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Icy Strait Point is rumored to have the best whale watching in Alaska, and whales aren’t the only Alaskan creatures you may see when visiting this incredibly scenic destination. Bears, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and more can be easily spotted when you join us for a wildlife expedition. If you want to see one or more in their native environment, a wildlife tour is for you. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars! Spasski River Valley Wildlife and Bear Search – This adventure takes you to the bush country of the Spasski River Valley in search of grizzly bears and other animals. From the viewing platforms overlooking the river, you may be lucky enough to spot bears that flock here all year long, in addition to Sitka black-tailed deer, land otters, salmon and bald eagles. Along the way to the river, an expert guide will talk about the history and culture of the Tlingit settlement. Whale Watching and Seafood Feast – Onboard a high-speed boat, you’ll cruise the waters of Icy Strait – past the magnificent scenery of Chichagof Island and the distant Glacier Bay – in search of orcas and humpback whales. As your guide describes the diversity of marine life that migrates here during the summer to feed in the nutrient-rich waters, keep your eyes peeled for sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, porpoise and bald eagles, in addition to whales, of course. Back at Icy Strait Point, complete your adventure with a seafood feast of shrimp, crab, corn on the cob and Andouille sausage. Forest and Nature Tram – Sit back and relax as you watch for deer, bears and eagles on a tram ride through lush, coastal woodlands. This guided tour through the rainforest also includes a stop at a secluded beach where you may catch a glimpse of whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions. No doubt there will be plenty of opportunities to take photographs on this awe-inspiring journey through Alaska’s wilderness. For an added cultural experience, consider joining us for the Forest Tram and Tribal Dance, where you’ll also visit the Native Heritage Center to see a lively Tlingit performance. Next up, I’ll give you my suggestions for excursions that emphasize the “adventure” in Port Adventure. Remember, when the ship’s in port, venture ashore! View the full article

Y’all!!! It’s time for some FRONCH FROES!!!!!! (For those of you new to DFB, that’s “french fries” in AJ-speak. ;-D) We’ve got TONS of food crawls in our DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, and in our latest edition, we just had to develop a brand new one– the French Fry Crawl! It’s just one of the many great features that make the 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2nd Edition, our best book yet. With more than 650 pages of color photos, tips, reviews, and extra features, you HAVE TO HAVE IT for your next Disney trip! (I’m not biased or anything. For realz.) But now, back to the subject at hand. Call ‘em Fries, Chips, Poutine, whatever — there’s pretty much nothing about fronch froes we don’t love. And Disney hasn’t failed us with their yummy spins on this classic side. So head out with us as we complete this most delicious challenge. We’ll be all over the place for this one, so plan accordingly! The French Fry Crawl will likely take you an entire trip to complete. Unless, you know, you’re like us — and want to eat fries for every meal. Then it might only take you a day and a half. Hungry? Good! Let’s go! Stop #1: Smothered Fries, Beaches and Cream Our first stop is Beaches and Cream. Find this little Soda Shop in the Disney Beach Club Resort. Beaches and Cream is one of my favorite stops for about a million reasons. There’s a cool, beachy retro feel to the place, and it’s known for its killer sundaes. While my favorite is the No Way Jose, the most iconic treats here are the Kitchen Sinks. But we’re stopping here today for a plate — or two — of their Loaded Fries! Currently, there are three versions: Sock Hop Fries, Chili-Cheese Fries, and Cheese and Bacon Fries. Sock Hop Fries are covered in a savory Brown Gravy and topped with melty Shredded Cheddar. Think of them as Poutine’s American cousin. Sock Hop Fries But the Bacon and Cheese Fries. Omigosh. Cheese Sauce (!!!!), Bacon, Peppercorn Ranch, and Red Onions elevate this one to amazing. Cheese and Bacon Fries I’m pretty sure you can’t go wrong here. Choose your favorite — or get ‘em all! We won’t judge. (But we love the Bacon and Cheese Fries especially.) Stop #2: French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese, Flame Tree Barbecue I can’t even with these. The first time I had them, I went right back up immediately and ordered a second plate. I do not lie. Flame Tree Barbecue at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a fantastic counter service option if you’re looking for hearty food without an advance dining reservation. I love their St. Louis Rib Dinner, but they also have some lighter options, like Salads. However, there’s nothing light about what we’re about to tempt you with: French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese. Garden variety Disney Fries come smothered with Plastic Cheese — that wonderful, neon orange Cheese Sauce that’s my fa-vor-ite — and super savory Pulled Pork. The dish is then covered with a liberal dose of sweet, mildly spicy Barbecue Sauce. French Fries with Pulled Pork and Cheese The dish is considered a side, but don’t let it fool you. It eats more like a meal to us. Stop # 3: Poutine Du Jour, Le Cellier For our next stop, you will need an advance dining reservation — there’s no way around it. Because we’re heading into the hallowed halls of Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot’s Canada Pavilion. We love this cozy restaurant for their amazing steaks. Their Le Cellier Filet Mignon, served with Wild Mushroom Risotto and the most amazing Truffle Butter Sauce in the universe, is a can’t miss Disney dish. Really. Ya gotta have it at least once. (And I personally want it every single trip.) But this wouldn’t be Canada without the nation’s unofficial, official dish: Poutine! The versions change up, but on a recent visit, we enjoyed three different kinds: Bacon Cheddar, French Onion, and Le Cellier’s Signature Poutine. Poutine at Le Cellier Yes, Poutine Purists, they take a few liberties. But in my experience, there’s always a version with the requisite Cheese Curds and Gravy. Also in my experience, they’re all delicious. Choose one, or embrace all of them, like we did. Stop #4: Plaza Fries, Plaza Restaurant If this were Walt Disney World in Yesteryear, there would be one dish that would headline this list. And its name is Figaro Fries. If you never got in on them, you can read all about them here. We were so sad when this beloved favorite left the menu at Pinocchio Village Haus in Magic Kingdom. But then — light dawned! Because they returned! Albeit in a totally different location. But still. The Plaza Fries at Plaza Restaurant are the heart and soul of Figaro Fries. Topped with with Plastic cheese, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomatoes, and Ranch Dressing — it doesn’t get in better than this! Plaza Loaded Fries And with the Plaza’s other great options, like Meat Loaf and that beloved Chicken Strawberry Salad, we have ZERO problems making this classic Disney restaurant a stop on our Fry Crawl! Stop #5: Classic Poutine, The Daily Poutine Are you full yet? Then take a power walk! Because we have one more stop to make, and you’re not gonna wanna miss this one. Head over to The Daily Poutine in Disney Springs for our Final Fry Stop. When you get there, order the Classic Poutine. And when they say “classic”, that is exactly what they mean. Thick-cut Fries. Brown Gravy. Cheese Curds. Done. No messing around with exotics like cheese sauce or bacon, thankyouverymuch. Classic Poutine Now, if you’re willing to be a little tiny bit adventurous with your definition of the world “poutine”, then this kiosk can hook you up. We could not get enough of the Holiday Poutine. And I’m dreaming of their Breakfast Poutine as I write. Certainly, if there’s another version here that you wanna try, go for it. But we suggest with the Classic to start. There’s always another meal around the corner for trying aaaaaaaalllllll the poutines. Ready for All of Our Best Tips? We’ve got TONS of Disney World Dining Tips — and more food crawls! — in our big, bold 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining Second Edition! It’s the ultimate guide to where to eat in Disney World! With more than 650 pages, The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining e-Book is full of tips and planning tools developed by Disney World experts over 20+ years of visits. We’ve done the research for you, so you’ll know just which spots will uniquely suit your family’s needs! With sample dining itineraries, a financial breakdown on whether the Disney Dining Plan will save YOU money, and more, you’ll have everything you need to plan your best vacation yet. Click here to get your copy of The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining Second Edition E-book — and use code SAVE2017 for a 20% discount for a limited time! This guide is 100% guaranteed! Don’t love it? Just email us for a full refund! No questions asked. And now, I can’t wait to hear from you! Will you undertake the DFB French Fry Crawl Challenge? Leave a comment and tell us what you think! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Blog Challenge: The Disney World Milkshake Crawl DFB Challenge: The Walt Disney World Beer Crawl DFB Challenge: 2012 Walt Disney World Cheese Crawl View the full article

