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Last night, guests at Walt Disney Grand Theatre were treated to a special charity performance of THE LION KING, the first-ever Mandarin production of the popular Broadway musical, kicking off our “Celebrate Earth” series at Shanghai Disney Resort. The star-studded event raised funds to support wildlife protection in China while honoring a beloved story about the circle of life. This marks the first Earth Month for our newest Disney resort after its opening, and we’ve teamed up with the China Wildlife Conservation Association and WildAid, an environmental non-profit, to bring you plenty of fun ways to celebrate and support this great big beautiful world of ours. Our new Join the Herd wildlife conservation campaign focuses on the protection of elephants and other endangered wild animals, and it all starts with a stunning photography exhibition at Walt Disney Grand Theatre. You can step into the natural habitat of animals that inspired THE LION KING’s lovable characters and even make an ivory free pledge on a special wall installed at the theatre. A “Celebrate Earth” fair will be set up at Disneytown and Shanghai Disneyland, including a host of environmentally-friendly themed games for kids. Everyone is invited to come out and learn how small changes make a big impact on the world around us. Don’t forget to take a stroll around Wishing Star Park during your visit and enjoy all the beauty nature has to offer. Shanghai Disney Resort continues our longstanding commitment to engage communities in the protection of wildlife and their habitats. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has been working to protect wildlife, including efforts to reverse the decline of elephants, with more than $2.3 million in support to elephant projects in 25 countries across Asia and Africa. Take a look at our recent Wildlife Wednesday entry for more information on how our resorts around the world are championing Earth Month and how you can help. View the full article

