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National Popcorn Day, has inspired me to resurface one of my favorite videos we’ve shared here on the Disney Parks Blog. Originally posted by Shannon Swanson in December 2012, this video was created over the course of 12 months and features 10 of the Popcorn Animation Dolls featured on seven popcorn carts throughout Disneyland park. Read about the history of these helpful poppers in Shannon’s original story. View the full article

I have a confession to make! I have a problem. I’m addicted to Broadway shows. I’ve been known to take in five shows in a weekend trip to NYC. I know it. I own it. But I can’t help it. So the Disney on Broadway series at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is RIGHT up my alley. The festival’s first weekend (Friday through Monday) saw Tarzan and Jane from Disney’s “Tarzan” – Jenn Gambatese and Kevin Massey – singing together for the first time in a long time. We caught up with Gambatese and Massey before a performance and they told us about the joy of interacting with fans during the Festival. The Disney on Broadway series runs each weekend of the Festival – Fridays through Mondays – with the Festival running seven days per week. This weekend Kevin will be paired with his wife Kara Lindsay. VERY exciting. Here is the rest of the series lineup: January 26-29 and February 2-5: Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White, who will perform songs from “Tarzan,” “The Lion King,” “Aida,” “Aladdin,” and “The Little Mermaid.” February 9-12 and 16-19: Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland, who will perform songs from “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Tarzan,” “Mary Poppins,” “Newsies” and “Frozen.” For more information on the Festival, click over to disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. And keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival. View the full article

Starting January 22, Shanghai Disney Resort is welcoming the Year of the Dog with new limited-time entertainment and elaborate decorations in bright red and gold, bringing Chinese New Year to life for an unforgettable holiday celebration! Mickey Mouse, Pluto and their friends will be decked out in seasonal attire for festive photos on Mickey Avenue, while lucky guests are treated to special wishing cards and golden chocolate coins symbolizing good fortune. Even more wishing cards will be in the Garden of the Twelve Friends when it’s transformed into Shanghai Disneyland’s first-ever Wishing Garden for the holiday, and the Gardens of Imagination will be home to an exciting drum ceremony every morning. Over in Celebration Square, Disney characters in beautiful vintage Shanghai costumes will take part in a new high-energy performance called Shanghai Swing, inspired by the Lunar New Year and Shanghai’s historic jazz and swing traditions. On February 16, guests can also experience a traditional eye dotting ceremony at Storyteller Statue. New Chinese New Year specialties will satisfy cravings at Remy’s Patisserie and Il Paperino. For an especially unforgettable meal, guests can enjoy Wandering Moon Restaurant’s traditional family feast or Royal Banquet Hall’s special holiday dinner with items like Cinderella’s Pumpkin with Braised Pork in Soya Sauce – delicious! Even more limited-time holiday dining will be available at both resort hotels, including Lumiere’s Kitchen, Aurora, Sunnyside Café and Sunnyside Market. Sweethearts Confectionary and Marketplace in Disneytown will both be transformed into fun shopping carnivals filled with dozens of exclusive Chinese New Year gifts, including fan-favorite Lucky Bags filled with surprises. To top it off, a Chinese New Year Carnival will be held at Disneytown every weekend until February 21, including the first day until the sixth day of Lunar New Year, with live shows by Chinese folk artists, holiday treats and activities for guests of all ages. It’s bound to be an amazing Year of the Dog at Shanghai Disney Resort! We can’t wait to celebrate with you. And for those of you visiting Disneyland Resort in California, check out the Lunar New Year festival at Disney California Adventure from January 26 through February 18 with unique live entertainment, delicious food and more. View the full article

Once “it’s a small world” returns to its classic version, transitioning from “it’s a small world” Holiday, guests may notice work continuing in the promenade in front of the attraction. The location of the queue will be moved – along with other enhancements, including a new parade route entrance and stroller area – allowing guests to travel through “it’s a small world” Mall with greater ease. “it’s a small world” Mall is a popular area of Disneyland park. In addition to accessing “it’s a small world,” guests use the promenade in front of the attraction to get to Mickey’s Toontown and Fantasyland Theatre, among other offerings. The slightly adjusted parade route will make room for the attraction’s new queue, creating more space in the area. “it’s a small world” Holiday will close on Jan. 22 and “it’s a small world” will reopen on Feb. 2. The aforementioned changes are expected to complete in spring, when “Pixar Play Parade” will step off the new parade route entrance during Pixar Fest, beginning April 13. View the full article