As I sat watching "Beauty and the Beast" in a packed theater over the weekend with transfixed fans of all ages, one thought kept recurring: How soon till Disney begins offering a direct-deposit service for our paychecks? Seven years into its current system of rolling out live-action adaptations... View the full article

The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is in full swing! With marketplaces, cooking demonstrations, beverage seminars, entertainment and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the video below, as Gary Maggetti, General Manager at Disney California Adventure park, shares all of the exciting things to do at Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival runs through April 16. To learn more about the festival or make a reservation for a cooking demonstration or beverage seminar, visit Disneyland.com/FoodAndWine. View the full article

Recently, we marked another milestone occasion at Walt Disney World Resort with the 10th annual Disney Dreamers Academy. With the completion of this year’s event, more than 1,000 teens have now completed the program designed to unlock the potential of high school students by inspiring and educating them on how to dream big and achieve those dreams. This year’s 100 participating students, also known as Dreamers, were selected from among thousands of applicants from across the nation to travel all-expenses-paid to Walt Disney World, where they became the newest members the program’s legacy. In celebration of the 10th annual event, alumni from each previous class of Disney Dreamers Academy were brought back to share their stories and provide mentorship. Using the tools and inspiration they received from Disney Dreamers Academy, they’ve gone on to become a Hollywood choreographer, a captain in the U.S. Army, entrepreneurs, humanitarians and more. A variety of guest celebrities joined Disney Dreamers Academy to celebrate its 10th year and share their advice for dreaming big, including NFL Quarterback Cam Newton, Empire actor Bryshere Gray and actor Tahj Mowry. Other highlights from the 10th annual event included: Dreamers learning the process for designing attractions and programming robots with Disney Imagineers Intimate networking opportunities with top professionals in their fields including President of Essence Communications Michelle Ebanks, noted educator and author Dr. Steve Perry and multiple Disney executives A candid and moving spoken-word poem performance by Dreamer William W. about overcoming his personal hardships as a student, followed by his classmates rushing the stage to embrace him in a group hug An emotional commencement ceremony featuring an inspirational speech from ABC News Correspondent T.J. Holmes and a special surprise performance by the legendary Patti LaBelle Check out this video of some of those memorable moments and more. U.S. students ages 13-19 interested in the 2018 program should keep an eye on DisneyDreamersAcademy.com, as well as Facebook.com/DisneyDreamersAcademy and Twitter at @DreamersAcademy, for information on how to apply for next year’s event. View the full article