It’s time for breakfast in Disneyland — Rancho del Zocalo style! This beautiful restaurant — and I mean seriously, it’s gorgeous — is situated in Frontierland, where all things rough and rowdy reign supreme. But step into this colorful corner, and you’re surrounded by cheerful warmth and bright colors. And let’s not forget the food! Rancho del Zocalo Rancho del Zocalo has taken on added significance though in the last year. The spot is now home to a significantly traditional breakfast favorite — the Mickey Pancake. This entree is the stuff of Disney cult legends, and there was a collective gasp when we found out it would be moving from its longtime home at River Belle Terrace to Rancho del Zocalo. After all, River Belle Terrace was one of my favorite places in the entire world to get breakfast — in no small part because it was something Walt Disney himself did as well. But change is the only thing you can count on in life (especially at Disney). So here we are, embracing the new. Care to join us? Atmosphere Little bit of trivia for you — want to know why this restaurant is named Rancho del Zocalo, which translates to “Ranch of the Square?” Archway Over Entrance The area in front of Frontierland was once named El Zocalo, or The Town Square. Therefore, the name of the restaurant pays homage to a little Disneyland history. Nice. Rancho del Zocalo painted mural And indeed, the whole space feels like you’re wandered into a charming and well-to-do hacienda. Walkway Leading into the Restaurant Fountains provide tranquil sounds of running water, and are just pretty. I especially love the iron scrollwork in the arch above this one as well as the pair of love birds playing in the water at the top. Rancho del Zocalo Fountain Most of the seating for the restaurant is outdoors, but don’t let that worry you. There’s plenty of shade for those sunny California days, and space heaters keep the patio warm when the mercury dips down. Outdoor Seating Area Bougainvillea grows in abundance all around the terrace. Really, it’s like some kind of wonderful oasis. Rancho del Zocalo Decor Other decorative touches on the patio include these gorgeous hanging lanterns, which are even prettier at night. Hanging Lanterns Now that we’ve looked around, let’s get to the main reason for visiting — breakfast. Eats Rancho del Zocalo began serving breakfast around a year ago, and it seems to have settled into the role nicely. Here, you’ll find a combo of the traditional breakfast options that you previously could enjoy at River Belle Terrace, and some Rancho specialties. Sadly, they still aren’t offering the Cinnamon Roll French Toast that I loved at RBT. But other favorites remain! We’ll look at a few in a moment. Breakfast Menu — Click to Enlarge We were also able to snag a shot of the Allergy Friendly Menu, which comes in handy if you’re trying to plan meals for someone with food sensitivities. Allergy Menu — Click to Enlarge Service here is cafeteria style. Start by picking up a tray and utensils, and then off you go to choose your breakfast items. Your Starting Point: Trays and Silverware Line at Rancho del Zocalo Pancakes proved to be a popular selection the day we visited. A Cast Member Makes Our Breakfast A Grab and Go area is stocked with bottled drinks, refillable souvenir mugs, and ready-to-eat items as well as the Rancho desserts. Grab and Go Drinks and Sides There are also self-serve fountain drinks if you prefer. Self-Serve Beverage Area We made our selections and headed out to the terrace to enjoy them. We decided to start with the traditional dishes that made the jump from Belle River Terrace. First up — the Mickey Pancake! This guy has been around for as long as anyone can remember, and I love that he stands defiantly against any attempt to “gourmet it up.” Ha! He’s so cute, even though he’s basic. A Classic Relocated — Mickey Pancake We also had to have some Biscuits and Gravy. The plate — a real plate, a hallmark of most Disneyland counter service dining — was completely filled up. Friends, this is a breakfast that will stick with you All. Day. Long. The eggs are…eggs. But the Biscuits and Gravy are something special! Thick, rich, and super flavorful. And the sausage is delicious and has plenty of flavor without being spicy. Biscuits and Gravy But in the interest of staying true to its Mexican themeing, Rancho del Zocalo also serves menu items inspired by cuisine that you’ll find south of the border. We decided to try all of these as well. Let’s start with the Chorizo and Egg Burrito, which was served with sides of Beans and Rice. Burrito The Burrito is stuffed full of Scrambled Eggs, Chorizo, Beans, and Salsa Verde. This was probably the favorite of the Mexican breakfast dishes! Burrito — Inside Traditional Tamales, also served with a side of Beans and Rice, proved to be tempting as well. Tamales Pretty authentic and delicious! Tamales — Inside The Chilaquiles was also a substantial serving of food. I love this dish, which reminds me of a yummy Mexican-themed casserole. In this version, Corn Tortillas are layered with Scrambled Eggs, Refried Beans, and Salsa Verde. The plate is garnished with Queso Fresco, Onions, Sour Cream, and Cilantro. Chilaquiles Finally, we had to try the Fajita Beef Breakfast Platter. It was a work of art, with neatly arranged rows of Scrambled Eggs, Grilled Veggies and Beef, Rice, Refried Beans, and a Flour Tortilla. This was pretty standard, but offers a good, hearty option. Fajitas Fully fueled for the day, it was time to head out for some fun, Disneyland-style. Overall Rancho del Zocalo had been a favorite of mine for a long time when it came to lunch and dinner. And now I’m very happy to add breakfast to the list as well. If good food and a lovely group of cast members weren’t enough to woo you through the wrought iron archway, consider how beautiful this place is on top of all that. Really, with filling, delicious dishes that live up to the themeing, plus everything else, I really must insist that you give Rancho del Zocalo a try if you haven’t already. So now, let me know what you think. Is Rancho del Zocalo one of your favorite stops in Disneyland? Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite meal here is! 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: Changes Coming to Disneyland’s River Belle Terrace and Rancho del Zocalo REVIEW: Rancho del Zocalo in Disneyland’s Frontierland Dining in Disneyland: Cinnamon Crisps from Rancho Del Zocalo View the full article

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge View the full article

Once a month, Disney Parks Blog author Will Gay heads to a Disney Park to sketch from the field (or Plein Air as it’s called in the art world). He shares his amazing hand-drawn creations in our “Sketches From The Park” series on the first Friday of every month. Today we have a special edition to share with you. We recently headed out with Will as he took on one of his most daring artistic challenges yet: to create a watercolor painting of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park in less than 90 minutes! Check out the video below to see how the beauty of our parks inspires his fun, creative projects. To see more of Will’s creations for our “Sketches in the Park” series, check out the list of related posts below. Hotel Burudika & Mombasa Marketplace, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Stave Church, Norway Pavilion, Epcot World Showcase Lagoon Skyline, Epcot View the full article

