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New York City is in peril, again. Good thing the city’s local superheroes practically outnumber the Starbucks, each with a film franchise and/or TV series devoted to their crusades against evil forces. This week it’s “The Defenders’” turn to clean up the already clean streets of Manhattan. The... View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel Overview View the full article

Disney PhotoPass Day is returning to Walt Disney World Resort on August 19! This year, Disney PhotoPass Service is celebrating Disney Princesses in honor of Disney’s “Dream Big, Princess” campaign. Guests will find a number of exclusive photo opportunities with Disney Princesses and other favorite characters in each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs. I recently spoke with Denise Shick, Merchandise Franchise & Brand Manager with Disney Parks Merchandise, about some of the Disney Princess-themed products guests will find for this picture perfect day. “Disney’s ‘Dream Big, Princess’ movement continues to inspire young dreamers around the world to realize their full potential,” explained Denise. “At Disney Parks Merchandise, we offer a variety of products for guests of all ages that celebrate these great stories. Guests can wear many of these items in their photos during Disney PhotoPass Day as a fun way to show off which characters and stories they love.” Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort will find hundreds of Disney Princess-inspired products. I selected a handful of items to showcase featuring Belle, Jasmine, Rapunzel, and Snow White. Look for apparel, home décor, charms by PANDORA Jewelry, collectible pins, accessories and much more. These items are found in many merchandise locations throughout Walt Disney World Resort. Select items are also offered on the Shop Disney Parks app or the online store. Denise also shared another way guests ages 3-12 can celebrate Disney Princesses – getting a magical makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Walt Disney World Resort offers two locations for this experience – Disney Springs Marketplace near Once Upon a Toy and inside Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park. Reservations are highly recommended. Appointments can be made up to 180 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895). Finally, Denise gave me a sneak preview of new products coming soon as “Disney Princesses are celebrated all year long at Disney Parks.” Guests should look for new open edition, four-pin sets in late August and early September. We are also releasing the third “Dream Big, Princess” collection by Dooney & Bourke in late September. This collection will celebrate Snow White who marks a milestone anniversary later this year. Don’t forget to add #DreamBigPrincess to your Disney Princess photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter from now through October 11, 2017 to support a special global photography campaign. Read about this unique opportunity on Disney.com. View the full article

Launched in 2016, the “Dream Big, Princess” campaign has encouraged kids everywhere to dream big by highlighting inspiring moments from Disney Princess stories that showcase inspirational qualities like Merida’s bravery and Tiana’s perseverance. These moments have been paired together with the stories of real life young role models, showing kids what’s possible when they follow their own big dreams. As we continue celebrating “Dream Big, Princess,” we’re excited to announce the next step of this campaign: On the Disney Princess Instagram and Facebook pages, we’re launching a new global photography initiative that places the spotlight on inspiring stories of real women and girls around the world. This project brings together an incredible group of female photographers from 15 different countries to create images that celebrate the power of dreaming and aim to show kids what’s possible if you dream big. From one of the first female staff photographers at National Geographic to winners of the International Picture of the Year, World Press Photo Award for Nature, Commonwealth Photographer of the Year, and a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News, the accomplished roster of photographers brings a wealth of experience and talent. Each was challenged to find and document stories with the power to inspire kids. With photo subjects including the youngest-ever speaker at the UN, a gold-medal-winning Chinese Paralympian, the founder of the first female cycling team in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, a teenage author who wrote a coding book for kids, and a young surf champion from Brazil, the project aims to represent a broad range of inspiring role models with interesting stories to share. But we also want you to join in on the fun! Like or post a #DreamBigPrincess moment on social media to celebrate your favorite Disney Princess! We’ll feature select fan photos from around the world on our social media pages. If you’re looking for a way to get a few of these photos that celebrate your favorite Disney Princesses, visit Walt Disney World Resort on August 19 for Disney PhotoPass Day! During the event, you’ll find a number of photo opportunities featuring Disney Princesses, including special Character Experiences: Dopey joins Snow White, Meeko joins Pocahontas, Mushu joins Mulan, and Genie joins Princess Jasmine. At these locations, you’ll also receive event-exclusive Animated Magic Shots that celebrate the qualities that help these heroines achieve their dreams. You can also show off how Disney Princesses have inspired you at the “Dream Big, Princess” photo backdrops (examples below), which will be located at each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs during Disney PhotoPass Day. A Disney PhotoPass photographer will be at these locations to capture a keepsake of your empowering encounter. Please visit this page for more information about the other offerings available during #DisneyPhotoPassDay. Entertainment and photo opportunities are subject to change. Some locations could be affected by inclement weather. Be sure to follow the Disney Princess Instagram and Facebook pages for the latest news and updates about “Dream Big, Princess.” View the full article

