Disney4me

As work continues on the new Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, construction crews hit a milestone in the land's signature ride, the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster. The final piece of track was lowered by crane and put into place recently for the ride that will circumvent the 11-acre... View the full article

When you’re a pop star and you’re on a national concert tour, you work pretty much every day. So, days off are few and far between. But, magically, one of those free days materialized, and Hollywood Records Artist Sabrina Carpenter got to spend that rare day off enjoying Walt Disney World Resort with her family. I’ve had the good fortune to work on a number of Disney Channel projects with the multi-talented singer and actress, so it was really great to catch up with her at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Over Cobb Salads at the Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurant, she talked about being at the halfway point of her Summer De-Tour. “The best part about being on this tour has been getting to go to new places. And experiencing new things, which helps me be more creative. And along the way, the audiences have been so welcoming, and really amazing.” And she was certainly happy to be back at Walt Disney World. She shared that it’s a mandatory stop, whenever travels bring her to Florida. “This is where I have to come…it’s my happy place.” Sabrina says as a family, they love visiting the International Pavilions at Epcot. “It’s so cool to experience all of these cultures, one after the other.” What else was she excited to see? “Pandora! I’ve heard so much about it, and can’t wait to experience it at night.” Finally, I asked her what her favorite ride is in all of the Parks. “Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is still my favorite ride. The first time I came to Walt Disney World, I took a picture in front of the big guitar in front of the ride. I still have that picture.” And now she has another one to put alongside of it. View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle looks at what Lewis and Wilbur Robinson from “Meet the Robinsons” would do if they had the chance to visit a Disney Park. In the 2007 film “Meet the Robinsons,” aspiring inventor Lewis meets a mysterious teen named Wilbur Robinson, whose time machine ends up taking them both on an adventure through a family history that changes both of their lives forever. So, it’s only natural they’d want to check out our own time-traveling attraction – Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress. The attraction, which opened at Magic Kingdom Park in 1975, takes a look at family life in the 1900s, 1920s, 1940s and today. View the full article

Pack your bags and grab your suitcase as we travel around our world for the start of the Walt Disney World Resort race season! The 2017 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend presented by MISFIT medals have arrived, taking inspiration and elements from the upcoming Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and featuring fun travel-themed designs like a luggage tag, plane ticket and passport. Starting off the weekend events, we are serving up a new recipe for the 5K – the Disney Fall Feast 5K! Runners will earn this festive medal featuring a fun design celebrating the harvest season. Participants in the Disney Wine & Dine 10K can earn one of three travel-themed medals from the race weekend events, with this design featuring a decorative luggage tag. Now boarding! After finishing a 13.1-mile trip through the beautiful Walt Disney World Resort, earn your Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon medal in the form of a plane ticket. Just in time for the 35th anniversary of Epcot, participants of the Disney Two Course Challenge, which includes completing both the 10K and Half Marathon, will earn their stamps with a passport-inspired medal. The design incorporates elements like the original EPCOT Center logo that “symbolizes unity, fellowship and harmony around the world” as well as fun “stamps” from featured countries around World Showcase. For those dreamers 13 years old and younger, the runDisney Kids Races presented by GoGo squeeZ® Applesauce on the Go medallion design features the playful, purple dragon, Figment. There’s still a chance to join in the fun and earn your Disney Wine & Dine 10K, Half Marathon or Two Course Challenge medals here. Spaces are also still available for the runDisney Kids Races. Will you be joining us for this year’s race? Let us know at @runDisney on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube using the hashtag #WineDineHalf. To learn more about runDisney events, please visit us here! View the full article

Disney Vacation Club members and their friends have a whole new experience to look forward to now through October, as Disney kicked off a brand new DVC Beverage Tasting Series Thursday, July 27. Top of the World Lounge The series takes place in the Top of the World Lounge, located on the top floor of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. (Take a photo tour of this exclusive space here.) It’s a great way to learn more about your favorite beverages, or try something entirely new! And you can experience the panoramic views of Top of the World at the same time. We love this place, so getting to hang out there for an hour pretty much makes the experience Worth. It. Atmosphere at Top of the World Wanna know more? Here are the details: Where: Top of the World Lounge, Bay Lake Tower, Disney’s Contemporary Resort When: Thursdays through October 19 Time: 5:00 — 6:00PM Cost: $35 per person, including tax and gratuity Here’s the schedule, so that you can plan accordingly. Thursday, August 3, 2017: Mixology Thursday, August 10, 2017: Mixology Thursday, August 17, 2017: Mixology Thursday, August 24, 2017: Disney Family Wine Tasting Thursday, August 31, 2017: Beer Tasting Thursday, September 7, 2017: Liquor Bourbon Flight Thursday, September 14, 2017: Disney Family Wine Tasting Thursday, September 21, 2017: Mixology Thursday, September 28, 2017: Beer Tasting Thursday, October 5, 2017: Liquor Bourbon Flight Thursday, October 12, 2017: Disney Family Wine Tasting Thursday, October 19, 2017: Mixology Each tasting session also includes small plate food pairings as well. Bay Lake Sunset, Anyone? So the really cool thing is that this series is open to DVC Members and their guests. Party size is limited to four, however, which includes the member. To book a seat in a Beverage Tasting Series, call Member Services at (800) 800-9800. Full payment is required at the time of booking. Cancellations may be made 48 hours in advance. Sounds like an fantastic and chill way to pass the cocktail hour, don’t you think? Will you be booking your spot in the DVC Beverage Tasting Series? Leave a comment and let us know if you’ll be trying this new experience! 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: 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival News! More Eat to the Beat Concert Series Acts News! Rix Lounge Announces Tequila Tasting at Coronado Springs Resort News: Increased Discount for Tables in Wonderland Members View the full article

