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Now, it’s easier than ever to personalize your Walt Disney World Resort experience through the My Disney Experience app. My Disney Experience continues to add new features – including the new Mobile Order and Online Mobile Check-in at Disney Resort hotels – while still helping guests plan their vacation experience and make changes on the go through helpful tools like online ticket purchasing, FastPass+, Disney PhotoPass and more. With the great feedback we’re hearing from guests about how easy and convenient it is to use Mobile Order, we’re pleased to share that the Mobile Order service is now available at 15 locations throughout Walt Disney World theme parks and at Disney Springs. The new service saves you time when ordering meals at quick-service restaurants by allowing you to order on demand, pay in advance and skip the line, and not have mealtime interfere with time spent enjoying all of the other attractions and experiences throughout the resort. To use Mobile Order, sign in to the My Disney Experience app and tap the “Order Food” button, which lists restaurants that offer the service. Browse restaurant menus, select items, customize your order and prepay, all right through the app. Then, when you arrive at the restaurant, just tap “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” in the app, which notifies the kitchen to prepare your meal. When it’s ready, a notification will alert you to pick up your meal from the “Mobile Order Pick Up” area in the restaurant. Here are the 15 restaurants that currently offer Mobile Order: Magic Kingdom Park: Columbia Harbour House Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Café Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Cafe Pinocchio Village Haus Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant* Epcot: Electric Umbrella Liberty Inn Disney’s Hollywood Studios: ABC Commissary Backlot Express PizzeRizzo Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Flame Tree Barbecue Pizzafari Restaurantosaurus Satu’li Canteen Disney Springs: D-Luxe Burger *Location operates seasonally. The only form of payment currently accepted through Mobile Order is credit card, but we’re working on adding more payment options soon. Anyone with special dietary restrictions, or those who want to use discounts or redeem dining plan entitlements must place their order with a cashier. What’s the best news? We plan to continue expanding the service to even more locations across Walt Disney World Resort throughout the year. View the full article

Behind the Scenes: Disney Photographers Capture the 2017 Solar Eclipse View the full article

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant at Disney’s Hollywood Studios now offers seasonal specialty milkshakes in addition to their already popular Oreo, chocolate, and vanilla shakes. Now through Oct.1, the Birthday Cake Shake is the star. The secret to this tasty shake is the addition of vanilla cake-flavored syrup used to make the shake, as well as rim the glass. Add whipped cream, sprinkles, and housemade cake crumbles and you truly have a birthday party in a glass! To make reservations to sip on your own Birthday Cake Shake at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa at Disneyland Resort is offering a decadent new dessert menu through September. The desserts have something for every sweet craving and are simply beautiful – all edible works of art. Warm Blueberry Turnover with Summer Corn Ice Cream and Blueberry Compote Caramel Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar with Peanut Crunch and Banana Cream Scharffen Berger Dark Chocolate Cheesecake with Candied Cashew Crust and Whipped Chocolate Ganache Warm Grilled White Nectarine with Galia Melon Sorbet and Roadside Coconut-Lemongrass Fudge Warm S’more Truffle Cake – Valhrona Chocolate Truffle Cake, Marshmallow Cream and Graham Cracker Tuile Dining reservations at Napa Rose can be made by visiting www.disneyland.com/dine or calling 714-781-DINE (3463). View the full article

In our Disney Doodle series, our team of Disney artists imagines what a Disney character would do or see first if they had the chance to visit a Disney theme park. In today’s Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what the Rescue Rangers – Chip, Dale, Monty, Gidget and Zipper – would love to do if they had the chance to visit Magic Kingdom Park. The gang delighted TV audiences from 1988-1990 in the “Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers” television show, solving crimes at Chip and Dale’s detective agency. According to Ashley, the team would surely look to put their sleuthing abilities to the test in tracking down Hidden Mickeys at the park. “The Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers are always solving crimes!” Ashley said. “I’d imagine they would have fun searching for Hidden Mickey’s all over the park!” View the full article

