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We’re just about six weeks away from the debut of the new nighttime fireworks spectacular “Happily Ever After” at Magic Kingdom Park. Today we’re happy to share a new look into the creation of what will soon go down in Disney theme park history as one of the most elaborate nighttime shows ever created. It will feature the latest in fireworks, pyrotechnics and projection technology, plus fresh animation, a new score and theme song – all of which the creative team used as tools that together tell a story only Disney can tell. “Happily Ever After” will also feature (or reference) more Disney characters than any other show to date. According to Executive Creative Director Michael Jung, the show will take park guests on a “hero’s journey” that encourages us to dream our biggest dream and never give up. “Happily Ever After” will debut at Magic Kingdom Park on May 12. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more information and future behind-the-scenes looks. View the full article

If you like delicious food, you are in luck! Because during the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival you can enjoy not only savory dishes but refreshing drinks that are perfect for la primavera! Returning this year is La Isla Fresca Outdoor Kitchen with its Caribbean inspired dishes like a Jamaican-braised Beef with Pigeon Pea Rice and Micro Cilantro, a Sugar Cane Shrimp Skewer with Steamed Rice and Coconut Lime Sauce and a Caribbean Conch Salad with Avocado, Mango and Onions. For dessert, La Isla Fresca is featuring a FlanCocho: Vanilla Caramel Custard with Chocolate Coffee Cake. Delicioso! Another one of my favorite Outdoor Kitchens is Jardín de Fiestas where you’ll find amazing Mexican-influenced plates: Chile Relleno de Picadillo (battered poblano pepper filled with ground beef covered with tomato sauce and garnished with queso fresco and toasted almonds), a Brocheta de Pollo con Salsa Morita (grilled chicken with red and green bell pepper served with salsa chile morita). This dish is garnished with micro-cilantro and edible flowers, which makes it hermoso! After all that savory comida, you need something sweet like a Tres Leches, a vanilla sponge cake made with cajeta (or dulce de leche), condensed milk and evaporated milk and garnished with orange zest. To complement all of these dishes there are a Hibiscus Margarita, an Elderflower Pineapple Margarita, a Watermelon White Sangria and a Pacifico Draft Beer with Kahlua Floater. Yum! Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival takes place through May 29th with 15 Outdoor Kitchens showcasing colorful vegetable, fruit and flower gardens around the World Showcase. For more information visit epcotinspring.com. View the full article

Dole Whip alert! Dole Whip alert! (Mental note: we need a secret, underground alert system for Dole Whip news.) Walt Disney World’s Art of Animation Resort, with its enormous Big Blue (Nemo-inspired) Pool and totally groovy theming, now has an alcoholic Dole Whip drink (and a non-alcoholic option!). Captain’s Pineapple Drink at Art of Animation Resort Yes, that sound you hear is us screaming with joy! To get one for yourself, you’re gonna have to make your way over to Art of Animation. You’ll know you’re there when you see massive depictions of animators’ sketches. Art of Animation Entrance Yeah, those are pretty hard to miss. And who’d want to miss them? They’re awesome! Now, once you’re here, make like a shark and follow the scent of pineapple heaven (read: speed walk directly) to the Drop Off Pool Bar. The Drop Off Pool Bar at Art of Animation Resort Admittedly, Captain’s Pineapple might not be the world’s most creative name for a tasty beverage, but we don’t care. Because #DoleWhip and #Rum. Art of Animation Captain’s Pineapple You can kinda, sorta see the pre-mixed beverage machines peeking out from behind that sign, and that’s where Captain’s Pineapple swirls. It’s a premixed combo of Dole Whip (Eek!) and Captain Morgan’s Rum. Art of Animation Captain’s Pineapple As with most pre-mixed Disney drinks, this one errs on the side of alcohol, and we aren’t complaining. Art of Animation Captain’s Pineapple There’s plenty of tart, sweet, Dole Whip to take on the Captain. And the Dole Whip part of this cocktail equation tastes just like a Dole Whip slush. Art of Animation Captain’s Pineapple For $10, Captain’s Pineapple is priced equivalent to most Disney Parks alcoholic beverages. But since this one is liquid Dole Whip, we think it’s a great deal. But, hey! If you prefer your Dole Whip without a little somethin’ somethin’, Art of Animation Resort has you covered! Make your way into the Landscape of Flavors (AoA’s food court), and find the updated smoothies and frozen drinks menu. Art of Animation Landscape of Flavors Frozen Beverages Menu Pineapple Paradise is described on the menu as “delicious pineapple freeze” and tastes just. like. a. Dole. Whip. slush. And it’s only $5.99. And it’s Disney Dining Plan snack credit eligible. So, here’s the deal: the Drop Off Pool Bar has been rotating some seasonal drinks for a while now, but the Cast Member we spoke with said the Captain’s Pineapple has already been super popular. We’re hoping that this news, coupled with the Pineapple Paradise that’s available inside, means that the drinks will be available for a long time. Cross your Dole Whip-loving fingers!! What’s your favorite frozen treat at the Disney Parks and Resorts? 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: Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats Now Available at Disneyland Hotel Spotted: Dole Whip and Popcorn Air Fresheners at Disney World! News! Dole Whip Now Available in The Lava Shack at Aulani View the full article

