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Starting this summer, Disneyland Paris will celebrate Marvel Summer of Super Heroes, an event that will welcome Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, Star-Lord and Black Widow to Disneyland Paris for the first time. Starting June 10, guests’ favorite heroes will be featured in the Walt Disney Studios Park for exciting meet & greets and breathtaking, epic shows. But that’s not all for Marvel fans at Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris is also re-imagining one of its resort hotels into Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel. Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel will showcase the dynamic, inspiring world of Super Heroes including Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider Man among others, and will open within 2020. The resort will showcase the inspiring worlds of Iron Man, The Avengers, and Spider Man, among others in the style of a contemporary art gallery. Today we’re happy to share a sneak peek inside one of the Disney’s Hotel New York – The Art of Marvel resort rooms. The photo above shows how guests will truly be surrounded by the Marvel universe. View the full article

Just moments ago, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Bob Chapek shared an update on the progress of the highly anticipated land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and shared a sneak peek at the unique Toydarian merchandise guests will find exclusively in the land. At Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, guests will visit the planet of Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge that was once a busy crossroads along the old sub-lightspeed trade routes. Here, guests will find themselves in the middle of the action at two attractions that take detail and immersion to the next level: one that lets guests take the controls of Millennium Falcon on a customized secret mission, and an epic Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Guests will also be able to explore a street market run by a Toydarian, a character first introduced in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” Among his wares will be handcrafted toys made by local artisans, like those seen above. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is set to open at both the Disneyland and the Walt Disney World Resorts in 2019. View the full article

Today, Adventures by Disney made an exciting announcement: A new Japan vacation is coming in 2019! The trip will offer immersive, cultural experiences, such as visiting temples in Kyoto, learning sword techniques with a master samurai, exploring the bustling city of Tokyo and more. The Adventures by Disney Japan vacation will open for booking later this Spring, so look for more details on this trip in just a few months. In the meantime, save up that vacation time and plan for an unforgettable Adventures by Disney family vacation to Japan in 2019. View the full article

For more than 20 years, Disney Parks has partnered with Pixar to bring their compelling stories and beloved characters to life for guests visiting our parks – and this year, we’re happy to share that even more Pixar is coming very soon to Disney Parks around the world. At Shanghai Disneyland Disney•Pixar Toy Story Land will debut at Shanghai Disneyland in just a few weeks, on April 26, 2018. The land will feature three attractions inspired by beloved “Toy Story” characters. First, Slinky Dog will “chase his tail” around a giant dog dish, taking guests round and round on a whirlwind adventure at Slinky Dog Spin. At Rex’s Racers, Rex takes the controls to give guests a thrilling ride as they zip forward and backward on a race car, going higher and higher. And third, Bullseye will pull guests around in a lively dance choreographed to Western music. There will also be new opportunities to meet your favorite “Toy Story” characters. And guests are already enjoying tasty meals at Toy Box Café, which opened to guests last week. At the Disneyland Resort in California Beginning April 13, the first-ever Pixar Fest will be a celebration of friendship and beyond throughout the Disneyland Resort. Pixar Fest will feature the debut of the all-new “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular,” the return of “Paint the Night” parade and Pixar Play Parade as well as even more beloved Pixar characters, new décor, atmosphere entertainment, themed food and beverage and new merchandise items. Opening during Pixar Fest, the newly reimagined Pixar Pier will bring new, whimsical neighborhoods filled with your friends from “The Incredibles,” “Inside Out” and even more of your pals from “Toy Story.” The centerpiece of Pixar Pier will be the new Incredicoaster, a super combination of character figures, lighting and special effects that will bring the Parr family racing alongside you in an attempt to catch baby Jack-Jack. At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida New Pixar-inspired experiences are set for multiple parks as Walt Disney World Resort readies its “Incredible Summer” celebration. At Magic Kingdom Park, guests can visit Tomorrowland to party with characters from “The Incredibles” – including for the first time, fashionista Edna Mode. Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – just in time for the park’s 20th anniversary – a new show inspired by “Up” will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry-friend Dug. Toy Story Land is also set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer. When it opens, guests visiting this new land will “shrink” to the size of a toy and join in on the fun Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having in Andy’s backyard. Here, guests can take a ride on the Slinky Dog Dash family coaster, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, or visit a playful guest-favorite – Toy Story Mania! And just a reminder – we previously shared plans for an attraction coming to the France Pavilion in Epcot’s World Showcase inspired by “Ratatouille.” This attraction will be patterned after the experience in Disneyland Paris. In it, guests will shrink down to the size of Remy and join him on a crazy race through Gusteau’s kitchen and restaurant. Ratatouille is already the number one-family attraction at Disneyland Paris and will be a great addition to Epcot. Which Pixar experience are you most excited to experience? Tell us in the comments section below. View the full article

As Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek announced at D23 Expo Japan, Pixar Pier will open June 23 at Disney California Adventure park. This reimagined land will feature four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise. Guests will enter Pixar Pier through a new marquee, pictured above, which will be topped by the iconic Pixar lamp later in the year. The June 23 opening of Pixar Pier will also include the Incredicoaster – a super combination of character figures, lighting and special effects that will bring the Parr family racing alongside you in a high-speed adventure. Also coming in June is a dazzling new float for the popular “Paint the Night” parade featuring Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone from “The Incredibles.” This new float will bring all of the fun and excitement of the Incredibles’ world to life with high-tech, pop-art effects inspired by the mid-century-modern style of the films. Dynamic and innovative visual technology will also bring Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack to life, showcasing their powers in surprising ways! “Paint the Night” Parade makes its Disney California Adventure park debut when the first-ever Pixar Fest celebration begins throughout the Disneyland Resort on April 13. View the full article

Last summer, we announced plans for an immersive Star Wars-inspired resort to be built at Walt Disney World Resort. Tonight we’re happy to share more details on what this thrilling new resort, which will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, will be like. This first-of-its-kind resort will combine luxury with complete immersion into an authentic Star Wars story. Guests’ journey through space will start when everyone departs together for a multiday Stars Wars adventure by boarding a starship alive with characters and stories that unfold all around them during a voyage through the galaxy. At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for future updates on this fascinating place! View the full article