This week, we shared an exciting milestone from the Toy Story Land construction site at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The final piece of track has been installed on Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster that will debut as one of the land’s two new attractions when Toy Story Land opens in summer 2018. Check out the video above to hear what our Imagineers have to say about this milestone. And don’t forget to stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more information on what to expect from Toy Story Land in summer 2018. We also shared an update that The VOID’s new, groundbreaking hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is coming to Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Beginning this holiday season, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport you to a galaxy far, far away where you’ll be able to engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. Check our original story for more details. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. VIDEO – 7 Snacks For $5 at Disneyland Park – We’re sharing our favorite Disneyland park snacks that won’t break the bank. Each snack comes in right around (or under!) $5. ‘Dream Big, Princess’ Movement Continues to Inspire Girls to Dream – Since it first launched in 2016, Disney’s “Dream Big, Princess” movement has inspired young dreamers around the world to realize their full potential. You can meet your favorite princesses at our Disney Parks and Resorts around the world and discover how their unique qualities helped them achieve their dreams, like Ariel’s courage to explore new worlds or Cinderella’s determination to never give up. 8 New Desserts for ‘Happily Ever After’ Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort – A sweet way to end the day in Magic Kingdom Park just got sweeter, with new desserts and a second location for viewing the Magic Kingdom Park “Happily Ever After” fireworks spectacular. See the Main Street Electrical Parade Before it Ends Limited-Time Disneyland Park Run August 20 – Main Street Electrical Parade is nearing the end of its limited-time run at Disneyland park! Don’t miss your chance to experience this beloved parade in the place it began – Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland park – now through August 20. Celebrate 35 Years of Epcot at the 22nd International Food & Wine Festival – It’s August – and that means we’re now just weeks away from unveiling a record number of amazing food and wine Marketplaces (35) to celebrate 35 years of Epcot at the 22nd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year’s event is bigger and better than ever and we have an early peek at what’s to come with Epcot chef Gregg Hannon. Go Behind-the-Scenes at Walt Disney World Resort on the Backstage Magic Tour – Have you ever wanted to go backstage to see just how the magic is brought to life here at Walt Disney World Resort? On the Walt Disney World Resort Backstage Magic Tour, you can do just that, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind VIP look at the inner workings on an amazing 7-hour journey through The Most Magical Place on Earth. View the full article

So we just told you yesterday the big news that vanilla Dole Whip is back for swirling at Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle… . But today we have even more Dole Whippy news! @DisneylandToday Twitter How ‘bout some details on where YOU can snag your own DOLE WHIP PLUSH?!? Now this cute-cute-CUTIE — along with a Mickey Bar companion — is available Disney Parks! While we spotted this via the @DisneylandToday Twitter, if you visit the Shop Disney Parks app… Shop Disney Parks app Screenshot … you’ll also find him coming up in Disney WORLD, too — at least, per the app’s Map function (just FYI: we haven’t verified this in person yet). When you select “Find on Map” via the app, you can hone in on different areas to search out your Dole Whip Plush in Disney World. Shop Disney Parks app Screenshot A tip: type in “Aloha Ice Cream Plush” on the app, otherwise your search will come up empty if you try “Dole Whip” or even “Pineapple.” Believe me… I tried. Sorry to say he’s listed as an In-Store Purchase Only, as mentioned on the first screenshot above. But you know what’s NOT listed as an In-Store Purchase Only (at least, at the time of publishing this post)? The MICKEY ICE CREAM BAR PLUSH!! Shop Disney Parks app Screenshot The Find on Map function works for locating Mickey in Disney World, too. Shop Disney Parks app Screenshot Okay, I won’t take any more of your time. You’ve got some DISNEY FOOD PLUSH to scavenge for! For now, I’ll just say… Shop Disney Parks app Screenshot Aloha! And GOOD LUCK!! Okay… whaddya think of the DOLE WHIP and MICKEY ICE CREAM BAR PLUSH? Please let us know with a comment! And please don’t forget to pick one up for MEEEEE!!!! 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: Dole Whip Now Available at Disney Springs Marketplace Snacks Spotted: Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners at Disney World! Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats Now Available at Disneyland Hotel View the full article