Flan, a delicious custard like dessert, is a staple in Hispanic families’ dinners and events. And since August 21 is National Flan Day, we wanted to share with you an amazing recipe from one of my favorite restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort. The Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features an Amaretto Flan with White Chocolate Whip on its menu. This recipe is also featured in the Delicious Disney Sweet Treats cookbook. Qué rico! Amaretto Flan Serves 6 1 extra large egg 4 extra large egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar 3 cups heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur White Chocolate Whip 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup white chocolate chips For Serving 6 amaretti cookies For Amaretto Flan: Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix egg, egg yolks, and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer on low speed for 1 minute, scraping sides of bowl until combined. Scald heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes; do not boil. Slowly add hot cream to eggs with mixer running on low speed. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and Amaretto. Pour flan into six 6-ounce ramekins. Each ramekin should have 2/3 cup of flan. Place ramekins in a baking pan. Carefully pour boiling water into pan until it reaches halfway up sides of ramekins. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, until the flans are set when gently shaken. Remove from oven and remove ramekins from water. Cool for 4 hours or until room temperature. Refrigerate for 8 hours, or until flan is firm. For White Chocolate Whip: Heat heavy cream to boiling in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add white chocolate chips, whisking constantly until melted. Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours. To Serve: Whip cooled cream and white chocolate in bowl of an electric mixer on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft peaks form. Top each flan with 2 tablespoons of white chocolate whip and serve with amaretti cookies. View the full article

Disney Parks Moms Panel | Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World This Fall View the full article

The 2017 edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival looms: The first day of the 75-day event is Aug. 31, the earliest start in its history. Sentinel food writer Lauren Delgado and I had sneak peeks of some of the fare by festival officials this week. If Epcot fests are becoming old... View the full article

Happy National Roller Coaster Day! Now, those who know me, know that National Roller Coaster Day is probably not very high on my list of holidays to celebrate. (I prefer attractions on the mild side). But when it comes to immersive, high-energy thrill rides – Disney Parks do it better than anyone. Millions of our guests “get their coaster on” at Disney Parks around the world every day. We at Disney Parks Blog put together a list of some of our favorites. We tried to keep it to a “Top 10” but just couldn’t. Let us know your favorites too! Space Mountain – A classic. From Disneyland Resort in Anaheim to Hong Kong Disneyland and everywhere in between, this indoor coaster has dipped and tripped guests on a one-of-a-kind outer space adventure. At Disneyland Paris, you can find the Star Wars version of the attraction, Hyperspace Mountain; and a ghoulish version shows up at the Disneyland Resort during Halloween called Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy. TRON Lightcycle Power Run – An ode to the hit Disney films, “TRON” and “TRON: Legacy,” guests of Shanghai Disney Resort hop on the iconic lightcyles and Experience high-speed thrills and chills as the Grid comes alive in a heart-pounding race for survival. And we just announced its inclusion in Magic Kingdom here at Walt Disney World – VERY exciting! Barnstormer, Featuring the Great Goofini – Much more my speed. Located in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, The Great Goofini is known for his aerial expertise and high-flying stunts. Perfect for smaller visitors, Barnstormer has guests rolling through some of his most iconic swoops and swirls – at a graceful pace. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – a HUGE hit at Magic Kingdom and now the toast of Shanghai Disney Resort. Guests “rock” and “roll” through scenes from Dwarfs’ mine – showcasing characters and songs from the iconic film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” You haven’t lived until you’ve heard “Heigh Ho” sung in Mandarin! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – Amid rugged bedrock and desert cactus, venture inside a nearly 200-foot mountain to the Big Thunder Mining Company, established in the early days of America’s Gold Rush. Traipse down into an abandoned mine shaft and discover a mysterious 5-car locomotive waiting to take you on a journey inside an abandoned shaft. Guests around the world love this attraction with versions at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Walt Disney World in Florida, Disneyland Paris, Tokyo Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland. Expedition Everest – A trek through the Himalayas and “The Forbidden Mountain,” no coaster tour of Walt Disney World would be complete without a ride on Expedition Everest. Walt Disney Imagineers spent years researching legends and myths of Southeast Asia to be able to accurately immerse guests into this world. The views from the climb to the top are some of the most exquisite on Walt Disney World property. It makes you anticipate and appreciate the inevitable thrills and chills as you fall even more. California Screamin’ – One of the icons of Disney California Adventure, this ode to the classic wooden roller coaster can be seen for miles around. With Mickey Mouse’s cute face watching, guests almost forget going through the 120-foot plunge to 360-degree loop. Almost. Indiana Jones et le Temple du Peril – Guests of Disneyland Paris can re-create their favorite mine car scene “Temple of Doom”-style as they twist and turn through dark, cursed ruins. Crush’s Coaster – Guests of Walt Disney Studios Paris join Crush and friends in Toon Studio®, where they board turtle shells and prepare for a ride through memorable moments from the the Disney•Pixar film, Finding Nemo. This is a REALLY cool ride for younger and young-at-heart guests alike. Raging Spirits – A hallmark attraction of Tokyo DisneySea, this is a high-speed rollercoaster attraction racing through the excavated ruins of an ancient ceremonial site. This thrilling ride will turn your world upside down – literally. Matterhorn Bobsleds – Another Disneyland classic – taking guests twisting and turning through the Swiss Alps. As guests swoop in and out of shadowy caves and along jagged rocky ledges; throttle through icy chutes and around frozen precipices, the “real” danger is not in the landscape. I won’t spoil it for newbies who haven’t ridden yet. Opening in 1959, the Matterhorn Bobsleds was the very first tubular steel roller coaster in the world. Water Coasters – Those looking for a wetter coaster experience look no further than Disney Parks. Crush ‘n’ Gusher at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park pushes and splashes guests through 400-foot-long tubes with uphill climbs and a plunge into Hideaway Bay at the end. And we can’t forget the water coasters aboard our Disney Cruise Line ships – the AquaDuck aboard the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy and the AquaDunk aboard the Disney Magic give Disney Cruise Line guests a ride they will never forget. Gadget’s Go Coaster – Another attraction for the entire family, this engaging “coaster” is based on the work of the character Gadget Hackwrench from the Disney animated series Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Guests of both Disneyland Resort in California and Tokyo Disney Resort can enjoy its family-friendly twists, turns, humps and bumps. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Starring Aerosmith – A game changer in indoor rollercoasters, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster features one of the fastest rides at Disney Parks paired with a one-of-a-kind soundtrack. Guests of both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris know to “hang on” when the 0-to-60-MPH launch starts. View the full article