Happy weekend! We hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, now it’s time to kick back, relax, and catch up on another week of Disney food news! Loaded Tots and Fried Twinkie topped with strawberry sauce The 2018 Epcot Festival of the Arts is happening now through February 19, and we have all the Food Booth menus and food photos! See our Best of the Fest here!! Speaking of menus — the FULL MENUS for Epcot’s upcoming FLOWER AND GARDEN FESTIVAL are out! And we’ve got them here — plus a TON of photos of returning food items to the booths! Check them out and start your planning! And it’s time to get the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 e-book! Save 25% now with code wdw2018! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Loaded Tots and Fried Twinkies are now on the menu at Friar’s Nook in the Magic Kingdom! Full booth menus announced for the 2018 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Grocery delivery is available at Disney Vacation Club Resorts. Check out the seasonal cupcakes at Sprinkles this month! Disneyland’s Red Rose Taverne is serving breakfast – check out what to eat and what NOT to eat! Club 33 sales have started at Disney World. Possible dates and details for Free Dining at Disney World. Check out all the Rose Gold Snacks at Disney World! We have a Disney Cupcake food challenge! Celebrate Carnavale at Maria & Enzo’s and Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar at Disney Springs! Check out the new must-have milkshakes at Vivoli Il Gelato in Disney Springs. We shared seven mistakes to avoid when planning your Disney dining! Check out the beer specials at Paddlefish in Disney Springs. New DFB YouTube videos: 5 Memories to Make at Disney World and Disney World vs. Disneyland – Which One is Better for You? 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: Disney World vs. Disneyland – Which One is Better for You? 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 sharing our latest video – Disney World vs. Disneyland – Which One is Better for You?! Check it out — and don’t forget to subscribe here. Deal of the Week: 25% off the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2018 is here and we’re celebrating the grand launch with 25% off the cover price with promo code WDW2018. What’s in the DFB Guide? The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2018 Edition is full of need-to-know details, tools, and features to make your trip go smoothly, including: A 5-Step Strategy for Disney Dining Planning, covering everything you need to know from budgeting and booking to kids’ meals, dining discounts, and fireworks. An in-depth analysis of the Disney Dining Plan and whether it’s right for YOU. A comprehensive and in-depth look at EVERY Disney World restaurant, kiosk, bar, and lounge, including our personal tips to ensure a positive and stress-free dining experience. Four free, downloadable worksheets for planning your trip. These worksheets are designed to help you execute all the steps of planning the perfect Disney dining experience. And they’re reusable for all of your future trips! Seven sample one-day dining itineraries for a head-start on planning. A comprehensive index of bars and lounges WITH reviews. An often under-appreciated option for both dining and entertainment, the e-Book devotes a whole index to the topic. The ability to be read on your mobile device or computer! It’s fully portable right in your pocket! With over 600 pages of full-color photos, tips on the best restaurants, an ENTIRE chapter on snacks — including the best snack credit values throughout the parks and resorts — and a full break-down of whether the Disney Dining Plan is worth it for your family, now’s the time to get started planning your next Disney World vacation! 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining Sample Pages Here’s Just Some Of What We’ve Updated In the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book: Fully updated prices and restaurant info for 2018 visitors Updated details about available discounts and deals at Disney World restaurants DFB’s own 2018 recommendations for everything from table service to counter service to snacks and more Over 600 pages of updated Disney Dining advice, details, and information Disney Dining Plan Analysis – Is it right for your family? Can you really save money? NEW Disney food and restaurant photos Updated reviews of all Disney World restaurants, kiosks, bars, and lounges including all new eateries An updated chapter focused on one of the most popular Disney dining topics: Snacks in the theme parks and resorts A comprehensive section of What’s NEW in Disney Food, including new restaurants, new menus, restaurant closures, and more Updated information about the My Magic+ Planning System that Disney rolled out in 2013, and how it may affect your 2018 Disney plans Changes coming to Disney World in 2018 and 2019! As you can see, this is a labor of love and we put a ton of time and effort (and research) into ensuring that we are sharing with you the most relevant, up to date Disney Food Information that’s available. We do this so that you can plan your own Disney visit with confidence, and have the trip of a lifetime, every time. And right now you can save 25% off the cover price with promo code WDW2018! 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. The Jumbo Turkey Legs are an iconic snack at the Disney Parks. You either love ‘em or you don’t. DFB reader Camille Cobrando tweeted to us about the Turkey Legs: “Thank you @DisneyFoodBlog for informing me that #turkeylegs are over 1000 calories. For a split second, I contemplated giving them up, then I laughed at myself for even thinking that.” Camille, we are happy to hear that you love them! Turkey Leg! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared this must-have R2-D2 French Coffee Press! WDW for Grownups shared some cocktails from the Epcot Festival of the Arts. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for Raspberry Macarons from Sweet on You on the Disney Fantasy. Disney Family shared a recipe for Mickey Pizza Dip! 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 Post Round-up: January 28, 2018 Disney Food Post Round-Up: January 21, 2018 Disney Food Post Round-up: January 14, 2018 View the full article

Ticket prices at Walt Disney World will increase, effective Sunday. The increase comes as Disney tries to even out attendance throughout the year so guests aren’t stuck waiting in line and have a better time. Walt Disney World posted record-breaking attendance in the quarter that ended in December,... View the full article

Ticket prices at Walt Disney World will increase, effective Sunday. The increase comes as Disney tries to even out attendance throughout the year so guests aren’t stuck waiting in line and have a better time. Walt Disney World posted record-breaking attendance in the quarter that ended in December,... View the full article