Aaaaand I’m back at Contempo Café! Learn About: Contempo Cafe Disney World Restaurants No surprise, really. After all, this Counter Service spot in Disney’s Contemporary Resort is easy enough for anyone to get to, regardless of whether or not you are staying at any of the Resorts on the Monorail Loop. Because I’m thinking it’s a pretty safe bet that your Disney World vacation plans include a trip to the Magic Kingdom. And the Contemporary boasts not only easy access via Monorail; it’s also the only Resort you can walk to directly from Magic Kingdom! Even more, though, I love to stop here due to Contempo Café’s history of serving better-than-you’d-expect counter service grub, from surprisingly memorable entrees to some seriously stellar desserts. So stroll or Monorail on in with me to check out what’s new (and which of my favorite entrees has remained, thankfully, nearly unchanged) at the Contempo Café! Atmosphere Contempo Cafe is located in the Grand Canyon Concourse adjacent to Chef Mickey’s. Basically, there’s no way you can go hungry in this zone! Contempo Cafe definitely has that we’re-trying-to-be-contemporary vibe that we know and love of the Resort, with lots of linear design and brushed nickel finishes. Contempo Cafe Entrance It’s bright, open and, well… pretty loud most of the time. Aside from the Monorail zooming through regularly (hooray!), you get chatter from both open-air restaurants and the general hullabaloo of a busy resort. I find it to be festive, but if you’re craving some quiet, this may not be your spot. Monorail! Still, you gotta check out the epic Mary Blair mosaics that surround the area. Don’t forget to find the five-legged goat — Mary Blair’s not to not everything being perfect. Mary Blair Mosaic They may just convince you to sit for a spell to take it all in. And, hey, if you’re here, anyway… Eats No point in keeping you in suspense regarding that favorite entree of mine. Contempo’s Beef Pot Roast has been one of my favorite counter service meals since I discovered it over four years ago. Rich Brown Gravy coats a substantial portion of Sunday-dinner-at-Grandma’s-good Pot Roast. Beef Pot Roast Plus I don’t hate a Green Bean — and these are good ones. (See how they’re still green because they haven’t been cooked until forever?) Now, Potato Wedges on the side are okay, but I would honestly trade them for the Mashed Potatoes that used to come with this meal. Definitely opt for those if you’ve got a choice! Flatbreads have been part of the scene here for some time, too, and the folks at Contempo Cafe rotate options fairly frequently. Of course, this girl from New York simply couldn’t resist trying the Buffalo Chicken Flatbread on my visit (be sure to check out the current specialty on your trip!). Buffalo Chicken Flatbread The base is a pleasantly crispy, golden crust. The pulled Buffalo Chicken offered that spicy kick that I always look for with buffalo chicken, plus there’s tons of melty Mozzarella Cheese. And here’s a closeup on that drizzle of killer Blue Cheese Fondue. Buffalo Chicken Flatbread But, where’s the celery? It’s in the hefty dashes of celery salt sprinkled all over the top! Disney World flatbreads can be found in several Resort (and a few Park) counter service locations, but this one seriously rises to the top, in my opinion. Pinocchio Village Haus (where flatbreads are among the main offerings) could learn a thing or two from Contempo, in this case. Now, for some more recent additions to the menu! I simply had to try the Braised Beef Grilled Cheese. Apologies in advance if this makes you as hungry as it makes me just to look at it. Braised Beef Grilled Cheese A substantial and perfectly toasted Brioche Bun is packed with Pot-Braised Shredded Beef, Cheddar Cheese, AND CHEESE SAUCE, plus some BBQ Sauce for good measure. Seriously. Braised Beef Grilled Cheese That cheese sauce I mentioned? Yep, that’s Plastic Cheese! Plastic Cheese Oh, my goodness me. If you find yourself missing the Pot Roast Mac and Cheese that is sadly no longer served at Friar’s Nook, why don’t you hop on the Monorail from Magic Kingdom and grab yourself this very worthy replacement? Well, since “MORE BEEF” appears to be today’s motto… The “Chicago Style” Italian Beef Sub is Shaved Italian Beef on a Crusty Baguette with Mozzarella Cheese. Chicago Style Italian Beef Accompaniments include a small container of Relish and a dipping bowl of tasty Au Jus to jazz up the sub a bit. Au Jus It’s fine, but if you’re looking for the better beef experience in terms of flavor and tenderness, the Pot Roast or Braised Beef Grilled Cheese will still be your best bet. Of course, among the more unique offerings, I couldn’t resist that Counter Service classic: Chicken Breast Nuggets – a must no matter what. Crunchy, savory, filling… pretty