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25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Highlights View the full article

There are few places in the world that rival France when it comes to romantic ambience and unforgettable food. Now, Adventures by Disney guests will have a new way to explore this scenic destination – aboard an all-new Seine river cruise vacation, launching in summer 2019! This 10-day, 9-night Seine adventure combines two days exploring Paris on land, followed by eight days of cruising to picturesque French destinations such as Normandy, Conflans, Vernon and more. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, the popular Adventures by Disney river cruises allow families to explore the heart of Europe in a way that’s active, immersive and easy. Along the way guests will savor unique culinary experiences; enjoy guided tours of Paris icons, including Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre; visit stunning castles; delight in active excursions such as biking, canoeing, horseback riding, a ropes course and hiking; and more. Adult-only epicurean themed sailings on the Seine River will also be offered in Fall 2019. Adventures by Disney will continue to offer a mix of family and adult-only departures of their popular Danube and Rhine river cruises. In total, Adventures by Disney guests will have a record-breaking 21 river cruise sailings on three European rivers to choose from in 2019. Check out river cruising highlights from the Danube, Rhine and Seine vacations in this video! Bookings for 2019 Adventures by Disney river cruise vacations open on Jan. 25. View the full article

A new port of call for Disney Cruise Line, the island of Bonaire in the Netherland Antilles is a spectacular destination whose name means “coral reef” in Dutch. Its reef-lined coast lures water-sport enthusiasts for scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Plus, this tropical haven is lined with pastel stucco houses in pinks, oranges and greens, beautiful Caribbean architecture and churches, making for an enjoyable day of exploring. Here a few of my suggestions for ways to experience the island… Samur Sail, Beach and Snorkel – This Caribbean adventure begins aboard a historic Siamese ship, the Samur. As you sail towards the uninhabited island of Klein Bonaire, the ship’s captain and crew will share the history behind the Siamese sailing boat and fascinating facts about the reef. Once at the island, you’ll have the chance to snorkel, swim or simply unwind on the pristine white sand. ATV East Coast Off-Road Experience – Those of you looking for excitement won’t want to miss this off-roading adventure on the island’s east coast. You’ll experience the rugged terrain of the Washikemba Reservoir, where you may see wild donkeys, goats and iguanas. After a short stop at the Spelonk Lighthouse, the easternmost point of Bonaire, your adventure continues as you explore the Bolivia Caves, one of Bonaire’s many caves. VIP Island Tour with Exquisite Beach Residence and Lunch – During this VIP excursion, experience Bonaire’s historic locales in a small group with a knowledgeable tour guide. You’ll see the island’s highlights, such as Goto Lake with its elegant flamingos, historic Rincon village, the viewpoint of Seru Largu and the impressive salt flats and slave huts. Then, relax at the beach and enjoy a light lunch with breathtaking views over the bay. The Disney Wonder will visit Bonaire for the first time on February 1 during one of our special Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

While 2018 has just begun, many forward-thinking Disney Vacation Club Members are already looking ahead to 2019, dreaming up new ways to see the world through the magic of Membership. Many of those Members will take advantage of early-booking opportunities with Adventures by Disney, securing highly coveted staterooms aboard river cruise ships before they become available to the general public. Among the voyages offering this booking advantage to Members are new sailings along France’s famed Seine River. During these 10-day, 9-night adventures (which include a 2-night stay in a Paris hotel and 7-nights aboard a river cruise ship), families will visit Notre Dame Cathedral, Claude Monet’s house and garden, Normandy Beach and other iconic sites. Seine River Cruises are scheduled to set sail from Paris on June 20, Aug. 6, Oct. 1 and Oct. 8, 2019. Also available for Members’ advance booking are 8-day, 7-night Danube River Cruises setting sail from Budapest to Vilshofen, Germany on June 21, July 5 and Sept. 27, 2019 (note that, while most Adventures by Disney River Cruises are family friendly, the Sept. 27 sailing is a special Oktoberfest themed sailing for adults) and from Vilshofen to Budapest June 28 and July 12, 2019. Also available is a holiday themed sailing from Vilshofen to Budapest on Dec 22, 2019. Members interested in sailing the Rhine River, meanwhile, have numerous opportunities to do so in 2019, with 8-day, 7-night voyages scheduled to depart Basel, Switzerland on June 17, June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, July 22, July 29 and Aug. 5, 2019, along with Food & Wine sailings for adults departing Sept. 30 and Oct. 14, 2019. While the 2019 Seine, Rhine and Danube River Cruises will go on sale to the public on Jan. 25, 2018, Disney Vacation Club Members may begin booking these voyages through Member Services on Jan. 23. Additionally, from Jan. 23 through March 23, 2018, DVC Members can save on 2018 River Cruises for travel June 17, 2019-October 14, 2019. Adventures by Disney is offering travelers up to $500 off per person on its 2019 Danube River Cruises, as well as $400 off per person for its 2019 Seine and Rhine River Cruises. While not navigating a river (unless you choose to look at Interstate 5 as a winding, concrete river of taillights), there’s another new addition to 2019 Adventures by Disney itineraries that’s right up Members’ alley: the Disneyland Resort and Southern California Short Escape. This 4-day, 3-night guided experience features a behind-the-scenes look at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim (including an exclusive visit to Walt Disney’s famed apartment above the firehouse on Main Street, U.S.A.), the Walt Disney Imagineering campus in Glendale, the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank (including a visit to the Walt Disney Archives) and more. You’ll even dine at one of Walt Disney’s favorite restaurants: the historic Tam O’Shanter. Departures for this trip include April 19 & 26, 2018, May 3, 2018, September 11, 16, 20, 27, 2018, and October 4 and 11, 2018. Members may begin booking this trip on Sept 25th, 2018. View the full article