Fantasmic is back! Fantasmic is back! Can you tell we’re excited?! Fantasmic at Disneyland This epic multi-sensory show has been dark and dry since early 2016, making way for changes to Disneyland’s Rivers of America and the start of construction on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (the official name for both Star Wars lands!). But now the show is back — and it’s better than ever! The revamped show features the same basic storyline with Sorcerer Mickey as the hero, but it incorporates some newer characters along with the classics. Plus there’s fresh technology to enhance an already technically spectacular show. Everything the Light Touches is Fantasmic But you know us: we wanted to know what Fantasmic had in store in terms of event-specific food (including yummy snacks!). And food plus a show equals the Fantasmic Dining Package. Luckily our Disneyland pal Sabrina (hey-o, @everythingdisney.55!) was able to snag a dining package reservation — and some yummy food pics. Atmosphere The Fantasmic Dining Package offers three dining options: Blue Bayou Restaurant in New Orleans Square and River Belle Terrace in Frontierland are table service, while Hungry Bear Restaurant in Critter Country is counter service. Blue Bayou and River Belle offer a three-course meal with a non-alcoholic beverage, while Hungry Bear offers an entree and a beverage. Sabrina dined at River Belle Terrace because, well, it’s awesome. The building itself has so much southern charm with wrought iron fencing and posts, two-story pillars at the entrance, and lovely shutters astride double-paned windows. River Belle Terrace in Disneyland And the outdoor seating? So. Many. Tassels. And also pretty serene for a theme park dining area. Outdoor Seating The details continue inside as well, with elaborate chandeliers. Love the flowers organically intertwined in the arms of the light fixture. Light Fixture and Ceiling Detail After you’ve dined and eventually make your way to the preferred viewing seats, you’ll find that Blue Bayou and River Belle Terrace share an area — and there are no assigned seats. Rather, you get a ticket for preferred viewing at the end of your meal, and when you arrive before the show, you self-select your seats. Preferred seating for Hungry Bear is likewise first come, first served, but folks on the interwebs who’ve had this preferred view have not reviewed it kindly. Fantasmic Dining Package Preferred Seating Ticket Sabrina was able to snag a center seat in the Blue Bayou/River Belle Terrace section, and she reports that her view was perfect. We agree! View from River Belle Terrace and Blue Bayou Fantasmic Preferred Seating Eats River Belle Terrace specializes in southern-inspired dishes (it’s where we found Secret Menu Tater Tots!), and the menu for Fantasmic Dining reflects that, featuring classics like a Fried Chicken Sandwich and Pulled Pork. Fantasmic Dining Package Menu The kids’ menu also offers lots of options, including Mickey Check Meals like Oven-Roasted Chicken. Fantasmic Dining Package Menu Sabrina opted for Corn Chowder for her starter, and she reports that it was delicious! It featured lots of plump, Fresh Corn, plus some Red Peppers for color and flavor. Corn Chowder from River Belle Terrace Fantasmic Menu For her entree, Sabrina chose the Pork Spareribs, which come with two sides. She went with Tater Tots and Baked Beans. The Spice-Rubbed Spare Ribs were flavorful, while the sides complemented the meat well. (We love the cute little handled dishes for the sides!) Fantasmic Menu Spice-Rubbed Spare Ribs But dessert was a tough call for our intrepid diner. Sabrina went with the Maleficent Dragon, which was as spicy as the villain herself. It featured a Crunchy Milk Chocolate base, a Spiced Dark Chocolate and Blackberry Ganache interior, Caramel Mousse, and an Orange-Vanilla Sauce. Maleficent Dragon It is a visually beautiful dessert, featuring a glossy exterior that’s shimmery purple in the sunlight. But Sabrina reports that when the description says “Spiced Dark Chocolate”, it totally means it (for once!)! After two bites, she couldn’t go on (even though the flavors were yum!). But if you like spice, this is sure to be a winner. Maleficent Dragon Interior The table also ordered the Strawberry Shortcake. It’s described as featuring a House-Made Sweet Biscuit, which Sabrina felt was more like a scone (so a little more dense). But the Fresh Strawberries and Whipped Cream were as classic as Fantasmic itself! Strawberry Shortcake Overall Sabrina loved the Fantasmic dining package. The value for a great meal and great seats was totally worth it for her. The Fantasmic Dining Package at River Belle Terrace is the mid-priced package: $45 for an adult, $25 for children 3-9. Blue Bayou will cost you $65 per adult and $25 per kid. Hungry Bear (the counter service option) runs $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children. Fantasmic Pirate Ship Nosh or Not? Sabrina’s take? The package is totally worth it. But here are a few other considerations: You might like the Fantasmic Dining Package If: You want to see Fantasmic but don’t want to show up super early to grab a seat You love one of the participating restaurants and love the bonus of preferred seating You’ve got limited time at Disneyland and a tight touring schedule The Fantasmic Dining Package Might Not Be For You If: You’re ambivalent about seeing Fantasmic None of the dining options really appeal to you You’re on a budget and the extra cost for a meal isn’t worth the preferred seating when you could see the show for free in exchange for a little wait You prefer to eat quick service — and the Hungry Bear viewing isn’t enough of a draw for you Have you ever taken advantage of a dining package? Let us know your thoughts! And if you’ve done the Fantasmic Dining Package, what did you think? 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: Fantasmic! Dining Experiences Coming to Disneyland News: Fantasmic! Dining Packages Available for Booking in Disneyland News: SECRET MENU TOTS at River Belle Terrace in Disneyland! View the full article