It has been just five days since the birth of a Nile hippopotamus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and already the newborn is garnering attention from around the world as Guests fall in love with the newest addition to the herd. For our animal care experts, the calf’s arrival has been a labor of love as they have spent months preparing for the first hippo birth at the park in 13 years. Read more about the birth here. To learn more about hippos, check out DisneyAnimals.com. We are delighted to share this short video update of the newborn calf with mom Tuma. The pair are doing well and staying close together as they bond. Guests may see Tuma and her adorable calf on Kilimanjaro Safaris day and night. Guests participating in Wild Africa Trek may also see the hippos. View the full article

TODAY IS NATIONAL POPCORN DAY! I couldn’t be more excited because popcorn is one of my all-time favorite snacks, and it’s also one of the most popular and abundant treats you can find in a Disney Park. There’s nothing I love more than chowing down on the buttery goodness that is Disney popcorn. Whether it’s while walking around the parks or watching fireworks glitter in the sky, popcorn is the perfect on-the-go snack to munch on while enjoying the magic of our parks and resorts. To start off, did you know that Pop Secret is the official popcorn of Disney Parks? That’s right! You can find their delicious buttery kernels at popcorn carts located across both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. And while you may enjoy that classic buttery flavor, there’s a few places where you can even find some unique specialty popcorn – such as the Cozy Cone Motel at Cars Land in Disney California Adventure park. Here, you’ll find a delicious array of flavors such as dill pickle, buffalo ranch, white cheddar, Sriracha, pizza and garlic parmesan. You can even order it in a cool Lightning McQueen souvenir bucket! Over here at Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot is ‘poppin’ with some fun specialty popcorn offerings. If you head over towards Future World West, you’ll find a popcorn cart that sells buffalo bleu cheese, sour cream and chive, and cheddar cheese popcorn. And if you’re looking for a little sweetness to add to your salty snack, you’ll want to travel over to Canada in the World Showcase for some maple popcorn, which is my personal favorite flavor. Or if you’re in the Germany pavilion, you can stop by Karamel-Küche, presented by Werther’s Original, to try some sweet and salty kernels. Here, you’ll find their popular fresh-made caramel-coated popcorn, and you can even watch while it’s being made! Another fun popcorn offering at Epcot is available for a limited time during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. If you visit the Odyssey Festival Showplace, you’ll find a popcorn pairing flight at The Painter’s Palate Food Studio. This flight comes with three unique beers each paired with a different flavor of popcorn. The first pairing is North Coast Brewing Co. Scrimshaw Pilsner Style Beer with Bacon Barbecue Popcorn; the second is M.I.A. Beer Company Jazz IPA with Jalapeño Ranch Popcorn; and the third pairing is Central 28 Beer Company Miss Mary Brown Oatmeal Brown Ale with Buffalo Bleu Cheese Popcorn. In addition to these fun specialty popcorn offerings, you’ll also find Main Street Popcorn Company pre-packaged popcorn at select merchandise locations at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. This popcorn comes in traditional flavors like caramel, kettle corn, cheddar and confetti. But you’ll also find some more unique options like Sriracha kettle corn, parmesan garlic, kettle corn with red alaea salt, truffle, maple bacon, and one of the most popular ones – churro! So whether you prefer that classic buttery popcorn or those fun flavors, you’ll always have something to snack on for National Popcorn Day! And you “butter” believe I’ll be snacking on some myself to celebrate! View the full article