IT’S TIME to step inside… THE EDISON. Learn About: The Edison Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Officially announced in May of 2015 (and rumored long before that), The Edison’s Disney Springs debut has been a long time coming. Of all the dining additions that have come to Disney World’s shopping, dining and entertainment district since the beginning of the enormous expansion of the area formerly known as Downtown Disney, The Edison was — from the start — one of the most highly anticipated of the new offerings. (Originally slated to open in 2016, it has also been one of the most long delayed.) After all, with the passing of Pleasure Island, options for adult nightlife in Disney Springs have been pretty much non-existent, even with all the terrific new places to dine. But the announcement of The Edison — inspired by its sister location in Los Angeles and a collaboration between Patina Restaurant Group and Kinetescape’s Andrew Meieran — brought the promise of a space geared towards adults, offering classic American food, craft cocktails, and live late night entertainment including cabaret, music, and palm reading in a lavish, “Industrial Gothic” setting. And, what, exactly, does that mean? Well, we showed you much of that in our First Look at The Edison. The Edison But now that we’re back with our full review of both Lunch AND Dinner, it’s time to take a closer look… Atmosphere Approaching The Edison, you are entering a building that once served as a power plant providing electricity to Disney Springs during its earliest days as a growing town (according to the backstory). “Power & Light”: The Edison with Outdoor Patio In fact, a working clock tower still stands as the very first thing you see when you step inside. Clock Tower at the Entrance It sets the scene for what awaits you: a celebration of the “Golden Age of Innovation.” The Edison atmosphere In other words, it’s steampunked to the hilt! The Edison atmosphere Much of what surrounds you were once functional working pieces. Wherever possible, the designers used authentic pieces (as opposed to trying to “age” new items). Edison Lighting The Edison atmosphere The Edison atmosphere The upstairs area (which is the floor in which you enter the building) is primarily made up of standalone tables and chairs. Upstairs at The Edison — Entrance Level Upstairs Seating Though there are a few booths and comfy chairs along some of the perimeter. Upstairs Seating More Upstairs Seating Downstairs, there is even more seating. Downstairs Seating Plus, a few more cozy nooks. The Edison atmosphere No matter whether you’re upstairs or down, there are four things you can see from just about every vantage point. First, the Grand Staircase, which stands as the centerpiece. The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase The Grand Staircase Second, you can also see silent film reels playing on the walls (from back in the day before those “talkies” became all the rage). Silent Film Silent Film in the background Third, from most spots you can check out what’s going on on the other floor, so even if you’re on the top floor you might be able to see the entertainment from above. (The restaurant is not divided into sections or “labs,” as was originally anticipated.) Upstairs and Downstairs And, fourth and finally, you can always spot a bar! You have your choice of three, with two downstairs and one up. The Breaker Bar The Breaker Bar Bar Area Nearest to Dance Floor And chatting about the bars is probably a good a segue as any to lead into… Late Night Entertainment It’s best to note that The Edison offers distinctly different service styles from the day into the night. The Edison is a family-friendly location for lunch and into the early evening. Though entertainment is not the focus, you may encounter a strolling entertainer or hear some live music in the evenings. Rory, the Strolling Entertainer However, once that clock tower strikes 10:00 pm every night, The Edison becomes an adults-only location open to guests 21-and-over. Edison Dancers ©The Edison A few other changes take place at that hour. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, a $10 cover charge kicks in promptly at 10 PM. A dress code is also enforced. Though it’s not super strict, there are no ball caps or flip-flops allowed. Men may not wear sleeveless shirts (jackets are optional), and slacks, jeans, or dress shorts are required. It’s much like the dress code when dining at a Signature Restaurant. And these tables you see? They are cleared away to become a dance floor. Downstairs Tables Cover What Becomes a Dance Floor Floor Cleared for Dancing Just Before 10 PM The biggest change of all, though, is the nightly entertainment, which may include anything from live music and DJs to live cabaret, aerialists, contortionists, palm readers, and more. Aerialist ©The Edison According to our server, some adult entertainment costuming at night may “leave little to the imagination.” This only takes place once it is verified that all under-age guests have left for the evening, but it’s still good to know for your group’s comfort level and preference. As far as food is concerned, the anticipated Late Night menu hasn’t been released yet (our server informed us it’s still being tweaked). So, let’s take a look instead at BOTH meals we tried at The Edison! Lunch Eats and Drinks Classic American food (with a twist), and craft cocktails are on the menu day and night at The Edison! Catalog of Parts — The Menu Though there are differences between the Lunch and Dinner Menus, many of the items available during Lunch (including all the dishes we chose) are also available for Dinner. Lunch options are divided into Shares & Nibbles (Appetizers), Entree Salads, and Burgers & Bites (Entrees). Lunch Menu The Drinks menu begins with Edison Signature Cocktails, including shareable sizes for 8 – 10 guests (to the tune of $100). Edison Signature Cocktails During our First Look, we particularly enjoyed The Mistress, a fruity-yet-mature cocktail with Stoli Elit Vodka, Amaro Montenegro, and Domaine Chandon with lemon and pomegranate. The Mistress Classic Cocktails include a Negroni and Sazerac, and Mocktails are also listed below. Classic Cocktails and Mocktails The next two pages are devoted to Beer and Hard Cider. Beers and Ciders Beers and Ciders And next up is the Wine List. Wines by the Glass Wines by the Bottle The extensive Spirits list includes Bourbon, Rye, Whiskey, and Scotch. Spirits Followed by Vodka, Gin, Tequila, and Rum. Spirits Now we’ll look at how you might soak some of that up, starting with our Appetizers, which include the Dancin’ Corn Dogs. What makes them “Dancin’”? Dancin’ Corn Dogs Edible silver “spray paint” is sprayed on the corn dogs to give them a glistening appearance. The spray paint doesn’t add any flavor, but it’s not meant to. It’s basically for kicks. But despite the unique appearance, they’re just your basic Corn Dogs when it comes down to it. (Note that when Edison first opened, these doggies were totally covered in the spray paint. So we’re making progress?) Dancin’ Corn Dogs And hot dogs stuffed into fried corn batter are never a bad thing. But while these would serve a fun purpose for an easily shareable snack on a late night out with friends, they aren’t particularly memorable. Next up, I had to take a second shot at the already famous/infamous DB ‘Clothesline Candied Bacon, dripping with maple glaze, seasoned with black pepper, and served with sour pickles and mostarda (jam with candied fruit and a mustard base). It’s famous for being bacon hanging on a clothesline; infamous for running $13 for four strips of bacon. DB Clothesline Candied Bacon For that reason alone, I wanted to hate it. Well, that and the fact that it kind of looks like a horror movie. I did want to hate it. I tried really hard. It’s $13 for four strips of BACON? But I just can’t. This is SERIOUSLY good, thick cut, just slightly sweetened bacon, and I kid you not when I say it melts in your mouth. Just bite the bullet and get the clothesline. Hawkers’ Box of Balls, on the other hand, is not something I would recommend spending the money on. The box contains lamb meatballs and comes with a side of tzatziki sauce, and the dish itself isn’t a star — I enjoyed the tzatziki sauce more than anything. Hawkers’ Box of Balls And of course lamb always costs a bit more, but $14 for such a small portion just didn’t cut it for me, and if you’re really looking to share with your group, this isn’t the dish. Hawkers’ Box of Balls The Electri-Fries are definitely a shareable portion, though. The plentiful fries are topped with bacon, blue cheese crumbles, green onion and “Edison Special Sauce,” which is similar to a Thousand Island dressing. Electri-Fries It’s a good, addictive dish, and there’s plenty to it. Again, not particularly memorable, as you can find loaded fries pretty much anywhere. Here’s the thing, though: if your entree comes with fries, skip the Electri-Fries altogether. I actually preferred the fries without toppings, because they’re really good just on their own. Under Burgers & Bites (the entrees), I wanted to give The Edison burger another chance since it’s the signature. And I’m glad I did… but not for the reasons you might think. The Edison Burger This huge burger (a blend of sirloin, shortrib, and brisket) is topped with cheddar, onions strings, bacon, housemade pickles, lettuce, tomato, and more of the Special Sauce. (The side of fries is what convinced me of their