating plan at Disney’s Party for the Senses, the ticketed event that occurs on certain nights during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Most guests at the event, held in the special-events building tucked between the Canada and United Kingdom pavilions, previously stood... View the full article

With autumnal festivities in full swing at Disney Parks, Disney Gift Card is ready to help you celebrate the most spooktacular season with pumpkins, scarecrows, vampires, ghosts, and your friends Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Here’s the scoop on four new designs and where you can find them. The “Not-So-Scary” Pumpkin Mickey card featured above references the iconic Main Street, U.S.A., decorations and is available throughout Walt Disney World Resort or at Disneyland Resort. Perhaps you want to give your little ones (or yourself!) a snack budget; a Disney Gift Card gives them the freedom to pay for the tricked-out souvenir or tasty treat they want, while giving them a keepsake of their trip. One of my favorite attractions year round is the Haunted Mansion, and there is nothing more memorable than your first time entering the mansion and noticing that the portrait of the man above the fireplace is aging. This Halloween, this spooky spirit has materialized on a very special Disney Gift Card design, available exclusively at Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland park in California. Like the Pumpkin Mickey design, this Disney Gift Card can be activated with any amount from $15 to $1,000, and if you don’t spend your entire balance during your Disney Parks vacation your balance will “follow you home.” Not visiting the parks this autumn? Not to fear. There are two new designs available at DisneyGiftCard.com featuring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse trick-or-treating and disguising themselves as scarecrows. While on DisneyGiftCard.com be sure to check out our other Halloween designs or search through hundreds more designs perfect for any occasion. Disney Gift Cards can hold up to $1,000 and never expire, so feel free to use your remaining balance to shop at a Disney Store near you, on shopDisney.com or on the Shop Disney Parks app when you return home, or save your Disney Gift Cards until your next Disney Parks vacation. View the full article

Get ready to meet another ultra-cool Marvel Super Hero. Black Widow is just one of the many Marvel Super Heroes you can encounter during Marvel Day at Sea aboard select Disney Magic cruises. Black Widow is one of the world’s greatest spies and a master of disguise. Natasha Romanov, known by many aliases, is an expert infiltrator, athlete and assassin. Brilliant and determined, Black Widow serves as a top S.H.I.E.L.D. agent and is one of the Avengers. During this one epic day on each sailing, you may cross paths with the legendary super spy, Black Widow around the ship and see her battling villains with her wits, wisdom and strength in the nighttime deck show. In Marvel’s Avengers Academy, Black Widow teaches young recruits how to expertly maneuver through an elaborate laser grid maze, how to learn the secrets of their foes and other important secret agent skills. Marvel Day at Sea premieres on select 7- and 8-night Disney Cruise Line sailings from New York this fall, and returns on select 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. To meet more Super Heroes assembling for this epic event, take a look back at my past posts: Meet the Super Heroes of Marvel Day at Sea: Captain America Meet the Super Heroes of Marvel Day at Sea: Doctor Strange Meet the Super Heroes of Marvel Day at Sea: Star-Lord Meet the Super Heroes of Marvel Day at Sea: Thor Meet the Super Heroes of Marvel Day at Sea: Hawkeye Meet the Super Heroes of Marvel Day at Sea: Spider-Man View the full article

The Halloween season has returned to Disney Parks with “spook-tacular” special events like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, or thrilling attractions such as Haunted Mansion Holiday in Disneyland park. After seeing the time-lapse video showing the installation of the 17th annual Haunted Mansion Holiday gingerbread house, I was inspired to find the newest products from Disney Parks featuring beloved characters from “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Guests will find stylish apparel for adults and kids including a t-shirt for boys that glows in the dark, a zip fleece, or companion shirts for couples featuring Jack Skellington and Sally. The wreath that Santa Jack delivers as a gift in the film is now a home decorative item (this one, however, does not bite). It joins new mugs including a double-sided one inspired by the Mayor of Halloween Town. A handbag ornament inspired by Sally is also new this year. It joins a new collection of character-inspired ornaments shaped like handbags. The many faces of Jack Skellington can be spotted on a variety of accessories such as an infinity scarf or an ornate mouse-eared headband complete with lace ears and an oversized bow. The Pumpkin King is also found on new Dooney & Bourke handbags released earlier this summer. Created especially for Disney Parks, they include a Shopper Tote with an incredible image of Jack’s distinctive face comprised of characters and symbols from the film. The Letter Carrier and Wristlet contain a stylish allover design of Jack. Finally, I have a preview of new Haunted Mansion Holiday pins being released on November 2 at Disneyland Resort. Look for a limited edition logo pin (edition size 5,000) and a jumbo-sized pin with Jack Skellington (edition size 1,000). We’ll also offer a pin for Annual Passholders and a mystery pin set. Items shown in this story may be found in select merchandise locations at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, ShopDisney.com or Shop Disney Parks app. View the full article

Insiders Look at Marvel Day at Sea With Stan Lee | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