close to perfection every time. Chicken Nuggets No matter what you choose for your main dish at Contempo, though, I highly suggest saving room for dessert. Now, Contempo Café is best known for its rotating selections of cupcakes. WAY back in the day, it made its mark with cupcakes like the Ducle de Leche. And I have to give credit to the more recent Churro Cupcake, which really was a winner during its limited run. But I gotta admit… with exception of the Churro Cupcake, the Contempo Cupcakes — dare I say it? — are lacking some of their original “wow” factor these days. Frankly, I feel like they’ve been eclipsed by some of the items in the dessert case, which still include — thankfully! — Peanut Butter Pie. Peanut Butter Pie A snappy Vanilla Tart Shell plays host to Vanilla Cream and a Chocolate Ganache Drizzle and some playful Chocolate Sprinkles. And it’s all topped with a massive scoop of fluffy-yet-rich-and-decadent Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Filling. It’s a MUST, and that’s all there is to it. I also grabbed the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich, and this is a fun option, too. Closer to a Whoopie Pie, the filling is a Marshmallow Cream. And the Gold Sprinkles and Mickey Chocolate make it cute as well as tasty. Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich If you’re more in the mood for fruit but don’t want to forego chocolate, we couldn’t agree more. And thankfully there’s a Chocolate Strawberry Tart for that. Strawberry Tart The filling is a thick Vanilla Custard, with a thin layer of Chocolate Ganache, a quartet of Fresh Strawberries, and more Chocolate Sauce. Strawberry Tart This is a winner for the classic combo of strawberries and chocolate, plus the tasty addition of the tart shell. Now, because it IS Contempo Café after all, I did still pick up one of those rotating seasonal cupcakes: the Cherry Pie Cupcake on this visit. A swirl of fluffy Vanilla Bean Cream is coated with Graham Cracker Crumbs and topped with a Maraschino Cherry. Cherry Pie Cupcake While I feel the frosting on Contempo cupcakes is somewhat lackluster as of late, I was glad to see that inside the Vanilla Cake is a center of Cherry Pie Filling! Cherry Pie Cupcake Interior Tart, sweet, sticky, happy cherry pie filling! So, even if Contempo cupcakes overall ain’t what they used to be, I did still enjoy this one, since cherry pie filling (the canned variety, of course ), just so happens to be one of my very favorite things. All in all, not a bad end to another delicious experience at Contempo Café. Nosh or Not? Contempo Cafe might be for you if… You’re looking for a mid-day break away from the Magic Kingdom — but you don’t want to go too far! Checking out the monorail resorts (or the Contemporary specifically!) is on your Disney World bucket list! You think Peanut Butter Pie is worth the travel. (It is!) Contempo Cafe might not be your cup of tea if: You’re just not that into the Contemporary Resort. You want to stay within the gates of the Magic Kingdom, rather than venturing out for lunch. You prefer dining that’s a little more adventurous. Overall My verdict still stands: Contempo Cafe retains its coveted place on my list of best Resort Quick Service spots. So it’s a good thing it’s so easily accessible to non-Resort guests thanks to its close proximity to Magic Kingdom! It’s easiest to take the Monorail over from the park since it’s the very first stop; but I suggest the quick walk back to Magic Kingdom after your meal, since walking over to the park is JUST COOL (and you may have a Braised Beef Grilled Cheese to work off). If you don’t feel like tackling the lunch lines at Casey’s Corner or Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe, consider Contempo for lunch or dinner as part of your mid-or-late-day rest and refuel routine. Just make it happen; it’s totally worth it. Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Fun! The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition, is now available! With more than 650 pages, the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition 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 get your copy of the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition E-book — and use code SAVE2017 for a 20% discount for a limited time! Use code SAVE2017 at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! What’s your favorite off-the-beaten-trail quick service grub? 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: Review: Hot Chocolate Cupcake from the Contempo Cafe at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Review: New Bakery Items at Contemporary Resort’s Contempo Cafe (Did Somebody Say “Peanut Butter Pie”?) Review: Lunch at Contempo Cafe in Disney’s Contemporary Resort View the full article