Today is National Roller Coaster Day and we’re celebrating by taking a look at some of our favorite Walt Disney World attractions that send us rocketing, rolling, slipping and sliding through adventure. Here at the Walt Disney World Resort the first roller coaster to open to guests was Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park, which began rocketing Tomorrowland guests into deep space in 1975. Encased in a 180-foot high “mountain,” the opening of a new Disney “mountain” would soon become a highly anticipated event at the Walt Disney World Resort. A whole new coaster adventure, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, debuted at the other end of the park just a few years later in 1980. The self-proclaimed “wildest ride in the wilderness” takes guests on a thrilling runaway train ride through an old gold rush town, with locomotives whizzing around canyons and tunnels. The nearly 200-foot-tall attraction also forever changed the skyline of Frontierland, punctuating the land with towering rock tents. Young kids got their first taste of coaster fun in 1996 with the addition of Magic Kingdom Park’s first family coaster – The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm – in the area then known as Mickey’s Toontown Fair (a new version of the attraction, called The Barnstormer, currently exists in New Fantasyland, pictured above). In 1999, Disney’s Hollywood Studios got into the coaster game in a big way, opening Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This rock-themed attraction that takes guests on a wild musical ride through Los Angeles that includes three inversions, two rollover loops and one corkscrew in a “super-stretch” limo. Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed its first coaster, Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain, in 2006. This latest Disney “mountain” opened to offer immersive storytelling in its queue, sending guests on a mission to seek out – or escape from – Mount Everest’s mythical yeti. The newest Disney coaster to open at the Walt Disney World Resort, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, took the concept of a “family coaster” to new levels when New Fantasyland was completed in 2014 at Magic Kingdom Park. The attraction offers an incredibly immersive queue filled with hands-on activities as guests travel deeper into the mine of the Seven Dwarfs. Take a look at the video above for a one-minute journey through some of our favorite coaster experiences. Which Disney roller coaster is your favorite? Tell us in the “Comments” section below. View the full article