VIctoria & Albert’s received the No. 2 spot in TripAdvisor’s top 10 fine dining restaurants in the United States. The Walt Disney World restaurant was second only to contemporary French restaurant Daniel in New York City. About 400 fine dining restaurants, are recognized this year. This includes... View the full article

Taping “Wheel of Fortune” at Epcot is truly coming home for host Pat Sajak, who bought a place in Central Florida a year ago. “We’re looking ahead to grandkids. Who doesn’t want to come to Disney World?” Sajak, 70, said Tuesday. “It’s nice to be here for the annual humidity festival,” the former... View the full article

Two of our favorite Disney characters served up plenty of smiles this weekend during the Shanghai Rolex Masters Family Day, proving that you can make a racquet and still have fun. Needless to say, Mickey and Goofy were aces when they braved the court with tennis stars Roger Federer and Wu Di. Game, set, match! Spectators cheered on the dynamic duo as part of the annual event which invites youngsters and their families to learn more about the sport and try their hand at a few games while watching the pros. Sportsmanship and celebration were in no short supply as families enjoyed a memorable day of activities in the sunshine. Mickey and Goofy brought even more Disney magic to the festivities, offering the chance to win gifts from Shanghai Disney Resort throughout the event, not to mention posing for a few fun snapshots along the way. The resort also announced plans to help kids in China play all day and practice a healthy lifestyle by supporting Shanghai Ruikebi Youth Sports Junior Tennis, bringing the program to two new schools and hundreds of students next year. So the next time you spot Mickey and Goofy, be sure to give them a victory high-five! I think it’s safe to say this isn’t their last game of doubles. View the full article

American Golden Globe Award winning actor, singer, and #1 New York Times Bestselling writer, Chris Colfer, visited Walt Disney World Resort last week for his appearance on the ABC Emmy-award-winning show, “The Chew.” Tune in this week to watch Chris create delicious dishes and talk about his book series, The Land of Stories. See what he cooks up on “The Chew” today at 1 p.m. EDT, 12 p.m. PDT Check out this behind the scenes video of Chris at The Chew from Epcot. View the full article

I am Chinese by heritage. My parents introduced me to the wonders of dim sum (aka culinary heaven) at a young age. If you haven’t experienced this type of cuisine, dim sum is a meal in which you get to select small plates of various yumminess. We take dim sum to a global level at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. You can choose from 105 food options and 137 types of drinks! Designer, Jeff Maurer, created a special wallpaper in honor of the festivities. Grab your forks and let’s go! Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

It’s no secret that many of you look forward to new wallpaper art here on the Disney Parks Blog. Our gallery now has more than 100 different choices and continues to be a popular section of the site to visit, especially during the holidays. Since launching our first wallpaper, we’ve offered a variety of desktop and mobile display sizes to choose from. Now, we’re adding a few more – especially for your wrist – beginning with our Disney Parks Blog 8th Anniversary Orange Bird wallpaper design. To add the Orange Bird design to your watch, simply navigate to our wallpaper page and click the drop-down box to choose Apple Watch 38mm or 42mm. As we release new wallpapers, you’ll see the new “Apple Watch” options along with our regular display sizes. Check back later this week to find a new Disney Parks Blog wallpaper. Also, be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. And if you want to grab a design right now, visit our gallery page to see the exclusive wallpapers we’ve released over the years. View the full article