I will be the first to admit, my European soccer I.Q. could use a little boost. But there may be some help for me yet. Today, we shared that Walt Disney World Resort is teaming with one of the biggest names in European soccer to launch a youth soccer training institute at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Institute FC presented by LaLiga and Walt Disney World Resort will provide a holistic approach to soccer with proven, year-round training, education and development for youth soccer athletes both on and off the field. It will also offer training for aspiring coaches and officials. Open enrollment begins June 1-4, and The Institute FC will begin training and development later that month – just as many kids are getting out of school for the summer. It’s a rare opportunity for aspiring youth soccer players to learn the Spanish style of soccer from world-class coaches, players and officials associated with LaLiga, the Spanish professional soccer league that’s one of the most popular in the world. In addition, The Institute FC will bring multiple events and exhibitions to the complex each year, including a tournament, on-site events with current and former LaLiga players, summer camps with current and former players and coaches, visits from LaLiga legends and ambassadors, and more events. For more information about The Institute FC, visit www.TheInstituteFC.com. View the full article

The new fireworks spectacular “Happily Ever After” is now less than a month away from debuting at Magic Kingdom Park and today we have a new behind-the-scenes look to share with you – a peek inside the recording session for the show’s score. “Music is truly at the heart of everything,” said Michael Jung, Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s the script, it’s the emotion, it’s the thing that guides us through the show.” In the case of “Happily Ever After,” the score will take guests on an emotional journey with beloved Disney characters as they chase their dreams. To help the audience feel the emotional journey of the story, specific pieces of the score were written to inspire feelings of excitement, adversity, friendship, triumph and much more. The show also features plenty of Disney music, which the team says was a fun challenge to take on, since tunes from the Disney music library are incredibly diverse, since they were created by different composers in various styles and genres. For a look inside the recording session, check out the video above. And for a sneak peek at the show’s theme song, be sure to check out this previous blog post. For more on “Happily Ever After,” visit the posts below: ‘Happily Ever After’ To Feature The Most Advanced Projection Mapping Tech Yet Behind the Scenes: Animators Give a Sneak Peek at ‘Happily Ever After’ ‘Happily Ever After’ Nighttime Spectacular Will Debut at Magic Kingdom Park May 12 First Listen: Sneak a Peek at Our ‘Happily Ever After’ Theme Song Take A Behind-the-Scenes Look At The Making Of ‘Happily Ever After’ View the full article

Before you blast into the “Guardians of the Galaxy” story when Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens at Disney California Adventure park May 27, you can reunite with these unlikely heroes in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” in theaters May 5! To celebrate the new movie, Downtown Disney District will host an Awesome Mix Vol. 2 Soundtrack Release Party on April 27 at the event stage. From 6-10 p.m., guests can join live dueling DJs as they mix fan-favorite tracks from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. There will be special appearances, trivia, games and giveaways. Fans can also learn and post their own video of the official #GrootDance. Come dressed in your favorite Super Hero costume or gear* and prepare to traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos with fellow fans! And today I’m excited to invite you, our Disney Parks Blog readers, to attend a special advanced screening of the film here at AMC Downtown Disney 12 at the Disneyland Resort on April 27 at 5 p.m. Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” continues the team’s adventures. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid. Can’t make it to the special advanced screening? Then be sure to catch “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” in theaters in 3D on May 5, 2017. Join us the evening of Thursday, April 27! Space for the advanced screening is limited and you must sign up here. Please remember the following: All participants who sign up for the event must be 18 years or older, but guests of the participants may be younger than 18. Limit one guest per registrant. Event confirmations are non-transferrable and have no cash value. Confirmation will be for the accepted registered person plus one guest. Valid photo I.D. will be required at check-in. Space is limited to 200 registrants. Registrations will be accepted based on eligibility and capacity. Participants will be responsible for any parking fees. The movie is rated PG-13. Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (WDSMP), the Disneyland Resort, their affiliates and the theatre are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. NO RECORDING. The screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any video or audio recording devices (including, without limitation, cameras and phones) into the venue and you consent to a physical search of your belongings and person for recording devices. If you attempt to enter with a recording device, you will be denied admission. If you attempt to use a recording device during this screening, you consent to your immediate removal from the venue and forfeiture of your recording device and its contents. Any attempted unauthorized recording will be reported to law enforcement and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. We reserve the right to pursue any and all available remedies at law and in equity for any unauthorized recording and/or copyright infringement, including without limitation statutory damages of up to $150,000 per violation, and nothing contained in this notice shall be construed to limit our available remedies and/or legal recourse. You assume all risks of personal injury arising from or incidental to attending the screening, whether occurring prior to, during, or after the event. Further, by attending you grant permission to WDSMP, its licensees, licensors, affiliates and agents, to record and utilize your name, voice and likeness to publicize the screening and promote the movie. *Costume Guidelines While we encourage creativity, we also value safety and good judgment. Please take a moment to read over our latest rules and regulations: General All Guests may dress as their favorite character, but may not pose for pictures or sign autographs for other guests. Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable or violent. Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally strike another guest. Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening. Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length princess dresses). For Guests Ages 13 and Under Costumes and some masks may be worn, as long as the mask does not cover the entire face and eyes are visible. For Guests Ages 14 and Older Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist. Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts and hats are acceptable. Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face. Masks of any kind may not be worn. Costumes may not be worn if entering any Disneyland Resort Theme Park. Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into, and/or removed from, the event, unless his or her costume can be modified to meet the above standards. Please note: all rules and regulations are subject to change without notice. I will give an update at the top of this post when capacity has been reached. Please note the event is subject to restrictions, change and cancellation without notice. View the full article