Happy Weekend!! We’re back with another DFB Video today, and we’re taking you on a food tour of EVERY restaurant in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland in Walt Disney World! Be Our Guest Restaurant When it comes to dining, Fantasyland is best known as home to two of the most popular dining experiences in Disney World, with Cinderella’s Royal Table and Be Our Guest Restaurant. But it’s not all Castles and Princesses when it comes to Fantasyland restaurants, where you’ll find everything from iconic park treats like Specialty Caramel Apples to Cinnamon Rolls to something by the name of the “Cheshire Cat Tail.” We’ll tell you where to find all those and MUCH more as we check out every single food stop in Fantasyland! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: Which snack or restaurant tops your list when it comes to Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom? 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: Food Tour of Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland DFB Video: Top 5 Disney World Resorts for FOOD! DFB Video: Food Tour of Epcot’s United Kingdom View the full article

Major League Baseball’s house isn’t made of glass. The offseason showed us that. Stones were thrown between the league office and players union — and continue to be — over issues such as the slog in free-agent signings, leading some to suggest collusion. The words boycott and spring training were... View the full article

If you follow the happenings at Shanghai Disney Resort, then you may know that Toy Story Land will open there on April 26th. But Shanghai Disney guests are already enjoying the Land’s Counter Service option in advance of the opening. Welcome to the Toy Box Cafe! Toy Box Cafe ©Disney The window-service stations are housed by what used to be the original packaging for Buzz Lightyear and Mrs. Potato Head! (Lotso’s packaging provides a counter as well.) Toy Box Cafe ©Disney And the menu? It’s a mix of both Shanghai traditional and western offerings that also celebrate the beloved Toy Story characters in their unique and fun-filled presentations! Alien Spicy Seafood Pizza, a Baked Sweet Potato with marshmallow, and bubble waffle with strawberry ice cream (inspired by Lotso’s fragrance) are on the list. Toy Box Cafe’s Alien Spicy Seafood Pizza and Baked Sweet Potato ©Disney SO fun, right?! Surrounding the Toy Box Cafe in Andy’s backyard are oversized toy chairs and tables as well as lots of favorite childhood toys. Now, that may ring a bell with Disney World aficionados, too, as the Toy Story Land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this summer will also be filled with beloved toys like Andy’s very own Tinkertoys. At the Studios, they will surround Woody’s Lunch Box, the Counter Service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land in Orlando. Woody’s Lunch Box Concept Art©Disney Now, here is what we know about Woody’s Lunch Box so far: Disney has partnered with Mini Babybel®, declaring it the Official Snack Cheese of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. And Mini Babybel is directly partnering with Disney for Woody’s Lunch Box, so we expect to see the snack cheese featured in some way. Mini Babybel Cheese We also know that old-fashioned soda floats will be served alongside full meal options. According to the official Walt Disney World website, these meals will feature “classic American fare” as well as “other Toy Story-themed specialties.” My guess is that American fare implies maybe burgers, hot dogs, and the like (especially since these tend to go hand in hand with soda floats). But, hey, that could also mean…. well, basically anything! And who isn’t intrigued by the promise of “Toy Story-themed specialties” like maybe an alien-shaped pizza? So it’s time again to do some Disney daydreaming! What would you like to see on the menu at Woody’s Lunch Box? Are your thoughts inspired by what you’ve seen so far from the Toy Box Cafe menu in Shanghai Disney? And while we’re at it… let’s take a look at ALL the new restaurants that you might want to try in Disney World in 2018, including Woody’s Lunch Box! Let us know what you’d like to see when Woody’s Lunch Box opens along with the rest of Toy Story Land this summer! Share your thoughts and ideas about Woody’s Lunch Box and Toy Story Land with a comment below! 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! Woody’s Lunch Box Quick Service Location Coming to Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios Rumor: Major Changes For Toy Story Pizza Planet in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2016 Imagineering Fun: Construction Walls in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (This Post is Not as Boring as it Sounds in the Title) View the full article