At Universal Orlando Resort's new "Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon" ride, waiting in line has been replaced by lounging on couches and listening to a racy barber shop quartet sing until it's time to enter the ride. Universal is leading the theme-park charge into "virtual lines" that... View the full article

Are you ready to learn a little more about what you can expect when Satu’li Canteen opens on May 27th, along with the rest of Pandora – The World of AVATAR in Disney’s Animal Kingdom? Pandora Construction signs Good! Because we already know a little bit about the backstory of this fast-casual restaurant, which was formerly the Mess Hall for the RDA (Resources Development Administration) base in the Valley of Mo’ara. (So many apostrophes.) But once we are all welcomed in, the space will be serving its transformed function as a museum-like dining facility for visitors exploring Pandora, owned by the ACE (Alpha Centauri Experience) tour company. Satu’li Canteen Concept Art ©Disney Na’vi artwork will surround guests from the walls and ceiling, displaying hand-woven tapestries, nature’s elements (??!??!), and cooking tools of the land. An on-stage grill will also be a main feature of the location. Disney World Fast Casual Mobile Order Process Today we’re here to share two more aspects of the land’s main dining location with a bit more about the menu and a look at the new Mobile Order process, which will make its debut at the Canteen before the process expands to additional fast-casual and quick service restaurants around Disney World. My Disney Experience app Mobile Order, which will be accessible via the My Disney Experience app, will allow guests to order and pay for meals at Satu’li Canteen on-the-go, subsequently bypassing the ordering queue upon arrival. Not only will guests be able to select their menu items of choice, they’ll also be able to customize their order as well as prepay for their meal. (Please note: in its opening stages, Mobile Order will only accept credit card payments, though the restaurant itself will accept Disney Dining Plan credits). Guests using Mobile Order will simply tap the “I’m here” button in the app upon arrival, notifying the kitchen that it’s time to prepare their order. Guests will be alerted via the app once their order is ready and notified regarding the specific pickup window for retrieving it. So, what will be some of your options in this new ordering process? Satu’li Canteen will serve dishes formed out of the “healthful bounty” of the land of Pandora, with an emphasis on grains, fresh fruits, and proteins. Disney promises “familiar dishes with a twist,” with customizable lunch and dinner bowls making up much of the entrees. ©Disney Choose your base of quinoa and vegetable salad, red and sweet potato hash, a mix of whole-grain and rice, or romaine and kale salad. Then, pick your protein from wood-grilled chicken, slow-roasted beef, sustainable fish, or chili-spiced fried tofu. Finishing touch options will be charred onion chimichurri, a black bean vinaigrette, or a creamy herb dressing. Steamed “Pods” will also play a part on the menu. ©Disney These bao buns can be filled with either cheeseburger or vegetable curry and will be served with root vegetable chips and a crunchy vegetable slaw. Kiddos will be able to do a bit of customizing, too, by selecting from grilled chicken or beef, fish or tofu with greens or rice. Additional options will include a hot dog wrapped in Parker House dough, a cheese quesadilla, or a steamed cheeseburger “pod.” So start mixing and matching from among your options now, so you’re good and READY — just like we will be! — when Pandora — The World of AVATAR opens later this spring! What would you like to order at Satu’li Canteen? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News: Menu Details for Satu’li Canteen and Pongu Pongu in Pandora – The World of AVATAR News: Pandora — The World of AVATAR Opens May 27th in Disney’s Animal Kingdom News! Jungle Cruise Restaurant — Skipper Canteen — Officially Coming to Disney World! View the full article

Did you see Disney’s new live-action adaptation “Beauty and the Beast” this weekend? If you’re as enchanted as we are, you’re in luck! At Disney Parks and Resorts, there’s no shortage of ways you can experience this timeless tale for yourself. Watch the story unfold before your eyes during Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or let Belle herself take you into the story during Enchanted Tales with Belle at Magic Kingdom Park. Experience the comedic, abbreviated version when The Royal Theatre Presents Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland park, and step into The Beast’s Library at Disney California Adventure park to find your place in the story. For those who haven’t seen the new movie, catch the special sneak peek at One Man’s Dream in Disney’s Hollywood Studios or at Sunset Showcase Theater at Disney California Adventure park. A collection of props and costume pieces used in the film’s production will be on display through this weekend. You can Be Our Guest and dine inside the Beast’s castle at Magic Kingdom Park, step into Lumiere’s Kitchen at Shanghai Disneyland or sail away with Disney Cruise Line for a taste of Lumiere’s on the Disney Magic. At Disneyland park, Fantasyland has transformed with limited-time offerings inspired by the movie, including treats at Red Rose Taverne. Try the Grey Stuff – it’s delicious! This spring, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel will also offer afternoon tea and pastries themed to the iconic tale. Of course, no visit is complete without a glimpse of Belle herself. She makes a point of stopping by all of our parks, including Disneyland Paris in her native France. You might even spot Gaston near his tavern in Magic Kingdom Park or catch him when he’s at Disneyland park, walking through Fantasyland trying to impress the ladies. As we continue to expand across the globe, we’re looking for even more ways to bring this beloved fairytale to life. Starting in November, Disney Cruise Line guests can enjoy a brand new musical production inspired by the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” on board the Disney Dream. Fans will also be able to climb aboard “enchanted dishes” and break the spell at Beast’s Castle in a new “Beauty and the Beast” themed area coming to Tokyo Disneyland as part of its Fantasyland expansion. We’ve also just announced the chance to embark on a real-life journey that celebrates the inspiration behind “Beauty and the Beast” during Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruises next year. You can visit a French village that inspired Belle’s small provincial town, belt out your favorite songs at karaoke nights, attend cooking classes, and enjoy screenings of both the animated feature and live-action film. With so many ways to experience “Beauty and the Beast” at Disney Parks and Resorts, what are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments below. View the full article