Hooray for HOLLYWOOD! Hollywood Studios, that is! Hollywood Studios We took a stroll around the park recently and were surprised with a ton of new fun finds, from big to small! And we’re starting at the brand newest of them all. Welcome to… Grand Avenue You already know that BaseLine Tap House made its debut at the very end of September. BaseLine Tap House It’s housed at the top of the brand new Grand Avenue area of the park, which is now open to all guests. Grand Avenue Much like the Streets of America that came before it, Grand Avenue is made up of shop facades featuring windows where it’s all in the details. 728 Grand Avenue At 728 Grand Avenue, Angeleno Alterations stitches up garments for the ladies and gents. Angeleno Alterations Angeleno Alterations And the Spring Flower Market has been “Blooming Happiness since 1978.” Spring Flower Market Spring Flower Market But the Garcia Sisters have been serving Fine Foods even longer… since 1933! Mercado Garcia Sisters And Luxury Units are now available at Grand Lofts. Grand Lofts I wouldn’t mind living in one of the luxury units here… especially once the nearby walls to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge come down in 2019! Grand Avenue New Starbucks Cups Have you seen the new Animal Kingdom Starbucks Mickey Tumbler we found at Creature Comforts? Well, we told you there would be more to come, and indeed there is. Check out the Hollywood Studios Starbucks Mickey Tumbler at the Studios Starbucks location, The Trolley Car Cafe! Hollywood Studios Mickey Starbucks Tumbler The Tumbler Mickeys are made up of park icons, attractions, and even visual patterns that capture so much of each park. And, just like at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios has its own new design for the “You Are Here” Mug. New “You Are Here” Hollywood Studios Mug New “You Are Here” Hollywood Studios Mug New “You Are Here” Hollywood Studios Mug But The Trolley Car has something we haven’t seen at the other in-parks Starbucks locations… yet. It has its very own specialty drink: The Golden Age! The Golden Age This Chai made with Toffee Nut Syrup can be made iced, hot, or as a Frappucino. Echo Lake Refurbishment The refurbishment of Echo Lake continues, as the lake surrounded by spots like Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner has been completely drained. Echo Lake Refurishment Once the refurbishment is complete, it won’t only be water coming back to the lake. Gertie herself — of Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction — will be dawning a brand new accessory — a Santa Hat! Echo Lake Refurishment You see, Echo Lake should be all set just in time for the Holidays to roll around, which — as far as Hollywood Studios is concerned — is November 9th! That marks the return of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Spectacular, as well as new holiday experiences debuting around the park. Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Sunset Seasons Greetings will bring SNOW to Sunset Boulevard, along with new decorations and a holiday projection show at the Hollywood Tower Hotel running throughout the evening. Minnie’s Halloween Dine But let’s not rush through fall just yet! Your place for Autumn Fun in Hollywood Studios is Hollywood & Vine. Hollywood and Vine That’s where Minnie’s Halloween Dine — featuring Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy in their Halloween costumes — is in full swing! Minnie’s Halloween Dine And remember, as of last month, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine is available during lunch as well as dinner! (Breakfast remains the Play ‘n Dine experience featuring Disney Junior Characters.) Coco Cupcake Counter Service locations around the park are serving the new and colorful Dulce de Leche Coco Cupcake, in celebration of the upcoming Pixar film. (I can’t wait for this one!) Coco Cupcake Look for it in spots like The Trolley Car Cafe. Fairfax Fare Remember the Loaded Baked Potato at Fairfax Fare? Fairfax Fare It’s been replaced by a 7-Layer Rice Bowl. Fairfax Fare Menu Cilantro rice, black beans, a corn medley, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheddar cheese can be topped with your choice of pulled pork or grilled chicken. Sangria Slushy If you aren’t able to swing by Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs for one of their new Wine Slushies, you may want to stop by… Anaheim Produce, of all places! Anaheim Produce They are serving up Sangria Slushies with Beso del Sol Sangria! Sangria Slushy Woot! BB-9E Krispy Treats BB-9E — the First Order Droid we’ll get to know (and fear) when The Last Jedi is released — is featured on one of the redesigned prepackaged Star Wars Krispy Treats. BB-9E Krispy Treat You’ll find other refreshed Krispy Treat choices around the park, too. New Star Wars Krispy Treats ABC Commissary Oh, my goodness, this is taking me back… Does anyone remember the days of Chicken Breast Strips, long before the arrival of Chicken Breast Nuggets in Disney World? ABC Commissary Menu Well, they’re back! In one location, anyway. Stop by ABC Commissary for some good ol’ Chicken Strips! Chicken Breast Strips Check out the new Modern Family and Speechless displays while you’re there. Modern Family And remember this from Modern Family: “When life gives you lemonade, make lemons. Life will be all like, ‘What?!'” Speechless PizzeRizzo At PizzeRizzo, there’s a new drink on the menu. PizzeRizzo — The City’s Top Rated Pizza A Frozen Italian Margarita has replaced the Wild Berry Basil Limoncello. PizzeRizzo Beverage Menu Backlot Express And just a small update from Backlot Express before we go… Backlot Express The Royal Guard Burger from the Backlot’s Star Wars-themed menu is no longer served on a black bun. Backlot Express Menu New Royal Guard Burger Thanks for joining us! And now, as they say in Hollywood Studios… Hollywood Studios Hollywood Studios Goofy at Hollywood Studios Jedi Training Academy Hollywood Studios Streetmosphere THAT’S A WRAP! And by the way… if you’re wondering how ALL THE RESTAURANTS (and more!) rank on our list, check out this DFB Video on our YouTube Channel: Hollywood Studios Restaurants RANKED! What are you most looking forward to on your next trip to 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: Hollywood Studios Grand Avenue and Grand Park Details News: BaseLine Tap House and Grand Avenue Opening This Fall in Hollywood Studios DFB Video: Hollywood Studios Restaurants RANKED (Including BaseLine Tap House!) 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The Dream Called EPCOT | Walt Disney World View the full article

Last week, hundreds of Disney Parks Blog readers joined us for a honkin’ good time in Cars Land at Disney California Adventure park for the Disney Parks Blog Haul-O-Ween Meet-Up! Costume-clad guests at this special after-hours party enjoyed Halloween-themed attractions, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree … … along with lots of rides on the popular Radiator Springs Racers. The residents of Radiator Springs themselves even joined the party … … dressed in their car-stumes! And of course, there were plenty of Halloween Time snacks! Did you join us for the Disney Parks Blog Haul-O-Ween Meet-Up? Tell us about it in the comments! And there is still time to celebrate Haul-O-Ween in Cars Land during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, through October 31! View the full article