This week, some of the most compelling images shot at the Walt Disney World Resort were snapped Monday, the day after the fairytale Super Bowl win by the Philadelphia Eagles. Super Bowl hero Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles appeared at Magic Kingdom Park for a celebratory “I’m Going to Disney World!” parade down Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park. In front of the majesty of Cinderella Castle the day after the Eagles’ 41-33 improbable Super Bowl victory, park guests and Eagles fans lined the famous street as a smiling Foles waved from a float he shared with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other beloved Disney characters. Balloons and a blizzard of confetti in the Eagles’ team colors completed the happy scene. “World champions!” shouted Foles. “To be at Disney World is unbelievable.” Afterward, Foles spent some time enjoying Disney World, experiencing several signature Disney attractions and interacting with Mickey and Minnie. Check out more photos of his visit above or watch the replay of his special parade appearance. View the full article

Gong Xi Fa Cai! If you plan to stop by the China Pavilion in Epcot on February 16 to mark the start of Lunar New Year, Disney PhotoPass Service will offer special photo opportunities for you and your family to enjoy as you reconnect and celebrate the new year. Select photos taken in the China Pavilion on February 16 will receive a special border celebrating the official start of the Year of the Dog. From noon through 9 p.m., a PhotoPass photographer will also offer a prop you can include in your photos. And, travel-sized for your convenience, everyone’s favorite guardian dragon Mushu may pop into your photo with a Magic Shot! From 7-9 p.m., this glowing lotus will help you ignite bright memories and light up the darkness. Finally, when you meet Mulan, a PhotoPass photographer will be there to capture photos that tell the story of how you discovered your inner warrior. Check the My Disney Experience mobile app to find out when she’ll be available to meet you. As we welcome the Year of the Dog, Disney PhotoPass Service wishes you and your loved ones prosperity, good fortune, and many happy memories to take home with you! Please note that all photo opportunities are subject to change without notice and may be affected by inclement weather. View the full article

For the past year, Disneyland’s Village Haus has been occluded by the Red Rose Taverne overlay that was designed to celebrate the release of the live-action Beauty and the Beast. And there’s no end in sight for the takeover, as now Red Rose Taverne has a brand new breakfast menu! (Oh, and in case you’re wondering, it’s pretty much the only breakfast game in town besides Jolly Holiday, now that Rancho del Zocalo is back to only lunch and dinner.) Red Rose Taverne Overlay Red Rose Taverne quickly drew in large crowds, with guests lining up for hours to immerse themselves in anything BATB — and embracing the new look and new eats (including The Grey Stuff)! Our Disneyland correspondent Heather Sievers (@DiningInDisney!) checked it out for us and got one of everything on the restaurant’s very first day! Red Rose Taverne Decor Now Heather and our Disneyland pal Sabrina (@everythingdisney.55!) bring us info about Red Rose Taverne’s new breakfast menu! The menu is posted on a sign outside and includes classics like a Breakfast Platter and Buttermilk Pancakes. Red Rose Taverne Breakfast Sign And the adorably edible Mickey-Shaped Pancake has made the transition to Red Rose. As I mentioned before, Rancho del Zocalo has stopped serving breakfast altogether; but that originally-at-River-Belle-Terrace Mickey Pancake has moved house again and is now at Red Rose…albeit sadly without his friendly face. And while we’re disappointed to lose those unique breakfast offerings at Rancho del Zocalo, we were hopeful since the Taverne does have a couple of unusual offerings, including a Breakfast Flatbread and Garden Vegetable Hash. Red Rose Taverne Breakfast Menu Sabrina dug into two Taverne breakfast items that are sure to be popular: the Breakfast Platter and the Mickey-Shaped Pancake. The Mickey pancake is still a fluffy pancake and does come with a pile of fresh fruit and some crispy bacon, so it’s a solid, classic breakfast option. (And you could presumably make your own face?) Red Rose Taverne Mickey Pancakes and Breakfast Platter The Breakfast Platter is a massive amount of food (and maybe good for sharing if you have small to average eaters!), including a pile of scrambled eggs, several pieces of bacon, a pile of crisp hash browns (called Taverne Potatoes here), and — in lieu of more traditional toast — a croissant. Simple, tasty morning sustenance. Red Rose Taverne Breakfast Platter Heather, on the other hand, tried some of the more unique breakfast options, but she was… underwhelmed to say the least. Croque Madame, Breakfast Flatbread, and Garden Vegetable Hash First up: the Breakfast Flatbread. Despite a laundry list of tasty toppings — egg, bacon, mozzarella, greens, Taverne Potatoes, and bechamel sauce — this was lackluster. Everything was a little underseasoned and uninteresting. Breakfast Flatbread The Garden Vegetable Hash is a combination of mushrooms, Taverne Potatoes, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes. There’s some bechamel on this one, too, plus the ubiquitous ‘baked egg’, as it’s called on the menu. Garden Vegetable Hash This dish was another blah plate of food. And the baked egg? Plastic. Not in a good way like Plastic Cheese — just tough and rubbery. You can see in the picture that it was actually difficult to cut through. Baked Egg The Open-Faced Croque Madame was okay taste-wise, but it suffered from the same rubbery egg, and it simply wasn’t flavorful enough to go back for. Croque Madame The components include ham, tomato, Gruyere, and bechamel on thick-cut, country-style toast. The texture of the egg was a disaster, so while the ham was pleasant and the toast was a nice foundation, we won’t be saying bonjour to the Croque Madame again. Croque Madame Sliced The Red Rose Taverne overlay might be a year old, but we still love it. And it’s exciting to have new breakfast options in Disneyland (even though we wish Rancho hadn’t been sacrificed in the process!). It’s unfortunate that some of the more interesting menu items were terrible this morning. Hopefully our experience was an anomaly and will shape up soon. Click here to read more about Disneyland Food! DisneyFoodBlog.com/Disneyland-Food Are you a big breakfast eater in the Disney Parks? Tell us about your favorite way to start a Disney day in the comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Red Rose Taverne Opens in Disneyland News: Menu and Opening Date Revealed for Beauty and the Beast Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland! Review: Red Rose Taverne Beauty and the Beast Restaurant in Disneyland View the full article