quality more than the loaded version — good stuff.) The Edison Burger So, the toppings are tasty and solid. But unlike our first experience, when the patty was great, this particular patty was flavorless. Even though it was prepared to my medium rare request, there was very little taste to it. The Edison Burger My usual picks at D-Luxe Burger top it by a mile. I don’t know what was up with the beef blend that day, but it just didn’t work on my lunch visit. There’s a bright side with the Organic Tomato Soup & Gooey Grilled Cheese. Now, the tomato soup was slightly spicy (we were informed it had recently been toned down, but it still has plenty of kick). But the texture was off. That Gooey Grilled Cheese, tho… Organic Tomato Soup and Gooey Grilled Cheese A four cheese sandwich with fontina, muenster, gruyere, and Alpine Swiss, it really is wonderfully gooey. Plus I love grilled cheese on sourdough due to the way it keeps its crunch. Winner! Gooey Grilled Cheese But know this: this dish is $16 for lunch, but $20 at dinner. I can’t imagine it’s that much different of a portion — you’re just paying the premium for having it at dinner. You’ll see the same Dessert Menu for Dinner, so we grabbed three for lunch. Dessert Menu Casey’s Apple Cobbler is topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Casey’s Apple Cobbler The fresh apple and crumble give this one a really enjoyable homemade quality, but if you prefer your crumble to have a gooey texture, you should know that this version is less buttery, presenting more crisp and crunch than moistness. The Bittersweet Chocolate “Mile High” Cake is served with just a touch of raspberry coulis and dollop of whipped cream. Those layers of frosting you see carry a hint of mocha flavor. Bittersweet Chocolate “Mile High” Cake But all you see of it is all there is. I think “Mile High” is something of a misnomer. And you guys know how I feel about my frosting. Basically, I WANT LOTS OF IT! And while the cake itself was fine, there weren’t any super remarkable qualities about it. Bittersweet Chocolate “Mile High” Cake Meh. It is the Lollipop Tree that really stood out among our sweets, and not simply due to its fun presentation. These chocolate-covered pops aren’t simply cake pops… they’re CHEESECAKE pops. And that cheesecake is sweet, creamy and decadent. Lollipop Tree It’s served with bubblegum whipped cream for dipping. Sounds weird, right? And it totally is, yet… it works. The flavor isn’t even remotely subtle — we’re talking straight-up Bazooka Joe in whipped cream form. I didn’t love it for dipping the pops, but I totally dug in to just enjoy it on its own. Bubblegum Whipped Cream Remember how I mentioned that the Corn Dogs fulfilled their purpose of being a fun shareable, but not particularly memorable? Lollipop Tree Well, the Lollipop Tree accomplishes both: it’s both easily shareable and totally tasty and memorable. But wait… we’re not done yet. The Edison begins offering its Dinner Menu around 5:00 pm. Dinner Eats You’ll find the primary difference of the Dinner Menu is under The Patented Specialties (entrees), which include both surf and turf with Lump Crabcakes and Scottish Salmon listed among Fried Chicken, Prime Rib, and Meatloaf and Gravy. The Edison Dinner Menu Patented Partners (sides) like Mashed Potatoes, Mushrooms, and Creamed Spinach may be purchased a la carte, though some of the entrees do come with sides included. But first we’ll pick up with a few more drinks, both of which are under the Classic Cocktails on the drinks menu we showed in the previous section. The Blinker — Knob Creek Rye, grapefruit, lemon, and raspberry — is enjoyable, and even a little spicy. Blinker I give them credit for not just doing a “basic” drink with this. The rye adds something here, for sure. The Lightning Rod Margarita is made with Maestro Dobel Reposado, Montelobos Mezcal, lime and thai chili honey. This one has a super spicy finish and the Mezcal made it VERY smokey. So, be warned: it’s not at all what you typically expect from a margarita, and you’ll want to skip it if you don’t like smoky drinks. But I loved it! Lightning Rod Margarita It’s very good and quite complex; you just need to be prepared for it. After my first sip, I think I audibly gave a “Whoo!” ‘cuz that spicy finish was SURRIOUS. I’m going to start our Entrees with a bang: the 28 Day Dry-Aged Prime Rib. Prime Rib Beautifully prepared and bold with flavor, it was just awesome — and definitely THE thing to order if you are at The Edison for dinner. It’s complete with a wonderfully soft and airy Cheddar Popover for sopping up all of that juice. Cheddar Popover I also ordered some Gratin Potatoes on the side (these typically come with the Centennial Steak). Gratin Potatoes The goat cheese here gives these a different flavor than you’d expect, but — as someone who doesn’t like goat cheese — these were still very good. Everything about this meal was right. On the other hand… The Crisp Fried Chicken is just weird. Let’s start with the odd presentation: the drumstick is a complete piece, but everything else is off the bone and kind of smooshed together into two other pieces. The batch is tempura batter fried. Plus, the chicken itself was really dry, and — except for the skin on the drumstick — was rather tasteless. Crisp Fried Chicken Now, the plate looks pretty plain, doesn’t it? That’s because the mashed potatoes that come with it were served on a separate plate from the chicken. When I asked, I was told the mashed potatoes on the plate mess up the presentation of the chicken; but, frankly, that was lacking anyway. Mashed Potatoes It’s just a strange dish overall that I would NOT recommend. Coming in smack in the middle of the other two entrees is the Old Fashioned Meatloaf and Gravy, which came highly recommended. Old Fashioned Meatloaf and Gravy It was fine, and I do believe they’re still playing with the recipe. It wasn’t as good as the Prime Rib, but the flavor was there and I would recommend it as my second favorite. The Desserts at Dinner are the same as Lunch. You may remember the Black Cherry Cream from our First Look (if not, check it out here). Black Cherry Cream And, of course, our selections from above. LOLLIPOP TREE!! Three Edison Desserts And NOW… we’re ready to wrap it up . Nosh or Not? You might want to dine at The Edison if: You can’t resist the whole steampunk vibe, especially when it’s done as well as it is here. You want a taste of the new Disney Springs night life, including some creative drinks and not-your-typical-Disney entertainment. You can’t not go after all the hype! You might want to pass on The Edison if: You’d rather dine at a spot where food is more of the focus over entertainment and vibe. (In which case, I’d recommend Morimoto Asia if you’re looking in Disney Springs… or anywhere, really.) You or someone in your group is uncomfortable with burlesque-style entertainment (applicable to late night only). You’re not into crowded nighttime spots. We learned that crowds start kicking in around 5:30 each night and so far — at least in this honeymoon stage — the weekend nights have been pretty packed. Overall Okay, let’s talk setting, then let’s talk food. Even beyond the late night entertainment, for which this spot is vying to be known, a daytime or early evening visit still has a vibe of its own, thanks to the cool atmosphere of the restaurant itself. The obvious comparison in the Orlando area is Universal’s Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, which also presents a steampunk theme. While both spots execute the style really well, everything in Toothsome appears sparkly, new and whimsical…and even a little mysterious; whereas the decidedly sophisticated Edison feels like a genuine trip back to an era based on setting alone. But after years of anticipation (this place was announced in 2015, remember? ) I have to say… I wasn’t blown away by the food. And based on that fact I wouldn’t call The Edison “must-do dining.” Now, the drinks are creative; I’ll definitely give them that. I would make a visit to the bar (or bars, as it were) for a couple of those. And if you’d really like to experience the nightlife (along with fun servers and bartenders), then by all means, grab a cool cocktail and enjoy. But they haven’t quite figured out the food yet, in my opinion. So I’ll be curious to see what future visits yield. Cost-wise, it’s NOT insane. I was expecting it to be a lot more expensive than this. So while it IS a pretty penny compared to off-property dining locations, it’s middle of the road for Disney — especially for a place with great live entertainment and that will potentially be a 2-credit restaurant. Just a note: on our visit they had not yet confirmed the Disney Dining Plan situation just yet, as it was still to-be-determined whether the spot would require one or two Table Service credits. But hey… did you know The Edison is part of a new Complex of restaurants? Also newly open are Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Pizza Ponte, and you can check out each review by clicking on any of those links! For now, we’re signing off from THE EDISON! Are you adding The Edison to your list of new restaurants to try? 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: First Look! THE EDISON in Disney Springs Disney Springs News! Details About The Edison and the Opening of Vivoli Gelateria News: Mario and Enzo’s Restaurant — Plus Rum Running Tunnels!! — Coming to The Edison in Disney Springs View the full article