Dining with a preschooler can be a bit of a … well, let’s say a challenge. However, the only challenge you will have with a picky preschool eater at the Disneyland Resort is deciding which fantastic location to dine! There are so many wonderful options, and our two Disneyland Moms have some great tips on where to feed your little one. “When it comes to feeding my preschooler at the Disneyland Resort, the options are endless and I often think wow, we are constantly eating! From character breakfasts, to quick lunches, and sit down dinners, food is one of the main things I plan around,” said Disney Parks Moms Panelist Linda. Breakfast decisions for Linda’s family often vary between two different options. She either orders groceries to the room or her family enjoys a character breakfast with a buffet. A favorite buffet of her family’s is Minnie & Friends – Breakfast in the Park at the Plaza Inn. “The buffet has all my child (and us parents) could ever want. My daughter typically eats well when we fill her plate with scrambled eggs, ham, and fruit. A muffin or two might find its way on to the plate as well,” said Linda. “Plus, the character interaction at this location is top notch!” For Disney Parks Moms Panelist Anabel, breakfast at Disneyland can mean only one thing … Mickey waffles! “Nothing tops Mickey-shaped waffles which are offered at several locations,” said Anabel. “We’ve enjoyed them with a side of berry compote as a buffet option at the Plaza Inn Restaurant, and we love the larger ones that can be found at the Carnation Café.” As parents we all know, where there are preschoolers there must be snacks close by before a meltdown could occur. “We usually restock our backpack every morning with all sorts of snacks because you never know when your little one will get a ‘rumbly’ in his/her ‘tumbly,’” said Linda. “If we find we are low on provisions, we love grabbing apple slices or pineapple spears at the various fruit carts. Popcorn is another winner with my child, and a snack we can easily share.” When it comes to snacks for Anabel’s little ones, she recommends purchasing the Kids’ Power Pack from the Refreshment Corner at the end of Main Street, U.S.A. The power pack includes individually packaged fruits, veggies, a yogurt smoothie, “fish” crackers and parents may choose either a small bottled water or low-fat milk. Lunch and dinner used to mean chicken nuggets and mac’ and cheese for preschoolers. Although those favorites can still be found, there are numerous other healthy options that may be purchased thanks to Kids’ Mickey Check Meals. “My child happens to love teriyaki chicken with rice, so I was happy to discover Lucky Fortune Cookery,” explained Linda. “They have a Kids’ Mickey Check Meal of chicken and rice that comes with an applesauce, fruit, and a choice of milk or water. Another excellent Kids’ Mickey Check Meal is the roast beef sandwich at Flo’s V8 Café.” For lunch or dinner, Anabel and her family enjoy meals at the Arroz con pollo at Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante in Frontierland. On occasion, they will head to Mickey’s Toontown for an individual cheese pizza from Daisy’s Diner because according to Anabel, what preschooler doesn’t love pizza? Anabel and Linda’s other restaurant recommendations include Blue Bayou Restaurant, Bengal Barbecue and Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill. And finally, according to Linda, the perfect nighttime, daytime, or anytime treat, is none other than the Dole Whip. And her mom tip for acquiring your Dole Whip faster? Linda explains there are two lines at the Tiki Juice Bar and if you enter the waiting area for “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room,” the line on the side is usually shorter. For more preschooler tips or to ask questions about planning your upcoming Disney vacation, be sure to visit Disney Parks Moms Panel for a personalized response from our knowledgeable panel. View the full article

A more in-depth look at the menu for Satu’li Canteen, one of the restaurants expected in Disney’s Avatar-themed Pandora, highlights the eatery’s health-conscious menu. Pandora – The World of Avatar and its restaurants will open in Disney’s Animal Kingdom on May 27. A drink stand, Pongu Pongu, is... View the full article