One of our most exciting photos we shared this week was snapped at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to accompany a very special announcement – a tiger cub (or cubs) are on the way! One of the park’s Sumatran tigers, Sohni, is expecting a new additions this month. This milestone pregnancy is especially exciting, since Sumatran tigers are critically endangered with less than 500 left in the world. Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks, shared the exciting news on the blog earlier this week. For full details, check out his full blog post here. And keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog in the coming weeks for more news on this expanding family! View the full article

#DisneyParksLIVE returns to Disneyland park on Wednesday, Aug. 9, with a live stream of “Fantasmic!” – which is continuing its 25-year tradition of bringing Mickey Mouse’s imagination to life on the Rivers of America! There is so much to see this summer at Disneyland park, and the return of “Fantasmic!” cannot be missed. The iconic Disneyland park nighttime spectacular guests have loved for years is back with its original fanfare and theme song and now features new mist screens that combine with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before. Tune in for our live stream of “Fantasmic!,” Aug. 9 beginning at 8:55 p.m. PT, and find out how you can participate in the live stream yourself here on the Disney Parks Blog and on Twitter at @DisneyParks! View the full article

Part of the magic of Disney Vacation Club Membership is the refreshingly slower pace that comes with securing decades of future vacations. Unaffected by the “must see it all now” frenzy that taxes many vacationers, Members are more likely to carve out entire days to simply enjoy the amenities of each resort. So with Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge now open for guests, I’m pleased to highlight a trio of new ways to spend the day at the lodge (when you aren’t taking a water taxi just around the river bend to Magic Kingdom Park). Just keep swimming: The new Boulder Ridge Cove Pool dramatically expands and re-imagines (with an abandoned rock-quarry theme) the former Hidden Springs Pool, creating a completely new oasis between the new and existing villas, complete with a whirlpool spa and six shaded seating areas (available on a first-come, first-served basis). The new pool complements the nearby Copper Creek Springs Pool (formerly known as the Silver Creek Springs Pool), which features a 67-foot water slide, hot and cold whirlpool spas and an adjacent water-play area for kids. Lounging at the lake: The new Geyser Point Bar & Grille has elevated the experience of lounging around the lake, with its casual (and comfortably covered) seating areas, unique food items (American classics with distinctive tastes of the Pacific Northwest) and artisanal cocktails (featuring liquors from Pacific Northwest distilleries). The picturesque views of Bay Lake illuminate after dark with the nightly arrival of the famed Electrical Water Pageant. Saloning (is that even a real word?) by the Springs: The new Salon by the Springs, officially opening soon at the site of the resort’s former Trout Pass Pool Bar, will be designed to offer a full menu of salon services, including manicures, pedicures and hair styling, with appointments bookable through Member Services or by pressing the Massage/Health Club button on your in-room phone at the lodge. While these are three new ways to unwind in the woods, there are plenty of others. What are some of your favorite ways to spend the day at the lodge? View the full article

Planet Hollywood Observatory reopened in January with a revamp of everything from its design to its menu. The globe-shaped building at Disney Springs was transformed into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory, and the menu now serves some over-the-top dishes, including a host of burgers and sandwiches... View the full article

Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is now welcoming home Disney Vacation Club Members, and serving as a warm home base retreat for Walt Disney World Resort guests. With 26 waterfront Cascade Cabins, as well as Deluxe Studio, 1- and 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom Grand Villa accommodations, this Resort offers something for every type of family. See what Copper Creek Villas & Cabins guests and Disney Vacation Club Members have to say about this new Resort in this video! Which Copper Creek Villas & Cabins accommodation are you most eager to stay in? View the full article

Yes! You read that correctly. If you’re looking to experience a “Fantasmic!” Dining Package, Cafe Orleans is the place to do it. While River Belle Terrace is under refurbishment at Disneyland park, guests can make reservations beginning August 15 for the Cafe Orleans dining package. These packages are available September 5 – November 16. In addition to the dining packages available at Blue Bayou Restaurant and Hungry Bear Restaurant, these are delicious ways to reserve viewing for “Fantasmic!,” the classic nighttime spectacular. Cafe Orleans “Fantasmic!” Dining Package: Package includes one three-course meal (starter, entrée and dessert) Includes a “Fantasmic!” reserved viewing area voucher Dining package reservations available from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Same day reservations based on availability Cafe Orleans “Fantasmic!” Dining Package Pricing: $45.00 – Adult $25.00 – Children (ages 3-9) “Fantasmic!” is a beloved 25-year tradition. The treasured Disneyland park experience has returned, complete with its original fanfare and theme song, and now features new mist screens with innovative, state-of-the-art projection technology for brighter and more vibrant visuals than ever before. “Fantasmic!” and food – a veritable power couple! For reservations, go to Disneyland.com or call 714-781-DINE. All reservations require a credit card guarantee. If you wish to cancel your reservation, please do so at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $10 per-person charge. This charge will also apply to “no shows.” Fantasmic may be cancelled due to technical issues or inclement weather without notice. Dining packages will not be refunded. View the full article