Disney chefs will be back in action creating a menu that celebrates local cuisine at the Field to Feast dinner, according to a news release from Edible Orlando magazine. Tickets are on sale for $175 at edibleorlando.com. The event will be held from 3-6 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Long & Scott Farms, 26216... View the full article

This week we are starting a special video series with the participation of a tiny chef. You see, some kids want to be astronauts, firefighter.. but not Paloma… she wants to be a Chef! After cooking several times in special events in her native Puerto Rico, she received the title of Mini Chef Paloma. One of her dreams was to cook a delicious breakfast at Walt Disney World Resort! And in this first video, that dream came true! Watch as Mini Chef Paloma cooks up a special recipe from the book Delicious Disney Just for Kids in the comfort of her full kitchen while staying at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, the newest Disney Vacation Club Resort. She received the help of Walt Disney World Resort Chef Axel Martinez. You can watch the Spanish version here. Next week, be sure to join Paloma on her delicious adventure throughout Walt Disney World Resort. View the full article

Disneyland’s famous Main Street is looking more like wall street. During work to replace the tracks for its horse-drawn streetcar, the theme park has installed two stretches of walls along Disneyland’s main thoroughfare to separate visitors and workers. The walls are so prominent that the project... View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Tips for Traveling as a Big Family View the full article

Extensive rehab into 2019

The Lunar New Year festival is about to begin at Disney California Adventure park, commemorating the Year of the Dog. This year’s festival will run from January 26 through February 18 and will feature specialty Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cuisine. All of the delicious food you see listed below will be offered in marketplaces located througout the north side of Paradise Pier. Be sure to come celebrate the time-honored traditions that commemorate the start of a new year, and check out Erin Glover’s recent post about all of the festivities that will be returning for this year’s celebration. Korea Marketplace (In front of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure) Kimchi Bokkeumbap – Vegetable fried rice Yachae Mandu – Steamed vegetable dumpling with sesame-garlic soy sauce Yang Gaeng – Sweet red bean and raspberry jelly Banana Ooyu – Non-alcoholic banana milk Mae Shil Ju – Plum wine cocktail Hite Pale Lager China Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr) Xiao Long Bao – Pork soup dumplings with black vinegar and ginger Sanbeiji – Three-cup chicken Dan Ta – Egg tart dessert Wuxiang Huasheng Tang – Five-spiced peanut brittle Baixiangguo Lucha – Passion fruit green iced tea with lychee popping pearls (non-alcoholic) Tsingtao Lager Vietnam Marketplace (In front of Golden Zephyr) Banh Chu’ng – Sticky rice cake with pork Chao Tom – Sugar cane shrimp skewer with sweet and sour sauce Banh Khoai Lang Tim – Purple sweet potato macaron Ca Phe Sua Da – Vietnamese iced coffee (non-alcoholic) Paradise Gardens Cart Zhurou Bao – Steamed bao filled with pork and served with sweet chili dipping sauce Xìngren Qu Qi – Three Mini Almond Cookies Paradise Garden Grill Ca Ro Phi Chien Gion – Whole crispy tilapia with chili-lime vinaigrette served family-style with soup, vegetables and rice Japchae – Sweet potato noodles, onions, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, spinach, snow peas, broccolini and lightly sauteed tofu tossed with sesame oil and sweet and spicy sauce and topped with toasted sesame seeds Galbi – Short ribs marinated and grilled Korean-style and served with steamed rice and kimchi Pho Bo: Beef noodle soup with seasoned beef stock, thinly sliced tri-tip and rice noodles with classic accompaniments of onion, jalapeno, basil-lime and hot sauce Banh Mi Thit Nuong – Marinated pork belly, pickled carrots and daikon with cucumber, cilantro, seasoned mayonnaise and jalapeno on a crispy baguette Mango Pudding Almond Milk Black Iced Tea with Pudding (non-alcoholic) Black Beer Stout View the full article

When DCA’s Cove Bar closed on January 8 as part of Paradise Pier’s transition to Pixar Pier, fans of the bar’s innovative (and beautiful) drinks (including the fun secret menu!) lamented the loss of this popular spot. What would become of their technicolor concoctions? Well, now we know that at least one of Cove Bar’s fan favorites has found a new home! The Fun Wheel is now available at Alfresco Tasting Terrace! Alfesco Tasting Terrace Menu Alfresco Tasting Terrace is a lovely lounge and bar located near Pacific Wharf and Cars Land, and it’s a relaxing place to grab a small plate or appetizer or a glass of one of the Disney Family of Wines. And now, guests can also pick up a Fun Wheel! Overlooking Paradise Pier The Fun Wheel consists of layers of Pineapple Juice, X-Rated Passion Fruit Vodka, and Blue Curacao. It’s topped off with Soda Water and is as fun to drink as it is to look at. You can’t be in a grumpy mood with one of these in your hand! And we’re so happy that it’s found a new home! Read More Disneyland Food News, Reviews, and Restaurant Info Here! What Cove Bar specialty are you hoping returns to one of Disneyland’s lounges? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: #OnTheList: Alfresco Tasting Terrace at Disney California Adventure News: Expansion In the Works for Disney California Adventure’s Cove Bar News! Enjoy Disney Family of Wines and a New Menu at Alfresco Tasting Terrace in Disney California Adventure View the full article

