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We are just a little over a month away from the start of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and it’s all starting to fall into place! Soon, we’ll be hanging out, trying new things and enjoying old favorites at Marketplace Booths. And with 35 booths to choose from, situated within World Showcase as well as Future World, there are tons of great eats and drinks to choose from! (See all of the menus here.) We expect to eat way more than 11 things — but you need to start somewhere! So whether you’re crunched for time, on a budget, or just want the CliffsNotes version of what you’ve gotta try, we’re getting you ready for this year’s Dine Around by sharing the 11 Things You MUST Eat at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. Le Cellier Filet and Canadian Cheddar Soup — Canada The Canada Booth is the undisputed champion of the festival. No — seriously. Sales at this booth top all others (which has been known to spark a little competition among the “countries,” we hear). And while it’s a given that we’re stopping here for the Le Cellier Filet, you might have a hard choice to make between this dish (it’s soooo gooooooood) and the Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup. Le Cellier Wild Mushroom Beef Filet Mignon with Truffle Butter Sauce So do what we do. Don’t choose. Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup with Pretzel Roll Done and Done. You’re welcome. Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese — Active Eats So this one has bounced around a bit. It was at Farm Fresh (Because why?), but now it’s at Active Eats. We assume this is because giant carb loading is helpful when you’re walking a thousand hundred miles a day. Loaded mac and cheese with Nueske’s pepper bacon cheddar cheese peppers and green onions Whatever. Loaded Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Nueske’s® Pepper Bacon, Cheddar Cheese, Peppers and Green Onions? Get it. Start Your Planning NOW! News! The DFB Guide to the 2017 Epcot Food & Wine Festival e-Book is now available to order! 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! Use code Chefs at check-out for a 20% discount! Be sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for all of the latest coverage about the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival. We’ll have the details FIRST! Escondidinho de Carne – Brazil When is Shepherd’s Pie even better? When it comes from Brazil and has a cool name, like Escondidinho de Carne, or “Little Hidden One”. It’s a savory pie, layered with meat and mashed yucca, a nice, slightly sweeter starch than potato. Escondidinho de Carne And it’s awesome. Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle — Chocolate Studio If you’re looking for a little something sweet, you’ve gotta head to the Chocolate Studio to try the Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey-Caramel. Chocolate Studio Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel It’s hot, it’s cold, it’s chocolate, and at least in the past, it was massive. What’s not to love? Seared Scallops — Coastal Eats We were pretty excited to see Coastal Eats as one of the new booths this year. And to make this inaugual year a success, they’re going with a perennial food and wine favorite: Seared Scallops. Seared Scallops with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and Chili-Chipotle Butter Sauce Served with Roasted Corn and Butterbean Succotash and a Chili-Chipotle Butter Sauce, this was one of our favorite new dishes at festival preview events, and I think you’re gonna love it. A lot. Smoked Corned Beef with Beer Fondue — Flavors From Fire But in the top spot so far this year, we found a new love: the Smoked Corned Beef with Warm Crispy Potatoes (aka potato chips). Find it at Flavors From Fire, a new booth that celebrates heat! Flavors from Fire Smoked Corned Beef With Pickled Onions and a Blonde Ale Beer Fondue made with Romano and America Grana Cheeses, this one takes the prize for incredible, rich flavors. Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash — Hawai’i We’ve grown accustomed to visiting the Hawai’i Booth each year for our serving of Kalua Pork Sliders. That combo of slow-roasted Pork with a tangy Pineapple Chutney is killer (and here’s a recipe if you need to scratch that itch TODAY.) But there’s a NKOTB, and the Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions, and Spicy Mayonnaise is surprisingly tasty. Teriyaki-glazed SPAM® Hash with Potatoes, Peppers and Onions and Spicy Mayonnaise Wash it down with a Maui Brewing Company Bikini Blonde Lager, and you have the makings of a perfect Hawai’ian mini meal. Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese — Hops and Barley I know, I know. You’ve seen this before. But it’s okay, because part of the excitement each year is welcoming back those favorites alongside all that’s new and adventurous. And this dish is totally top tier. The Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast at Hops and Barley is amazing. Rich and tender, with all of that thick Texas Toast to keep you from making a total mess. Smoked Beef Brisket and Pimento Cheese served on Griddled Garlic Toast But grab a fork and some napkins anyway. You’re gonna need them. Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip — Ireland Another stop that hasn’t changed things up for about a bazillion years is Ireland — and they’re featuring two new dishes! While we await the chance to sample Roasted Irish Sausage with Colcannon Potatoes and Onion Gravy (not gonna lie — we have high hopes), I tried the Warm Irish Cheddar Cheese and Stout Dip with Irish Brown Bread at a preview event and it’s rivaling the corned beef for my favorite dish of the festival right now. Warm Irish Cheese and Stout Dip I realize this comes as a surprise to absolutely no one, but that combo of beer and Irish cheese in a cheese sauce with a hearty bread for dipping had me going back for seconds and thirds. Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef — Thailand Finally, we make our way around to one of the booths that returns this year — Thailand. The booth offers a good variety of flavors. We’ve tried the Red Hot Spicy Thai Curry Beef with Steamed Rice and love the heat you find in this dish. Red Hot Spicy Curry Beef We’re looking forward to trying the other options here, such as Marinated Chicken with Peanut Sauce and Stir-fried Vegetables and Seared Shrimp and Scallop Cake with Cold Noodle Salad. With all of those hashes, stews and cheesy dishes at other stops, this lighter fare will feel like spa food, I’m guessing. Want More Epcot Food and Wine Festival Info? We’ll have all the coverage and information you need right here on Disney Food Blog! 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Booth and Menu Index 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Special Events 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Low-Cost Seminars and Demonstrations 2017 Eat to the Beat Concert Schedule Epcot Food and Wine Festival Fans Facebook Page 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Wine and Dine Half Marathon 2017 Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Food and Wine Festival 101 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Gluten Free Items How to Book Epcot Food & Wine Festival Events To book all special events and demonstrations, call 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378) starting July 20 at 7:00AM ET. Culinary Demonstrations and Beverage Seminars and general admission for some special events may be bookable online at www.epcotfoodfestival.com as well as by phone. Tables in Wonderland members, Annual Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak Residents are eligible for a $2 discount (per person, per event) for beverage and seminars and culinary demos taking place Mon-Thurs during the festival. Members of these groups can also book all Special Events early on July 18th beginning at 9:00AM ET. Discounts are by phone only at 407-WDW-FEST (939-3378). Stay tuned to DisneyFoodBlog.com and the Disney Food Blog Newsletter for details. Chase Disney Visa Cardholders will not have early access to booking. Now tell me: What are your top dishes to try at this year’s Epcot Food and Wine Festival? Leave a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Don’t Miss These Five Booths at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival This Year! New DFB Video: Sneak Peek at the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival! What NOT to Do at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival! View the full article