WHOA!!! Do I ever owe DFB Reader Lauren F. a HUGE thank you! Learn About: Aloha Isle Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants She informed us of some VERY good news… she JUST got a Pineapple and Vanilla Dole Whip SWIRL from Aloha Isle!!! You may recall when Aloha Isle and Sunshine Tree Terrace switched locations in Magic Kingdom’s Adventureland well over two years ago. But the locations weren’t the only thing that changed at the time: there was a change to the Aloha Isle menu, too. The option to swirl your Pineapple Dole Whip with Orange (or order Orange on its own) was removed from the menu. In fact, the only flavor on the menu at all was simply Pineapple. And even though Pineapple Dole Whip — often referred to as Pineapple Soft Serve — has been popping up in various locations around Disney World (like the latest beverages at All Star Resort bars, for instance), the only place you have been able to swirl flavors since the location change was the Polynesian’s Pineapple Lanai. Pineapple and Vanilla Swirl Dole Whip at Pineapple Lanai We happily confirmed Lauren’s findings with a visit to the Disney World’s website where Vanilla does, indeed, appear on the Aloha Isle menu! Disney World website screenshot Yes, the Vanilla is listed as its own item, but Lauren informed us she was able to swirl flavors . Hooray!! Now, if I am being 100% honest, my personal preference lies with the old Pineapple and Orange combo that used to exist here, and I would love to see it come back. Still, if you’ve never tried it since it’s been harder to find, the Vanilla really is a wonderful complement to the Pineapple, mellowing out all that acid a bit and offering a bit more flavor variety. So, I’m very much PRO this option, too! Thank you again, Lauren, for sharing the terrific news with us! Don’t Miss Out on the ALL the Best Snacks Walt Disney World Has to Offer! Get four awesome e-Books FULL of Disney park dining advice, bundled for 30% off the already discounted price! Yep, we’ve scoured the parks to find any and all snack choices — from the mundane to the spectacular — and we tell you all about them (with full-color pictures!) in our snack guides! These are updated every year, so you know your guide will be perfect for your upcoming trip, and they’re bundled with our DFB Guide to WDW Dining! This money-saving bundle includes all of the following: The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, Second Edition The DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks The DFB Guide to Epcot Snacks The DFB Guide to Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios 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. It’s a $63 value for under $30!! With this Bundle of e-books you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips to plan the best Disney World vacation ever. And with our handy e-book format, you can download the Guides to all of your electronic devices and take them with you wherever you go! And with our 100% money-back guarantee, what do you have to lose? So… are you ready to swirl your Dole Whip once more at Aloha Isle? 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: Disney Dining Classic: Dole Whip Float at Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle Rumor: Saying Goodbye to Magic Kingdom’s Aloha Isle? DFB Reader Snack Hack: Vanilla Dole Whip Float View the full article

Part of the fun of being a Disney fan is showing your Disney Side – whether it’s by wearing your favorite pair of Mickey Ears or creating an outfit that reflects your favorite character. It’s possible that no group of Disney fans love celebrating their inner Disney character than this year’s contestants in the D23 Mousequerade. This year’s celebration showcased many unexpected costumes, like a Kakamora from “Moana,” the Enchantress from “Beauty and the Beast“; the Chernabog from “Fantasia,” Emperor Zurg from “Toy Story,” the Sanderson Sisters from “Hocus Pocus” and plenty of princesses. Other fans found inspiration from Disney theme parks for their costume creations. From treats like a Mickey Pretzel and a Dole Whip, to attractions like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, and many more. The contest offered up trophies in five categories: Once Upon A Costume; Heroes & Villains; Inspired by Disney; Casts of Characters; and Worlds of Adventure. Netting top awards in each category were costumes inspired by Sally (Tim Burton’s “Nightmare Before Christmas”); Groot (“The Guardians of the Galaxy“); Te Ka & Te Fiti (“Moana”); Big Thunder Mountain Railroad; and Mary Poppins & friends (“Mary Poppins“). The grand prize of $2,300 went to the Te Ka & Te Fiti duo. Check out the video above for a behind-the-scenes look inside the event and to hear from the winners. More photos and videos are available at D23Expo.com. View the full article