For the past two years, Disney Parks has partnered with Lucasfilm to offer unique opportunities for guests visiting Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Through the purchase of specially designed products created for Disney Parks, guests have supported the U.S. Fund for UNICEF on behalf of Star Wars: Force for Change. Star Wars: Force for Change, a charitable initiative from Lucasfilm and Disney, harnesses the strength of Star Wars to empower and improve the lives of children around the world. I’m delighted to announce that the partnership will return this spring with new items inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This year, guests will find T-shirts for adults and youth, as well as a pin that includes the logo and select characters from the upcoming film Star Wars: The Last Jedi. These items are some of the first retail products for the new film which releases December 15, 2017. Twenty-five percent of the retail sale price from each of these products will be donated to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF in support of UNICEF Kid Power, a program that uses the world’s first WEARABLE-FOR-GOOD™ to give kids the power to get active and save lives by earning points that unlock food packets for malnourished children around the world. These items will debut in Booth 3463 at Star Wars Celebration, a Star Wars fan event coming to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from April 13-16, 2017. Following the event, select locations at Disney Parks listed below will carry these items through the summer. These products will not be available on DisneyStore.com or the Shop Disney Parks app. Walt Disney World Resort Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Tatooine Traders and Star Wars Launch Bay Disney Springs – Star Wars Galactic Outpost and Once Upon A Toy Magic Kingdom Park – Merchants of Venus Disneyland Resort Disneyland park – The Star Trader and Star Wars Launch Bay Downtown Disney District – D-Street and World of Disney To learn more about Star Wars: Force for Change, please visit ForceForChange.com. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product. No portion of the purchase price is tax-deductible. View the full article

Jodi Benson, who gave voice to the world’s most musical mermaid, is praising the sounds of silence. “I’ve got three musicians in my family,” says the singer-actress who voiced Ariel, the title character in Disney’s 1989 hit film “The Little Mermaid.” “There is nonstop singing, drums, piano pretty... View the full article

Hop into a Monstropolis City Cab for an adventure through Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! in Hollywood Land at Disney California Adventure park. This attraction is inspired by the 2001 Disney•Pixar film “Monsters, Inc.,” which introduced the world to James P. “Sulley” Sullivan, Mike Wazowski and the adorable Boo. More than 6.5 million monsters of all shapes, sizes and scare levels call Monstropolis home. It has the monster world’s finest theaters, hotels and museums, as well as Monsters, Inc. – the city’s largest employer. With a human child on the loose in this monstrous city, chaos breaks loose in a hilarious and heartwarming adventure. In a yellow-and-black taxi, courtesy of the Monstropolis Transit Authority, you follow along on Mike and Sulley’s race against the clock to bring Boo back to her bedroom safely — before the villain Randall Boggs gets to her first. In the city of Monstropolis, human children are thought to be toxic to monsters, and the Child Detection Agency, staffed by monsters decked out in bright, yellow suits, exists for the sole purpose of protecting monsters from child contamination. The attraction features 16 scenes, including Harryhausen’s Sushi Restaurant, the scare floor and one of my favorites: the door vault scene — featuring 236 doors! When the attraction debuted in 2006, it brought more than 40 animated figures, a “dark ride” system that combines both white light and black light, and Roz, the first ever real-time, operator-controlled dimensional figure inside of an attraction. If you’re lucky, she may just give you a personal shout-out when she sees you! Be sure to to join Mike and Sulley on their daring rescue mission during your next visit to Disney California Adventure park, and stop by “a bug’s land” for more Disney•Pixar magic! Let us know in the comments which attraction inspired by the silver screen you want to see featured next! View the full article

The Walt Disney Studios unveiled the fifth installment in their "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise "Dead Men Tell No Tales" Tuesday night at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Initial reactions from those in attendance, including press, theater owners and exhibitors, were largely positive, celebrating a... View the full article

Mickey Mouse is big, but Duffy the Bear has his own throngs of obsessive fans. They just happen to mostly be in Tokyo. Now Tokyo Disney Resort is doubling down on Duffy fandom by concocting a new character that was introduced this week at the resort’s Tokyo DisneySea theme park. Meet Stella Lou,... View the full article

In the ever-evolving, super-fun world of Disney Parks Glowcubes (that’s a thing, trust us), we’ve found the holy grail. And you don’t even need to go on a quest to get one (just take a boat or a bus to Hollywood Studios)!! Introducing, the Brown Derby Hat Glowcube. I mean, C’MON, guys! It’s a TEENY DERBY HAT! Hollywood Brown Derby Souvenir Glowcube Look how stinking adorable that thing is. And it’s a glowcube! Whoever came up with this idea deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — the Disney version AND the real one. Brown Derby Souvenir Glowcube You can snag one for yourself at the Brown Derby Lounge (which is restaurant-adjacent). It comes automatically in the Derby Cocktail. Brown Derby Cocktail The Derby Cocktail is a creative combination of Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack whiskey, Florida honey syrup, and pink grapefruit juice. We loved it — super fresh and delicious. Brown Derby Drink Menu Featuring the Derby Cocktail If this sounds good to you, consider the $13 price tag a total steal since it comes with the world’s. cutest. glowcube. Brown Derby Cocktail with Glowcube But fear not, those who don’t fancy the Derby Cocktail; the Brown Derby Hat Souvenir Glowcube can still be yours! Brown Derby Cocktail with Glowcube For just $4, you can add it to any drink available at the Hollywood Brown Derby! In our book, this is a bargain! Because TINY HAT GLOWCUBE! Brown Derby Glow Cube It’s totally a souvenir you can use — and a conversation starter for sure! We’ll be using it to top off our margaritas, and apple juice, and chocolate milk, and wine. I mean, a derby hat goes with anything, wouldn’t you say? And remember: you don’t need an ADR to stop into the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge! And you can order in or take it to-go! Super convenient (especially if you’re really just in it for the cube). Have you jumped on the Glowcube bandwagon? Let us know which one is your fave! 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! Hollywood Brown Derby Tests Interactive Special Diets Menu News! Hollywood Brown Derby Patio Lounge May Be Opening Soon in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Photo Tour and Review: NEW Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge in Disney World! View the full article