As part of the one of the most-anticipated dining events in Central Florida, for the first time, select Walt Disney World restaurants are part of Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month that kicks off August 25 and runs through October 1. Magical Dining Month celebrates Orlando’s amazing culinary scene and gives us a chance to showcase the talent of Disney chefs with special prix fixe dinners. Participating Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants include: Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Jiko—The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Olivia’s Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort The Wave . . . of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Magical Dining Month menus feature three courses for $35 per person, including appetizer, entrée and dessert and cannot be combined with other offers, packages or discounts. One dollar from each meal supports Freedom Ride and BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation. To view all participating restaurant’s menus, go to Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, select an area and restaurant, then click on the fork. To make a reservation for the Disney restaurants, visit www.disneyworld.com/dine or call 407-WDW-DINE. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. View the full article

The sun is out and summertime is keeps rolling along – it’s the perfect season for some cold treats and light-on-the tummy eats! Here are my top 10 favorites at Disneyland Resort. 10. Bifrosties – Behind Schmoozies at Disney California Adventure park, Bifrosties is serving up flavored shaved ice…but only during Summer of Heroes, which ends September 10. My favorite is Spider Venom (blue raspberry and cherry with condensed milk)! 9. Caprese on Focaccia Bread – Tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, lettuce, citrus aioli, basil vinaigrette and balsamic glaze combine on delicious focaccia bread for a satisfying summer lunch at Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe in Disneyland park. 8. Lobster Roll – If you haven’t yet found this gem at Harbour Galley in Critter Country, you are missing out! Chilled lobster salad is served on a toasted, buttered roll for a filling – but not too filling – meal. 7. Gourmet Cheese Plate and Cold Cut Plate – Enjoy these nibbles with a chilled glass of Chardonnay at Sonoma Terrace in Disney California Adventure park for a relaxing afternoon. 6. Flo’s Classic Chocolate Shake – I love a chocolate milkshake, especially when it’s topped with “Road Gravel.” And Flo’s V8 Cafe has one of my favorite outdoor dining locations in all of Disneyland Resort, where you can chill out in the shade with your shake and a spectacular view of the Cadillac Mountain Range. 5. Fanta Orange Float – Two Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream plus Fanta Orange soda equals heaven in a cup. Creamy, refreshing and colorful, this drink always has other guests asking me, “What’s that?!” That’s when I point them in the direction of Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street, U.S.A. 4. Ahi Poke – You can find this traditional Hawaiian dish at a variety of locations throughout Disney California Adventure park, but I’m recommending Tangaroa Terrace at Disneyland Hotel as a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks. Order up a serving and sit in the outside dining area, overlooking the retro-themed pools and waterslides. 3. World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae – At Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop, I ask for mine with a scoop of Cookies ‘n Cream and a scoop of Cookie Dough ice cream. 2. Cobb Salad – Hands down, without question, the Cobb Salad at Plaza Inn on Main Street, U.S.A., is my favorite salad. Not just at the Disneyland Resort – anywhere. I don’t know if it’s some magic with the salad itself or the iconic location, but in my opinion, you can’t beat it. 1. Boysen Apple Freeze – Sharing the top spot with Red’s Apple Freeze (its cousin at Disney California Adventure park), Boysen Apple Freeze wins the top spot for me because it is refreshing and a bit lighter – made with frozen apple juice, a hint of wild berry and topped with passion fruit foam. What is your favorite cold treat for a hot day at the Disneyland Resort? Which of you will be the first to point out that I didn’t mention the Dole Whip? And you thought I forgot… View the full article

We are delighted to announce Force Friday II is coming to Disney Parks! New Star Wars themed merchandise and more will land in our galaxy at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts on September 1, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. (Midnight).* The Force Friday II event is your opportunity to be among the first to purchase new Star Wars and Star Wars: The Last Jedi themed merchandise, including unique products found only at Disney Parks. Please see details below if you are planning to attend this free event in California or Florida. Disneyland Resort – World of Disney Store, Downtown Disney District
 Pre-registration for the Force Friday II event is required for guests attending the event in Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Registration will be accepted only on DisneyParksMerchandise.com beginning August 24 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific) / 2:00 p.m. (Eastern). Once registered, guests will receive additional instructions via email. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. on September 1. Walt Disney World Resort – World of Disney, Disney Springs
 For guests attending the event at Disney Springs, registration for Force Friday II will take place outside the World of Disney store entrance across from Basin on August 31 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Guests will be given a numbered wristband on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a wristband is received, guests are invited to return to World of Disney by 11:30 p.m. where they will be lined up in sequential order. Doors open at 12:01 a.m. on September 1. Please park in the Lime Parking Garage at Disney Springs for shopping convenience. Set your hyperspace coordinates for this merchandise event in preparation of the highly anticipated film release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi on December 16. May the Force Be With You! *Event subject to change. View the full article

