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Today, we’re celebrating you, our guests, for helping us reach an important and meaningful milestone in the ‘Connect to Protect’ program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Guests of Pandora – The World of Avatar have used their adventures and their votes to unlock the first of ten $100,000 contributions from Disney Parks. Since opening in May, Pandora – The World of Avatar has provided unique opportunities to explore and experience the otherworldly landscape of the Mo’ara Valley while connecting with conservation efforts here on Earth. Through the Connect to Protect program, guests use Facebook Messenger to communicate with “Fits,” a digital scientist, and participate in interactive missions that connect them with the local animal and plant life on Pandora. When guests complete these missions, a $10 contribution is unlocked from Disney Parks through the Disney Conservation Fund to support the conservation project of their choice on Earth, helping one of 10 categories of at-risk animals: apes, elephants, butterflies, coral reefs, cranes, monkeys, rhinos, sea turtles, sharks & rays, and tigers. Each animal can receive up to $100,000 for a total commitment of $1 million from Disney Parks to protect and restore the habitats critical for their survival. This first donation will help protect habitats for elephants in Kenya. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the perfect park for families and friends to celebrate and connect with nature, and we are so pleased to offer you a way to have fun together, learn more about the Disney Conservation Fund and help make a difference for wildlife, people and the planet. With an estimated 96 elephants lost each day due to threats like habitat loss and poaching, our efforts are more important than ever. This grant will provide critical support to the Wildlife Conservation Society to restore forest habitat and create wildlife corridors, enabling elephants to safely move throughout their range in East Africa. Now is a great time to visit Pandora and take part in your own Connect to Protect adventure. By simply striking up a conversation with Fits, you’ll be doing a lot to help protect wildlife around the globe, all while getting a unique look at the details and immersive environment of Pandora. So which animal will be helped next with a Connect to Protect donation? It’s up to you! View the full article

Earlier this month, we shared that the One Man’s Dream attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would soon be transformed into Walt Disney Presents, a similar attraction that offers a look at Disney’s past, present and future. Today we’re happy to share that Walt Disney Presents will officially open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on September 8. In addition to historic sketches, photos and storyboards, guests can also view ride vehicle maquettes, a portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model, concept art for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction, and an all-new Toy Story Land model – which is being completed at Walt Disney Imagineering right now. Here are some sneak peeks at the Imagineers putting on the final touches to the Slinky Dog Dash section of the Toy Story Land model. And speaking of Slinky Dog Dash, the first ride vehicle for this family coaster was unveiled earlier this week. View the full article

It’s HOOLEY Time! The Sixth Annual Great Irish Hooley kicks off TODAY at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World. And it promises to be an amazing weekend for music lovers, and all y’all who just really love having a grand time. The music lineup is pretty incredible. We had the chance to hear the Lisa Canny Band perform earlier this week, and we were blown away. GO. SEE. HER. (And everyone else, for that matter.) But you might be wondering what you can enjoy in the way of food while you’re enjoying the Hooley. Well, you’re in luck, because we’re sharing a few of the newer menu items that we recently had the chance to sample. Try These Drinks and Eats at Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley Of course, a great place to start is with a beer or cocktail. Blagger Organic Blonde Lager is brewed especially for Raglan Road by Orlando Brewing, and is the perfect light, crisp beer for this hot, hot time of year. Blagger Organic Blonde Lager, Brewed Especially for Raglan Road by Orlando Brewery If you’d rather give something spirited a try, order a PJ’s Poison. Named after the founder of the gin that’s used in the recipe, this mix of Gunpowder Irish Gin, Lemon Sour, Irish Whiskey Marmalade, Rhubarb Bitters, and Fever Tree Tonic is incredibly refreshing. (And potent.) PJ’s Poison Next, we dug into a few of the newer dishes that Raglan has added to its line up. We started with the Gnocchi See, Gnocchi Do. No joke, we wanted seconds of the handmade Potato Gnocchi, seared Georges Bank Scallops, crispy Pork Belly, Tomatoes, and Kale in a White Wine Butter Sauce. Scallop Gnocchi Next was the Boaring Burger, which was anything but boring. . It features a grilled Wild Boar Burger, Cashel Blue Cheese, crispy Onion Strings, Arugula, Port and Pear Chutney, and Herb Aioli. Boar Burger The Braised Be. Beef offers tender braised Beef with Colcannon Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Veggies. Short Rib And no trip to Raglan is complete without at least one dessert. But we totally think you should have four, like we did. Left to right, our samples included Fluffy Lemon Clouds, Sinful Trifle, Dunbrody Kiss, and Ger’s Bread and Butter Pudding. Exhibit D: Any — or ALL — of Raglan Road’s Desserts. We LURVE the Fluffly Lemon Clouds. Seriously, if you have no plans this Labor Day Weekend, then head to Raglan Road for incredible Irish music and dancing, plus face painting for the kiddos. And if you do have plans… cancel them. And do this instead. There’s no cover charge for the entertainment, and I promise you that you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better lineup anywhere this weekend. Will you be heading to the 6th Annual Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road this Labor Day Weekend? Leave a comment and let us know! 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: Great Irish Hooley Returns to Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant News: Great Irish Hooley, Plus New Menu Options at Raglan Road in Disney Springs News: Great Irish Hooley at Raglan Road Irish Pub View the full article