We just love Minnie Mouse here at the DFB! ©Disney And we’re so excited that Sunday, January 21st – National Polk Dot Day – has been declared #RockTheDots day for a second year in a row — because it’s a day set aside to celebrate all things Minnie Mouse! Minnie Mouse Cake Pop If you want to celebrate Minnie and her fab sense of style on Sunday, you can don your favorite polka dot look and tag your social media photos with #RockTheDots. Minnie rocking some springtime dots with Mickey! And if you find yourself at Disney Springs in Disney World or the Downtown Disney District in Disneyland, you’ll have have more chances to join in the fun with special photo ops with props, entertainment (dance parties from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on both coasts — Disneyland and Disney World), and more! There will also be discounts to be enjoyed by those SPORTING POLKA DOTS (seriously, you gotta put ‘em on!) at several merchandise locations… and a few restaurants are getting in on the deal, too! Disneyland Discounts and Offerings At Downtown Disney in Disneyland, guests Rocking the Dots will be eligible for a 10% discount at Kayla’s Cakes, and two free beignets with purchase of a po-boy at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Express. Ralph Brennan’s Beignets Special offerings at other locations will include Polka Dot Pancakes at Catal Restaurant, Polka Dot Italian Soda at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria, Polka Dot Cookies at Napolini and the Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s, Polka Dot Milkshakes (!!!) at UVA Bar & Cafe, and specialty Minnie Mouse treats at Marceline’s Confectionery. @uva_bar_and_cafe Instagram You can also get 20% off Polka Dot Pepperoni Pretzels at Wetzel’s Pretzels, 10% off your purchase at Jamba Juice or La Brea Bakery Cafe, and a Whoopie Pie sweet treat at the Downtown Disney District Starbucks. Disney World Discounts and Offerings Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza and Paddlefish are offering a 10% discount for guests wearing their dots, while Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea is offering a complimentary Minnie Mouse latte art! The Art Lover Pizza Paddlefish is also hosting a Polka Dot Brunch on January 21st from noon until 3:00 p.m. Sprinkles is serving Mini Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcakes, D-Luxe Burger is offering Mickey Mouse sprinkles with the purchase of any milkshake, The Ganachery will have Minnie Mouse-inspired ganache lollipops for purchase, and you’ll also find Minnie-inspired treats at Disney’s Candy Cauldron and Goofy’s Candy Company! Chocolate Marshmallow Cupcakes And there are plenty of retail locations offering discounts for the day, too! If your mini Minnie Mouse wants to visit the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, they can request the Minnie Dot Package which includes a tutu, t-shirt, bow, and Minnie Mouse hairstyle! Guests who bring their Minnie Dot Package proof of purchase to Amorette’s Patisserie will receive a complimentary Minnie Mouse dessert! Let us know if you’ll be rocking the dots on January 21st! We would LOVE it if you would also share your #RocktheDots photos with the DFB on Instagram by tagging #DisneyFoodBlog so we can ooh and aah over all those dots with you! Will you #RocktheDots with Minnie Mouse? 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: #RocktheDots Discounts in Disney World and Disneyland on January 22nd Celebrate Mother’s Day at Disney World and Disneyland! News: Disney World Annual Passholder 45th Anniversary Dining Discounts Extended View the full article

Hollywood Records artist and actress Olivia Holt vacationed with her family at Walt Disney World Resort last week while on break from promoting her single “Generous” and filming the upcoming Freeform series, “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger,” which was announced yesterday to premiere on June 7, 2018. We caught up with Holt at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, where she for the first time ever journeyed into Pandora – The World of Avatar and flew on the back of a banshee at Avatar: Flight of Passage! She then trekked around the park and braved the thrilling Expedition Everest before meeting up with Mickey Mouse in his park ranger gear. Watch the video below for more of Olivia’s adventures! View the full article

Rocking her iconic polka dots, Minnie Mouse inspires Disney fans and fashionistas around the globe with her timeless fun-loving, positive spirit. This weekend at Disney Parks, guests can “rock the dots” like Minnie in anticipation of National Polka Dot Day on January 22. This dot-filled celebration returns with new merchandise including products created especially for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. “This year, we expanded our merchandise offerings with even more polka dot fashions including new PANDORA Jewelry, trendy apparel, and stylish accessories,” remarked Denise Shick, Senior Franchise Strategy Manager with Disney Parks Merchandise. Select products, such as the “Minnie Rocks the Dots” logo collection, contain a hint of bling to celebrate Minnie Mouse receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Other items have more subtle nods to the favorite style muse. The new Dooney & Bourke handbag collection includes plenty of polka dots along with heart-shaped mouse tails incorporated into the designs. The new merchandise joins a curated assortment of fan favorites such as sequin-filled headbands, or the classic Minnie Mouse dress from the nostalgic Dress Shop collection. The new merchandise joins a curated assortment of fan favorites such as sequin-filled headbands, or the classic Minnie Mouse dress from the nostalgic Dress Shop collection. These products and more may be found in select merchandise locations including World of Disney at Downtown Disney District in California and at Disney Springs in Florida. Other locations where guests will find Minnie Mouse merchandise include Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A.; Mickey’s of Hollywood in Disney’s Hollywood Studios; Mouse Gear at Epcot; and Elias & Co. in Disney California Adventure park. Guests can also find select items on ShopDisney.com including two new Minnie Mouse-inspired t-shirts. These limited release shirts will be available to order from Jan. 19-26 by visiting ShopDisney.com/ParkEvents. Please allow 3-5 weeks for shipping. For more information on Minnie Rocks the Dots in Florida, follow @DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram or check out the flyer here. In California, follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter or see the full list of offerings. No matter where you post from, be sure to use hashtag “#RockTheDots.” For more information on Minnie Rocks the Dots in Florida, follow @DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram. In California, follow @DisneylandToday. View the full article