This week, the Disneyland Resort hosted a special visit to Disneyland park for retired Imagineer Bill Watkins, who was instrumental in engineering the Space Mountain attractions at both Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort, as well as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Disneyland Resort. As the ride engineer for these attractions, Bill designed their track layouts and vehicle chassis with a passion for physics and storytelling, helping to inspire the creation of these iconic attractions around the world. Bill enjoyed a personal tour of Space Mountain and observed the operation, rode the attraction twice and met cast members. Now in his 80s, Bill contributed to a number of attractions at Disney Parks around the world and completed the first all-computer design of a Disney attraction with Space Mountain. He worked at Walt Disney Imagineering from 1966 to 1985, and oversaw mechanical design for the openings of Epcot and Tokyo Disneyland. Bill had a fun morning and appreciated his visit to the attraction. He last visited during the 50th anniversary of Disneyland park in 2005, when Space Mountain officially re-launched with astronaut Neil Armstrong as the guest of honor. Since it opened, more than 250 million guests have ridden Space Mountain at Disneyland park. View the full article

Before heading into the weekend, we wanted to give a quick heads up that the Disney Parks Blog will be sharing some exciting updates from D23 Expo Japan. Our special coverage begins Sunday night, at about 10:15 p.m. EST, as Bob Chapek, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, presents several updates you’ll want to know about. Also Sunday night, you can stay on top of all of our coverage on Twitter by following @DisneyParks and on the Disney Parks Blog Facebook page. And we’ll be sharing a special edition of our popular Disney Parks Blog Daily Newsletter following our coverage – subscribe to receive updates right here. See you back here Sunday night. View the full article

New faces are coming to American Adventure, a longtime historical attraction at Epcot, Walt Disney World has announced. The attraction, set on the far side of the theme park’s World Showcase, has been closed for refurbishment. On tap is the conversion to an all-digital projection system for the... View the full article

Mary and Martin Downey, of Kissimmee, were watching “Wheel of Fortune” with their young sons when she decided to apply to be a contestant. “I’ve always wanted to be on the show. I went online and filled out the form,” said Mary, 35. She is founder and executive director of Community Hope Center,... View the full article