‘Beauty & the Beast’ Inspired Wedding at Walt Disney World View the full article

With an entire new land taking shape to open on May 27, Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will transport guests to the visually stunning land of floating mountains and bioluminescent plants. And of course there’s a culinary chapter to the story of the Na’vi. Guests can enjoy creative, flavorful dishes based on the healthful bounty of Pandora, with wholesome grains, fresh vegetables and hearty proteins at Satu’li Canteen, where an on-stage grill is a prominent feature in the colorful dining room. The Satu’li Canteen was once the main mess hall of the Resources Development Administration (RDA) base located in the Valley of Mo’ara. Now the canteen is owned and operated by Alpha Centauri Expeditions (ACE) tour company and has been redesigned into a beautiful museum-like dining room. The interior has been transformed with colorful Na’vi items filling the walls and hanging from the ceiling — hand-woven tapestries, natural Pandoran elements and even cooking tools decorate the restaurant. Look for familiar dishes with a twist in the fast-casual restaurant, with bowls that allow diners to customize their lunch or dinner. Diners start with a base of quinoa and vegetable salad; red and sweet potato hash; mixed whole-grain and rice or romaine and kale salad. Next is either with wood-grilled chicken, slow-roasted beef, sustainable fish or chili-spiced fried tofu. And the bowl is finished with charred onion chimichurri, black bean vinaigrette or creamy herb dressing. The menu also offers steamed “pods” – bao buns with either cheeseburger or vegetable curry and served with root vegetable chips and crunchy vegetable slaw. For little ones, there’s an option of grilled chicken or beef, fish or tofu with greens or rice; a hot dog wrapped in Parker House dough; cheese quesadilla, or a steamed “pod” (cheeseburger bao bun). The fast-casual restaurant will also be the first to offer Mobile Order, a new convenient option to order and pay for meals on-the-go within the My Disney Experience app, allowing guests to bypass the queue to order when they arrive at the restaurant. Using the app, guests can select menu items, customize their order and pre-pay for their meal. When they arrive at the restaurant they will tap an “I’m here” button in the app, which will notify the kitchen to prepare the meal. When ready, guests will be alerted through the app to pick up their meal at a designated window. Additional fast-casual and quick-service restaurants will begin to offer Mobile Order later this year. Disney Dining Plan is accepted at Satu’li Canteen but, at this time, Mobile Order only accepts credit cards. Stay tuned for more about Satu’li Canteen and more culinary stories about Pandora – The World of Avatar. View the full article

As we shared earlier this year, “Wishes” fireworks at Magic Kingdom Park will end its run on May 11 to make way for the brand-new nighttime spectacular, “Happily Ever After.” We know that “Wishes” means a lot to Disney Parks Blog readers around the world, so we’re giving you a chance to watch it live on March 23, right here on the Disney Parks Blog. The #DisneyParksLIVE stream will begin at 8:55 p.m. on Thursday night. A fresh blog post will appear at the top of the blog on that day/time for viewing. We’ll kick off the broadcast with a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of “Wishes.” And don’t forget to stick around after the fireworks end – we’ll share an amazing update on the new “Happily Ever After” show with all of you! Don’t forget, you can see “Wishes” yourself at Magic Kingdom Park now through May 11. “Happily Ever After” will debut at the park the following evening, on May 12. To follow along on Twitter, use the hashtags #DisneyParksLIVE. View the full article

Did you see the new live-action film “Beauty and the Beast” over the weekend? In this week’s Disney Doodle, artist Ashley Taylor imagines Mrs. Potts celebrating the film’s opening by heading to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to indulge in the relaxing tea service the resort offers. “Having tea at the Grand Floridian is one of my favorite experiences at Walt Disney World!” she said. “Between the beautiful atmosphere and loving piano music, Mrs. Potts would absolutely spend all of her time there!” View the full article

