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This week’s “Morning” shot was snapped just inside of Magic Kingdom Park, where – this time of year – larger-than-life toy soldiers wait to greet you among beds of poinsettias and candy canes. They toy soldiers are one of my favorite holiday sights at Magic Kingdom Park because they remind me of the ones that come to life during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party to march in the “Once Upon a Christmastime” parade. Tell us in the comments section below – are they a must-stop photo op for you? View the full article

The Disney Castle by the LEGO Group is now available in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks. This highly detailed model contains over 4,000 pieces and comes with an array of exciting Disney-themed features and functions. We recently used some Disney magic to see how quickly we could build this incredible new model. Elements from this new model were inspired by the iconic Cinderella Castle, including an intricately detailed facade and towers. The Disney Castle includes five Minifigures: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and Tinker Bell. You may recall we released other LEGO Minifigures featuring Disney characters earlier this year. These Minifigures can now be combined with the new Minifigures from The Disney Castle. Each accessible castle room includes special features inspired by some of Disney’s greatest animated feature films. You can remove part of the roof section to discover the glass slipper element and fairy-tale book element with printed cover. Another room in the Castle features a nod to Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” with a chest containing a book of spells, and a mop and bucket elements. The Disney Castle measures over 29” (74cm) high, 17” (44cm) wide and 12” (31cm) deep. Guests should look for the Disney Castle in select merchandise locations at Disney Parks. At Disneyland Resort, the best place to find the model is World of Disney at Downtown Disney District. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests should look for the item at World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace, or Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A. in Magic Kingdom Park. Finally, you can order The Disney Castle using the free Shop Disney Parks app and the Disney Parks online store. Happy Building! View the full article

This week’s Disney Doodle takes a guess at what Tinker Bell and Peter Pan might do if they visited Magic Kingdom Park. According to artist Ashley Taylor, their high-flying abilities just might make them the perfect pair to add even more holiday magic to Main Street, U.S.A. “The Christmas tree in Town Square is absolutely breathtaking! It’s so tall, that I imagine Peter and Tink flying up to the top to help decorate it!” View the full article