Classic attractions have returned to Disneyland park with today’s official reopening of the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America attractions. Yesterday, we celebrated in grand style – with some special guests! John Lasseter, Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering, kicked off the celebration with his own train, the Marie E, making a special trip around Disneyland park. The Marie E was previously owned by Lasseter’s mentor, animator and Disney Legend Ollie Johnston – one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men.” In tow was the Chloe, formerly owned by another of Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” animator and Disney Legend Ward Kimball, whose passion for the railroad inspired Walt’s own love of trains. These classic engines were followed by the Disneyland Railroad itself, full of Disney characters and Disneyland park cast members, as fireworks shot into the blue summer sky and the train traveled across the brand-new elevated trestle above the beautiful new north bank of the Rivers of America. Experience the return of these classics for yourself aboard the Disneyland Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Sailing Ship Columbia and Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, now open at Disneyland park! View the full article

Disney Parks How-To Make a Bento Box Magical: Hei Hei From Disney’s ‘Moana’ View the full article

One of our favorite fall food and wine events is the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic. The event takes place one weekend during the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. This year, you can enjoy this incredible dine around on Friday, October 27, and Saturday, October 28! The hallmark of the Food and Wine Classic is the Causeway Event. The grand tasting includes food and wine booths set up along the resort’s picturesque promenade. Guests can visit tents from the resort’s 17 restaurants. In addition, beverage booths serve a dizzying array of beer and wine from around the world! (See the full list of menus here.) But the event’s true hidden gems are the Seminars that take place every year. Choose from classes that cover beer and wine, spirits, and pairing experiences — even Pasta making! There are ten basic seminars, plus a grand tasting experience to choose from. And for a limited time, you can take $10 off of ten of the more popular seminars. Just use code SUMMER when you check out! From Base to Bubbles Seminar Will you choose Wine Blending or the Champagne seminar, From Base to Bubbles? How about the Fine Art of Sushi and Sake or Pasta Making? (See our reviews on Mixology and From Base to Bubbles here.) Whatever you choose, you’re guaranteed that the experience will be informative, fun, and delicious. If you’d like to take advantage of this discount, hurry! It’s only available now through September 1. For more information on the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic, head over to our main Food and Wine Classic Menu and Seminar Pages. To book your seminar, check out the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Main Page. The Causeway And don’t forget — book your seminar today with code SUMMER, and take $10 off! Will you be attending a Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Seminar this year? Let us know which one in 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: News! 2013 Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic Menus and Seminars News! Tickets Now on Sale for Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin’s Food and Wine Classic News! 2014 WDW Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic Dates and Seminars View the full article

Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America are officially returning to Disneyland park tomorrow, and this morning we celebrated these iconic attractions with some special guests, including John Lasseter, Principal Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering, and a host of Disney characters! Take a look at this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Experience these classics for yourself when the Disneyland Railroad and Rivers of America return to Disneyland park tomorrow! View the full article

Who doesn’t love capping off a night at Disney World with a Fireworks spectacular? I know I do, whether I’m standing shoulder-to-shoulder with literally thousands of other guests in the Hub of Magic Kingdom or taking it all in from the balcony at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. But there is one thing that can make a nighttime show even better… Desserts at the Happily Ever After fireworks dessert party And that’s DESSERT. Better yet, make that plural: DESSERTS. That’s where Fireworks Viewing Parties come in! At present Disney is offering the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Hollywood Studios, and the Frozen Ever After Dessert Party at Epcot, which pairs desserts and a ride on the Frozen Ever After attraction with a showing of IllumiNations. But on my last trip, I booked what might be the highest in demand of them all: the Happily Ever After Dessert Party (technically named the Fireworks Dessert Party) at Magic Kingdom. Happily Ever After Like all dessert parties (and other special events), the Fireworks Dessert Party can be booked at DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. You’ll want to check available times as early as possible as it can be a bit tricky to snag a reservation. While it can be a good idea to start checking within the 180-day out Advance Dining Reservation window, we have seen parties open up only as much as 30-60 days ahead, since there are plenty of instances when showtimes (which directly affect the Party start time) aren’t established much before that timeframe. sparkling cider and desserts at fireworks dessert party in Magic Kingdom When booking the Fireworks Dessert Party, you’ll actually find TWO different opportunities for viewing: Garden Plaza Viewing takes guests into the Garden Plaza in the Hub in front of the Castle to enjoy the show, and therefore offers no seating during the fireworks. Tomorrowland Terrace Viewing, however, offers seating during the show. No matter which you choose, you’ll sit at Tomorrowland Terrace while enjoying your desserts, even if you’ve booked the Garden Plaza standing view for the actual show. Tomorrowland Terrace Seating As far as viewing from Tomorrowland Terrace, the views from the seated area do vary a bit. The closer you are to the railing, the better your view, generally speaking. View from Tomorrowland Terrace Whether you book the Tomorrowland Terrace or Garden Plaza option, the desserts part of the party itself is one in the same and gives you all-you-care-to-enjoy desserts and beverages. The parties begin 60-75 minutes ahead of the start of Happily Ever After, and you’ll check in with some friendly cast members before entering the party area. Check In Desk Of course, once you’re in, you’ll be treated to a full array of desserts and drinks, buffet-style! Dessert Buffet I imagine you’re curious as to what those are . Let’s go down the line! NOTE: as is the case with most Disney dessert parties, none of these desserts are life-changing. They’re all pretty mediocre. The Raspberry Chocolate Cake was moist, and I liked the contrast between the rich chocolate and the tart berry. Raspberry Chocolate Cake The S’mores Tarts were a fun option, with toasted marshmallow topping, big chunks of dark chocolate, and a graham cracker crust. S’mores Tarts Red Velvet Cupcakes feature bright yellow cream cheese frosting and a Happily Ever After shard of printed white chocolate. Red Velvet Cupcakes But why have one cupcake when you can have two? These Dark Chocolate Cupcakes are topped with purple frosting to lend an air of drama appropriate to the colorful show. Chocolate Cupcakes Creamy and fruity Strawberry Tarts are finished off with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh berry. Strawberry Tarts These shiny Macarons were light and crispy on the outside with a soft interior. Macarons Meanwhile, the Pineapple Delights married pineapple compote, sweet cream, and a fresh sliver of pineapple for a fun alternative to heavier treats. Pineapple Delights Likewise, the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries offered a juicy and refreshing bite, plus they’re a classic go-to even for picky dessert eaters. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries For those looking to indulge even further, the Cheesecake Brownie Bites fit the bill. In keeping with most Disney round cheesecakes, the cheesecake was soft rather than dense, but the brownie bite was nice and fudgy. Cheesecake Brownies Mickey ears make an appearance on these Grey Stuff Oreos! Okay, though the topping is not exactly “The Grey Stuff” a la Be Our Guest Restaurant, the piped cookies-and-cream topping is fun to eat on the crispy Oreos. Though this was the most “phone-in-in” dessert I’ve seen on a Disney dessert buffet. Grey Stuff and Oreos Also available at the party were small Hot Fudge Sundaes, prepared to order by a cast member. (Note: the line gets LONG for these.) Sundaes And finally, the sweets finished up with Chocolate Chip and Sugar Cookies and some Frost-Your-Own Cupcakes. (I didn’t ask if the frosting bags counted as all-you-care-to-enjoy, but I was tempted!) Cookies and Cupcakes To counteract all that sugar, guests can also enjoy Cheese Cubes and an array of fresh fruit. Cheese Cubes In case you’re traveling with younger guests and are worried they won’t find suitable treats, there’s a super fun Kids’ Kabob Plate. Components can be skewered on a souvenir Mickey Straw and dunked in a cup of melted chocolate. Yum! Kids’ Kabob Plate Beverages include champagne flutes of Sparkling Apple Juice, in case you’re looking to class it up. Sparkling Apple Juice Drinks include hot and cold options, and we’ll start with the cold since the heat of Florida sumer is still very much on as I write this. Beverage Options First from the left in the picture below is POG Juice! This passion fruit, orange, and guava juice combo is a big hit with guests at locations like ‘Ohana. Other fruity options include Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade. Fruity Drink Options Water, Milk, and Unsweetened Tea are also available, as is some sugar from the hot beverages area if you need. Water, Milk, and Unsweetened Tea Hot beverages include Coffee, Decaf Coffee, Hot Water for Twinings Tea, and Hot Cocoa. There are several tea bag options and all the necessary accompaniments. Hot Beverages And now… for the BIG SHOW!! After all, you’re really booking the party for a terrific view of the Happily Ever After projection and fireworks show, and this truly is a great location for that purpose. And the Garden Plaza option offers a terrific view as well… without waiting in the Hub for an hour prior to showtime and still having a bit of trouble finding a spot! View from the Seated Area Nosh or Not? Now, let’s talk price, because obviously that’s a major factor in deciding if a Magic Kingdom Fireworks Party is a good value for you and your traveling group. The Fireworks Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace (that’s the one that includes seating during the show) is $79 per adult and $47 per child ages 3 to 9. The Fireworks Dessert Party with Garden Plaza Viewing (from the Hub without seating during the show) is $59 per adult and $35 per child ages 3 to 9. Personally, I think this is actually a good deal (a better deal for plaza garden viewing, but still a decent deal for seated viewing) and it’s something I would do again. The Fireworks Dessert Party Might Be For You If: You’re looking for a failsafe way to see Happily Ever After. Booking the party — either plaza garden viewing or seated viewing — guarantees you a great view of the show. If you believe time is money and you don’t want to waste time looking for a good viewing spot, or holding it down once you do, this is a winner. You have a super sweet tooth. This many desserts might be overkill for some, but if you love sweet stuff and are totally willing to make a meal of it, this is a good option for you. You’re celebrating a special event. This is a lower-cost way to indulge in a Disney “enchanted extra” event. The Fireworks Dessert Party Might Not Be For You If: You don’t care much for desserts or have a specific food allergy or dietary requirement that doesn’t allow you to eat desserts. Just the viewing alone isn’t enough to make the price worth it. You have a huge family. The price adds up FAST here. You’re on a significant budget. The price is worth it in my opinion, but if I was on a super budget trip to Disney World this would definitely get the ax. You can find good spots for Happily, and just grab a mickey bar on your way. So, yes, it is for sure a splurge, but your group may find that the desserts, convenience, great view, and that bit of VIP feel may be well worth it to celebrate a special occasion or just make a magical memory together! Have you enjoyed a Fireworks Dessert Party at the Parks? Tell us about your experience in the comments! Looking for tips for seeing Happily Ever After in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom? Check out our youTube video with our advice! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: New-ish Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party to Debut at Magic Kingdom on October 1st Guest Review: Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party News: Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party Takes Over FastPass Viewing Area in the Magic Kingdom View the full article