Let’s try some word association. We’ll give you a bunch of words, and you tell us what they make you think of. Baked. Macaroni. Cheese. Your turn. We’ll wait. Correct! The answer is “YUM!” Great work. Now, come along as we tell you where you can find all of the above in three awesome, cheesy incarnations. We’ll give you a hint: You’re gonna hAVATARrific day in this park. Tree of Life That’s right! Animal Kingdom! With all of the excitement about Pandora — The World of Avatar and Rivers of Light that’s ramping up right now, it can be tough to plan your Animal Kingdom park days — especially your dining! We feel your pain completely. We want to go to Tiffins, and Nomad Lounge, and Pizzafari (they’ve got a sick Shrimp Flatbread, y’all), and Tusker House (because RoL dining package!). We want fries with pulled pork and cheese from Flame Tree BBQ and a Cretaceous Cooler from Restaurantosaurus. But we have to be honest, some of our favorite hidden food gems at Animal Kingdom come from kiosks. We know — it’s easy to walk by en route to Everest. It’s an honest mistake. But Eight Spoon Cafe (formerly Beastly Kiosk) is worth the stop. You’ll find Eight Spoon Cafe in Discovery Island, near the entrance to Asia. It’s a beautiful kiosk. Eight Spoon Cafe Kiosk You might remember a slightly different color scheme here, but the carvings and overall design are exactly what we expect to find in this location. And the menu is pretty awesome too. Eight Spoon Cafe Menu Anything with three Macaroni and Cheese options is okay in our book. We started with the classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese so we could get a baseline for comparing the other options. Research, people, all in the name of research. Eight Spoon Cafe Macaroni and Cheese Baked, brown, crunchy cheese is where. it’s. at. Eight Spoon Cafe Macaroni and Cheese We thought the portion was decent for a snack, but you may not want to stop at one!! Eight Spoon Cafe Macaroni and Cheese This baby may look small, but there’s a ton of cheese in there. Eight Spoon Cafe Macaroni and Cheese Cheese is our favorite accompaniment to cheese. So we were stoked with this. If you’re a noodle purist (is that a thing?), you might be disappointed. These didn’t hold their shape. Maybe something about being boiled, stirred into melted cheese, transported, and baked put a little too much strain on the poor dears. But they’re thick, so you still get the noodle texture and flavor that you want. Eight Spoon Cafe Macaroni and Cheese Plus, did we mention all. the. cheese? Winner, winner, cheesetastic… snack. But we didn’t stop with this traditional baked M&C. Oh, no. We went one step further. Load us up, friendly Cast Member: we need the fancy ones, too. Eight Spoon Cafe Shrimp and Pork Macaroni and Cheese Variations Ooh, la, la. Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce and Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork. Pass the fork. Pork first. Eight Spoon Cafe Pulled Pork Baked Mac and Cheese We need to point out that this dish starts with the same amount of Macaroni and Cheese as the classic we just tried. We pulled the pork off so we could check. Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese (Minus the Pork) from Eight Spoon Cafe Then, for good measure, they pile on a substantial amount of meat. Just so much to love here. Eight Spoon Cafe Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese We love that there’s still crunchy baked cheese on the edge of the dish too. In case we forgot what was under that gorgeous pile of meat. And the meat! Smoky and awesome. Awe. Some. Eight Spoon Cafe Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese The pop of green from the scallions and the BBQ-style sauce on top are icing on the cake. We loved this. It was our favorite of the three. Go get this. And please share with us. You know what: just get a second one for us. We don’t share well when something tastes this good. Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese from Eight Spoon Cafe Super delicious combination. And the same can be said of the Shrimp and Sweet Chili Sauce Macaroni and Cheese. That sauce! Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese at Eight Spoon Cafe I mean, that sauce. It was delicious! A total win. Sweet, tangy, the tiniest bit of spice (we would’ve been fine with a lot more heat, but we loved it regardless!). It paired really well with the shrimp, which were a good size and nicely cooked. Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese at Eight Spoon Cafe We counted three shrimp, and for the size of the dish and with the flavorful sauce, we thought this was a good portion. Scallions complete the toppings on this one too. Shrimp Mac and Cheese at Eight Spoon Cafe And, again, we got the same amount of Macaroni and Cheese. We’re happy they aren’t skimping on the Mac to offset those proteins. Eight Spoon Cafe Mac and Cheese We thought the unique combination of the Macaroni and Cheese and the Sweet Chili Sauce was super tasty. And we know shrimp and Mac is a popular combo (we had it most recently at Columbia Harbour House). Eight Spoon Cafe Shrimp Mac and Cheese Believe it or not, these beautiful bowls of cheesy yum are Disney Dining Plan snack credit eligible! The classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is $4.29, the Pulled Pork version is $6.29, and the Shrimp version is $6.49. Any of them would be a good use of a snack credit, but if you’re into the pork or shrimp…or just, you know…heaven on a plate…it’s an excellent use of a snack credit. Tell us about your favorite Mac and Cheese moment 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: Two NEW Baked Pasta Dishes at Animal Kingdom’s Beastly Kiosk News! Sunshine Day Cafe, Fairfax Fare One-Pound Baked Potato, and PizzeRizzo Updates in Disney’s Hollywood Studios News: Baked Potato Now at Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom View the full article

This week, we shared an exciting update on the progress of the Star Wars-themed lands being created at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Disney Parks Blog readers were among the first to see an exclusive video showing how things are shaping up. As we’ve shared, the Star Wars-themed lands will transport guests to a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port and one of the last stops before wild space where Star Wars characters and their stories come to life and where guests will find themselves in the middle of the action. Our Star Wars-themed lands are scheduled to open in 2019. You can read about the latest updates in George’s original story. Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for more updates as work progresses on each of these galactic lands. We also celebrated the release of the live-action film, “Beauty and the Beast” with a look at the many ways you can experience the “tale as old as time” at Walt Disney World Resort. Our list included checking out the Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Check out the original story to see all of the experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here are some of the other stories we worked on this week. Tivan Group Flag Signals Arrival of Collector’s Fortress at Disney California Adventure Park – Mysterious forces are converging upon Disney California Adventure park as The Collector’s arrival is imminent. Throughout the coming months, changes are underway as Taneleer Tivan, The Collector, prepares to welcome guests to view the newest acquisitions in his extensive collection: the Guardians of the Galaxy. Spring Into The Season at Tokyo Disney Resort With Expanded ‘Disney’s Easter’ – In just a few short weeks, the fan-favorite Disney’s Easter program will return to Tokyo Disney Resort, and this year it’s even more egg-stravagant with celebrations at both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea! Celebrate Moms During May’s ‘Mahalo Mama Month’ at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa – While Mother’s Day is officially on May 14, one day simply isn’t enough to celebrate our moms. For guests staying at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawai‘i during the month of May, we will have special offerings and fun activities to say “mahalo” – or thank you – to moms! The Ultimate Fairy Tale- ‘Beauty & the Beast’ Inspired Wedding at Walt Disney World – This week, we are celebrating a love story that is truly a tale as old as time. This Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding couple chose an elegant, “Beauty and the Beast”-inspired event for their big day. Celebrate Easter With Springtime Sweets and Eats at Disneyland Resort – Hippity hoppity, Easter’s on its way to Disneyland Resort! Egg-cellent sweets will be available beginning March 17 at Candy Palace on Main Street, U.S.A., and Hunny Spot in Critter Country in Disneyland park; Trolley Treats in Disney California Adventure park; and Marceline’s Confectionery in the Downtown Disney District. All-New ‘Disney Junior Dance Party’ Live Show Debuts This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park – This summer, there’s an all-new Disney Junior show coming to Disneyland Resort that you won’t want to miss. You and your little ones will love “Disney Junior Dance Party,” a high-energy, live show experience that takes its inspiration from the most popular Disney Junior shows on TV. View the full article