We’re thrilled that the Epcot International Festival of the Arts is back for a second year – a very colorful second year may we add – and today we’re sharing a full palette of Disney PhotoPass Service opportunities you’ll find during the Festival. These opportunities not only allow you to be one with the art, but also allow you to capture masterpieces featuring a special subject – you! One of our favorite photo opportunities are the artful photo ops that allow you to step into famous pieces of art from around the world. You can match your pose to the original painting or create your own – the choice is yours! An event-exclusive Animated Magic Shot offered at the locations below will help you compare the artwork to the masterpiece you create: Step back in time and into “George Washington Crossing the Delaware” by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze at The American Adventure. Celebrate “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli in the Italy Pavilion. Let out a SCREAM or channel your inner “Mona Lisa” in these paintings by Edvard Munch and Leonardo Da Vinci in the Italy Pavilion. Be the life of the party in the “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir in the France Pavilion. You can also enhance your photos taken at “Luncheon of the Boating Party” and “George Washington Crossing the Delaware” with digital stickers found only in the My Disney Experience mobile app! A hat is a must-have digital accessory when crossing frigid waters with George Washington! Looking for even more PhotoPass masterpieces? You can capture Magic Shots and take photos with props and Festival backgrounds that are exclusive to the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Add a pop of color to your photos with this vibrant prop! Available behind Spaceship Earth, close to Mouse Gear. Use a spark of imagination to pose for this Magic Shot! Available from most PhotoPass photographers at Epcot.* This multicolored backdrop features icons from around World Showcase. You don’t want to miss it! So sketch, draw and paint your way over to Epcot to enjoy the Festival and all it has to offer! Want to take home all of your Festival photos to create your own art gallery? Consider purchasing Memory Maker One Day! You can purchase Memory Maker One Day at the Camera Center while you’re at Epcot or in the My Disney Experience mobile app during or after your visit. *Magic Shot not available at Character Experience locations. Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available at https://mydisneyphotopass.disney.go.com/help-and-support/policies. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. View the full article

Hey, there! We’re back today with another DFB Video, and we’re letting you in on our Top FIVE Disney Cruise Line Dining Secrets! Will you be setting sail with Donald Duck? Aaah, there’s nothing quite like a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The ocean. The excursions. The magic. The FOOD!! There’s so much to enjoy on a Disney Cruise, and we want to help you enjoy YOUR future voyage even more by sharing our very best Disney Cruise Line Dining tips! So, do exactly what you would do on a Disney Cruise as you get ready to watch our latest DFB YouTube video… sit back, relax, and enjoy! Bon Voyage! 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 best tip for cruising with Disney? 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: Top Ten Disney Cruise Line Dining Tips New Video: Disney World Food Secrets — Free Stuff, Cool Stuff, and MORE — Part 2 DFB Video: Cinderella’s Royal Table vs Akershus Royal Banquet vs Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast View the full article

For one night only, guests can take part in the ultimate Disney fan experience at Walt Disney Studios Park with exclusive new shows, rare Disney character encounters, original dining menus, a chance to hear from Disney Imagineers and more as part of Disney FanDaze, a one-of-a-kind inaugural hard ticket event only at Disneyland Paris! Get your camera ready because more than 50 Disney characters will visit the park, including George Sanderson and Needleman from “Monsters, Inc.,” Kuzco and Kronk from “The Emperor’s New Groove,” Quasimodo and Esmeralda from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Frozone from “The Incredibles,” and even more characters from “Hercules,” “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” “Treasure Planet” and “Big Hero 6.” Guests will also see the first-ever Disney Parks appearance of Ortensia, dearest friend of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit! Keep an eye out for Horace Horsecollar, Clarabelle Cow and Clara Cluck, as well as Disney favorites in colorful new outfits. Rumor has it that more than a dozen Disney Heroes and Villains will also be on the loose. Entertainment includes a Dance Your DuckTales Parade, PJ’s DJ Party and Jumba & Pleakley’s Mission: Stitch! interactive show. Over on the Production Courtyard Stage, Max-Live! Getting’ Goofy With It nighttime spectacular will get everyone moving, and the Farewell Street Party will close the evening with more than 80 Disney characters. On top of all that, guests can savor new flavors from original menus at restaurants and gourmet kiosks, purchase limited-edition merchandise, take part in a grand raffle for a dream night at Disneyland Hotel’s Sleeping Beauty Suite and enjoy exclusive access to park attractions. Packages are now on sale for every Disney fan to build their Disney FanDaze experience, but act fast! This opportunity won’t last long. View the full article

Tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark features Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters, a new classic at Disney California Adventure park. I love making pictures at Disney California Adventure park around dusk – especially when we get one of those classic Southern California sunsets, like the one we enjoyed on Tuesday. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree might be my favorite attraction in Cars Land, but no ride is more fun to shoot (as far as I’m concerned) than Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters – especially when all of the vehicles spin in unison. Have you experienced the Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters yet? If not, then get your motor running and cruise on over to Cars Land. Buckle up and get ready for a lively ride when those Italian imports roll in time to peppy tunes sung by Luigi himself. View the full article

Walt Disney World Celebrates UCF Knights at Magic Kingdom Park View the full article

A Disney cruise in Europe offers the best of both worlds – the chance for your family to experience the magic of Disney in addition to the culture and beauty of different countries. Whether you’re visiting Mediterranean, Baltic or Northern Europe destinations, there are countless opportunities for authentic family adventures. Through our Port Adventures, we take out the complexity of traveling internationally with children, giving you peace of mind that all details are taken care of while your family explores an exotic land together. Then, after a full day in port, you return to the Disney Magic where you can enjoy world-class entertainment, dining, accommodations and service. It’s a land and sea vacation unlike any other! For a glimpse at the fun your family can expect on a Disney cruise in Europe, check out this video… View the full article

Do you love polka dots? Well you’re in luck because National Polka Dot Day is just around the corner, and we’re ready to Rock the Dots with some polka-dotted treats inspired by the fabulous Minnie Mouse, herself! And while National Polka Dot Day is January 22nd, my friend Tara recently threw a polka-dotted party and invited myself and another friend Ana, and I just HAD to share these photos! When I arrived at the party, I couldn’t stop raving about this beautiful Minnie Mouse Dome Cake! It was a lemon chiffon cake with white chocolate mousse and strawberry pate de fruit jelly, and it was absolutely delicious! You can find this cake at the popular Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs, where you can also order it as a chocolate chiffon cake with milk chocolate mousse and orange pate de fruit jelly. No matter what you get, it will definitely serve as the perfect addition to any event! But the cake wasn’t the only spotted piece to this wonderful party. All of the dishes, mugs and even the tea pot were Minnie Mouse-themed, while the silverware was decorated with adorable mouse ears! If you’re looking throw a dotted party like this one, then you’ll be able to find all of these items at Mickey’s Pantry at Disney Springs as well as various merchandise locations across both the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Moving on to the special polka-dotted offerings, we’ve got cupcakes galore here at the Walt Disney World Resort! Starting at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Roaring Fork will be offering a Minnie Mouse strawberry cupcake filled with strawberry preserve, topped with pink and white buttercream and garnished with pink crispy pearls and chocolate pieces. This cupcake is even served in a cute red and white polka dot liner. At all three of Disney’s All Star Resorts, there will be a Minnie Cupcake consisting of vanilla cake with strawberry filling and topped with strawberry buttercream and a chocolate bow. The Paddock Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will have a strawberry sponge cake with fresh strawberries and vanilla cream filling. Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside will offer a chocolate Minnie cupcake with vanilla buttercream icing. And at Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, you’ll find a yummy chocolate Minnie cupcake filled with cookies and cream chocolate mousse, topped with cookies and cream buttercream and garnished with chocolate cream cookies and a chocolate polka dot bow! Another fun treat that can be found at select candy shops throughout Walt Disney World Resort is a Minnie Mouse Candy Apple – a chocolate covered apple coated with red sugar. And at Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort, you’ll find a Minnie Mouse candy apple, dipped in caramel and covered in chocolate and topped with a bow. You’ll also find a yummy Minnie Mouse cake pop! The Downtown Disney District has a fun array of dotted treats this year including polka-dot milkshakes at Uva Bar and polka-dot Italian sodas at Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria. At Starbucks®, you’ll find the cutest red and white-dotted whoopee pies; and Taqueria at Tortilla Jo’s will have polka-dot cookies! If you’re looking for something on the savory side, then you can get the polka-dot pepperoni pretzel at Wetzel’s Pretzels. National Polka Dot Day is officially January 22nd, but you’ll be able to find most of these offerings for the whole weekend, so come celebrate with us as we Rock the Dots with Minnie Mouse! View the full article