Disney can be forgiven for phoning it in. Fresh off a $7 billion year at the global box office, the studio raced through its upcoming releases at a sprinter's pace during a 12 and a half minute presentation at CinemaCon on Tuesday. There was no footage from "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" or "Thor... View the full article

HAPPY SPRING, everybody! Spring Mickey Bunny Another winter is behind us and the warmth and blooms of spring are here at last. So we hope you’ll take a little Spring Break with us… Spring Caramel Apple Mickey Wants Those Peeps! Easter Eggs Character Egg Cake Pops Character Egg Cake Pops Easter Bunny Caramel Apple … to check out What’s New Around Walt Disney World, starting with these fun new hot drink cups! While we weren’t sure about the understated design on the new cups and plates in Disney Parks, I do like these particular quotes being front and center. New Hot Drink cups at Disney Parks New Hot Drink cups at Disney Parks But let’s see what else is going on… Magic Kingdom Have you seen the new Beauty and the Beast Light-Up Rose Tumbler yet?!? Enchanted Rose Cup If you’re positively itching to get your hands on one of these — ahem — beauties… Enchanted Rose Cup … you’ll need to snag an Advance Dining Reservation at Be Our Guest Restaurant to get one. What’s that, you say? You can’t make it there this month? Well, then! Be sure to enter our DFB Giveaway for one of these hard-to-snag tumblers HERE! But the Beauty and the Beast-themed fun doesn’t end there… not by a long shot! You can find the Enchanted Rose Cake Pop in Disneyland AND Disney World. Enchanted Rose Cake Pop Even Twinings Tea can’t resist the Beast! Beauty and the Beast-themed Teas Next, let’s blast off to Tomorrowland to find the brand new Joffrey’s Revive Coffee Kiosk! Joffrey’s Revive Though the Magic Kingdom is the last Disney World park to add a Joffrey’s Kiosk, it’s the first – and ONLY – one to carry the exclusive Mission to S’mores Latte. Mission to S’mores Latte You can also find the current selection of Seasonal Beverages available at Joffrey’s Coffee Kiosks all over Disney World, which include the Dreamscicle Iced Latte, Island Swizzle Iced Tea, and the Dulce de Leche Iced Latte. Joffrey’s Current Menu Read all about the new kiosk AND new specialty beverage here! Did you hear the HUGE NEWS from Liberty Tree Tavern?! Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom Recent changes to the menu include the return of Pot Roast and Fish and Chips to the lunch menu. Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu AND the Bill of Fare featuring the Patriot’s Platter is now served with Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake for dessert at both lunch AND dinner! Liberty Tree Tavern Lunch Menu Ooey Gooey Toffee Cake at Liberty Tree Tavern — One of My Favorites! Staying in Liberty Square, Columbia Harbour House has always been a spot where you can find some better-for-your-fare in the Counter Service realm. Columbia Harbour House For instance, Steamed Broccoli has been a side option for years. But now that is changing to the Fresh Vegetable of the Day, so keep your eyes out for the signs at the register to find out what’s available for your visit. Columbia Harbour House Daily Selections You’ve still got a few days left to try the Specialty Hot Dog for March at Casey’s Corner! Casey’s Corner It’s topped with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss Cheese, and wholegrain mustard sauce. March Featured Hot Dog ©Disney Not only are the Featured Specialty Hot Dogs rotating at Casey’s Corner – a change to the regular menu has taken place as well. Casey’s Corner Regular Menu The Macaroni and Cheese Dog has replaced the Barbecue Slaw Dog. Speaking of Casey’s, this location is no longer opening for breakfast and no longer serving specialty breakfast items. Plaza Ice Cream Parlor still is, though, so get your Donut Sundae there! Plaza Ice Cream Parlor Donut Sundae And don’t forget, Sleepy Hollow Refreshments has the Breakfast Waffle (with ham, tomato, and cheese) available until through noon. Sleepy Hollow Featured Items Menu Remember the Adventureland Egg Roll Wagon? Adventureland Wagon Well, it’s now the Adventureland Churro Cart. Churro Menu Sigh. I already miss my Cheeseburger Spring Rolls. Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom isn’t the only park that’s excited about the live action version of Beauty and the Beast, which just hit the theaters! (Have you seen it yet?) Beauty and the Beast Cupcake Here’s a look at the Chocolate Raspberry Beauty and the Beast Cupcake located at Counter Service locations all over Hollywood Studios like The Trolley Car Café. Beauty and the Beast Cupcake Sweet Spells is currently carrying this Minnie Mouse Egg-shaped Cake Pop. Minnie Mouse Egg Cake Pop Minnie also looks great – along with her girl Daisy and the rest of the gang — donning her Spring garb at Minnie’s Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine. ©Disney The current seasonal cocktail at Anaheim Produce is a Mango Colada made with Cruzan Mango Rum. Anaheim Produce Anaheim Produce Specialty Drinks The pop-up bars in the park have a couple of new offerings, too, with Hollywood Lights and the Sunset Sunrise. Pop-Up Bar Menu BUT! What that sign doesn’t tell you is that the “souvenir glow cube” mentioned in the descriptions is NOT the typical ice-shaped glow cube. Nope. Stay tuned to DFB later today to see what it is!! Some of the Joffrey’s Specialty Alcohol Beverages from the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, like the Kahlua Tini and Tiki Torch are showing up at the Studios (and likely other Joffrey’s kiosks, too). Joffrey’s Kiosk Menu in Hollywood Studios Kahlua-tini Iced Coffee Tiki Torch But with the new, comes the exit of something old… Muppet Courtyard It will probably be some time before I get used to NOT seeing the Kermit balloon hovering over Muppet Courtyard. Animal Kingdom If there’s one thing we’ve all learned at Animal Kingdom, it’s that “It’s Tough to Be A Bug.” And now you can find out if it’s also tough to EAT a bug, thanks to the arrival of Chirps Chips at Terra Treats! Chirps Chips They’re made with Cricket Flour to the tune of “1 Cricket Per Chip.” Get your 20 grams of protein, y’all!! Chirps Chips Aside from, you know, all the BUGS , even some of the Cake Pops at Creature Comforts (Animal Kingdom’s Starbucks location) are getting in on the springtime fun! Spring Cake Pops The dessert option on the Small Plates menu at Nomad Lounge is now Churros with Vanilla Crema and Chili-Strawberry instead of the previous “Taste of Tiffins.” Nomad Lounge Small Plates Menu You may be able to find these rad Dole Whip Socks in other merchandise locations around Disney World, but we first spotted them at Animal Kingdom’s Discovery Trading Company. Dole Whip Socks Remember last month when we took a peek at the new Baked Mac and Cheese Menu at Eight Spoon Café? Eight Spoon Café Menu Well, we’ve since returned to Animal Kingdom where the Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork and the Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce were ready for their close-ups. Baked Macaroni and Cheese Dishes Read our review on these tasty dishes here! Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce You’ll find a Rivers of Light Cupcake at Creature Comforts. Even the icing Lotus Flower in honor of the show is reminiscent of Spring’s blooms! Rivers of Light Cupcake While we’re talking about Spring’s blooms… Epcot The 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is still going strong! Fresh Epcot Epcot during the Flower and Garden Festival Bauernmarkt Booth Warm Cheese Strudel with Mixed Berries And Sunshine Seasons is really getting into the spirit with some SUPER fun Festival-themed Cupcakes! Sunshine Seasons sign The Caterpillar Cupcake is vanilla cake with a cookie dough center, topped with buttercream icing and a mini sugar cookie and M&Ms making up the cute caterpillar. Caterpillar Cupcake The Butterfly Cupcake is a chocolate brownie base with salted caramel. Butterfly Cupcake Which is your favorite topiary at the Festival? I’m quite partial to the gorgeous Bromeliad Dragon in the China Pavilion. Bromeliad Dragon Topiary And, of course, the new Belle topiary in the Beauty and the Beast display is a stunner. Beauty and the Beast Topiary But I also love spotting Peter Pan and Tinkerbell — you’ll find them both in the United Kingdom Pavilion this year. Flower and Garden Festival Tinkerbell That’s also where you’ll find the new Sunday Roast at the Rose & Crown Pub and Dining Room. Rose and Crown IF it’s Sunday when you visit, that is! The featured meat will change weekly, rotating between Roasted Pork, Turkey, or Lamb with mint sauce. Served up with potatoes, peas, carrots, and onion stuffing, it will also be accompanied by Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Sunday Roast at the Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room ©Disney Does just reading about that make anyone else hungry, or is that just me? Disney Springs So… what’s behind these doors? The Polite Pig doors Well, we already have some idea, but we’ll get the full picture when The Polite Pig opens in April! We’re really looking forward to what the owners of Orlando’s The Ravenous Pig have in store for their new Counter Service spot in the Town Center of Disney Springs. Check out the new Cookie Cupcake at Sprinkles! Cookie Cupcake — Out of the Wrapper No, seriously… please check it out and grab one if you can, because it’s currently in testing and we’d love to see this new flavor succeed! The YeSake kiosk now offers grab-and-go Sushi for your day in Disney Springs with the new Sushi Sampler. YeSake The Sampler comes with California Roll and Nigiri pieces. @DisneySprings Twitter A fellow Disney Springs kiosk, B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co., has added the Big Bad Dog (featuring spicy Korean flavors) and the Greek Dog to the menu. B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co. @Disney Springs Twitter @Disney Springs Twitter Did you know that Splitsville Luxury Lanes is a great spot for gluten-free guests? Splitsville Luxury Lanes They’ve just added a new gluten-free item to their entrée choices with the Chicken Chopped Salad, complete with avocado and tossed in balsamic-parmesan dressing. @DisneySprings Twitter Resorts All Star Sports The Chicken Wings look like a fun addition to the menu for any sports fan at End Zone Food Court. End Zone Food Court End Zone Food Court menu Also new to the entrée list is the Bacon Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar, Smoked Gouda, and Muenster cheeses. End Zone Food Court menu And don’t forget to check out the updated beer and hard cider selections, along with some fun Spring-themed Cocktails like the Apple Mule, Strawberry Margarita and Coco-Jito! Beer and Hard Cider Spring Cocktails All Star Music A glance inside the Intermission Food Court Bakery Case will reveal some seriously amped up dessert options! Intermission Food Court sign A selection of tarts include Apple, Key Lime, and Chocolate Peanut Butter (which looks slightly reminiscent of the Peanut Butter Pie at Contempo Café). Apple Tart Key Lime Tart Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart Chocolate Cake and Strawberry Cheesecake are tucked in there as well. Chocolate Cake Strawberry Cheesecake So are Cannoli and a Vanilla Rose Cupcake (though that last one may simply be a limited-time Beauty and the Beast tribute). Cannolis Vanilla Rose Cupcake Fun additions to the entrees include Steak and Chicken Flatbreads on certain days, and you’ll even spy Fried Pickles as a fun new side on the rotating menus. Flatbread sign Fried Pickles listed under Additional Items Pop Century Who’s up for some ALL DAY BREAKFAST items at Everything Pop? Everything Pop All Day Breakfast Items Art of Animation Meanwhile, next door at Art of Animation, the Drop Off Pool Bar is now serving up the Captain’s Pineapple! Captain’s Pineapple sign Stay tuned to DFB today for a review! Fort Wilderness Campgrounds The Chuck Wagon Fresh Fixin’s Food Truck is parked at the Meadows Trading Post for your dining enjoyment at Fort Wilderness! The Chuck Wagon Take a full tour of this super fun old school RV here. And don’t forget to check out the eats, while you’re at it! Smoked Beef Brisket Sandwich Roasted Portobello Vegetable Wrap S’mores Kit and Marshmallow Bag Grand Floridian We had the chance to check out the recently refurbished Gasparilla Island Grill. Gasparilla Island Grill Though we learned a little about the updated fare upon its reopening, we think several of the new offerings – specifically among the desserts – are better in person. Options include the Coconut Pot de Crème, Chocolate Mousse Pie, and the totally photo-ready Minnie Mouse Cupcake. Coconut Pot de Crème Chocolate Mousse Pie Minnie Mouse Cupcake You can even grab a specialty coffee to go with your dessert, or to kick-start your day. Specialty Coffee Menu Of course, plenty of savory entrees are also on the menu. Sandwich Bar We’ll be showing you around the new Sandwich Bar with a review soon! Contemporary Resort The Grand Floridian isn’t the only Resort stop on the Monorail with some new desserts. Stop by Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary. Contempo Cafe That’s where you’ll spot a Strawberry Tart and Chocolate Coffee Eclairs in the dessert case. Strawberry Tart Chocolate Coffee Eclairs And the current Contempo Featured Cupcake is Strawberry. Strawberry Cupcake And that about wraps it up for our latest trip Around the World! Here’s wishing you warm weather, sunny skies, and oodles of springtime fun… Fantasia Scene at Flower and Garden Festival Fantasia Scene at Flower and Garden Festival Butterfly at Flower and Garden Festival Oh, and don’t forget to take a gander at another great Disney Dining Tips videos from us here at DFB! We’d love to have you subscribe to our channel! … wherever you are! Until next time, Eat and Be Happy! Have you spotted something new recently in a trip around the World? We’d love to hear about it 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: What’s New Around Walt Disney World — January 23, 2017 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: February 28, 2017 What’s New Around Walt Disney World: July 19, 2016 View the full article