Here is a bit of wine news for all you Vino fans out there… and you don’t have to wait until the Epcot Food and Wine Festival for it! Mmmm. Wine. We have a couple of updates to report regarding Epcot’s World Showcase Wine Walk. For those unfamiliar with this lesser-known Epcot experience, here is a brief rundown (read about the experience in full here). Interested guests can head to any one of three spots to start their Wine Walk: the Germany Pavilion’s Weinkeller, Italy’s La Bottega Italia, and France’s Aux Vins de France. Next, request a Wine Walk Passport. This entitles the participant to six pours of wine by stopping at all three locations offering two pours each. Though the program has been around for some time, the recent changes include… an increase in price (womp, womp). The price for the Wine Walk is now $30. On the bright side, though, the experience now includes an acrylic wine glass for use during the Walk, which is yours to keep as a souvenir. Acrylic Wine Glass Not participating in the Wine Walk? Well, you can still purchase the new acrylic glass for $5, then have it refilled with a selection of still wines at any of the listed locations. Acrylic Wine Glass Buuuuuut…. don’t get too excited. Unlike the Refillable Popcorn Buckets that have been taking Disney World by storm since last summer, using the Refillable Wine Glass does not entitle guests to a discount on refills. However, guests will have a handy World Showcase-emblazoned wine glass to keep (it’s dishwasher safe for home use), and it will help reduce plastic use inside Epcot. Acrylic Wine Glass Information And with that, we say, Saluti, Prost, and Santé to you! What do you think of the Refillable Wine Glasses? 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: Epcot’s World Showcase Wine Walk News! Refillable Souvenir Popcorn Bucket Now Available at Disney World News: Updates to Refillable Popcorn Bucket Program in Disney World View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel Quick Tip | Live in the Moment View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel Quick Tip | Top Priorities View the full article

Walt Disney World is joining the Club 33 crowd. Versions of the high-end establishment will open in each of the four WDW theme parks by this fall, Disney confirmed. The first Club 33 debuted at Disneyland 50 years ago and has a reputation for being exclusive and, as one might guess, expensive.... View the full article

Saturday, April 22 is Earth Day, and what better way to celebrate than by joining Party for the Planet at Disney’s Animal Kingdom? During the weekend-long celebration April 21-23, you can enjoy interactive activities throughout the park – and Disney PhotoPass Service will be there to capture all of your memories. Take a look at just a few of the special photo opportunities you can unearth while you party for the planet. “Born In China” Magic Shot Released April 21 (just in time for Earth Day) is the new film Disneynature “Born in China,” which takes moviegoers on a stunning journey into the wilds of China. Disney PhotoPass Service is excited to celebrate this film with a special Magic Shot that you’ll find when you venture into Asia. Just ask a PhotoPass photographer to set up the shot. Disneynature “Born in China” opens in U.S. theaters April 21. Photo Frame Prop With this event-exclusive PhotoPass frame, you can add some extra fun to your photos. This frame will be available in front of the Tree of Life. Earth Day Digital Sticker Add a finishing touch to your PhotoPass photos taken during the event with this Earth Day digital sticker. Visit MyDisneyPhotoPass.com to add this and other digital stickers and borders to your photos. Want all of your photos from Party for the Planet? Purchase Memory Maker for unlimited digital downloads of all your Walt Disney World vacation photos for one price. You can continue the fun at home, too. Learn more about the animals featured in Disneynature “Born in China” by downloading the free activity packet. Also, be sure you see the film in theaters during its first week of release, as Disneynature, through the Disney Conservation Fund, will make a contribution to the World Wildlife Fund to help protect wild pandas and snow leopards for each moviegoer who sees the film April 21-27. Memory Maker includes photos taken during the Memory Maker window and linked to the Memory Maker guest’s Disney account. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Photos and other digital content will expire pursuant to the expiration policy. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations. Memory Maker is subject to Memory Maker terms and, if applicable, Family & Friends terms. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. View the full article