I was recently in Walt Disney World for a holiday visit because — HOLIDAYS! It’s the MOST Delicious Time of the Year! And I had an SUCH a great time, checking out treats and eats throughout the parks and resorts. I couldn’t resist the chance to check out all of the new stuff at Disney Springs as well. And while I enjoyed sweets at spots like Amorette’s Patisserie and The Ganachery, I saved the best (and most classic) for last. Yep — I wasn’t leaving Disney Springs without a visit to one of my favorite spots — Goofy’s Candy Company. Goofy Trimmed in Tinsel! Because lemme tell ya…nothing says Enchanting Wonderland like a case full of red and green sweet treats! Of course, Goofy’s Candy Company is your go-to destination for making custom, one-of-a-kind sweet treats. You pick something to dip, something to dip it in, and garnishes to up the game. The cast members execute your goodie vision! It’s also the original home of Goofy’s Glaciers, frozen drinks that are seriously refreshing on a hot day. But during this visit, we were all about the pre-made Christmas-y treats. Let’s check ‘em out! Holiday Treats at Goofy’s Candy Company Goofy’s Candy Company is trimmed from pillar to post with tinsel and bright colors, and you’ll find whimsical treats everywhere you turn. I loved this Florida-style Melted Snowman Bark, all melty and confused-looking. Snow Man Bark We also spied the Musical Christmas Tree Tin that made SUCH a splash in DFB circles last week when Heather showed it off! In fact, I *may* have bought one. The confectionery case was, of course, jam-packed with all kinds of tempting treats. They may not be as crave-inducing as some of my other favorite Disney Cupcakes, but I can never resist Mickey Santa Cupcakes! Suuuuuuuuper cute!! Santa Mickey Cupcakes It was hard to decide on just one treat — and so we didn’t! Wanna see what we enjoyed? Yep. I thought you might. We started with this mammoth Mickey Sugar Cookie. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But AJ, aaaaaaaalllllllll those treats, and you get…a sugar cookie?” But — You Guys — they are SO good!! And, come on. Could YOU say no to this face?! Especially with those big fat dollops of Chocolate for eyes! But seriously, it’s a simple cookie, not too sweet, with the subtle flavor of almond. It’s big enough to eat a few bites and save the rest for later. And they’re so yum dipped into your coffee or tea. Giant Mickey Christmas Sugar Cookie Speaking of dipping things into other things, we also couldn’t pass up these Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow and Candy Cane treats. They’re perfect for swirling into Hot Chocolate, dontchya think? Now, this was 3 for $3.99, which is crazy considering you can easily make the same thing at home for about $Free.99, so maybe use this as a craft suggestion instead of a buy-it-at-Disney suggestion. ;-D Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Candy Canes So many of the treats were enrobed in Goofy’s trademark Chocolate — and they all looked so good that we didn’t put up much of a fight in the temptation department. Our next treat, a Chocolate Dipped Caramel Pop — really piqued my interest. Would it be like toffee, or more like the chewy caramel candies and we all know and love? Only one way to find out! Chocolate Covered Caramel Pop Turns out, the filling was soft without being too soft. This treat actually proved to be our favorite. We were a little hesitant going in, wondering how the Peppermint Bits sprinkled all over the outside would taste against the caramel — but it was pretty amazing, actually! The rich, buttery caramel and the cool peppermint worked perfectly together. Chocolate Covered Caramel Pop — Inside Next up, we also tried the Chocolate Dipped Mickey Oreo. Because…how could we not? Chocolate Dipped Mickey Oreo This treat was also rolled in crushed peppermint, and was so yum. But can you really go wrong with Oreo + More Chocolate? Yeah. No. Chocolate Dipped Mickey Oreo — Inside The Mickey-Shaped Cake Pops also proved to be irresistible. We’re seeing more and more of these throughout the parks and resorts. Mickey Holiday Cake Pop We opted for the White Chocolate Dipped Version for a little contrast, but once again, the treat featured Crushed Peppermint Candies. Mickey Cake Pop — Up Close The inside was extremely dense Dark Chocolate. Of all the treats that we tasted, the cake pop was surprisingly our least favorite. I wanted it to have a bit more flavor (seeing as it looks simply amazing). Mickey Cake Pop — Inside Still, it wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t as good as everything else. Goofy’s Candy Company remains a solid choice if you’re looking for a sweet treat to eat this holiday season. Be sure to make a little time for this Marketplace classic the next time you tour all of the new spots at Disney Springs! Now, it’s time for you to weigh in! What’s your favorite holiday treat at Goofy’s Candy Company? Leave a comment and let me 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: Valentine’s Day Goodies from Goofy’s Candy Company Goofy’s Candy Company Goofy’s Candy Company Create-Your-Own Snacks View the full article