Good Morning from Sanaa! Learn About: Sanaa Animal Kingdom Lodge Disney World Restaurants And I don’t say that lightly. I think any morning is a good one when you’re starting it at Animal Kingdom Lodge. And last fall, Sanaa — located in the Resort’s Kidani Village — started offering guests one more way to do that with the arrival of the Kuamsha Breakfast. Sanaa operates as a Table Service restaurant for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, though, is a different story. Featuring Quick Service entrees as well as Grab-and-Go options (hot and cold items), breakfast is a pretty casual affair. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a unique experience. Sanaa Upon approaching Cast Members at the check-in desk (where you would typically mention your Advance Dining Reservation for lunch or dinner), you’ll receive a menu listing your breakfast options. Sanaa Meal Time Sign A Cast Member is available in case you’d like to order one of the full breakfast entrees like the Safari Waffle (topped with Chai Whipped Cream!) or the Savanna Platter. Sanaa Breakfast Menu But the small space that serves as an impromptu Counter Service location also has plenty of serve-yourself selections as listed under Grab-and-Go. Breakfast Grab and Go Setup So I went ahead and grabbed a couple of those dishes! The Bobotie (African Style Quiche) is kept warm on hot trays. Bobotie The Banana Bread was placed on a top shelf above the Yogurt Parfaits. Banana Bread Even though these items are technically grab-and-GO, you are more than welcome to gather some utensils and head on into the restaurant to enjoy your food (hence, the title of this post ). Now, the way the spot is set up, you can’t actually see the whole of the restaurant until after you pay at the cash register. Next, you’ll pass the serve-yourself drink options so you can pick up your coffee, tea or cocoa, if you ordered one (bottled juices and milk are also available). It’s good to know that ice water and cups are at the ready here, too, since you can’t see those from the ordering area. Ice Water and Cups And next is the reveal of the restaurant! I was really hoping to land one of Sanaa’s famous floor-to-ceiling window seats, which reveal the Kidani Village Savanna and its animal residents. Turns out, it wasn’t a problem! HOORAY!! Window Seating Now, the space wasn’t quite so empty the entire time . Tables Filling Up However, even at the height of guests, there was always at least one or two window tables available. Window Seating I can’t stress this enough — these are PREMIUM SPOTS for lunch and dinner, and people will wait extra lengths of time for their availability. So to just stroll right in and find this perfect table for two — still among other empty tables — was an awesome treat! Window Table for Two Of course, any given day can vary (for what it’s worth, I was there from about 8:30 – 9:30 am on a Sunday), but given that Kidani is a lot more off the beaten path than Jambo House (the main part of the Lodge), it probably won’t ever be anywhere near as packed as breakfast at The Mara, from what I’ve seen. Back to the food! You might already be familiar with Bobotie from a meal at Boma or Animal Kingdom’s Tusker House. At Sanaa, this savory African-style quiche is packaged with plenty of sausage and peppers, along with some cheese. Bobotie Though it’s small, for the $3.79 price tag it is surprisingly filling thanks to the hearty ingredients, and I really liked the mild hint of heat from the sausage and peppers. Bobotie That said, if you’ve got only that $3.79 (umm, plus tax ) burning a hole in your pocket, I’d recommend spending it on the next option over the Bobotie: it’s the Banana Bread with House-made African Chocolate Hazelnut Spread. Banana Bread with House-made African Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread Four slices of Banana Bread are packaged together with a small condiment dish of the spread. African Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread The banana bread slices are again, on the small side. But they are soft, moist, just-dense-enough, and VERY fresh, with great banana flavor. But what really makes this little dish — of course — is the opportunity to smear that House-made African Chocolate Hazelnut Spread all over it, to enjoy with every bite! Banana Bread with House-made African Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread As to how this differs from store-bought Nutella, I didn’t notice a huge difference from a flavor perspective. The consistency wasn’t quite as thick, and the chocolate perhaps a little lighter. But that yummy chocolate and hazelnut flavor combo was ALL THERE. I really enjoyed it, alongside those savanna views. The morning traffic on the savanna was pretty quiet, until the feeding truck arrived. Feeding Truck Then things picked up a bit! Savanna View The morning sun streaming through the windows, the view of the animals, some tasty and unique breakfast options, and the peaceful atmosphere make the Kuamsha Breakfast at Sanaa a really wonderful — and even memorable — Counter Service experience, and one that comes highly recommended. Would you like to start your day at Sanaa? 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: Details: Breakfast at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge News: Sanaa Serving Breakfast at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Dessert Menu Changes at Sanaa in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge View the full article