Technically, it’s possible to eat every menu item at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. But it’s probably not a good idea for your waistline or your savings account. The annual Walt Disney World event, which kicked off its 2017 version at the theme park on Thursday, features tasting-sized... View the full article

Are you one of the many guests that are entranced with the appearance of the Headless Horseman at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park? Many party attendees – myself included – line up early with their smartphones at the ready, just to snap a pic as the Horseman and his mysterious dark steed clip-clop down Main Street, U.S.A., before “Mickey’s Boo To You” parade. If you’re a brave soul who can’t get enough of the Horseman, the “Return to Sleepy Hollow” offering at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground may be your perfect idea of fall fun. The “Return to Sleepy Hollow” offering includes a group viewing of the 1949 Disney animated classic film “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” inside the resort’s historic Tri-Circle-D Ranch stables. While the stables are usually open to guests year-round, on nights like these they should watch for galloping ghosts and be ready for an up close and personal encounter with the Headless Horseman. The Return to Sleepy Hollow offering will take place at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: September 29-October 2, October 5-9, 12-16, 19-23 and 26-31, at 8 and 10 p.m. The experience can be reserved by calling 407-WDW-TOUR. General seating costs $22 per person, while premium seating, which includes a priority photo opportunity with the Headless Horseman and a Halloween treat bag, costs $38 per person. Guests in both seatings, age 3 and older, will also receive an exclusive limited edition pin. Guests age 2 and younger receive complimentary admission with their families, but are asked to sit in a parent’s lap. Space is extremely limited for this offering. Race to book now! View the full article

She lifts up the toilet-seat cover and handles the TV remote in a downtown Orlando hotel room, knowing full well she would use hand sanitizer later. She also travels to new cities, eats at fancy restaurants and checks into hotels — all while making sure her identity isn’t leaked. The AAA inspector... View the full article

With all the incredible offerings at Global Marketplaces throughout the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, you might need a free hand to balance your culinary conquests. Fortunately, Disney Gift Card is offering two limited-release wearable designs. All you have to do is choose your “flavor.” Get a taste for this mini Disney Gift Card featuring “little chef” Remy as he puts the final touches on the 2017 festival. Wear it on your wrist for added convenience and choose from three tag designs featuring delicious art representing England, France, and Italy! In addition to the many features of a classic Disney Gift Card, this limited-release mini gift card comes on a wristband to facilitate quick and easy payment at all festival kiosks. Activate with as little as $15 and simply scan to pay for practically all things Disney, including festival merchandise, food and wine. Also available at Food & Wine this year is a special, limited-release $200 Disney Gift Card that comes with a lanyard, medallion, and carrying sleeve. Exclusively designed to coordinate with festival merchandise, this deluxe Disney Gift Card has some really delicious details you’ll appreciate in person. More than just an accessory, this $200 Disney Gift Card can also be used to purchase all things Disney and all things Food & Wine…even your Festival Tasting Sampler. If the festival leaves you hungry for more, your Disney Gift Card can be reloaded at Disney merchandise locations and used to taste the best of the festival. When the festival is over, you can continue using your card to purchase park tickets, hotels, entertainment, merchandise, dining, and more at Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. These festival-themed Disney Gift Cards are currently available throughout Epcot as well as at select Epcot Resort Area Hotels while supplies last. View the full article