Meet Aulani’s ‘Ohana: Entertainment Activities Cast Member | Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa View the full article

The date was March 28, 1997 and pop singer Jewel had a hit song climbing the music charts. Meanwhile, another “jewel” was taking off as Walt Disney World Resort swung open the gates for the first time to its new sports complex. Now, 20 years later, that sports venue, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, continues to attract youth, college and professional athletes from around the world to a magical place where sports dreams come true almost every day. With more than 100 sports events held there annually, the sports complex stands as the preeminent venue for youth and professional sports in the nation. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of the sports complex today with commemorative 20th anniversary merchandise, nostalgic entertainment from 1997 and a special moment during the Braves-Orioles spring training baseball game when we recognized the 18 cast members who’ve been a part of the venue since it opened. It was a fitting tribute to a pioneering vision that blazed a new trail in youth sports tourism, spawning the proliferation of countless other youth sports complexes around the country that are part of what now is an estimated $7 billion youth sports industry. But the 20th anniversary celebration won’t end today. There will be more tributes throughout the year that commemorate the anniversary and emphasize the positive impact of youth sports. Additionally, there will be new sports-related initiatives announced that will continue Disney’s long-standing support of youth sports nationally and that will continue to drive tourism in Central Florida for the next 20 years and beyond. View the full article