Hi from DFB! We hope you had a great weekend and that you’re staying warm! Brew yourself a cuppa tea or cocoa and get ready to check out this week’s Food Post Round-up! Peppermint Bark Cookies Holidays Around the World is in full swing at Epcot and we recently had a chance to check out all the food! We have all the booth menus and food pictures for you! Speaking of holiday food, Disneyland’s Festival of Holidays is in full swing, featuring 14 food booths with themed menus! Check out all the menus here!! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News We have a review of all the treats at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party! Check out our picks for the best restaurants for holiday meals at Disney World! The Tower of Terror 13th Hour Dessert Party is planned for New Year’s Eve at Disney California Adventure. More Star Wars experiences are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Splitsville Luxury Lanes is set to open at Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District in late 2017! ABC Commissary now offering ‘fast casual’ dining and dinner menu! Check out the latest PassPorter Moms Podcast where AJ talks about last-minute holiday dining at Disney World! Check out our newest YouTube video: A review of Ample Hills Creamery at the BoardWalk! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We had a chance to check out all the treats at this year’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and there is a special “secret” cookie that you can only get in one spot! DFB fan Penny Stephens says she “hit the jackpot” and got one of the cookies at MVMCP! (Hint: You can find these on the trail to the right of Le Chapeau — they open it up to party-goers only in order to improve traffic flow before the party begins.) “Secret” snowman cookie at MVMCP! Earlier this year we told you about the new French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese at the Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and I just had them again…TWICE…on my recent visit. DFB reader Ashley Cruse tried them recently and declared “DFB was right – these are amazing!” I knew I liked you, Ashley! ;-D You gotta try these fries! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: 20% Off the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 with code CANDYCANE! We’re celebrating the grand launch of the DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2106! We’ve been busy updating all the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you head to Walt Disney World for the holiday season, including NEW events and holiday happenings, over 380 pages, 350 full-color photos, and an informative FAQ section. Save 20% off the cover price! Just use code CANDYCANE at checkout! The guide includes: Detailed descriptions and photos of every holiday event and activity happening at the parks and resorts this year — including tips on how to make the best use of your time and money when visiting! A full chapter dedicated to all “New for 2016″ events, dining options, and activities, including what’s new at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, and Epcot’s Holidays Around the World. A fully comprehensive holiday dining section with listings of holiday snacks, treats, meals, and menu items offered this year — from popcorn kiosks all the way to Signature Restaurants. NEW! Holiday cooking tips and recipes straight from Walt Disney World chefs Updated chapter on where to dine with no advance dining reservations. Updated chapter on 10 must-eat snacks this holiday season. A clickable 3-Month Schedule of Holiday Events so you can see at-a-glance what looks interesting to you. Comprehensive listings — with color photos! — of Disney Resort holiday decor and gingerbread displays Our recommendations on ways to SAVE while you’re in Disney World this holiday season. Scavenger Hunts for every theme park Disney Cruise Line Chapter A Preview of the 2017 Holidays in Disney World Expanded Epcot Holidays Around the World section Expanded Disney Springs holiday offerings Expanded Disney’s Hollywood Studios holiday offerings New! Religious services chapter New! Hotel discounts chapter Expanded “tips” chapter Updated What’s New section Updated and Expanded Holiday Dining sections Updated holiday activities/events chapters New and updated crawls and touring strategies Updated Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party event and dining information And more! Both veterans and those new to the Walt Disney World holidays will appreciate knowing what they are getting before spending time and vacation dollars. Whether you want to sample treats, enjoy a show, savor a holiday meal, or find the best activity for your family, The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays 2016 will help you discover the right strategy for you. Don’t forget — for easy access in the parks, put the guide on your smartphone or iPad! Once again, celebrate the grand launch with us by getting 20% off the purchase price for the e-Book TODAY! Remember, with a 100% money-back guarantee on all of our guides, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found these totally cool Star Wars Tiki Mugs. Disney Parks Blog shared a recipe for the Gingerbread Cookies from the bakery at the Grand Floridian. Disney Family shared a fun recipe for allergy-friendly Mickey and Minnie no-bake cookies. OMGiri shared a ‘Moana’-inspired bento box! Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! 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 Food Post Round-Up: December 4, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 13, 2016 Disney Food Post Round-Up: November 20, 2016 View the full article

New Adventures for Kids on the Disney Wonder | Disney Cruise Line View the full article

The week, hundreds of Disney Parks Blog readers joined us for a special after-hours meet-up that celebrated the upcoming release of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with a once-in-a-lifetime transformation of Spaceship Earth into the Death Star. During the event, we shared updates on Rogue One: A Star Wars Story inspired additions coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and a surprise visit from one of the stars of the upcoming film – Mads Mikkelsen. If you missed our live stream, here’s a quick look at the night. Check our original story for more images and full details on new Star Wars-inspired additions that have recently – or will soon – make their way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opens in U.S. theaters on December 16, 2016. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Main Street Electrical Parade Returns to Disneyland Park January 20 – Get ready to celebrate the return of a Disney Parks icon! As we told you earlier this year, the Main Street Electrical Parade is coming back to the place it began – Disneyland park – for a limited time, beginning January 20. Eat, Drink and Be Bowling! Splitsville Luxury Lanes Coming to Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in Late 2017 – Here’s some news I suspect will be right up your alley – Splitsville Luxury Lanes, which has pioneered a fun and inventive new approach to bowling as a social experience for all ages, will roll into the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort in late 2017. Stuff Your Stockings with Photos from Disney PhotoPass Service – Looking for a unique gift for all of the Walt Disney World Resort fans on your list? Send them some Disney magic with photos from Disney PhotoPass Service! Enjoy the Holidays at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – If you’re spending the holidays in Hawai’i this year, the halls of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, are decked for the season! From festive entertainment to beautiful holiday decor, here are a few things to get your ‘ohana into the spirit. Discovering Delicious Holiday Treats from Disney Parks – ‘Tis the season for delicious holiday treats from Disney Parks! Here is a look at other festive confections created especially for Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Celebrate the Season with Commemorative Products for Holidays Around the World at Epcot – Holidays Around the World has returned to Epcot! Now through December 30, 2016, guests can discover the joyous holiday traditions of our 11 World Showcase nations. View the full article