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” brought so many guests to movie theaters this weekend that the live-action remake became the biggest box-office opener so far of the year, and the seventh-best debut of all time. The picture brought in an impressive $170 million, well above analyst expectations of... View the full article

Happy weekend! We hope you had a great St. Patrick’s Day! Now it’s time to sit back, relax, and check out the latest in Disney food news! Golden Churros We were at the Flower and Garden Festival on opening day for the 2017 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival with its Outdoor Kitchens! We have all the menus and food photos for you!! Last weekend we were at the 2017 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival. Check out the full booth menus and all the food photos for the DCA Food and Wine Festival! And Disneyland debuted golden churros and beignets for the 50th Anniversary of Pirates of the Caribbean! And don’t forget, the 2017 Epcot Food and Wine Festival starts in August this year! We have a lot to share with you this week, so let’s jump right in… Disney Food News Epcot’s Rose and Crown Pub and Dining Room is now serving Sunday Roast! Check out the Best and Worst (and what to skip) at the DCA Food and Wine Festival! Enter to win a Disney Prize Package during DFB’s Mickey March Giveaways! The Disney Parks celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with specialty food items! Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean is celebrating 50 years with gold dusted churros and more! Check out our review of the gold-dusted Pirates of the Caribbean treats! Raglan Road celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival! We checked out the Cretaceous Cooler at Restaurantosaurus in the Animal Kingdom. We’re giving away a Beauty and the Beast Light-up Rose Tumbler! We love Beauty and the Beast – check out these super fun items from our friends at MickeyFix! Handmade fudge Easter eggs are now available at Disneyland’s Candy Palace! The latest DFB YouTube video is all about Mickey Waffles! Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including menu updates, restaurant closures, special events, and more! We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go. DFB Reader Finds If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or around Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday! We LOVE the Orange Bird from Sunshine Tree Terrace here at DFB and when our friend Durango Jim shared this photo with us we just had to share it with you! An Orange Bird-themed birthday party might be the coolest birthday party ever! Happy Birthday to Katie! Best. Birthday. EVER! Sundaes from the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain at Disney Springs are always a must-have treat! Our friend Barry Ripley recently shared his with us (OK, he only shared the photo). And now we’re craving ice cream! We all scream for ice cream! Do you have a favorite Disney Food find? Share your photos with us! Deal of the Week: Save on The 2017 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining e-Book Second Edition! This week we launched the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining 2017 Second Edition! To celebrate this milestone — the first time we’ve shared a second edition — and to say thank you to all of our loyal DFB readers – you can order the Second Edition for 25% OFF your purchase with code WDW2017! Why a Second Edition, You Ask? Because it’s crazy, but true — EVERYTHING continues to change so rapidly at Walt Disney World these days. So many new restaurants, kiosks, bars and lounges, menu items, and more have come online. We are constantly go go go just trying to cover it all for our Disney World food lovers out there! So we decided it was time to produce the DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2017 Second Edition now. We update everything with every new edition, so you can be sure that you’ve got the most recent details about dining in Walt Disney World at your fingertips. You can order your copy today for 25% off the cover price – just use code WDW2017! With a 100% money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose! On to the Round-Up! Mickey Fix found this adorable Disney Pixar Slow Cooker! WDW for Grownups shared their favorite cocktails and drinks at Disney World. Sippy Cup Mom shared a recipe for Tangled Inspired Frying Pan Oreos. Disney Fans shared how to make an adorable Moana cake. Disney Family shared a recipe for Winnie the Pooh Cake Pops. Have a great week! We’ll see you back here tomorrow with another great Disney food review! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: Disney Food Post Round-up: March 12, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: March 5, 2017 Disney Food Post Round-Up: February 26, 2017 View the full article

What would you do if you were staring in Disney’s next big sensation the night it’s set to open in theaters worldwide? Well Josh Gad, who plays Gaston’s loyal sidekick LeFou, in Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” decided to stop by Magic Kingdom Park’s Be Our Guest Restaurant to surprise and delight guests! Josh popped over to the restaurant to greet fans and engage guests in a classic sing-along creating even more excitement around the film’s release. Just another reason we love Josh! Don’t miss “Beauty and the Beast” now playing!! Special thanks to photographer Chloe Rice for capturing these special moments. View the full article

“Beauty & The Beast,” the highly anticipated live-action film, is now in theaters. Earlier this week, Disney Parks Blog author Allison Montgomery shared a look at all the fun “Beauty & The Beast”-inspired experiences guests can have right here at the Walt Disney World Resort. From dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant to re-living the tale of Belle and Beast in “Enchanted Tales With Belle,” the Walt Disney World Resort offers a bevy of options for fans. Check out Allison’s original post with all the details here. View the full article