My fellow author Aubrey Hang recently shared galaxy-inspired looks for the upcoming runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side which returns to Walt Disney World Resort this weekend, April 20-23. In addition to Aubrey’s great outfit ideas, the Disney Parks Merchandise team is releasing commemorative products celebrating this weekend filled with galactic fun and fantastic runs. I spoke with Mary Myers, event merchandise product developer, who gave me a sneak preview of products guests will find this year. “Guests will feel the power of the dark side with this year’s assortment [laughs],” exclaimed Mary. “I loved building off the success of last year’s inaugural race merchandise. We brought back fan favorites like car magnets and pins that look like miniature medals from the races. New this year is an overall event weekend shirt that has a silver chrome treatment used on the lettering and graphics. It really makes the shirt shine like stars from a galaxy far, far away.” In this year’s assortment, Mary included some of the most iconic Star Wars characters including Darth Vader, stormtroopers, or Kylo Ren. Select items are available for guests participating in the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side, Star Wars 10K, Star Wars 5K, and the runDisney Kids Races. Guests will also find event merchandise for those participating in the Star Wars Dark Side Challenge (combining the Star Wars 10K and Half Marathon), or the Kessel Run Challenge for runners who ran both the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side and the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side. “We love including nods to classic dialogue from the Star Wars Galaxy that fans will immediately recognize,” explained Mary. “This year, guests will find a quote from Han Solo on select Kessel Run Challenge items. My favorite item is the running pants with a Luke Skywalker-inspired tagline, ‘The Force runs in my family.’ These products are a fun way for guests to share their passion for Star Wars beyond race weekend.” Finally, we are releasing three new Dooney & Bourke handbags created especially for this event. The combination of the red and black Star Wars character graphics is stunning to see in person. Two of the handbags will include a commemorative logo hangtag. Look for these and other commemorative products during the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The Expo will be open during the following times: Thursday, April 20 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 21 – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, April 22 – 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. View the full article

Interview With Roy Conli | Disneynature - Born in China View the full article

Today is the last day we’ll transport Disney cruisers to “a galaxy far, far away” for an entire day of fun – in 2017, that is. We’re so excited to be bringing back Star Wars Day at Sea in 2018 for another season of out-of-this-world adventures! Over the past four months, guests aboard the Disney Fantasy have discovered the Force by hanging out with Jedi, Wookiees, droids, Stormtroopers and other iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during the epic day at sea on their Caribbean cruise. Now, you’re invited again to join us in 2018 when the day-long celebration returns to 15 special Disney Fantasy sailings from January through April. For a glimpse at what you can expect, take a look back at my previous posts. See you there! Embrace Your Star Wars Side Aboard Star Wars Day at Sea The Force Grows Stronger Aboard Star Wars Day at Sea 2017 Out-Of-This-Galaxy Experiences Aboard Star Wars Day at Sea View the full article

Get ready to initiate power transfer in 3…2…1… when the classic Space Mountain returns to Disneyland park June 1! Just days after we mark the 40th anniversary of this Tomorrowland favorite, space travelers will blast off once again for their intergalactic adventure. A variation of a concept Walt Disney developed in the 1960s, Space Mountain first opened at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort in 1975, and construction on Space Mountain at Disneyland park began soon after. The attraction went on to become a guest favorite, seeing special themed versions such as Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy and Hyperspace Mountain. You are clear for launch starting June 1 with the return of Space Mountain at Disneyland park! View the full article