Last June when Walt Disney World announced updates to the 2018 Disney Dining Plan, many guests were thrilled to discover that beginning this year, all three plans include Specialty and Alcoholic Drinks! This means that diners can order delicious milkshakes, fruity smoothies, and tasty adult beverages without having to pay out of pocket. Southern Sangria and Not Everyone’s Margarita And thus the 2018 vacation planning (by vacation planning we mean vacation meal planning) began! But unlike in past years, Disney has yet to publish a list of the 2018 restaurants that are participating in the DDP! So we did the leg work for you! Check out our 2018 Disney Dining Plan Restaurants page to see where you can spend those credits (and indulge in those drinks!). Phew! And while you’re daydreaming about noshing on a slice of Via Napoli pizza, you can also visit our Disney Dining Plans page for all the information you need to make the most of your meal credits and our answers to Disney Dining Plan FAQs! We know the DDP can be confusing (How do I make sure it’s a deal for my family? What if I want to use my Quick Service credits to buy all the Mickey Krispie Bars?), so we’ve got your back! And if you’re looking for everything in the realm of Disney World dining, take a peek at our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, which has hundreds of pages of detailed information to feed your Disney dining soul! 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. Are you a Disney Dining Plan fan? Let us know your thoughts on this year’s updates (and how you make the most of the plan during your visits!). 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! 2018 Disney Dining Plan Updates — Now With Alcohol! News: Disney Dining Plan Price Increase Rumor: Will Alcoholic Beverages Be Included on the 2018 Disney Dining Plan? View the full article

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is a must-do for my family every time we visit Magic Kingdom Park. It has been my son’s favorite attraction since he was a toddler, and to this day our family loves to go head-to-head to see who will score the most points. How well do you know this attraction? Put your knowledge to the test below! .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-198005 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom Park When did Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin open at Magic Kingdom Park? 1998 2000 2001 What do you board to defeat Zurg in Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin? SR-Infinity Transport XP-37 Star Cruiser TS-95 Binford Buggy What is Evil Emperor Zurg collecting throughout Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin? Toys Aliens Batteries What's the highest Star Command ranking you can earn on Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin? Space Ace Cosmic Commando Galactic Hero Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="198005" data-site-url="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. View the full article

The Central Florida hippopotamus population has increased by one. A baby hippo was born this weekend at Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park. The Nile hippopotamus, which arrived late Saturday evening, is the first hippo born at the park in 13 years, Disney says. The newborn is sticking close to... View the full article

Recently engaged? Looking to celebrate your anniversary with a vow renewal? We have the perfect event to help you get started on planning your happily ever after. You are cordially invited to join us on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Walt Disney World for the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Showcase. This intimate event gives you an exclusive look into the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings planning process and will provide you with inspiration for your big day! You will be given the opportunity to meet with our dedicated team of Disney Wedding Consultants as well as Disney Floral, Photography and more! From learning about our three wedding collections and grabbing a glimpse of Cinderella’s Coach to sampling both savory and sweet treats, you will have a front row seat into the one-of-a-kind planning experience only Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings can offer. In addition to the Showcase, all attendees are invited to tour the newly reimagined Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, our most popular venue among couples. You will also have the chance to stop-in Franck’s Bridal Studio – the place where all the planning happens. Plus, we have two additional experiences available to attendees. End the night with a Dessert Party while watching the night sky come alive with the fireworks show Happily Ever After, or choose to take part in a culinary adventure by joining the chefs of Disney’s Contemporary Resort in the Catering Kitchen as you create an elegant five-course food and wine dinner. As a special gift to Disney Vacation Club Members only, bride and groom attendees will receive one (1) Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse Ear Hat. Simply bring your Disney Vacation Club Membership Card to the event in order to receive the Ear Hat. Register here for the Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings Showcase! View the full article

Here’s to a new week! We’re kicking it off with another DFB Video today, and we’re talking about the worst Disney World Resorts! We can’t wait to see Caribbean Beach again… AFTER construction is complete Now, you may have already heard us talking about some of our favorite Disney World Resorts. But what about those that are… not so much? Though there really is something to enjoy about every Resort in Disney World (since the Magic is everywhere!), with dozens of them on Disney World property… well, some of them are bound to land on the bottom of the list. Find out which Resorts may not climb to the top. And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: What’s your favorite (or least favorite) Disney World Resort? Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: DFB Video: Top 5 Disney World Resorts for FOOD! DFB Video: Best Disney World Resorts DFB Video: Best to Worst Disney World Two-Credit Restaurants View the full article