We’re excited to announce the newest addition to the Enchanting Extras Collection — the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Prepare for an adventure like no other as this tour gives you the opportunity — as the park transitions from day to night — to experience the magic of nature in a totally unique way. Your tour guides treat you like a VIP as they impart their detailed knowledge while you explore the Disney’s Animal Kingdom lands to observe the critters, creatures and other denizens of the park. Plus, you get to enjoy certain attractions with expedited FastPass+ access. The Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour is a great way to make the most of your time in Disney’s Animal Kingdom! The tour takes approximately four hours, and there is a discount available for Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club members and Disney Visa cardholders. If you haven’t tried the Enchanting Extras Collection, yet, it lets you enjoy extra, unparalleled access to what Walt Disney World has to offer. And that equals unforgettable memories for you and that special someone or you and your family. From behind-the-scenes tours and culinary adventures to special events and encounters with nature and more, you’ll be amazed at the range of enchantment that awaits you beyond the theme park fun. Other experiences in the collection include limited-time events throughout the year that make each season special, like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney Night of Joy, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and more. You can view wild animals of nearly every color, shape and size in their natural habitat with Wild Africa Trek. Plus dessert parties that cater to your sweet tooth, each set to the backdrop of a popular special event — including Celebration at the Top – Sip, Savor, Sparkle; Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; Tiana’s Riverboat Party; and the new Frozen Ever After Dessert Party. Create treasured moments with the Enchanting Extras Collection, a unique, specialized way to splurge on yourself and your loved ones. Separate park admission is required. For more information about the Enchanting Extras Collection or to make reservations, call 407-WDW-PLAY (939-7529). Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. View the full article