Throughout the past few months, a mysterious new presence has been emerging at Disney California Adventure park, and today we have your first look at The Collector’s Fortress. This enigmatic building is home to the soon-to-be-unveiled Tivan Collection, where guests will view the rare items in Taneleer Tivan’s extensive holdings, including his newest acquisitions: the Guardians of the Galaxy. The fortress shimmers with colorful and sparkling details; pipes cross and climb the exterior, carrying the organic matter the Tivan Group has mined to power the massive generator that powers the entire building, keeping every cage locked and the valuable collection secure. Rising and falling gantry lifts peek out of doors exposed through the corroded, burnt metal, and it even looks as if the structure may have taken laser fire and blasts. Has someone tried to attack the facility? Explore The Collector’s Fortress yourself when Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! opens May 27 at Disney California Adventure park. View the full article

Populating Pandora - The World of Avatar With Plants & Animals View the full article

Perhaps no Disney character loves flying and adventure more than Peter Pan. In today’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines what Peter would do first if he had the chance to visit Epcot. “I love riding Soarin’ Around the World,” she said. “It’s easy to picture Peter Pan flying over the various landmarks, just as he flew past Big Ben in the movie!” What attractions do you think his friends Tinker Bell, Wendy, John and Michael would explore? Check out our past Doodles to find out. Disney Doodle: The Darling Family Tests Out Rose & Crown Dining Room Disney Doodle: Peter Pan & Wendy Prep for a Day at the Park Disney Doodle: Peter Pan & Tinker Bell Decorate Magic Kingdom Park View the full article

Step inside Epcot’s Mexico pavilion with guest author Rebecca Dolan! Let’s check out her lunch review of San Angel Inn. Learn About: San Angel Inn Restaurante Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants If the thought of eating Mexican food at an amusement park brings up images of overstuffed burritos, taco salads, and plastic-cheese nachos, you’re not alone. And while Disney does those things (and does them well), when dining in Epcot you can expect more authentic options. The Mexico Pavilion is home to two full-service restaurants, San Angel Inn and La Hacienda de San Angel. Today we’re heading deep inside the pyramid for lunch at San Angel Inn. This spot has been hot and cold for us in the past. On some visits, it’s wonderful; on others, there’s a lot left to be desired. So I’m excited to see how Rebecca got on in one of Epcot’s legacy restaurants! Atmosphere Once inside the pyramid you’ll step into a town square, where a fiesta is being held under a twilight sky. Entering the town square There are stores, street vendors, a tequila bar, and the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros boat ride. Restaurant entrance To the back of the plaza, overlooking the river and in the shadow of a volcano, is the restaurant. Restaurant seating The restaurant itself looks like a riverside terrace, where boats from the Gran Fiesta Tour float by. It may not actually be open-air dining, but the landscaping and the dim lighting overhead really do give the illusion of eating outside. Restaurant “view” That dim lighting does present a bit of a problem, though, as it’s barely enough to see, and the table lanterns aren’t of much help. It’s just a little dim in here You may want to make like my dining companions and use your mobile phones to illuminate your menus. Eats Like I said before, the food in here is the real deal. You won’t find anything like crispy tacos, bright orange queso dip, or deep-fried chimichangas – things that are really Tex-Mex staples rather than authentic Mexican fare. Instead you can find dishes like Mole Poblano, Tostadas de Tinga, Quesadillas Rebozadas, and Tlacoyos de Chilorio. San Angel Menu San Angel Menu After guests are seated, they are greeted with a basket of chips and a duo of salsas. (Yes, a bit of an American touch.) The red salsa is smoky and spicy, while the green tomatillo salsa is better for those who like it mild. Chips and salsa On my visit, my dining companions and I also started with an order of Queso Fundido. Unlike the aforementioned orange queso dip, this is a white squeaky cheese that gets soft and gooey without completely melting. The generous portion of cheese was topped with chorizo, peppers, and onions, and served with soft flour tortillas for scooping. Queso Fundido Most of the flavor comes from the meat, so if you’re vegetarian and forgoing it, try adding some of the salsa. It actually goes quite nicely. For the main course, I branched out from my usual and ordered Camarones a la Diabla, roasted shrimp served with poblano rice, yuca puree, and cascabel chile sauce. The shrimp weren’t skimpy and the rice had a good flavor, though it was a tad on the dry side. I would have liked a bit more of the smoky sweet chile sauce to add some moisture, and because I enjoyed it. Know that the vegetables are more of a garnish, in case you were expecting them as a side. Camarones a la Diabla The Carne Asada was also a solid dish, one that we order here often. The steak was just steak, but it was cooked perfectly as usual. Likewise, the enchilada was about what you’d expect, stuffed with cheese and topped with red chile sauce, and it was the perfect size for a little something extra on the side. My one tip is to eat it before the cheese gets cold and hard. Carne Asada The red rice here edged out the poblano rice in terms of flavor, and the beans were nice and tender. There was a hefty scoop of guac on the side, too, which was great with some of the tortilla chips. We unfortunately hit a misstep with the third entrée, a family favorite that we come back to San Angel Inn specifically to eat. The Pollo a las Rajas is a chicken breast served atop the poblano rice and covered with peppers, onions, and cream sauce, with a touch of cilantro oil and cheese. It doesn’t sound like anything remarkable, but there’s something about that cream sauce and veggies that makes the poblano rice sing. Pollo a las Rajas When the first dish was brought out, my companion bit into the chicken and found that it felt and tasted completely undercooked. We sent it back, and though the replacement looked perfectly fine, I bit into it and was unable to eat it for the same reasons. We sent it back again and the waitress mentioned that a number of those dishes had been sent back that day. Instead of ordering and waiting for something for the third time, we just all moved on to dessert. While I do love San Angel Inn, I’ve never been into its dessert menu. To me there’s nothing really exciting on it. But, craving something sweet, we made two choices. Pastel de Queso con Cajeta The Pastel de Queso con Cajeta was your everyday cheesecake topped with caramel sauce, and the Mousse de Chocolate was a pretty standard chocolate mousse, topped with whipped cream and almond brittle. Mousse de Chocolate There was a division at our table as to whether or not the chocolate chips that were incorporated into the mousse were overkill or not. For the record, I’m not a huge chocolate lover, but I enjoyed having them in there. They gave it some added texture. Overall Despite the issue with the chicken, I still very much recommend San Angel Inn. Even if I had to take that dish out of my rotation of Disney dining favorites, I’d still go back. Maybe not everything on the menu is something to get super excited about, but the food is consistently good, and the majority of our meal on this visit didn’t disappoint. Besides, not only are you going to get a good meal, but you’ll also get to dine in one of Disney World’s most unique spots. It’s worth a try for the atmosphere alone – even if you just get chips, queso, and margaritas. What dishes do you enjoy at San Angel Inn? Would you give San Angel a try on your next Epcot visit? Chime in; the comments are right below. Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: San Angel Inn in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Review: La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion Review: La Hacienda de San Angel in Epcot’s Mexico Pavilion, Walt Disney World View the full article