Looking for a little hideaway? Then Enzo’s your guy… Learn About: Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant is now officially open in Disney World’s Disney Springs, and we have a full review for you today. Together with Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante and Pizza Ponte, Enzo’s Hideaway is the lounge option (which also offers full table service) within this trio of new Italian restaurants in Disney Springs. Like Maria & Enzo’s, the Hideaway is headed by Chef Theo Schoenegger. But the Tunnel Bar puts forth its own spin on Italian cuisine inspired by apertivo bars in Rome. When you step inside Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar, you’re entering a speakeasy in what are said to have once been rum-running tunnels with the story also inspired by the true Florida history of rum-running. (Hence, the Prohibition-era cocktails you’ll spot on the menu.) Between this and Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, it’s clear that Enzo is one busy guy. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant sign Let’s see what he’s been up to. Atmosphere So, who exactly is Enzo? He is Maria’s husband, and together this immigrant couple from Italy ran a bakery in what was formerly the Air Terminal for Disney Springs. When the air terminal closed, they made a name for themselves in the town by opening up Pizza Ponte. Entrance into Pizza Ponte The success of their pizza-by-the-slice business allowed the couple to purchase the former terminal and transform it into Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante. The Edison Complex including The Edison, Maria & Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, and Pizza Ponte So, I guess the next question, since it is a “Hideaway,” after all, is where is Enzo’s Tunnel Bar? Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant The nearest landmark in The Landing (seen in the background above) is STK Orlando. Paradiso 37 is another nearby spot approaching from the other side. Anyhoo… During the process of purchasing the terminal, Enzo came upon an area below the air terminal connected to the now-abandoned power plant next door (that would be The Edison). Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant He discovered the space which once served as a hideaway during the Prohibition’s dry years for a team of flying rum-runners. (“Nobody knows how dry I am..”) Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar These days, you can discover it, too, by entering a small “tunnel” to the check-in area. Check-In Area Check-In Area Decor The check-in area connects to a room that oozes of a bygone era. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Enzo decided to leave lots of the old details right where they were. Decor around Enzo’s Hideaway Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Decor From the (one…and only) tunnel, you enter the main dining area, which is large and not at all tunnel-like. The graffiti walls still stand to tell some of the stories of times gone by. Graffiti in Enzo’s You could spend some serious time taking in the details of signatures, drawings and quotes dating back to 1919. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Graffiti It’s highly recommended that you stay a while and do some exploring of the walls… you may just find some words of wisdom (or, at the very least, some cool artwork). Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Graffiti With the decor from the past still in place, Enzo transformed the spot into a dining destination where he could serve his Italian family’s recipes. The space is lined with red booths that make it easy to imagine lounging for a while. Large Booth Seating Table Setting Booth Seating Booths lining the walls Main Dining Area It’s complete with a bar (but, of course!), and seating for many modern day guests. Bar Inside Enzo’s Hideaway Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar Bar Inside Enzo’s Hideaway Guests include those who will be attending Enzo’s Sunday Supper at the large shared table (we’ll talk about this more a bit later). Large Group Table And finally, there is a small walkway that eventually leads into The Edison…and the restrooms…which are in the Edison and not in the Hideaway. This is weird, in case you were wondering. Bottles lining the walkway But we’ve already explored The Edison a bit (and we’ll do so again with our full review!). So, let’s stay right here and see what our new buddy Enzo has to offer. Eats When we first learned about the Tunnel Bar, we knew the lounge would highlight Prohibition-era and craft cocktails. “Giggle Water” Menu We also learned it would boast the largest selection of scotches and “antique” and specialty rums in Disney Springs, now known as “Enzo’s Smuggled and Stashed Collection.” (You can click any of the menu images to enlarge for easier reading.) Enzo’s Smuggled and Stashed Collection Menu Enzo’s Stash is listed alongside the Martinis, Beer, Specialty Beverages, and Mocktails. Continued Drink Menu You can also look over the Wine List. Wines But the list goes on… Featured Drinks include Sangria, the Luciano Spritz, Housemade Lemonade, and Freshly Brewed Iced Tea. Featured Drinks Family Style drinks serving 2-4 guests are also available. Family Style Drinks Our own selections of “Giggle Water” included the Strawberry Fields (in the forefront), the Limoncello Gimlet (garnished with thyme), and the Luciano Spritz. Strawberry Fields features Bulleit Bourbon and Fernet Branca combined with strawberry syrup, lemon, ginger, and cucumber with the fruit flavors lending a softer edge to the strong liquors in the drink. Strawberry Fields, Limoncello Gimlet, and Luciano Spritz The Limoncello Gimlet (a must-try for me, due to the limoncello) is Nolet’s Gin and Caravella Limoncello with simple syrup, garnished with roasted thyme. And the Luciano Spritz is a fruity wine cocktail with Solerno Blood Orange, Aperol, and Villa Sandi Prosecco with blood orange juice. The drinks were decent and I like the variety of spirits offered. That’s one thing that Patina group is doing well with these new restaurants — the mixology is pretty on point. Note that you really need to stir up your spritz to get all of the flavors. Now, Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar was originally announced with exactly that name. The “and Restaurant” was added after that, since the spot would be serving much more than an extensive drink menu. Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant Enzo, you see, wanted to serve specialty dishes from Rome and nearby regions in Italy. All guests are poured their own olive oil dish from an oil can labeled “Beautiful oil for beautiful people.” Bread and Olive Oil to start your meal And on the menu, this Italian culinary tour begins with Dolce Vita — Meats and Cheeses and Antipasto — along with a selection of appetizers, soups, and salads. Dolce Vita and Appetizer Menu The Salumi e Formaggi is comprised of Prosciutto (aged 24 months), a spicy Salame Piccante, and Finocchiana (flavored with fennel) for the meats. Salumi e Formaggi Reggiano-Parmigiano (aged 24 months), Pecorino Romano, and Fontina Val d’Aosta are the cheese offerings. Olives, pickled vegetables, and breadsticks (in the Grissini packaging) complete the presentation. Salumi e Formaggi This was excellent, though the Parmigiano and Romano cheeses were practically impossible to tell apart. But this dish brings up an interesting point. I asked our server to let me know the difference in food philosophy between this location and, say, Patina group’s Italian restaurants in Epcot. He mentioned that he’d never been to Epcot and hadn’t eaten in the other restaurants (and, yes, we had pretty bad service on this visit), but that Hideaway was supposed to be more like you were being invited into someone’s home. He said that if you finished the items on your charcuterie, they would bring you more for free. I was surprised by this — free refills on your meat and cheese board? But perhaps at the price point of this restaurant that’s the least they can do. Under the Antipasti selections we chose the Carciofi, which are fried Roman-style artichokes. Cariciofi These were very good, and very easy to eat despite my having had trouble with fried artichokes in other restaurants. If you’re just getting one appetizer, go with something else. But if you’re a huge artichoke fan or looking for a decent vegetarian option, this one fits the bill. The Suppli alla Romana is meat ragu inside of arborio rice cones. Suppli alla Romana I don’t see any cones (do you?), but these were basically giant risotto/arancini balls. Each was about the size of my fist. They were great, and this was probably the only dish that we wanted to finish entirely. Suppli alla Romana cross-section The Entree menu puts the spotlight on Roman pasta dishes; however, Secondi (meat and seafood dishes), have a place as well. Entree Menu At the top of the list is Nonna’s Paccheri: it’s billed as large pasta tubes, braised shortrib, meatballs, and sausage in tomato gravy topped with “Nonna’s fonduta” (cream and cheese sauce). Here’s what I received: Nonna’s Paccheri It’s so unlike what I imagined from the description that I wasn’t even sure if I had been brought the correct dish. (Which, honestly speaking, the service I received was poor enough that it wouldn’t surprise me if I hadn’t received it after all.) Nonna’s Paccheri In any case, what I did get was not worth the $28 I paid for it. The pasta was severely al dente. I know it’s supposed to be al dente, but this was…basically…crunchy. The concept of the dish is a good one, but the portion was relatively small and I didn’t see too much of the promised short rib, meatballs, and sausage. I fared better with the Bucatini alla Carbonara. Bucatini alla Carbonara It’s a heavy, satisfying bowl of bucatini (which is beefaroni noodles — you know what I mean) with pecorino cheese and egg yolks combined with panchetta, then doused with black pepper. This was basically what you’d expect, and the pasta had slightly better texture here. Of course, as with any Italian spot, it’s not hard for vegetarians to find more than a thing or two on the menu. For instance, the Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe is similar to the Bucatini alla Carbonara, only without the panchetta and egg yolks. This, for all its simplicity, was the best entree of the night, by far. It had good flavor, texture, and portion size. Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe Finally, the Capesante is a Secondi dish of Diver scallops with cauliflower and an Italian sweet and sour sauce. Capesante On the menu, they’re also listed with green beans, but my dish came with Brussels sprouts, which leads me to believe they’re still tweaking the menu a bit. On this one, the scallops were pretty chewy and I didn’t get a lot of flavor from the sweet and sour sauce. It wasn’t something that I wanted to continue eating after the first bite. The Dessert Menu offers a few traditional Italian desserts like Tiramisu and Cannoli. But it’s the Gelato and Sorbet that gets top billing, including the Coppe Gelati Sundaes. Dessert Menu And it’s gotta be said: they’re a pretty penny, with the Sundaes coming in a $14 a pop. We picked all three of the Gelato versions: the Amarena Sundae, the Cannoli Sundae, and the Doppio Panna Sundae. Coppe Gelati Sundaes Yep, each one is $14. But can you spy a difference? The one in the front is the Doppio Panna Gelati Sundae with hazelnut gelato and “double cream.” According to the manager, the use of “double cream” — as opposed to whipped cream — is why it’s so much smaller than the others, but still the same price. The cream was great, but this is not worth $14. Fortunately, the Cannoli Gelati Sundae is more impressive. Cannoli Gelati Sundae Made of Crema Gelati topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream and garnished with orange candy, pistachio, and cannoli cookie bits, this is certainly shareable and much closer to what I expected, portion-wise. And it was pretty delicious. The Amarena Gelati Sundae also has a Crema Gelato base with chocolate, and toppings include pistachio, whipped cream, and cherries. They aren’t listed on the menu, but Pizelle-style cookies also top the Amarena. Amarena Sundae The real whipped cream used here is epic — truly delicious. And the size of these last two is certainly shareable, so $7 for a dessert is more palatable than $14. These will be a great value on the Disney Dining Plan for sure. Of the three, the Cannoli Sundae has the most bang for the buck. And I LOVE the chocolate gelato in the Amarena sundae. But really, I would go for the less expensive — and more impressive — Coppe Delazia Sundae in Epcot’s Italy Pavilion over any of these. What we’ve seen so far are the everyday dinnertime eats and drinks, but the plan is that Enzo’s will also host a few special events like Enzo’s Sunday Supper. Every Sunday, participating guests can enjoy a menu featuring items like short ribs, meatballs, and sausages. AND guests will be able to bring their own wine… with no corkage fee! The Smugglers Series will be another monthly hard-ticketed event that will feature its own unique menu and specialty cocktails, with an emphasis on mixology. We’ll share the details on these when they are released. Nosh or Not? Pay Enzo a visit if: You’re a fan of immersive atmospheres in Disney World. This Disney movie quote is one of your personal favorites: “But why is the rum gone?” (Or you are further inspired to visit upon viewing the list of Enzo’s Smuggled and Stashed Collection.) You want to try one of the new trio of Italian eateries in Disney Springs, and prefer the setting which is mostly focused on adults. Pass on Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant if: The whole “underground” thing kinda creeps you out (that is to say, lack of windows makes you feel claustrophobic). You appreciate more whimsy in your Disney lounge settings (in which case, you might prefer Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto or AbracadaBar). And — finally and frankly — you don’t want to pay too much for mediocre Italian food and bad service. (Read on, my friends…) Overall Here it is, plain and simple: Enzo’s is overpriced for what you get if you’re visiting for a meal. Though many may appreciate the selection of rums, bourbons, scotches, and the like — and that is a cool list in keeping with the theme — Enzo’s is not, in my opinion, working with the whole “and restaurant” concept. I think it would have worked better doing cocktails and small plates — similar to Tutto Gusto — and keeping the size of the place MUCH smaller…with actual tunnels, which are cool, instead a giant restaurant room, which is not cool. It bums me out to say it, because of all four new spots which now make up The Edison Complex — the Hideaway along with Pizza Ponte, Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante, and The Edison itself — I really thought that Enzo’s Hideaway held the most promise for great theming with terrific drinks. I think they overshot by making it a full restaurant, ultimately going for more tables to fit more people over depth of story and creativity in cuisine. My experience included bad service and mediocre food, for which I paid WAY too much. This meal — three drinks, three appetizers, three nothing-special-there’s-no-filet-mignon-in-there pasta dishes, and three desserts — cost $300. $300?! And the meal took four hours?!?! Now I have no problem with Patina group. They run a good ship over at Via Napoli. Morimoto Asia is my favorite restaurant on property right now. And I get that they’re basically opening three giant restaurants and a counter service location in the same month. I get that they had to train a TON of new cast members. I get that they had to work out some serious and very highly anticipated theming. I get that they had a LOT of menus to sort out. But a little more time may have been helpful before opening to work out all the kinks. Or perhaps staggering the openings a bit more. I’m expecting and hoping to see improvements in all of these locations as the months go on and kinks get worked out. But currently, everything’s a little shaky in this corner of Disney Springs, so be prepared. And bring your big wallet. Here are the details: the full food menu is available starting at 11:30 AM daily through 10:00 PM Sunday – Thursday and 11:00 PM Friday-Saturday. The Tunnel Bar (full bar offerings) also opens at 11:30 AM, but is open until 12:00 midnight Sunday – Thursday, and until 1:00 AM Friday – Saturday. And if you do go, I would really appreciate hearing about your experience! Check out our first Edison Restaurant Review Here! Will you be paying a visit to Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant? 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: Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant Now Open in Disney Springs First Look! Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant in Disney World News: Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert Menus Released for Enzo’s Hideaway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant View the full article