Mary and Martin Downey of Kissimmee were watching “Wheel of Fortune” with their young sons when she decided to apply to be a contestant. “I’ve always wanted to be on the show. I went online and filled out the form,” said Mary, 35. She is founder and executive director of Community Hope Center,... View the full article

Only two more weekends for the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. I know. I can’t believe it either. It has been a whirlwind of activity this year, with festival programming seven days-per-week. I’ve been able to enjoy the festival a number of times this year and I can’t believe how much bigger it feels. Guests seem to be reveling in all the great culinary artistry, exhibits, Artful Photo Ops and other events. I haven’t yet had time to take part in one of the seminars and workshops this year, but there is still time – for you and for me! The seminars are included with Epcot admission and are generally 30 minutes; and the workshops have a nominal fee but last 75 minutes and include hands-on training and a cool take-away. Some workshops you could try over the next two weeks include: (Saturday, February 10) Oswald the Lucky Rabbit: The Search for the Lost Disney Cartoons – David A. Bossert, Author and Disney Historian will showcase his latest fascinating writing efforts, a book based on the history of Walt Disney’s early animation. Guests will learn about the origins and history of Disney’s first major animation success in this immersive lecture that includes the screening of rare Oswald cartoons. (Monday, February 12) Gesture Drawing Class: Todd Bright, a former Disney animator, will showcase some of the foundations of animation. Guests will learn the art of quick sketching from life with a Disney animator and how “gesture drawing” of people is basic practice for animators, story board artists, and directors. A single drawing can tell a story. (Thursday, February 15) 3D Paper Crafting: Artist Dave Avanzino will take guests into the world of 3D shadowbox art. In this workshop, guests will create their own dimensional paper artwork, learning techniques to cut, fold and add spacers to their work making a framed magical masterpiece! (Sunday, February 19) Mini Masterpieces: Curators from our own Orlando Museum of Art help participants make their own landscape, portrait or abstract work on canvas inspired by the Orlando Museum of Art’s State of Excellence. Don’t forget to visit the Festival website for all the official times and prices. Seminars can be reserved day-of at the Odyssey Festival Center. Workshops can be booked in advance by calling (407) WDW-TOUR. Broadway Bound As a reminder, the Disney on Broadway series runs Fridays through Mondays during the Festival (or what we like to call a “Disney Weekend”). The next two weekends – February 9-12 and February 16-19 – shine the spotlight on Josh Strickland, the original lead from Disney’s “Tarzan” and Ashley Brown, who starred in the original Broadway production of Disney’s “Mary Poppins.” Ashley also portrayed Belle in Disney’s “Beauty & the Beast” on Broadway. All Disney on Broadway shows are included in theme park admission and take place at the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Broadway fans can book dining packages that include guaranteed seating for a show and a wonderful meal.* For more information on the Festival, click over to www.disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. And keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival. *Disney on Broadway Dining Packages are available for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner and include a 3-course meal or full buffet, depending on the location. View the full article