Why not try a new sweet each day during your weeklong vacation aboard the Disney Fantasy? Sweet on You is your one-stop shop for all things yummy, from hand-crafted gelato and ice cream to decadent chocolates, candies and more. Start with two scoops, and then pick out something special from the colorful display of assorted desserts. Keeping with the shop’s colorful and whimsical décor, each dessert is artfully crafted with charming details. The recipe I’m sharing with you today puts a new spin on classic Rice Krispies treats. Try it first at home, and then head on into Sweet on You during your next Disney Fantasy cruise! Rice Krispies Bars Makes 35 Rice Krispies bars Ingredients: 1/3 cup unsalted butter 1.5 cup mini marshmallows 5.5 ounces Rice Krispy’s cereal 1/3 cup raspberry jam 1 tsp red food coloring Candy for garnish Directions: Place the cereal in a mixing bowl with the raspberry jam and red food coloring. Melt the butter and mini marshmallows in a bowl. Fold the melted marshmallow mixture into the cereal mixture until combined. Spread the mixture into Twinkie molds, or another shape of your choice, and demold in 5 minutes. Garnish with candy if desired. View the full article

There are many ways to stay cool during a warm day at the Disneyland Resort, like stopping for a rest in a nice, shady spot. There are lots of peaceful places to take a break throughout the resort, and today we are showing you some of our favorites in Disneyland park. Take a look! What is your favorite shady spot in Disneyland park? Tell us in the comments! View the full article

Two pastry chefs at Walt Disney World have risen to the top of their industry. Stefan Riemer and Olivier Saintemarie have been named to this year’s Dessert Professional magazine list of Top 10 pastry chefs in America. Both became interested in the field as children. Riemer, the executive pastry... View the full article

Two pastry chefs at Walt Disney World have risen to the top of their industry. Stefan Riemer and Olivier Saintemarie have been named to this year’s Dessert Professional magazine list of Top10 pastry chefs in America. Both became interested in the field as children. Riemer, the executive pastry... View the full article

#DisneyKids: Dazzling Fireworks Display Delights | Magic Kingdom View the full article

Theme park fans, celebrities and others took to internet platforms to mourn Marty Sklar, longtime Imagineer, who died at age 83 Thursday in California. He worked with Walt Disney himself and had a hand in many attractions around the world. Others recalled meeting him or seeing him at the D23 Expo... View the full article

Before you know it, the first day of school will be here. So today, we’re visiting Disney Springs for a first look at some “must have” back to school items and accessories to make this year extra magical. At Disney Springs, finding a great school outfit is easy. Levi’s has a large selection of kids’ clothing, and offers custom tailoring, hemming and embroidery to help create a comfortable, unique look. Also, UNIQLO is packed with back to school essentials and has a variety of Disney-inspired clothing to show off your favorite character in style. There are also some great deals on school outfits at Disney Springs. Superdry is offering $50 off your purchase of $200 or more August 18 through September 5, and when you spend more than $100 at Shore, you’ll receive a drawstring backpack August 18 through August 20. For more back to school staples, check out Columbia Sportswear, Volcom and LACOSTE. Finding a perfect backpack is simple at Disney Springs. CURL by Sammy Duvall has a variety of Disney-inspired Jansport backpacks. And Vera Bradley and Kipling in the Town Center also have backpacks and bags in a wide assortment of styles and colors. Both locations offer custom embroidery on all products, including pencil cases, lunchboxes, and more. Need accessories? World of Disney is now offering an impressive assortment of pens, pencils, notebooks, and tablet cases. Francescas also has a fun selection of back to school items as well as a variety of stylish jewelry and accessories. If you’re looking for shades, be sure to stop by Sunglass ICON and APEX by Sunglass Hut. Both are offering $40 off a second pair of polarized glasses when you purchase one full-priced pair. Edward Beiner, a location that can fill your eyeglass prescription in-store, is another great option to eyewear – offering the latest lens and frame styles for all ages. You can “pair” your new school outfit with a perfect pair of socks at the World of Disney or sock-specialty store Stance, carrying Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel-inspired collections for your feet. Specialty footwear retailers Sperry and UGG are offering promotions during the back to school shopping season. Visit Sperry for 30% off select styles, now through August 18. At UGG, enjoy complimentary customization up to $20 on any purchase of Kids’ Classic II product. Fit2Run, the Runners Superstore and Melissa Shoes both offer Disney character-inspired footwear selections to complete your first day of school outfit. College-bound students looking to fill their toiletries bags should stop by Basin. The store is offering $10 off when you purchase a body butter, scrub, and three bath bombs together from August 4 through 6. And Sugarboo & Co. has all of your dorm essentials. When you purchase any pillow August 11 through 20, you can purchase a second one at half off. If you build up an appetite during back to school shopping, Wolfgang Puck Express in the Marketplace is offering a free kids meal with the purchase of one adult entrée from August 4 through August 13. If you’re looking for some refreshing sorbetto, Vivoli il Gelato in the Landing will cool your palate with their seasonal pineapple, watermelon and cherry flavors. And stopping by Ghirardelli is the perfect way to enjoy that end-of-summer sundae, as well as satisfy that sweet tooth. Check out Disney Springs for your back to school shopping and share your favorites with us using #DisneySprings on Twitter and Instagram. View the full article