Disney's foray into river cruising will be taking in the City of Lights in 2019 as it adds new Seine River trips on top of more trips on the Rhine and Danube rivers. Adventures by Disney began offering river cruising in 2016 on the Danube, expanding to the Rhine in 2017, and continuing to sail... View the full article

Have you heard the news? Minnie Mouse will soon forge a milestone in Disney history by receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California in celebration of her 90th anniversary. Minnie will receive the star during a special unveiling ceremony on Monday, January 22 – but before she leaves on her grand Hollywood adventure, we’re going to give her a special send-off live from Disney’s Hollywood Studios here in Florida this Sunday, January 21 at 1 p.m. ET! (BTW, Minnie hopes to see as many guests as possible dressed in her signature red, white and black polka dots at the park that day!). To celebrate Minnie, on Sunday, January 21 commemorative buttons will be given out at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort and Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort while supplies last. Can’t make it to the send-off in person? Join us for a special #DisneyParksLIVE stream of this milestone in Disney history. And share your Minnie photos with us on Twitter using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE. Be sure to visit the Disney Parks Blog on Monday, January 22, for coverage of Minnie’s ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which will include special guest speakers Bob Iger, CEO & Chairman of The Walt Disney Company, as well as global pop icon and judge of ABC’s American Idol, Katy Perry. #RockTheDots #HollywoodWalkofFame View the full article

Regular readers of the Disney Parks Blog probably don’t need any introduction to the Featured Artist of this year’s Epcot International Festival of the Arts. For more than 20 years, Greg McCullough has brought joy to the hearts of Disney fans by drawing and painting Disney and Disney•Pixar characters, starting with the then-Pixar Studios in 1995 and moving into character art and graphics for Disney Parks and Resorts in 2007. As this year’s Featured Disney Artist, Greg created the official festival poster, a tribute to Epcot’s 35th Anniversary. The masterpiece contains 13 country icons from World Showcase and – if that weren’t enough – 35 Hidden Mickeys. Can you find them all? [NOTE: Check back at the Disney Parks Blog during the last week of the festival where we’ll give you the official list] Greg’s career at Disney Parks has included such varied projects as creating the official Disney Parks “dated” logo in 2009 and official posters for Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition to being among the artists scheduled daily at this year’s festival, Greg is showing his work in displays at The Art of Disney stores around Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and on the Disney Cruise Line ships. “My goal is to create works of art that allow visitors to take a bit of the magic home with them,” Greg says. And I think he’s more-than-achieved that! For more information on the Festival, click over to disneyworld.com/ArtfulEpcot or call 407-WDW-DINE or 407-939-3463. And keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates throughout the Festival. View the full article

With upcoming concert series at Disney, Universal Orlando, Busch Gardens and SeaWorld, theme park goers will have more than just coasters on their itineraries. Busch Gardens’ Real Music, Real Masters series runs from January to March. Performers include rock ‘n’ roll artist Michael Cavanaugh from... View the full article

The Garden Rocks Concert Series lineup for the 2018 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Concerts are on select days March 2-May 28. View the full article

After lapping up the inaugural Epcot International Festival of the Arts, theme-park visitors were eager for a second helping. “They just wanted more. … More everything,” says Dave Kesting, general manager of Epcot festivals. “When you find something they love, you keep doing more of it.” The park’s... View the full article

In our Disney Doodles blog series, different Disney artists imagine what a character would do or see first if they had the chance to visit the Walt Disney World Resort. For today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor drew inspiration from the 1992 film “Aladdin,” and the scene in which Aladdin takes Jasmine on an aerial adventure aboard a magic carpet. According to Ashley, that could offer quite a sight if they took flight during “Happily Ever After” fireworks. “Aladdin taking Jasmine on a magic carpet ride is such an iconic moment,” she said. “It’s easy to imagine him taking Jasmine to see a special viewing of the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the sky!” View the full article