Mornings at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, are my favorite, especially because of the abundance of delicious breakfast options. Choose to indulge in a fantastic buffet at Makahiki, dine on classics and island specialities at ‘AMA‘AMA, or pick up light breakfast items at Ulu Cafe. If you prefer, you can also have breakfast delivered through room service! Our talented chefs created an island-inspired frittata with egg whites and vegetables, topped with a homemade macadamia nut pesto and cheese. Check out the cooking demo video and full recipe below. Enjoy! Egg White Vegetable Frittata with Macadamia Nut Pesto Serves 4 MACADAMIA NUT PESTO 1 cup tightly packed basil leaves 3 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese 1 tbsp. chopped macadamia nuts 2 cloves garlic 6 tbsp. olive oil Salt, to taste Pepper, to taste EGG WHITE FRITTATA 1 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. olive oil 1/4 cup diced eggplant 1/4 cup diced onion 1/4 cup diced mushroom 1/4 cup diced zucchini 1/4 cup diced artichoke heart 1/4 cup diced tomato 16 egg whites 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup goat cheese 1/2 cup basil pesto FOR MACADAMIA NUT PESTO: Combine all ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. FOR EGG WHITE FRITTATA: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease four (8-ounce) individual casserole dishes with butter. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a medium sauté pan for 5 minutes, until hot. Sauté eggplant in the oil for 2 minutes. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes, until it begins to soften. Add mushrooms, zucchini, artichoke heart, and tomato and sauté for 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Place 4 egg whites in each casserole dish. Add 1/4 of the vegetables to each dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until eggs are set. Top each frittata with 1/4 cup of mozzarella, 1 tablespoon of goat cheese, and 2 tablespoons of pesto. Bake for 3-5 minutes, until cheese begins to brown. View the full article

If you could stay at Walt Disney World Resort for an entire month, which resort hotel would you choose to stay at? Would you choose your personal favorite, mix it up among a few different resort properties – or better yet, try each and every one of them? The Gee family (aka “The Bucket List Family”) is about to do just that by embarking on a “30 Stays in 30 Days” challenge. Starting today, the Gees will stay at a different Walt Disney World resort hotel each night for the next 30 days. You can follow their adventures on the website www.disney30stays30days.com. Got suggestions for what the Gee family must do or see while they’re here? Leave your vacation tips in the comments section below. View the full article

Meet The Bucket List Family | 30 Stays in 30 Days | Walt Disney World View the full article