It’s the BEST! DAY! EVER!!! Because the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival is ON!! And YOU’VE got until November 13th this year to try everything you absolutely MUST EAT at this year’s Festival. So that’s why I’m here! To show you 2017’s CAN’T MISS ITEMS so you don’t miss ANY of the BEST OF THE FEST! Be sure to click over to our Marketplace Booth Page to see pictures of every single dish at the Festival. Just click through the links for each booth to see pictures of all your favorite dishes, along with every single new one from this year! Now let’s waste no more time and dive right in to 2017’s TOP PICKS! Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich at Craft Beers It’s no secret that we have a fondness for cheese and handwiches around here. Kudos to the Craft Beer booth for surprising us with this new (old) addition — the Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich. Zesty Cheeseburger and Cheddar Cheese Macaroni Handwich This one is OG Disney. The handwich (a lot like this, but not really) was the original hand-held sandwich. (What’s that? All sandwiches are hand-held, you say? What do YOU know?!?!?) And it was also a cult favorite for Disney foodies before Disney foodies were even a thing. (You know who you are.) So anyway, Disney’s bringing back this classic for the festival as part of their throw-back eats for Epcot’s 35th Anniversary and we couldn’t be happier. It’s mac and cheese, plus ground beef, in a big ol’ bread cone. Get it. Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue featuring BelGioioso Romano and America Grana Cheeses at Flavors from Fire We’re thrilled to welcome Flavors from Fire to this year’s festival. With a name like that, we couldn’t wait to taste the Smoked Corned Beef. Happy to say that we were not disappointed. Corned Beef from Flavors from Fire Served with warm Crispy Potatoes, Pickled Onions and Blonde Ale Beer Fondue featuring BelGioioso Romano and America Grana Cheeses, this thing — as you know from our previous “what to eat at the festival” posts — is madness. It’s SO crazy good. So even if you don’t “like corned beef,” just eat it!! (And ask for extra cheese.) Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions at Active Eats Yes, we’ve seen this one before at the previous Farm Fresh booth. Thank goodness it has a new home; we would seriously miss this dish. It’s still one of our favorites at the 2017 festival. Look for the Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese now at Active Eats. Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions are blended to savory greatness. We said it before and we’ll say it again — this one will not disappoint. Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette at Coastal Eats OMG Y’ALL!!!!! The Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with a Sourdough Baguette wowed us at the new Coastal Eats booth. Baked Shrimp Scampi Dip with Sourdough Baguette So, um, this is basically….like….butter? And it’s amazing. Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings at Japan Japan is a killer booth this year!! And it’s sure to see long lines as guests queue up for two outstanding menu items. First up, the Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings. Wasabi Shumai Steamed Pork Dumplings These have enough spice to be interesting, but not too much that you’ll need to ditch out on a SUPER HOT day like today. Good flavor, good heat. Do it. Teriyaki Ginger Pork at Japan Plus, you’ll want to try the Teriyaki Ginger Pork while visiting the Japan booth. Teriyaki Ginger Pork This one has a sweet-savory vibe — and there’s enough to get your money’s worth. We loved it and we hope you will, too. But for real, Japan was one of our best of the fest booths altogether! Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread at Ireland DO NOT SHARE THIS ONE. Really, if you get nothing else from this post, take that note and internalize it. Get your OWN. The Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread at Ireland is one of those dishes I want to spend some alone time with. Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread Super savory, I personally prefer to just eat this straight…I don’t even need any bread. Just a spoon. OK, you get it. Warm Goat Cheese Pudding with Spinach at France The DFB team is torn on this one — some of us love it, some of us not so much. But France might have gotten it right with this new gluten-free addition of Warm Goat Cheese Pudding with Spinach. Warm Goat Cheese Pudding The profile here is creamy and savory, but the “pudding” texture is where we got a little bit hung up. If you’re a big quiche fan, you’ll probably dig this one! But even though our team was torn on this, we all recognized the potential. So grab it if you’re a goat cheese, spinach, or savory pudding fan! Tequila Chipotle Shrimp at Mexico Mexico and tequila! It’s time to rave about the Tequila Chipotle Shrimp. Tequila Chipotle Shrimp This one really surprised us. Mexico has a shrimp taco…like…every year. But this was different. Our team loved this one more than normal — great flavor, unique presentation, and a winner all around. Spicy Apple Margarita at Mexico Wash down your shrimp with the Spicy Apple Margarita. This late addition to the Mexico booth combines the tartness of apple with the spiciness of jalapeno. Unexpected and awesome. Spicy Apple Margarita Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce at China In China, we were fans of the Beijing Roasted Duck Bao Bun with Hoisin Sauce. China’s selections have been stale for a few years, but this one is a winner! Spicy Chicken Bao Bun Mango Lassi at India For a fruity beverage, we’re going to grab the Mango Lassi, a non-alcoholic beverage at the India booth. Mango Lassi Sweet-tart and smooth, this is a great choice from this brand new booth. Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa at Africa For a healthy and hearty dish, try the Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa at Africa. Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew This one is vegan…and awesome. Creamy, and hearty, and we loved that the lentils were pureed. Bonus Mentions: Old Festival Standbys OK, so we do a Best of the Fest every year, and we don’t like giving the same old recommendations every time. But…some of these are just too good to not give you a friendly reminder ;-D. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll at Canada A festival staple, the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup served with a Pretzel Roll is still a dish worth lining up for at the Canada booth. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup with Pretzel Roll Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing at Hops & Barley Hops & Barley serves up one of our festival favorites yet again. Yep, the Freshly Baked Carrot Cake is not-to-be-missed! Freshly Baked Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Icing Dole Whip at Refreshment Port Pineapple DOLE Whip Soft-Serve is another standby that should not be overlooked. You’ll find it at the Refreshment Port. Don’t forget to add rum! Pineapple Dole Whip Soft-Serve Ice Cream More Bonus Mentions: Weird and Interesting Menu Items Swine Brine at Flavors from Fire Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider, lemon juice, and a whole piggy wing (because why not?) at Flavors from Fire. Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon OK, I for real made someone else taste this before I would. ;-D Bourbon, apple cider, piggy wing, lemon juice, and MUSTARD?!? Yeah, so I asked a random dude to take a sip…and he’s all “it’s OK! It’s not bad!” So I went for it and…he was right! It really tastes primarily like apple cider and bourbon. No real flavor from the piggy wing at all! It’s fun, intriguing, and worth a try…if you dare. Swine Brine featuring Evan Williams Bourbon Salmon BLT Sushi Roll at Japan Japan’s Salmon BLT Sushi Roll is an…interesting item. ;-D It’s like nothing we’ve ever had before, and you might really enjoy it! It certainly caught our attention! Salmon BLT Sushi Roll Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls at Light Lab Sleeper hit! The Bleu Spectrum: Blanc de Bleu Cuvée Mousseux with Boba Pearls at Light Lab. OK, so Light Lab is a fun little attention-seeker of a booth. There’s nothing excellent food-wise going on here, but it’s still a spot you’ll want to visit. The cuvee is a blue sparkling chardonnay with some popping pearls thrown in (because Disney and popping pearls). While it’s not ground-breaking, it’s still pretty and fun. But the real draw here is the “show.” Charcuterie in a Cone at Spain Charcuterie in a Cone makes an interesting presentation of imported Spanish Meats, Cheeses, Olives and an Herb Vinaigrette at the Spain Booth. Charcuterie in a Cone Cauliflower Risotto at The Almond Orchard The Almond Orchard is offering Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese and Aged Balsamic. We liked the flavors here, and kudos to Disney for doing something a little different. Cauliflower Risotto with Pulled Chicken, Artichokes, Spinach and Parmesan Cheese and Aged Balsamic But We’re Not Finished Yet! Remember that the list above is simply our Best of the Fest for 2017. We’ve got pictures and pricing for every single item at the Festival, just like we do every year. To see the full list — and pictures of EVERYTHING — be sure to click over to our Marketplace Booth page, where the provided links will take you to each booth’s individual page. That’s how you can see pictures of every single dish at this year’s Festival! Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available to order! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST! Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? You haven’t seen the last of us here yet! Not even close… We’ll be back with MUCH more from the Festival in the coming weeks — from Seminars and Demonstrations to Special Events to Booth Reviews. In the meantime, you can check out all of the info below to prepare for YOUR visit to the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 20 at 7:00AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all special events early on July 18th beginning at 9:00AM ET. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Because Chase is no longer a Festival Sponsor, Chase Disney Visa Cardholders have no access to early booking this year. Alright, my friends, now it’s YOUR turn. Let me know which item YOU are most excited to try at the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! What items tops YOUR list to try at this year’s Festival? Please let us know with a comment! Pin it for later! Save 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: Collectible Buttons for Disney World Passholders at 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Best of the Fest: What to Eat (and Drink!) at the 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Best of the Fest: What To Eat at the 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival View the full article