Today, we’re sharing with you some fun holiday drinks that DFB reader Chelsea B. enjoyed recently during a visit to Trout Pass Pool Bar in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort. If you haven’t had the pleasure of hanging out at Trout Pass Pool Bar, I suggest you remedy that in the near future! Trout Pass Pool Bar The quaint little spot, located right by the pool (natch) at Wilderness Lodge is a great place to stop for a drink. In addition to daily drink specials like the Mt. Rainier, they also serve up some fun libations to mark the season throughout the year. We loved the wonderfully wicked Witches Brew they created for Halloween! Trout Pass Pool Bar — Another View So, what did Chelsea have to say about the latest Seasonal Drinks at Trout Pass? Well, see for yourself! I’ve been a fan of the blog for a long time and always enjoy all the tips and tricks I learn. This time I wanted to share something cool from the resort I’m staying at this trip. The Trout Pass Pool Bar is serving up some specialty holiday drinks. The Elf Elixir features Creme de Menthe, the Snowball has Sky Vanilla Vodka, and the Pumpkin Pie Martini has RumChata. Elf Elixir and Other Holiday Drinks at Trout Pass Pool Bar You also get to keep the martini glass and it lights up in different colors! I hope other readers will enjoy hearing about (and tasting) these drinks as much as I did! I went for the Elf Elixir and it tastes like Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. Yum! Sounds good to me! What about you? Will you be heading to Trout Pass Pool Bar to enjoy one of their special drinks this holiday season? Tell us about it in comments below! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Cocktails, Cupcakes, and Seasonal Specialties at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Guest Review: Territory Lounge at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort Pool Bar Series: Petals at POP Century Resort View the full article

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story Meet-Up Recap | Walt Disney World View the full article

From miles of unspoiled beaches to golf courses, shopping and just plain fun, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a quick trip down Florida’s East Coast from Walt Disney World Resort and a favorite for Disney Vacation Club members. The resort recently debuted a makeover that includes a new restaurant, market and bar with new menus; the expansive Wind & Waves Grill, with the adjacent Wine & Waves Market. Poolside, look for the new Wind & Waves Bar. The 68-seat Wind & Waves Grill has a casual, beachy feel with classic nautical touches and features on-stage cooking with an oak-fired grill and brick oven. It’s American cuisine with a focus on Florida seafood and locally sourced produce, such as brick-oven-roasted Florida clams in local IPA broth with fennel and garlic, oak-grilled grouper and the restaurant’s signature shrimp with creamy cheese grits. The flatbreads made in the wood-burning oven include versions such as cheeseburger, barbecued chicken and a bacon-lettuce-tomato creation. Kids will love the interactive desserts. Wind & Waves Market is open daily and offers “grab ‘n’ go” selections as well as freshly prepared dishes from breakfast through dinner. Think hot breakfast sandwiches, yogurt, smoothies, specialty coffees for breakfast, and burgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches and salads throughout the day – perfect beachside eats. You’ll also find grocery items that formerly were in the Island Grove Packing Company shop. And best of all, Disney’s classic Dole Whip! Wind & Waves Bar features poolside craft beers, signature cocktails and light snacks. Guests can make reservations by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Tables in Wonderland and Disney Vacation Club and Annual Pass discounts accepted. View the full article

Earlier this week, our team had the pleasure to host a Disney Parks Blog Star Wars meet-up in celebration of the upcoming film release, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. 400 Disney Parks Blog readers gathered at Epcot to watch as the park’s Spaceship Earth attraction was temporarily transformed into the Death Star, enjoy themed treats and hear the latest Star Wars news. Here are more images of the fun we had celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime moment. View the full article