Experiencing Europe as a Family With Disney Cruise Line View the full article

Our friends at Disney Springs have created a new way for Disney Vacation Club Members to enjoy a little special treatment during their Walt Disney World Resort vacations. Beginning in May and continuing throughout 2017, a different Disney Springs proprietor each Wednesday will open early (9-10 a.m.) to Members and their guests, while also making a special offer available during these early hours and for the remainder of the shop’s operating day. Kate Spade New York – home to iconic handbags, clothing, jewelry, shoes, décor and gifts – will kick things off on May 3, opening to Members and their guests at 9 a.m. and offering a special 15 percent Member discount throughout the day on select merchandise. Other stores on the upcoming slate include PANDORA Jewelry, Origins, Basin, Vera Bradley, UGG, Sephora, L’Occitane en Provence, American Threads, Sugarboo & Co and Edward Beiner. Note that special offers from participating shops may vary, from discounts to complimentary customization services to free gifts with purchase. Special offers, proprietors and discounts may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. Click here for the latest schedule of participants. Happy shopping! You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. These offers may only be available to Members at various times and may or may not be renewed or extended. Membership Extras, such as certain discounts, offers, and special events are incidental benefits. These incidental benefits are subject to change or termination without notice, may require the payment of a fee and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. Membership Extras are also subject to availability and block–out dates may apply, including high periods of demand such as Christmas and New Year’s Day. To receive any Membership Extras, purchasers must present a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card along with a corresponding valid photo ID. Effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase an ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Development Inc. will not have access to Membership Extras. View the full article