One of the best things about staying at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa is partaking in the many on-site activities offered each day. Most of these experiences celebrate the Hawaiian culture, from learning to play ukulele to building miniature canoes for racing. And best of all, most activities are included with your stay! In the next episode of “Meet Aulani’s ‘Ohana,” you’ll meet Michelle, one of our entertainment activities cast members who leads arts and crafts, games, pool parties, movie nights and more! Our entertainment cast members can be easily identified throughout the resort by their bright green aloha shirts — and equally bright personalities. Meet Michelle in the video below: For a list of activities at Aulani Resort, check out the Daily ‘Iwa. What are you looking forward to on your next Hawaiian vacation? View the full article

Have you experienced Miss Adventure Falls yet? It’s the brand-new family raft attraction that just debuted to guests at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. One of the most story-driven attractions ever created for one of our water parks, Miss Adventure Falls tells the tale of Captain Mary Oceaneer, a world famous treasure-hunter and member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A). Years ago, the Captain made it her goal to sail the seven seas and collect treasures to share with the world. One day when Captain Mary was out diving for treasure, a rogue storm struck and carried her ship and precious artifacts all the way to Typhoon Lagoon! The details you’ll see on your journey to and through this family raft attraction give us a peek into the Captain’s adventures. The entrance of the attraction is composed of items found at the site of the Captain’s shipwreck, including a bird cage, a diving helmet, a vintage Adventurer’s magazine that features the Captain on the cover and more. The queue is also a treasure trove for the eye. Here, you’ll pass unopened crates of S.E.A. artifacts, crackers for the Captain’s parrot, as well as parrot-shaped footprints (a sign that the Captain’s diving partner, the parrot Duncan, may have walked this way). On the lift up to the waterslide entrance, you’ll pass the hull of the M.S. Salty IV, which appears to have been snapped in half by the storm. Inside, Mary’s parrot and trusted diving partner, Duncan, is busy chatting, singing, and keeping an eye out for even more treasure. You can peek inside to spy’s Duncan’s unique treasure collection, telescope and more. Will you check out Miss Adventure Falls on your next trip to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park? Tell us in the comments section below. View the full article

Hollywood’s annual gathering of movie studios and theater owners in Las Vegas, known at CinemaCon, normally opens with a cheerleading speech for the movie business dominated by talk of box office records and global growth. But the event’s opening remarks by Disney’s film distribution head, Dave... View the full article

Tina Fey Conquers Expedition Everest at Walt Disney World Resort View the full article

Heya! We’ve been busy compiling an amazing list — 20 Disney Snacks You HAVE to Try in 2017! — and it’s coming to you today in our latest DFB Video! Peanut Butter Pie Whether you’re looking for a new favorite dessert, treat, snack, meal, or drink, we have you covered! We just have one question for you: what are you gonna do with all of this awesome info? We suggest you don your stretchy pants, plan your route, and get ready to head out for some delicious fun. With treats like the Peanut Butter Pie from Contempo Cafe, or the Spikey Pineapple from Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, or the Classic Poutine from The Daily Poutine, you have your delicious work cut out for you! For ALL of our suggestions, tune into our video below! By the way, have you subscribed to the DFB YouTube Channel? If not, there’s never been a better time! Subscribe to today, and you’ll never miss all the fun, as we bring you an insider’s view to all of the delicious Disney treats and eats! But now, I really want to hear from you! Will you be trying our Top 20 in 2017? Tell us about it in the 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: DFB Video: Best of the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Eats! New DFB Video: Sneak Peek and Recommendations for the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival! New DFB Video: The Disney Dole Whip! View the full article

Walt Disney World may be dipping its toe into a virtual-queue system at its Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks. The resort began testing a reservation procedure for select attractions on Tuesday. The experiment will last into early April, according to various Internet reports and several... View the full article

It’s that time of year again, Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans! You know that here at DFB we pride ourselves on reporting Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info just as soon as we have it! And today, we’re sharing with you a look at the VERY FIRST artists you can expect to return for the 2017 Eat to the Beat concert series! Just in case you’re new to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, lemme tell you a little about what all this means. Eat to the Beat is a concert series that takes place during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, which runs this year from August 31-November 13. The series features musical acts from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s each year, and concerts take place most evenings of the Festival. Since this partial list is preliminary, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for additions and/or changes to the schedule! We will bring you all the latest news first! Eat to the Beat concerts are performed three times per evening, so you have three opportunities every night to see your favorite acts — at 5:30PM, 6:45PM, and 8:00PM. 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Line Up…So Far Note: this schedule is subject to change. August 31-September 1: Delta Rae October 4-5: Rumor: Christopher Cross October 14-15: Jeffrey Osbourne October 27-29: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas We’ll be updating our Eat to the Beat Schedule Page as soon as we have more bands confirmed! All concerts take place in the American Gardens Theater at Epcot’s America Pavilion. Concerts are “free” — included in the price of your Epcot admission! Lots of Festival goers plan their trips around which bands will be playing, so we’re pretty serious about bringing you news of bands and and dates as soon as we get our hands on them! Check back with our 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert schedule frequently to see updates. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Performing at Eat to the Beat We can’t wait for more Food and Wine info to be released! Be sure to join our DFB Newsletter for Epcot Food and Wine Festival details! Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available for pre-order! And if you pre-order the 2017 edition, you get the 2016 edition (with TONS of great info!) for FREE!!! This 250+-page guide to the Festival offers insider tips and advice as well as all of the details you need to know to plan your best Festival visit ever. Your purchase includes several bonus items as well — including a full daily schedule of events at the Festival and a printable World Showcase Booth Menu Checklist to carry with you as you Eat around the World! Order your 2017 edition today and we’ll immediately send you the 2016 edition for FREE to get started on planning right away! Don’t miss a moment of the fun! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Now let’s hear from all of you Eat to the Beat Fans — what music acts are you hoping to catch at this year’s Festival? Leave 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! 2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Preliminary Dates News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Preliminary Dates News! 2015 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule! View the full article