Ring in the New Year at Disneyland Resort with these special menus at restaurants in the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort and in Disneyland park. At Disney California Adventure park, you can sip sparkling apple cider and sparkling wine at several locations. Napa Rose at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers two elegant options. Chef Andrew Sutton’s four-course Wine Country Feast of Winter Season Classics is seating from 5:30-6:30 p.m. ($130). Starting at 8:15 p.m., Napa Rose will host a lavish New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance Party with live music, Champagne reception and a Napa-style five-course tasting menu ($250, wine pairing $65). Dancing goes ‘til 1 a.m. Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel is serving a three-course dinner on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Start with Kumamoto oysters, then a center cut filet mignon with crab meat salad, asparagus and Béarnaise sauce. Dessert is Manjari bittersweet chocolate terrine with fresh berries and white Godiva anglaise. ($65; $35 for wine pairing.) Disney’s PCH Grill at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will offer a family-friendly New Year’s Eve dinner buffet from 5-10 p.m. Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will host a special New Year’s celebration until 12:30 a.m. – complete with Disney characters and a balloon drop in the hotel’s Pacific Ballroom. ($75; $25 ages 3 to 11.) In Disneyland park, Carnation Cafe on Main Street, U.S.A., is offering a Surf and Turf special. The special includes sirloin and shrimp, mashed potatoes, sautéed broccoli, sun-dried tomato butter and herb beurre blanc sauce. ($20) Blue Bayou Restaurant is serving a petite New York strip steak on a rosti potato cake with crab meat and asparagus with café au lait sauce and Béarnaise. ($44) Cafe Orleans is offering braised short ribs, garlic mashed potatoes and baby carrots with roasted shallot-red wine sauce and fried onions. ($23) For reservations, call 714-781-DINE or visit Disneyland.com/dining. View the full article

It’s Day FIVE of DFB’s Five Days of Giveaways — and today, we have something extra, extra special! But what is it?? You’re just gonna have to wait to find out! Here at Disney Food Blog, we KNOW that we couldn’t continue to bring you ALL the Disney Food, ALL the time, without ALL of YOU! You support us unfailingly, so we want to give back a little something to our readers! Win a SURPRISE Disney Parks Souvenir from Disney Food Blog! I just returned from a pair of back-to-back, holiday-ful visits to Disneyland and Walt Disney World. What a gorgeous and exciting time to visit! I couldn’t get enough of all of the special eats, treats, experiences, and merchandise that you can find during the Holiday Season. Disney + Holidays!! And while hitting six different parks in as many days, I couldn’t help but pick up a lil something for one of my favorite DFB readers! But what is it? Well, you’ll just have to enter and win to find out! Nice! How Do You Enter? It’s simple! Just join our newsletter and that’s it! Easy as pie. (If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, you’re already entered to win!) So don’t delay, because we’ll be picking our winner very soon! (Giveaway winners will be contacted via email to confirm their address, and winners will be announced in an upcoming DFB newsletter!) Don’t Miss Out on Any Disney Holiday Fun! The DFB Guide to the Walt Disney World Holidays, 2016 e-Book is now available! This 380+-page guide to all things Disney Holidays related — not just food! — offers you the latest holiday tips and brand new info you NEED to know before you hit the parks this November, December, and January! And with 350 full-color photos, it will be like you’re right in the middle of the magic! Order your 2016 edition today! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code CANDYCANE at check-out for a 20% off the cover price! Happy Holiday planning from all of us here at DFB! Thanks for reading, and for playing along in our full week of Disney Food Blog Holiday Giveaways! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the DFB Team!! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: DFB Five Days of Giveaways: Win a Disney Goodies Snack Box from Disney Food Blog! DFB Five Days of Giveaways Day 4: Win a Disney Goodies Snack Box from Disney Food Blog! DFB Five Days of Giveaways Day 2: Win a $25 Disney Gift Card from Disney Food Blog! View the full article