Our latest Disney Night of Joy Artist Spotlight focuses on a spectacular singer known for stunning vocals, combined with an intense emotional connection – Natalie Grant. Natalie has been a consistently-powerful voice in Christian Music since the late ‘90s with hits like “Held,” “I Will Not Be Moved” and “Hurricane.” Her latest record is called “Be One,” whose title track challenges listeners “Why sit around and wait for a miracle to come when we can be one.” The album and single “King of the World” were both nominated for Grammy awards. Natalie’s been very busy since her last appearance with us in 2002 — she’s been raising three girls, creating hit records, and becoming a popular book author with Glimmer Girls, a four-book series specifically written for tween girls. She also has a new book for adult women called Finding Your Voice: What Every Woman Needs to Live Her God-Given Passions Out Loud. We caught up with Natalie on a break from the KLOVE Fan Awards in Nashville a couple of months ago. Tickets are now on sale for Disney Night of Joy 2017. Guest can check out nightofjoy.com or 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more can click here or call 877-NITE-JOY to purchase group tickets and learn about group discounts and benefits. A little reminder about this year’s talent: (Entertainment subject to change.) Friday, Sept. 8 – MercyMe, TobyMac, Natalie Grant, Zach Williams, Danny Gokey, Matt Maher, Colton Dixon, Rend Collective Saturday, Sept. 9 – Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, Crowder, Jeremy Camp, Tye Tribbett. For more information, stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for updates on entertainment and events. View the full article

At the recent D23 Expo, a live demonstration of Daniel Drake from “Dancakes” at the Oh My Disney booth caught our eye. Daniel is a “pancake artist” who creates beautiful (and delicious!) pancakes inspired by Disney characters. We sat down with him in between sessions to learn more about how he became inspired to create Disney character pancake art and watch a few of his demos. Check out the video above for a look inside his work or visit Oh My Disney to watch more of his videos. View the full article

We are coming to you from Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom with something extra special in today’s DFB Video. Yep. We are talking Disney Food Snack Hacks. And the Mickey Ear Cookie Ice Cream Sammy is one of our favorite creations! Mickey Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich How does this amazingness become yours? Well, it takes a little leg work, but I promise you that it’s SO Worth. It. All of the action takes place on Main Street USA, where you’ll first gather your cookies at Main Street Confectionery, before heading to Plaza Ice Cream Parlor to finish the heavy lifting. Tune into our video to get our tips and tricks for turning this fantasy treat into your very own reality! And if you love this video, there’s plenty more for you to enjoy over on our DFB YouTube Channel! What’s that? You wish we’d tell you each and every time we release a video? But we so doooo! Just hit that big “subscribe” button — yep, that one right there — and we’ll drop you an email whenever we publish a new video. We normally have a new episode for you twice each week! What are you waiting for? Head over to watch our how to, and then let us know: is the The Mickey Ear Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich on your Disney Snack Hack Bucket List now? Leave a comment and let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney World Food Hack: The Mickey Ear Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich New DFB Video: Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bars! New DFB Video: Tajin Dole Whip Hack in Disneyland View the full article

Marty Sklar, a longtime Imagineer who had creative input in Disney attractions ranging from “it’s a small world” to Epcot, has died. He was 83. Sklar died at his home in Hollywood Hills, Calif., on Thursday. “Everything about Marty was legendary – his achievements, his spirit, his career,” Bob... View the full article

Marty Sklar, a longtime Imagineer who had creative input in Disney attractions ranging from “it’s a small world” to Epcot, has died. He was 83. He died at his home in Hollywood Hills, Calif., on Thursday. “Everything about Marty was legendary — his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob... View the full article