We have something extra special for you today — a little peek into my Alaskan Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder! The Disney Wonder in Port at Skagway My family and I booked a multigenerational family trip to Alaska on the Disney Wonder last summer (one of my dad’s bucket list items). And I couldn’t resist the chance to share some of what I found. A Disney Cruise is an amazing experience. The service, ports, and accommodations are simply unparalleled IMO. PLUS — there’s a hefty dose of Disney magic, which always makes an adventure just a little brighter. If you haven’t had the chance to go, then I hope you do sometime soon! Find out more about them by ordering the free Disney Cruise Line video. I get one whenever they have them available. But there’s more to cruising than just bein’ on the boat. And when we were in port in Skagway, Alaska, I took a few hours to tour the tiny city in search of goodies! And I found PLENTY! Yummy treats in Skagway! I hope you’re hungry. If you’re not, you probably will be very soon! Atmosphere, Scenery — and Characters! To give you a little background, we sailed out of Vancouver, then visited Endicott Arm and stopped in port at Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. View of the Glacier from the Front of the Ship — Endicott Arm The views from the ship were truly amazing throughout the week. The white-capped mountains were all the more beautiful against the back drop of those blue skies. Scenery on the Cruise Of course, we weren’t the only ones clamoring to catch a glimpse of the natural wonders. Minnie and Mickey were on hand too, and sporting their truly adorable duds. Mickey and Minnie Donald was waddling around as well, lookin’ prepared in his Klondike-wear. Donald! From the ship, Skagway looked like a post card…and kind of reminded me of one of my favorite old-school TV shows — Northern Exposure. For those who don’t know, Skagway really became a thing when prospectors poured in to try their luck during the Klondike Gold Rush. Skagway as Seen from the Ship Thinking about a Disney Cruise? Click here to see more about the COMPLETELY FREE Disney Cruise Line Planning Video today! This is the perfect intro to cruising with Disney, and I highly recommend it. Sweets and Shops My self-guided sweets tour of Skagway was quite a success! Note that this is NOT a port adventure or anything like that. I was just wandering around Skagway with my camera. So you’re welcome to follow my footsteps and it won’t cost you a penny in terms of cruise fees. My first stop was Lemon Rose Bakery. Lemon Rose Bakery — Outside The cute little shop boasted some pretty heavenly-sounding options. Scones! Pie! Tarts! And alledgedly, even a chocolate chip cookie better than my momma makes. (Not hard. My mom doesn’t cook.) Lemon Rose Bakery But since I love me some lemon, and I was already in the mood for lemony goodness because of the shop’s name, I went for their signature Lemon Lavender Cookie. Lemon Lavender Cookies The soft cookie was covered with a generous layer of vanilla bean-flecked icing. COVERED. I was already feeling pretty good about this. Lemon Lavender Cookie — Up Close Inside, the cookie revealed a tender crumb, and I found a good balance of the tart, refreshing lemon and the floral, herbal notes of the lavender. Lemon Lavender Cookie — Inside Our next stop was Sugar Mamas. With its eye-catching pink and brown facade, we were curious to see what we’d find inside. Sugar Mamas Bakery Cupcakes! We found cupcakes inside. Score! But not just any cupcakes — these little gems featured a local Skagway ingredient — rhubarb. The crop grows abundantly in the town, and has a long, rich history there. Rhubarb is Kind of a Thing in Skagway So I was psyched to try a true taste of local flavor here in the form of the Rhubarb Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Rhubarb Cupcake with Cream Cheese Icing — Up Close While the moist cake featured a light flavor, the tart rhubarb (my Grandma used to grow it!) was a flavorful addition. And you know that I was totally in love with that amazing cream cheese frosting. This was pretty awesome. Rhubarb Cupcake — Inside Next, I headed over to the Alaskan Fudge Company. You’ll find these stores in pretty much all of the Alaska ports, but I still love that they make their fudge right on the premises. Alaskan Fudge Company A quick peek at the menu shows you all of your options. You can have boxes shipped home, too. Alaskan Fudge Co. Menu Want proof that your fudge is made right in the shop? Here you go — a look right into the fudge kitchen, with a giant log of fudge cooling on the marble slabbed table. Fudge Kitchen With options like Motherlode Maple and White Pass White Out, it wasn’t an easy decision… Fudge Varieties Oh, wait. YES IT WAS. You Guys. Inside Passage, with chocolate fudge and peanut butter oozing from the center, might as well have been called The AJ Special. Inside Passage Fudge (!!!) I mean, just LOOK AT IT. You just can’t argue with this setup. It’s fudgy perfection. Inside Passage Fudge — Up Close But, if you prefer, there are also other kinds of candies as well. Other Candy But we weren’t quite finished. I also decided that we needed a stop in Kone Kompany, the local ice cream shop, to see what was happening there. Kone Kompany — Outside Apparently, I was not alone in this brilliant idea. The small space was fairly crowded. Kone Kompany — Inside A look at the menu showed scoop and sundae options as well as a few interesting milkshakes. Kone Kompany Menu Most of the ice cream on offer was Dreyer’s, but there were also a few selections by Oregon’s family-owned Umpqua Dairy, including one of their most popular flavors, Moutain Blackberry Revel. Kone Kompany Flavors More Kone Kompany Flavors Ultimately, drinks won out here, and of course, I had to try the Peanut Butter Shake, with vanilla ice cream, creamy peanut butter, and chocolate sauce. Peanut Butter Shake But the sign for the Lemon Wedgie (I still laugh.) also intrigued me, so we had a go at one of those too. It was light and refreshing, with its blend of freshly squeezed lemonade and Cherry Sierra Mist. Lemon Wedgie After a bit of a stroll to work off a few of those treats, I headed back to the ship. It was almost time for Palo! ;-D Overall Skagway was my favorite of the ports that we visited because it’s the least commercialized and developed. Ketchikan and Juneau both have lots of chain souvenir shops, and it was much harder to find locally-owned spots. Skagway had that “Northern Exposure” feel to it, which really made the difference here. I felt like I was actually getting a little more of the genuine Alaska feel, instead of a show put on for tourists (although since Skagway’s primary trade is tourism, I totally know I was getting a show put on for tourists). I also really enjoyed chatting with the shop owners and bakers, who were friendly and eager to talk about their specialties. If you have the chance to do a Disney Cruise to Alaska, GO. And if you’re thinking about a Disney Cruise, don’t forget to click here to get the COMPLETELY FREE Disney Cruise Line Planning Video today. It’s really, really free. And it’s so much fun to watch. Plus there’s tons of info in there. So go. Book it. And if you can stop in Skagway, even better. Have you had the chance to visit Alaska on a Disney Cruise? Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite part of the adventure was! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Cruise Line: “Hidden Remy” Photo Tour and Food Review Top Ten Disney Cruise Line Dining Tips Remy: The Disney Cruise Line’s Most Exclusive Adults-Only Restaurant View the full article

Wine Bar George, a new venture by Master Sommelier George Miliotes, has a new opening date of early 2018 for the Disney Springs wine bar. The wine bar is hiring, with interviews starting in late fall. Visit https://winebargeorge.com/join-our-team/ to view available positions and submit an application. ... View the full article