We’re back with another live action DFB Video Review. Today, we’re stopping into the brand new PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The City’s Top Rated Pizza The counter service spot, part of the Muppets Courtyard section of Studios, recently opened in place of Toy Story Pizza Planet. And we think they’ve knocked the theming out of the park! Muppets gags abound, so plan plenty of time to look around both downstairs and upstairs before or after you dig into the house specialty — Pizza, of course! It’s our favorite thing — sharing our Disney food adventures with you as we explore all the eats and treats together! And if you think that sounds like a good time too, please be sure to subscribe to our new DFB YouTube Channel! Now, I wanna hear from you. Will you be checking out PizzeRizzo the next time you’re in Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Leave a comment and let us know what you’re looking forward to trying! 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: PizzeRizzo Officially Announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios News! PizzeRizzo to Open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios on November 18 (Plus a Few More Details!) First Look and Review! PizzeRizzo Now Open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios View the full article

Holidays Around the World has returned to Epcot! Now through December 30, 2016, guests can discover the joyous holiday traditions of our 11 World Showcase nations. During a recent expedition to Epcot for my “Unforgettable Shopping” series, I found commemorative products to celebrate this annual holiday event. Guests visiting Epcot this month will find a logo T-shirt, a decorative ornament, and collectible pins. There is a limited release logo pin found throughout select merchandise shops in Epcot. This hinged pin opens to reveal one of my favorite characters, Figment. There is also a limited edition pin celebrating the ever-popular Candlelight Processional at American Gardens Theater (the pin has an edition size of 3,500). Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members will find two limited edition, hinged pins. The Passholder exclusive pin (above left) has an edition size of 2,000, while the Disney Vacation Club Member exclusive pin (above right) has an edition size of 1,500. Outside The American Adventure, guests will find Santa’s Village, a collection of holiday-themed kiosks carrying Precious Moments dolls, Ne’Qwa handpainted ornaments, and seasonal products from Disney Parks. The Christkindlmarkt in Germany Pavilion features live glass-blowing demonstrations through December 25 by master glass blower, Reinhard Herzog. Guests will also find Prost! which offers an artisan cheese plate and sauerbraten with red cabbage and spätzle. Finally, no visit to Germany Pavilion would be complete without a stop in Karamell-Küche to pick up Werther’s Original caramel. I also found a lovely limited edition ornament in Die Weihnachts Ecke, the Christmas-themed shop adjacent to the caramel kitchen. I hope to see you at Epcot this holiday season! View the full article

If you’re looking for a mug that’s “Practically Perfect in Every Way” for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, I think we may have found one for you. This charming little Mary Poppins mug has been around for a few months now, but it was only recently that I really stopped to look and examine the details. And, of course, there are details galore… Mary Poppins Mug Three different panels surrounded in ornate designs feature Mary’s silhouette or simply her umbrella. Mary Poppins Mug Mary Poppins Mug Mary Poppins Mug I really don’t know if the tiny feet on the bottom are supposed to resemble her boots or not, but either way they remind me of them. Bottom of Mary Poppins Mug The inside is brushed with a pale pink, ready to be filled with coffee or tea… and a spoonful of sugar, of course! Inside Mary Poppins Mug It’s all very pretty; but here — I think — is the clincher (just in case you didn’t pick up on this in the first photo )… Parrot Head Handle YES! The parrot head handle of Mary Poppins’ umbrella is also the handle for this mug! Parrot Head Handle The Mary Poppins mug is $17.99. I’m not finding this one on Disneystore.com at the moment, but it is currently appearing on the Shop Disney Parks app with a “Mary Poppins Mug” search (a word of warning, though: things can change quickly on the app, so if you don’t see it on a current search, try again in a day or two). For now, “Off we go… Spit spot!” Are you a Mary Poppins fan? 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: Spotted! Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day at Disney World’s Beaches and Cream Spotted! New Disney Princess Mugs… and a few Villains, too! Spotted: Disney World “Wish I Was There” Mug View the full article

Have you gotten a taste of the season at the Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park? With 14 festive foods marketplace kiosks serving delicious bites inspired by many different cuisines and traditions as well as live music, dance and holiday-inspired performances, this new seasonal experience is the perfect way to get your whole family into the holiday spirit! Don’t miss Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure park, now through Jan. 8! View the full article

Walt Disney World has unveiled details, including the price, of its new Star Wars Tour based out of Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. The seven-hour experience will sell for $121.12, plus admission to Hollywood Studios will be required, according to Disney World's official website. The tour... View the full article