Legendary Disney Imagineer Martin A. “Marty” Sklar passed away in his Hollywood Hills home on Thursday. He was 83. During an illustrious career spanning 54 years, Marty worked closely with Walt Disney and was instrumental in creating, enhancing and expanding Disney’s creative vision. Named a Disney Legend in 2001, he is best remembered and revered by fans around the world for his work bringing Disney’s theme parks to life. “Everything about Marty was legendary – his achievements, his spirit, his career,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “He embodied the very best of Disney, from his bold originality to his joyful optimism and relentless drive for excellence. He was also a powerful connection to Walt himself. No one was more passionate about Disney than Marty and we’ll miss his enthusiasm, his grace, and his indomitable spirit.” Born in New Brunswick, N.J., on February 6, 1934, Marty was a student at UCLA and editor of its Daily Bruin newspaper when he was recruited to create The Disneyland News for Walt’s new theme park in 1955. After graduating in 1956, he joined Disney full-time, and would go on to serve as Walt’s right-hand man—scripting speeches, marketing materials, and a film showcasing Walt’s vision for Walt Disney World and Epcot. During this period, he also joined WED Enterprises, the forerunner of Walt Disney Imagineering, and he would later become the creative leader of Imagineering, leading the development of Disney theme parks and attractions for the next three decades. He retired as Executive Vice President and Imagineering Ambassador on July 17, 2009, Disneyland’s 54th birthday. Disney marked the occasion by paying tribute to Marty with the highest Parks and Resorts recognition, dedicating a window in his name on Disneyland’s City Hall. “Marty was the ultimate Disney Imagineer and Cast Member. From his days working as an intern with Walt to just two weeks ago engaging with fans at D23 Expo, Marty left an indelible mark on Disney Parks around the globe and on all of the guests who make memories every day with us,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “He was one of the few people that was fortunate to attend the opening of every single Disney park in the world, from Anaheim in 1955 to Shanghai just last year. We will dearly miss Marty’s passion, skill and imaginative spark that inspired generations of Cast, Crew and Imagineers.” Bob Weis was one of those Imagineers. “Marty was one of Walt’s most trusted advisors and helped turn his most ambitious dreams into reality. For us, it’s hard to imagine a world without Marty, because Marty is synonymous with Imagineering,” said Weis, President, Walt Disney Imagineering. “His influence can be seen around the world, in every Disney park, and in the creative and imaginative work of almost every professional in the themed entertainment industry.” Marty’s impact and achievements were recognized with a number of prestigious awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement award from TEA (Themed Entertainment Association), induction into the Hall of Fame of IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), and the prestigious Professional Achievement Award from UCLA. He also authored several books about his experiences and adventures at Disney: Dream It! Do It!: My Half-Century Creating Disney’s Magic Kingdoms (2013), and One Little Spark!: Mickey’s Ten Commandments and The Road to Imagineering (2015). Marty is survived by his wife of 60 years, Leah; son Howard and his wife, Katriina Koski-Sklar; grandchildren Gabriel and Hannah; daughter Leslie; and grandchildren Rachel and Jacob. Marty and Leah were two of the founders of the Ryman Program for Young Artists, a project of Ryman Arts, a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to teach and mentor “traditional” drawing and painting skills to talented young artists in Southern California. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marty’s name to Ryman Arts at www.rymanarts.org. View the full article

Tonight’s “After Dark” image was snapped at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and wow, is that a great shot of the moon! This photo, taken of the Mickey Mouse statue that sits atop the Crossroads of the World merchandise shop, welcomes guests at the entrance of the park. Crossroads of the World is the first-stop shop for guest entering the park to grab early Mickey ears, pins, autograph books and pens, camera accessories and other must-have supplies needed for a perfect day in the park. View the full article

The new-look Mission: Space attraction at Epcot will debut Aug. 13, Walt Disney World announced on Thursday. The ride, which opened in the theme park’s Future World in 2003, will feature two distinct experiences. The Orange Mission side will include the force of a space launch to Mars, Disney says.... View the full article

Members booking last-minute vacations at select Concierge Collection Resorts are taking advantage of a 40 percent reduction in vacation point values for stays completed by Sept. 15, 2017. Eligible Concierge Collection resorts include: Brighton Tokyo Bay (Tokyo, Japan) Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park (Chicago, Illinois) The Fairmont San Francisco (San Francisco, California) Hotel del Coronado (San Diego, California) Hotel Palomar (Washington, D.C.) Hyatt Regency Maui (Maui, Hawai‘i) Keystone Resort (Keystone, Colorado) Le Parker Meridien (New York City, New York) Mandarin Oriental (Washington, D.C.) Nine Zero Hotel (Boston, Massachusetts) Resort at Squaw Creek (Lake Tahoe, California) Royal Garden Hotel (London, England) The Sagamore (Lake George, New York) Topnotch Resort & Spa (Stowe, Vermont) The Whitehall Hotel (Chicago, Illinois) Please note that a $95 reservation fee applies and discount applies to new reservations only. Booking begins Thursday, July 27, 2017. Call Member Services to take advantage of this limited-time offer, and enjoy your last-minute vacation! You should not purchase or add on a real estate interest in a Disney Vacation Club Resort in reliance upon the continued availability or renewal or extension of these offers. Real estate interests must be purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. as of April 4, 2016 in order to have access to the Disney and Concierge Collections. All vacation destinations offered through the Disney and Concierge Collection may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. All accommodations are subject to availability. View the full article