IT’S NATIONAL PIZZA PIE DAY AND I AM SO EXCITED! I absolutely LOVE pizza – and my mouth is watering just thinking about all of that cheesy goodness. The best thing about my job is that I don’t have to go very far to find it, because you can find pizza just about anywhere at our parks and resorts on both coasts! Hold on to your crusts, because I’m about to take you on a tasty tour of some of my favorite places to get pizza at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Whether you’re blasting off to Redd Rockett’s Pizza Port in Disneyland park or taking a stroll down the pier at Disney California Adventure park to Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta, you’ll find some yummy pizza by the slice at both of these locations with options like pepperoni, vegetarian and cheese. Now if you’re in the Downtown Disney District, you should definitely visit Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, where you’ll find an array of gourmet pizza inspired by the cuisine of southern Italy. Here you can get a Classic Neapolitan pizza with fresh mozzarella and tomato sauce, or perhaps take part in the Valdostana pizza with potatoes, speck prosciutto, fresh mozzarella and fontina cheese. Right next door to the Downtown Disney District is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. Here you’ll find White Water Snacks, which offers Grand Crafted Artisan Pizzas such as Artichoke and Arugula pizza, Lemon Shrimp pizza and the ‘Nduja Prosciutto Sausage pizza, which consists of ‘Nduja Italian prosciutto sausage, baby Portobello mushrooms, artichokes and roasted tomato with grana padana parmigiana. Walt Disney World Resort has some tasty pizzas too – like at the popular Pizza Window at Disney’s BoardWalk. Connected to Disney’s BoardWalk Inn and just a short stroll from Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, this delicious walk-up window serves classics like cheese and pepperoni, but you should also check out the BoardWalk Signature Pizza. This pizza comes loaded with Italian sausage, onions, peppers and balsamic glaze. The BoardWalk is also the perfect place sit back, relax and eat your pizza while you enjoy a breezy and sunny afternoon. At Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, the recently opened Ale & Compass Restaurant boasts some delicious New England-inspired Hearth Oven Pies, including a seasonal market vegetable pie, a caramelized leek and chorizo pie, and a white clam pie. And if you’re having breakfast here, you can also order a Breakfast Pie with a sunny side-up egg, house-made bacon, ham, provolone and arugula. If you’re at Epcot, it’s just a quick walk around the World Showcase to Italy, where you’ll find Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria. Here you can order authentic Neapolitan thin-crust pizza made with fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes and real Caputo flour imported from Southern Italy. At Disney Springs, there’s now several different options to get your pizza fix! One being the popular Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza where you can order guest favorites like the Red Vine pizza with Ovalini mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, basil, red sauce and olive oil drizzle, or the Green Stripe pizza with pesto drizzle over chicken, red peppers, garlic, mozzarella and arugula. You can also try the pizza at Wolfgang Puck Express, where you can even find breakfast pizzas with scrambled eggs, bacon, mozzarella, cheddar and caramelized onions in addition to their regular pizza menu. On the lunch and dinner menu, you’ll find unique and delicious options like the Pepperoni Pomodoro pizza with caramelized onions, basil and parmesan or the Chicken Meatball pizza with mushrooms, red onion and ricotta. Also at Disney Springs is the recently-opened Pizza Ponte, where you can find Sicilian-style pizza by the slice. And that’s not even the beginning of all of the pizza you can find at Disney Parks! There are so many other options like the artisan pizzas at Surfside Lounge at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel in California, Pizzafari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and specialty pizzas at Trattoria al Forno at Disney’s BoardWalk in Florida. No matter where you are, you’re sure to find a pizza that’s just right for you. Celebrate National Pizza Pie Day with us by getting some Disney Parks Pizza, and share your favorites with us in the comments below! HAPPY NATIONAL PIZZA PIE DAY, EVERYONE! View the full article

Among everything to see and do around the World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot, a guest-favorite that has been there since day one is The American Adventure attraction. This marvel of engineering brings together a moving stage, 35 Audio-Animatronics figures and a giant screen that together shares the story of the United States of America. Right now, the team at Epcot is busy converting the attraction to an all-digital projection system, and installing a new screen and new speakers so the show will look and sound better than ever before when it reopens later this month. In addition to the update from film to digital, the show’s finale will return with some notable faces from America’s recent history. Newly-added American icons include individuals such as music composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland. And that’s not all: the iconic anthem “Golden Dream” has been re-recorded with all-new orchestration that brings the beloved music and lyrics to life in a way that will resonate more than ever. If you’re like me, you’re already humming along – ‘America, spread your golden wings!’ Which scene in The American Adventure are you most excited to see when it returns? View the full article

At the end of the day, when the tourists are gone, Disney performers head out to their favorite spot to keep on singing after their shifts are over. Every Thursday, they perform at open-mic night at Pilars, a Winter Garden martini bar that’s developed a loyal following the past five years. Joey... View the full article

At the end of the day, when the tourists are gone, Disney performers head out to their favorite spot to keep on singing after their shifts are over. Every Thursday, they perform at open-mic night at Pilars, a Winter Garden martini bar that’s developed a loyal following during the past five years. ... View the full article