The holiday season is well under way here at Disney Parks. No matter what you’ll be celebrating this month, whether it’s Christmas, Hannukah, New Year’s Eve – or even the lighthearted “National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day” on December 16 (it’s a thing!) – we have a Disney Parks Blog wallpaper for you. To choose a design, simply click on the image below and you’ll be able to find a size for your desktop/mobile device. Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers here. View the full article

Looking for a unique gift for all of the Walt Disney World Resort fans on your list? Send them some Disney magic with photos from Disney PhotoPass Service! While Disney PhotoPass Service is known for helping everyone in your party get in the picture, we also know how important it is to get beautiful shots of the parades, fireworks, Disney characters and icons so you have picturesque keepsakes of your visit you can share with friends and family. There are two different options that allow you to grab these great shots via MyDisneyPhotoPass.com: the Walt Disney World Gallery Disc and Walt Disney World Entertainment Gallery Disc. For more than 400 high-resolution digital photos of your favorite Disney icons, attractions, scenery, night shots and holiday decorations, purchase the Walt Disney World Gallery Disc. To get that flawless, unobstructed shot, our photographers obtained access to special locations for many of these photos to capture a unique angle of your favorite places around Walt Disney World Resort. If you’re looking for photos of some of your favorite Disney friends, the Walt Disney World Entertainment Gallery Disc features more than 600 high-resolution digital photos of Disney Characters (some in their festive seasonal attire!) taken all around Walt Disney World Resort. This disc also features photos from beloved parades, including Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade, “Disney Festival of Fantasy” Parade and “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime” Parade. These photo collections are perfect for scrapbooking, printing and posting to your personal social media account.* Whether for the person who visits the parks and would rather enjoy the moment than taking photos, or the photo enthusiast looking for beautiful photos to complement their collection, these products make the perfect gift! When you visit MyDisneyPhotoPass.com, you can also shop for great Disney-themed gifts featuring your vacation photos, like ornaments, calendars, magnets, photo frames, greeting cards and mugs. *Please note that these photos are licensed to you for personal, non-commercial use only. View the full article

Spaceship Earth Transforms Into Death Star | Walt Disney World View the full article

Tonight’s “Disney Parks After Dark” image was snapped during one of the high points of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – the “Holiday Wishes” fireworks. This special holiday fireworks spectacular, which you can only view on party nights, fills the park with colorful cheer. There are still a few party nights remaining this year, which events taking place December 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 & 22. In addition to amazing fireworks, guests can enjoy the new stage show “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” the “Once Upon A Christmastime Parade,” complimentary treats and much more. Thanks to photographer Tom Bricker for the shot. View the full article

The runDisney race season is in full swing, and with special Disney touches like themed finisher medals and fun character appearances, each race is sure to be an experience unlike any other. Next up in January are the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna and the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Light Side, which like all runDisney races will offer something for runners of all ages and levels. Our runDisney race weekends hold particularly special relevance for certain runners who have inspiring stories of triumph. Take Rachel Talise, for instance. Overcoming temporary paralysis, Rachel triumphantly completed the Doctor Strange 10K during the recent Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend at Disneyland Resort. Rachel was used to running at least two half marathons per year, but in August 2014, she suddenly became paralyzed from the waist down and in her hands. The cause was Guillain–Barré syndrome, a very rare condition (1 or 2 cases per 100,000 people annually) that results in the immune system attacking the nervous system, leaving many patients without full mobility. After three months of physical and occupational therapy, she regained some movement and learned how to walk again. Even though she was not yet fully recovered, Rachel was determined to get back to running. The Doctor Strange 10K was her first since being diagnosed. Check out the video below to see Rachel’s incredible journey, If you are running in an upcoming runDisney race and have an inspirational or extraordinary story, we’d love to hear it! Please submit your story for consideration at WDPR.DisneySportsStories@Disney.com. View the full article

Disney After Dark will see the light of day again. For seven nights in early 2017, a limited number of visitors will be able to linger in Magic Kingdom for three hours after the theme park has closed to regular day guests. The newly announced event nights are Jan. 20 and 27, Feb. 2, 9 and 16, and... View the full article

Fairytale Vacations | Disney Vacation Club View the full article