Whether you’ve been to Walt Disney World one time or one hundred times, there’s always something new to do. And right now, there’s a ton! Besides the opening of Pandora, the World’s newest land located at Animal Kingdom, there are seven other fun and functional new experiences you’ve gotta try! Mobile Ordering Mobile Ordering has been offered since May 2017, and now it’s expanded to more locations! Mobile Ordering allows guests to use their My Disney Experience app to pre-order and pre-pay for meals at counter service locations. Mobile Ordering lets participating guests bypass the ordering queue and go directly to the Order Pick-Up window. No more waiting in long lines to order your nuggets, y’all! And since the current participating restaurants include crowd favorites like Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe in Magic Kingdom, Flame Tree Barbecue in Animal Kingdom, and D-Luxe Burger in Disney Springs, this is likely to save you copious amounts of time! Mobile Order Pick Up We’ve got some step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the app, so give it a go, and let us know how you like it! Express Bus Transfers Disney World is taking steps to ease many of the transportation woes that have befallen guests in recent years, and one exciting new option is the Express Transportation option. Express Transportation is a service you can add on to a Park Hopper (or Annual Passholder) ticket, with a single day costing $19 and a multi-day (up to seven days) for $29. Express Transportation Express Transportation allows you to hop on a bus that runs directly to one of the other parks. So if you want to travel from your day at the Magic Kingdom to your evening at Epcot, you no longer have to navigate Main Street, hop on the Monorail or Ferry, and then transfer to a second Monorail. In fact, you won’t have to wait in lines to re-enter the park either! Express Transportation Express Transportation picks you up in one park and drops you in the next one — letting you bypass the gates! This is perfect for when you’ve got to make an Advanced Dining Reservation or a Fastpass+ (or if you’re just desperate to get to your next park!). Express Transportation Happily Ever After Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom One fabulous way to treat yo’ self at the Disney Parks is by booking a special event, and no special event is quite as sweet as a dessert party. Dessert parties have been a thing for years, and we’re happy to report that Happily Ever After — the Magic Kingdom’s new projection and fireworks show — has a dessert party of its own! Check In Desk The Happily Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party takes place on the Tomorrowland Terrace and offers two options for viewing: seated viewing on the Terrace and standing viewing in the Garden Plaza on the Hub. Both locations have terrific views of Cinderella Castle and all that surrounds (and covers) her during the show! Happily Ever After Dessert Party Views Even better: you can indulge in endless desserts and drinks during your party! The Dessert Party requires an Advance Dining Reservation, so you’ll want to start looking for opportunities at 180 days out (and keep checking even as close as 30 days out, as parties may be added without notice). Dessert Spread Savor the Savanna in Animal Kingdom The Savor the Savanna: Evening Safari Experience at Animal Kingdom lets you explore the World’s youngest park in a whole new way. Tree of Life Awakening at Night Savor the Savanna includes a stellar journey into the Harambe Wildlife Reserve and includes a prolonged stop in the heart of the savanna. Here, you have private viewing of the safari and a tapas-style meal. Plus, regional wine and beer are available! Eats on the Savanna If you or a loved one have always wanted to take your time and enjoy the safari a little more close up, this is a great way to do it! But you’ll definitely want to book early (call 407-WDW-Tour). Frozen Ever After Fireworks Dessert Party in Epcot Yea! More desserts! And this one comes with IllumiNations! IllumiNations, Reflections of Earth You might recall the IllumiNations Dessert Party (which we’ve thoroughly enjoyed) of yore, which ended just this month. The Frozen Ever After Sparkling Dessert Party has replaced it. But no worries! You still get loads of sweet treats and an epic view of arguably one of the best fireworks shows on the planet! Illuminations, Reflections of Earth But get this! After spending an hour or so munching on cupcakes and tarts and the like and watching the explosive show, you’ll get to take a spin (or, um, float) on Frozen Ever After! Talk about a great addition to an already fun night! Frozen Ever After Entrance Cake Decorating at Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs There’s plenty of new to check out at Disney Springs, and it just keeps getting better! That’s because through August (with an extension we hope!!), you can take a cake decorating class at Amorette’s Patisserie! You can see our full review of this experience here. Amorette’s Patisserie Sign But this isn’t just any cake. Oh, no. It’s the Mickey Dome cake — by far the most Disney cake of all Disney cakes! MICKEY CAKE!!! You’ll be pouring sweet stuff and adding all the details, from foot to tail. And since it’s small group instruction (maxing out at 12 guests per class), you’ll get plenty of dedicated help. By the end of your 90-minute class, you’ll be a pro (or at least a skilled am!). And you’ll have a cake because you get to take yours home! Yea! Cake Decorating at Amorette’s This is lots of fun, and definitely worth trying! Minnie Vans The brand new Minnie Vans, operated by Lyft, are adorable new transportation options! Currently only serving guests of the Boardwalk, Beach Club, and Yacht Club resorts, we’re hoping these will expand services soon! Minnie Van Guests with a valid reservation at one of these resorts can open their Lyft app and choose the Minnie Van service. Trips are $20 anywhere on Walt Disney World property. This is a great option for early morning or late night travel, or if you need to get somewhere fast and don’t want to wait for the buses or other public transportation options. See more details in the video above! One of the best things about the Disney Parks is that they are constantly evolving, offering new and interesting things for guests no matter how many times they’ve visited. And we know that even more mind-blowing things are coming in the future. But for now, these are six new experiences we think everyone’s gotta try! Let us know if you’ve tried one or more of these new experiences! We want to hear all about it! 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: Healthy Eating in Walt Disney World What’s New Around Walt Disney World: September 20, 2016 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: December 20, 2016 View the full article