One of our favorite times of the year has finally arrived … Disney Parks Moms Panel Search 2018 is here! It’s time to announce that Search will open at noon ET on September 6, 2017 and run through noon ET on September 13, 2017! If your friends and colleagues always seek you out for heartfelt advice on planning a Disney vacation, then we encourage you to apply! Maybe you have put together more amazing Disney vacations that you can count, and you’ve helped others do the same, then we want to hear from you! Applicants will be selected based on their personal experience with various Disney destinations, and their ability to communicate their Disney knowledge to prospective Guests in easy-to understand and friendly ways. Sound like you? If so, then set your reminder for September 6th! Heading into its 11th year, the Disney Parks Moms Panel is a trusted source offering tailored parent-to-parent vacation advice in a convenient question-and-answer format. Because the panel offers tips on four languages – English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese – we look forward to welcoming more bilingual panelists this year. To find out more, visit www.momspanelsearch.com. Spread the word and good luck! View the full article

Yes, it’s still only August but this year’s Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party kicks off next week at the Magic Kingdom with the first party of the season on August 25. And today we have a preview of some of the commemorative merchandise that will be available at the party! Halloween at Disney! The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus are returning to the party this year and you’ll find a slate of merchandise inspired by them, including tees, a snow globe, and a limited-edition MagicBand! ©Disney There’s also a party-themed MagicBand that is the first glow-in-the-dark MagicBand AND it comes in a commemorative box that smells like chocolate! ©Disney Disney pin collectors will find a collection of Disney Villain pins – some of which will be available as individual pins. There’s a box set of the Villain pins with an edition size of 1,000 and a framed set with an edition size of just 300. ©Disney Popular Disney characters including Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey Mouse, and more are featured in another limited release mystery pin set. Each box in this collection features two randomly selected pins. ©Disney Other party-themed merchandise includes T-shirts for kids and adults, a light-up pumpkin ornament, and a logo pin! ©Disney Of course we’re also super excited to check out the party food this year including (we hope!) the Pumpkin Spice Cupcake at Gaston’s Tavern, specialty cupcakes at Main Street Bakery, Candy Corn Soft Serve at Big Top Treats, and more! Gaston’s Pumpkin Cupcake And to get you in the Halloween spirit, be sure to check out the Cute Food Art from our friend Donna Yan! She’s just released a new collection of Halloween-themed food art and we just love it! If you’re attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall you’ll find the Disney Parks merchandise at the Emporium on Main Street U.S.A., Big Top Souvenirs in the Storybook Circus area, and the pins will also be available at the Frontier Trading Post in Frontierland. You can find the Donna Yan Cute Food Art here! Are you making plans to attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this fall? 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: Sneak Peek: Special Treats Coming to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in Disney World New Treat Trails at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party News! Halloween Treats Return to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party View the full article

Avatar Flight of Passage in the newly opened Pandora – The World of Avatar has been delighting guests with a new level of adventure since it opened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in May. Have you had the chance to experience this attraction yet? Put your knowledge to the test in the quiz below. .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925{ background-color:#f0f8fb; color:#565656; border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-section h1{ color:#8bb428; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-title{ color:#10628b; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-header-image{ text-align:right; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-section{ border-color:#ffffff; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-details, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-results, .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-embed{ border-color:#dce4e7; } .quiz-container#wp-quiz-190925 .quiz-result{ background-color:#dce4e7; } Avatar Flight of Passage at Pandora – The World of Avatar Where is Avatar Flight of Passage located? In the Valley of Mo’ara Deep Inside the Moon’s Rainforest Inside Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) Headquarters In the attraction’s queue, guests get a peek inside a high-tech research lab to view what? The ACE Hall of Fame Awards An Avatar in its Amnio Tank What creature do you ride atop in Avatar Flight of Passage? A Viperwolf A Mountain Banshee A Great Leonopteryx Before you can enjoy a thrilling flight on the back of a banshee, you must first connect to: An ACE Explorer Group An Avatar Dr. Jackie Ogden’s office What dangerous beast do guests encounter as they soar through the air? A Great Leonopteryx A Mountain Banshee A Viperwolf Embed Quiz on Your Website Embed Code <div class="wp-quiz" data-quiz-id="190925" data-site-url="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog"></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/wp-content/plugins/wp-quizzes/js/embed.js"></script>Copy and paste above embed code where you would like the quiz to appear on your website. View the full article

The first trailer for “The Florida Project” has been released, and Central Florida can get a look at the critically beloved movie that filmed near Walt Disney World. “The Florida Project” will be released Oct. 6. Brooklynn Prince of Winter Springs and Valeria Cotto of Davenport play impoverished... View the full article