Tonight’s Disney Parks “After Dark” image was snapped of Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park. In this shot, which was snapped after park close, the “Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” looks even more “enchanted” with that amazing moonlit sky behind it. The attraction, which debuted on Magic Kingdom Park’s opening day in 1971, offers a 10-minute musical spectacular performed by an enchanting cast of more than 225 choreographed Audio-Animatronics parrots, cockatoos, orchids, drumming Tikis and chanting wooden masks. What do you love about Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

Your wedding day is something often dreamed about from the time you are little. What if you could share that day with one of our favorite couples, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse? Or say your vows in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle? Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings are something Disney fans dream of, and wedding planner Keli Byrne helps make those dreams a reality. Keli walks couples through each step of the planning process – the food, the colors, the cake, the entertainment, the flowers – helping them create the beginning to their very own fairy tale. Learn more about Keli’s role and Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings in this month’s episode of “Every Role a Starring Role. View the full article

After one bargaining session with a coalition of unions representing workers, Disney is calling in an independent mediator because of the “significant” gap between what the two sides want. Disney told the unions of its plans in a letter sent to Ed Chambers, president of the Service Trades Council... View the full article

A Look Inside the Grand Villas at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins View the full article

Once again, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is underway. The event has its earliest start ever, and it will go on (and on) daily at the Walt Disney World theme park through Nov. 13 – just in time to shift gears to Epcot’s Christmas proceedings. But right now, the weather outside is... View the full article

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is almost here! This year, the spooky fun extends throughout the Disneyland Resort, with returning favorites at Disneyland park and new ghostly delights at Disney California Adventure park. In Cars Land, the residents of Radiator Springs are transforming their little road town into a Haul-O-Ween celebration. Each establishment will be decorated for the season, with Fillmore showing off his Jack-Oil-Lanterns and ghostly folk art, a Spider-Car spinning webs all over Flo’s V8 Café and more. Two Cars Land attractions will also transform for the first time ever this Halloween season. Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters will become Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, an all-new spooktacular dance celebration where Luigi and Guido will entertain the cugini (cousins) with Halloween twists on traditional Italian festival songs like the “Terror-antella,” “The Chop Top of Carsoli” and more. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree will become Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, where guests will whirl around the graveyard to the tune of creepy new songs and fun haunted twists on favorites such as “Monster Truck Smash” and “Welcome to Radiator Screams.” At Buena Vista Street, a new 10-foot-tall statue of the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, holding his jack-o’-lantern head up to the sky, will haunt Carthay Circle. Mickey Mouse and his friends bring more Halloween fun to this stylish avenue, donning new costumes, with Mickey Mouse as a bat, Goofy as a ghost, Daisy Duck as a witch and more! Discover these new experiences along with returning favorites during Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort, September 15 through October 31! View the full article