Each month I will be sketching from the field or Plein Air, as it’s called in the art world, from a new, inspiring location in our Disney Parks and then sharing my sketches and experiences here on the blog each time. Today, I continue my “Sketches from the Park” series as I started off this early morning with a watercolor sketch session from Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I love the image of The Hollywood Tower Hotel rising above the trees as you look down Sunset Boulevard. It is also one of my favorite attractions to explore because of all the fantastic detail inside the lobby of the hotel, and while walking through the basement to get to that well known, ominous service elevator. So, early this morning I sat down on the side of the street to try and capture the iconic image in a quick 20 minute pen and watercolor sketch. I hope you enjoy the art and keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for my next sketch from a new location next time in our “Sketches from the Park” series. And be sure to check out last month’s video sketch I did painting Miss Tilly at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. See ya next time! View the full article

The new Sweet on You aboard the Disney Fantasy is serving up incredibly tasty treats, including hand-crafted ice cream and gelato, plus an entire case of desserts that are as pretty to look at as they are delicious to eat. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is one of my favorites and a great one to make with the kids. After the brownies cool, bring the family together for a decorating party and get creative with all of your toppings. Then be sure to stop by Sweet on You during your family’s week-long vacation on the Disney Fantasy to try more of our yummy sweet treats. Peanut Butter Blondie Bars Ingredients: 1 cup white chocolate chips 1 stick unsalted butter 4 tsp creamy peanut butter 3 large eggs 1 cup brown sugar 1¼ cups flour ¼ cup pecans, chopped Candy to garnish Chocolate Ganache: 1 cup heavy cream 2 cups dark chocolate chips Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 2. Melt the chocolate, peanut butter and butter. 3. Whisk the eggs and brown sugar with an electric mixer until thickened. Fold the chocolate mixture into the whisked eggs. 4. Fold the sieved flour and pecans into the chocolate mixture. Pour the mixture into a baking tray and spread out evenly. Place in the oven to bake for approximately 45 minutes. 5. Once the brownies are cool, cut out with a 2.5 inch cookie cutter. 6. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream over the stove until just reaching boiling point. Pour the hot cream over the dark chocolate and stir in until the chocolate has melted. 7. Once cool, beat the ganache before piping on top of each brownie. Decorate with your choice of candy. For more recipes of delicious treats at Sweet on You, check out my previous posts: Recipe: Rice Krispies Bars from Sweet on You Aboard the Disney Fantasy Recipe: Raspberry Macarons from Sweet on You Aboard the Disney Fantasy Recipe: Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows from Sweet on You Aboard the Disney Fantasy View the full article

How lovely is tonight’s Disney Parks After Dark photo? It was snapped of Disneyland Park in Paris, looking down toward the 167-foot-tall Le Château de la Belle au Bois Dormant (Sleeping Beauty Castle), which is surrounded by an unbelievably colorful evening sky. The castle, which is the centerpiece of the park, is currently the setting for the nightly show “Disney Illuminations.” This show, which debuted as a part of the park’s 25th anniversary, combines fireworks, colorful projections and special effects to bring favorite Disney tales to life. To learn more about how the park is marking its 25th anniversary, click here. View the full article

Time for save the Walt Disney World date, August edition: • Aug. 13: It’s a bad day for those traveling theater-type attractions. Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park and Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will roll for guests for the final time. But it’s also the first day... View the full article