With Spaceship Earth as a photo backdrop, featured menu items photographed Tuesday, August 15, 2017, during an Orlando Sentinel exclusive sneak peek at dishes and beverages to be showcased in the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs Aug. 31 through Nov. 13. (Joe Burbank/Orlando... View the full article

With Spaceship Earth as a backdrop, featured menu items photographed Tuesday, August 15, 2017, during an Orlando Sentinel exclusive sneak peek at dishes and beverages to be showcased in the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs Aug. 31 through Nov. 13. (Joe Burbank/Orlando... View the full article

With Spaceship Earth as a backdrop, featured menu items photographed Tuesday, August 15, 2017, during an Orlando Sentinel exclusive sneak peek at dishes and beverages to be showcased in the 35th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which runs Aug. 31 through Nov. 13. (Joe Burbank/Orlando... View the full article

Seems like Michael Ray gets homesick pretty quick. The country singer and good ol’ Eustis boy was just in Central Florida back in March for the Runaway Country Music Festival, and now he’s on his way back to play House of Blues in Disney Springs. The singer behind “Real Men Love Jesus” and “Kiss... View the full article

Historic Solar Eclipse Wows Guests at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park is full of fang-tastic entertainment. With Character Experiences, the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, trick-or-treating throughout the park, and numerous bewitching attractions open for your enjoyment, there are so many different ways to conjure up an enjoyable evening!* While you’re materializing around the park during the event, don’t forget to take advantage of wicked party-exclusive Magic Shots, Animated Magic Shots, and photo opportunities from Disney PhotoPass Service. Below you’ll find which enchanting photo ops will be available and information about where you can unearth them during the party. Entrance of Magic Kingdom Park Town Square Any PhotoPass photographer on Main Street, U.S.A. In front of the Haunted Mansion During parties, there are also a number of festive props you can use in your photos at various locations around the park, a spirited photo opportunity inspired by the 1929 Silly Symphony “The Skeleton Dance” near Ariel’s Grotto available after dark, and a lamp inspired by the Haunted Mansion cemetery watchman that you can include in your photos near the attraction entrance beginning around 8 p.m. If you want to summon all of your charming vacation photos from Disney PhotoPass Service, including your photos from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, consider purchasing Memory Maker! Memory Maker can be purchased before, during or after your visit to Walt Disney World Resort. Only materializing for the party? Memory Maker One Day is available to purchase for $59 in the My Disney Experience mobile app during or after your visit. Happy hauntings! *All entertainment is subject to change without notice. Memory Maker is subject to the Memory Maker Terms and Conditions. Memory Maker includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. If Memory Maker purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days from the date Memory Maker is purchased will not be included and must be purchased separately. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy at Walt Disney World. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. View the full article

Even though we are still enjoying our – very hot – summer days, it is never too early to start planning your vacaciones familiares for this holiday season! At Walt Disney World Resort you can experience juntos the holiday magic that only Disney can provide with a great family room and ticket package offer. You and your family can enjoy a package that includes a 4-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney’s All-Star Resort and 4-day Magic Your Way base tickets for as low as $1,942. You can book this offer through October 7, 2017 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from October 9 through December 14, 2017. It’s a spirited time of year to explore all there is to see and do across all four theme parks, including our water parks! Click here for more details and to book today! *Sample package prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (ages 3 to 9). The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. All Guests in the same room must be on the same package. View the full article