Springtime at the Disneyland Resort is always a magical time, but the spring of 2018 is bringing with it much more than blooming flowers and gorgeous days. It’s bringing the exciting opening of Pixar Fest, beginning April 13! Pixar Fest, which will be celebrated throughout the Disneyland Resort, will remind us of the unbreakable bonds of friendship we learned through such films as “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Up”! This unique celebration will feature the debut of a new nighttime spectacular, the return of not one, but two favorite parades. Pixar Fest will include new Pixar experiences, entertainment, characters, fun décor and limited-edition merchandise. “When I heard ‘Paint the Night’ was returning, I’m pretty sure I actually squealed out loud. Just thinking about the soundtrack puts a smile on my face!” said Disney Parks Moms Panelist Jennifer L. “I am blown away by the elaborate floats and impressive color-changing light-up costumes. This parade also holds a special place in my heart as it was the first nighttime parade my son witnessed. I can still remember the look of awe on his face when he saw the colorful dazzling lights.” Fellow panelist, Linda M., shares Jennifer’s excitement about this spring at the Disneyland Resort, and has been sharing her excitement with guests as they begin to plan their Disneyland Resort vacations. “We have a trip already planned for this April and I simply cannot wait to see ‘Paint the Night’ again!” she exclaimed. “However, over in Disneyland park, the new ‘Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular’ has me brimming with anticipation, too. I can’t wait to see the all-encompassing projections on the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A., and Sleeping Beauty Castle in concert with the exhilarating fireworks lighting up the sky. And Buzz Lightyear will even fly overhead! How cool is that?! Pixar films always evoke special feelings of friendship, compassion and adventure, so I can’t wait for my family to experience it all during this nighttime show.” Along with this new and exciting experience, guests can also enjoy other special spring events, including the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. “Springtime at the Disneyland Resort is a fantastic season to visit because of the great weather and one of my favorite unique events: the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival,” Jennifer said. “As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am always delighted to see the creative offerings that chefs whip up while showcasing the flavors of California. Who would have thought garlic and avocado ice cream would be delicious?” For more tips on planning a magical spring getaway or to ask questions about planning your next Disney Parks vacation, be sure to visit the DisneyParksMomsPanel.com for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

There are 100 teenagers spread across the country who woke up today to learn their lives are about to take a magical ride that they probably never thought was possible. They are the 100 high school students selected to participate in this year’s Disney Dreamers Academy, an immersive and transformational program at Walt Disney World Resort. In fact, the magical ride started early this morning for five of the teens, who were flown to New York and surprised live on “Good Morning America” with the news of their selection to the program. Confetti rained down on Ayanna Adams (Los Angeles) Ava Marie Easter (Los Angeles), Christiana Okafor (Houston), Marquis Thomas (Virginia Beach, Va.) and Sean Smith (Basking Ridge, N.J.) as the “Good Morning America” hosts, Mickey Mouse and Disney executive Tracey Powell broke the news to them on the air. And Harvey congratulated them on their accomplishment with a video message in the studio. We are sending the students, along with the 95 other teens selected, on an all-expenses paid trip in March to Walt Disney World Resort. Here, they will embark on a journey throughout the Disney theme parks and behind the scenes, turning the vacation destination into a vibrant classroom for them to discover new careers, pursue their dreams and interact with Harvey and other motivational speakers and celebrities. The four-day program, which is entering its 11th year, was created to inspire teens to dream big while also making a difference in their lives at a critical time in their development. This year, the program has a new campaign called “Be100″ which is an inspirational and aspirational invitation to encourage young people to answer the call of their dreams with relentless pursuit. The 2018 class of “Dreamers” will push the number of students nationwide who have participated in the program to more than 1,100. It’s just one of the many ways at Disney that we continue to show our commitment to the next generation of teens. Go to www.disneydreamersacademy.com to see the full list of the 100 students and check back here later today to get the first look at a behind-the-scenes video of the big surprise moment from “Good Morning America’’ and the students’ visit to New York City. View the full article