The first trailer for “The Florida Project” has been released, and Central Florida can get a look at the critically beloved movie that filmed near Walt Disney World. “The Florida Project” will be released Oct. 6. Brooklynn Prince of Winter Springs and Valeria Cotto of Davenport play impoverished... View the full article

If you asked my tween daughter, she’d say there’s never a bad time to visit Walt Disney World Resort, but she especially looks forward to fall! Weekdays are spent back in school and, while she does love her school day, like most of us, she truly lives for the weekends. Bring on the fall fun at Walt Disney World Resort! This year, two of her favorite fall events are kicking off even earlier than in years past. First … Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party starts August 25. This separate-ticketed event is offered from 7 p.m. to midnight, after regular park hours, on select nights in August, September and October. After dark, the park is transformed with music, lighting effects and unique entertainment experiences that only happen during this special event. Also starting in August is the 22nd annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. It’s expanded in length and time, with six brand-new food kiosks coming to Future World, including the Light Lab that offers non-alcoholic, glow-in-the-dark beverages that taste like cotton candy! Cotton candy may just be my tween’s all-time favorite flavor! This is also the very first fall season for Pandora – The World of Avatar. It will be my tween’s first visit and she can’t wait to stroll through this breathtaking land. She’s also been saving her allowance money to adopt a pet banshee at Windtraders. It will be part of her Halloween costume this year! Needless to say, she wants to be a Na’vi and have her face painted blue at the Faces of Mo’ara kiosk. And while fall brings cooler weather for the rest of the country, at Walt Disney World the heat is still on! Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon beckon to my tween’s love for water slides, and she can’t wait to try out Typhoon Lagoon’s all new Miss Adventure Falls! Does your tween have a fall favorite at Disney, too? For more information on planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort with your tween, check out www.disneyworld.com/Tweens. View the full article

A soulful voice and impressive lyrics are hallmarks of Colton Dixon’s sound, a breath of fresh air that has been taking the Contemporary Christian music industry by storm for the last couple of years. Hits like “You Are” and “More of You” sound more like impassioned prayers than pop songs, but that hasn’t stopped even the mainstream music community – or fans – from taking notice. After being a finalist on a popular TV singing competition show where he became a household name, Colton gained awareness from lots of different points in the music industry. But he gravitated toward Christian music because of his strong faith and calling of ministering to people. Since then, his career has been on the fast track. Dixon’s 2013 debut, A Messenger, set the record for biggest first-week sales by a new solo Christian act, becoming the No. 1 selling album ever by a new Christian artist. And Dixon has already played live for more than 1 million fans and released two more award winning and top selling albums, including his current project, Identity, while garnering four No. 1 hits on radio. Mickey-Shaped Proposal While some Night of Joy artists only come to Walt Disney World when performing, not only is Colton familiar with the parks, he got engaged at the Magic Kingdom. We caught up with Colton at the KLOVE Music Fan Awards in Nashville recently where he shared some of his favorite attractions and how some of his fans react to seeing him in the park. 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. For more information, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. View the full article

Hey Guys! So often, we share tips and ideas in our DFB Videos. But today, we’re going to do something a little different, and tell you things not to do! Le Cellier Filet In our latest trip around Walt Disney World, we’re sharing the Five BIG Disney World Dining Mistakes That We Don’t Want You to Make. You know we’re going to talk about planning. You saw that one coming, right? But it’s true! Our first tip is do NOT wait until the last minute to book your advance dining reservations. To learn all of our tried and true tips for how to avoid Disney dining pitfalls, watch our latest DFB Video! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! By the way, have you subscribed yet? If you hit the button below, you can subscribe to the channel and never miss a single episode! So check out the video and then let us know: Have you successfully avoided making these Disney dining mistakes? 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: New DFB Video: Our Top 10 Disney Dining Tips! New DFB Video: Best Breakfasts in Walt Disney World New DFB Video: Most Popular Restaurants in Disney World — and Good Alternatives If They’re Full! View the full article

Full disclosure: I swore off Epcot’s Mission: Space ride years ago. It happened after a go-round that left me nauseated and praying for sweet relief. I wasn’t so much frightened as unhappy. Y’all can ride all you want. I’ll be right over there, holding the purses. But I summoned up the nerve to... View the full article

Joe’s Crab Shack has closed its restaurant near Disney World as its parent company shutters locations nationwide. Ignite Restaurant Group has closed Joe’s Crab Shack at 12167 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, an employee who answered the phone at the eatery said Monday. The southern Orange County location... View the full article