Several Marketplace Booths for the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival started popping up around World Showcase late last month. And while it was exciting to see things starting to get set up in anticipation of the Festival, they were Booths that we’ve become well acquainted with over the years. Coming Soon!!! But NOW the landscape at Epcot is really starting to change in this FINAL WEEK prior to the Festival’s kickoff. Because all over World Showcase, we’re seeing several of this year’s BRAND NEW BOOTHS!! NEW BOOTH!! And I gotta tell ya… I think they look terrific! Signs aren’t up yet for which booth is which, but I’m thinking this booth is for Thailand, right? New Marketplace Booth And this one — which I’m assuming is for India — is simply gorgeous! New Marketplace Booth This adorable thatched roof booth can be found near the Refreshment Cool Post (the African Outpost area). New Marketplace Booth And while Germany and the Brewer’s Collection area has been around for years, the booths themselves received nice updates. Brewer’s Collection and Germany Booths Brewer’s Collection and Booth Germany Booth And I just can’t get over what I’m thinking is the new Hawai’i Booth. New Marketplace Booth New Marketplace Booth This one is my favorite — an adorable ivy-covered booth for Spain! New Marketplace Booth Of course, a few areas are still under cover. This is Brazil. Continued Preparations Continued Preparations Everybody’s busy getting ready! And we LOVE this new Italy booth! Continued Preparations One more week to go! I’m ready — how about you?!? News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available! 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! Order your 2017 edition today. Don’t miss a moment of the fun! 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! We can’t wait to be in Epcot bringing you live coverage of the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival ONE WEEK from tomorrow!! Are you as EXCITED as we are for the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Please let us know with a comment! And be sure to follow us on instagram and facebook for all the in-the-moment updates! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New DFB Video: Sneak Peek at the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! Sneak Peek: 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Merchandise Epcot Food and Wine Festival Food Pictures: Germany and Brewer’s Collection Booths View the full article

With summer coming to an end and Halloween right around the corner, Florida is about to get spooky. From major events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Halloween Horror Nights to smaller, family-friendly events like the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden's Zoo Boo Bash, the sunshine... View the full article

Disney’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge construction continues at both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but the Calfornia version just hit a construction milestone ahead of both parks’ 2019 openings. The crew at Disneyland just installed what will be the highest point in the park, a steel structure... View the full article

A pair of endangered Sumatran tiger cubs have been born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom near Orlando, the company said — giving many people their cute animal fix for the day. “We are absolutely delighted to share that Sohni, a Sumatran tiger in our care at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, recently gave birth... View the full article

With Disney Night of Joy starting in 1983, we’ve seen almost every major Contemporary Christian music artist play at Walt Disney World Resort throughout the years. I know I use the word “honored” a lot in these posts, but we are truly honored to have seen a list of the best and brightest of Christian music on our rosters. Two acts have emerged as having the most performances at our event throughout the years. Legendary CCM artist Steven Curtis Chapman held the record for a good bit – with 10 performances from 1990 to 2013. Celebrating more than four decades of success in the music industry, Steven shows no signs of slowing down. In 2017, he released his 23rd career studio album Worship and Believe and he also launched a new autobiography – Between Heaven & The Real World. Then, “upstarts” MercyMe ran past Chapman in 2016 with their 11th performance. Purveyors of arguably the most popular CCM song of all time – “I Can Only Imagine” – MercyMe have been a fixture on the Night of Joy scene – playing every year except one since 2005. The band recently released their ninth studio record “Lifer,” which was just nominated for a GMA Dove Award. Both are performing this year, and we caught up with the guys at the KLOVE Music Fan Awards in Nashville earlier this year – sensing a little “behind-the-scenes” rivalry? [NOTE: In all honesty, we asked them point blank – but that still counts, right?] On September 8 and 9, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort will host Disney Night of Joy, two glorious evenings filled with gospel, hip-hop, pop, rock, praise and adult contemporary music from the industry’s top artists. Attendees can kick back, relax and enjoy an unforgettable experience sure to make spirits soar! Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017. Guest can check out nightofjoy.com or 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more can click here or call 877-NITE-JOY to purchase group tickets and learn about group discounts and benefits. A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.) Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. View the full article