Have you heard the news? Our favorite fashionista, Minnie Mouse, will soon be getting her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To celebrate, Disney Springs in Florida and Downtown Disney District in California will once again host a special event to honor Minnie’s polka dot infused style and flair! Taking place the day prior to National Polka Dot Day, on Sunday, January 21, guests will be invited to participate in a variety of fun offerings, culminating in a DJ Dance Party where you can rock your dots!! Some festivities kick off as early as January 18. On that day, a new mini-makeover debuts at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on both coasts; the Minnie Dot Package includes a tutu, t-shirt bow and Minnie Mouse hairstyle and can be booked in advance via 407-WDW-STYLE in Florida or 714-781-STYLE in California. (Bonus: for guests that experience a Minnie Dot Package Makeover Jan 18 – Jan 22, 2018 at Disney Springs, they’ll be eligible for a complimentary Minnie Mouse dessert at Amorette’s Patisserie.) In addition, PANDORA Jewelry will release a new limited-time Minnie Mouse gift set featuring three Minnie Mouse-inspired charms, plus a gift with purchase – a polka dot Minnie Mouse scarf – while supplies last. IN FLORIDA: Guests can discover over fifteen retail offers from Jan 18 – Jan 22, including savings at American Threads, Basin, Arribas Brothers, JOHNNY WAS, Luxury of Time by Diamonds International, Sperry, Sugarboo & Co. and Volcom. At Alex and Ani, the first 100 guests each day will receive a free gift along with daily in-store surprises. At Coach, a free gift with any purchase is in the bag for all event guests. M.A.C. Cosmetics is also participating with a complimentary “mini” Minnie-inspired demo. A handful of food and beverage locations (Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea, Paddlefish, D-Luxe Burger, The Ganachery and Sprinkles) will feature discounts and/or Minnie-themed products as well, so bring your appetite, too. On January 21, the main event showcases a DJ Dance Party in the heart of Town Center from 1 – 6 p.m. where Minnie Mouse will make frequent appearances. I’ve been told to expect a few wardrobe changes, and can’t wait to see which of her many signature looks she’ll sport. Keep an eye out for a photo backdrop sponsored by PANDORA Jewelry; Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames to ensure you strike your most stylish pose. If you want to start the party early, Paddlefish will offer a “polka dot brunch” from 12 – 3 p.m. that infuses a bit of pampering to the meal: complimentary hand massages from L’Occitane and make-up applications from Sephora are on the menu. IN CALIFORNIA: Guests at Downtown Disney District in California can also look forward to Minnie Mouse-inspired activations throughout the day on Sunday, January 21. Shoppers will be treated to polka dot and event specific product, including exclusive Minnie Rocks the Dots product at World of Disney, Minnie Mouse-inspired makeovers at Sephora, and polka dot TOMS shoes at Curl Surf. For foodies, adorable Minnie Mouse specialty apples have been created, the popular polka dot milkshake makes a return visit at Uva Bar, and fun polka dot pepperoni pizzas are available at Wetzel’s Pretzels. That’s just a small sampling of what’s in store. You’ll want to pick up a brochure starting January 18, 2018 for full discount and product details. A DJ Dance Party will keep thing rockin’ in Downtown Disney District on January 21 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage. As in Florida, PANDORA Jewelry has also sponsored a photo opportunity with Disney PhotoPass photographers on site to capture the moment with fun props and frames. Plus, you never know who may stop by! The only requirement for redemption of these offers, regardless of where you enjoy the event? Dress in your polka dot best! Are you ready to rock your dots? Now is the time to start planning the perfect outfit. I attended last year’s inaugural Minnie Rocks the Dots event and recall seeming some spectacularly stylish selections on guests of all ages! (Don’t be fooled – this event is family-friendly but by no means is it a “kids only” soiree.) For more information on Minnie Rocks the Dots in Florida, follow @DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram or check out the flyer here. In California, follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter or see the full list of offerings here. No matter where you post from, be sure to use hashtag “#RockTheDots.” View the full article