This summer and next, the Disney Magic is treating families to the best of Europe with favorite ports of call throughout Northern Europe, Norway, Iceland, the British Isles and the Mediterranean. Arny has been telling you about our one-of-a-kind Port Adventures, which give your family the chance to enjoy richly diverse destinations, enchanting cultures and tantalizing cuisine. Now, hear from some of our guests as they share about their unrivaled experiences while cruising aboard the Disney Magic in Europe. Whether you’re parents traveling with little cruisers, sisters cruising with your multigenerational family or a mother making new memories with her grown children, I’m confident you’ll be saying the same things after your family’s first voyage with Disney in Europe. If you’ve already sailed Europe with us, let us know in the comments what made it an unforgettable experience for your family. View the full article

The westward expansion of the United States is reflected in the latest Disney Vacation Club offering, right down to the railroad spike repurposed as a coat hook. The look of the Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, under construction at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, mixes Pacific Northwest atmosphere with... View the full article

You know that feeling when you’ve rope-dropped Soarin’ Around the World… but in order to do that, you had to skip breakfast? Learn About: Sunshine Seasons Epcot Restaurants Disney World Restaurants Yeah, that feeling is hunger. And we’ve got just the thing to help you muster your strength for the rest of your day. It’s a little thing we call Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding. Actually, that’s not just us. That’s what the friendly folks at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion at Epcot call it, too . You know Sunshine Seasons as the conveniently located food court with fresh and unusual-by-theme-park-standards grub. We like to keep a close eye on the menus and pastry cases here because it seems like new things are always popping up. Sunshine Seasons sign Before the Soarin’ refurb, it used to be home to a Croissant Berry Bread Pudding for breakfast. But that’s since been replaced by the Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding. Sunshine Seasons Breakfast Menu It was more than high time to check it out. The Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding is available during breakfast hours (until 11AM), and, like the Croissant Berry Bread Pudding before it, it’s a twist on a traditional breakfast favorite. It’s worth noting that what we received looks quite different from the picture on the menu, but we’re not unaccustomed to that. Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding What you see above (and throughout this post) is what you get. Rather than two large pieces of French Toast, we received a smaller, but very dense, bread pudding with a large serving side of bacon. Side of Bacon The bacon, of course, is standard… which is great news because BACON. We were more interested, though, in the Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding. Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding So, how is it? The crispy top layer delivers the French Toast vibes you’d expect, along with the dusting of powdered sugar. Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding The bulk of the bread pudding is a spongy French Toast — definitely more of the texture one expects from bread pudding. Honestly, it might be a little too spongy, so if texture is an issue for you, keep that in mind. But the richness of the bread pudding and that strong cinnamon flavor make this a unique breakfast option (and perhaps a welcome detour from scrambled eggs). Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding At $6.99, this is a decent breakfast option, particularly if you’re looking for something a little different. And remember, with everything from your traditional breakfast platter to a bakery case chock full of muffins, croissants, and cupcakes (which is a perfectly reasonable option when you’re on vacation!), Sunshine Seasons is a convenient breakfast stop with — even more importantly — something to please every member of the family… regardless of whether or not you partake before or after you Soar Around the World. Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Limited time only… Our DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle offers: The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2017 Second Edition, PLUS The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks, The DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks All four are being sold together — for 30% off the already hugely discounted bundle price. Use code BUNDLE17 at check out to get the discount. Our Snack Guides vibrantly display and review hundreds of Disney World snacks (!!), including classic favorites and some of our favorite under-the-radar treats and eats in the parks. Get your DFB Guide & Snacks Bundle — including the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 Second Edition, the DFB Guide to Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom Snacks, the DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, and the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks — for 25% off here. Find out more about the DFB Guide & Snack Bundle here! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? Just looking for all the Snacks in Epcot? Then check out our DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks, newly updated for your 2017-18 trip! With over 400 Epcot snacks, and over 60 NEW snacks, you’ll always be in the know! And for a limited time only, we are offering the Guide for 25% off! To secure the discount, use code EPCOT17 at check-out. Are you a breakfast-in-the-park person or a breakfast-before-the-bus person? 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: Review: Croissant Berry Bread Pudding at Sunshine Seasons in Epcot’s Land Pavilion Review: French Toast Bread Pudding at the Beach Club Marketplace Snack Series: Key Lime Tart at Epcot’s Sunshine Seasons View the full article