As we head into the spring season, there are so many things to look forward to at Tokyo Disney Resort. We recently shared our plans for an expanded ‘Disney’s Easter’ program, and this week we’re excited to announce the arrival of Duffy’s newest friend: StellaLou! This charming little lavender rabbit danced her way into Duffy’s heart in front of the S.S. Columbia at American Waterfront, where she confided her dream to dance on Broadway and taught him about the power of chasing your dreams. She’s the latest addition to Duffy’s cheerful group of friends, including ShellieMay and Gelatoni. Starting this Thursday at Tokyo DisneySea, you can purchase your own adorable StellaLou plush and enjoy some tasty treats inspired by our new friend at New York Deli and Cape Cod Cook-Off. Both come with a souvenir lunch case for you to eat with in style. There’s even a special strawberry mousse topped with a StellaLou chocolate medallion that comes with a souvenir cup. When ‘Disney’s Easter’ opens on April 4, you can meet StellaLou alongside Mickey and Duffy during “StellaLou’s Greeting Drive,” or take your StellaLou plush over to the American Waterfront for a few snapshots in our new photo spot alongside the S.S. Columbia. Even more merchandise will be made available at McDuck’s Department Store on April 10. Join us in giving a warm welcome to StellaLou, and keep an eye on the Disney Parks Blog for more from Tokyo Disney Resort. View the full article

There’s no shortage of adventure to be found when you visit Icy Strait Point with Disney Cruise Line this summer. From riding one of the longest and highest zip riders in the world, to roaming the land in an ATV or stream fishing in the wilderness, we have an adventure waiting for you. Here are just a few of my suggestions… Scenic Mountain Ascent and World’s Largest ZipRider – Adrenaline enthusiasts won’t want to miss their chance to brave the 5,330-foot-long ZipRider as you soar up to 60 miles an hour through the sky from a 1,300-foot vertical drop. Up to six riders can launch at the same time, giving you the chance to race to the bottom where you’ll gently touch down on the beach. At 300 feet above the rainforest, you’ll feel like you’re flying during this exhilarating 1.5-minute ride. In addition to an adrenaline rush, this truly unique adventure gives you sweeping views of Port Frederick and Icy Strait. ATV Expedition – This adventure into the wild gives you the incredible opportunity to navigate your own 4×4 off-road vehicle into the Alaska wilderness while soaking up stunning valley, mountain and ocean views along the ride. The self-drive ATV tour starts at the top of Hoonah Mountain and follows a remote dirt trail through the forests and valleys. Be sure to bring your camera , as you’ll make stops along the way when you can capture photographs of the wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Stream Fishing – With its protected, salmon-rich waters, Icy Strait Point is a prime destination for freshwater stream fishing. Your journey begins aboard a fully-appointed cabin cruiser power boat with only five other guests and a licensed captain. You will be provided with hip boots and all the gear needed to spin cast or fly fish along the banks. During this exciting catch-and-release fishing adventure, be prepared to experience the best-of-the-best salmon and trout fishing in Alaska’s pristine waters. Now that we’ve looked at Port Adventures focused on culture, wildlife and nature in Icy Strait Point, I hope you’re able to narrow down the abundant options offered for your family to create unforgettable memories on your Alaska cruise with us this summer. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Today the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex celebrates its 20th anniversary. Since it opened in 1997 the story of our ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort has been written through the athletes who have passionately competed on its fields, courts and diamonds. Each year ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts more than 100 annual athletic events and over the years those events have featured more than 70 different sports for amateur and professional athletes alike. The complex has become a place where athletes challenge themselves, push their limits, reach new heights and make their sports dreams come true in ways only Disney can do. So to commemorate the complex’s 20th anniversary, let’s take a trip down memory lane to look at the Top 20 moments in ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex history and then check out a video highlight reel of some of our biggest sports milestones. 1. March 28, 1997 — Grand opening of Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex included a spring training Major League Baseball game featuring the Atlanta Braves as they defeated the Cincinnati Reds, 9-7, in front of a sellout crowd of more than 10,000 2. July 5-12, 1997 — First AAU Boys Basketball National Championship 3. December 7-13, 1998 — First Pop Warner Super Bowl and Cheer & Dance National Championship 4. February 13 – March 25, 1998 — Atlanta Braves relocate to the sports complex from West Palm Beach for spring training 5. December 26-30, 2000 — Disney’s Soccer Showcase, the premier youth soccer event in the nation, begins its first year at the complex 6. July 29 – August 21, 2002 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp marks first NFL pre-season training camp at the complex 7. March 7-10, 2006 — The opening games of the Inaugural World Baseball Classic take place 8. July 6, 2008 — Grand opening of the J Center, the multi-sport facility that houses cheer and dance, basketball and volleyball courts 9. March 6-8, 2009 — Inaugural Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend 10. February 25, 2010 — A host of sports stars help kick off the opening of the newly re-imagined ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex 11. October 1-3, 2010 — More than 14,000 runners dined and dashed through the runDisney Kids Races, 5K and half marathon in the inaugural Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend 12. February 11, 2012 — First Lady Michelle Obama speaks to hundreds of children and their parents about the importance of healthy living during “Let’s Move!” health initiative event 13. June 19-27, 2012 — AAU sets the Guinness Book of World Records for largest volleyball tournament division 14. January 13, 2013 — 20th anniversary of Walt Disney World Marathon 15. March 29 – September 6, 2014 — Orlando City Soccer plays full regular soccer season at the complex 16. February 27, 2014 — ESPN relocates John Gruden’s QB Camp to the complex 17. April 15-17, 2016 — More than 43,000 runners channeled the power of The Force for the inaugural Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side 18. May 5-12, 2016 — Over 500 wounded, ill and injured military personnel compete in 10 sporting events during the Invictus Games led by Prince Harry 19. September 9-10, 2016 — Night of Joy event held at the complex for the first time 20. January 25-28, 2017 — NFL Pro Bowl Week moves from Hawaii to Orlando with a full week of football events, activities and practices at the complex For a look at these magical memories check out this video of highlights from the past 20 years! View the full article