The Plaza Restaurant at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is a classic. Learn About: San Angel Inn Restaurante Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants From its prime location at the Cinderella Castle end of Main Street, USA, to its elegant decor and moderately priced menu, The Plaza Restaurant is a truly great value. And the menu is family friendly (including those bottomless milkshakes!), so it’s easy to enjoy a meal with your whole crew. But flashier dining options have relegated The Plaza to the realm of hidden gems. And, honestly, we’re kind of okay with that. Because when Be Our Guest is booked solid, The Plaza is often a gettable alternative. And with a few new menu items, my most recent visit was a total home run. Plaza Sign Atmosphere The Plaza is small, but sweetly elegant. You’ll see turn-of-the-(last)-century glamour in everything from light fixtures to wall decor to ornate moldings. Main Dining Area And by the way, the wallpaper is beyond fabulous. The Plaza decor Seating areas are bright and cheerful, giving the whole place a sort of garden party feel (without the bugs or possible downpours). Second Dining Area If you’re so inclined, The Plaza Restaurant is a lovely place to linger and enjoy the AC. I mean… the food. Eats On this visit, I was on a mission to try some new (or new-ish) additions to the menu. But first, check out that menu. Do you see the come hither stare that ice cream is giving us? (The Main Street Plaza Ice Cream Parlor is right next door!) The Plaza Restaurant menus are so stylish! The other side of the menu is just as alluring, with comfort food dishes like the killer Home-Style Meatloaf (check it out here!), a Tuna Salad Sandwich, and a Grilled Reuben. Eats! In the apps you’ll find Plaza Loaded Fries, which are basically a replacement for the beloved Figaro Fries that left Pinocchio Village Haus a couple of years ago. But while I’ve been known to enjoy a loaded fry (or twenty), this time I wanted to try something a little different. I ordered a side of fries, but I wanted to try three different sauces with them: Loaded Fries Cheese (which is basically Plastic Cheese), Remoulade (from one of the sandwiches), and White Barbecue Sauce (from another sandwich). What can I say — I can’t pass up a good dipping sauce. Y’all. All three were awesome, with the remoulade being the real stand-out. It’s about the closest thing you can get to a Pommes Frites from Cafe Orleans experience without taking a trip to Disneyland. Definitely give this a whirl! Fries and Sauces I also needed to try the Brisket Mac and Cheese. I mean, it’s brisket on top of mac and cheese, soooo… And it’s pretty good! The flavor is solid — with the meaty barbecued brisket bringing a level of smokiness to the mac and cheese. The mac isn’t particularly creamy, which is usually a requirement for really good mac and cheese, but the block-like serving is kind of a great vessel for the brisket and fried onions. And this heavy meal is definitely share-able, especially if you’re planning to go with an app and/or a dessert. Brisket Mac and Cheese As for sweetness, you can’t go wrong with one of the newly bottomless milkshakes, if shakes are your thang. The milkshake of the month (which is also bottomless) was Peanut Butter Cup. Hello, we’re DFB, and we love everything peanut butter. And this baby was ah-mazing. I feel like it was vanilla ice cream churned with peanut butter and served with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and peanut butter/chocolate chips. But actually, it’s heaven in a milkshake glass. There was NO WAY I was going to be able to get a second one (I barely made a dent in the first), but it’s nice to know I could have if I wanted to! Peanut Butter Cup Bottomless Milkshake The Carrot Cake at The Plaza is totally ho-hum, which — I know! — I almost never say! It was super sugary and basically a grocery store carrot cake slice. Carrot Cake The Chocolate Cake, on the other hand, is the bomb! I’m not a big chocolate cake fan, but this version is super moist — like almost pudding moist — and crazy good. Big yes on this one! Chocolate Cake And that’s not where the great desserts ended! The Caramel Apple Pie that’s been on the menu for a few months is being replaced by something totally spectacular: Butterscotch Bread Pudding! It’s my number three bread pudding on property (behind the ‘Ohana Bread Pudding and a fan-tas-tic bread pudding we’ll be reviewing soon from House of Blues!!), and that’s saying somethin’! It’s served in a skillet and topped with ice cream, which melts beautifully on the warm pudding. The bread pudding is not at all dry (yay) in the first place, but with the melting ice cream and warm butterscotch it’s just about perfect. Butterscotch Bread Pudding Nosh or Not? You want to stop in at The Plaza if: You’re spending your day in the Magic Kingdom and want a tasty table service meal. (This one is often available without a reservation.) You love the idea of dining in an iconic restaurant that doesn’t require multiple table service credits or fancy pants. You and your crew enjoy timeless comfort food and super desserts. You might want to skip The Plaza if: You’re hitting all the rides today and just want to grab some food on the go instead of doing a table service meal. Your momma makes really good brisket and mac and cheese and bread pudding and you know you’ll be disappointed with a restaurant version. You want to dine on more adventurous food. Overall The Plaza Restaurant really is a hidden gem (which can work in your favor!). This place is small, but is often available without a dining reservation, and is always solidly good-to-great. With delicious apps, entrees, and (especially!) desserts, I totally recommend adding it to your list of places you’ve gotta try in the Magic Kingdom! While Liberty Tree Tavern will always be my first love in Magic Kingdom, I have to say that Plaza is giving it a run for its money! Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With mini-reviews of every single restaurant, bar, lounge, kiosk and more; an entire chapter on the best snacks in Disney World; full Disney Dining Plan analysis (and how to get FREE dining); and a full chapter on discounts and deals; you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to order your copy of the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining E-book with code WDW2018 to save 25% today! Use code WDW2018 at check-out for a 25% off the cover price! Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. 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: New Menu Items at The Plaza Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom News: Figaro Fries Return as “Loaded Plaza Fries” at The Plaza Restaurant Review: Lunch at The Plaza Restaurant in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom View the full article