We’re talkin’ WAFFLES, y’all. Learn About: Sleepy Hollow Magic Kingdom Disney World Restaurants And if we’re talkin’ waffles, more often than not we’re also talkin’ about Sleepy Hollow Refreshments. You see, long before Chicken and Waffles starting popping up pretty much everywhere in Disney World from Backlot Express to the Fantasy Fare Food Truck (even the Polynesian’s Captain Cook’s had an unexpected take on them for a time), Sleepy Hollow understood the Power of the Waffle. While specific waffle items have come and gone from the menu, this location is currently home to its original Big Three: the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich, a Breakfast Waffle (currently served with egg and cheese), and the Fresh Fruit Waffle Sandwich with Chocolate-Hazlenut Spread… which we all simply refer to as the “Nutella Waffle Sandwich. Oh, yeah, and it’s got Fruit, too.” Or maybe that’s just me? Anyway, we’re revisiting the Nutella Waffle Sandwich today because… well, frankly because I wanted one on my last trip! And I thought I’d share it again today with you. After all, even though the Nutella Waffle never left the Sleepy Hollow menu, that doesn’t mean things here can’t change (Case in Point: the return of the Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich after it was taken off the menu for a while — though good news: the price on the item has actually gone down, making it a better value). Anyway, I placed my order… Nutella Waffle Sandwich … and there you have it, it’s as glorious as ever. Just like always, the base is a big ol’ crunchy, golden Belgian Waffle, fresh from the iron. Then, it’s slathered in gobs of chocolate-hazelnut Nutella spread which becomes slightly melty. So much Nutella! Not gonna lie: I asked for extra spread, and you should, too. Because although a little Nutella is good, a lot of Nutella is better. The fruit has stayed standard over the years, and even though I kid about the necessity of fruit, it’s actually pretty great here. Lots of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and sliced banana make this too big to really eat like a sandwich, despite the waffle’s official name. Fruit galore! So be sure to grab a knife and fork — and maybe even an extra plate — so you can deconstruct this glorious beast and take it slice by slice (or share with a pal!). In slices like this, it’s like a Nutella Waffle Pizza! Nutella Waffle Slice Whatever YOU want to call it, just get it! Because the Nutella-Waffle-and-hey-there’s-fruit-but-it’s-too-big-to-be-a-sandwich-maybe-it’s-more-like-a-pizza is just as great as it’s always been! Nutella Waffle Happiness And since Sleepy Hollow now has Hand-Dipped Corn Dogs a la Disneyland, you’ve got more than one reason to make a stop — or two! — during your visit to the Magic Kingdom! 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? What’s your favorite Disney waffle? Let us know! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Review: Nutella Waffle Sandwich in Magic Kingdom Park News! Sweet and Spicy Chicken Waffle Sandwich Returns to Magic Kingdom. (Just WAY Smaller and WAY More Expensive.) New! Waffle Sandwiches at Magic Kingdom’s Sleepy Hollow View the full article

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One of my “must-dos” at Epcot is Mission: SPACE. Now, I’m not ACTUALLY a big thrill-ride person, but I LOVE the feeling of lift off and the expanse of looking at the Earth from outer space. It’s breathtaking. I was there when we “launched” it in 2003 and myself – along with tens of thousands of other guests have loved the authentic, NASA-style training and space travel aboard the Mission: SPACE “rocket.” So, now there’s even MORE to love. Starting Aug. 13, we will relaunch the attraction with a brand new experience and an enhanced version of the “classic” Mission: SPACE. If you think you’ve got “the right stuff,” take on the Orange Mission for a truly intense experience that lets you feel the force of an actual space launch en route to Mars. On this mission, you’ll dodge meteoroids, slingshot around the moon and attempt a precision landing on the Red Planet’s alien surface. This “mission” has been enhanced with new, HD video to make it even clearer – I can’t imagine! Or, embark on the more family-friendly Green Mission – a new mission that takes you on an exciting orbit around Earth. On this amazing new adventure, you’ll take in sites like the Hawaiian Islands, Italy’s “boot” and the Northern Lights—as seen from space, of course—before finally landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. No matter which mission you choose, it’ll be a journey that’s totally out of this world. In addition to all the “mission” updates, our partners at Walt Disney Imagineering have also made this attraction MORE family-friendly. Younger astronauts can now ride – the height restriction will be changed for the Green Mission side with the addition of new X-2 booster seats allowing children 40-44” to ride. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog for all the info on exciting changes coming to Epcot. View the full article