Casey’s Corner is a staple for many Disney World visitors. Learn About: Casey’s Corner Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants And it’s certainly long been a staple for us here at the DFB! You may recall when we took on the challenge of sampling all of the spot’s Specialty Hot Dogs, which included the Chili-Cheese Dog. Though the specialty dogs themselves have seen their fair share of changes (especially thanks to the new monthly rotation of Featured Hot Dogs for 2017), the Chili-Cheese Hot Dog has remained a solid standby. But even standbys can change, and you’re about to see how this one has, too. Our story begins when Plastic Cheese was removed from Counter Service locations all over Disney World. And while this isn’t exactly “news” anymore, we’re still seeing — and, frankly, emotionally processing — the effects of that change. One of those changes, as you might anticipate, occurred with the Chili-Cheese Hot Dog at Casey’s. And I’d been kiiiiind of putting off this review because — SPOILER ALERT — I figured, right off the bat (Casey’s baseball pun not intended… much), that my enjoyment would likely be diminished. Chili Cheese Hot Dog The Plastic Cheese was replaced by finely shredded cheddar when the disappearance occurred. Chili Cheese Hot Dog Close-Up As far as shredded cheese goes, there’s plenty of it. When I dug into the dog, I realized that there was actually more cheese than chili. The chili, which hasn’t changed, was fairly overwhelmed. Chili Cheese Hot Dog Cross-Section Unlike our ready-to-run plastic cheese, the shredded doesn’t do a great job of melting, so it tended to clump on the top. Fortunately, the Casey’s hot dog itself is still tasty as ever. And…cheese is still cheese. Even if it is sub-optimal. We ordered the regular dog (as opposed to the Foot long), which costs $10.79 and comes with a heaping side of fries. French Fries Of note is the potato roll that is used on the regular-length dogs. Chili Cheese Hot Dog Bun It was tasty, but not entirely up to the task of taming the toppings. The footlong version of the Chili-Cheese Hot Dog is $12.29 and comes on a traditional roll. Chili Cheese Hot Dog with Fries I mean, sure, I still enjoyed my hot dog, as it’s hard to argue with classic combo of chili, cheese, and a hot dog. But, boy, did I feel the absence of my plastic cheese… to absolutely no one’s surprise. Here’s the thing: we’ve been keeping tabs on this whole sitch, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t continue to fill you in on the status of Plastic Cheese. Because, lo and behold, we have definitely taken notice of its return here and there among certain items in the parks. For instance, currently you can enjoy Plastic Cheese on at least THREE French Fry dishes around the World: the Loaded Plaza Fries at The Plaza Restaurant, the (outstanding!!) French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese at Flame Tree Barbecue, and the Chili Cheese Fries at Restaurantosaurus. (Oddly, it is NOT found on top of the Chili Cheese DOG at Restaurantosaurus, just the fries. That’s weird, right?) As you can see, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of rhyme or reason to it. But you can count on one thing, at least: whenever and wherever we DO spot it, we’ll be letting you know right here. Signing off from Casey’s! Is Casey’s Corner a must-do for you? Let us know in the comments! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Mac-and-Cheese Hot Dog Returns to Casey’s Corner for a Limited Time Review: Corn Dog Nugget Meal Now Available at Casey’s Corner in Disney World Tip from the DFB Guide to Magic Kingdom Snacks: DIY Chili Cheese Fries! View the full article

Disney's live-action "Beauty and the Beast" performed even better than expected in its second weekend in theaters, adding $90.4 million to its North American grosses, which now tally at $319 million. "Beauty and the Beast" easily topped the crop of newcomers, including Lionsgate's "Power Rangers"... View the full article