I was BEYOND excited to get my Handmade Easter Egg at the Candy Palace while I was in Disneyland for the 2017 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival! Candy Palace in Disneyland Why? Because this annual tradition of getting a Chocolate Easter Egg filled with FUDGE only hops up for a limited time and – here’s the kicker – while supplies last. Handmade Chocolate Fudge Easter Egg These gorgeous creations – just LOOK at all that thick chocolate and red flower detailing on my egg! — aren’t easy to snag. Close-up on Chocolate Fudge Easter Egg And this is where the whole handmade thing comes in: only a limited number of eggs are made each week, with each week’s batch offering a different flavor or two. You may find up to two different flavors up for grabs on your visit. In any case, be prepared for some variety of Chocolate Cream, Chocolate-Nut, Vanilla, Vanilla-Nut, Black Walnut, or Peanut Butter to be available. Here’s a look inside a Peanut Butter (my favorite!) Egg. Easter Egg Cross Section In fact, you can read reviews of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Egg here and the Vanilla-Nut Fudge and Chocolate-Nut Fudge Eggs here. Basically, you gotta plan to get to the Candy Palace as soon as possible and you might grab one if you’re lucky. And if you’re REALLY lucky, your Egg might’ve been crafted by the always-awesome Chef Rob! Chef Rob So, Happy Easter — albeit, a wee bit early! — from Disneyland! Have you ever tried a Disneyland Handmade Chocolate Fudge Easter Egg? Please let us know with a comment! Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com! Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook Fan Related posts: News and Review: Handmade Chocolate Fudge Easter Eggs Back in Disneyland! Dining in Disneyland: NEW! Handmade Candy Sticks from Candy Palace Homemade Treats From Disneyland’s Candy Palace View the full article

We’re all about the Beauty and the Beast merch right now, and can’t wait to share these adorable finds from MickeyFix.com!! Click on the image below to see all of the goodies they found! Beauty and the Beast Here are just a couple of favorites… . Beauty and the Beast Limited Edition Tea Set This is ah-mazing. Check out Mrs. Potts, chip, and the rest of the cups! So much fun, and beautiful to boot. Limited edition, y’all, so get on it. Beauty and the Beast Chip Kids’ Mug And speaking of the Potts family ;-D, here’s this cutie all on his own! You can find this one in the parks, too! It’s plastic, so your kiddos will love it. Beauty and the Beast So much cute stuffs! We can’t wait to find out what you think about the movie, and we hope you love browsing for adorable Beauty and the Beast goodies this weekend, too! Check out MickeyFix.com for more!! And don’t forget that DFB is running a Disney Parks Light Up Rose Tumbler giveaway right now! Click here for details… . What are your favorite Beauty and the Beast souvenirs? Let us know 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: News: Menu and Opening Date Revealed for Beauty and the Beast Red Rose Taverne in Disneyland! Review: Red Rose Taverne Beauty and the Beast Restaurant in Disneyland Limited Time! “Beauty and the Beast” Dining and Snacks — and The Grey Stuff! — Coming to Disneyland View the full article

Back in autumn, as the leaves were falling and the temperature was cooling down, I shared a Fall Fashion update featuring some of my go-to Disney Springs stores. Zara, UNIQLO, Lucky Brand, Anthropologie and Sephora all got a mention, and while they still rank high on my list of “must-shop” stops, I wanted to put the spotlight on a few other venues as we gear up for warmer weather. Whether you fancy fashion, make-up or accessories, there are plenty of venues here at Disney Springs that can help get you ready for spring. Below are just a few of my favorites … For Floridians, or those that just wish they were, the bright hues found at Lilly Pulitzer are a year-round staple; they feel even more relevant this time of year. At nearby Vince Camuto, the latest trend pairs casual footwear with high-end looks for a truly unique style sensation. (I’m also loving their new handbag collection – though I’ll admit I have a purse obsession, so I may be biased!) Steps away, Tommy Bahama features fashions with light, flowy fabrics that are equally at home on a tropical getaway or a weekend jaunt to the farmer’s market. For those with a flair for fashions that are flirty and fun, Francesca’s offers some fantastic finds. T-shirts, dresses, and accessories of all kinds are available here. Haven’t visited Shore yet? You should. The beach-inspired lifestyle brand is a unique boutique in the heart of Town Center – in fact, with only two locations, this is your only chance to shop their looks outside of Sarasota. If Disney designs are your desire, Tren-D is your store. With so many cute clothing options and hats, baubles and scarves to match, it’s impossible to pick just one. That said, anything featuring “Bambi” feels especially fitting for spring. Of course, your best springtime accessory is great skin, so protect yours with sunscreen from our newest location, Kiehl’s Since 1851. For the finishing touch, find your new spring look with make-up from MAC Cosmetics. The colors below are from their new “Work It Out” collection, but if you prefer something more subtle, there are plenty of colors to choose from! Which spring look are you most excited to try? Share in the comments below – I’d love to know! View the full article

Fifty years ago, on April 18, 1967, a Disney Parks classic first set sail at Disneyland park. Throughout the next 50 years, Pirates of the Caribbean went on to become an iconic fan favorite, pillaging and plundering at Disney Parks around the world, with Pirates of the Caribbean attractions at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and most recently, the award-winning Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure at Shanghai Disney Resort. Take a look at some fun facts about this Disneyland original in the video below! Come celebrate this historic milestone with us here at Disneyland park! Click here to find out more. View the full article

Can you name a Na’vi? Or quote a line of dialogue between those blue aliens or the humans invading their planet? No? It’s OK. You’ll still enjoy the new land based on “Avatar” opening at Walt Disney World in May, says one of the creative executives behind the project. “We’ve been really quite scrupulous... View the full article