Yesterday, the Disney Wonder set sail from San Juan, Puerto Rico, kicking off the first of three special Southern Caribbean voyages in January. Each of these seven-night cruises offers a unique itinerary with two days at sea and visits to four destinations, including a combination of calls on Bonaire, Curacao, Aruba, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua and St. Kitts. This week, Arny will tell you more about Bonaire, a new port of call for us. Located just north of the South American coast, the Dutch Caribbean island is favored for arid climate, sunny weather and beautiful waters. That’s just one of the reasons why our Caribbean cruises are the perfect winter escape! View the full article

In our Disney Doodles blog series, Disney artists imagine what a character would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Moana would do if she had the chance to visit Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort. According to her, the inspiration for this Doodle came from a sweet family moment shown in the film. “I love when Moana dances with Gramma Tala,” she said. “I would imagine she would have a great time dancing around the Polynesian resort!” View the full article

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is delighted to announce the birth of a Nile hippopotamus, the first hippo born at the park in 13 years. Born at approximately 10 p.m. last night, the calf is staying close to mom Tuma. Our animal care team is giving Tuma and her calf plenty of room to nurse and bond, so the calf’s gender and weight may not be known for some time. Typically, a newborn calf weighs between 60 and 110 pounds. This birth marks another success for our dedicated and highly trained team of Disney animal care experts. Tuma and her mate Henry were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP), which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Nile hippopotamus is a vulnerable species with a declining population. This birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding of these amazing creatures. We hope guests will see this adorable hippo calf and be inspired to take action to protect them in the wild. You may see Tuma and her calf on Kilimanjaro Safaris and also during the Wild Africa Trek experience. To learn more about hippos, visit DisneyAnimals.com. View the full article

Happy New Year! We hope this year has started out great for you! Now it’s time to kick back, relax, and catch up on another week of Disney food news! Rose Gold Ears Cupcake The 2018 Epcot Festival of the Arts kicked off January 12 and we have all the Food Booth menus and food photos! See our Best of the Fest here!! There’s a new ROSE GOLD EARS CUPCAKE?!??! And your favorite Le Cellier Cheddar Cheese Soup can now be had for a snack credit! It’s time to the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining! Use code WDW2018 at check-out to get 25% off the cover price! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We reviewed the new Rose Gold Ears Cupcake at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons! Check out our Festival of the Arts Best of the Fest! Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup and Poutine are now on the menu at Epcot’s Refreshment Port. We reviewed Paddlefish at Disney Springs. We launched the 2018 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-book! Bookings are now available for special events and more at the Disney California Adventure Food and wine Festival! Kringla Bakeri in Epcot’s Norway is closing soon for refurbishment! Chef Kevin Dundon has left Raglan Road Irish Pub. The menus have been released for Enzo’s Hideway Tunnel Bar and Restaurant in Disney Springs! Check out the new pilot program that allows guests to purchase theme park extras. First look and review of Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante! We have a first look of The Edison at Disney Springs! We showcased some of the must-have drinks for 2018! Check out our review of Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter. Check out the workshops and seminars at the Epcot Festival of the Arts. The dates have been announced for the 2018 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. New DFB YouTube videos: 5 Disney Dining Myths Debunked and Cinderella’s Royal Table vs Akershus Royal Banquet vs Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast. 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: 5 Disney Dining Myths Debunked 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 – 5 Disney Dining Myths Debunked! 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. We shared a review of Paddlefish at Disney Springs this week, and DFB fan RunDisnerd also recently dined there. He says “The fried green tomatoes, lobster corn dog, scallops, and crab boil were amazing. Lived up to the hype.” Glad you enjoyed it! Those Lobster Corn Dogs! One of our favorite snacks is the Baked Mac and Cheese at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. DFB fan Melissa Cannan says “I had this fabulous Mac and cheese at the AK thanks to the DFB! It was wonderful and I wouldn’t have known if you hadn’t shown it!” Always happy to help! A great snack! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix shared tips on How to Bring Trader Sam’s Home! WDW for Grownups shared tips for carb-loading before a runDisney race. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for the Lumpia from Pongu Pongu in Pandora. Disney Family shared a recipe for Mickey Snowflake Linzer Cookies! 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: December 24, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: December 10, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-up: December 17, 2017 View the full article

The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is underway at the Walt Disney World Resort this weekend. And to help Disney Parks Blog readers, we shared several stories packed with valuable festival information, including our top 5 “can’t miss” experiences at this year’s event. Our week’s coverage also included a special foodie guide to the Festival. Alex shared some of the many artistic dishes that will dazzle your taste buds in his original story. The festival runs from January 12 to February 19 – and this year, it’s seven days per week with the Disney on Broadway series running Fridays through Mondays. For more information, visit our special page. And many of you know that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is coming to the Disneyland Resort and the Walt Disney World Resort in 2019. This week, we shared “9 Things We Know About Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World So Far” and added it to our dedicated Star Wars at Disney Parks page. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Introducing the 2018 Disney Parks Moms Panelists – In its 11th year, and just in time for vacation planning season, The Disney Parks Moms Panel welcomes 11 new panelists to share their authentic experiences and planning tips with Guests seeking real advice on planning a magical Disney Vacation. Reimagined World of Disney Stores Coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts in 2018 – Shopping at Disney Parks is an adventure with hundreds of shops and boutiques to explore. The largest of these shops, World of Disney, serves as the “must see” destination for finding many beloved souvenirs from stylish apparel to home décor. Reservations Available Now for Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival Events – The popular Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns for a limited time – March 2 through April 12 – bringing a celebration of the ingredients that make life in the Golden State so spectacular. The festival’s signature events are can’t-miss experiences that open your senses to delicious California cuisine in new ways – and reservations are available now! Marvel Day at Sea Cruises Now Departing from Miami – Marvel Day at Sea returned to the Disney Magic, now departing from Miami. This action-packed event continues on eight Caribbean sailings through April, occurring on one day of these special cruises. New Ways to Experience the Worlds of Pixar and Frozen at Tokyo Disney Resort – In October, we shared details about three new winter events coming to Tokyo Disney Resort – Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Fantasy, Pixar Playtime and Duffy’s Heartwarming Days – and this week they’re finally here! Book Your Signature Photo Experience at Disneyland Resort – Have you ever imagined having one of the immersive lands in Disneyland park or Disney California Adventure park as a backdrop for you to take photos outside of posted park hours? Well, it’s possible at Mickey’s Toontown and Cars Land! View the full article