Summer is the season of frozen treats, and while we don’t think you ever need a specific reason to indulge in ice cream, the heat in central Florida is certainly a sufficient and easy excuse. Learn About: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain Downtown Disney Disney World Restaurants Enter Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop! Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop is located in the Marketplace of Disney Springs, with the “Spitting Stitch” entrance of World of Disney on one side and the Marketplace Co-Op on the other (Disneylanders can find Ghirardelli in Disney California Adventure, too). You might know Ghirardelli as the San Fran-sophisticated shop that emits the irresistible scent of chocolate (and the spot where you can still snag a free sample of the famously creamy Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares). In addition to chocolate, Ghirardelli always plays a great Sundae game. Treats come complete with San Francisco-inspired names like the Golden Gate Banana Split. There’s also a spectacular four (or more) person delight called the The Earthquake with its EIGHT scoops of ice cream and full toppings (think of it as akin to Beaches and Cream’s Kitchen Sink, only without an Advance Dining Reservation). So, everybody, grab a spoon, and join us as we try two Sundaes we hadn’t tried on previous visits: the Presidio Passion and the Crissy Field. Ghiradelli Sundae Menu — click to enlarge FYI, Presidio National Park is located at the Golden Gate in San Francisco, and the Presidio Passion Sundae inspired by this unique park is a chocolate-covered strawberry lover’s dream! Presidio Passion Sundae Swirls of strawberry and chocolate come together in this indulgent cup (the cup is key here, as it’s easy to carry with you if you’ve grabbed your sundae on the go!). Just LOOK at it… Presidio Passion Sundae Vanilla hard packed ice cream is covered with strawberry topping (packed with real berries, not just preserves!). Hot fudge is drizzled IN AND ON the ice cream, and the whole beautiful thing is topped with a big ol’ chocolate-covered strawberry (which — Spoiler Alert — totally wins over the proverbial cherry on top). Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Oh, and there’s whipped cream. Still, the best part of this sundae? All the fruity strawberry sauce intermingling with that rich hot fudge. Both the flavor and texture contrasts are a match made in Sundae Heaven. Chocolate and Strawberry Sauces At $11.95, this is — no doubt about it — more expensive than your friendly neighborhood ice cream parlor, but 1) You’re on vacation, and 2) the chocolate is Ghirardelli. Plus, similar to another strawberry lover’s treat — the Italy Pavilion’s Coppa Delizia in Epcot — this is EASILY shareable for a pair, bringing it down to roughly 6 bucks a person. Extreme Toppings Close Up! Basically, it’s Valentine’s Day in a huge cup. We weren’t entirely surprised to learn that this is a staff favorite. But if your spirit animal craves less berry and more cookie, we’ve got another showstopper for you! It’s the Crissy Fields Cookie Bits Sundae. It’s named after Crissy Field park, which is known for offering incredible views of some San Franciso icons. I’d say this Sundae, though, offers quite a view of its own. Crissy Fields Cookie Bits Sundae The deets: you’ve got two huge scoops of vanilla and one scoop of cookies-and-cream ice cream, for starters. Cookies-and-Cream Scoop Next, there’s also a ton of homemade hot fudge. But the hilarious thing is you can’t even see any of that, what with the aforementioned “cookie bits.” I put that in quotes because the “bits” are essentially big, soft, buttery, half-baked chocolate chip cookies, crumbled up and topping the entire thing. Crissy Field Sundae Oh, AND a smidgen of whipped cream . The finishing touch? A couple of Ghirardelli Chocolate Squares… the caramel-filled ones. Ghirardelli Chocolate Caramel Squares I gotta take one more last look at one of those “cookie bits.” Cookie Bits! This sundae has been on my Disney food radar for a while, and now I TOTALLY get it. It’s among the most indulgent “snacks” (yep, more quotes!) I’ve ever had at Disney World. At $12.45, it’s a terrific family share, especially if you don’t think you are quite up to tackling The Earthquake during your trip. The Crissy Field is like eating the greatest ice cream cookie sandwich of your life, only in a bowl and with a spoon. Pardon me while I swoon. Now, don’t forget: even though we enjoy showing you some of the most decadent, over-the-top Sundaes, you can still grab a cup, cone, or waffle bowl of your favorite flavor further customized with toppings for a lower price. No matter which you choose, a visit to Ghirardelli remains a must-stop even within the ever-expanding dining options of Disney Springs. Wanna see more amazing Disney Sundaes? Check out our Best Disney Sundaes video below! Do you have a Ghirardelli’s favorite? Please let us know with a comment 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: News and Review: Haight Ashberry Sundae (PLUS ACCESSORIES!) from Ghirardelli in Disney Springs New DFB Video Review: Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop Review: The Earthquake Sundae and More at Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop View the full article

We have exciting news today for Star Wars fans! The VOID’s new, groundbreaking hyper-reality experience, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire is coming to Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort. Beginning this holiday season, Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire will transport you to a galaxy far, far away where you’ll be able to engage with friends, family and Star Wars characters through sight, sound, touch, smell, and motion. It’ll even allow environmental effects to be felt using Haptic feedback – melding the physical and digital worlds together. So, you don’t just see the Star Wars universe, you’re part of it at Disney Parks. Plans for this first-of-its-kind experience were just unveiled by THE VOID, an entertainment company that combines the magic of illusions and advanced technology to create immersive social experiences that take visitors to new worlds. Lucasfilm and ILMxLab are collaborating to help develop this one-of-a-kind experience at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs. We’ll have many more details to share in the future. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for updates as work begins on Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. View the full article

You can travel the world with Adventures by Disney. Explore more than 35 destinations on six continents. But, Adventures by Disney also offers a wealth of North American vacations that make for the perfect opportunity to get out there and see the natural wonders found in National Parks such as Glacier, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches and more! There’s nothing more exhilarating than an expedition into the great outdoors. Fresh air, incredible views and plenty of chances to unplug (literally and figuratively). I can’t think of a better way to truly spend time connecting with the ones you love. Check out this video featuring Adventure Guide Byron, who guides the Adventures by Disney Montana and Alberta, Canada vacation. Still having a hard time with the whole “unplugging” thing? Don’t worry, you can still use your phone to take some totally envy inducing photos to share with the couch potatoes back home! View the full article

There’s something magical about the Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets served at Disneyland park. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at how they’re made – and I’m taking you with me! Watch how Disneyland park beignets are made fresh daily in the video below! Where is your favorite place in Disneyland park to enjoy beignets? Let us know in the comments! View the full article