It’s almost Labor Day, so the bulk of the tourists have headed back home, and we Central Floridians are blessed with a bit more breathing room at our theme parks and attractions. If you’re the kind of person who has been hibernating since Memorial Day, now is the time to peek out and see what you’ve... View the full article

Walt Disney World will participate in Force Friday II, a worldwide shopping event tied to “Star Wars” merchandise this weekend at major retailers. The goods will go on sale just after midnight Friday morning. Disney Springs shoppers can register for the event outside the World of Disney store starting... View the full article

Walt Disney World will participate in Force Friday II, a worldwide shopping event tied to “Star Wars” merchandise this weekend at major retailers. The goods will go on sale just after midnight Friday morning. Disney Springs shoppers can register for the event outside the World of Disney store starting... View the full article

UPDATED: Television is an ironic business. As Disney|ABC Television Group presents its “Day of Giving” today to help people affected by Hurricane Harvey, The Wall Street Journal reports that the group is readying cuts of possibly 300 in a staff of nearly 10,000. Most of the staff reductions are... View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle imagines what the Muses from the 1997 film “Hercules” would do first if they had the chance to visit a Disney theme park. In the film “Hercules,” the five Muses – Calliope, Clio, Thalia, Terpsichore and Melpomene – lend their vocal talents to narrate Hercules journey “from Zero to Hero!” So it makes sense that they’d be drawn to the first musical performance they saw. “The Muses have the most amazing voices!” Ashley said. “It’s easy to imagine them taking over the Main Street Trolley Show and sharing their talents with everyone on Main Street, U.S.A.!” View the full article

The Great Irish Hooley will take over Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs this weekend with music, food and drinks. Make your way over there from Sept. 1-4. Why? I have a few reasons: 1. The Music The weekend’s lineup is well-packed, with near-constant live music at three different stages all... View the full article

Walt Disney World will be participating in Force Friday II, a worldwide shopping event that’s tied to “Star Wars” merchandise this weekend. The goods will go on sale just after midnight on Friday morning. Disney Springs shoppers can register for the event outside the World of Disney store starting... View the full article

You know when you lose your favorite tee shirt and, for weeks, months, or even years you lament that you’ve had to live so long without it? And then one day you find it, wedged behind the washing machine, still as comfortable and doggone perfect as ever? That’s what’s about to happen to our taste buds. Because Vintage Bacon and Cheese Dip is returning to Cookes of Dublin in Disney Springs on August 31! Now, many of you know that I’ve been campaigning for this forEVER…at least ever since they took it away. I circulated a petition on facebook. I launched a kickstarter. I bent the ear of everyone I knew who had anything to do with Cookes of Dublin. (OK, not those first two, but I did do the third one.) AND IT’S BACK. DREAMS DO COME TRUE. (At least they said it’s coming back…so that’s all I have to go on.) That sound you hear is the chorus of bacon and cheese angels that I hired to celebrate this news. Irish Cheese and Bacon Dip This dip is OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD. It’s stunning in its simplicity: strong, melted, Irish cheese is combined with chunks of bacon. When we say “strong Irish cheese,” we mean it. It’s aged. It’s potent. And despite being reduced to stringy, melty goodness, it’s still got a kick. Irish Cheese and Bacon Dip with Skinny Chips This is a must do Disney food, friends. Trust us. Whether you get a side of chips or a spoon with which to eat it, just do. You can thank us later (by purchasing a cup of Vintage Bacon and Cheese Dip for us. Actually — make it two.) Have you dived into this cup of cheese heaven? Let us know! 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 Must-Have: Irish Vintage Cheese and Bacon Dip at Cookes of Dublin Review: Cookes of Dublin in Disney Springs Review: Cookes of Dublin at Disney World’s Downtown Disney View the full article

“Guardians Inferno” music video star David Hasselhoff celebrated the in-home release of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” by experiencing the new Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! attraction at Disney California Adventure park last week. After Zardu Hasselfrau joined Rocket in successfully rescuing his fellow Guardians, he even had a surprise encounter with Groot! You can learn more about the making of Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT in an exclusive feature available only in digital HD and 4K Ultra HD™ versions of the film! View the full article

Slinky Dog Dash Ride Vehicle Arrives at Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article