This year, we’re bringing back one of the Disney Parks Blog’s most popular holiday events – our “Not-So-Scary” Blog Party at Magic Kingdom Park – during the first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World Resort. On Friday, August 25, 2017, we’re hosting a special Halloween party for 100 winners of the Not-So-Scary Blog Party at Magic Kingdom Park Sweepstakes. This year’s “Not-So-Scary” Blog Party at Magic Kingdom Park begins at 4 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 25 but winners can arrive between 3:30-7:30 p.m. EDT. Winners will receive admission to the popular Happy HalloWishes Dessert Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Winners are encouraged to wear costumes (no masks) to the event, subject to the costume guidelines below. You can enter for a chance to win by clicking here and following the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name. Also, there are a few things you should know: All entrants must be 18 years or older and legal residents of, and physically located within, the state of Florida. However, guests of the winners do not need to be 18 or older (as long as the guest is the child or ward of the winner). Limit one guest per winner. We will send a notice, via email, to the winning entrants. It will be necessary for the winner and guest to check in at the Transportation & Ticket Center for access to the event. The notice will include those details. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Costumes should not be obstructive, offensive or violent; drag on the ground; contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest; contain any weapons or objects which resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Masks will not be permitted. Prizes are not redeemable for cash and are not transferable. Hope to see you in your best costume on August 25. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Starts 12:00:01 p.m. ET on 8/23/17, and ends 3:00:00 p.m. ET of same day. Open only to legal residents of Florida who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Limit 1 entry per person. For full details including eligibility requirements, odds of winning and prize limitations, see Official Rules. Prize does not include accommodations or transportation between winner’s home and the event taking place on August 25, 2017. Void where prohibited. View the full article

Here’s your cute baby animal fix for the day. Disney posted a video announcing the Aug. 17 birth of a pair of endangered Sumatran tiger cubs in Orlando. “We are absolutely delighted to share that Sohni, a Sumatran tiger in our care at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, recently gave birth to a pair of tiger... View the full article

If you update the My Disney Experience App on your phone today, you’ll notice some terrific new features. These include the ability to track the use of your credits on the Disney Dining Plan! My Disney Experience App screenshot No more going over your latest dining receipt to check out how many Snacks, Quick Service, or Table Service credits you have left (aaah, the ol’ days…). It will all be right there on your phone! (Seriously. Why wasn’t this done, like, years ago?) My Disney Experience App screenshot Remember that the app already gives you the ability to make Advance Dining Reservations and use the new Mobile Order process (though Mobile Order is currently only able to accept payment by credit card, and not the Disney Dining Plan. That option will be added in the future). Speaking of dining, the app also now allows you to track any Resort Purchases, including food. My Disney Experience App screenshot You can see that Judy Hopps stopped by the Main Street Bakery for a bite or two . Though not food-related, Disney World Annual Passholders will also enjoy knowing that you can now renew your Annual Pass via the app as well. Easy Peasy! My Disney Experience App screenshot Be sure to update your My Disney Experience App today to access all the fun new features! Do you enjoy using the My Disney Experience app during your vacation? 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: Update: How MyMagic+ and the My Disney Disney Experience App Have Impacted Disney World Dining Top 5 Disney Dining Plan One-Credit Table-Service Values for 2012 New Video: Our Disney Dining Plan Recommendations for One-Credit Restaurants! View the full article

I love it when something so wholesome as Disney embraces its dark side. It's why I loved Mr. Toad's Wild Ride back before Pooh squashed him in 1998. What other ride at Disney took you on a ride to hell? (And no, it's a small world doesn't count.) So that's the alluring part of Mickey's Not-So-Scary... View the full article

We are absolutely delighted to share that Sohni, a Sumatran tiger in our care at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, recently gave birth to a pair of tiger cubs, the first in the park’s history. Sohni and her cubs are bonding well, and our dedicated team of animal care experts and veterinarians are focused on providing around-the-clock care for the tigers as they continue to monitor their progress. Guests can expect to see Sohni and her cubs on the Maharajah Jungle Trek within the next several months. In the meantime, watch the video below for a sneak peek at these adorable baby animals bonding with their mom. Disney is proud to play an important role in the worldwide conservation and understanding of Sumatran tigers, a critically endangered species. Fewer than 500 Sumatran tigers exist in the wild, as the species is facing significant threats like habitat loss, poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. The Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) is working with groups like the Wildlife Conservation Society on its Reverse the Decline initiative to develop strategies for saving these amazing animals. To date, DCF has provided nearly $4 million to support the conservation of wild cat species like tigers, lions and snow leopards in 25 countries around the world. These tiger cubs were bred by our dedicated and highly trained team of animal care experts through the Species Survival Plan, which is overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and ensures responsible breeding and diverse populations of threatened and endangered species. We look forward to sharing more updates about Sohni and the cubs soon. In the meantime, visit DisneyAnimals.com to learn more about tigers and how you can help support them in the wild. Guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom also can take part in Connect to Protect, a new mobile adventure that invites guests to participate in conservation “missions” with a digital scientist while exploring Pandora and helping protect the habits of at-risk animals here on Earth, like Sumatran tigers. View the full article